New! Lil' Dragon - Pyro In Training ...

Hi family and friends!

I definitely have dragons filling my head and have just finished a sketch for a new piece, this one will be of Lil' Dragon in "Pyro In Training".  This is also a piece showing the evolution of this little character. I have changed things a bit in his physical appearance and have started calling him "Danny Boy, Lil' Dragon in Training"!   In other words, Lil' Dragon is evolving!

This particular illustration was prompted by my youngest grandson, Jake, who dubbed himself "Pyro in Training" these past few weeks when he was learning to start a fire with excess tree debris in our backyard fire pit.  Now he (Jake) just has to work on how to burn a "clean" fire sans smoke!

Thanks for the inspiration Jake, my boy!  Happy to present my initial sketch of "Lil Dragon - Pyro In Training"!

So, for the next several days we will be following the progress of a Lil' Dragon in Training!  Hope you will enjoy his progress as much as I surely will!

Lil' Dragon finished on 6/18/2014!

Lil' Dragon is officially completed as of June 18th, 2014!  I am pleased with how the little fella turned out and hope you like him too.   The finished, trimmed size is 8.278" x 10.803" ...

I'm thinking that I would like to try my hand at another Lil' Dragon ... ;)

Tuesday Progress on Lil' Dragon

I had a bit of time after all the other stuff that needed tending today so I was actually able to work a bit on the Lil' Dragon.  Today his face and arm/hand holding the Dragon Pop have been completed and I started shadowing on the yellow part of his torso ... I think I may just complete this lil' guy tomorrow!

PS  Today I received two lovely comments from Oma Linda and Lise ... would you believe, I hit the "Delete" button instead of the "Publish" button!  I just want you both to know I received you comments, and I loved them ... that Delete button is just too darn close to the Publish button!  Sorry Oma Linda and Lise!  

Monday progress on Lil' Dragon

Put on some nice classic Rock Radio today and began working on the Lil' Fella!  Using my Yarka Watercolor paints I applied a nice bright coat of color which I am following up with shadowing using my Prismacolor Verithin pencils and Tombow Irojiten pencils.  The pens are Prismacolor Premier Fine Line Markers (.005) for the extra fine and color lines, with Faber Castell Pitt Pens for the stronger black ink lines.

I managed to finish up his wings today and I am very happy with the results.  I'll have to wait until Wednesday before I can work on the drawing again because I have too many scheduled things to take care of tomorrow.  Really looking forward to Wednesday!

Here are some photos of today's endeavors ...

Here is a close up of the detail on the wings ...

Happy day to all!

Karen Anne

Progress on Lil' Dragon

This is as far as I got on the "Lil' Fella" Friday, 6/13/14; working on the background, have applied water color pencils to the background and am using the resulting patterns to create a somewhat fantasy background.  I have applied a plastic film over the lil' guy so that I don't smudge him up too much; as you can see, some of the water did seep under the plastic frisket film ... but, hopefully, not enough to do much damage.

I wanted the background to be on the muted side so I used Derwent Graphitint water color pencils, then did a bit of shadowing with Verithin and TomBow colored pencils.  I used a .005 Presmacolor black ink art pen for the line work.  Just an FYI for anyone interested.

I finished the rest of the background on Saturday, 6/14/14, and look forward to working on the Lil' Guy on Sunday or Monday ... probably Monday since Sunday is Father's Day.  

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the great Dads out there!

 

Toddler Dragon - Ink Rendition 6-12-14

Here is phase two of my Toddler Dragon, basic lines done in black ink.  All ready to apply color!

Back up to my studio to begin adding some color!  Since my acrylics haven't arrived, I begin this version with colored pencils (wet & dry) and finish it off with ink ... will be fun to see where it goes next!

Bigs hugs my good friends!
Karen Anne

Baby Dragon Pencil Sketch 6-11-14

Today I wanted to draw a dragon, a baby dragon to be exact.  Don't know why I am  fixed upon a dragon as my next piece of artwork ... but I am and I am going to keep working on him/her until I have developed a cute little character.  I'm thinking I could add him into some of my other pieces eventually.

Today I had a couple hours to spare so I really cleaned up my art area, put on some good music with a happy beat and lost myself in a little pencil sketch.   I think I am going to do this little guy in watercolor, colored pencils and ink; then I may attempt to do him in acrylics.

Yep, my dear friends ... acrylics!   From the time I was 17 (late 1960's) until the late 1980's most of my work was done in acrylics.  Then life got so busy (I had to go to work) that I had little time for artwork. My paints eventually dried up, most of my brushes kinda disappeared and I just lost interest in acrylics.

Well, for the last 6 months I have been wanting to try my hand at acrylics again; finally, after MUCH deliberation, I finally ordered myself some acrylics paints, some brushes, canvas paper & acrylic finish and it should all arrive by this Friday at the earliest.  I am looking forward to dipping my new brushes into some paint and seeing what I can do now ... oh boy, nice challenge!

Back to my "Toddler Dragon" ... this is how far along I got today with my pencil sketch ... now, I am going to study him, tweak him, and see where my pencils take me on my drawing of a dragon quest!

"Toddler Dragon" 6-11-2014 (1st sketch)

If you have any suggestions on changes you can see that would enhance this image, please feel free to share with me!

Thanks a bunch!

Karen Anne

PS  After 8 days in the hospital, my hubby finally came home 5 days ago; he is doing much better now and working on regaining his strength and weight.  Thank you so much for all the prayers and good thoughts and wishes you all sent ... they really do help and are very appreciated!  Take care and know you are loved.  Karen Anne *big hug to all of you*

Lady Bug Parade

I finished the "Lady Bug Parade" Ink drawing from the other day and figured you would like to see how it finally turned out ....

The original (5.5" x 6.75") is in an auction listing on eBay:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/121338239171?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

And I do have ACEO (2.5" x 3.5") Open Edition Prints for $1.00 each in my Etsy Shop:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/189092201/aceo-open-edition-art-print-lady-bug

Ta Da! I Created a New Tangle Pattern!

Hi!  I am so excited, I have created an unofficial tangle pattern that is cute and querky!  I call it "Lady Bugz Parade" and have 3 versions of this tangle pattern.  I have been seeing this little pattern in my head for the past several weeks and I began a new tangle design recently and lo and behold the Lady Bugz Parade made its way into the design!

I think I originally got the idea for this pattern from my little sister.  Years ago she was always sending me snail mail with all kinds of fun stuff included in the envelope, was kinda like receiving a mini treasure chest in each letter.  Anyway, she would always doodle little things on the outside of her envelopes ... one of my favorites being her little lady bugs.   Anyhoo ... been seeing those little lady bugs in my head lately and finally had to get the pattern they developed into on paper so that I could share it with others!

Here is my very first tangle pattern:  "Lady Bugz Parade"

Aren't they just the cutest?!   I can see them being used as a border or within a tangle design.   They are fun and they do make one smile!

Here is the design I am currently working on where they just suddenly appeared as Version 1 and Version 2 Lady Bugz .... I think I need to add Version 3 into this piece ... what do you think???

I hope this post find all of you healthy and happy,
Big Hugs to You All!
Karen Anne aka Ireland Brady

PS  I submitted this pattern for consideration as an "Official" Tangle Pattern, but since it was too representative it was not accepted.  Representative means it is easily recognizable as something, and a true official tangle is simply a repeated pattern that is non-representative.  But they did like it and consider it cute and fun!

Update on Mom and Hubby ...

First, I want to thank all of you for your prayers and well wishes for my Mom and my Hubby.  On April 6th, 2014 Mom was finally reunited with Daddy in love after being apart for 30+ years.  We are sad for the loss of her physical presence but are happy that she is no longer suffering.  

Jim is still here and I have managed to feed him enough so that he has gained 6 pounds!  When they removed the cancer cluster from his colon they learned that the previous 6 chemo treatments had killed the cancer by 100%!  They were expecting 55% at the most, so this was good.  He has begun a second series of chemo treatments this past Thursday, but has the option to quit if the treatment becomes too much for him to handle.

I am very hopeful that by the end of 2014 he will have gained much of his weight back and well be on the road to a full recovery.

Plus, every time he lost a pound, I gained a pound!  I am hoping things will work in reverse now ... for every pound he gains, I lose one!  Please keep him in your thoughts, prayers and well wishes ... I kinda like having him around after 45+ years ...

Take care, be happy!
Karen Anne

January 2014 Nibblefest Art Contest "Blue" Entries

Here are my three original art entries in the Nibblefest Art Contest (NFAC), a themed art contest beginning on the 20th of each month. The theme for January 2014 is "Blue".  These three entries are all ACEO sized pieces (2.5" x 3.5"); using colored pencils, fine tip marker pens on Stonehenge Art Paper.

If you would like for my artwork to win please vote with your bid. The bidding starts at only $.99 and the winner each month is the entry that has the most bids.

Please be sure to search for NFAC (on eBay) to find and enjoy all the great entries, each starting at just $0.99. This is a great opportunity for you to possibly own a beautiful piece of artwork!

Feel free to share this post if you like it! Thanks a bunch!

"Blue Belle"

"Blue in Blue"

"Blue Psychodelic Wabbit"

Christmas 2013

I have been missing from the blog scene for over a month now and thought I'd let you know what I have been doing ... I have been making "Beaded Ornament" Covers for Christmas gifts this year!

Here is a photo of a group of 20 of them, I ended up making a total of 36 this year (for family only, none for sale) ... missed my goal by 6!

Here are some on our Christmas tree ...

The following are some individual photos I took ....

I think I will make about 2 a month in 2014 so that I don't end up doing everything at the end of the year.   I still owe Jim 6 more ornaments from 2013 ... good thing he is an understanding hubby!

Wishing all my friends a wonderful New Year!

Karen Anne aka Ireland Brady

PS  If you could say some prayers for my Jim, that would be wonderful.  He is undergoing chemo treatments for colon/rectal cancer, stage two.  We are hoping the first 6 treatments will shrink the cancer enough so they can surgically remove it.  If so, then once he has healed he will undergo another series of 6 - 8 chemo treatments; they are trying to avoid radiation if at all possible.  

Big hugs everyone!  

$0.99 NibbleFest Time!

NibbleFest is a time honored tradition where artists compete once a month with a maximum of 3 entries in a themed competition, each entry starts with a beginning bid of only $0.99!  There is quite a variety of pieces and wonderful artists.  Many are larger sized pieces of art, and many are smaller; but all begin at just $0.99.  The auctions are staggered with some going for 7 days, some for 5 days and some for as little as 3 days; all auctions are to end on the 27th of the month.  What is nice about this is that every 2 days you get to see new entries.

The theme for November 2013 is "Giraffe" and I have created three little "Baby Giraffe" ACEOs that have recently been listed.

"Baby Giraffe 1"

"Baby Giraffe 2"

"Baby Giraffe 3"

These originals are listed on eBay and are currently up for bid, you are certainly welcome to join in on the bidding!  If you would like to take a gander at all the entries (highly recommended) here is a link that will take you there:  NIBBLEFEST NOVEMBER ART CHALLENGE!

Be prepared to enjoy some terrific pieces of art!

Take care and be happy!

Karen Anne

Finally - A New Post - About Time!

Oh my, I have certainly been neglecting my blog.  A big case of life interrupting my plans!  Oh well, that is what keeps life interesting, the unexpected popping up with new challenges ... some good, some not so good but challenging never the less.

As you make recall, I belong to an artists eBay group and each month they have a Theme Week Contest.  This month's theme is "Native American" and the following are my two ACEO (2.5" x 3.5") entries in the Theme Week contest from the ACEO ~ Art Cards Editions and Originals group on eBay. The contest takes place the first week of each month. To view other listings, by some very talented artists, you can use this link ACEO TW NOV

"Native Girl with Doll"

"NW Coast Girl"

The originals are currently up for bid on eBay and Authorized Open Editions are available on Etsy.

Right now I am in the midst of moving my studio from the dining room to our upstairs area.  My supplies are piling up higher and higher in the dining room and I am in need of more space!  The only problem is, we have been using the upstairs as a "Catch All" these past several years and it is quite packed.  Yesterday I unburied my drafting table and light table.  Today I am geared up to tackle the main room ... ugh!

Take care, be happy ...

Karen Anne Brady

White Wolves - The Colored Pencil Magazine August 2013 Photo Art Challenge

This has been executed on 5.5" x 7.5" Strathmore Toned Gray Paper using primarily colored pencils.  I did use art pens in a few places for delicate details.  I used a white gel pen to outline the wolves when I initially transferred the drawing to good paper.  I should have used a white pencil; the pen left ink marks that interfered with the colored pencil.  I used an Xacto knife to remove most of the ink, but some remained.  I won't be doing that again!

I almost didn't complete this month's challenge because animals are a true challenge to me; but with some gentle nudging and prodding by my eBay Artists Group I was finally coaxed into joining in.  I am glad I did because this piece came out much better than I expected.  Guess I have been listening when people give advise on how to do animal fur ... this time I went for illusion rather than trying to capture every single strand of fur.

Thank you, my friends, for sharing your techniques ... people do listen!

"White Wolves" by Karen Anne Brady

Photo by John Knight

"Lilac Roller III"

This is my final and last entry in the Colored Pencil Magazine July 2013 Art Challenge.  I had shared a copy of my previous drawing with my Mom and she thought it would look better with the foliage included, as in the challenge photo ...

I thought about it and tended to agree ... so here is my third and final entry into this month's Art Challenge.   This one has been completed on Strathmore Toned Tan Sketch Paper with a watercolor pencil (wet application) under painting followed by dry colored pencils for shading and details.

Hope you like it!

"Lilac Roller III"

this is the reference photo...

Take care ... wishing you a happy and loving day,

Karen Anne Brady aka Ireland Brady

CPM "Lilac Roller" Challenge Entry .....

I have done a bunch of new pieces in the past few weeks but really haven't had much time to sit down and post them in my blog.  So I thought I would take out a few minutes today to share my latest piece with you.

This is my second Colored Pencil Magazine July 2013 Challenge Entry "Lilac Roller".

I went large for this entry ... 4 inches x 6 inches (hey, that's large in comparison to ACEO size of 2.5" x 3.5"! - LOL!).

Anyway, I used my new Aquarelle watercolor pencils for the primary layer followed by Verithin pencils, SoHo pencils, Faber-Castel pencils, a dash of white Gelly Roll pen, and a smidgeon of Prismacolor fine line markers ... all mixed together on a bed of Stonehenge Paper. Hmmmm, kinda sounds like a recipe doesn't it? LOL!

I must say, I am really beginning to like laying down a watercolor (pencil) under coat and then proceeding with the dry pencils. It is a very useful technic for people who are less patient with the cp layering process.

My rendition of the "Lilac Roller"

and the challenge photo

Happy Day everyone!

Karen Anne

PS I didn't like the sky in the entry I posted yesterday for the July 2013 Challenge, so today I worked on it and I am now much happier with the piece ...

Four more "Winter Berry Maidens"

I have just finished four more of my zentangle inspired goddess/fairy type ACEOs.  I seem to be calling them my "Winter Berry Maidens" simply because I have winter berries in each of these recent ACEOs.

Winter berry shrubs have green foliage and berries; in the winter the green leafs drop off the bush leaving only the beautiful red berries on the twigs.  I like adding them to these latest pieces because they seem to add a bit of a magical element.

Here they are in the order they were created:

"Cleopatra"

"Hummingbird Protectress"

"Rainbow Guardian"

"She Who Loves Yellow Flowers"

I have been having fun creating this little maidens and I hope you are enjoying my efforts.

Take care and happy day!

Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady

Strathmore Artist Papers - New Product - Featured Artist ....

I have been keeping a "secret" since early May of this year.  I've just been bursting to share it, but I promised I wouldn't say a word to anyone (except Jim) until it was made public.  Well ... yesterday I saw it advertised at Amazon.com so I figure that is about as public as something can get!

Let's go back to 5/7/2013 when I received an email with the subject line "Zentangle Art for Strathmore".  Well naturally that piqued my curiosity, what artist hasn't heard of or worked on Strathmore paper?!  I opened the email and here is the first part of that message:

"Dear Karen,

My name is S___ S______ and I am with Strathmore Artist Papers (www.strathmoreartist.com).

We are in the process of developing a new product line called “Artist Tiles”, to be used for meditative art, patterning, and “Zentangle” style artwork. As I was doing research, I came some of your artwork and Zentangles. We really love your style and wanted to get in touch with you to see if you’d be interested in having your artwork featured on the packaging of our new product. One of the products we are creating for this line is 4”x4” Artist Tiles in retail packs. The paper used for these tiles would be our 400 Series Watercolor. We thought your style could be a great fit for this product specifically." 

I'll tell you, I was so stunned I nearly fell off my chair ... you could have knocked me over with a hummingbird feather ... Strathmore, contacting me?  Surely this has to be a joke some one is playing on me ... this can't be real, can it?  Well, it sure looked pretty real to me so I thought "OK ... I'll bite ..." and I responded.  They responded back! And with a contract no less!  We came to an agreement, they sent the product for me to work on, I created a piece of Zentangle watercolor artwork, sent it off to Strathmore and sat back a waited.

In the meantime I still kept thinking ... this is the best dream I have EVER had!  The original piece of art was returned and I had been compensated for my time but still it did not seem real, that is until yesterday when I was once again contacted by S.S. at Strathmore.   Then I googled "Strathmore Artist Tiles" and lo and behold .... there it was!  A Strathmore product with my art work on it!

It's NOT a dream, it is real!  Now I can share what I have been keeping a secret for what seems like forever ... the new Strathmore product with the artwork of your's truly on the front!  Ta-da!

And here is the original art piece ....

This day is certainly filled with a LOT of sunshine and Thank You very much Strathmore!

Happy day all!

Big hugs,
Karen Anne aka Ireland Brady

Gelly Roll Metallic and Stardust (glitter) pens arrived!

I recently purchased some Gelly Roll Metallic and Stardust (glitter) pens and a fairy or goddess just seemed to be the right subject to try them out on. While the Gelly Roll pens attributes are not truly captured on a scanned image, they are very attractive when seen up close and personal.

It is certainly a bunch of fun to play around with these pens!  I've even got one pen with clear ink and glitter, works really great on hair and eye lids.

Here are the first two miniatures (ACEOs) that I have created and embellished with my new pens!

"The Mystic"

"Bunny Love"

It is a beautiful day, hope all of you are enjoying it as much as I!

Happy Day!

Karen Anne