Sea Shells - The Colored Pencil Magazine June 2013 Art Challenge

The June 2013 Art Challenge being held by the Colored Pencil Magazine is from a photo, taken by Sally Ford, of a group of scattered sea shells on sand.   It includes quite a large variety of shells that are quite unique. There is something so beautiful about sea shells and yet so very practical ... when you think about it, they are actually like mobile homes for sea creatures!

I enjoyed this challenge so much that I have created two entries that compliment each other.   With each of these challenges, the artist can choose to use the entire photo, a portion of the photo, or create a composition that is photo inspired.  I decided to "re-arrange" some of my favorite shells and came up with the two following interpretations .....

"Sea Shells #2" completed on 6/29/2013

"Sea Shells #1" completed on 6/18/2013

from the Sea Shells photo by Sally Ford

Both of my Sea Shell compositions are now available to you in my Etsy Shop in ACEO format (2.5" x 3.5");  larger prints can be made upon request.

I hope you enjoy my two latest creations!

Karen Anne aka Ireland Brady

Oh My! More Water Droplets!

I spent a long time on the internet this morning watching and reading tutorials on how to draw water drops.  I figure a couple more days and I'll have these water drops down.  I think I have already improved .... but would like to get even better.

In my quest to learn I searched for hours and the best tutorial I found was at this link:
http://design-newyork.com/blog/2009/07/28/a-wee-tutorial-how-to-draw-a-water-droplet/
so, if you are interested in learning how to draw water drops ... check it out!

This was the best visual aid that I could locate to print out for reference; but there are several video demonstrations on YouTube that also aided me in my quest for understanding the dynamics of a water drop.

"Water Droplets on Green"

"Water Droplet on Purple"

 

The purple one actually looks more like a tear drop bead, don't you think?

The originals are for sale in my Etsy Shop and I will not be making any limited edition or open edition prints of these pieces.  These are OOAK (one of a kind) pieces of artwork.

Happy Day!

Karen Anne

Water Droplets ACEO's

I had time to work on two more little ACEO Water Droplets ACEO's today ....

"Water Droplets In Black"

"Water Droplets in Red"

These original ACEO's are available for sale in my Etsy Shop ... there will be no limited or open edition copies made so they are OOAK (one of a kind) ACEO's.

Happy Day!

Karen Anne

Water Droplets on Blue

I have decided I need to learn how to illustrate water droplets and here is my first attempt.  This was done on a blue colored piece of cardstock using Prismacolor Premier Pencils and Prismacolor Verithin Pencils on an ACEO (2.5" x 3.5") sized format.

"Water Droplets on Blue"

I am selling the original of this in my Etsy Shop and I will not be making any open edition or limited edition copies.  I will be creating more of these little ACEO Water Droplet ACEO's in the coming days until I finally get the hang of illustrating realistic water drops.  I will also be selling all these little originals ... so, in essence, these will all be OOAK (one of a kind) pieces with no reproductions available.

Happy day!

Karen Anne

WIP - Day Eight

Yesterday I thought I had finished and, as usual, I placed the piece on a small easel on our coffee table.  Every so often I look at it and think, OK its fine.  Later in the evening my husband remarked that the line on the jaw made it look like the boy was holding up a mask to his face.  I looked at it again and could clearly see what he meant, it did look more like a mask than a face! 

Taking his critique, today I worked on the jaw line and neck areas ... adding more shadowing and softening the sharp line.  Believe me, I was really concerned about overworking it and had to get up and walk away several times.  My husband and I finally agreed that this is a good as it is going to get ... so, I hope you like the subtle changes ....

I think I have decided to title this piece "Tender Young Thoughts",  what do you think?

Happy Day!

Karen Anne

WIP - Day Six

Day Six started off slow, I visited with internet friends, got caught up on some correspondence; put a ham bone with trimmings in a pot with some onions, celery, carrots, and misc. herbs to make a stock for some Ham and Potato Chowder tomorrow night .... mmmmmm ... the house is really smelling good!

Then back to the drawing table!  Today I worked a bit on the hair and face, and then placed my full attention on the hands ... hands are hard to do, so wasn't especially anxious to get started.  Especially since I am not all to sure about a formula for skin tones.

As luck would have it, I recently met a new i-friend and today she provided me with the following which I am finding to be quite helpful and thought I would share it with all of you!


Skin Tone Groups ...
There are 6 value groups to build with. You need to move either up or down the groups but don't skip values. You should not see your strokes. Start with a light wash of
Value gr. #1: Cream then Light peach. Move on to the next group. Use light to medium pressure. (I use light)
Value gr. #2: Jasmine, Deco pink, Pink rose, Beige.
Value gr. #3: Yellow ochre, Peach, Mineral orange, Blush pink, Rosy beige.
Value gr. #4: Goldenrod, Clay rose, Pink, Light umber, Pumpkin orange, Burnt ochre.
Value gr. #5: Dark brown, Terra cotta, Henna.
Value gr. #6: Dark umber, Tuscan red, Black. You should be able to achieve any skin tone with these colors.
Don't skip over any value groups!!!!! You can skip colors within a group.

Back to the drawing board ... I followed the above from #1 to #6 and finally carefully blended all the colors together using a paper stump dipped in mineral spirits.  I think the hands came out pretty well.  Next I started layering various shades of blue to the shirt.  I began with a light blue, used a darker blue to add some shading, went over that with an even darker shade, followed by a light application of the original blue.  I'll be adding more tones of blue tomorrow and then apply the blender pencil or the mineral spirits ... or perhaps a combination of the both ... we'll see.

 

All in all, I think this piece is coming along quite nicely.  

Happy Day!

Karen Anne Brady

WIP - Day Four

Today I remembered that I should have started with the background first (whoops!), so I switched over to that area of the picture and began layering different colors to get the effect I was looking for.  I wanted a deep black for behind his head and a lighter greenish black around his face and hands.

First I applied a layer of a mossy green over the entire area, followed that by a deep blue, then a deep red, dark brown, and finally black .... I kept the colors lighter by his face.   Then I took my Prismacolor Premier colorless blender and blended together all of these back ground layers.  (I had used a Derwent colorless blender earlier, but it is rough and doesn't blend nearly as well as the Prismacolor one.)  This provided a nicely mixed waxy base.

 The final step was to apply a mineral spirit wash to the background with a Q-tip, using small circular strokes.  For now, I feel the back ground looks well enough to focus on another area of the picture tomorrow.  I'll probably do some touch up on the background later, but it's good enough for the time being.

Oh, I did also work on the face, neck and ear shadowing just a bit; and applied some pinks to his cheeks and nose.  This time using the Prismacolor Premier colorless blender for blending.

I think this is turning into a "test different techniques" illustration, if I mess it up during the process I will have learned.  If it turns out good, well that would be great!

Til tomorrow...

Happy Day!

Karen Anne Brady

WIP - Day Three

On Day Three I added some more shadowing to the face, colored in the eyes, added lashes and eye brows and began working on the hair.  I have used the mineral spirits (applied with paper stumps) for all the blending, I think I am beginning to get the hang of this blending with mineral spirits.  Go slow and easy.

I was having trouble working on just the face, I needed more in other areas so that I can see where the shadowing needs more emphasis and I decided now was a good time to beginning working on other areas of the drawing.

I now think I am off to a good start .....

T

Til tomorrow ...

Happy Day!

Karen Anne Brady

WIP - Day Two

Our two youngest grandchildren spent the night and I didn't get much work completed on the piece as I would have liked,   I did manage to add more shadowing to the face.  This time I am trying out mineral spirits applied with a paper stump for blending the colors.

At one point, I had muddied the shading so badly I was ready to toss the piece, but I really hate to waste a good piece of paper.  Instead I used an X-acto knife blade to gently scrape away the offending mess, praying I wouldn't mess it up further.

I finally put it aside, feeling like it was only good for experimenting further with different techniques.  After a couple hours, I went over to see what I could salvage and much to my surprise, it didn't look half bad!  I had forgotten a key rule when using mineral spirits ... you have to let the paper completely dry before moving on!  When mineral spirits are used for blending they tend to turn the paper a grayish hue, making the area look muddy; once the paper is dry you can see the true results.

Day Two (I still haven't titled it)

 

Guess I will continue and see where the piece leads me......

Happy Day!

Karen Anne Brady

 

Day 41

Paper Whites fit the bill for quick and easy today .....

 

Happy Sketching!

Karen Anne

Day Twenty-three

Ever have one of those day's when nothing seems to go right?   This picture just seems to capture that feeling.....

"A Sad Little Girl"

Mind you, I am not having one of those days ... this picture

just captured my attention and I felt compelled to see

if I could actually capture the feeling.

Having a good day!

Karen Anne Brady

"My Girl" Day Twenty Ink Sketch Drawing

Years ago two very special dogs came into our lifes, Suzie aka Yellow Fawn and Dexter aka Moose.  They were anonymously given to my parents who eventually gave them to us and they became dear and precious members of our little family.  As far as we could discern they were in the Rhodesian Ridgeback family.

Thumbing through my albums today, I came across a photo of Suzie and it just called out to me as the subject of my Day Twenty Sketch.  Now, mind you, drawing animals is not something that comes easily to me.  I finally decided to challenge myself further in Brenda Swenson's 75 Day Sketch Challenge and at least attempt this drawing.  So here is

"My Girl"

Happy New Year!

Karen Anne

My Third and Final ACEO Challenge ACEO

Outside of our kitchen garden window we have an arborvitae that stands at the east end of the window.  We also have a family of squirrels that nest in the tall blue spruce in our front yard.  The squirrels gather and bury nuts all over our yard, later they will dig up their little treasures and many a time I have been working in the kitchen and a motion will capture my attention outside of the window, I look up and I'll see a little squirrel happily munching on a tender nut morsel. 

This happened again today and inspired my third and final entry in The ACEO Challenge which I have titled "Garden Window Visitor"....

Happy Day all!

Karen Anne

25% Discount in both Etsy Shops!

I'm currently offering a new 25% discount on your entire purchase (doesn't apply to shipping and handling) in both of my Etsy Shops, just use the code SALE4U in the coupon box of your order form when checking out.....
IrelandBrady Etsy Shop:
www.etsy.com/shop/IrelandBrady?ref=si_shop
HummingBelles Etsy Shop:
www.etsy.com/shop/HummingBelles?ref=si_shop

Happy Day!
Karen Anne

Great times camping result in latest drawing!

This latest drawing is titled "Rosa's Flounder". We were down at the Pacific Coast in a campsite on Whalen Island the past few days and had great weather and a wonderful time. On Monday morning the camp host, Rosa, came by and showed me her catch of the day, a beautiful flounder, which inspired this drawing. The best part, however, was when she offered to filet the fish and give it to us for dinner! Cooked up in butter with pepper, season salt and garlic powder it proved to be the best tasting fish I have ever eaten! I remarked that it tasted a bit like delicate shrimp and Rosa said it was probably because flounder feed on sand shrimp. Guess I'll have to get a fishing license for my next trip to Whalen Island!

"Rosa's Flounder" 

 We spent time in the Trask River Campground in Tillamook County on Friday and Saturday and actually caught three crawdads!  We gave them back to the river the next day because three wasn't enough to cook up, boy were they happy to get back into the river!  Here are a few photos from the Trask River Campsite ....

After two days at Trask River we headed on over to Whalen Island, another Tillamook County Campground, where I set up my portable art studio and began work on "Rosa's Flounder".  Here are some of those photos ...

Another great discovery was an easy way to get hot water for washing dishes!  I took along an old roaster, filled it with water and dish soap, heated it up on the campstove and had hot water for washing!  Yes!  An added benefit is the lid keeps out bugs and pine needles.  Then I use a 5 gallon water dispenser to rinse the dishes, really makes cleaning up a breeze!

And, if you ever want the BEST camp stove that heats up water in a jiffy ... get yourself a Stansport!  It is almost as good as my domesticated restaurant gas stove at home!

We have found another Tillamook County camp ground we want to check out, it is called Kilchis River Campground.  If the weather holds up, maybe we can get over there sometime in early September, who knows, maybe we'll catch some crawdads over there???
Would be nice to catch enough for a small spiced crawdad feast with melted garlic butter!

Happy camping!
Karen Anne

"Stand Up To Cancer Rose"

I just learned that someone special and very dear to my heart has been diagnosed with breast cancer.   I know what it is like to be given that diagnosis.  I wanted to do something, prayer is foremost, but I felt a need to pick up my pen and create something meaningful.  The result is this zentangle that I have titled "Stand Up To Cancer Rose".

I originally designed this drawing in Zentangle format size of 3.5" x 3.5" but wanted it to be available in the ACEO format size of 2.5" x 3.5" as well.  So I digitally altered it in PhotoShop.  Following are both versions....

Zentangle Tile size 3.5" x 3.5"

 

ACEO size 2.5" x 3.5" 

Continually praying for a cure so that no more victims need suffer from this disease.

Karen Anne

The "Humming Belles" Had A Magical Day!

Hi Everbody!

Wow!  The "Humming Belles" had an wonderful day at the August 6th "Hip Happening" Arts and Crafts Show!

I awoke Saturday morning with a sense of foreboding and did not feel at all like setting up our displays for the day, I wasn't sure it was worth the effort.  A feeling of gloom seemed to foreshadow the day but, never one to give up, I made sure "Danny Boy" was all set up with treat balls hidden for him to find throughout his day and off we set with the "Humming Belles".

We arrived at the hall and set up our tables and arranged our displays, one table for the "Ireland Brady Etsy Shop" and one for the "Humming Belles" Etsy Shop.  We had the background pictures framed and stood the little belles in front of their scenes complete with matching outfits and props.  A gentle breeze blew through the hall and their little wings fluttered and they looked like they were ready to take flight in happy delight!

We had settled back in our chairs as customers began strolling in, seeking out new discoveries and one of a kind treasures.  Forty-five vendors were scattered throughout the inside of the hall and outside along the front and down the side.  Beautiful creations and ideas over flowed the tables welcoming patrons to come and explore.

We noticed in unison that something a bit unusual was occurring; as people walked into the hall and looked around, to get their bearings before beginning their explorations, many would stop in mid hall, look over at the "Humming Belles" and slowly walk over as if magically drawn to the little fairies on the tabletop with their gently fluttering wings.  We sat back and watched as they slowly scanned over the display and would finally look up and begin asking questions with sweet smiles of  past remembrances shinning on their faces.

Some would relate tales of their first paper dolls, others would share stories of family members and friends who loved paper dolls, many just marveled at how our little "Humming Belles" were beyond what one expects.   The "Humming Belles" were in their glory  and had a hard time trying to just sit still and smile.  Inside they were bubbling with excitement, people loved them!  They were giddy with delight!

People were pleased with the concept of being able to choose their own favorite scenes, outfits, and wings; plus the fact that this is a collection that will be ongoing and ongrowing.  They favored being able to color the pages, completing what I had started, and thereby making each set of wings, each outfit, and each scene personalized.

We listened as people spoke up and let us know what they felt we should also have to offer.  Many were disappointed that we did not have illustrated short stories about "Humming Belles" adventures for each doll; BUT the biggest item we are missing are Boy Fairies!  Well, this is an ever growing collection so I guess over the next few months you'll be finding stories and boy fairies joining in on the fun!  We may just have to change the name to the "Humming Belles and Beaus", what do you think?!

As the day grew to an end, we realized it had been a wonderfully magical day and the gloom of the morning had been sent fleeing by the sunshine of loving acceptance and charming new friends!  Eight "Humming Belles" and many coloring pages of scenes, wings and outfits have been taken to new homes were they will share their lives and adventures with new families and friends!  One "Humming Belles" Starter Kit will even be flying overseas to a young girl in Croatia!  Imagine that!

The "Humming Belles" have taken flight!


PS   I had meant to bring along my camera to take pictures of the displays and the many new friends we met yesterday but it sat, fully charged, on the seat of the old oak hall stand next to our front door.  Other than that, it was indeed a grand day!


May you always have
Love to Share,
Health to Spare,
And Friends who Care!

Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady aka HummingBelles
MY FIRST ETSY SHOP:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/IrelandBrady?ref=si_shop
MY SECOND ETSY SHOP:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/HummingBelles?ref=si_shop
MY BLOG  - "IrelandBrady - Musings To Ponder":
http://irelandbrady.blogspot.com/
My "Humming Belles" Blog:
http://hummingbelles.blogspot.com/

Whoo Hoo! The "Humming Belles" had their first sale!

We are delighted to say we had our first sale of 10 "Humming Belles" ACEO's today!  The "Humming Belles" are overjoyed and elated!  The "Ice" has been broken and they look very forward to more wonderful visitors and patrons to their Etsy Shop. 

On August 6th the "Humming Belles" are going to be introduced to Portland, Oregon society at their very first "Hip Happening" event in the Sellwood/East Moreland neighborhood "Passport Day"; a day where the neighborhoods open their shops with all kinds of specials and discounts galore!  A wonderful array of delights, treats, activities, music, wonderful food await those who join in.  The "Humming Belles" are are primping and preening so as to look their very best when they meet many new friends and, hopefully, find new homes and families to look after them. 

Once we receive the e-flyer from "Hip Happening" we will be sure and post it so that, if you are in the area, you can come by and meet the "Humming Belles" in person!  They would dearly love to meet you....

Coloring is not just for young children, it is much much more.....

Many people seem to think that filling in a coloring page is for young children and they are losing out on a wonderful form of enjoyment and accomplishment. It is also therapeutic and relaxing. I know it helped me get through cancer treatments, the simple act of coloring in one little part of a drawing helps to take your mind off your condition. Even when in a weakened condition, the human spirit seems to compel one to do something productive, even if that is something small at least you did it! A simple act that works to help heal from the inside out.

I look at coloring page as a starting point. I begin with one little leaf and color that in as my goal, maybe I add some shading, or add another color over top of the first to create a variation of the original color. When that first leaf is completed I have met my goal! I then challenge myself to one more leaf; if I complete it that is wonderful! If not, well, I can lay down my colored pencil and come back when I am stronger. My goal is still there awaiting my return.

As I wander from one little portion of the drawing to another, filling in a bit here and a bit there, the picture begins to come to life with colors of my choosing. Soon I find I am becoming absorbed in this simple act of coloring and less concentrated on my physical being.

I have given my coloring pages and sets of colored pencils to many others undergoing a treatment or recovering from something else who have, to their amazement, experienced these same feelings. Something so simple can and does bring great joy!

Individuals enjoy completing printed patterns for embroidery, needlepoint, latch hook kits, paint by number kits, etc. Adding color to a coloring page should be classified with these types of activities.

With my "Humming Belles" coloring pages I have begun drawings that you take to completion.



Karen Anne aka Ireland Brady aka Humming Belles

"Humming Belles" Starter Kits - a $15.80 value for only $9.98!

The "Humming Belles" have asked me to show you what you will be receiving in your "Humming Belles" starter kit (with your choice of doll) so here we go!

1. A hand cut laminated "Humming Belles" Doll with complimentary set of dragonfly style wings in the Humming Belles trademark color of golden rod yellow.

 

2.  One coloring page with an outfit and props for a regular girl at the beach, set #9.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/77017391/humming-belles-paper-doll-dress-set-9

 

 3.  One scene coloring page, "A Day At The Beach".

http://www.etsy.com/listing/77018917/humming-belles-a-day-at-the-beachl-black 

4.  One coloring page with an outfit and props for a fairy, set #14.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/77017820/humming-belles-fairy-paper-doll-dress

 

5.  One coloring page with a set of fancy fairy wings, wings #1.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/77015714/humming-belles-attachable-fairy-wings-1

 

6.  One scene coloring page, "Fairy Garden Fairy Home".

http://www.etsy.com/listing/76906010/humming-belles-fairy-garden-fairy-home

 

7.  One coloring page with an outfit and props for a mermaid, set #15.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/77017867/humming-belles-mermaid-fairy-paper-doll

 8.  One undersea coloring page, #1 with sunken fairy castle.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/77651722/humming-belles-undersea-coloring-page

9.  One hand cut laminated paper doll mannequin with mannequin use instructions plus a blank sheet of paper for designing your first outfits.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/77022994/humming-belles-fairy-paper-doll

10. One customized "Humming Belles" storage folder.

(cover only shown here)

The "Humming Belles" wish you the happiest of days!