Nibblefest Art Contest for January 2015!

The Nibblefest Art Contest begins in one week! (on the 20th) January's theme is "A Subject Beginning With the 3rd Letter of Your Given Name (real first name)".   Nibblefest Art Contest (NFAC), is the fun and friendly, monthly-themed art competition that begins on the 20th of each month, and is open to all. Hosted via Ebay, all Nibblefest art entries start at just .99 cents -- fun for artists AND collectors....!

The subject I chose, beginning with the third letter of my real first name of KaRen, is a Red Cardinal proudly perched on the head of the statue of St. Francis!  He won't be posted on eBay until January 20th, 2015 so I thought I would give my Blog Followers a sneak preview of my entry ....




















For this painting I used a reference photo by Gillian Floyd posted on the site, Paint My Photo, of a cardinal perched on the St. Francis statue in her backyard.  I loved the photo and thought it would be perfect for my entry in this month's Nibblefest Contest!  On the 20th of January you will be able to go to eBay and put the word NFAC in their search engine and you will be able to find it and many of the other terrific entries in this contest.   Remember, all entries start at an opening bidding price of $.99!  You could win a piece of terrific original artwork at a lower price than expected!

Here is a link to her photo: http://paintmyphoto.ning.com/photo/cardinal-15
And here is a copy of her photo:

Take care and be happy!
Karen Anne

$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

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 

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

"Star Gazer Lilies"

I don't know about you, but I think Star Gazer Lilies are among the most delicious smelling and beautiful flowers Mother Nature has provided for us.  Their appearance is so magical and romantic, their aroma so sweet and heady.  They actually appear to have been sprinkled with fairy dust!  

My last two ACEOs have the main subject as Star Gazer Lilies .....

"Star Gazers"

eBay link  Etsy Link

"Star Gazer Lilies"

Etsy Link

Take care and have a wonderful week!

Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady

In a Jar ...........

Awhile back my ACEO eBay Group held a challenge based on what you could find in a jar ... with the subject jar being an old fashioned canning jar.  I came up with three versions ....

"Sunflowers In A Jar"

"Dandelion Bouquet In A Jar"

"Fairy In A Jar"

I am happy to say, the challenge worked out quite well for me because these three ACEOs sold really quickly on eBay!   Thanks to the wonderful equipment we now have, prints are still available in my Etsy Shop.  

This week I am working on a new challenge, the theme is "Fish".  On June 1st, I will be posting all the "Fish" themed ACEOs to eBay and Etsy.  I like the way they are coming along ....

Take care and be happy!

Karen Anne aka Ireland Brady

"Zentangle Beta" a new ACEO

Here is another Beta!  Only this time I have used zentangle designs in creating this little gem of a fish.  Been feeling kinda sluggish lately, so this is about as creative as I can get ... the weather is supposed to be getting warm towards the end of the week ... maybe that will perk me up!  I can always hope!

"Zentangle Beta"

The original is available at this link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121103497785?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Open Edition prints here:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/130808741/aceo-open-edition-art-print-titled?ref=shop_home_active

Take care,

Karen Anne aka Ireland Brady

More ......... "Monarch Fairies"!

I think I have an ACEO Fairy Series in the makings!  Just finished two more of the Monarch Fairy ACEOs ....


Each of these detailed ACEOs can take from 8 to 10 hours to complete.  Each one begins with a blank piece of Stonehenge paper upon which I create the subject using an erasable terra cotta pencil.  I then use a technical art pen and provide an ink outline to the elements in the piece.  After which all of the pencil lines are erased to reveal a black & white coloring page type of image.

The fun then begins by applying layers and layers of colored pencil and subtly blending those applications of color together.  The is a very time consuming process but well worth the effort.  Once this stage is completed I begin the slow but steady work of re-inking all the initial lines and adding fine detail designs to the image.

When  I am finally satisfied with the results, the newly created piece is then sealed with a spray finishing laminate to preserve the colors and prevent damage.

"Blue Monarch Fairy and Butterfly"

and

"Pink Monarch Fairy and Butterfly"

I am enjoying these little ladies ... think I'll go make some more!

"Monarch Fairy and Butterfly"

I seem to be favoring fairies lately ... my latest ACEO piece is a take on the monarch butterfly, a Monarch Fairy!  Perhaps she is the protector of Monarch Butterflies?  If so, she certainly looks like a very loving and caring protector ... 

"Monarch Fairy and Butterfly"

I really think Monarch Butterflies are so very beautiful, perhaps this weekend I'll try my hand at creating a Blue Monarch Fairy and Butterfly ACEO ... sounds like fun!  Don't you think?

The original of this little gem is now on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=121097875768

Authorized Open Edition ACEO Art Prints are on Etsy:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/129882962/aceo-open-edition-art-print-titled

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Big hugs,

Karen Anne aka Ireland Brady

"Georgie Girl's Fairy"

I belong to several teams and groups on Etsy and eBay.   In one of the groups, one of the younger artists just had her first baby girl and has named her Georgie.  Well, this is a really friendly and supportive group with great comradery and one of the gals suggested we do an ACEO shower for Katie!

What a great idea!  So today I had fun creating a special little ACEO that I have titled "Georgie Girl's Fairy" ... will send it off to Katie tomorrow!

"Georgie Girl's Fairy"

I think she is kinda sweet!

Hope you all have a peaceful evening...

Karen Anne

"Dragonfly and Crocuses" .... The Colored Pencil Magazine April Challenge

The subject photo for the Colored Pencil Magazine's April Challenge is Crocuses!  I decided, however, that a dragonfly would look pretty nifty in my version so I added a fuschia colored one!  Fun!

"Dragonfly and Crocuses"

for your reference, here is the photo...

I have also made prints of my rendition so they are available as One Dollar ACEOs in my Etsy Shop:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/129595754/aceo-open-edition-art-print-titled

This current challenge is open until May 10, 2013.  If you are a colored pencil artist, why not join in?

Here is a link to this month's challenge:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/coloredpencilmag/8580943924/in/pool-cpmchallenge/

Hope you are all having a wonderful day!

Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady

"Bird of Paradise Fairy"

One of our favorite flowers is the "Bird of Paradise" and I thought it would be fun to create a Bird of Paradise Fairy ACEO.  The beauty of the Bird of Paradise is mesmerizing and captivating, evoking dreams of exotic lands  and glorious colors and natural splendors.  

And here is my latest ACEO, "Bird of Paradise Fairy" ... albeit, if I do say so myself, she does look a bit like Carmen Miranda!

The original is now up for auction at eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=121095310935

Authorized Open Edition ACEO Art Prints are on Etsy:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/129363746/aceo-open-edition-art-print-titled-bird?ref=shop_home_active

Best wishes for a beautiful spring week ...

Karen Anne aka Ireland Brady

"Birds of Paradise" plus one little blue haired Garden Fairy ...

One of our favorite flowers is the "Bird of Paradise" and I thought it would be fun to create a Bird of Paradise ACEO complete with a little blue haired garden fairy peeking out from amidst a garden of blooms.

Also, I received a new of set colored pencils yesterday that I was quite eager to try out, SoHo Urban Artist Professional colored pencils.  WOW!  I LOVE these pencils!  Its like they were made for me and to my own personal specifications!  I can hardly wait until I begin my next piece just so I can work with these little gems again!

Hope you like ......

"Birds of Paradise"

The original is now on eBay...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121093773250?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

and Open Edition ACEO Authorized Art Prints are at Etsy ...

https://www.etsy.com/listing/129136213/aceo-open-edition-art-print-titled-birds?ref=shop_home_active

Looking forward to a great Friday! 

Karen Anne aka Ireland Brady

"Blue Dragonfly"

Here my latest ACEO which I have titled "Blue Dragonfly". I really like Dragonflies ... they remind of something pre-historic and they always make me smile, plus they don't bite! The patterns in their wings are so delicate and complex, with each new dragonfly I create on paper ... I get a little better at capturing that beauty. I hope you like my "Blue Dragonfly"!

I have the original listed in my eBay Store ...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=121093151447#ht_550wt_1191

and Open Edition ACEO Authorized Art Prints in my Etsy Shop ...

https://www.etsy.com/listing/128992014/aceo-open-edition-art-print-titled-blue?ref=shop_home_active

Hope all is well with you and you are enjoying this day (even though it is wet and gloomy here)!

Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady

Dragonfly Fairy (with Mystic Fairy Flower)

It has been awhile since I created any fairy illustrations, so yesterday I did!


With this piece, I wanted to see how much detail I could get into a 2.5" x 3.5" area. So, I began with a tiny face with a fairy and a dragonfly in mind. Combined the two to create a "Dragonfly Fairy" and went from there. As the drawing progressed, the Mystic Fairy Flower was added, as well as several other zentangle inspired patterns. The final result is what you are viewing in this post.

"Dragonfly Fairy"

The original is up for auction at eBay....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281090735525?ssPageName=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Open Editions prints are in my Etsy Shop ....

https://www.etsy.com/listing/128892422/aceo-open-edition-art-print-titled

Hope you are all having a wonderful day!

Karen Anne aka Ireland Brady

"Blue Eyed Princess"

Here is my second entry in the Colored Pencil Magazine March 2013 Art Challenge.  There were some areas that needed improving on the first submission so, rather than reworking that piece, I chose to start fresh.  This piece is about 7.75" x 5.25", done on Stonehenge Paper with colored pencils and art marker pens.

In this version I was able to capture more of the subjects likeness and I am very happy with this second attempt.  Hope you like it as well!  I call this version:

"Blue Eyed Princess"

and here is the original photo...

Hope you are having a great day!  

Karen Anne aka Ireland Brady

PS  I am loving my "Orbital Artists' Easel"!  In fact so much so that yesterday afternoon I ordered the smaller easel top (13" x 17") for the small pieces I am working on.  To my delight, it arrived around noon today!  Now THAT is outstanding service!  And I was able to complete this piece on the new top.  The large size (19"x 20") is perfect for pieces 8.5" x 11" and larger, the smaller size is perfect for my ACEOs and smaller sized pieces.  You know, even with 2 tops and the table top base ... this easel is reasonably and affordably priced at less than, or about the same as, the cost of a complete set of top of the line colored pencils.  This is honestly the best investment in art equipment I have ever made. 

March 2013 Colored Pencil Challenge

This drawing was done on a 5" x 7" sheet of Stonehenge paper using Prismacolor Verithin colored pencils and a LePen technical pen for fine line details (about 5%), in the hair and eye lashes.

This is my interpretation of "Veiled", this month's subject photo by Sally Ford.   The subject is so pretty I decided to eliminate all the jewelry, thereby removing distractions and focusing the viewer's attention on her beautiful face. I am not a portrait artist but I really enjoy working on illustrations of people, I use the photo merely as inspiration and a starting point. In this piece, I gave her a bit of a smile and thickened her hair. My intention was to give her a more "dream-like" quality as opposed to a photographic realness; which, quite frankly, is beyond my skills and capability.

The most challenging portion was the veil, in the beginning I had applied way too much color and had to carefully remove most of it. The end result was that it does somewhat have the appearance of veiling.

This was a good learning challenge.

Here is my interpretation of "Veiled" which I have titled

"Look of Love"

this is a copy of the 
photo "Veiled" taken by Sally Ford

If you would like to join in on the challenge, here is a link that provides details and information:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/coloredpencilmag/8495249165/in/pool-cpmchallenge

Take care and hope you are having a productive and happy day!

Karen Anne aka Ireland Brady

"Bald Eagle"

Paper work for taxes: Done!   Time to create a new ACEO: Done!

"Bald Eagle"

Things are getting semi-organized and I was able to take a bit of time to get in an ACEO today!  Yes!

You can find the original on eBay at:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/-/281078913944?signal=own_ce98fbd4-0a78-342a-89b3-0bb5f6c4b08a:dc57df40-8dcb-11e2-b3da-005056a87aea_1

And Open Edition ACEO art prints at Etsy:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/126556208/aceo-open-edition-art-print-titled-bald

Wishing all a great St. Patrick's Day weekend!

Karen Anne

"Easter Egg Bunny #3" a New Zentangle Inspired piece of art!

I am loving my "Orbital Easel" more each time I use it ... it is truly the dream easel of all easels! Another plus, because of sitting in a more comfortable drawing position, I find that I now have more stamina and am able to continue working longer with no distracting aches and pains.  Thank you Orbital Easel!  It is also much easier to get things in perspective, eliminates a lot of erasing.

I really had a lot of fun creating my latest ACEO ... he just makes me smile!

"Easter Egg Bunny #3"

If you would like a chance to purchase the original, it is now up for auction at eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=281076560856

Authorized Open Editions ACEO Art Prints are available to you through Etsy at:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/126025967/aceo-open-edition-art-print-titled?

Hope you are all have a "Hoppy" day!

Karen Anne aka Ireland Brady