Brown Sugar Baby Brushes

I Think I'm Done ... 24x48 Canvas

2012-01-29T10:56:00.000-08:00

I rarely paint for myself - and one of the things I said I would do this year was to paint just for me. This canvas will be hanging in my bedroom - I wanted it to be "soothing" ... something that would make me smile everyday. :)

I think I'm finished ... I added flowers - but wanted to keep it simple ... I may or may not add more leaves ... but at this point - except for painting the edge of the canvas - I think I'm done.

Canvas in Progress

2012-01-28T14:26:00.000-08:00

I finally got a chance to get back to my canvas after being sidelined with a sciatic nerve in my back. I'm still getting used to working with such a large canvas - but I love the look ... and can't wait for it to be finished so I can hang it in my bedroom.

Large Canvas In Progress

2011-12-28T11:33:00.000-08:00

When I was married, my ex never wanted me to hang anything on the walls - ANYTHING. Now for most people that is a WTF ... but for an artist - it's agony.LOL Let's just say I went with the "pick your battles" scenario for a long time ... and now ... I find myself hating the site of white walls.

Since I rent, I can't paint them ... so FINALLY I will cover them - with my own art. I have painted boxes and chairs ... ATCs and mini canvas ... and finally I feel as if I'm ready to tackle large canvases again.

This one, which is in progress now, is going to hang in my bedroom.It will be interesting to see how she comes out ... I'm just painting with the flow on this one.

Good Things Ahead

2011-12-25T20:20:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

I am loving the time off I've taken for Christmas ... just relaxing with my son ... and doing absolutely NOTHING. For the past 3.5 months I'd been burning the candle at both ends, painting for my local Small Business Expo's ... and how tiring it was!

As much as I gained from the experiences, it left me so drained!!! The last Expo was Dec 15th ... and I was happy to finally REST and concentrate on the holidays.

Now that Christmas is in it's last hours .. I've already started thinking about what to paint next - large canvases! The past couple of weeks I've painted some 6x6 and 8x8 canvas, but I'm itching to paint a larger piece...so I'm breaking out my large canvases and I'm excited to see what comes of it.

Below are some pieces that I've done over the past couple of weeks ... all in this blog are listed on my Etsy site (just click the button here on the blog).

Violet by K.Thomas 8x8 Canvas Board

I Love Me by K.Thomas 6x6 Canvas

Have A Wonderful Christmas Season!

2011-12-01T14:21:00.000-08:00

I want to wish all my followers and fellow bloggers a wonderful Christmas! I can't believe how quickly the year has flown by....Christmas is 24 days away! From my house to yours, I wish you the best of seasons- Merry Christmas...and I will be back in full swing for 2012!!!

There For By The Grace of God this Thanksgiving ....

2011-11-24T06:58:00.000-08:00

Hello There!

I've been a bad blogger ... I've been taking care of many things in my life ... I had a good first show at the SBA Expo last month ... and I'm preparing for a Christmas Expo on December 15th .. lots of good things ... then real life began creeping in ...

It's like a series of minor incidents with my son had been building up to this point. I had a scare with him with a football injury...he had cat-scans checking for head damage. His migraines had also flared up ... and my worry quotient had already been high ... many things I had been doing were falling by the wayside because it seemed my son began having all these health issues.

... but one single event brought everything home for me last Saturday.

My thirteen year old was with my ex, and because of inattention on the part of my ex- they were involved in an accident totaling my ex's car .... and only by the grace of God, my ex and my son walked away without a scratch.

"Mom, I've been in an accident"

I still get chills remembering the sound of my son;s voice. He is calm like me, going cold under pressure ... but I just needed to see his face ... hug him close .. it was the longest 15 minute drive of my life.

When people say a certain event puts everything else into perspective - believe it. This did, the painting, the shows, the design teams, the swaps ... all fall by the wayside.

The car was indeed totaled, and the police told me had the truck - yes TRUCK - been going any faster, they would both be dead. Here it was the week before Thanksgiving, and God saw fit to leave my only child on this earth ... he and his father were alive.

THAT is what I am thankful for, what I am grateful for ... why I feel blessed. I have my son.

Its Beginning to Look Like Christmas!

2011-10-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

The rush is on ... At least for those of us that sell during the holiday season. With the Women's Entrepreneur EXPO. 3 weeks away, I have been in paint mode. This conference is also giving me a jump on building my stock up.

I'll be scarce until after the conference ... and I promise to post tons of pics! Hope you all are well and busy crafting!

Kay Tee's Christmas On The Brain

2011-10-02T07:15:00.000-07:00

It's too early for Christmas in the stores - I mean we haven't even gotten to Halloween or Thanksgiving yet ... but for artists like me who love to paint for Christmas all year round .... it's never too early.

At the end of the month I'll be participating at a Small Business for Women conference, so I've been painting up small items to sell. Many things will be on display, but I will have things 10-20.00 that people can purchase if they want.

Ornaments are quick to paint and can still be offered at an affordable price. My ornaments will be all free hand - no one piece will look the same ... so the customers will truly be getting a one of a kind ornament this year.

Getting Ready For Christmas!!

2011-09-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

Hello Fellow Bloggers!

It's been a long while since I posted any updates, as I have been busy painting all new designs to update my 2 websites in time for the Christmas season. As anyone who paints to sell knows, we paint ahead of the seasons ... so summer is for Fall and Christmas painting and the winter is for Summer and Spring painting.

So as you can imagine ... summertime is busy for me ... but as soon as my sites are updated with all the new content - I'll be back and posting more progress on my painted chairs.

Painted Chair ... Still Plugging Along

2011-07-03T18:39:00.001-07:00

Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday weekends. It's raining here inmy part of the world, so I've been plugging away at my chairs. I managed to get the face completed .. I'm leaving the wings for now.

Decided to start sketching out the spindles. I use a chalk pencil and then when I decide on the design, I'll take a liner brush and sketch the outline.

Painting Chairs_Taking Shape

2011-06-28T17:37:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!!! I've been ripping and running recently, and haven't had a lot of time to post. I had to finish up a couple of swaps, send off design team articles ... and finally got a chance to work some more on my chairs ... they're coming along nicely.

I started with placing the faces ...

Then took a liner brush and sketched the shapes and started blocking in color ....

Looking at the black chair, I "saw wings" ...

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Last thing I did tonight was to begin adding texture and tones for my undercoat ....

...I think they are taking shape nicely ...

Painted Box_I Finished Her

2011-06-01T14:51:00.001-07:00

After stressing a couple of days with her hair ... I bit the bullet and just added a short wavy bob, using a wisp brush and watery acrylic paint. I didn't want her hair to become a focal point, taking away from her face ... so I kept it as simple as I could.

June_July SOC E:SPIRE Is Available at Your FIngertips!

2011-06-01T11:43:00.000-07:00

The Scraps of Color E:SPIRE EZINE is available and ready for download. Its a wonderful issue full of ideas, projects, product reviews and more! ... and on Page 31, I try to entice you to add a little paint to those pages!!!

Best of all?? IT IS FREE!!

So, take a look and tell me how you like the latest issue!

Remember The Fallen

2011-05-30T04:36:00.000-07:00

As you go about your preparations today for the last day of Memorial Day Weekend ... take a minute to remember what this day is really about. Our fallen men and women of our military, who gave the ultimate scrifice - and continue to do so - for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Memorial Day Weekend Painting

2011-05-28T16:56:00.000-07:00

I'm getting a lot done so far. This is the box I worked on today ... still in progress. I had made a video showing my progression, but I had the radio playing in the background and YouTube flagged it!!ROFL ... so I deleted the videos.

This is the point I always seem to get stuck at ... adding the hair. I feel as if I almost ruin the piece trying to put hair on, ROFL.

Spring Has Arrived Painted Box

2011-05-28T07:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!! I have decided to have a painting marathon this weekend, and avoid the busy roads. Yesterday, I finally finished my painted box, and thought I'd share.

Working On Painted Box This Weekend

2011-05-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

Hello Fellow Creative Minds!

I hope you all have been blessed with better weather than have. It's been raining buckets here in Virginia .. only a couple of sun filled days - but not enough. I have been working more on my painted box ... starting to add more details.

I also was not happy with the sky, so decided to do a little dry brushing to add more texture and colors. This is going to be one of those projects that I won't know when to stop....since I'm just adding as I go along - not using a pattern.

Getting Ready For Fall Craft Shows

2011-04-20T15:11:00.000-07:00

... and thought I'd paint up something to hold my business cards. I have been going through my wood stash lately - and have so many nice pieces ... waiting ... waiting ... for what?LOL

So, I decided to paint this to hold my business cards. My sister and I will be doing some craft shows in Jersey and Pennsylvania this coming fall... so I figure I need to get started.

Painted Box - Work In Progress Continued

2011-04-15T04:48:00.000-07:00

Hello Bloggers!

I pretty much finished the box for my son - while I'm still thinking it needs something else in the background, he likes it AS-IS ... so it may not remain too much longer on my paint table!LOL It wasn't until I reached this point that I realized I have him pointing the gun at his head!! ... but my son thinks I'm taking this too literal. he loves it.

I'm trying to think of some more elements, but the box isn't that big, and I don't want to overwhelm it .. yet I wonder if I can add anything.

Painted Box_Work In Progess

2011-04-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

I started going through painting surfaces in my stash, and came up with a couple of boxes that I'd been wanting to paint for a while now. One of the boxes had clawed feet - and I promised my son I'd paint that one specially for him.

He is really into paintball right now, so I decided to paint him, in full paintball mode.

So far, so good ... I think I should be able to finish this by this evening. He already wants it, and has picked out a place in his room!!

A Rose For Mother's Day

2011-04-01T07:56:00.000-07:00

Happy April!!!

The newest edition of the Scraps of Color Espire is now out - and I have a wonderful painted rose journal I'd love you guys to try!

Click HERE and click on the pic for your free download....and check out my project on page 50.

New Projects On The Table This Week

2011-03-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday Fellow Bloggers!!

It's says Spring on my calendar ... but it sure feels like winter!! This weekend I started 2 pieces ... and so far, it seems I am working them both at the same time.

I thought I'd post my progress ... maybe give you a peek inside my artful chaos as I try and develop these pieces.

They will both be original designs. Hopefully you will stay with me as I work on these ... and as always, critiques are welcome.

I've only base coated them so far ... and as you can see, the background of both pieces are landscapes.

Melancholy March

2011-03-12T15:02:00.000-08:00

This week was the week from hell for me ... by Friday I felt battered and bruised, mentally. Today - things didn't go as I wanted either ... so I sought refuge at my painting table. I guess all my feelings show on the canvas - but it's how I've been feeling.

Black Angel Keepsake Boxes

2011-03-11T03:28:00.001-08:00

I love painting these little wooden boxes that I bought last year from my local tole shop, The Apple Tree. They have a wonderful woodcutter, who does the most fabulous work. I decided to do a set this time, on these boxes .... and I think they turned out so cute! The hardest thing was putting them up on Etsy!!LOL

Rainy Days Are Perfect For Painting

2011-03-06T12:05:00.000-08:00

Its been raining all day here in Northern Virginia, so I have been inside painting angels! I hope its sunny in your parts of the world - and if it isn't, I hope you took advantage of being inside by being creative!

Using Your Art To Package Your Art

2011-03-05T06:25:00.000-08:00

Hello fellow bloggers! I can't believe its MARCH!!!! I just finished my first pins and I wanted to share with you the cards that I attached to my pin sets.

I cut out my tags from plain old manila folders, and stamped them with a hand carved stamp that I created last summer. Stamp carving is addicting!!!...but more importantly to me - it's a unique design that I created (don't have to worry about those angel policies!)

I added color to my tags using Anna Griffin inks.

February ... Celebrate Love ... and History

2011-02-04T17:03:00.001-08:00

February is the month of Love & the celebration of Black History. For me, neither is ever confined to just one month. I celebrate love everyday - and tell those who I love, I Love you, every day. I celebrate my history, every day, making sure to speak with my son each day about 1 little known fact regarding our history.

Whether you are African American or not - embrace your history and share it with those that you love.

I'm Published!!!

2011-01-31T08:38:00.000-08:00

Come celebrate the PREMIERE ISSUE of Scraps of Color Y'all!!! Women of color scrappin' and sharing their love of history through creativity!! You won't see anything like this on the newstands!!!!! .... and please check out my Painted Tags on page 46!!! I loved painting these and look forward to sharing my love of history and art with you via this venue.

Scraps Of Color E:SPIRE

Painters Block BreakThrough

2011-01-12T10:19:00.000-08:00

Hi Bloggers!

I hope everyone has been having a creative New Year so far. While anticipating snow that never came, I decided to try and finish this piece that I'd titled Painters Block. I started it in Oct .. but put it aside when I'd reached an impasse.

I decided to paint the final face on the corner, I felt that it would somehow add dimension ... and while I'm not so sure I'm finished with the piece, I feel as if I'm close.

I'm going back and forth right now as to whether to leave her bald, or add hair using the same technique as I did with the corkboard project.

So while the smidgen of snow we got last night has already melted, I at least accomplished a little something!LOL

Bringing In The New Year Creatively

2011-01-01T13:47:00.000-08:00

I decided to stick to my pre-new year promise to myself, and be as creative as I could. I needed something REALLY big that I could sink my teeth into ... and I spotted a spare cork board that I'd brought home from work before the holidays. This is what I worked on all day yesterday and into the New Year early this morning. I made it for work ... the mini white board is actually an extra ceramic tile. The days of the week are Scribbles glitter words.

A Jump On The New Year

2010-12-28T20:46:00.000-08:00

This week I decided to jump start my New Year creatively, and work on some projects I'd put to the side before the holidays. I began a painted journal a while back, An Artful Journey, and after a couple of false start, I've picked it back up again. I may do another video as I begin the pages ... but for right now, I wanted to give you a peek at my progress. Anyone else out there getting a creative jump start?...or are you still recovering from the holidays?

There's A Give-Away Going On...

2010-12-28T09:27:00.000-08:00

..all you have to do is read each day's entry and post!! Check it out on Scraps Of Color E:spire

Have A Wonderful Christmas!!

2010-12-24T18:19:00.000-08:00

I wanted to wish all of my online friends the very best Christmas and New Year! My wish for all of you is to have good health, prosperity & blessings throughout the New Year.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

Santa's Coming!!

2010-11-28T09:53:00.000-08:00

Can you believe Christmas is in a couple of weeks?? Where in the world did this year go??

This weekend I had Christmas on the brain, as I started going over my holiday decorations ... and came upon some rusty tin tree toppers, that I'd bought about 5 years ago. When I first started decorative painting in 2000, I went berserk buying all the latest paints, brushes ... and surfaces. I can't tell you how many surfaces that I still have - that at the time I felt was "too good to mess up" with my beginner painting skills.

Luckily, I curbed my spending somewhat on surfaces ... and I feel as if my skill has finally caught up with my confidence - or vice versa!LOL

Anyhow ... for years I've wanted a nice tree topper- but never felt as if I had the skills to create my own ... until this weekend. I pulled out one of the tree toppers I'd purchased so many years ago ... and decided to paint it. This year, I am going to have the Santa Tree Topper that I've wanted to have. This took me about 7 hours yesterday .... and I'm really happy with the way it came out. I have Santa on the brain now, and I'm thinking about painting the other star that I have sitting on my paint table.

Check Out Scraps of Color E:spire in 2011 - I'm On The Team!!

2010-11-17T04:29:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to have been accepted as part of the first Creative Team!!!

I feel blessed to have been given this creative opportunity. I've always thought in colors, so they say ... and last year after many starts and stops - I found Tiare Smith online, an extremely entrepreneurial sister who is determined to let the world know that Sisters Scrap Too!!.

Tiare is the genius behind Classy Coordinates. I found kindred spirits on her Scraps of Color ning group, other women of color who loved to play with paper. LOL

Tiare is on the move again, launching Scraps of Color E:spire, and has offered me wonderful opportunity to share my art with you and my love of history. I hope you all take the time to join and become a part of this exciting adventure. I can't wait to share with you what I have in store for 2011.

Santa's Sistah

2010-10-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!!

I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. I have been making cards this weekend - for Christmas - and I decided to make prints of a painting that I did over the summer .. and incorporate it into some cards.

I don't know if I'm done yet - but I like how they turned out so far.

Phases

2010-10-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

I've been working on this piece all weekend...and when I went to bed last night, I was really frustrated. I'd planned on sanding down the entire piece and starting again ... but I worked my way through it.

Its not finished, its still a work in progress, but what I learned was to not force anything..that when I get to the point of frustration - I need to walk away.

Creative Columbus Day Weekend

2010-10-11T17:52:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a nice relaxing holiday weekend here in the States. For any Canadian bloggers - I hope your Thanksgiving weekend was an enjoyable on with family and friends.

I had plans that unfortunately fell through, so I spent the long weekend working on cards for swaps and a custom order lap-desk for a friend's daughter.

I'm not finished, but I got the bulk of the painting out of the way. Now I will be able little details...some charms I found...some painted details on the sides and bottom...and then I'll put the hinges on.

Weekend Painting

2010-09-25T18:58:00.000-07:00

Hello Bloggers!

I hope everyone is enjoying the last weekend in September. I have been busy painting boxes that I'll be putting on Etsy next weekend. These boxes are really cute - big enough for ATCs, gift cards ... I love them.

The angel boxes with no hair I painted, to honor a special friend who is battling cancer right now. Its such a hideous disease, and my prayers are always with her.

Happy Fall Y'all!!

2010-09-13T05:32:00.001-07:00

Hello Bloggers!! I know it isn't officially fall yet - but I am sooo ready! I love the fall, and these weeks leading up to the official start of my favorite season - I've been busy painting.

Here are some things I've been working on - getting them ready for Etsy:

The larger box I've posted before - but the little portrait box on top in purple is a new piece. It's a perfect size to hold ATCs, business cards or other little trinkets.

This mermaid box, I haven't finished yet, I need to add some details. It's a really nice size, and I'm already thinking of painting up a couple more mermaids to add to Etsy in October:

I plan on really focusing and painting through the winter, as I am moving next September and NO WAY do I want to pack all the wood surfaces I've been saving/hoarding!!LOL So the more I paint and sell - the less I have to pack!

Happy Fall Y'all!

I've Been Out An About

2010-08-29T04:55:00.000-07:00

Hello Fellow Bloggettes!! (I don't have any male followers) I'm enjoying the last days of summer with my son before school starts. I hope you all are having a wonderful time as summer wraps up! I've made a little something to explain my Artful State Of Mind.

An Artful Journey Painted Journal

2010-08-16T03:28:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Bloggers!!

I am making pretty good progress with my painted journal, which I've been documenting on you tube. Here is a still shot of where I left off this weekend. I'm not finished, but so far I am pleased with how she is coming along.

I haven't begun to think about the background .. but I have put aside a coule of stamps that I may use.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!!!

I'm Still Painting ...

2010-08-12T03:10:00.000-07:00

...and posting my progress on YouTube. Feel free to leave me some critiques!

An Artful Journey Painted Journal

2010-08-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

I've been under the weather with a nasty upper respiratory infections, which inflamed my asthma. Seems as if the antibiotics are working now ... and its a wonderful feeling not to have to suck on that wretched inhaler!

Anyhow, I'm starting a new project - a mixed media journal ... and I've decided to tape my progress and post it on You Tube. I have no idea what the finished product will be..I'm just going to wing it. Here's the continuation of the first step. I'd taped the very beginning, which included the sketching and initial basecoat - but my camera didn't tape it!!LOL

***SCROLL DOWN AND PUT THE MUSIC ON PAUSE BEFORE YOU WATCH THE VIDEO***

Carving Your Own Stamps

2010-07-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I spent most of it playing with my lino cutter! I decided to try my hand at carving my own stamps. It is actually quite addicting!!! I love that you don't really know exactly how it will come out. I did a little trial and error on YouTube the week before last ... the results were too funny.

Then last weekend, I decided to give it another try .. but this time I made sure to use the right ink. I learned that my reg ink stamps didn't cut it, so I got some ink specially for the stamps .. and boy, what a difference!

Self Portrait

2010-07-27T04:51:00.000-07:00

Hello all!! I hope everyone has been taking it easy. It has been ROASTING here in my part of the world. Northern Virginia temps have been over 100 degrees!! Wonderful for sun worshippers, I'm sure, but terrible for asthma sufferers like me!

While hibernating inside, away from the heat, I've been doing lots of sketching. I took a ton of photos of myself, from different angles, different expressions, etc. My goal is working on my sketching and face skills.

I've never done a self portrait before ... but here's my first try. Any and all critiques are welcome!

KayTee_Faces in Technicolor_Third and Final Face

2010-07-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday Everyone!!!

I'm in the last phase of Sharon's Faces in Technicolor Class. The third and final face is where we incorporate colors from a napkin that we adhere to our canvas.

The wonderful thing about this particular class, is that you REALLY focus on colors that are non-traditional ... kicks you out of all your comfort zones. I'll be working on her today, and submitting for critique from Sharon later on.

Are We Happy With Who We Are?

2010-07-12T04:21:00.001-07:00

I feel as women, we shortchange ourselves in so many ways. Yes, there are a ton of things I can change about myself. There are also many things that I love about myself. Take the time, everyday, to say what you LOVE about yourself.

Weekend Fun

2010-07-10T19:30:00.000-07:00

I decided to take a break from Sharon's intense online classes (I still have 1 more face to go) ... and I did a little freehand art. Just fun, funky, off the top of my head stuff.

Face Two_in Technicolor_Completed

2010-07-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

I must say, I didn't know how this would turn out when I began. I am so happy with it .. and I am so thankful that there are sharing artists online such as Sharon.

Face Two in Progress

2010-07-04T06:22:00.000-07:00

I still find these colors hard to work with, especially since my particular drawing has the models face so deep in the shadows. I still have a lighter blue to add to the "shadow" ... so I'm not sure how this relates to my drawing?? But I'm forging ahead.

Face Two_Faces In Technicolor Online Class

2010-07-03T15:59:00.001-07:00

This is the second face from my 3 sketches. This palette is so bright - and I'm not used to bright colors like this ... so I'm having a hard time. As long as I have the pic though, I think I will be alright with following the shadows. She is definitely in the ugly stages.

Faces in Technicolor_Face One_Completed

2010-07-03T13:43:00.000-07:00

I love the classes that Sharon has on her Ning site. This is the first of three faces that she has us doing, in technicolor. I've completed this one - the surface is a canvas binder, as I did not have any canvas' or boards.

Faces in Technicolor

2010-06-28T02:52:00.001-07:00

I added the Diox Purple to my palette last night ... and I have to admit, I like her. She doesn't seem so scary!LOL Sharon Tomlinson's classes are a must if you are looking to push yourself as an artist.

I will probably do a little more with her ... but so far, so good. I never thought I'd be able to do something like this ... and NEVER thought I'd be painting faces with colors other than my normal fleshtone palettes.

Face One in Technicolor!!!

2010-06-27T15:13:00.000-07:00

WOW, okay, so this is scary to me. I am not quite finished, but managed to begin applying color. I always get a little nervous before I start painting ... and this time...boy oh boy, was I nervous!

At first she was really looking like a monster .. maybe its the blues and greens ... but I kept going. This is the first time, outside of doodling, that I'm using non-familiar colors to paint a face. Not reaching for my normal fleshtones was hard for me. In this exercise, my "fleshtone" is light green.

My palette is Jade Green, Midnight Green, Barn Red, Golden Yellow and Prussian Blue. I used Jade Green as the eye and lip highlights as well.

I'm not done, there is still more to the exercise and one more color to add. I also may add a lighter green .. maybe tea green? I don't know yet.

Sharon has really pushed me waaay outside my box on this one!

Sketches_Face Two

2010-06-27T12:16:00.001-07:00

This is the second sketch of the same pic. I tried to change the focus, and the direction of the eyes.

This is an ongoing class at All Norah's Art ning group.

Faces In Technicolor _Sketches

2010-06-26T18:26:00.000-07:00

Hello All!!

After fighting a nasty cold and asthma ... I finally feel well enough to tackle Sharon Tomlinson's new online class, Faces in Technicolor.

LOVE these classes of hers, as they really make you STRETCH. I'm playing catch up, so here's where I am so far.

I found an ad that I want to sketch, and I sketched it out this evening. I need to do 2 more, so I will have the 3 sketches she asks for ... but I'm already excited to begin.

My surface of choice is a large canvas binder (Sharon is using smaller canvas boards). I used Jo Sonja texture paste and a small amount of green acrylic for my background.

So far, so good. I'm staring at her now seeing what I need to TWEAK...and then I will prepare my palette.

In Remembrance on Memorial Day

2010-05-28T17:09:00.001-07:00

Before barbecues and parades ...
Before hitting the road to beaches and friends...
Give thanks to the men and women of our Armed Forces who are giving their lives...
And have given their lives ...
To protect us.

Legacy Box

2010-05-27T06:33:00.000-07:00

This is a wooden box I painted over the last couple of days. While I was painting it, I kept thinking about the girl thinking about her past (hence the image transfer on the opposite corner. I am going back and forth about adding the actual lettering to say Legacy or Legacies ... or leaving it plain. I kind of want whoever sees it to not be lead by any words that I happen to put on there....does that make any sense?

Thank you Sharon for releasing all this for me ... I am finally able to pull whats floating around in my head onto what I'm holding in my hands.

Find A Face Exercise

2010-05-22T13:22:00.000-07:00

Another exercise from Sharon Tomlinson, finding a face from watercolor. I purposely didn't look at the videos or the work of too many others ... trying not to be influenced by anyone elses' style.

I suck at profiles, but when I did the background...that is just what I saw. The watercolors I used were Grumbacher and Twinkling H2O's. I thought about adding line work - but for right now I'm going to let it sit somewwere and see if anything else pops out at me.

Painted Tin_Progressing

2010-05-15T15:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I added a bit more shading and finally found something nice to put on the other side of the tin. I don't know if I will add much more, since the tin isn't that large ... but I do know I still need something...

A Season Of Artful Orange ...Concluded

2010-05-15T06:28:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm done with this one - and I like how it turned out. I painted this on a canvas sheet - I buy the pads from my local tole shop. I don't know if I'll frame it or adhere it to something else ... but for now it's hanging above my paint table.

Millande's exercise pushed me out of my comfort tone, using the oranges ... and it also prodded me to play with the different complexion tones and shapes of faces.

There are wonderful mixed media groups out there right now. Some of the classes are free and some you pay for. I encourage all of you to dip your toes in the water and have some fun.

Right now I'm waiting for Sharon's next class to start up. I'm also doing a journal class on Jan Fox's site - which starts today. It's a 4 week class.

Speaking of Jan - I watched a video of hers this morning - making your own alcohol inks!!! For a frugal gal like myself, this was right up my alley!!! And these pens are always laying around and they dry out before I use them.....so why not make some inexpensive alcohol ink? I know I'll use it more so than I do a Sharpie.

A Season Of Artful Orange ...

2010-05-09T17:20:00.000-07:00

... is the challenge going on at Milliande's Art Community for Women.

I took the challenge - because orange is NOT a color I am fond of. I generally reach for blues and greens ... purples and deep reds. Never pastels and NEVER bright colors like neon anything or orange.

I just tried to go with the flow today ... enjoy my Mother's Day and see what I could come up with.

Here's where I stopped for today:

Painted Tin _ Still In Progress

2010-05-08T17:33:00.000-07:00

Here is where I am so far:

I'm going to stop and putz around with the background some more...then return to the face.

Painted Tin In Progress

2010-05-08T16:12:00.001-07:00

I found this cool tin in my hoard of surfaces today. I'm determined to paint as many of my surfaces as I can this summer ... and so far so good. This tin is a nice size, and came already basecoated - so all I did was a little sponging to start off.

I used a chalk pencil to sketch a face ... and decided to use the background (without the sponging) as a basecoat for her face.

I'll be working on her this weekend and posting my progress.

Stay tuned.

Adding Roses to My Mixed Media Project

2010-04-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy working, I have finally gotten free time to continue with this little box.

I'm adding roses!!

Along with Sharon Tomlinson's FACES class on ning - I also joined an old online buddy's ning group - Australian Artist Jan Fox. I love Jan's roses, and was so excited when she created a rose group!! Jan does FABULOUS mixed media ... so I'm in heaven between Sharon and Jan on Ning.

SO far, here's what I have done with Jan's rose challenge....and yes, I'm combining the 2 mixed media classes on one surface.

STEP ONE was adding the rose collage, which I used gel medium to get on the box. Then I found a line drawing from Deanne Fortnam's Tolefriends project which was offered a couple of months ago.

Here's where I am so far after putting the line drawing on and basecoating.

Corner One

Corner Two

Now, I can't find my directions to painting Deanne's rose - so I'm winging it!!! Wish me luck!!

More Faces!!!

2010-04-03T23:22:00.000-07:00

I finally got some time this weekend to finish Sharon's exercises. After the first project, we were to take the same line drawing and change the eyes. Well, I wanted to do mine on a smaller surface than the first wooden purse...and I'd had this paper mache box basecoated for a while now. So, I decided to do another line drawing instead of shrinking the first one - and I put the final 2 faces on different sides of this box.

This first face, I had her looking in the opposite direction of the first - but I changed her hair. Its actually a haircut I've been dying to get!LOL

The second face ... I was thinking of my Grandfather. He and my Grandmother raised my brother and I for the first 8 years of my life...and I loved him so. He was the most handsome man to me, with very dark skin and pale grey eyes. When I did this second face, I was thinking of him - and how much I miss him. I again changed up the hair ... just felt like experimenting with different hair textures. I realized she looks so sad...but its how I was feeling when I painted her...

I have an idea of what to do with the other two sides of this box ... and it will tie in so nicely, I think. Jan Fox has a rose collage/mixed media class going on, so I'm going to finish HER exercises on this box.

Wish me luck!!!

Mixed Media Online Class: Faces_Completed

2010-03-12T16:40:00.000-08:00

I finished her!!!! I love it - though the finished product isn't what I expected.

Choosing the florals from the napkins I got from Sharon - not EASY!!!! I settled on leaves and a yellow rose. As you can see - the yellow rose got lost in the background .. its VERY muted. I suck at painting roses - so adding paint to bring out the petals was not an option!!LOL Also - I keep looking in the top hand left corner, thinking I should put something up there ... but ... well ... I am going to leave it for now.

On Sharon's videos, she talks about basically trial and error with the napkins and gel transfers...so what you may THINK you are going to get - you don't get!!LOL

I love this and I am so ready to continue on with her online classes...the next series is taking the line drawing we used for this project - and creating THREE more canvases...or in my case ... well..you'll see the surface I use!!LOL

As always, critiques are always welcome.

Mixed Media Exercise: Faces Continued

2010-03-07T11:29:00.000-08:00

Okay ... I took everyone's advice and kept on going. What a difference a couple of hours make! Sharon's technique for building the face is wonderful. I was so excited to see my little face coming together.

I'm not sure about the shadow placement and I feel as if the nose can be a lot more defined .. but so far, so good. Also, the little valley above the lip - I've always hated painting those, LOL, so I'm still working on that.

Her braids .. I need to get some highlights in there .. but this is basically what I saw in my head when I signed up for Sharon's class - and I am so glad I did. I can't wait to finish this, so I can continue on with the other exercises.

So far, so good though .. thanks to all for the encouragement!!

Mixed Media Excercise: Faces

2010-03-07T08:44:00.000-08:00

Alrighty .. first off - I suck at this mixed media stuff. This is my first time SERIOUSLY doing a project - and I don't know about you -but it isn't as easy at it looks on all the blogs!LOL

I joined All Norah's Art ning group, and signed up for the Faces class. So many wonderful and talented artists on this group!!

So, I sign up for the class, and everything that can go wrong - goes wrong. I can't find my mini canvas or printouts that Norah provided, I don't have any napkins...LOL...but - I'm a decorative artist - we IMPROVISE. So, digging around in my hoard..errr..stash, I find a cute little wooden pocketbook.

I can't find the sheet music printouts - so I used a stamp.

THEN, I do my first gel transfer ever. UUGGGHHH!!!! Its terrible looking!!! But, I'm going to keep going.

The ONLY thing that was easy for me, was sketching the face!!LOL ... so today - I transferred my face to my surface...and this is what I have so far.

Decorative Painting and Paper Crafts

2010-02-21T13:07:00.001-08:00

From the very beginning of my dabbling in paper crafts, I wanted a way to combine a new love - making cards and and old love - decorative painting.

Yesterday, Toletown.com had a cyber Block Party, and one of the events was painting this cute little design - Friendship Shelters.

While Lorrie used acrylics, I opted to paint her design with Twinkling H20's. It is such a cute little design - and I finished the entire project, including putting the card together in a little under 2 hours.

The papers I used for the card are from the July 2009 Classy Pak by Tiare.

For all you decorative artists out there who are doing cards now ... a GREAT and less expensive alternative to the digital sketches and even rubber stamps, are to use the line drawings we already have!! I know I have tons from pattern packs and books, which I fully intend on using moving forward on cards, scrapbook layouts, etc.

L is For Love

2010-02-05T12:25:00.000-08:00

February is Black History Month and the month of Love. I sketched this early this morning, watching my son as he was chit chatting online with his best friend.

All I could think of was my "little baby boy", in about 5 years - would be a senior in high school!!! Right now, he still loves hugs and kisses and hanging out with Mom ... so, I'm going to take advantage of those times before he is too grown. :)

K is For Kimono

2010-02-03T17:07:00.000-08:00

I'm still hanging in there with Sandy's A to Z Challenge...and I saw this little angel in my head, while flipping furiously past all the political brouhaha's on the dead tube.

What a fabulous reason to click OFF the tv - and get to doodling. I used prismacolor markers to outline, and Luminare watercolors to color. You can't tell by the photos, but all the sketches I've colored with the Luminares, have such a beautiful sheen. I just love these watercolors....and a little goes a might long way.

Hope and Love

2010-01-21T16:22:00.000-08:00

I had to turn the tv off. Between all the negativity surrounding politics, the devastation of Haiti...and even the constant worrying I do as a newly separated/single Mom ... I could feel it. A creeping oppressive weight starting to push in on me ... and I have decided to push back.

I can't do anything about stupid Washington politics.

I can't do anything about the utter devastation in Haiti, other than to pray and donate when I can.

I can't do anything about my personal situation but frankly be thankful that I had the strength to walk away rather than be disrespected.

I *can* stay positive .

I CAN thank God every day that I drive to work, that I am driving to WORK.

I CAN thank GOd that I have managed to have some semblance of normalcy with my soon to-be-ex, because our son deserves to have 2 parents who can put aside their differences and respect each other - for him at least.

And I can paint.

I can draw.

I can dig as deep as I need to dig, in order to keep pushing the negativity away.

Here are two ATCs that I did, while pushing the negativity away. "Hope" is on a watercolor ATC, and "Love" is on a mini ATC canvas.

J is for Jazz

2010-01-21T16:16:00.001-08:00

I'm still doing Sandy's A to Z Challenge, and I'm up to the letter J. I carry blank ATCs around with me everywhere, and while my son was at band practice - I sketched this little doo-dah...and colored it in using Twinkling H20s and Pigma Micron Pens.

Latte Paintin' Going On

2010-01-17T12:25:00.001-08:00

It's hard to get back into the creative groove after all the images of death and destruction in Haiti ... but there was a point last night where I had to shut the tv off, after crying my eyes out over the death of a little girl.

This morning, I tried to focus on a little creativity ... trying to think of all the things I love - the simple things - like a good cup of coffee. I decided it was the perfect addition to add to my ever changing paintbrush box. I'm determined that this box be a total representation of me.

Pray For Haiti

2010-01-13T12:23:00.001-08:00

Text Haiti to 90999 to give $10 to the Red Cross for Haiti

Call the State Department for information about missing friends or relatives 1888 407-4747

Happy 101 Award

2010-01-11T16:12:00.000-08:00

...was given to me by EssenceVibez!! How Sweet!

I need to list ten things that make me all warm and fuzzy...and then gift it to 3 other blogs that will do the same.

Here are the 10 things that make me happy...all warm and fuzzy:

1. I love spending time with my son - playing video games. He is old enough to appreciate it and young enough to still enjoy spending time with Mom.

2. My sister Sam, who is my buddy, my best friend and road trip compadre.

3. Road Trips!! I love a good road trip - and look forward to my second drive across the country this upcoming summer.

4. Boca Java coffee. I am a coffee snob ... and this coffee is soooooo incredibly good.

5. A roaring fire. I hate those electric fireplaces...and love a good old fashioned fire!

6. Painting. The world disappears when I paint...and if I could only paint the days away, I'd be in heaven.

7. A good book. Give me Patricia Cornwell, James Patterson some hot chocolate and a comfy pillow ... and I am set.

8. Lasagna. 'Nuff said.

9. Quiet. I love the quiet. No radio, no television ... I love the sound of nothingness.

10. Life. I try to live my life positively, and appreciate the little things. Every morning on my drive to work I thank God for just being alive.

My 3 picks are:

Ruby's Daughter Brenda - I find comfort in her art. It's classic, it's heritage - it speaks to me, always reminding me of my own family - the way she pays tribute to her own.

Get It Girl Style - I love that she delights in what makes her happy. It's infectious and in turn, makes me delight in what makes ME happy.

Artistic Accents By Darla - I have "known" Darla online for a very long time...when we both began our artful journey's with Onestroke. Like real life, we lose track...go our separate ways...so imagine my surprise years later, when I find her blog! Her delightful artwork is a joy to see.

Congratulations Gals!!

I is for Inspired

2010-01-11T15:49:00.000-08:00

After months of perusing blogs and you tube videos ... I had such a burst of creative energy this weekend, I began painting this brush box.

This box sat unpainted on my paint table for - no lie - about 4 years. I can't even remember where I bought it from ... I just fell in love with the piece. I have had my paint brushes in this box all along, and this weekend I decided to finally paint it.

I used 3 of my fav colors - 2 shades of green (leaf and teal) and the back of the piece is my fav shade of royal purple. Nothing really in mind, I took my chalk pencil and began to lightly sketch. This is what I have come up with so far.

I'm not finished - this is only 1 side - but I like it so far. Even my roses - which need a lot of work - I'm satisfied with for not having painted roses in almost a year.

I don't know what this box will look like by the time it's finally done ... but so far ... I'm inspired.

The EYE Has It

2010-01-06T18:45:00.000-08:00

Ever since I can remember, I've doodled an eye. Not 2 eyes ... just one eye. I have tons of doodles and sketches through the years - some as early as my pre-teens - with just one eye.

I'm sure if I looked up the meaning of one eye - I could easily find the meaning of it...LOL

Well tonight, I was playing around with the 2.5 x 3.5 canvas (ATC size), and as usual,, while talking on the phone - I sketched my one eye.

This time though, I decided to see if I could take it a little further than a pencil sketch...and I tried my best to add color, using Twinkling H20's.

I don't know what I'm going to do with the other side, which is blank. I used some metallic rub on colors to ad least one down the white of the canvas - but for now - it will stay as is.

...and yes, I know there are no lashes .. that is where I totally destroy the eye(s)...I need to work on the lashes. Any tips out there for eyelashes??

H is For ....

2010-01-05T14:45:00.001-08:00

... Hand Over Heart. I had something else totally in mind for "H"...but bored at work as usual, I doodled this on sticky pad. I didn't have any brown markers at work for the hand .... so I used the next best thing!!!!

I used eye shadow!!LOL

G is For Grape

2010-01-02T14:26:00.000-08:00

I am starting the New Year off with continuing Sandy's A to Z Challenge. This one is G is For Grape. I didn't have a plan in mind, just did the grapes first...then I decided to draw a boy hungry for those grapes. This sketch killed 2 birds with one stone, as I got to also work on my profile sketching, themes for boys continued, as well as the A to Z Challenge.

I used pencils for the skin-tone, and for the grapes - I used my fingers to add the color, using metallic rub ons. For the white highlights, I used Jo Sonja titanium on the tip of my finger..just dabbing here and there. The teeth and highlight of the boy's eye, I used a Sharpie paint pen, in white.

**I'd heard Sharpie was discontinuing these white paint pens - so of course I had to run and buy a box!!LOL

Working on Angels

2009-12-29T13:09:00.000-08:00

While trying to work out one of my sketches, I decided to work it out on a surface. I notice so many times when I am working out designs - its either in my journal, my sketchbook or on scrap pieces of paper...but never on the kaZILLION surfaces I have stocked away.

Different view:

What am I saving these pieces for?

Sooooo...I bit the bullet and tried putting the angel on the box. I used Jo Sonja texture paste on her wings, and though it is hard to tell from the photo - also on her hair. My son - my most honest critic - immediately touched the hair and wings...and said it was cool...awesome...and that I should keep it. (not paint over it)

So, here is the first of many angel designs - always a work in progress for me.

Merry Christmas All

2009-12-24T09:33:00.000-08:00

Here's wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. My only resolution for 2010 is to fully embrace my style of art...to try not to be discouraged when I hit a block - or look at others work and "wish" I was as good. My Christmas Angel is in the beginning stages, and I promise myself to "Just Paint" ...
and be happy with my own results.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

2009 Christmas Cards Using Print of Santa Sketch

2009-12-11T21:48:00.000-08:00

I have yet to make a scrapbook page - but boy, do I love making cards. These 4 cards will be what I'm sending out this year. I went for non-traditional colors, using Tiare's November 2009 Classy Pak Plush Kit.

The Santa, is from a sketch I did a couple of years ago. I printed off different sizes of the Santa face, and also tried sepia tones and green tones. I am VERY happy with the results.

Supplies:
Merry & Bright Collection
Nov. 09 Pak, Kit 3
3 12x12 Merry & Bright Patterned Papers
2 12x12 Chili Cardstock*
1 set Merry & Bright Die Cut Shapes and Phrases
1 yd Brown Ribbon

F is for Fuhgetaboutit

2009-12-10T18:48:00.000-08:00

I am happy with this one ... I used a combo of acrylics, some dauber ink sticks. It was messy.. but fun. I also used JW Undercover as a base this time, and the file folder did not buckle - but I couldn't use the watercolors..which was why I went with the acrylics and ink sticks.

E is For Ears ....

2009-12-09T17:00:00.001-08:00

For the life of me, I can't draw ears. I can't doodle them right, I can't paint them right...I can't do them....but I'll just keep at it.

C is For Cold....

2009-12-09T16:57:00.001-08:00

I seems I have been battling a cold forever. Dayquil, Nyquil, HALLS, Delsym and a little Albuterol if things are really hairy.

A to Z Sketch Challenge

2009-12-09T03:02:00.001-08:00

Okay ... I'm catching up ... with my quick A to Z sketches! I have to thank Sandy for putting this challenge out there, because it's a fun one - and its forcing me outside of my box. I find myself doing these quick little sketches at work, so I "force" myself not to THINK too hard about it ... just focus on something and sketch it!

I added color to all but my "C", which I misplaced ... but while looking for it, I decided to REALLY make this challenge useful for me, I'll do the rest of the alphabet on file folders. This way, I'll have a cute, quirky set of folders when it's all said and done, instead of putting these in a journal.

Now ... some will be plain...some will be more elaborate...I'm just REALLY trying to not over think these little diddies. LOL

D is For DAYQUIL - I did this at work while stuffy, achey and left with a nasty tast in my mouth. I colored with highlighters on my desk.

B is for BEDTIME - I think the commentary says it all.LOL

A is for Apple - I went back and colored this one with Twinkling H20 Luminares (LOVE these watercolors!)

The Color Of Christmas

2009-12-07T18:54:00.000-08:00

I am taking a break from coloring the last of my A to Z sketches, to post some funky Santa Bottles that I've been painting and putting around the house for the holidays. These are so much fun...and free handed using acrylic paints.

My Funky Santas

This tin bucket is one of my fav surfaces. You can hand them on the wall, let them stand alone on a table ... and use them for just about anything. This one, I call my Peace Bucket. I'm not quite finished - need to add some details, as its looking kind of plain ... but I think its a fun little piece.

Tip Toe-ing Along

2009-12-05T17:15:00.000-08:00

I finished this today...for now. I still don't like using all this color...I kinda like the whiteness of the page. maybe the problem is I sketch first??

Journaling, Doodling, Sketching My Heart's Content

2009-12-04T13:15:00.000-08:00

Ever since I was a little girl (in the seventies...EEEK) ... I doodled. Curly ques, little faces, eyes, flowers ... whatever struck my fancy. My Mother is an artist, and while she painted portraits - I scribbled away in my black and white composition books ... and now, in a world full of Zentangles ... I find myself smiling that something that I did absently as a child, teen and even today ... has been branded with a fancy schmancy name....Zentangles. In our house - it was called Doodling!LOL

Anyhow ... there is a ton of journaling, doodling and sketching going on...not just by me...but everywhere I look....and its fun!!

The Art For The Creative Mind Group, we're doing a journal self challenge after being inspired by Teesha Moore. Now, I get an instant creative block when I try to do someone else's style...so I have to slowly find my way...my inspiration.

Then...there's a cool blog Sketches, Messes 2nd time Around ... and she is doing an open ended doodling/sketching challenge of the alphabet. This one is FUN!...and I find myself thinking about these and doodling them at work. I still need to add color, and as soon as I do - I'll post them.

So pick up those pencils and pens and enjoy a little doodle!

Non Traditional Holiday Colors

2009-11-27T11:27:00.000-08:00

This is my experimentation using non traditional holiday colors. I normally experiment with ATCs - a nice small surface, quick to paint...and of course fun to trade.

For both ATCs, I used an Aqua Brush and H20 Twinkling Luminare watercolors. For embellishments, I used some sparkly crystals from my scrapbook stash.

Experimenting With Watercolor

2009-11-01T09:08:00.000-08:00

Hello All!! I apologize for the big lapse in posting. The summer went by so quickly .. and then work took over (lots of traveling)...and for the past 2.5 weeks I have been battling the flu. In between all that my creativity just seemed to fall off a cliff!!...but I've been slowly getting back in the swing of things...I did a free hand with watercolor called Lovely... and I also managed to work on the Boys Rule a bit more, my son giving me some input..LOL

I'm thinking about using Boys Rules, once it is finished, as a Birthday Invitation. My son will be 12 next year, and I have begun doing "all boy" parties - less drama!!! This year will most likely be arcade, movies and Pizza Hut with about 4-6 of my son's closest friends.

Boys Rule

2009-07-22T16:35:00.000-07:00

My son always paints with me ... he's very artistic - but has often commented that most everything I paint - is for GIRLS!!! Now, I've done things for boys...but I must admit that I paint lots of flowers ... lots of things that boys would frown upon.

Sooooo....the other night, as my son and I watched a movie - I took out my sketch pad and decided to draw something just for him. It wasn't too bad ... and he looked over and said.."HEY!!!...that's me!!"

I outlines the sketch with a black pigma pen...then just took out my Aqua brush and some H2O paint...and decided to wing it. I'm not finished yet...have no clue what I'll add...but this is what I have so far:

Welcome To Brown Sugar Baby Brushes!!!

2009-07-01T16:59:00.000-07:00

I realized that my other blog is really all about Paper Crafts...my new fixation....so this blog is totally devoted to my Brown Sugar Baby Brush creations. Instead of reposting items that I have in my albums and on Brown Sugar Babies Talk - I'll just keep moving forward here, with new creations.

Right now, I'm working on tins. I am doing these buckets freehand - and while I was planning on selling these on Etsy - I believe I've made a mess of things already.

These started out as Angel Tins for Christmas,but I messed up the wings and added daisies to try and hide the mess...and now...its in the ugly stage!!LOL

They are still looking plain...so I'm letting them sit while I work on the sister can, which I will post some time before the end of the week.