Note Cards

Have you heard of Etsy? Quite a few people mention that I should open up an Etsy store. I think I will. A friend suggested that I put my artwork onto a note card. I like how they turn out. She also order my first box of cards. How cool is that?!

CAT FRIDAY: Cats + art = an awesome First Cat Friday

CAT FRIDAY: Cats + art = an awesome First Cat Friday

Last Friday my cat was featured on the INLANDER . Okay I was in it, too. It went coincide with my Cat Art Show.

Art Show

For the month of August 2014, I would be showing at Pottery Place Plus in downtown Spokane.
If you like cat art or something whimsical, come and see my work!

Art Prints

Before my art show there were a lot of preparation that were involved. I had my artwork professionally scanned and printed on archival fine art watercolor paper. The printer did a wonderful job. It's expensive but I think the quality is worth it. The fine art prints really shows the depth and color of my original painting well versus if I get it printed at a copier place. At the copier place (like Kinkos) the color is not brilliant (like the original) and comes out flat and dull. Besides I don't think it's really a great way to print your artwork or show off your artwork with a copy machine.

Then I wrote a short artist comment for each piece. I matted, labeled, and package them in cello bags. It was more work than I realized. I didn't get much sleep before the show.

Commissioned Work

It's always exciting to get a commissioned work but it's actually hard to do. You don't have the flexibility to do as you pleased. For instance, this client wants his son's favorite stuffed animal to be included into my illustration. I find that difficult since I don't have a connection to the subject matter (to conjure up a story or pun). Then it occurred to me that I can always treat it like a pet portrait. So here it it. "Pet Portrait" for a boy and his favorite stuffed animal.

Come and Play with Us

Inspired by the old classic horror movie "The Shining". I could never finish watching this movie because it's so creepy.

Sketching Simplified

As the weather gets better, it gets harder to stay indoor and paint. I couldn't resist the urge to go outside and try plein air.

1.) I discover I need to to get a better sketch pad......at least one that's suitable for watercolor. I only got one dab of blue on the paper. The paper doesn't soak up the paint.

2.) Need to sketch FAST! That means no details and simplify everything. Believe me that sketch was simplified (for me) but I still need to simplified a lot more.

3.) Bring a folding chair, water, and wear your hat....and try to stay in the shade.

4.) Pack light. Pen and pencil and drawing pad is all you need if you are only sketching.

5.) Bring a camera to take pictures, if you plan to finish the painting at home.

I know it sounds basic but sometimes I forget and not done one of the things that I've listed. Ugh!