Day 30!!! (30 in 30 for 30)

"Margarita"  8x10  acrylic on canvas

available here

After a month of finished paintings every day, I need a drink!  Just kidding... for today's painting I am toasting all of my fellow AEDM creatives (and all of the people who have supported and encouraged us) as we celebrate day 30!  Congratulations - this one's for you!

Since I am going to "savour" this feeling of accomplishment, this painting also serves as my entry for this week's Illustration Friday challenge.

A lot of people have been asking me if I will continue in December.  Well as the expression goes, "No rest for the wicked."  I will be taking tomorrow to recover from my painting hangover, then it's right back to creating for me...

December will be my Sketchbook Project month (since it is still in pieces from changing the paper I have my work cut out for me).  It's okay though - as much as I love to paint, I really miss drawing.  Not quick, put your ideas to paper sketches (I've been doing that all along), but take your time, finish, shade, and possibly even color drawings.

Stay tuned...  December is going to be busy!

Day 29 (30 in 30 for 30)

"Snow Owl"  8x10  mixed media on canvas

available here

Last week my friend Nelly had an interesting post about a workshop she took with Flora Bowley.  Her post reminded me of this very cool video of Jesse Reno painting.

Today's painting is inspired by (and very loosely based on) their techniques.  I played with paint to create a background, then started covering up sections of it leaving my owl image behind.  I continued to work with more paint, prismacolor pencils, and a white gel pen.

It's hard to believe, but there is only one day left of AEDM... be sure to stop by the Creative Every Day blog to see what else was created for day 29!

Day 28 (30 in 30 for 30) and Sunday Sketches

"Cubed Owl"  8x10  acrylic on canvas

Today's painting was inspired by a couple of my fellow "Sunday Sketchers".  Last week Katerina created a cubist inspired painting and ever since then I've been itching to cut up one of my sketches and randomly rearrange the pieces...

The progression:  From sketch to finished painting

I was also inspired by Eva who has been creating a series of variations of a tree (she also draws a series of "girls with funny hats" that I absolutely adore).  Since Eva has done so well with her variations on a theme, I thought it might be fun to create another owl painting...  I am lovin' me some owls!

Be sure to stop by Sophia's blog to see more Sunday Sketches...

And check out the Creative Every Day blog to see more day 29 art!

Day 27 (30 in 30 for 30)

"Colorful Sisters"  8x10  acrylic on canvas

Today's painting was inspired by my sisters.  I have previously mentioned my very artistic sister Stevie... Today I would like to 'introduce' the youngest in my family, my sister Casey.  Casey is in high school - since I am the oldest and she is the youngest (of five) there is a big age difference!  When Casey sings it is like listening to an angel (and she also has the heart of an angel)!   I am truly blessed with two very unique, talented, fun, and silly sisters...

Three Silly Sisters  2000  (We've gotten bigger, but haven't necessarily "grown up"!)

One thing the three of us like to do together is go thrift store shopping - we love funky finds!  On our very first trip to the thrift store together we discovered three different owl necklaces sitting together in the jewelry case... One for each of us!  Now it has sort of become "our thing" and it is why owls have such a special meaning to me.

There are only a few days left of AEDM, so don't miss day 27 at the Creative Every Day blog!

Day 26 (30 in 30 for 30)

"Macrame Memories"  8x10  Mixed Media on Wood

Today's painting was inspired by... yesterday's painting!  I couldn't get the owl image that I "found" in yesterday's painting out of my head, so I decided to do a wood burning using it.

 

While creating today's painting, distant memories of macrame, latch hook kits, and avocado colored appliances came flooding back... Those memories had a definite influence on my color choices!

As I write this post there are currently 57,975 owl listings on etsy.  They are in paintings and prints, jewelry, clothing, journals, pillows, toys and more - I seem to be seeing owls everywhere!  The other day I saw the following button on my friend Jenny Blair's fabulous blog:

My Owl Barn is the go-to place for owl lovers and they are sharing the owl love by offering a free customizable and downloadable calendar filled with fantastic owl art created by some seriously talented artists!

I can see why owls are so popular right now... there is something very comforting about their familiar wide-eyed expressions.  I have a feeling today's owl isn't my last...

(Don't forget to stop by the Creative Every Day blog to see more day 26 art!)

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Thankful Owl"  8x10  mixed media on canvas

I have to be honest, for today's painting I had no plan...  I knew I wanted to use (what I consider to be) Thanksgiving colors, but other than that I decided to just let the art take me where it wanted to go.  I started by creating a warm layered background and eventually an owl emerged.  I decided to keep the owl fairly translucent because I liked how it was all blending together.

Tonight as I write this I feel full... Not just because I indulged in pumpkin and pecan pie, but because I feel so blessed.  I am filled with gratitude for my friends and family here at home and also for the new community of friends I have found online that feel like an extended family.

For my friends that are celebrating today, I hope you and yours are enjoying a wonderful holiday filled with lots of reasons to be thankful!

xo

Kristin

p.s.  Make sure to stop by the Creative Every Day blog between bites!

Day 24 (30 in 30 for 30)

"Sneaky"  8x10  acrylic on canvas

Today's painting was inspired by Illustration Friday's "Sneaky" theme.  It is also my contribution to this week's Whimsical Wednesday.

It has been quite a day!  Early this morning I went into my studio to prime my canvas for today's painting.  The lid was stuck so I did what I always do - I started banging it against the side of my art table.  Unfortunately, the lid wasn't as stuck as I originally thought... it went flying and my jug of gesso spilled and sprayed all over my art table and the surrounding area.  I should also explain that since I do a lot of painting I don't buy the small bottles of gesso, I buy economy sized jugs!  Oh what a mess!

As I cleaned it up I remembered the children's book by James Stevenson - "Could be Worse!".   It's all over the wood floor I lovingly refinished 2 years ago ("could be worse" - it could be carpet).  It's all over my pajama pants and in between my toes ("could be worse" - I could have been wearing a favorite pair of pants or my sock monkey slippers).  It's on my shelves and my blank sketchbook project pages ("could be worse" - it could have gotten on the cover that I already finished)... I'm sure you get the idea.  Even though it was reminiscent of a crime scene, remembering that it "could be worse" helped me get through the hour of clean-up!

Be sure to stop by the Creative Every Day blog to see more day 24 art!  

Day 23 (30 in 30 for 30)

"Holy Cow!"  8x10  acrylic on canvas

Yesterday while flipping through old sketchbook pages (looking for inspiration) I came across a drawing I had done a few years ago...

When I saw it I said, "Holy Cow!  That would be perfect for the Creative Tuesday theme: 'Heavenly'!" 

For today's painting I decided to revisit my old cow drawing and turn it into a bright acrylic painting.  Be sure to stop by Mr. Toast's blog to see what other "Heavenly" art was created!

It's day 23 of AEDM so be sure to stop by the Creative Every Day blog too!



Day 22 (30 in 30 for 30) and a Thank You!

"Head in the Clouds"  7 3/4x16  acrylic on wood

I've had the idea for today's painting kicking around in my head for quite some time.  At different times in my life I have been told that I have my "head in the clouds".  Although it wasn't meant as a compliment, I have come to realize that without my wild imaginings and crazy dreams I wouldn't have seen some of the amazing things I've seen or done some of the unbelievable things I've done.  This painting is a celebration of limitless possibility!

(My photo doesn't do this beautiful necklace justice!)

I am also very excited about the wonderful package I received in the mail today!  The very talented Suzanne of Blue Sand Studio had a giveaway of one of her beautiful handcrafted necklaces to celebrate her 100th post (Isn't that such a wonderfully generous thing to do?!?)  It turns out I was the winner - I am such a lucky lady!  I highly recommend a trip over to Blue Sand Studio's etsy shop - she has some fabulous creations... and with the holidays around the corner they would make great gifts!

Don't forget to stop by the Creative Every Day blog to see more of what day 22 has to offer! 

Day 21 (30 in 30 for 30) 2 Paintings and Sunday Sketches!

"Iron Inspired Circles"  8x10  mixed media on wood

"Iron Inspired Rectangles"  8x10  mixed media on wood

(Plaster drawn into while wet, primed with black gesso, and painted with acrylics.... They work well as a pair!)

Today's paintings were inspired by the iron pour I attended yesterday.  In addition to being inspired by a very creative sculpture studio, there was lots of inspiration to be found in the event itself...  circles and squares of glowing colors, gritty textures of iron and coke fuel, fire and smoke...

And since it's Sunday I have more to share...



My friends always have lots of fun drawings to share, so be sure to stop by Sophia's blog to have a look!

It's day 21 (wow, already?!?) of AEDM, so take a trip over to the Creative Every Day blog too!

I Interrupt My Regularly Scheduled Blog Post...

To share the super-cool-artsy-fartsy-fun day I had today!

Remember this little guy?!?

Today's artwork is not a painting...  It involved an all day process (9am until 9pm!) and was unlike anything I've ever done before!  (Even though it technically can't be considered part of my 30 in 30 for 30 project, I definitely wasn't slacking off!)

"Turkey Pour 2010"

I created today's sculptural relief piece at an iron pour my sister Stevie invited me to.  The iron pour was hosted by the sculpture department at my sister's college.  It was an all day event and I learned a lot.  (You tube has lots of iron pour videos if you're interested in learning more about them.)

Back to painting tomorrow (I'll be doing an extra to make up for today)...

It's day 20 of AEDM, so be sure to stop by the Creative Every Day blog to share in the fun!

Day 19 (30 in 30 for 30)

"Pinocchio"  8x10  acrylic on burned wood

For today's painting I decided to continue with another fairy tale theme.  Pinocchio seemed to lend itself to wood burning, and I thought it might be neat to let the wood show for his face, neck and long nose.

It's day 19 of AEDM over at the Creative Every Day blog, so be sure to stop by and see today's creations!

Day 17 and 18 (30 in 30 for 30)

"Frog Prince"  8x10  acrylic on canvas

I am happy to announce that yesterday's issues with blogger have been resolved - yay!  (Not only was I unable to upload photos, I couldn't do anything about font or font size... all I could do was type... aaargh!)

This is yesterday's painting.  It was inspired by Nutty's Drawing Lab challenge and was also my response to Whimsical Wednesday.

When I decided to create a frog prince I thought, "Great - I have just the stamp for that!"  I had cut some lips for my Hogs and Kisses piece back in August.  Well, when I went to look for my lips I couldn't find them anywhere.  (This 30 in 30 for 30 project is really taking it's toll on the organization of my studio!)  Since I had my heart set on using a stamp for the lips I decided to cut another one...

When Bob and I were dating he told me his father worked for a foam company.  He still laughs at my reaction... apparently I looked as if I had just won the lottery!  Well, as a girl who cuts her own stamps, I guess I kind of did!

"Grow Love"  9 13/16x10 5/16  mixed media on wood

Today's painting is another wood burning with gesso, acrylics, watercolor crayons and watercolor pencils.  You may have noticed the strange measurements of this painting... Bob is making new kitchen cabinet doors and this painting was created on one of the misfits.  If you look where the check pattern is, it actually has dimension because he had used a router to create grooves.

Because of it's strange dimensions, the whole painting does not fit in the scanner all at once so I photographed it.  I will be scanning it and piecing it together in photoshop, but that is a project for another day because it is a big night in the Dudish household - "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" is on tonight!

Thank you for your continued encouragement during this project!... Please be sure to stop by the Creative Every Day blog to see more day 18 art.

Day 17 (30 in 30 for 30)

Blogger has been giving me trouble (and still is)...
Please tune in tomorrow for 2 paintings

Day 16 (30 in 30 for 30)

"Poinsettia"  8x10  acrylic on canvas

available here

For today's painting I continued with the holiday theme, but in a more traditional style.

Be sure to check out more day 16 art at the Creative Every Day blog!

Day 15 (30 in 30 for 30) Burning Love!

"Burning Love"  8x10  Acrylic on Canvas

Burning Love

As things started to heat up, their love quickly went from raw sienna to burnt umber...

Isn't that always the case with a couple of crazy painted cookies in love?!? 

Today's painting was inspired by Illustration Friday's theme:  "Burning".

Do you remember my buffalo painting from day 11?  Well, the original buffalo sketches were created for my illustrated Buffalo Wing Dip recipe.  If you would like to see the larger version (and try the recipe - yum!) you can head over to They Draw and Cook because they posted it today.

I found out that my "Picasso Dog" was featured in dolphinlady's treasury today... cool.

Now that I've opened my etsy shop I am working hard to try and regain my balance (not that I was all that balanced before!)...  I would love to hear any tips you may have for how you manage your time to get things done!

And... Don't forget to check out Day 15 over at the Creative Every Day blog!

An Announcement, A New Painting, And Sunday Sketches!

I am very, very happy to announce that my etsy shop is now open!  All of the paintings above are listed for the fabulous $30 price!  (I replaced the unfixable day 3 painting with my "butter-fly" painting from this post!)  Be sure to stop by... I'd love to know what you think!  (If you aren't familiar with my 30 in 30 for 30 project, you can read more about it here.)

"Nutcracker"  8x10  acrylic on canvas

Today's painting was inspired by Eva's nutcracker suggestion.  All of this holiday painting is starting to get me in the spirit!

And last, but certainly not least, are this week's Sunday Sketches!

It has been such a busy weekend - I'm tired.

Please make sure you visit the Creative Every Day blog to find out how other artists spent their Sunday.

And, of course Sunday wouldn't be complete without a trip over to Sophia's blog to see my friends' Sunday Sketches!

I will be visiting blogs tomorrow... for now I'm off to bed!

Day 13 (30 in 30 for 30)

"Love at First Bite... er, um... Sight"  8x10  acrylic on canvas

I would like to start this post by saying thank you!  I appreciate all of you taking the time to visit my blog and leave such kind comments.  All of your encouraging words keep me motivated (and help me make it through trying days like yesterday)... Thank you all!

Today's painting is another holiday inspired creation... it combines two of my favorite things: art and cookies!

Be sure to stop by the Creative Every Day blog to see what other tasty morsels are being offered up for Day 13!

(Etsy update: the opening is near... very near!)

Day 12 (30 in 30 for 30)

"Ornaments" 8x10 mixed media on wood

This is actually the second painting I did today.  The first has a fresh coat of gesso on top...  I had a late start today, and when I finally did start painting it was a bit of a struggle.  After a while it became clear that my first painting was a hopeless case and that I would need to start fresh.  The only problem:  I had no back-up plan!  I didn't want to re-start my original sketch because I needed some distance from it.  So, at 7 o'clock tonight, I scrambled to come up with a new idea. 

The inspiration for this painting (and also the first one I did) was based on Debbie's request for a holiday theme.  I created it using the same method I used for my pear painting (with the addition of gold leaf).

Tune in tomorrow because I'm planning on giving today's original idea another try!  (I will also be giving an update on my etsy situation.)

And... See what the other participants in the AEDM challenge created for Day 12 over at the Creative Every Day blog!

Day 11 (30 in 30 for 30)

"Buffalo Wings" 8x10 acrylic on canvas

At the request of Jenny Stevning, today's painting revisits a familiar subject... a flying buffalo!

(There are still plenty of days left in November, so feel free to leave a comment or send me an email if there is something you would like to see me paint.)

Don't forget to stop by the Creative Every Day blog to check out more Day 11 art!

Day 10 (30 in 30 for 30): There's An Elephant in My Shower!

"Elephant Shower" 8x10 acrylic on wood

Today's painting was inspired by... yesterday's shower!

People often ask me where I get the ideas for my paintings.  The truth is... they come from all over. 

Sometimes the inspiration comes from words like "spent" or "afterward".  Sometimes the inspiration comes from a friend's challenge ("dog?!?").  Sometimes the inspiration comes from what is happening in my life at that very moment ("fire dog" and "birthday boy" are examples).  And sometimes the sources of my inspiration are a bit more... er, um... unusual.  Today's painting is a perfect example.

As the steam and water started to cling to my shower curtain liner yesterday I noticed an image starting to emerge...

Do you see it?

There was an elephant in my shower, so I did what anyone would do - I quickly toweled off and ran to get my camera!

A Palm Tree Too!

I love the colors that the blues and browns of my bathroom paired with the warm morning light created in the photos.  (I am planning on using that palette in the future.)  Since today also happens to be the start of Whimsical Wednesday, I wanted to paint with bright, fun, light-hearted colors.  Be sure to stop by The Quotidian Journal blog for a big ol' dose of whimsy!

Make sure you also pay a visit to the Creative Every Day blog to check out some Day 10 art! 

Day 9 (30 in 30 for 30)

"Little House" 8x10 mixed media on wood

Today's painting was inspired by the "Little House " theme over at Mr. Toast's blog.  I enjoyed creating my first snail so much, I thought this theme provided the perfect opportunity to play with woodburning, gesso, acrylics and caran d'ache watercolor crayons again! 

Speaking of caran d'ache watercolor crayons, I would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to the person who bought me my first set at FAO Schwartz 25 years ago... my mom!  I was blessed with a mother who encouraged and supported me through all of my artistic endeavours from the very first time I picked up a crayon.  She continues to be one of my biggest cheerleaders and I am so lucky to have a wonderful mom that I can also call a friend.  Thank you Mom!

It's Day 9 of Art Every Day Month, so be sure to stop by the Creative Every Day blog to see what other artists created!

Update:  I forgot to mention that the "Little House" theme is a Creative Tuesday challenge - if you'd like to play along you can find all of the rules here.

Day 8 (30 in 30 for 30)

"Afterward" 8x10 acrylic on canvas

I created today's painting with Illustration Friday's theme ("afterward") in mind.

It's Day 8 (wow - time is flying!) over at the Creative Every Day blog... Don't forget to stop by!

Day 7 (30 in 30 for 30) and Sunday Sketches

"Dog?!?" 8x10 acrylic on canvas

Today's painting was inspired by my friend Nutty's Drawing Lab Challenge.

Since I create a sketch the night before I start a painting, I have lots of sketches to share this week...

Be sure to stop by Sophia's blog to see more Sunday Sketches!

And, don't forget to visit the Creative Every Day blog to see what Day 7 has to offer!

Day 6 (30 in 30 for 30)

"Birthday Boy" 8x10 acrylic on canvas

I am feeling a little bit like the spent snail from the other day.  I managed to create this painting before leaving for a birthday party today, but now I am ready for my 3 year nap! (Hee Hee)

Thank goodness for Tam's free online course Art, Heart, and Healing... The start of this painting was looking quite creepy (I'll let you see the sketch tomorrow), but since I was watching Tam's video about whimsies while painting I was inspired to create a more lighthearted, childlike character.  (She is very inspiring.  I definitely recommend checking out her site!)

Are you curious how others fared on Day 6?  Stop by the Creative Every Day blog to find out!