Birds on the Brain

It's that time of year - I'm thinking Spring!

I hate to complain, but I have had it with all of this snow.  As a result, I have been forced to escape into my sketchbook.  The sweet sound of singing birds always reminds me of Spring, and once I get an idea...

I can't seem to let it go!

In this case it means birds, birds, and more birds!  I sketched some birds (traditionally, stylized, and left-handed) then wrote down some stream-of-consciousness bird ideas.  I have found that this method is a great way for me to come up with new ideas for projects.  (And if I'm ever looking for an idea in the future, a look back at this page could definitely spark something.)

I hope creative sparks are flying for all of you this weekend!

Today Is The Day!

You know that idea you've had kickin' around in your head for a while now?

Today is the day to give it wings and see where it flies.

Don't wait until tomorrow... Do it today.

Today is the tomorrow you dreamed about yesterday.

What are you waiting for?

Go get busy!

Anthropologie Inspired...

Before the holidays, I posted a photo of 3 paintings on my work desk.  Since they were a present and I didn't want to ruin any surprises I only showed a glimpse of the very beginning stages.

Now that the paintings have been gifted and are safely hanging in their new home, I thought it would be fun to show you what became of them...

This is a photo of my niece's bedding (from anthropologie) which was the inspiration for the paintings.

I created a patchwork of paint across the 3 canvases using colors and patterns inspired by the bedding.

I have a large collection of handmade stamps and stencils that I have cut over the years... perfect for creating "fabric".

It is always fun for me to see my paintings hanging in the space they call home!

"Bohemian Butterflies" is now available as a print in my etsy shop.

Opposites

I am

pencil lines on 120 lb paper... crayons and fingerpaints on a paper bag

traditionally rendered with careful details... stylized forms loosely drawn

black, white and shades of gray... bright, bold and beautiful colors

soft pastels and watercolor washes... expressive acrylics fearlessly splashed

I am layer upon layer in an ever-changing, ever-evolving collage

I am

still figuring it out.

Today's Sunday Sketch was inspired by February's "opposites" theme over at The Sketchbook Challenge blog.  Have you visited that blog yet?  So, so much inspiration - it's fantastic.

After I drew this self portrait, I discovered that this week's Illustration Friday theme is "layer".  Hmmm... that seems to fit too.  Don't you just love it when that happens?

Don't forget to stop by Sophia's blog to see what my friends have created this week!

OWOH Giveaway Winners!

This is so exciting - let's get right to it!

The 3 winners of the mini print on canvas with easel are...

#187 : Esme from Chocolate and Croissants!

#186: Pixiewinkle from My Cosmopolitan Diary!

#146: Electra from Wishin I Knew How to Blog!

Drumroll please...

The winner of the original One World One Heart Tribute Painting is...

#29: Jenny Blair from Love and Peas!

Congratulations to all of my winners (I'll be in touch) and a big thank you to all who entered - this was so much fun!

I would like to offer a special thanks to Lisa Swifka for taking on the monumental task of organizing this incredible event... I have 'met' some pretty amazing bloggers (and I still have loads more to visit)!

She has an exciting plan in the works for next year, so be sure to stop by A Whimsical Bohemian to find out the details.

Sunday Sketches: Valentine Edition

If you read my last post you know I've been on a heart quest.  While searching old sketchbook pages I came across this pair of hearts from a few years back.

This quote that I cut out of a magazine was on the same page.  (I'm including it simply because I like it and wanted to share it with you.)

To finish off this heart-full post I wanted to share some work in progress paintings.  (I was hoping they would be finished paintings, but sickness at the Dudish house has prevented it.)

Don't forget to stop by Sophia's blog to see what my friends have lovingly created this week.   And...

Have a Happy Valentines Day!

xo

Kristin

Looking for...

The wonderfully kind, talented, and inspiring Chrissy has been posting some fun and amazing "heart and seek" photos over on her cul*ti*vate blog.  I am totally loving these pictures and wanted to share some of my own.

In September I posted my first "heart" pic.  Here are a few more...

Every day I am greeted by this heart in the hardwood floor at the base of my stairs.  It is a wonderful daily reminder that a little bit of love is always nearby.

On Day 8 of Chrissy's "Heart and Seek" she posted some great sunny, sandy, beach heart pics.  It was great to experience some warmth through her photos, however these days I'm more familiar with hearts of the snowy variety!

I engraved this heart into a wall of snow.  There is always more than enough of the white stuff to play with...

I first saw a heart shaped snowball on Sophia's blog and it was love at first sight!  I nestled this little cutie in a beautiful handmade scarf by Tiffany.

As soon as the snow melts I will be heading out in search of some heart shaped rocks...  Until then this painted heart rock will have to do.

"In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities."

-Janos Arnay

Remembering Childhood Whimsy and A Coloring Page For You

In honor of Whimsical Wednesday (a day early), I have decided to pay tribute to an early creative influence.  As a child growing up in the 80's I drew along with Commander Mark on PBS.  In one episode Commander Mark drew a snake tied in a knot.  It was one of my mother's favorite drawings and recently I decided I wanted to recreate it for her.  I have scoured the internet looking for the original drawing but have not been able to find it.  This drawing was created from my memory of it.

Frequently when I do a drawing I scan the initial pencil sketch (before any shading or coloring) so I am able to print it out and play with different colors and patterns.  I had so much fun playing with this drawing I decided to create a coloring sheet so you can play too...

Simply click on the picture to open up a larger version of the image so you can print it.  There is lots of white space so I encourage you to color outside the lines and have fun!

What Did The Grape Say To The Elephant?

Nothing.  Grapes can't talk.

Ha! Ha!  I'm just having a little fun with this week's Sunday Sketches...

Last week it was bunnies, this week I've been studying elephants.  Ever since I found the elephant in my shower I've been itching to paint more elephants.  I've discovered that sketching a subject in different ways (traditional, left-handed, contours, etc.) really helps me get a feel for what I'm drawing - it helps me look closer and pay more attention to overall form as well as details.

This drawing started out as a one line elephant sketch, then I added some fun details as described by Carla Sonheim in her Oaxacan Dotted Elephant tutorial.

Carla's book is one of my very favorites!  (If you want a little taste of what's inside, you can visit her blog and check out her tutorials.)

While you're visiting blogs, be sure to stop by Sophia's to see what fun things my friends have been up to this week!

The Creation of a Painting...

If you would like a chance to win this original painting click here.

Sorry, this giveaway has ended.

I am also happy to announce that I have been named this week's Wizard of Whimsy over at the Whimsical Wednesday blog - such fun!