Western Mini update~

Still not sure what I will call this drawing but until then, "Western Mini" will do.

This time I decided to add the old fence in the background. Hopefully to add some more interest but at the same time not making the drawing too busy.

Artistic Expressions -~~

An International Collection of ArtPress Release from 1stangel.co.uk.

On the 1st of June 2008 a new book will be on sale in the marketplace.

'Artistic Expressions' is the first book from the celebrated series '1stAngel Interviews' and contains art and photographs from new talent.

The artists include, multiple award winner "Edward Kinnally" and "Zeitgeist Gallery exhibitor tonyp".

Artists and Photographers in the book are ~~~~

The Blue Queen

Peter M Ridge

Rich Collins Photography

KCDesigns

Priscilla Turner

Aloramyst

Baiko

Art By Kinnally

Cathy Jones

Ink & Brush Creations

Sarah Lynch

Margarita Clewitttonyp

Elizabeth Edwards

The book has been printed by Blurb (www.blurb.com) and can be found online at

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/256861

Next Project~

Now that I have finished the Kitten & Books painting, I decided to do a graphite. This will be part of my," Miniature Horse Graphite collection" and will be doing a WIP as I go along. Here is what I have done so far.

I start out with a line drawing so I can keep my barings.

Then I start from the left and work my way over. This way I do not smear the Graphite.

Couple more Flower Studies~

Spring is finally in full swing on my NW Farm. So I could not pass up the opportunity to take some more flower photos.
Always need to practice.

Equine portait study~

This afternoon I decided to do some head study shots of my Grey Icelandic mare. Played with different angles and perspectives. The day was cloudy but bright. The bridle she has on is a Bitless made by Lodgerope. Photos were taken with my Evolt 510 camera.

My first Interview ~

My first interview is with the well known, " 1st Angel & Friends", Interview with an Artist.

If you are interested, please check out my interview and 1st Angels wonderful site for up and coming Artists.

http://1stangel.co.uk/art/interview-artist/shari-nees

~ ~A Big Thank you to 1st Angel & Friends! ~ ~

Nearly Finished~ The Kitten and Books~

I am just putting the finishing touches on my Kitten & Book, pen & ink with watercolor wash painting. Will have it up in the online shops by next week. It will only be offered at Image Kind and Red Bubble at this time.
Will also be offering signed limited edition prints, if interested please email me for more information.

The Lastest in Spring Flowers~

I finally managed to take three more flower photographs, that I think are worthy of my Flower Stamp Collection series. They are all flowers I have here on my NW Oregon Farm.

Placed 3rd ~

~I decided to enter a Contest for a gift certificate from Dr Foster & Smith pet products with one of my kitten photographs. I was one of the third place winners and very happy with that.

Contest is open to all and I have to say, their Pet food is the best I have found. And No, I am not being paid for saying so.

So if anyone is also interested in entering the contest, Please check out this link.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/general.cfm?gid=713

Kitten and Book update~

I figured I was far enough along to post another update. Right now I am working on another layer of ink on the fur. Filling in and fluffing up a bit more. After I have finished this, another layer of color will go on top of the many already done and then one final layer of Ink.
I have been mostly been working on the body. Still need to work on her face. Which is clear to see.
Close up of the eyes. Is hard to see but I used Metalic watercolor pencil to add some more interest and shine to her eyes.

Close up of some of her fur and the start of one of the books pages.
Once I have all the base coats of inked fur..I will fine tune and refine.

1st Angel Interviews with Artists~

Are you interested in finding a good Artist? Want to learn more about the different mediums of Art?

1st Angel Designs is a great web site to check out.
http://1stangel.co.uk/art/

Spring at the Japanese Garden~

On Mother's day I went to the," Japanese Garden in Portland Oregon", very early in the morning before they are open to the main public.
The natural light was much softer and better for photographs.
Also gave me a chance to pratice with my Camera, finding out what it can and can't do. Along with beautiful photos, I am also getting ideas for future paintings.
So without further ta-du............

If you would like to see the rest of the collection as I get them up, please go to....

http://inkandbrushcreations.imagekind.com/

I will also be offering these photos at Red Bubble and Cafe Press.

Where I create ~

~~Had to add one more picture.... & One of these days I will figure out how to move the pictures around on the Blog Dashboard.
Here is the Desk..set up with my latest painting,,using my Evolt 510 camera. What a difference. ;O) ..........................
New Desk is just wonderful, perfect height, Chair is very comfortable and the lamp works wonders on those cloudy days.

~~~Finally, after months of waiting for my DH to put my Art desk together...it is finally done. I now have a place to call my own in the house to paint as I will. This is the new desk and a photo of my view. Rather inspiring view at that.

Why I do Graphite Drawings~

Someone asked me why I did Graphite Drawings..since no one seems interested in Black and white drawings or paintings.
Had to think about it a bit. I guess I draw for a couple of reasons. The challenge is to me, unlike painting with color...it is much harder to the the proper shading in a Graphite drawing. And I just like drawing sometimes as a change.
I do know most people have no interest in Black & White Drawings, no matter how well done. Though I hope there are some folks out there that do.
Have been doing a Series of Miniature horse & Human Graphite drawings. The ones below, plus the WIP I showed in one of my earlier entries.
The Drawings are of simple everyday interaction between people and their pets.

They are being offered on items such as Stamps and Mugs to fine Art prints.

Graphite Artist's How to~

For anyone interested in doing your best possible Graphite drawing, please check out Mike Sibley's outstanding web site.
Not only does he have a lot of great tips online, he also sells a "Must Have" Art book, which I highly recommend.

http://www.sibleyfineart.com/