New experiments and ACEOs

I love the graphic effect of linocuts. The lines are very bold and I find the stark contrast of black and white as well as the interplay of negative and positive space to be most interesting. I also love it when the color element is added as the colors seem brighter and the work has this "comic book" effect to it. I am in the position where I do not have the facilities or equipment (inks, press, linoleum) to recreate this method any time soon. So I improvised and created the following piece.





On the back of the card, I affixed the queen of spades playing card. I've been meaning to use these for ACEOs for awhile now and thought my little experiment here would be the perfect compliment. This is called a gouache relief and the resemblance to a hand-painted lino is uncanny to say the least. It is a beautiful process, albeit time consuming. I wouldn't say it is for the perfectionist especially since the effects are somewhat unpredictable.

I completed the following ACEO also. I entitled it, "Just the Right Size II," after a piece I completed some time in 2007 with similar content. I also added these interesting jewels as embellishment plants on the piece, a bit of experimentation on my part.

Completed Commission

I have finally completed the commissioned doggies. They were really a joy to draw (as well as a challenge). I have entitled this piece, "All to the Dogs." It will have a home with its owner very soon. I wasn't able to scan the entire piece; the white doggies ear and part of my name was cut off in the scan. My fiance said the white dog was the feistiest as far as looks go. Indeed her owner said she was a little spitfire however also very sweet. I am rather pleased with the final results and I hope the owner is also.




I have also completed a kitty ACEO. It was completed in graphite and verithin prismacolor pencil on watercolor. It is entitled, "The Stare." It is one of many graphite pieces I am getting ready for the new year. I am also going to complete a few watercolor, gouache, and ink pieces (and a few doodles). Maybe a few oil pieces later in the year. I am going to be a bit busy and I am looking forward to it.

Commissioned Dogs

I was commissioned to draw some doggies by a former co-worker of mine. They are the cutest little miniature fluffy dogs (sorry their formal names escape me) I've seen in awhile. This piece measures 11 x 14 and I have used graphite, colored pencils, and archival proof ink to create this piece. It won't take me too much longer to complete it. It's mostly getting the drawing down and working on the value relationships and tonal range.

Mali Girl Completed, Maine Coons WIP

I have finally completed Mali Girl. I completed this for an event I have coming up in March. I'm rather pleased with the results. It was completed in gold acrylic, archival proof ink and watercolor on 140 lb Arches Watercolor paper. The original scan I had brightened a little bit because it scanned really dim. I then glazed over the original in a reddish tone to brighten the face. This scan is unaltered.

I am still working on the Maine Coon kittens. Eventually I will get them completed :-). These are graphite on 140 lb Strathmore paper (I think it responds to the graphite better than the Arches). I am still working on some commissioned work. I will post that as soon as I am at a sufficient stopping point.

Playing around

This is just a sketch I did playing around with my wacom and photoshop. I made a baby girl note/greeting card with envelope and thought something was missing...

Two ACEO kitties

I completed these over a week ago. I haven't really been working on anything besides a commission of a few doggies and the maine coon kitties. When I get to a good stopping point I'll post the progress of those. I try to stagger my time as best I can around my schedule. I will have these up for auctions probably sometime tomorrow or Wednesday.

Sleeping Beauty


Christmas Stocking Stuffer

I did one similar to this last year called Christmas Sweetie. It will probably be the only Christmas themed work that I do (however don't quote me on that). I will attempt to update in a few days.

New Kitty ACEOs

I have two new kitty ACEOs. "Watchful" was completed a little over a week and a half ago and I just did "Casual Hunter" yesterday. These are going up for auction tonight. I am in the process of working on a Christmas Kitty similar to one I did last year...I started that yesterday also. The Maine Coon kittens are almost finished and I am about to start on a commission of four puppy dogs...I have two weeks to get them finished so I am about to get on the ball. Here are the kitties:

Watchful, watercolor and ballpoint ink


Casual Hunter, watercolor, koh-i-noor nexus ink pens, graphite