painting in progress: butterfly fairy

This painting has taken a few twists in turns in color and I am loving where it is now! Click here to see where I began. I changed the color of the hibiscus flowers so many times that I decided to email my lovely customer Noami and asked her what she would prefer the color be. She leaned more towards red and yellow and I couldn't have been happier.

So, I began adding yellow and red back to the pink white flowers of the earlier version.
Photo taken with garage light only so the colors are a bit dull here, sorry.

Here's a better picture and a great burst of color! The flowers are now red, yellow and orange and with this session I spent some time working on the butterfly wing details.

This past weekend I pumped up the colors and depth of the flowers with oil pastels, added in some white details. The blue background lost some of it's milky whiteness and instead I laid down bright blue. I added more detail to the butterfly wings and you can see the beginning of 3 small butterflies in the distance.

The colors overall are now vibrant and full of life. I love that! The three butterflies in the distance were added at Noami's request and I think they are add a wonderful new depth to the painting. I need to finish those little butterflies and this beauty will be ready to go to it's new home. I hope to be sharing a completed piece with you all next week!

painting in progress: butterfly fairy

At the RAW artist showcase I met an amazing woman who enjoyed my work and commissioned me to create a custom piece for her. She requested a butterfly fairy and hibiscus flowers. I have been working on her painting for a few of weeks and wanted to share my progress so far.

Where I began ...

Shortened butterfly wings, added fairy and details on the flower.

Added butterfly wing details, created more voluptuous fairy,

added a second hibiscus flower with leaves and stems. 

It's funny to see how many times I have changed the color of the flower and I know that the color will change a few more times before I'm finished.

I have to say some of my favorite work have been commissioned pieces. I enjoy the challenge of something new and working with a client to create something they will cherish. That is true for my design, jewelry and painting work.

painting in progress: sanctuary

 

This painting came out of nowhere. I nave nicknamed this my cheerleader piece because as I am getting ready for the RAW Stimulus Art Exhibit on March 1st, this painting just called out to be made and the words of encouragement had to be said. The idea came together fast and the process felt wonderful. I'll share more details about the piece in another post. Today, I wanted to show this painting in progress over a weeks time. 

 

 

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RAW Stimulus Art Exhibit Details:

Thursday, March 1, 2012 @ 8:00PM
Martini Ranch | 7295 E. Stetson Drive | Scottsdale, AZ 85251
21+ event. Fashionable attire. Tickets are $10 presale.
Please buy tickets from this link in support of me:
http://www.rawartists.org/view-artists/userprofile/CreativeStash

a creative outburst and exciting news!

The universe really does listen, especially when you are putting what you really want "out there" for it to hear. Two days ago I was contacted by an artist organization that holds grassroots showcase events in cities across the country. They found me through Etsy. After submitting an application and talking to someone last night, I was invited to be part of their event held on March 1st. I do not have all the details yet but, I will be sure to share them when I do.

I am beyond excited and honestly a little terrified. This will be the first time I put my artwork up for judgement in a public arena face to face and that's more then a little scary. My mind was racing ... what will my setup look like, what kind of promotional materials should I have, will I be able to talk about my art in an articulate way, but mostly, am I be good enough? That's fear and doubt right there. And that had me jumpy all evening, totally unable to sit still. So after pacing around the house, talking a few loved ones ears off and putting the boys to bed I headed into my studio and painted. I figured the best way to channel my energy in a meaningful way was to have a creative outburst!

Two hours later I am at the finish line with my willow painting, I added some touches to a small feather painting in progress and I laid the groundwork for 2 new paintings! Both of which came directly from my sketchbook. The sketch on the left with the yellow background I did 3 years ago and knew that I would turn into a painting someday. It will have a bit of a whimsical touch when I am done with it.

Note to self - You must sketch more, you never know what those sketches may turn into!

painting in progress: willow tree

It's amazing to see where this painting started and where it is now. It has gone through a few transformations. I am really close to finishing it, yay! The colors pop and I really like that, however I kind of miss the loose feeling of some of the earlier stages so, maybe I can bring that back in a bit. Not sure. I flip back and forth between loosening up and being detailed. I'll have to listen to how this picture speaks to me as I continue working ...

painting in progress: willow tree

I worked on this over the weekend and oh my, how it's changing. I cleaned up the older branches from the previous drawing that weren't working for me, I did some paint dripping techniques on the background for fun and started removing the tire swing. I'm kind of sad to see the tire swing go since it really is a lovely memory but, it was looking and feeling like an afterthought on the piece. I had lots of magical fun with my grandparents willow tree outside of the tire so, it still means a lot to me even without the swing. I am going to think it over some more as I continue on this piece. I am loving the overall sweeping feeling of the tree now though. To be continued ...

painting in progress: willow tree and tire swing

I started this painting back in May and have left it unfinished since. I usually don't let paintings sit undone for that long. I love the subject matter and story but, the picture wasn't quite matching up to what I had in my mind. (If you want to read about the story in my original post, click here.) When we moved in Oct I packed up my canvas and easel and ever since I have been working on smaller artwork. I recently set up my easel, put the unfinished painting below on it and let it sit there for a few days.

Having a fresh look I noticed that the slope of the branches wasn't right and that I needed branches cascading forward. The painting sat there for a couple more days. Then, last night around 9pm I was reading blogs and came across this post by Deborah Velásquez. It was just what I needed, thanks Deborah! I love Virginia Lee Burton's book The Little House. I adore the story and admire her beautiful illustrations. I hadn't seen much of her other work though and I learned so much from Deborah Velásquez post. Her tree illustrations are truly lovely. The minute I saw her trees I jumped of the couch, asked my husband to call me in 30 minutes and I painted. It was an exhilarating 30 minutes, one in which I felt an overwhelming sense of calm and guidance that I was tapping into the true magic of my memory of my grandparents willow tree and tire swing. Then, when I came back inside the house I heard the theme song to M*A*S*H, a show my husband rarely watches and one that was my grandfather's favorite. A show he had to watch while he visited us. Even when he fell fast asleep on our recliner we were not allowed to turn it off, despite many protests from me and my sisters. He passed away when I was in elementary school and I have always associated M*A*S*H with him. Thanks for the hello grandpa.

art every day month: day 21

Alphabet Bunting

Art Every Day Month at Creative Every Day.

I started work this weekend on a made to order piece based on my alphabet bunting painting. I am turning up the brightness and changing the colors of the flags to match a little girls room.

As I was worked on this I thought about nicely this could turn into a cute personalized painting in your chosen colors with a child's name, family tree, husband and wife or simply a short saying. If you are interested in a personalized painting for a gift this holiday please contact me via email to discuss, krisfagan (at) cox (dot) net. I would be delighted to work on a cherished piece for you!

To view the posts of other AEDM members for Day 21 click here.

art every day month: day 14

Mandala Painting in Progress

Art Every Day Month at Creative Every Day.

To view the posts of other AEDM members for Day 14 click here.

painting in progress, weeping willow

This is where I left off on my weeping willow painting in June of 2009.  I have had this hanging in my kitchen along with my dandelion and fireflies paintings but, it never felt finished.  Now that my shiny new studio space is back in action I revisited this piece.  Here is where I am at now...

I think the lack of flora bugged me so I took inspiration from my 4 yo son.  On a walk around our block recently he said "those flowers look like popcorn!" - I loved it so much I knew popcorn flowers would end up somewhere in my artwork.   Kids say the cutest things!

painting in progress, tree of life

 

This painting is LONG overdue and it feels so nice to finally be working on it.  My husband and I made a cast of my belly bump when I was 8 months pregnant with my now 6 year old son Ethan.  I always knew I wanted to paint it but, it is such an important piece of art to me that I was afraid to start it. Unclear of what I wanted to create I hung the plain plaster cast our wall for 6 years.

In 2010, I completed my belly bump painting of my second son, Hudson who is now 4 years old.  After finishing Hudson's painting, Ethan was a little sad that his belly bump art had yet to be painted and I knew that it was time to give it some thought.  I wanted something that represented life, and I love trees and tree art so, the tree of life symbol just felt right.  I finally started working on the painting today.  I was a little fearful getting started (that really is the hardest part isn't it?) but, once I got going the painting flowed and this is where I left off after today's painting session ...

Have you commemorated something special in your life through your art? If so, I'd love to hear about it, feel free to add a link to it on your blog or website too!

painting in progress: scooby

 Scooby 7-11-2010

Remember Scooby?  I have been working on this painting since the end of February.  Back in May I removed his front legs due to placement and then I stalled.  Click here to see the last update on my blog. I was unsure of how to get his front legs right so, I ended up letting the painting sit for over a month because I was afraid to mess it up.  Finally, I mustered up the confidence to go for it.  I mean, I couldn't just leave Scoobs without legs, now could I?

painting in progress: scooby

Scooby 5-9-2010

I ended up removing his front legs during this session. I was having a hard time getting them right so, I decided it was best to clear the canvas and start fresh. I think I may need to position them back a bit further then I did originally. Hopefully it comes together.

Here is my little artist who joined me during this painting session.

painting in progress, scooby

Scooby, 5-2-2010

I finally got out into the studio today for some painting! It had been almost 2 months, waaay too long. Here is the progress of my first ever pet portrait. I still have a ways to go but, it's coming along nicely, I think. Both kids joined me for some painting today too. :D

painting in progress, scooby

Scooby 3-5-10

Hudson joined me for a few minutes during this painting session :)

painting in progress, scooby

Underpainting 2-27-10

I am working on my first pet portrait of my long time and close friend's dog, Scooby. I'm a little apprehensive about capturing and portraying Scooby. I have never attempted something as personal as a portrait but, I welcome the challenge to try something new. It's pretty cute seeing Scooby's picture everyday, taped to my easel.

When I recently read about underpainting I knew I wanted to try this technique on Scooby's painting. Again something I've never done. I have to say, it was really helpful to start with one neutral color to define the layout and work out any kinks!

creative every day: body

Working with the monthly theme body is officially over for Creative Every Day. But, I am still finishing up my body painting. I had some heavy feelings to work out the other night so, I took it out on my canvas. I'm really happy with the textured raw feeling this painting now has.

As you know, my pregnancy profile body shadow was the starting point for this piece of art. The outline was drawn by me in 2006 when I was 8 months pregnant with Hudson. I decided to base this piece on the moon, la Luna. Hudson has always held a special place in his heart for the moon so, it just felt right.

I'm not sure if it's done yet. I think there needs to be a little green added around the moon and I am thinking I want to add a little something in the background but, it's getting pretty close.

To see what others have been working on for the body theme, just click here.

creative every day: body

I’m heading into the final week of working with the body theme for Creative Every Day. I have been slowly working on this body painting (which is still in progress). My pregnancy profile body shadow is the starting point for this piece of art. The outline was drawn by me in 2006 when I was 8 months preggo with Hudson. To see what others have been working on for the body theme, just click here.

creative every day: body

I have been working on my project for the Creative Every Day Challenge. The (totally optional) theme for January is Body. This was a perfect theme for me to start on. Three and a half years ago when I was 8 months pregnant with Hudson I drew a shadow of my baby bump profile onto a canvas. Since our move almost 3 years ago it has packed away in our garage. It's still in our garage but, now it's sitting on my easel in progress instead of stored away in a box.

painting in progress, weeping willow

Whoa. Looking back at the first post for this painting in progress, it is way different now. In the end, I believe the changes will be for the best but, right now it looks like I have a lot of work left to do. I think overall the feeling of the tree and leaves is much more reminiscent of a weeping willow now but, I miss the depth in colors in the last design. I need to gain that back by adding deeper blues and some yellows.