Derek's small portrait

watercolor, artcard, 2.5"x3.5" ($50 USD)

I am trying portraits again despite my fear of them ... yes, I said fear. People are super challenging to me and I apologize to Derek for making him look cross eyed and giving him a small mouth. Sorry dude, I couldn't help it. I still dunno what I did and I will have to stare at this for a long time to figure it out. Anyone have suggestions? I wish seeing proportions came naturally to me and could whip out accurate portraits like France or Mellanie. But I guess wishing isn't going to help so I've decided to get back on the horse and try a few. More portraits (and of course more bunnies) are forthcoming!

BTW, thank you Derek for your permission to use your reference photo. :)

Illustration Friday: Swarm

watercolor, 2.5"x3.5" (SOLD)

My first thought for this week's Illustration Friday challenge was bees, as I'm sure a lot of folks do when they think of a swarm. Then I wondered, hmm, I wonder what a "swarm" of rabbits would look like. Terrifying, absolutely terrifying!

Hmmm, does anyone know what a group of rabbits is called?

Road walk

pen & watercolor, 2.5"x3.5"

(SOLD)

While driving home, I saw this fellow walking along the road. It was such a peaceful time of day that I tried to capture the image in my brain so I could draw it later on. Suffice it to say, it was a difficult job. But this is what I remember.

Illustration Friday: Layer

watercolor

Small kid time, nothing beat Aunty Kay's 7-layer jello (well, her potato mac salad was pretty killer too). It was the coveted treat at Thanksgiving and New Years dinners and we'd peel off each layer, one at a time, savoring each delectable almond-flavored layer. To a kid with big eyes, the layered jello was like a giant coveted prize and we couldn't wait to dig in, especially when no one was looking! I took some liberties with the size of the piece but to a kid, this piece is the *perfect* size! LOL

Norfolk Parish Church

pen & watercolor, 2.5"x3.5"

I belong to a great Flickr group called "Artists Showing Photo References" where members post reference pics and arty folks interpret that into whatever art form they choose. I found this reference photo of Norfolk Parish Church (England) that Sigrid Frensen posted and this is my interpretation. The overcast English weather just does not process in this brain of mine so I Hawaiianized it. LOL That's just the way I see things!

BTW, Sigs happens to be an incredible botanical and all-around artist so I encourage you to check her website out. It's a pleasure.

Kilauea Iki

pen & watercolor, 2.3"x3.5" (SOLD)

Kilauea Iki Trail in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is by far, my favorite hike! Being able to hike through the crater where there once were 1,900 ft high lava fountains is an absolute treat!

Joyful hero on Valentine's Day

transparent watercolor, 2.5"x3.5"

Ever meet someone that you instantly like? I met this fellow while visiting Hana Fresh on Maui and if you see him, you will know what I mean. He's the easy-going, soft-spoken guy that smiles a lot and exudes joyfulness. You see, Sam is with a non-profit group that helps to feed his rural community healthful foods through their vast organic garden. He spends his day in the sun and knows what hard work is. If you're ever driving through Hana, please visit their Farmer's Market and support a great cause. So in honor of Valentine's Day, I'd like to honor Sam, a man whose love for his community challenges him to do great things.

I felt it very appropriate to paint Sam for my Everyday Matters Challengs #254: Something that represents joy. :) I love when we get to meet our heroes. I hope this watercolor does him justice.

Purple goat

transparent watercolor, 2.5"x3.5" ($20 USD)

A purple goat? Not really. :D

This is also my entry for Everyday Matters Challenge #309: Something with more than 2 legs.

Illustration Friday: Sweater

pen & transparent watercolor, 2.5"x3.5"

I just think a sweater on a little chickie is awfully cute!

Mauna Kea and `io

pen & watercolor, 2.5"x3.5"

While my sister-in-law and I were picking liko for Christmas wreaths this past December, we were treated to a gorgeous view of Mauna Kea with its white snow cap and a majestic `io (Hawaiian hawk) circling overhead. Hawai`i no ka `oi!

All smiles

pen & watercolor, artcard, 2.5"x3.5"

G'night Teddy

pen & watercolor, artcard, 2.5"x3.5"

Ball of white fur

pen & watercolor, artcard, 2.5"x3.5" (NFS)

Another drawing of little Layla when she was just a tiny ball of white fur. BTW, I am really enjoying making these tiny artcards!

Everyday Matters #266: Something I cherish

pen & watercolor, artcard, 2.5"x3.5"

Her name is Kanoe. She looks like a pile of rags and sometimes smells like one, but I cherish her. I love her.