Sign #4 MR & MRS KEMPSON!

This board underwent many changes in the creative process. I did several sketches before beginning the illustration. I began by dressing the foxes with a tux and gown in a "wedding cake topper" pose. I thought they looked very unnatural, like humans with fox heads, because they were wearing to many clothes. So I began undressing them so that they could be free! I gave the groom a yellow tie (like the one Jordan will be wearing) and a veil and bouquet of flowers to the bride. I wanted to capture the fun and movement of "An Outing for Foxes" so these two are either running to the ceremony or running from it about to embark on a new life together :)

Creating these boards was so much fun! I am so thankful for the opportunity and I hope that the future Mr and Mrs Kempson are blessed by them.

Chalkboard #3 CEREMONY

I have never ever ever done a chalk board this way! I think it was because my friend Buffy was in the studio with me working on a watercolor, so I was thinking about watercolor. I have never fully drawn out a chalkboard before coloring it! I usually color, draw and create all at the same time. 

With watercolor I have to think and plan and have my drawing completed before I paint, so maybe that process just carried over. I also erased and resprayed this chalkboard 3 different times in the initial stages before I finally got it drawn out. Whew! It feels good to have it completed :) 

I lugged this board to Sara's studio in Des Moines and worked on coloring in the words and branches there. We had such a wonderful time of fellowship and creativeness! It was a busy day, so I didn't finish this board until I was at home and worked until 2am. I have had some late nights! I think this is my favorite one so far. Btw: These boards (RECEPTION and CEREMONY) are bigger than the WELCOME board and measure 19'' by 38''

Chalkboard #2 RECEPTION

"Reception" masked off.

In progress, creating as I go. I didn't plan this one out.

Animals enjoying lemonade, strawberry shortcake and pie at the reception.

Back to the ol' drawing board.

I have a new project to work on the next couple weeks, I am returning to the chalk board! Some friends in Indy commissioned me create a series of chalkboards for their wedding. I am excited about this project and am especially looking forward to the next 3 boards. The couple suggested that I portray them as animals after seeing an "Outing for Foxes"...as long as the bride isn't a turtle :) I am looking forward to putting my watercolor characters on a chalk board. 

Today I finished this 15'' by 34'' WELCOME board. Can you find the little welcoming snail? He is all dressed up and very excited to attend the wedding and enjoy the reception with all the other woodland creatures.

Please click on the image for detail

Caroling Woods

I am working on building up some seasonal pieces for the holidays. It is kinda funny thinking about snow, hot chocolate and caroling this time of year, but this painting felt like a breath of fresh air during some 100 degree days.

Recently my paintings have been split up into little tiny chunks of time, taking a couple days or weeks to complete. I started this drawing in July and brought it on vacation with me to finish at Lake Okoboji where I was staying with my husband's family. One day on the lake front one of Casey's Aunts asked me what I was painting. Sitting surrounded by cousins and family I thought in my head.... "well, its a painting of a cardinal, mouse, hedgehog, rabbit and squirrel Christmas Caroling.... that sounds really stupid...." so I just said out loud, "I am working on a Christmas scene." I was actually embarrassed by what I was painting because it sounds so silly! I have decided that in the future, when someone asks me what I am painting, that I will proudly say... "A frog playing a violin..." or whatever silly thing it might be.

I am really pleased by the sky! I have avoided painting sky, weather, or any sort of atmosphere until now. The swirling sky was the most challenging part of this piece! I compared this winter scene to my "Snow Cats" I painted in April and I am so excited to see so much improvement in color and composition! I think I am getting somewhere!

Little Red Riding Hood

Here is the cropped version of Little Red Riding Hood. My other methods for capturing the whole image did not work. I wish you could see all the lovely strawberries and the top of Grandma's house, but you get the idea :)