new work! owls this week, and a sweet pup magnet

this week I decided to work with owl symbolism.  I usually dont check to see what each animal's symbolism is before painting, and this was no exception.  I did want to add a different collage element instead of my usual washi tape.  this time I used pieces of map, and I love the effect it had on the piece.  I might have made a shout-out to friends and family nearby to look for old maps from their travels that they might like an artist to recycle for them.  saves them the trouble of hoarding them themselves, and gives the maps a brand new life, right?

the beggars bounty

here are process shots of my owl;

 first layers of light and dark shades 

on the collaged canvas

 more layers, 

getting some sunlight colors onto the feathers

 more detail work

finishing touches still needed

this is called 

"Silent Flight"

5x5

canvas board

$25 

(plus tax and shipping, where applicable)

"Owl might mean a change in life at this time.  Take owl's ability of clear sight to help you see the right course during this change.  Look for patterns and signs in life to help you.  Owl is a guide to help you see through the veil of illusion. Call on owl when facing a decision."

I dont have any progress shots of this sweet pup.  when he decided to come, he was a "quick" one.  I was in the zone with him, thats for sure.  this time I used no collage at all, but I added graphite scribbles to outline the pup and to add shading in certain areas.  I love how loose this piece is!

those eyes make me melt!

"Those Pitbull Eyes"

2.5x2.5"

magnet  

 10% of each magnet sold goes to North Quabbin Animal Control

$15

(plus tax and shipping, where applicable)

"The pitbull totem may seem scary at first, but he is a loyal family member who keeps to himself and is sensitive to his surroundings.  He is emotional and has an abundance of inner conflict.  When you get close enough to know them you see their silly side that just wants to be loved as they are."

my stepmom came over Tuesday to visit and pick up a painting she had bought for my nephews nursery, and we went out to lunch in a nearby restaurant.  it was nice visit but after sitting at a table for lunch my back was done for the day.  

on wednesday I had motivation to get back to painting but the pain was still pretty bad.  I sketched out an owl and another dog magnet and then rested as I let the spray fixative dry, waiting for motivation and hoping the pain would subside so I could get back to work.  

there is absolutely no pressure from anyone but myself to work on difficult days.  I know my health sometimes means a day or two (or a month) free from doing anything unnecessary, but now that my artwork is in an actual brick-and-mortar store I feel I need to buckle down more and treat my art more like a 9-5 J.O.B.  and since I dont, in actually, paint from sun-up to sun-down I already feel lesser than other artists I see who are constantly showing their new work, saying they were painting late into the night.  I already have these inner voices yelling at me, this imposter syndrome is full force, so telling myself to take a break just makes them yell louder and more obnoxious insults to me.  

anyway, heres where wednesday morning stood;

and I was able to do a few more layers to the owl in the morning;

doing feather work

and concentrating on the eyes

I enlarged the eyes a bit, as well

what I've been doing to get these itty-bitty details just the way I want them (or as close as I can before giving up in frustration) is I take a photo, mail it to my computer, and enlarge areas as big as I can, to see how it's going to look on a tote or something.  then I go back and make tweaks, crossing my fingers and squinting my eyes, usually painting blindly as my brush and hand get in the way, and take another photo.

here's one of the owls eyes, and enlarged as far as I could;

yep, that works for me!

I was able to finish this owl on Wednesday night with some subtle gold highlights that are hard to photograph;

"The Visioning"

5x5

canvas board

$25 

(plus tax and shipping, where applicable)

"Owl represents the inner wisdom of your soul and also may represent an upcoming change in your life.  Creating a vision board might be a good way of fostering what you wish, and to see how the life choices you make now play into the future you desire.  Call on Owl to help you chart these courses and to see any potential obstacles.  You have the answers within."

while sweetie was scanning this for uploads to the online stores he decided to keep going and was able to get it right up!  

"The Visioning" in redbubble;

*click on the title of each painting that will bring you to all the items for the painting.   enjoy browsing!

shown on a travel mug

shown on a unisex tee shirt

"The Visioning" in society6;

*click link to go to art print- then scroll to bottom of page to find other items with the same art.   enjoy browsing!

 shown on coasters

shown on a throw pillow

hopefully we can get the other paintings up on sunday.  as a little switch-around sweetie has a geek day on Saturday, taking Friday off for our errand day (Bates, food shopping...) and to spend time with me (bribe), so we should get to uploads either friday or sunday this week.

until later,

Jenny

peacock, frog, and a dog... (not a joke; it's more in the shop)

hi there.  it's me again, still plugging away.  this week I have 3 paintings up in my redbubble and society6 shops.  

we'll do redbubble first this time;
*click on the title of each painting that will bring you to all the items for the painting.   enjoy browsing!

up first is "True Colors", my second peacock.  I loved the colors of the first one I did a while ago, I needed more!

Peacock is in your life to tell you that you are here for a reason. You are enough, as you are. Show off your personality and strut your stuff! Grow into your beautiful plumage honestly; with grace but also with balance, knowing that just as peacock is perfect, so are the swan and duck.

shown on a photographic print

"Red Eyed Frog"

People with this Totem are great healers. They have empathy for those around them. They help those in need by cleansing old energies to make way for new. Frog says you are coming into your own power. Release what doesn’t resonate and follow your guidance. If your habits have gotten stale you may need frog energy in your life.

shown on a onesie

and "Dog with a Red Ball"

This dog dreams of playtime. He is your faithful companion in all of life, but for now only wishes to run and frolic with his best friend. Value this time with him.

shown on greeting card

now to my society6 shop;

*click link to go to art print- then scroll to bottom of page to find other items with the same art.   enjoy browsing!

"True Colors"

shown on a mug

"Red Eyed Frog"

shown as a framed print

and "Dog With a Red Ball"

shown on a tote

or buy the original magnet to help the 

North Quabbin Regional Animal Control

"Dog With a Red Ball"

2.5x2.5" magnet

$15

we also brought these (minus the magnet) to Bates Crafters Gallery on Saturday, so if you're local you can see all my Spirit Animal minis available there to purchase.  I currently have some Elephants left from last years challenge, Otters, Sloths, one Bee left, some Foxes, and the Peacock.

I bought some different sized and shaped canvasses and have plenty of ideas for how to use them in the coming weeks!  hopefully I can do more posting besides 'whats in the shop' boosts, soon, too.  I just have been too tired to do more than paint, eat and sleep these days, but healing is continuing.

until later,

Jenny