New Characters

Both watercolor and pencil 8" x 10"

I really have no idea why I drew these weird little characters.  I was just doodling one day and this is what developed.  I happen to think the lower one looks very similar to my middle child Elijah.  It totally has his eyes and hair!  Maybe these guys can represent all the little boys out there that get beyond the point of simple scruffiness to 'NEED a haircut NOW'!  Hehe!  I know there are other moms who can relate.  

Anyway, I really enjoy doing things that are somewhat unpredictable to my usual style but still fit into the category of whimsical and childlike.  (I don't always draw princesses and girly stuff!)  I love imagining a personality to go along with the creatures I draw.  It stirs the imagination!  As soon as I thought I had finished drawing  I ran into the kids' playroom to ask the experts...  Elijah said to add a tail.  Cousin Katie put in her vote for a rat-tail like her pet Whiskers.  Simeon didn't like a tail but if it was necessary he wanted it to be a white hair ball.  

I love tapping into the wisdom {imagination} of children.  Getting down on their level and making stories.  It is putting it to paper and color that is what ultimately captivates me!    

We Thank God When We Think of You

This is a 5" x 5" watercolor and pencil illustration.  I made this card a while ago for my mom.  You can tell because the double-sided tape is showing through the background.  Even so, this has been one of my favorite pieces I have ever come up with.  Maybe because I love my mom's beautiful energy for life and I got to use that as a theme, or just because I like drawing my kids, but I think that it is mainly because it really looks like my mom and her grandkids.  Simeon is kind of cool about holding the flowers he picked for 'Nonnie', Elijah is showing off a slimy treasure, and Liam is in his little taxi cab hat!  Of course Nonnie is holding her little chubby baby Penny, as always.  When I customize a piece of art I try to capture that certain 'special something' that encompasses a personality trait.  Not only will it turn out resembling that person, but the viewer identifies with an emotion the artwork portrays.  Well, there is some artistic philosophy for you.   And now you know what I am thinking when I am drawing.