Today is a Fairy Party!!!!

Welcome to the "Fairy Day Celebration"!!!!

I finished my painting just in time to participate to this cyber celebration. *grin*

If you like faeries and would enjoy viewing other blogs that are participating, please click on the tab on the left and a link will take you there!!

You can buy it here! Enter the special code FAIRY and get 20% off.

what is on my desk!

Like any other work that I do, I have lots of materials that I use when I am creating. When I first started to paint with watercolors , I used the very inexpensive watercolors. There were few reasons for that: One was for the fact that I was not sure what was the difference from paint cakes and paint in tubes, and the other was -price.
I guess I did learn that we get what we pay for it . I will make a confession and tell you that only *very * recently that I finally spent the time, in learning about the difference, and the money... should I say ..LOTS(!) and bought a hand full of paints.
I bought some very fine artists color - Winsor & Newton series 3 and 4 and some Grumbacher as well.
Wow! what a difference. I am having so much fun with these new paints. i also bought some iridescent watercolor paint and they are beautiful for details too.
I then decided that I need to make a color chart. I have made couple but as much as they are helpful to me, I realise that I truly should make more for reference. the concept is one that I knew from glazing pottery as I find very helpful and I still don't understand why I didn't do this before.

Next are my watercolor pencils. LOVE them! Of course I use brushes too. I have lots of them, as a matter of fact, my birthday is next month and my children knows that this is my number one item in their list of present for me!:-)

I use plastic pallets. I don't care for porcelain. It works well for me and is washable.




BUT my favorite one is my handmade pallet from a acrylic board that I stop my husband from throwing in the garbage. I use this as a portable table specially when I want to paint outside by the pond or sitting any where under a tree or by the pastures. I have a place for my water cup in which was a special Christmas gift from a dear friend that is 86 years old.*grin*


On the bottom left of the picture above you cab see a circle and it was made to fit her cup. ( forgot the place in when took the picture, dahhh)


I love this Because is unique and attach the paper so tight avoiding the curliness when its wet. also all the paint is near and so the water--- perfect!*grin*





Next to my work is normally my models.... oh am I blessed?!!!* big smiles*


My children are focus in my life and art. when I draw I use LOTS of old pictures of when they were toddlers , as I love the details of the natural gestures specially fingers and toes but faces... faces are very important too.

I like to draw a little older children too . My sweet Becca is often called to pose for me. As you see I took 3 pictures of her and choose one. I want to make a faerie under a mushroom in a raining day.





I doddle my first idea and I like it. I use a very fine mechanical pencil and draw straight into the watercolor paper. If one day I buy a good light box, I will then work on my sketches but for now as I don't have one, I work so light on the watercolor paper that when I erase my mistakes I don't ruin the paper. If I try to copy eye to eye from my sketch I always end up loosing something like an expression.. and I hate that. I will then start my project already not liking it sigh so a while ago i decide to only sketch the idea , like the one above and then work on my lines and final drawing direct on the WC paper.ugh! I hope I made sense with my broken English!






I spent a good time thinking and thinking while I was feeding the chickens. I then walked thought the pastures back home ( my barns where the chickens lives is in the other side of the pastures) I got back to my picture and prayed . I prayed as I was walking too. I always ask God to work thought my hands and to show me what to do and to help me improve.





I then felt ready and start drawing. to my completely surprise , my little faerie became more like a princess. I start out with a crown but later I removed because the children told me that she look like Thumbelina. The large frog was drawn appears in my mind . I made him into a "prince to be".

I the background also start to come to me... this is when I get excited. I have a vision!




I see that my pictures are not good. I was not checking the light source when I took them and some were taking at mid night anyways.

I called Becca to see and she made a "face"- she hates frogs... in all animals , she is scare of them!

I then promised her that I would make him very lovely and not freighting at all!*grin*

ps. clicking on each picture , will enlarge it and you can view it better!

I will post my finished piece next time!*grin*

Wip Magical Door....

Fox Illustration

This is my newly work. I very happy with the end results. I painted bright colors although it was done in transparent layers . This picture has lots of details therefore I am letting you double click to view it. I think this has been the illustration that I spent most time thus far.
I absolutely *love* to draw children but I also enjoy fairytale animals. Foxes and mice are on top of my list.
I made this illustration for a specific project that I will be sharing soon.*grin*

I went for a long walk when I first start painting this and was able to find several different leaves including oak, maple, black berries and others... these leaves truly helped me to get the colors I wanted on my painting.

I did several sketches for this work and this is only one of them. I found out that my sketches are for a basic idea ,much of my details comes while I am painting... I think this maybe due to the fact that I never draw when I painted with oils.

Blessings Pa?

When I was a child, my parents taught us ( my brother and sister) to come to them before bedtime and ask each one for blessings. We did this every evening as we grow up... Papa would be first then Momma. I would hold my hand up asking him " blessing Pa?" and papa would kiss it saying: "God bless you ,my love", and I would kiss his.

Again, here I am looking for new grounds .I am not sure yet where I am going... I feel that I need to draw , draw and draw as much as I can... you know what I mean.... between endless interruptions but again, I can not complain because I have learned to manage things like that and after all I am momma of 7 children.*grin*

I am struggling with many things.... more simple or define lines... soft pastel or vibrant colors... focus subjects or many details... what am I good ? Is that in me a natural way or a matter of practice... questions and questions.

I have decided that I need the most is too relax. Yesterday I rode a bike to the barns.... that would have been lovely but I would not dare allow anyone to take a picture of me because the bike I used was my 8 years old son and boy didn't I look clumsy .... not to mentioned that by the time I reached one of the barns I was about to fall apart. the pedal and the ground was so close , I soon jumped out of the bike and walk aside it.That made me think that I need to ride bike more often... well, not a tiny one.*grin*

Yesterday evening , Mark and I sat under the grape vines. The weather was perfect. It felt like a autumn day. The sun setting behind the tall trees and the cows and sheep silhouettes were such enjoyable scene. I felt like a queen curled up in a lovely metal chair with a soft red cushion, looking up to see the almost-ready-t0-eat grapes , hanging down so tempting....grin.

It is almost 11pm, I must go to bed now. I am looking forward to tomorrow as I know I will be getting a early birthday gift that i have been wanting for so long. I will *show* you as soon as I am able.

good nite~*smiles*

ps. You may click on the picture to view enlarged.

Washing Dishes Illustration

Farm Life

My decisions for this summer

Last week my husband took me to a fabric store named Mary Jo's. Ohhh, I was lost in dreams.... I love to sew , especially for my children.*grin*
I have not sew any dresses since last year .This summer I am committed to make the girls some new dresses . My biggest issue is time. Can you relate to me??*smiles*

I have intensively made miniatures and dolls since July last year and now I am thinking of taking a summer break . I do have few commissions to complete and few animals that are already made but I have been thinking about it ....

I wish I could it all , but as a mother , specially during summer time is just not fair to the children for me to spend so much time way. It does take a LOT of time , you know?*grin*

Anyhow.... I am not sure yet but I plan to paint this summer. I may even do some miniature oil paintings but I want to work with my water color.... I have s much to develop.

My oil painting has always been towards a more realistic aspect but I don't feel inclined to do the same with watercolor because I like the freedom that this medium offers plus I love the *imperfect* work when it is done in a tasty way.

In few days I will post some oil paints that I did and some early work from my children , starting age 4. these are my most precious treasures and I am looking forward to share with you....
Whenever I get some dresses done I will will do a post too. Although my girls enjoy old fashioned outfits they varies in style a LOT. You will see what I mean!*grin*

I have been sick....

Last week I decided to do "clean up" on my system. I was very careful with my intake and with in 3 days , I was feeling the change of my eating habits. Then, on Saturday , I made chicken Fajitas for my family and decided to eat just a little bit chicken ( I was not eating meat ).... big mistake! I was very sick for the next 3 days . My stomach hurt so much and I couldn't be far from the bathroom.
Yesterday I finally got better and got back on my feet but to be honest with you.... I still feel like a lazy cat!*grin*

Taking the time.....

Hello dear reader and friends,

I will start by telling you that I tried and tried to rotate this picture on my software and although it showed rotated, when I uploaded it was always side ways.... my choice was to delete or not, so I re sized larger (at least) in case you like to see the details.( just click on picture).

I started this picture about 2 weeks ago. I did 3 sketches and my second one the baby was darling . I was not able to capture the same feeling ,sigh, and made me think how much more practice I need.

Then when I decided to draw on my watercolor paper, I changed almost everything I had sketch.... it made me think back when I was in 4Th grade and my Portuguese teacher in language told me that I would probably be a writer because when ever she compared my sloppy copies with the final draft essays , it was like reading 2 complete different papers.

I was never able to do the same over and over .... it was boring to me!*grin*

Now , I am trying to discipline my self in many aspects on my watercolor practicing.

I have been spending about 20 to 30 minutes ( maximum) daily on this painting. Not only I want to let the paper dry completely before I add more colors and layers, I am also enjoying my time .

I am showing you some of my *props* . After I had draw I realized that I need to paint everyday around the same time so I can get the lighting right. I was tempted to paint last night,grin, however when I sat on my chair , I took a minute looking around and smiled to my self because I am also learning to be more patience! *grin*

I had a nice cup of tea instead and read a book for a little while!

Here you can see how adding the colors things start to change. This is real challenge for me and I am looking forward to see how it will turn up.... I know that I will either love it or hate it.... but again, when I look some of my early oil paints or dolls I want to laugh too, but all were part of my growth as an artist so I do have an appreciation for it.*grin*

Thank you for stopping by and if you feel comfortable , please leave me a comment... it is always such a *treat* to hear from *you*!!!*smiles*

Beautiful light!

God's Word, like a lamp, illuminates. It helps us discern spiritual danger so we can avoid it, and it points us in the right direction to take our lives. It lights the path we take through life
~Psalm 119:105


I have decided to try different paper in order to find the one that I love the most and it is most suitable for water colors. Right now I feel a little *lost* and I think is because I am learning something new. Yes, I have always painted but water color is a new medium to me and the freedom is not something that I feel comfortable yet.
When one uses oil paints a lot of *control* is given . I have never painted with oils that did not take a long time. layers and layers is what gives an oil paint its beauty....
Layers is also used on WC however in a much softer way and the colors must run and find its way.... so different.
I am trying to *let go*of the control thoughts and training that I am used to from the oils and let the colors from WC find its on life.
I think it will take time for me to improve but I am truly loving to spend the time with this new medium.
I have a new sketch and I am growing in love for it... grin... I know... sounds silly but is true.
The sketch is an image of an older child trying to give a little sister some medicine( or food) I am not sure yet...
Drawing objects is also not easy for me.... I never did before... it has always been people , animals , flowers , woods... never a ..... table!
I am using my own rooms as models and incorporating into my drawings ... I am looking forward to spring when my flower beds will start to bloom and I can then sit and sketch from there.
Well.... I will close with these pictures that I thought *more than once* in sharing or not, I really dislike my looks but I figure you would appreciate , like I do, to see what a beautiful lighting that comes from the window where I sit and although I have many other places to call *studio* , my favorite ones are this one and my rocking chair next to my warm 1920 Majestic Stove. *grin*

Difficult Studies

Making homemade pretzels

There is nothing like homemade bread of any kind... won't you agree with me? *grin*
For 7 years now we mill organic wheat such as spelt and red wheat . We also have soft white for our pastries . This wheat are the best tasting wheat ever, not to mention - it is healthier !
When freshly milled the flour is warm and makes the best breads.
Today kate told me she wanted to make some pretzels . We used white flour instead and they turned up wonderful.
It is snowing ... a lovely day for us. We knew it would be snowing today so yesterday Mark placed hay bales for the animals and they all seems to be fine. *grin*
I will post some pictures later on.... there is something *very* special about the snow .... my children , of course, are the first ones to show the excitement.... they spent almost all day sliding on the snow ... grin... I love to see them entering our farm kitchen for a small break and seen their red cheeks and shine eyes .....
well..... Kate and I stayed in most of the day... I painted and work on a polar bear and only wish he was ready for pictures ... would had been perfect ,no? *grin*
Soon, we will have a our supper and then practice our marionette play.*grin*
This was a new recipe that I got online and we found surprisingly good.

The girls and I rather have our dough very soft because it produces the best breads!

Yum! I am counting my blessings today.... so many.....smiling...

Recipe:

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups warm (110 to 115 degrees F) water
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 package active dry yeast
22 ounces all-purpose flour, approximately 4 1/2 cups
2 ounces unsalted butter, melted
Vegetable oil, for pan
10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda
1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Pretzel salt
Directions
Combine the water, sugar and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow to sit for 5 minutes or until the mixture begins to foam. Add the flour and butter and, using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until well combined. Change to medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the dough from the bowl, clean the bowl and then oil it well with vegetable oil. Return the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and sit in a warm place for approximately 50 to 55 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line 2 half-sheet pans with parchment paper and lightly brush with the vegetable oil. Set aside.
Bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in an 8-quart saucepan or roasting pan.
In the meantime, turn the dough out onto a slightly oiled work surface and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll out each piece of dough into a 24-inch rope. Make a U-shape with the rope, holding the ends of the rope, cross them over each other and press onto the bottom of the U in order to form the shape of a pretzel. Place onto the parchment-lined half sheet pan.
Place the pretzels into the boiling water, 1 by 1, for 30 seconds. Remove them from the water using a large flat spatula. Return to the half sheet pan, brush the top of each pretzel with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture and sprinkle with the pretzel salt. Bake until dark golden brown in color, approximately 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.

watercolor and a... little bird!

Last week I did this drawing. I love to draw people , particularly children .My main medium has always been oil paint but for few years now I have been in love with the *dance and flow* that watercolors provides. Few years ago I thought to try but like every thing else in life , it is important to be dedicated to improve and find my own style. I have been really shy about it mostly because of the time and effort that is require in order to learn to paint with this medium ; however my heart really desires to spend some time ...some quite time doing just that.... so here it is .... and yes ,I will be showing you my goods and bads *grin* .I also plan to show you dear reader , what I use and perhaps you are like me ... just starting ...grin!

Soooo.... here I am i showing you my drawing that I did direct on the water paper.... I had the picture sketched on my mind but I should had sketched on a paper first because I had to erase my mistakes and I mess up the paper ...sigh... but I decided to continue anyways...grin.
First layer... very watery and soft... still ,the harsh pencil marks were not forgiven around the arms...

second layer....

Third layer ... I took this shot while the painting was wet.... it was late night and the artificial light was not good enough...

Then today , at afternoon , my little Ben asked me to go to the pond since he had finished his school work. I can not tell you how thankful I am that my children are home schooled. All our school work is done by 1 pm and there are always time for music, art and play.

Well... Ben had a surprise for me....*grin*

He found a little bird that perhaps felt out from it's nest... not sure yet.... Ben picked him up from the ground as he followed him and noticed that he could not fly.

I checked to see if he was hurt and could not find any sign .... the I got some water and bread and set him in a small box next to my table...... he gave me company and watched me work on my painting... smiles...my thoughts were then in Lord and how often I am like this bird... unable to take care of me.... how glad I am that HE has chosen me and takes care of me every minute of my life.smiles...

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? "Matthew 6:25-27

Then I finished my little picture.... I had erased the pencil marks and used a water proof pen and add my highlights.... I changed her hands position a little bit too.

In this close up you can see a little better the details....smiles... I have another drawing to show you soon .... tomorrow will be another lovely day and I am anxious to see what what it will bring ... I know it will be wonderful because of Jesus.

Musician Mouse

Some of you that knows me , thinks , based on what I have said in the past that my first art was oil paintings. Honestly it was not , because the first time I used oils , I was about 8 years old. You would *think* now, because I am sharing my latest drawing that it was drawing- no, not that either!


I am sure I drew a lot of pictures but what sticks to my mind (as far as memories) is sculpting.


I remember vividly one day , I think I was in kindergarten , but it may have been first grade, when the teacher called my momma and told her that I was a problem . My heart was beating and I couldn't remember if I had done something wrong . Well, momma came home with her hands full of little soldiers that I had sculpted from chalk. I remember that the tool I used was the lid from a pen. There were 23 of them. The teacher told my momma that I was not paying any attention to the class and now she knew why.Opps!


Momma was not happy about that but it was not long after that she let me do arts.


I don't ever remember doing much of drawings. I have always been afraid to try it... I don't know why. I have done many , many oil paintings... so many that my walls does not have any space left, grin, but I never draw before I paint , it comes from the brush. I do need some guide and my best work will be if I use a picture rather than the real scene because the lights and darks are determined. I believe the artist improves as its eyes improves. I often need to leave what I am working on and do something else so I can truly be refreshed . If only work with one medium, you would be seen much less work from me.*grin*



Anyhow , I faced my fears and worked on few drawings. When ever I finish something I look and I just about always not sure if I like it or not, or it should be changed or not , so my way to know is I start showing to the children and watch their first response. The body language tells me a lot and I have to be careful because my children tends to *love* everything I do, however Gabriella is very honest about her feelings so I normally show her first.*grin*
This little fellow received all the " ohhh, awww, so cute, I love it " comments !
I hid him from my eyes for few days and today I picked him up and looked and fell in love... what do you think? ( I would love to hear from you)
Now I wonder if I should paint him or not! Decision, decisions!*smiles*