tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38240923278896429572024-03-05T20:43:02.371-08:00ElvenstarArt -- The Art of Rebecca SinzThis is the blog of fantasy and gothic artist, Rebecca Sinz.ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-51192427965836770532014-07-30T21:04:00.000-07:002014-07-30T21:04:54.296-07:00Sweet Things Prints GIVEAWAY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgipOPb4VzdvB65eddLmW4jvhigLKHWoeke1Udjq8WkN1lfRRF6-sYeBUFdMBBtTmokFbRv49QIyiRK96ld5_FrX7kV1qwM2mxotv2yyRXmEAIGx4A_URL9Kq-yaJRIUlo9tH99HlIYHNP/s1600/STSprintGiveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgipOPb4VzdvB65eddLmW4jvhigLKHWoeke1Udjq8WkN1lfRRF6-sYeBUFdMBBtTmokFbRv49QIyiRK96ld5_FrX7kV1qwM2mxotv2yyRXmEAIGx4A_URL9Kq-yaJRIUlo9tH99HlIYHNP/s1600/STSprintGiveaway.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">One lucky winner will win a set of 8.5 by 11" prints of my new Sweet Things Series!!</span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good luck everyone!!<br /><br />Let me know asap if you have any trouble entering.<br /><br />The "tweet about the giveaway" and "easy entry for all" options can be done once a day to increase your chances of winning!<br /><br /><br /><br />Enter using the form below. Please allow a few seconds to load.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c34979e310/" id="rc-c34979e310" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script></div>
ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-76584279819846894522014-07-29T22:12:00.000-07:002014-07-29T22:12:39.939-07:00Sweet Things Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtW0kWgx9WNqV9bmeyUxvGrFyVonpQ_4b8Z83ewz7Y0UM6hNy-NBmChPP7TJYIZsS4A34A-VzxtrRSG-BOe5w9Fd3Fenj5FER4DKYbQHze9kUOCQ1TpD87tT-r8Iu_sWn93dcAIuMC5Ejn/s1600/SweetThingsSeriesBanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtW0kWgx9WNqV9bmeyUxvGrFyVonpQ_4b8Z83ewz7Y0UM6hNy-NBmChPP7TJYIZsS4A34A-VzxtrRSG-BOe5w9Fd3Fenj5FER4DKYbQHze9kUOCQ1TpD87tT-r8Iu_sWn93dcAIuMC5Ejn/s1600/SweetThingsSeriesBanner.jpg" height="321" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've completed a new series!! I loved working on these so much! I just love how colorful they are! These started out being painted on Claybord, but I soon found out that I despise working on it. I had to stop and try something else. I already knew that I wanted these to be displayed on little easels. They're only 4 x 4"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I decided to try mounting my normal watercolor paper to the Claybord and then paint on that. After some research, I used some acrylic medium as and adhesive and mounted my paper to the board. It worked out perfectly and the rest of the painting experience worked like a dream! :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I have Cupcake, Ice Cream and Candy to present to you! Three tattooed, "Sweet" beauties.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrceZhxvi84ImpRkjKpmSq2R0CwLaPKCIg1rWg6a5-zGgKTSF_rC0aRuktwMOkv7XWPoZLQmuFOx9dKUrMwhHsy4VZ361h0hUm8Y-xUqbnBbWy5Cl1NWXRtAcUU7Gb03std844T0n-t1Z9/s1600/Cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrceZhxvi84ImpRkjKpmSq2R0CwLaPKCIg1rWg6a5-zGgKTSF_rC0aRuktwMOkv7XWPoZLQmuFOx9dKUrMwhHsy4VZ361h0hUm8Y-xUqbnBbWy5Cl1NWXRtAcUU7Gb03std844T0n-t1Z9/s1600/Cupcake.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cupcake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW98Hz0rwTg3ha5xF0P3reQLE210zJsyghUrcsLFKQvU5RObJYsPw4SlDlUhxchi-O8lAZk2bJA1ge6IFcLIddsxJ0vTT5D1vFs3mFgY9BEctsk6kHe_D2nRyYkldytqsYE46tpwUcofvz/s1600/IceCream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW98Hz0rwTg3ha5xF0P3reQLE210zJsyghUrcsLFKQvU5RObJYsPw4SlDlUhxchi-O8lAZk2bJA1ge6IFcLIddsxJ0vTT5D1vFs3mFgY9BEctsk6kHe_D2nRyYkldytqsYE46tpwUcofvz/s1600/IceCream.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice Cream</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQWXbXatwMBiLnFHmIwJk4N24_HpZ_nUUeCAtBndGC2dCTT0edni4UO3Z0F2zxFAD7gKodxgQQi2AzwTPU_W1-mUUWXOwWlDw9btoJC9rWtPMyg7mB47lsI1GqztQTVPHMXbVLNgnLEau/s1600/Candy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQWXbXatwMBiLnFHmIwJk4N24_HpZ_nUUeCAtBndGC2dCTT0edni4UO3Z0F2zxFAD7gKodxgQQi2AzwTPU_W1-mUUWXOwWlDw9btoJC9rWtPMyg7mB47lsI1GqztQTVPHMXbVLNgnLEau/s1600/Candy.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are the three originals, which are now available in my <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElvenstarArt/search?search_query=sweet+things+original&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a></b>, displayed on their little easels!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8oRzI8OWobNH8y54EV2cvlZwflBW3L6z0yO25L1WZM_mo_p6lH4QMny7cUiNm-vCKpU9zBRbs8LgPlmh69yePWw8XkUFeLwoLqQ-IJ-cctVxXG1LyYGrxlc5a577UGMzCtqAxHwDOW1x/s1600/SweetThingsEasels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8oRzI8OWobNH8y54EV2cvlZwflBW3L6z0yO25L1WZM_mo_p6lH4QMny7cUiNm-vCKpU9zBRbs8LgPlmh69yePWw8XkUFeLwoLqQ-IJ-cctVxXG1LyYGrxlc5a577UGMzCtqAxHwDOW1x/s1600/SweetThingsEasels.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can also find prints of them in all of my online shops... Ebay, Etsy and my website!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-51094572179791662162013-12-02T21:14:00.000-08:002013-12-03T01:00:52.643-08:00Postcard Set and Print GIVEAWAY!!<div align="center">
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Rsinz/28d4b5f3-b368-4338-8f3d-820ddf727870_zpsb0a16408.jpg" /></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="font-size: 18px;">
-------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<strong>One lucky winner will win a set of 25 of my fantasy/gothic art postcards and an 8.5 x 11" print of my newest painting, "A Glimmer of Hope!"</strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><br /><b><span style="color: white;">Postcards included in this set art:</span></b></span><br />
<i>Toxic, Dead Sea, Opium Poppy, Broken Halo, Witching Hour, Candy Hearts, Pine, Spellbook, Midnight Minions, Black Hellebore, Midnight Travelers, Adrift, Nevermore, Wither, Holly, Wisdom, Despair, Hope, Submerged, Winter, From the Dark Depths, Absinthe, False Hellebore, Christmas Kitties, and Windswept</i><br />
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<br />
Good luck everyone!!<br />
<br />
Let me know asap if you have any trouble entering.<br />
<br />
The "tweet about the giveaway" and "easy entry for all" options can be done once a day to increase your chances of winning! In the easy entry for all option, if you have to type something in the box to enter, you can put whatever you want, even just your name.<br />
<br />
Happy Holidays, Everyone!<br />
<br />
Enter using the form below. Please allow a few seconds for it to load.</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c349799/" id="rc-c349799" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-51705455021813097382013-10-09T21:22:00.000-07:002013-10-10T21:19:18.705-07:00Halloween Giveaway!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Rsinz/MMprintGiveaway_zps259e89db.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Rsinz/MMprintGiveaway_zps259e89db.jpg" width="373" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="font-size: 18px;">
-------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<strong>One lucky winner will win a free 13 x 19" print of my newest Halloween painting, "Midnight Minions!"</strong></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<br />
Good luck everyone!!<br />
<br />
Let me know asap if you have any trouble entering.<br />
<br />
The "tweet about the giveaway" and "easy entry for all" options can be done once a day to increase your chances of winning! In the easy entry for all option, if you have to type something in the box to enter, you can put whatever you want, even just your name.<br />
<br />
Happy *early* Halloween!! ;)<br />
<br />
Enter using the form below the picture...</div>
<div align="center">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<img height="273" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Rsinz/MidMinionsLgPr_zps6f09111c.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<br /></div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c349798/" id="rc-c349798" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-46897093280816913212013-07-05T22:01:00.000-07:002013-07-06T11:11:21.344-07:00Pretty Poisons GIVEAWAY!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Rsinz/PPprintGiveaway_zps2513f6c1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Rsinz/PPprintGiveaway_zps2513f6c1.jpg" height="385" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One luck winner will win a complete set of 5 x 7" prints of my Pretty Poisons Series!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To enter use the form below!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Please give the form a few seconds to load, and let me know asap if you have any problems entering.<br />
<br />
The "tweet about the giveaway" and "easy entry for all" options can be done once a day to increase your chances of winning!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Good luck!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c349797/" id="rc-c349797" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
</div>
ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-72879164763998687152013-07-05T12:15:00.000-07:002013-07-05T12:15:50.460-07:00Pretty Poisons Series Complete!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHCMNHvx-EBdsA9untM8r247yr5MMxsg4VLRE4_sTQfAHxMyYzIkx4OV3bvfg8taC1vYj80eNSFt7VwC8sWR-HYZ4rMkiIl2EVx7XAKJNVNPE1H7AiGNfkioWbaaX0zNVCtsgqpSDx2Kg/s1600/Oleander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHCMNHvx-EBdsA9untM8r247yr5MMxsg4VLRE4_sTQfAHxMyYzIkx4OV3bvfg8taC1vYj80eNSFt7VwC8sWR-HYZ4rMkiIl2EVx7XAKJNVNPE1H7AiGNfkioWbaaX0zNVCtsgqpSDx2Kg/s1600/Oleander.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0LIqE0yhoq6W8D6uhtwYgFDcXe53vHCnhYCdG-x09a_B-mcvIeCOEK1PBRX_ylYmG0jw-_2fHj5coHYEdIcn69L6s_2EcejFARp9jX6pynj9MH6TxC0dIibNF4hiquOsskZLJy1fMhdq/s1600/Aconitum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0LIqE0yhoq6W8D6uhtwYgFDcXe53vHCnhYCdG-x09a_B-mcvIeCOEK1PBRX_ylYmG0jw-_2fHj5coHYEdIcn69L6s_2EcejFARp9jX6pynj9MH6TxC0dIibNF4hiquOsskZLJy1fMhdq/s1600/Aconitum.jpg" height="200" width="143" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#8 Aconium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0LIqE0yhoq6W8D6uhtwYgFDcXe53vHCnhYCdG-x09a_B-mcvIeCOEK1PBRX_ylYmG0jw-_2fHj5coHYEdIcn69L6s_2EcejFARp9jX6pynj9MH6TxC0dIibNF4hiquOsskZLJy1fMhdq/s1600/Aconitum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
Here are the final two pretty Poisons in the series!! "Oleander" and "Aconitum" which is also known as wolfsbane, monkshood and the queen of poisons. I hope you all have enjoyed this series!! Prints off all of these can be found on my website, ebay store, etsy... the usual. :)ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-73791262394789282602013-06-18T21:49:00.002-07:002013-06-18T21:52:56.137-07:00False Hellebore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YetJzeMqb6Oep8vKe1tbNybAxZycmHAOZEtTKEoDJfZzvlDXHAtMSz5zupVx99N9u1H7qfZnmfML4UiY0tTzoHpHvj7q4HylxTQvbsRTHXtQgIkVE2LVuKL8FH5tvjxgpAMTB61U_RgE/s1600/FalseHellebore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YetJzeMqb6Oep8vKe1tbNybAxZycmHAOZEtTKEoDJfZzvlDXHAtMSz5zupVx99N9u1H7qfZnmfML4UiY0tTzoHpHvj7q4HylxTQvbsRTHXtQgIkVE2LVuKL8FH5tvjxgpAMTB61U_RgE/s1600/FalseHellebore.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: white;">"False Hellebore"</span></b> -- Pretty Poisons #6<br />
<br />
Here is the sixth one! Just two more to go now! I hope you like her! I liked the idea of doing green flowers. I'm trying to vary the colors of these as much as possible, though there will be two pink flowers in the series but they are very different shades. :) I'd also like to note that False Hellebores (aka Veratrum album, Veratrum Virde, Corn Lily) are a completely different species of flower than Black Hellebores (Helleborus niger) that I did as #1 in this series. Both are toxic. They have similar names, but aren't related at all.<br />
<br />
Watercolor and white gouache. ACEO (2.5 x 3.5")<br />
<br />
The original is for auction <b><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380662392931" target="_blank">HERE!</a></b><br />
Prints are available on my website.ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-21226245232343883942013-06-15T23:49:00.000-07:002013-06-15T23:49:46.256-07:00Pretty Poisons Continue!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaf0ZADf852FfSXMafCuoccnTrGCDwF6g-Lzt7gYy53qotVAa28cXcHL-bep2GcftrhV3r3hyyzxAFAxa14jJNAOmLC_uUAPf2zBK1DB0i0O8tlOgQl44DKXu8qZ00tyyPPR1ECePJR-9c/s1600/OpiumPoppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaf0ZADf852FfSXMafCuoccnTrGCDwF6g-Lzt7gYy53qotVAa28cXcHL-bep2GcftrhV3r3hyyzxAFAxa14jJNAOmLC_uUAPf2zBK1DB0i0O8tlOgQl44DKXu8qZ00tyyPPR1ECePJR-9c/s1600/OpiumPoppy.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: white;">"Opium Poppy"</span></b> -- Pretty Poisons #5<br />
<br />
I decided it was time to finish up my Pretty Poisons ACEO Series. I hadn't intended for it to take almost a year to get the next one out. Sorry about that! I have 3 more to do after this one, for a total of 8 in the series. And... I have them all sketched already and just have to paint them. So I should get them done fairly quickly over the next week or so. So, here is the first of the last four! "Opium Poppy" I hope you like her as much as I do! I'm really excited to finish these last four pretty poisons! I like all the sketches! I can't wait to get them all painted and share them with you!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
You can find the Original for auction <a href="http://elvenstarart.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2aaf5ea244694154f29795783&id=48512233de&e=360f1264dd"><b>HERE!</b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Prints are on my website.</div>
ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-24374255724684243202013-06-02T00:02:00.000-07:002013-06-02T00:02:20.169-07:00New Art and New Shop!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/GalleryImages/Angels/Wither.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/GalleryImages/Angels/Wither.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: white;">"Wither"</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
This is my newest painting, finished last week! I originally started this painting in gouache on rose colored paper, but it just wasn't going well at all! I'm not so sure about using gouache all alone. I couldn't get it to blend without it becoming a streaky mess. I may try it again sometime. I haven't decided if I want to yet. So I started it over and did it in my usual media of watercolor and white gouache... ahh, much better! :) I'm glad I started over because I'm thrilled with how she turned out! I managed to get the background the dusky rose color that I'd wanted and I'm happy with all the wilting plants and flowers.<br />
<br />
I hope you like her too! Prints and the original of her can be purchased on my website <b><a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/Angels/wither.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/GalleryImages/ACEO/Rhinanon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/GalleryImages/ACEO/Rhinanon.png" width="141" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><span style="color: white;">"Rhiannon"</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
This is the ACEO I did for the winner of my free ACEO commission giveaway! She was fun to work on, and a little different from what I normally do. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Limited Edition prints are available on my website <b><a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/ACEO/Rhiannon.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: white;">New ElvenstarArt Tube Shop!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.elvenstararttubes.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.elvenstarart.com/SiteImages/BackgroundsGraphics/ElvenstarArtTubes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm also excited to announce that I now have my own psp tube shop! In case you haven't heard, <i>Dreamscape Imaging</i> has closed, so I had to make a decision as to how I wanted to offer my tubes. I've decided to try going independent this time and sell them myself. You may now find all my tubes in the new <b><a href="http://www.elvenstararttubes.com/" target="_blank">ElvenstarArt Tube Shop</a></b>! I hope you enjoy my new store. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My <b><a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/" target="_blank">main website</a></b> has also been reorganized slightly to make room for the new tube shop, so if you have trouble finding anything, just let me know and I'll direct you to it. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And finally, for the next week you can get 20% off at my Etsy Shop with the coupon code: <b>TAKE20</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This include prints, originals and jewelry... Visit my shop <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElvenstarArt" target="_blank">HERE!</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-20135812146238000452013-03-26T21:12:00.000-07:002013-03-26T21:12:54.282-07:00Time for another Giveaway!I recently passed 2000 Likes on my Facebook Fan Page! I'd like to have another Giveaway as a thanks to all my fans!! Thank you very much for all the support everyone!<br />
If you don't already follow me on Facebook, you can find me HERE!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<img src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Rsinz/1802fbe7-0827-4567-a7b0-cf4b6fb9d38d_zps0b2d90e8.jpg" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="font-size: 18px;">
-------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<strong>One lucky winner will win Free Custom ACEO Painting!!<br />Two Additional winners will win an 8.5 x 11" print of their choice!!</strong></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
There will be only one winner chosen for each of the 3 prizes in this giveaway after one week. The winners will notified and given 48 hours to claim their prize.<br />
<br />
The grand prize is for a free commissioned ACEO painting, which means that I will paint what you tell me. Please try to choose a subject that goes along the lines of what I paint and will suit my style. I won't paint anything pornographic or offensive.
<br />
<br />
ACEO stands for "Art Cards, Editions and Originals." These paintings are 2.5 x 3.5" This is a small space and best fits portrait style artwork. For examples of ACEO's that I have done, please visit my <a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/ACEO/index.html">ACEO Gallery</a><br />
<br />
This painting will be done in my free time, in between paid work.<br />
<br />
The second two prizes are for a free 8.5 x 11" print of the winners' choice!</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
Please allow a few seconds for the entry form below to load.<br />
Good Luck!!<br />
<br /></div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c349796/" id="rc-c349796" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-9377271310966015762013-03-24T21:36:00.000-07:002013-03-24T21:36:34.272-07:00Wisdom -- New Art!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_QcHFdnPQJIu4d6-ixbp-pVFeeG8nuA_ZCTQbIvlCmk0C8PkMSDCcIj_TivYV17syk-2sTvxf6QG79yfNEuCqUCIxUEeQOADiiXRCw6YNNpeEKZo5-bAvf5xnmOEGXqUBLiwtZ7yYj0f/s1600/Wisdom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_QcHFdnPQJIu4d6-ixbp-pVFeeG8nuA_ZCTQbIvlCmk0C8PkMSDCcIj_TivYV17syk-2sTvxf6QG79yfNEuCqUCIxUEeQOADiiXRCw6YNNpeEKZo5-bAvf5xnmOEGXqUBLiwtZ7yYj0f/s1600/Wisdom.jpg" height="200" width="153" /></a></div>
<b>Wisdom</b><br />
I finally finished this painting!! It was a long time in coming. Last month I came down with the flu, which had me sick for 2 weeks. And then when I was starting to feel better from that I caught something else! lol Now I am finally feeling better and have this painting to share with you! :)<br />
<br />I started this back in November, but other work and then illness got in the way of my finishing it until now. I'm so happy with how this turned out, and I love the owls even though I thought I'd go crazy working on the feather details! I very much hope you like her too!<br /><br />8.5 x 11" Watercolor and white gouache.<br /><br />Prints of her are now available on my website <b><a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/Misc/Wisdom.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8rR_8PY4KF2ARGLU5Qg_60dLnxfuHHzwTy17BjdBy71HXhaiB5JFUDrBKP1xYnY1Tu1St4Ke9dYhQ3SwAVLkEya09LHcm2fFp9mV11TIu1duPiKLxcHFOSKZbrCkeVUr1XtXrIMRz-Kl/s1600/Bookmarks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8rR_8PY4KF2ARGLU5Qg_60dLnxfuHHzwTy17BjdBy71HXhaiB5JFUDrBKP1xYnY1Tu1St4Ke9dYhQ3SwAVLkEya09LHcm2fFp9mV11TIu1duPiKLxcHFOSKZbrCkeVUr1XtXrIMRz-Kl/s1600/Bookmarks2.jpg" height="320" width="195" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
I also have some new bookmark designs available!</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
These are available <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/126870291/fantasy-art-bookmark" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
And lastly, I have some new stamps out from Sweet Pea Stamps! These are available as Rubber Stamps and Digi Stamps.<br />You can see those here: <a href="http://elvenstarart.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=2aaf5ea244694154f29795783&id=a6caaeedff&e=360f1264dd"><b>Rubber</b></a> | <a href="http://elvenstarart.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2aaf5ea244694154f29795783&id=fa924e26d9&e=360f1264dd"><b>DIGI</b></a>ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-81631538466856073772013-02-11T23:25:00.000-08:002013-02-11T23:26:40.931-08:00Candy Hearts -- New Art!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5xLyneMdAFM4VBuz76u7iUjTAFZjoDurBMM6830jPptK3SwTV_vVqan2eLQ8mnDAuy3DQ-1AugphnH6SwwWyKaK672Dl262SCGUgCElqUQKdC27DxrXz3paBk-70RG3xON6TrK4T6wjS/s1600/CandyHearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5xLyneMdAFM4VBuz76u7iUjTAFZjoDurBMM6830jPptK3SwTV_vVqan2eLQ8mnDAuy3DQ-1AugphnH6SwwWyKaK672Dl262SCGUgCElqUQKdC27DxrXz3paBk-70RG3xON6TrK4T6wjS/s200/CandyHearts.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">"Candy Hearts"</span></b><br />
<br />
I have a new painting to share! Here is a simple and sweet little Valentine's Day fairy! I hope that you like her! This is my second Valentine's-themed painting. The other is my "<a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/Angels/ThinkingOfYou.html" target="_blank"><b>Thinking of You</b></a>" angel that I did a few years ago. Maybe next year I'll do an anti-valentine painting. :) I did give this fairy a little edge though with dark tattoos and make up. I couldn't resist or risk having her turn out too sweet. lol ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUFVsEq_M7vb56j46ee9sXIHfmzfvN-lAAPEaNdYay5WB0sORnZ174vaZUPG5Hyr6Ce2GawCdwx1ViNhYnmhwttDGQZ0d_5WqkUVh1gQV3EaHurWq5r28huEUBiZOJLtyXecqzbgWWSYL/s1600/CandyHeartsDetails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUFVsEq_M7vb56j46ee9sXIHfmzfvN-lAAPEaNdYay5WB0sORnZ174vaZUPG5Hyr6Ce2GawCdwx1ViNhYnmhwttDGQZ0d_5WqkUVh1gQV3EaHurWq5r28huEUBiZOJLtyXecqzbgWWSYL/s320/CandyHeartsDetails.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
7 x 9" watercolor and white gouache.<br />
<br />
Prints and the original painting are available on my website <b><a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/Fairies/CandyHearts.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><br />
<br />
The other day, I splurged on a large art supplies order from Dick Blick. I got some stuff that I needed, such as some erasers, watercolor paper, and an extra gatorfoam board from stretching my paintings on. I figured that I should have a spare for the occasions I have more than one painting going at once. I really could have used one for this fairy painting since I have a larger painting stretched on my foam board waiting to be painted. So in order to paint this I had to tape it to an old panel I have in my old way of painting. It works, but the paper doesn't stay quite as flat as when stretching. Annnyway... I got an extra so this shouldn't be a problem in the future.<br />
<br />
I also finally got some more gouache paints! I think I've mentioned before that I'd really like to try an all gouache painting. Some years ago, I tried to get used to using acrylics. I have 4 or 5 painting that I made using them, but I just never really enjoyed working with them. I liked how some of the painting turned out, but I didn't really like the process. I'm thinking that gouache might work out for me, since they're opaque like acrylic, but handle somewhat like the watercolor that I love. Obviously there will be different techniques to use when working with an opaque paint than with transparent watercolor, but I think that it will be similar enough that I'll enjoy it more than acrylics.<br />
<br />
Another neat thing is that since they're opaque, I'll be able to try out some paintings on different color papers (which I also bought). I did some colored pencil drawings on colored paper in the past, and it can create a nice atmosphere. I'm excited for my new supplies to arrive so that I can try them out! :)<br />
<br />
And last of all, I'd like to share what will probably come next, the painting of this sketch which I completed back in November:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPm8rGyCIK1m-vYkv6WPTHXz2k4-7ZI5wfWceC2RLIy7HyIkZWEztVBUIeKU-ZEpAUbG7GI99xADnkHCes2C9XUmtOdy_raLeY7U-cbIif9EJ9fYBseyfoT5tTYZHGKgOQrXFGfQKASPo/s1600/WisdomSketch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPm8rGyCIK1m-vYkv6WPTHXz2k4-7ZI5wfWceC2RLIy7HyIkZWEztVBUIeKU-ZEpAUbG7GI99xADnkHCes2C9XUmtOdy_raLeY7U-cbIif9EJ9fYBseyfoT5tTYZHGKgOQrXFGfQKASPo/s320/WisdomSketch.JPG" width="249" /></a></div>
<br />ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-52168619660096924732012-12-18T09:47:00.000-08:002012-12-18T09:49:22.509-08:00Holiday ACEO Series!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtyhwwam0c9qlEn0lU7nyydorPWU2YTX6XD6bWZDuTlf_fyuLtAWhekS12MgnzNZ-6L_rI1spcoexv9fZWTnFNEDD4BfGQEhyphenhyphenv_V-G4GNH4pms3mr_1IFJ6A5auBDgxajBciRz-N6ZY5p/s1600/Holly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtyhwwam0c9qlEn0lU7nyydorPWU2YTX6XD6bWZDuTlf_fyuLtAWhekS12MgnzNZ-6L_rI1spcoexv9fZWTnFNEDD4BfGQEhyphenhyphenv_V-G4GNH4pms3mr_1IFJ6A5auBDgxajBciRz-N6ZY5p/s1600/Holly.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HOLLY</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><i>The Garden Series - Holiday Edition</i></b><br />
Last week, I remembered that I'd intended to do at least one ACEO for the holiday season. I'd been intending to do the poinsettia one and making it a sort of extension of my garden series. I almost forgot about it completely until last week. I was afraid maybe it was too late, but then I decided to give it a shot. After all, ACEOs are quick. And then I decided to do two more, and figured I could get all three done in less than a week's time. I'm really quite happy with this little miniseries! I love doing series! :)<br />
<br />
I hope you like my little last-minute Holiday series!! The original ACEOs are up for auction right now! Holly only has a little better than a day left! Check them out <b><a href="http://stores.ebay.com/RS-Elvenstar-Art/Originals-/_i.html?_fsub=18451717&_sid=608307175&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><br />
<br />
Prints are available on <b><a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/" target="_blank">my website</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElvenstarArt" target="_blank">Etsy</a></b>. Once the auctions are over I'll have the prints up on ebay too.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLBFg8FcG2BlxOVCr9gHQvZaZh45mFLFJqyY8sv0Hgva94f90WcDIQ2USbAgKraJXV8drriBT9RjYVZEJCNJZk6r4hJwZ_vWIJWo_9YqE2noTqVntt65A6DnEHz3ECfA71-1nZrvYkd87/s1600/Pine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLBFg8FcG2BlxOVCr9gHQvZaZh45mFLFJqyY8sv0Hgva94f90WcDIQ2USbAgKraJXV8drriBT9RjYVZEJCNJZk6r4hJwZ_vWIJWo_9YqE2noTqVntt65A6DnEHz3ECfA71-1nZrvYkd87/s1600/Pine.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PINE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMkkcZvlRovk8aKNsxMawSKI-T5pJF0me4yqap50a4xvTVADa64q_mj6asKj2UkZ6kFnfgHurOcKyAWnJekvlRskwdrMK6KC7DlL5EfzcbVoqFwltZarG1y8SWbgr6VpKSjQnfz3RYpZT/s1600/Poinsettia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMkkcZvlRovk8aKNsxMawSKI-T5pJF0me4yqap50a4xvTVADa64q_mj6asKj2UkZ6kFnfgHurOcKyAWnJekvlRskwdrMK6KC7DlL5EfzcbVoqFwltZarG1y8SWbgr6VpKSjQnfz3RYpZT/s1600/Poinsettia.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">POINSETTIA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMkkcZvlRovk8aKNsxMawSKI-T5pJF0me4yqap50a4xvTVADa64q_mj6asKj2UkZ6kFnfgHurOcKyAWnJekvlRskwdrMK6KC7DlL5EfzcbVoqFwltZarG1y8SWbgr6VpKSjQnfz3RYpZT/s1600/Poinsettia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJ7J_m_R4yev3RhuJQLFBVXRfwsSHGvVwUH-T2yRA1yayCDwIuV56O2dKMsY4PGE2tAaEXEMTgOcGi0mNXG2-07nvePiznSA72mnDeOJpu95ceVWPwgx6cxoIki5RU5FGZhNB87ATd0A6/s1600/GSholidayEdOrigACEO2.jpg" height="292" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All 3 holiday originals up for auction separately</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMkkcZvlRovk8aKNsxMawSKI-T5pJF0me4yqap50a4xvTVADa64q_mj6asKj2UkZ6kFnfgHurOcKyAWnJekvlRskwdrMK6KC7DlL5EfzcbVoqFwltZarG1y8SWbgr6VpKSjQnfz3RYpZT/s1600/Poinsettia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>
<br />ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-46436757358887381962012-12-04T21:56:00.000-08:002012-12-04T21:56:54.025-08:002013 Calendar GIVEAWAY!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87ObQ1Mwa3iCZoRAgfYK_XSDn2su82LOQwsJRI4hCNC1J9f9Pytzws_eLUbdJpzNG_3QEbuQUK7CE1ms-WRGnD5oc5m484totfb3J2gH1DggzBZiUg_RSFQ7PjpTDCCtKK93A7fHceQUY/s1600/CalGiveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87ObQ1Mwa3iCZoRAgfYK_XSDn2su82LOQwsJRI4hCNC1J9f9Pytzws_eLUbdJpzNG_3QEbuQUK7CE1ms-WRGnD5oc5m484totfb3J2gH1DggzBZiUg_RSFQ7PjpTDCCtKK93A7fHceQUY/s640/CalGiveaway.jpg" width="323" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="font-size: 18px;">
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div align="center" style="font-size: 18px;">
<strong><span style="color: white;">One lucky winner will win a The Art of Rebecca Sinz 2013 Calendar!!</span></strong></div>
<div align="center" style="font-size: 18px;">
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
The calendar is a spiral-bound, full-color, 12 month calendar. It features 12 different fantasy/gothic paintings, some of my newer work from the last year or so. It measures 8.5 x 11" (or 11 x 17" when open).</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<strong>Artwork Featured in this calendar are:</strong> Midnight Travelers, Bleeding Hearts, Dead Sea, Cecaelia, Spring, Steampunk Assassin, Summer, Sea Swept Series Mermaids, Despair, Harvest Moon, Spellbook and Hope</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<strong><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">To Enter, use the form below and follow the instructions. There are several ways to enter, including one easy entry that you can just click to enter. A couple can be done daily until the giveaway is over. GOOD LUCK!!</span></strong></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<i>Please allow a few seconds for the form to load...</i></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c349795/" id="rc-c349795" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-44141071251594482262012-11-23T22:40:00.000-08:002012-11-23T22:41:15.450-08:00More Holiday Sale Updates!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkPRxctzLUIvSYFhLZinHWcz5LvkjIMBiCT5ElVPC9qCMnhn6E2hKYucZUATme1gOK08ddidyAU6QFhYXmjJKrkY7vb7ypaoNZGPYZUB621HmHHKU5arBCJm_FyI1G819vYiq3E-5KVqE/s1600/EbaySMBizSat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkPRxctzLUIvSYFhLZinHWcz5LvkjIMBiCT5ElVPC9qCMnhn6E2hKYucZUATme1gOK08ddidyAU6QFhYXmjJKrkY7vb7ypaoNZGPYZUB621HmHHKU5arBCJm_FyI1G819vYiq3E-5KVqE/s1600/EbaySMBizSat.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>TODAY ONLY!</b> For orders from my Ebay Store, get a free open edition ACEO print for every $5 spent!! Just let me know after you make your purchase which prints you want either as a note in the checkout or contact me afterwards. Limited edition ACEO prints do not count for the free ones. You must choose from my open edition prints that have a normal price of $5 when not on sale. Limited to 20 free ACEOs per customer. Visit my store <b><a href="http://stores.ebay.com/RS-Elvenstar-Art" target="_blank">HERE!</a></b><br />
<div>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7nosLPqHJxRlPFYGlQ8RrWWKJ6JonTcQcRwf271zYNYRqRt6odK8Mq3sS5WDJ_B-zd-wjptVLrcAdYyYg5iNyt4mpi0EkzQZscttdzydub_tbZ4yYiC7I0zJtkRqPe9eCxwHFmZbHnbI/s1600/SmBizSatEtsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7nosLPqHJxRlPFYGlQ8RrWWKJ6JonTcQcRwf271zYNYRqRt6odK8Mq3sS5WDJ_B-zd-wjptVLrcAdYyYg5iNyt4mpi0EkzQZscttdzydub_tbZ4yYiC7I0zJtkRqPe9eCxwHFmZbHnbI/s1600/SmBizSatEtsy.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
For orders from my Etsy Shop today, take 20% off your order with the code: <b>SMALLBIZ</b><br />
<br />
My Etsy shop includes many of my prints, jewelry and original paintings!!<br />
<div>
Visit my shop <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElvenstarArt" target="_blank">HERE!</a></b></div>
</div>
ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-20784006557505862732012-11-21T21:57:00.000-08:002012-11-21T21:57:10.239-08:00Holiday Sales!<h1 class="h1 tpl-content-highlight" style="text-align: left;">
Holiday Sales!!</h1>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://stores.ebay.com/RS-Elvenstar-Art" target="_blank"><img align="none" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Rsinz/Winter12ebaySale.jpg" height="300" style="height: 300px; margin-right: 5px; width: 400px;" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
It's time for my annual Holiday Sale, my largest sale of the year!! This year, I'm have sales going on at both my <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/RS-Elvenstar-Art" target="_blank"><strong>Ebay store</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElvenstarArt" target="_blank"><strong>Etsy shop</strong></a>! At <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/RS-Elvenstar-Art" target="_blank"><strong>my Ebay store</strong></a>, EVERYTHING is on sale!! From today until the end of the month, take 25% off all prints and 15% off everything else!! This includes all original paintings listed and my jewelry, including my new cameos!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElvenstarArt"><img align="left" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Rsinz/Winter12EtsySale.jpg" height="93" style="height: 93px; margin-right: 5px; width: 300px;" width="300" /></a>At <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElvenstarArt" target="_blank"><strong>Etsy</strong></a>, I'm going to have various discounts going on through the end of the month! You can check <a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/" target="_blank"><strong>my website</strong></a> or the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElvenstarArt" target="_blank"><strong>my Etsy shop</strong></a> to see what the latest deal is.<br />
Starting right away is 15% off of your order with the coupon code: <span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><strong>BLACKFRI</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
Did you know that if you either don't have a Paypal account or don't like using Paypal, that you can pay with a credit card on Etsy using their direct checkout? This is a newer feature of theirs so I'm sure some aren't aware of it yet. And I'm happy to say that my shop currently accepts payments using their direct checkout! They also recently started selling gift cards!<br />
<br />
I hope that everyone has a great holiday season!! Also, if you'd like to have a little sneak peek at what I'm currently working on, click <a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Rsinz/WisdomSketchFinished.jpg" target="_blank"><strong>this link</strong></a> to see my sketch! Some people I asked on Facebook wanted to be surprised, so that's why I'm not posting a thumbnail. :)</div>
ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-46063749128044618072012-11-12T11:34:00.000-08:002012-11-12T11:34:48.056-08:00Cameo Necklaces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzUJO6KGf8JW0ywfc65MqkD73tAwWb9CG1idtZXElxJLs-V8GRTVH576ooXzfmJGYY5JkTyopds2gZfMz3x_3GRT6FnhGMja0UMbrp-mzZF4eRZxIPMC6cBuJaDgzzjGBs7SI2oNGC3_Z/s1600/NewCameosBanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzUJO6KGf8JW0ywfc65MqkD73tAwWb9CG1idtZXElxJLs-V8GRTVH576ooXzfmJGYY5JkTyopds2gZfMz3x_3GRT6FnhGMja0UMbrp-mzZF4eRZxIPMC6cBuJaDgzzjGBs7SI2oNGC3_Z/s1600/NewCameosBanner.jpg" height="247" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I have some new Cameo Necklaces for sale! I haven't had any new cameo necklaces available for a few years, and I finally have some, but of a different design! I like these a little better than my old ones because they're a little simpler and smaller, but still large enough to show off the artwork nicely! And they come on chains! These are very nice quality and have GLASS dome cabochons covering the image! My older ones where acrylic and prone to scratching. Not these! These are available now in my Etsy shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElvenstarArt?section_id=5573102"><b>HERE!</b></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM8c1OENGxsdW_-HWD1n0LvlDDCACE0mOS5hjcW-nHZIq2Kq_1rPWEB0EqX8_f4nxPGtW6-7qq0kMGEGdAv-Eg9HlMelzHO-9tM5oaf2VOu1YEhRania-xfElTo0-qfoYW9kESd5VzEtN/s1600/FTDDcameo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM8c1OENGxsdW_-HWD1n0LvlDDCACE0mOS5hjcW-nHZIq2Kq_1rPWEB0EqX8_f4nxPGtW6-7qq0kMGEGdAv-Eg9HlMelzHO-9tM5oaf2VOu1YEhRania-xfElTo0-qfoYW9kESd5VzEtN/s1600/FTDDcameo2.jpg" height="343" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8cj5Jr1uEnV4L4DQAx-31B63KJzd7W3PV8F7PH7HqJqK01a6aDx-1LQc4fSUe9k8rMs4K3BxbraDql71ZSoCCtVTEGnmFugr4_DZLqBEIpOWgiGZAhZIc4yX5XiCW56fzm3cZM-7m-Gp/s1600/WindsweptCameo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8cj5Jr1uEnV4L4DQAx-31B63KJzd7W3PV8F7PH7HqJqK01a6aDx-1LQc4fSUe9k8rMs4K3BxbraDql71ZSoCCtVTEGnmFugr4_DZLqBEIpOWgiGZAhZIc4yX5XiCW56fzm3cZM-7m-Gp/s1600/WindsweptCameo2.jpg" height="400" width="301" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-76197234171144026922012-11-04T13:48:00.000-08:002012-11-04T13:48:04.745-08:00Christmas Kitties Painting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQ4H9BhtyJi-uuVaKPQQZL1cxE_ASPdt7UD0Lf3P6g6B0n7IUeXpsOmrxbLM2KZpaQjqIY46-nCJrPFopDsRi1ivRD6QEz5s_W4U4sgiCe7Rg3RkTOXE8A9d3BU1S92EoCCpdAB0Hn27E/s1600/ChristmasKitties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQ4H9BhtyJi-uuVaKPQQZL1cxE_ASPdt7UD0Lf3P6g6B0n7IUeXpsOmrxbLM2KZpaQjqIY46-nCJrPFopDsRi1ivRD6QEz5s_W4U4sgiCe7Rg3RkTOXE8A9d3BU1S92EoCCpdAB0Hn27E/s1600/ChristmasKitties.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
"Christmas Kitties"<br />
<br />
I wanted to do something a little different and fun! And since I love kitties, what better than some sleeping holiday cuties! :) I actually began the sketch for this last year, but I didn't get a chance to finish it before Christmas, so I waited until this year to finish it up.<br />
<br />
Prints and the originals are currently available in my Etsy shop! Check them out <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElvenstarArt/search?search_query=christmas+kitties&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search" target="_blank">HERE!</a></b><br />
<br />
It doesn't really fit into any category existing on my website, so I think it will mainly stay exclusive to my Etsy/Ebay shops. Unless in the future I accumulate enough miscellaneous artwork like this to give them their own gallery on my site, but at the moment I don't see that happening. You never know though...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHamh2_dHElLRRNkVWMvjocLfFggRFM7Ts__W4wmCy0QKwi08FTHkKwCJPmREwPhUFaNqMBwNgaMab4IulPXYK07fNgQ7oS0gel-ZV6mAwFOC6U34Xrm8lLMxmySadakqZnpFZcNP8mtUt/s1600/2013Calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHamh2_dHElLRRNkVWMvjocLfFggRFM7Ts__W4wmCy0QKwi08FTHkKwCJPmREwPhUFaNqMBwNgaMab4IulPXYK07fNgQ7oS0gel-ZV6mAwFOC6U34Xrm8lLMxmySadakqZnpFZcNP8mtUt/s1600/2013Calendar.jpg" height="400" width="233" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Also now available is my 2013 Calendar!! It features 12 of my newest artworks, none of which has been in any of my previous calendars.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
This is now available in my Zazzle shop!! Find that <b><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/the_art_of_rebecca_sinz_2013_fantasy_art_calendar-158854426537541118" target="_blank">HERE!</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next, I'm back to my fantasy art, but I hope you enjoyed this little departure from my norm! :)</div>
ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-14642342002910984602012-10-25T11:07:00.000-07:002013-04-05T23:05:33.583-07:00Harvest Moon Finished and Stretching Process<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43Twyu3AGfD16dZRsHDKroqyJbcMRMT6LP8QDmQ7HER0HJsIz0efk22fdWbkiGNEA2H038-puzTs_CopPrJkp3E_-FeSAFOJW6LnvqLI6jzTswy1_a3q6hYCZ-N2CKf5njb3PAttkbjZc/s1600/HarvestMoonSketch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43Twyu3AGfD16dZRsHDKroqyJbcMRMT6LP8QDmQ7HER0HJsIz0efk22fdWbkiGNEA2H038-puzTs_CopPrJkp3E_-FeSAFOJW6LnvqLI6jzTswy1_a3q6hYCZ-N2CKf5njb3PAttkbjZc/s320/HarvestMoonSketch2.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: large;">(<i>Newer updates toward the bottom...</i>)</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: white;">9/25/12:</span></b> Hi everyone! I've been working on and just finished my Halloween sketch for this year! I think that I'm going to call it "Harvest Moon." I love this time of year! It is definitely my favorite time of year, with the weather cooling off but not as cold as winter yet. And it is such an inspiring season!<br />
<br />
While I was working on this sketch, I took some progress pictures that I'm going to post below. I often show paintings in progress but not how sketches come together. Sometimes sketches, such as small ACEO sketches or 4x6" are very quick and are done in an hour or so, but this 9x12" sketch took several hours, so it was great for showing step by step.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRrGdNRh6UldU9h3D558vaPIBaQc8PShWaREEjbRTu3JySKxAz2ESmbsmGhGdNSQAr6XUWTdIDtxA_CQqiINncXzmGdXxG6q5xoBP7X18X2JWyyN3S_jPZpUrbHYNUfHesWwIZB63B7P9/s1600/HMsketchTbsk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRrGdNRh6UldU9h3D558vaPIBaQc8PShWaREEjbRTu3JySKxAz2ESmbsmGhGdNSQAr6XUWTdIDtxA_CQqiINncXzmGdXxG6q5xoBP7X18X2JWyyN3S_jPZpUrbHYNUfHesWwIZB63B7P9/s320/HMsketchTbsk.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Often, before beginning work on a sketch, I'll do a little messy concept sketch, just to get the basic idea and composition worked out before finalizing it. I like to have a generalized idea before starting. I really liked how this one turned out, so I didn't change much in the final sketch. I already had a pose in mind before starting this one, (model: <a href="http://faestock.deviantart.com/" target="_blank">Faestock</a>) but often I get the idea first and then have to go hunting for just the right references to get the anatomy as accurate as I can.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglz7et7YUTQcvidHZT1hvEg8ZiJaRiO9lPqz-CjySMjvRCkR2bYqt635L4Ur4AfvzNA4xm1CqTh8ZFYBg214IPrBXwAK24q40zjKb46aBBO9MBaY3NorcoeLK6xv1dAJ8OCCsnblOoiZX5/s1600/HMsketchWIP1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglz7et7YUTQcvidHZT1hvEg8ZiJaRiO9lPqz-CjySMjvRCkR2bYqt635L4Ur4AfvzNA4xm1CqTh8ZFYBg214IPrBXwAK24q40zjKb46aBBO9MBaY3NorcoeLK6xv1dAJ8OCCsnblOoiZX5/s400/HMsketchWIP1.jpg" height="192" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When drawing a full-bodied figure, I almost always start with the body and save the face for last. I know many find working this way strange, but I've found that it works best for me. I get the proportions more accurate when I work on the whole body at the same time rather than doing the face first and working my way out, if that makes sense. And it makes getting her positioned on the page how I want her easier. I can't tell you how many times when I used to start with the face that I'd find the figure off center on the paper or even run out of room for the feet! When I started working this way I don't encounter problems like that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrCDTZUUnR0YcSs0tVz8MYsdq-k8XNO4azTWd6_uplySElWlC_Qo36nPB-4EwzkWLdi0PMK_irVqQaNCjsMaRanG-eyXukl-1LRVT4ukyOEYdXjhzLjfQfD15vfqo0O9O2bPyXDa-U9HC/s1600/HMsketchWIP2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrCDTZUUnR0YcSs0tVz8MYsdq-k8XNO4azTWd6_uplySElWlC_Qo36nPB-4EwzkWLdi0PMK_irVqQaNCjsMaRanG-eyXukl-1LRVT4ukyOEYdXjhzLjfQfD15vfqo0O9O2bPyXDa-U9HC/s400/HMsketchWIP2.jpg" height="191" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQsev8S7vqFYCzaknfqqsQ9W5TFheb7bOlOQ6Dm8Mm3vSKoJnkzbOBuxWsJgvpfsA9svGPEAb2vH0E38zV4eadGFQPK7mial_SmwHC7WOdu6CKqSmonU6OmsG74W3HxKgtXl_srjLtuRq/s1600/HMsketchWIP3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQsev8S7vqFYCzaknfqqsQ9W5TFheb7bOlOQ6Dm8Mm3vSKoJnkzbOBuxWsJgvpfsA9svGPEAb2vH0E38zV4eadGFQPK7mial_SmwHC7WOdu6CKqSmonU6OmsG74W3HxKgtXl_srjLtuRq/s400/HMsketchWIP3.jpg" height="182" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTL8EVeiw5wrrEz70uqS_z_gsNubgOlZh1D5KMwX9MQbcoB3b8TmWHMS97RV3o8aJZUzeZ9RwgAm2Jv3KvchCSKAuBVSObyUJ4Ae1BdIcTDQSnWrfnWSGcO5ujcNzGanocdRRrwKdpGNi/s1600/HMsketchWIP4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTL8EVeiw5wrrEz70uqS_z_gsNubgOlZh1D5KMwX9MQbcoB3b8TmWHMS97RV3o8aJZUzeZ9RwgAm2Jv3KvchCSKAuBVSObyUJ4Ae1BdIcTDQSnWrfnWSGcO5ujcNzGanocdRRrwKdpGNi/s400/HMsketchWIP4.jpg" height="142" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp20vl5p2WdhyphenhyphenZg9J4CGEjVFNDmCSZpCOh_JxezVcKm-Yw6A45sodV8LLRYIjPXPIyghkhj7Sk2K1cbqqh4CCQEpaSyUCDq0VMY4TPuEGUfENNFH8vOJVm_VxOuYej1al1ddP2dTHk3kdk/s1600/HMsketchWIP5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp20vl5p2WdhyphenhyphenZg9J4CGEjVFNDmCSZpCOh_JxezVcKm-Yw6A45sodV8LLRYIjPXPIyghkhj7Sk2K1cbqqh4CCQEpaSyUCDq0VMY4TPuEGUfENNFH8vOJVm_VxOuYej1al1ddP2dTHk3kdk/s400/HMsketchWIP5.jpg" height="176" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdvgg2miCRuOUzjGZeAIzelHvCtVXSFihse8G5SwEPBMZunOjZE9_XgoQRBubACjg_iSEjsxRVqprrkHaHVhuj3X3ykxnyN3-woBALXlbGji4zBZwqt7bgrSB7RT1PV1d4eMmSU-H4Nfm/s1600/HMsketchWIP6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdvgg2miCRuOUzjGZeAIzelHvCtVXSFihse8G5SwEPBMZunOjZE9_XgoQRBubACjg_iSEjsxRVqprrkHaHVhuj3X3ykxnyN3-woBALXlbGji4zBZwqt7bgrSB7RT1PV1d4eMmSU-H4Nfm/s400/HMsketchWIP6.jpg" height="173" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNetYAehevEe-umAMFAM5NNHsiJrBoDag9pP_sD58C5nodxdKZBLhftS_6x4ofa1vV-teS8QseuyTWL02xP_71qPpTkA53049-lC_gMpzr7vuW49plRMtjuCXwyuAgvG3E0aX-IXHgqqK/s1600/HMsketchWIP7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNetYAehevEe-umAMFAM5NNHsiJrBoDag9pP_sD58C5nodxdKZBLhftS_6x4ofa1vV-teS8QseuyTWL02xP_71qPpTkA53049-lC_gMpzr7vuW49plRMtjuCXwyuAgvG3E0aX-IXHgqqK/s400/HMsketchWIP7.jpg" height="261" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLeBaW2XmnwWGNj1KAXM2s2Yj89Fr2t90nmy30to66ItF0awAwCRkqfH0tiWSNnCFqcf8THE853DBaqGoP8LpeGN-ZJC_nLYGr-ZxdgswOcp5U5Wsq3fhRPJJso5qXM-DQhgsLVbzHY3i/s1600/HarvestMoonSketch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLeBaW2XmnwWGNj1KAXM2s2Yj89Fr2t90nmy30to66ItF0awAwCRkqfH0tiWSNnCFqcf8THE853DBaqGoP8LpeGN-ZJC_nLYGr-ZxdgswOcp5U5Wsq3fhRPJJso5qXM-DQhgsLVbzHY3i/s640/HarvestMoonSketch2.jpg" height="640" width="454" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now it is time to transfer this to watercolor paper and start painting! I don't know how much of the painting process I will show, but I am going to be stretching the watercolor paper again for this one, and this time I have some gummed tape and gator foam board. So I think I will show what that is like to work with. Hopefully my first experience with it will go smoothly! Check back if you're interested in seeing how that goes. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
---------------------------------------------</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="" id="stretch" name="stretch"></a><b><span style="color: white;">9/30/12:</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was hoping to have gotten started on this a few days ago but I didn't get the chance until tonight. I really won't be able to get going on the painting until tomorrow since I have to allow time for the paper to dry after stretching it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" left="left" text-align:="text-align:">
This is only my second time stretching my watercolor paper. I tried it for my "Midnight Travelers" painting this summer for the first time. You can see that process <b><a href="http://elvenstarart.blogspot.com/2012/06/unicorn-and-fairy-wip.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>. I didn't really have all the "right" materials then and didn't want to wait for them to be shipped to me, so I just made due the best I could with what I had. After a little trial and error I got it to work and was very impressed with the final result! The paper was so flat and smooth that I'm sure that I will do this with all my larger paintings from now on. I don't really think it will be necessary for smaller ones like 5 x 7" or smaller. I resisted this for a while because I just didn't want to do this extra step, but I finally caved after messing up another painting due to the paper warping. I did the same thing with masking fluid for a long time. I resisted using it, but now I see it as a necessary evil. </div>
<div class="separator" left="left" text-align:="text-align:">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8sUDGy-Boagqhg6dHh9eGK0-8hO21TEghTYtlIrFZMwKl244PecPx35NJ6fh3VZUueg0yJN7kbTIUeN4hYxn8YFXYtFJzz1r27_P5UTUi2pyc_tewAZ4aeV57UL7cmyd6GHW-91q7tZf/s1600/PaperStretching1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8sUDGy-Boagqhg6dHh9eGK0-8hO21TEghTYtlIrFZMwKl244PecPx35NJ6fh3VZUueg0yJN7kbTIUeN4hYxn8YFXYtFJzz1r27_P5UTUi2pyc_tewAZ4aeV57UL7cmyd6GHW-91q7tZf/s200/PaperStretching1.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" left="left" text-align:="text-align:">
This time around, I'm going to be using gummed tape and securing my paper to <b><a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/gatorfoam-board/" target="_blank">gatorfoam board</a></b>. I'd never heard of this board until I'd read up on paper stretching and had seen it recommended a couple times. It's a bit thicker than regular foam board (about a 1/2" thick) and has a water resistant surface, so when you lay your wet watercolor paper on it, it won't absorb any of the liquid and warp the board. I got one that is 16 x 23" since most of my work is smaller than that, I think it will work fine for me. I love how lightweight it is too and it also doubles great as a drawing board for drawing away from a table. :) The gummed tape or <b><a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/kraft-paper-tape/?clickTracking=true" target="_blank">kraft paper tape</a></b> comes in a huge roll like pictured. That aught to last me a while!</div>
<div class="separator" left="left" text-align:="text-align:">
<br /></div>
<div center="center" class="separator" text-align:="text-align:">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_FxltOMjz1gphXPBNXYX14rMLLc8zl4_fRUtadvJ6fFaxg9cGs301WsxsPAqY1qxozNqARkPeLzN23Gkbgscr0DvGuw-3xi4QbgJxuqdjZdyM4TiyK1okMo-kctL86OQs9AzUpGjeOTG/s1600/PaperStretchingFreya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_FxltOMjz1gphXPBNXYX14rMLLc8zl4_fRUtadvJ6fFaxg9cGs301WsxsPAqY1qxozNqARkPeLzN23Gkbgscr0DvGuw-3xi4QbgJxuqdjZdyM4TiyK1okMo-kctL86OQs9AzUpGjeOTG/s200/PaperStretchingFreya.jpg" height="121" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
My kitty, Freya, was looking on to make sure that I did this correctly! lol</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrem4FKBNVCtWg_Pte74EcyQy3xCNHdmPhK6McJj7FuBmNQReT2HcBDXsndeBGPjGAGUVkn_8B-9xGuZNiIatzA4cfz0_DoN-y8DZQuo4hvRQI-WLUG2HDcyR6jgIIMqQcLtY4XLQGcS0/s1600/PaperStretching2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrem4FKBNVCtWg_Pte74EcyQy3xCNHdmPhK6McJj7FuBmNQReT2HcBDXsndeBGPjGAGUVkn_8B-9xGuZNiIatzA4cfz0_DoN-y8DZQuo4hvRQI-WLUG2HDcyR6jgIIMqQcLtY4XLQGcS0/s200/PaperStretching2.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
So I cut my paper to the size I want it. I left a 1 inch border around the outside for the brown tape and then since there is no way to remove the tape from the paper afterward, I left an extra 1/4" border that will provide a little space for framing and I'll cut away the brown tape. I'm picky like that. lol<br />
<br />
Once the paper is dry, I will add masking tape to tape off this border and keep it paint-free. I've heard that you can soak the tape off of the gatorfoam board, so I hope that true.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvA-hxlu96XVsKPxQg3oveBExTAlboW0Bttrvqsivq4-hxZxygrxFPnbkXPJ-Ow-tnLz0kxx-ar1w4kuQcYs-QudQ0Ps3CJgOazZe8g870fR3XDQt_4CFrKQalbGG3vUWzzbJgu6x1AUc/s1600/PaperStretching3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvA-hxlu96XVsKPxQg3oveBExTAlboW0Bttrvqsivq4-hxZxygrxFPnbkXPJ-Ow-tnLz0kxx-ar1w4kuQcYs-QudQ0Ps3CJgOazZe8g870fR3XDQt_4CFrKQalbGG3vUWzzbJgu6x1AUc/s200/PaperStretching3.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Next, I cut four strips of the tape for each of the four sides of the paper.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1btxQSIWvP26hEZb6iWR5bKP5OsMtHvJEvYtR5kqzXwQOCqfgvvyGUuHd9AbZN7G9bnpmGITBgjfPrCFAcIZIo_8qYXkC8uzONqtB1WZltmBADKG1kDusgK3aA4vmMPBuLIBLg3gP6_v/s1600/PaperStretching4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1btxQSIWvP26hEZb6iWR5bKP5OsMtHvJEvYtR5kqzXwQOCqfgvvyGUuHd9AbZN7G9bnpmGITBgjfPrCFAcIZIo_8qYXkC8uzONqtB1WZltmBADKG1kDusgK3aA4vmMPBuLIBLg3gP6_v/s200/PaperStretching4.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To soak the paper, I have a plastic container filled with water. In order to wet the strips of gummed tape, I used the sponge brush pictured. I already had some of these from another project and they're in the perfect 2" size!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So I dip the paper in the water for about a 1-2 minutes and then lay it out on my gatorfoam board. I use a paper towel to run over the paper to flatten it and wipe off all excess water. You can use a clean sponge for this too. If using paper towels, make sure they don't have a pattern printed on them as this can transfer to your paper.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6Iq9axMj4kic39e_StaoxHI3XeIakSD8GId9r3epGCHBoHwb7iWaXwrCQTV8VPY5R-BhW2p1Kau4cO_ossZUtEvySsedAYI3o_-DeCjs4PVlXx98kxhcb7G5s9XDe75J-lhNDEzlN-PG/s1600/PaperStretching5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6Iq9axMj4kic39e_StaoxHI3XeIakSD8GId9r3epGCHBoHwb7iWaXwrCQTV8VPY5R-BhW2p1Kau4cO_ossZUtEvySsedAYI3o_-DeCjs4PVlXx98kxhcb7G5s9XDe75J-lhNDEzlN-PG/s200/PaperStretching5.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then I wet each strip of gummed tape with my sponge brush and stuck them down one at a time, making sure not to get any of the glue onto the to-be-painted surface. I hope that I didn't smear any in there! I really tried not to, but I won't be sure until I start painting. That seems also to be a good reason to include an extra little border like I did. If I got any glue in the little border, it won't matter.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That is all for now. I need to allow this to dry and then I can transfer my sketch to the paper using graphite paper. So far this seems like a great method to do this! Much easier than the staples I used last time! :)<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
---------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div style="color: white; text-align: left;">
<b>10/1/12:</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_5epOHqjkH0MksKZRyhWePfYTb7L_jC5ug6h2ktAdoeoM964wCj-eHDJuM3UoVSLqKZEnVd0vpP2H8LyrH28CoZsAnLnswa8htn8KBcIKLqWyEWbLjKiucRiDPbRm9GBpDiKxf4o-7cc/s1600/PaperStretching6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_5epOHqjkH0MksKZRyhWePfYTb7L_jC5ug6h2ktAdoeoM964wCj-eHDJuM3UoVSLqKZEnVd0vpP2H8LyrH28CoZsAnLnswa8htn8KBcIKLqWyEWbLjKiucRiDPbRm9GBpDiKxf4o-7cc/s400/PaperStretching6.jpg" height="400" width="350" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Going well so far! Now after some masking fluid, I'll be ready to start painting! :)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
---------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">*Update* 10/25/12:</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>"HARVEST MOON"</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I finally finished this painting. I had hoped to get it done sooner, but I didn't get to work on it quite as much as I hoped, so it took longer. I'm really happy with how it turned out though. I liked painting the harvest moon and I like the atmosphere it creates! I always love when there's a harvest moon! The scan unfortunately didn't pick up on some of the subtle coloring in the background. There's some golds and rose coloring in the glow from the moon that the scan just washed out. I think I may try re-scanning and adjusting the colors again.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's 9 x 12" done in watercolor and white gouache. Hope you like it!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJppCzA_RVuI-KsVJvMMgndElFvDaf9yTa3di97QdfCQZjDDA9fPUBr7EFDRoJSPWn5rSJW42NAyHgFkZGy56btamZw_ZdaS3DDkz5l2vheN6zKVkDx58rIGGtVoGn1QHr2mwWv9UaPVm9/s1600/HarvestMoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJppCzA_RVuI-KsVJvMMgndElFvDaf9yTa3di97QdfCQZjDDA9fPUBr7EFDRoJSPWn5rSJW42NAyHgFkZGy56btamZw_ZdaS3DDkz5l2vheN6zKVkDx58rIGGtVoGn1QHr2mwWv9UaPVm9/s400/HarvestMoon.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Details:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgklTCVD5osiARufCpAx0NfGzqobokFyT6ucDQwl-BkSb0SW6f8I5GjPI_V9eGHoip9KMivncJRG48OD7-4eExlwMntChxEadY-rnAq-98U6InAKNDiwMSPWqGyLzljrg8kBzj3GoC1sCr/s1600/HarvestMoonDts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgklTCVD5osiARufCpAx0NfGzqobokFyT6ucDQwl-BkSb0SW6f8I5GjPI_V9eGHoip9KMivncJRG48OD7-4eExlwMntChxEadY-rnAq-98U6InAKNDiwMSPWqGyLzljrg8kBzj3GoC1sCr/s400/HarvestMoonDts.jpg" height="132" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since this was the first time that I tried stretching my watercolor paper using this method, I wanted to show how it was removed and worked out. I have to say that I really love this method! I'm definitely going to be working this way from now on. The painting so smooth and beautiful and I didn't encounter any problems while working. I don't know why I waited so long to try this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIPt3lXWcjx4t_Q2SDkD6PxXL51wWoAhRYWC5vDuY4mKWq_mjWuVas-jY657PalcFi4T5sX4QJW_RJ9gg5BdBqIS16TH2qY_eDGnry2dQD4jsxvlTxGZ98uw5u7ZVzOd4tGjMGW9OGKKF/s1600/HMfinished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIPt3lXWcjx4t_Q2SDkD6PxXL51wWoAhRYWC5vDuY4mKWq_mjWuVas-jY657PalcFi4T5sX4QJW_RJ9gg5BdBqIS16TH2qY_eDGnry2dQD4jsxvlTxGZ98uw5u7ZVzOd4tGjMGW9OGKKF/s200/HMfinished.jpg" height="180" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here is the painting all done while still taped down to the gator foam board.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aoWulvnqbshciJ9ndh6NAm3pM7-7lMK0RjvdjbKJNEGnHPgJYzqop6_E3ukd83uFpeHzvgpYxuM-Iycuob2t94gleuMmJxcvLvp6SKk8Wn2xXoZq8byfXZ4H9gtRecZo33wp9FtMbCGL/s1600/HMmasktape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aoWulvnqbshciJ9ndh6NAm3pM7-7lMK0RjvdjbKJNEGnHPgJYzqop6_E3ukd83uFpeHzvgpYxuM-Iycuob2t94gleuMmJxcvLvp6SKk8Wn2xXoZq8byfXZ4H9gtRecZo33wp9FtMbCGL/s320/HMmasktape.jpg" height="135" width="320" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
The first thing that I had to do was to remove the masking tape that left a clean, white border around the image.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCroX33X9v3jIVCl2uLcs5ivOILZ3lr-wl6PQOpGxCbJnMpUpe2sB-_SkYdlAPRHPepwQ8ISnDWAMbWgBffciXFIMuLSepuFzcXCxruNmrz-znlW-4Hpc2WdIL3k0rw_3UXl0tQwbqstL/s1600/HMremoved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCroX33X9v3jIVCl2uLcs5ivOILZ3lr-wl6PQOpGxCbJnMpUpe2sB-_SkYdlAPRHPepwQ8ISnDWAMbWgBffciXFIMuLSepuFzcXCxruNmrz-znlW-4Hpc2WdIL3k0rw_3UXl0tQwbqstL/s200/HMremoved.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then, using an X-Acto knife and a t-square as a guide I carefully cut along the edges of the paper. There was a little ridge in the tape where the papers edge was, so it was easy to see where to cut.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCeEJP9ZWjnUQV7rsKPlsu8LDiwAhEyfP9zsiMqMK2NXLbRgCE-TAmMhhK-YjKFEFu3NojGPbLlbN0wnh2oY1sO9y2p6rXmxxQz_foQ3LilI6OLGHtD8hhaaAYpBw5gD7hYYPt258cNbw/s1600/HMbordersCut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCeEJP9ZWjnUQV7rsKPlsu8LDiwAhEyfP9zsiMqMK2NXLbRgCE-TAmMhhK-YjKFEFu3NojGPbLlbN0wnh2oY1sO9y2p6rXmxxQz_foQ3LilI6OLGHtD8hhaaAYpBw5gD7hYYPt258cNbw/s200/HMbordersCut.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
I've heard that some leave it with the brown tape, but I don't like it, so I used my paper cutter and cut it off, leaving just the small white border around the outside. I think it looks nice this way and it leaves a little space for matting and framing.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjce56ZjCSNtg-ZZakRaCGm-uekGWNUljXKRoofoZF_-oi1sKLemUOFChRLVSyXupHWStkmtSVqkWLq76D3PbDyazmAvZFe5sqE67cAEkuxfifjpt9R4p7HHuODOxpr3JUXfwY0iy1ZrwXs/s1600/HMflat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjce56ZjCSNtg-ZZakRaCGm-uekGWNUljXKRoofoZF_-oi1sKLemUOFChRLVSyXupHWStkmtSVqkWLq76D3PbDyazmAvZFe5sqE67cAEkuxfifjpt9R4p7HHuODOxpr3JUXfwY0iy1ZrwXs/s200/HMflat.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And see how nice and flat the painting is!! It looks just like it did before I even put any paint on it. Why have I been avoiding this step again? Oh yeah, I was being lazy. But no more! For any painting that is larger than 5 x 7" I'm going to stretch from now on. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIDclahx2WAB7x4YZ4cwRBSufMWKU5cHT-bacNyP7iniJ_jDVceLkaU7X1XKhSk9IyBXx-vgs5mF6ch2IhquruB6lZGrJ2QFYWKcwD5LZJOZbek_aGGFEa2ytG8JC8QRqMkV3ljUlbV25/s1600/GatorFoamSoaking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIDclahx2WAB7x4YZ4cwRBSufMWKU5cHT-bacNyP7iniJ_jDVceLkaU7X1XKhSk9IyBXx-vgs5mF6ch2IhquruB6lZGrJ2QFYWKcwD5LZJOZbek_aGGFEa2ytG8JC8QRqMkV3ljUlbV25/s200/GatorFoamSoaking.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
And here is the next great part...</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
I'd heard that if using gator foam board, that the brown tape can be soaked off of it. So I wet some paper towels and laid them over the tape. I let it sit for about 40 minutes and...</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4xGQP-vtImnXQOILYzWpaAOP0SErGIvDQdNOb2JG-xXV2pHX4iERQjTK-_UjeLQuXmlOd-UB1tbXAEb4lKgr_CEWWgBVYdMC-RmS1wWt7hadKbwgubqGrfuCVMYA84t1JnLN6SNGvJ0C/s1600/GatorFoamClean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4xGQP-vtImnXQOILYzWpaAOP0SErGIvDQdNOb2JG-xXV2pHX4iERQjTK-_UjeLQuXmlOd-UB1tbXAEb4lKgr_CEWWgBVYdMC-RmS1wWt7hadKbwgubqGrfuCVMYA84t1JnLN6SNGvJ0C/s200/GatorFoamClean.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It came right off and the board is good as new!! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was a little worried about that, as these aren't that cheap, so I didn't want to have to buy a new one all the time.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So there you have it. My first attempt at stretching watercolor paper using brown gummed kraft tape and gator foam board. And it worked out perfectly! I hope you enjoyed seeing the process and the finished painting.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Happy Halloween everyone! :)</div>
</div>
</div>
ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-83104700422479225822012-10-03T23:54:00.000-07:002012-10-03T23:54:46.101-07:00Giveaway Time!! -- We Have a WINNER!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: large;">**UPDATE** Thank you very much to everyone who entered my giveaway!</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: large;">And the winner is... Bianca S.!! Congratulations to you!! </span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks again to everyone who participated! I will have more giveaways in the future!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMKwD5EeHZUEVcIeHXcvrOghb5tAkGtdu2Y36zTuCtSrCage-enrxVHj52bKirOWacVbiDWEbzRCDXZ81fPIDO_m7pr1aMsSgbGzhjiqDA9jyBuxzlE_v99Y655iLp9MiiW17dp4BsCKc/s1600/PostcardGiveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMKwD5EeHZUEVcIeHXcvrOghb5tAkGtdu2Y36zTuCtSrCage-enrxVHj52bKirOWacVbiDWEbzRCDXZ81fPIDO_m7pr1aMsSgbGzhjiqDA9jyBuxzlE_v99Y655iLp9MiiW17dp4BsCKc/s640/PostcardGiveaway.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">One lucky winner will win a HUGE set of 25 postcards of my artwork!! What a great way to collect or share your favorite art!</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These postcards are 4.25 x 5.6" on heavyweight cardstock. They are full-color, on both front and back. The back features a matching solid color or texture to the image on the front. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Artwork Featured in this set of postcards:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Adrift, Sea Mist, Windswept, Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer, Enchanted Evening, Midnight Travelers, Gothic Lament, Woodland Magic, Hope, Despair, Witching Hour, Steampunk Assassin, All Hallows' Eve, Dead Sea, Black Hellebore, Spellbook, Broken Halo, From the Dark Depths, Absinthe, Bed of Skulls, The Pumpkin Queen, </i>and<i> Ivy</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>To Enter, use the form below and follow the instructions There are several ways to enter and a couple can be done daily until the giveaway is over. If you have any problems entering, feel free to contact me and let me know. GOOD LUCK!!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: red;">**<u>FOR THE "ENTER YOUR EMAIL" ENTRY OPTION</u>: Just click "Do It" It automatically gets your email when you log into the form, so you don't have to enter it again. This is an easy entry that can be done daily.**</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c349792/" id="rc-c349792" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The winner will be chosen shortly after the end of the giveaway. Once notified, the winner will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>*This Giveaway is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by Facebook</i></div>
ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-76712982906928092732012-09-15T00:26:00.000-07:002012-09-15T00:26:45.537-07:00Dead Sea - New Art!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/GalleryImages/Miscellaneous/DeadSea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/GalleryImages/Miscellaneous/DeadSea.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
<b>"Dead Sea"</b><br />
<br />
Here is my newest painting! This is a commissioned painting. I was given free reign with a photo the client gave me. I love commissions like this! Since I've been on a mermaid kick lately, here is another! :) I believe this will be my last mermaid for a little while though.<br />
<br />
5 x 7" watercolor and white gouache.<br />
Prints are available on <a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/Misc/DeadSea.html" target="_blank"><b>my website</b></a>, <b><a href="http://stores.ebay.com/RS-Elvenstar-Art" target="_blank">eBay</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElvenstarArt" target="_blank">Etsy</a></b>!<br />
<br />
I discovered something simple but neat while working on this painting. I discovered that there is indeed a difference between using zinc white gouache and titanium/permanent white. A while back I'd done some reading about gouache painting because I was thinking and still hope to do some all-gouache paintings someday. I'd read that zinc white isn't as opaque as titanium white, but it is good for making tints. When I first began combining white gouache with my watercolor, I mainly used it to add some white highlights here and there, so for that I wanted the most opaque white. Over the years my techniques have changed some. I paint in watercolors in transparent and opaque techniques. I know the traditional watercolor approach is to use watercolor and let the white of the paper show through. For the most part I do paint that way, but I do like to use other techniques such as <i>bodycolor</i>, which is the use of opaque watercolor (either all-gouache or by mixing opaque white with transparent watercolor). I usually do this by mixing a little of a color (watercolor) with white gouache. I was never a stickler for tradition and am more concerned with the final result.<br />
<br />
I've been using this technique with titanium/permanent white for several years now, since that was the white I had. While at Michaels last week I saw a tube of zinc white and remembered what I'd read about it being good for making tints. Since that is basically what I've been doing I bought the tube and tested it out on this painting. I have to say that I love this white so much better for my technique of painting! It is a more sheer white, but this works so great for building up subtle layers! And it can become very opaque when desired. I only used zinc white for the gouache parts of this painting, which includes much of the skeleton fish, the bright highlights and detailing in her hair and scales. It seems like it blends better with the watercolor and looks more natural and less chalky. I've always wondered whether it would really make a difference... now I know. :) I'm sure there will still be times when the opaqueness of titanium white will be better suited, but I'm glad that I made this discovery about zinc white for my bodycolor techniques!<br />
<br />
I hope everyone has a great weekend! :)ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-64073383220890898002012-09-03T20:40:00.000-07:002012-09-03T20:42:04.233-07:00Sea Swept Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIs0tpa2jylH9x0Z5KhB4ZpudUkOurwg4YKPC4g-Ul6_SkKwjyUqFii1FHbIbM3Wz3-z1eCk2rBdjNQz_FwyjE6Ymw8FtXaZO4LTPivelSjKD7z61duwigViry6zPzuAkpewOfDeBC1cO/s1600/RoughMermaidPoses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIs0tpa2jylH9x0Z5KhB4ZpudUkOurwg4YKPC4g-Ul6_SkKwjyUqFii1FHbIbM3Wz3-z1eCk2rBdjNQz_FwyjE6Ymw8FtXaZO4LTPivelSjKD7z61duwigViry6zPzuAkpewOfDeBC1cO/s200/RoughMermaidPoses.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I knew I wanted to paint another mermaid. I wanted to do another one in a similar scene/color scheme as my painting, <b><a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/Misc/FromTheDarkDepths.html" target="_blank">From the Dark Depths</a></b>. So I was trying to come up with the right pose that I wanted for her. I wanted her sitting up more, not lying down like in "FTDD." So often for paintings when I'm trying to figure out a layout for them, I'll do rough little sketches just to get an idea of how I want it before I do a final sketch. I sketched several poses (pictured right) and I still couldn't decide. I even posted this on Facebook and asked for opinions, but ultimately I was fond of several of these. So I decided that I had to do the few I liked best and make a series of them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqVVwhAAyqvvXaaxZ17G-D1M4pSZHP9GVGVzxKG1Ph464HF2IJUXilRFjQPK4rYtl28TDuYzHsCPE96QlG3BF9GoV2qk31IrgEE87f7qJtmW8S30Fq2RfaZHRYJEApPfJqVzGfdWYCBd1/s1600/SeaSweptSketches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqVVwhAAyqvvXaaxZ17G-D1M4pSZHP9GVGVzxKG1Ph464HF2IJUXilRFjQPK4rYtl28TDuYzHsCPE96QlG3BF9GoV2qk31IrgEE87f7qJtmW8S30Fq2RfaZHRYJEApPfJqVzGfdWYCBd1/s400/SeaSweptSketches.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've always felt that I needed more mermaids in my gallery anyway! I think that I have about enough to give them their own gallery on my website soon! :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are the finished paintings! I painted them all using the exact same coloring but done in different ways. It was fun to see all the different combinations that could be done. All are 5 x 7" watercolor and white gouache. The prints and originals are available on my website <b><a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/Misc/index.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/GalleryImages/Miscellaneous/Adrift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/GalleryImages/Miscellaneous/Adrift.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"ADRIFT"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/GalleryImages/Miscellaneous/SeaMist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/GalleryImages/Miscellaneous/SeaMist.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SEA MIST</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/GalleryImages/Miscellaneous/Windswept.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/GalleryImages/Miscellaneous/Windswept.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WINDSWEPT</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Rsinz/SeaSweptSeriesDetails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Rsinz/SeaSweptSeriesDetails.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DETAILS...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-86743422096482172482012-08-08T23:04:00.001-07:002012-08-08T23:04:42.800-07:00Store Sale!!Hi everyone! I'm having a sale in my ebay store this week! Get up to 20% off of EVERYTHING in my store. This includes all prints, jewelry, original art and more! Click the banner below to visit my store and get these great deals!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://stores.ebay.com/RS-Elvenstar-Art" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.elvenstarart.com/SiteImages/BackgroundsGraphics/SummerSale2012.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/GalleryImages/ACEO/BleedingHearts.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/GalleryImages/ACEO/BleedingHearts.png" width="142" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The "Bleeding Hearts" auction also has a few days left! Visit and bid on that <b><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=221093365013#ht_2457wt_1344" target="_blank">HERE!</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-2910623593781681892012-08-05T22:36:00.000-07:002012-08-05T22:36:57.006-07:00New ACEOs!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/GalleryImages/ACEO/Mina.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/GalleryImages/ACEO/Mina.png" width="227" /></a></div>
<b>"Mina"</b><br />
<br />
This first ACEO was a commission that I finished at the end of July. I mean I finished it on the very last day of the month, so it counts as a July painting, just barely! ;)<br />
<br />
I wasn't going to do any commissions for a little while but I am sometimes willing to take on ACEO commissions even when my commissions are closed just because they're so quick and fun to do. This one was particularly fun since I pretty much got to do whatever I like with it. A freedom that I enjoyed! :)<br />
<br />
I named her "Mina" since she reminds me of the character from Dracula.<br />
Watercolor and white gouache. 2.5 x 3.5" Prints are available on my website.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/GalleryImages/ACEO/BleedingHearts.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/GalleryImages/ACEO/BleedingHearts.png" width="228" /></a></div>
<b>"Bleeding Hearts"</b><br />
<br />
Next is my newest Pretty Poison ACEO! This is number four in the series. I wanted her to different from other pink flowers that I've done and I think I managed to pull it off. I like her pink and white hair! :) I hope you like her too!<br />
Watercolor and white gouache. 2.5 x 3.5"<br />
<br />
The ORIGINAL ACEO is for auction on ebay right now! View the auction <b><a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=221093365013#ht_2533wt_1139" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><br />
<br />
Prints are available on my website.ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3824092327889642957.post-72061879050724036672012-07-22T14:30:00.000-07:002012-09-30T00:17:41.387-07:00Unicorn and Fairy WIP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskU_hefrPitJn_Wgk_VUjm1lUtYfYAabhd-WKjVINKHuM5dEmZMdOv2WAXKFKTRAuU3R8FZ2frzftquI07QURVp33bTWIE_GhAfoJS7NFkX16BGOO0ZOHh6bCgUaK_JPB9RfgqGKGIg9A/s1600/UnicornFaeSketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskU_hefrPitJn_Wgk_VUjm1lUtYfYAabhd-WKjVINKHuM5dEmZMdOv2WAXKFKTRAuU3R8FZ2frzftquI07QURVp33bTWIE_GhAfoJS7NFkX16BGOO0ZOHh6bCgUaK_JPB9RfgqGKGIg9A/s320/UnicornFaeSketch.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<b>6/28/12:</b><br />
<br />
I've started a new artwork, and here is the sketch! It features a dark unicorn and fairy. I've only ever drawn a couple unicorns, so I was overdue to do another one. Of my others, one was a commission and the other is a really old drawing that I don't even have on my website.<br />
<br />
Last month sometime, I was watching the movie "The Grey" with Liam Neeson and was inspired by all the wintery landscape. And for some reason a unicorn came to mind. I can't explain how these things happen since I don't even know myself. lol That's just how it came to me. And I decided to pair it with a pretty fairy, since I haven't painted any fairies in a while. My <a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/Fairies/index.html" target="_blank">Fairies Gallery</a><span id="goog_2146425040"></span><span id="goog_2146425041"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a> is lagging behind, without a single painting from this year added to it. It's time to rectify that. ;)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfCexbssgyDtxcxLmh2Zy4IzGzsysqLjwcsX4g4pI7-Vdrxp-5aDbajvAGpS9LlZrZaI0hzmN7yO6JdBjM8fb1vb1eFKCC9Qs-HbBRyag-EWvbijtMv3F6j00I5Czzs1fn6DxyFu8qFxH/s1600/UnicornFaeColorTest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfCexbssgyDtxcxLmh2Zy4IzGzsysqLjwcsX4g4pI7-Vdrxp-5aDbajvAGpS9LlZrZaI0hzmN7yO6JdBjM8fb1vb1eFKCC9Qs-HbBRyag-EWvbijtMv3F6j00I5Czzs1fn6DxyFu8qFxH/s320/UnicornFaeColorTest.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div>
When I sketched this I didn't really leave enough room for the background I had in mind. So I'm going to paint it a little larger than I originally planned to add some extra space for the snow and trees. I took the scanned sketch into Photoshop and made a mock-up of the coloring I'm thinking of using for this. I don't do this for every painting, but sometimes for ones I'm not entirely sure about or are a little more complex.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I mentioned before, I want this to be a wintery piece, which considering it is about 100 degrees out today, sounds pretty great to me! Okay, so it doesn't have to be winter, but I would definitely be happy with some nice Fall-like weather right now. And some RAIN too! We're having a bit of a drought here in Michigan. Everything is so brown and ugly. ANYWAY... the mock-up I did in PS is basically the direction I'd like to go with this. The colors with real paint will of course vary from this some, but it's gives me a good idea how to proceed. Hmm... I tend to work in blue a lot, don't I? :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have no idea what I'm going to name this painting yet. I'll give it some though as I work. Meanwhile, I welcome any suggestions.<br />
<br />
---------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<b>7/10/12:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I wish that I was further along with this painting, but I just couldn't gather the energy to work on it much during our 2 week heat wave. I think my brain quit functioning for that period of time! lol It was just way too hot. I have air conditioning, but it is old and just doesn't do a good enough job when it gets to be over 95 degrees. It's better than nothing, I'm sure, but it was still pretty miserable during the day.</div>
<br />
Anyway, the heat finally broke this week and it has been a beautiful low to mid 80s. So time to get back to work. I made one disastrous attempt at this painting. The background turned out all wrong. So I'm trying a different approach.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHVcEwiftdzshyo9vEtvXbAJ5ZFkTmOvRVYgOek4K8O3abZeMwKaxvqeZXUIWkem1bjjUOMsL-2vcs-mO0ZcAQUILhXBiRB9Pg1nVsCY75-0aCcuTqYnjCklsfSVP4kS1Hq7qG4Zl0-x6/s1600/WCpaperStretch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHVcEwiftdzshyo9vEtvXbAJ5ZFkTmOvRVYgOek4K8O3abZeMwKaxvqeZXUIWkem1bjjUOMsL-2vcs-mO0ZcAQUILhXBiRB9Pg1nVsCY75-0aCcuTqYnjCklsfSVP4kS1Hq7qG4Zl0-x6/s200/WCpaperStretch.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I've actually managed to go this long as a watercolor artist without ever stretching my paper. I often work small enough that the paper buckling isn't a problem, and when I have done larger paintings I've gotten lucky enough that any warping of the paper didn't effect how the painting turned out. But this is the second time this year, where I've had a wash turn out awful due to the paper buckling and have had to trash the painting. So I'm finally caving and am going to stretch the paper for the first time with this painting. This was kind of a spur of the moment decision, so after soaking the paper in water, I stapled it to foam board. In the future, I will get something more substantial to attach it to. I have some hardboard panels, but I they're too thin to put staples through and they'd be really hard to remove. So hopefully the foam board will do for now. I've read that gator board is a good choice so I think I'll try that next time.<br />
<br />
Once the paper is completely dry, then I'll transfer the sketch onto it. I'm also going to put some masking tape around the edges for a clean line, though I know I'm going to trim off at least some of the border. In the future, I will leave a larger border too. This one is cut a little close. Oh well. :)<br />
<br />
I just may update this tread with some more progress of this painting, so check back if you want to see it!<br />
<br />
<br />
---------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<b>7/11/12:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnayIDLVemQo4XUo6J48m_r2Q7ku8T9-YSwJJzjY1S17VxwcGxJSttdNF8phMYPoQtYXYfq9JAROgevJ4d-CAJ7u5tmHfcGs0udHJ9ozg-YXQ5aEkQaAZeFM4h7roa0-OH_Xq0I53LrmN/s1600/foamboardFailure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnayIDLVemQo4XUo6J48m_r2Q7ku8T9-YSwJJzjY1S17VxwcGxJSttdNF8phMYPoQtYXYfq9JAROgevJ4d-CAJ7u5tmHfcGs0udHJ9ozg-YXQ5aEkQaAZeFM4h7roa0-OH_Xq0I53LrmN/s320/foamboardFailure.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Well, I've learned that foam board is NOT a good surface to attach this to. It seemed like it was going to go well, but then I get up this morning and see that it curved the whole board as shown in the photo. I knew that it might absorb the water since the foam board surface is just paper, but I hoped maybe it would still stay flat because of the foam. No such luck.<br />
<br />
So, I've started a new method. The thing is that I have to use materials that I already have right now. The craft stores I have around me (Michaels, Hobby Lobby) are pretty worthless for a lot of art supplies. They don't have any kind of board that would be good for stretching and don't even have gummed tape, which would be nice to try instead of staples. I usually order a lot of my art supplies online, but I don't want to have to wait for them to arrive. I'll get them for future use, but I want to get started on this painting now!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbD11ZtmBAed26SCmc9-5slTWcsCACCr7hTpC0WV94kjtK9hVbuMU-65T2SDqL3jfZOjLLiAtNdFt6x1EbJR0Eha1KCRg0xj5iL580ItShYDgCwkeKCim4uUsHbYimgrQONhKcLZG1YP_E/s1600/hardboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbD11ZtmBAed26SCmc9-5slTWcsCACCr7hTpC0WV94kjtK9hVbuMU-65T2SDqL3jfZOjLLiAtNdFt6x1EbJR0Eha1KCRg0xj5iL580ItShYDgCwkeKCim4uUsHbYimgrQONhKcLZG1YP_E/s200/hardboard.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
This time around, I'm going to try using a piece of hardboard that I have. The main reason I didn't try this in the first place is that I would have to use heavy duty staples, which will be harder to remove, and that the board is only 1/8" thick and my shortest staples are 1/4".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BBK-6UQK9EQSlxTz2K-tvREQdbLeG9pcsrQiME6yixnlsineFYOtWGUVKKJcedvyBj73sCo7zT_wiI7Ufm4nA0GVPpJmgQl65mv0ADprj1U_pR1muDaWoKlrTv5m35ergANhti9YsLhB/s1600/HBFoamB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BBK-6UQK9EQSlxTz2K-tvREQdbLeG9pcsrQiME6yixnlsineFYOtWGUVKKJcedvyBj73sCo7zT_wiI7Ufm4nA0GVPpJmgQl65mv0ADprj1U_pR1muDaWoKlrTv5m35ergANhti9YsLhB/s200/HBFoamB.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I've solved the thickness problem by taping a layer of foam board to the back of the panel. This gave just enough extra thickness that the staples didn't poke through the back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_SEMCUJRERfEXJ2yyL9U7RIBFkI8QlwwJZ_z_GH7mTRlkW1Bne3P4emBDlEgXaBGlX7neGjAiKDi-38ZHsl4PFoT8WakRNeaOMrLHWxue7ssEYhI-n-znlq0so_rlFT5JS1QitV0H49m/s1600/stretchingSupplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_SEMCUJRERfEXJ2yyL9U7RIBFkI8QlwwJZ_z_GH7mTRlkW1Bne3P4emBDlEgXaBGlX7neGjAiKDi-38ZHsl4PFoT8WakRNeaOMrLHWxue7ssEYhI-n-znlq0so_rlFT5JS1QitV0H49m/s320/stretchingSupplies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
After cutting the paper to the size I want it, I get a container of water and dip the paper in it for a few minutes. Then I lay it flat on the board and smooth it out with a paper towel, pushing all the excess water off of the paper. Once I'm sure that it's flat and ready, I start stapling it down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIuLV7vpP9zqsZSCg7Xwb5TLaOzYBVjhj9P9e0B2MiFWRw9G_-y1At43pzrpUmzviNGF-99t97GfZuCY30ZwmZcOuvlUEElM5lOUWDUi3hoL-CDNHda8HE_2kF8jEvmnWAVzrnKJMSNiG/s1600/stretchedStapled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIuLV7vpP9zqsZSCg7Xwb5TLaOzYBVjhj9P9e0B2MiFWRw9G_-y1At43pzrpUmzviNGF-99t97GfZuCY30ZwmZcOuvlUEElM5lOUWDUi3hoL-CDNHda8HE_2kF8jEvmnWAVzrnKJMSNiG/s320/stretchedStapled.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So, now I have it stapled down and am currently waiting for it to dry completely. Fingers crossed that it will work out this time!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>7/11 Part 2:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9OCS0mGd3qiQ3pDKIkuzreItas5NdZIMj9vHJTRs7cszi7SAhPjaLbTALzTGZa4Sly-vE1WHpQQ2X94YHj4PE8UhbUqHLcmb6gAzk1jkaUAmW_6BfaLZw57iomVoRtJunbj4TaiKUJHm/s1600/ReadToPaint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9OCS0mGd3qiQ3pDKIkuzreItas5NdZIMj9vHJTRs7cszi7SAhPjaLbTALzTGZa4Sly-vE1WHpQQ2X94YHj4PE8UhbUqHLcmb6gAzk1jkaUAmW_6BfaLZw57iomVoRtJunbj4TaiKUJHm/s400/ReadToPaint.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<u>SUCCESS</u>!!<br />
<br />
Ready to move on to painting!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
...finally<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
---------------------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<b>7/12/12:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgk83SCbmlZ_l3bVDfROajPIohdeih9FdVw5p9_2EJi4M3UsFojAaXldSuL9RGiKhn9z-HmhEXB8HSsQfhPu9fRkhHQKjkjIhtHXtBUOxvnU2bqPznglo_m0hj9dCL8ESf_S5ra-B4F9t/s1600/WashSuccessFailure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgk83SCbmlZ_l3bVDfROajPIohdeih9FdVw5p9_2EJi4M3UsFojAaXldSuL9RGiKhn9z-HmhEXB8HSsQfhPu9fRkhHQKjkjIhtHXtBUOxvnU2bqPznglo_m0hj9dCL8ESf_S5ra-B4F9t/s320/WashSuccessFailure.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Yesterday, I laid down the first washes of the painting. It seems as if it is going to work really well with the paper stretched! Pictured to the right is an example of the new wash/s beside my first attempt on unstretched paper. That is the version I threw away and started over. In some cases, I don't mind some texture to the washes of paint, but in this case I don't want anything like that. </div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfb9k2I91BeXY-7RwcggX_9HzpDYFApKXU_mYk4742-BAlDf_8H-gKnsyI0I3DUIb3XoWSyYZ3PkEuEHzCRhGSDGbqwVgCFkJCzYI02MCdmVCoIVtJ3STK7D7DliCnHMes19mly3O4EZh/s1600/FaeUnicornBG1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfb9k2I91BeXY-7RwcggX_9HzpDYFApKXU_mYk4742-BAlDf_8H-gKnsyI0I3DUIb3XoWSyYZ3PkEuEHzCRhGSDGbqwVgCFkJCzYI02MCdmVCoIVtJ3STK7D7DliCnHMes19mly3O4EZh/s320/FaeUnicornBG1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
So far it seems to be going well. I've built up the color so it is darker in the background behind them, leaving a lighter area where the moonlight will be shining through the trees a little.</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitE1TE_SE3IrKEL05nDOKnQ14NQYvr07oxuBNzKD6YnCsIqRXp4moT2EN3KAow5jzWCnJaR5XRSR1rFeLRyXeinCW1fepq2e1haLjoUL4cihjVsLZyNWZksowmWGb2PJoIGJysYQ03vAs/s1600/FaeUnicornTrees1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitE1TE_SE3IrKEL05nDOKnQ14NQYvr07oxuBNzKD6YnCsIqRXp4moT2EN3KAow5jzWCnJaR5XRSR1rFeLRyXeinCW1fepq2e1haLjoUL4cihjVsLZyNWZksowmWGb2PJoIGJysYQ03vAs/s320/FaeUnicornTrees1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Next I'm working on the trees in the background, starting with some of the more distant ones since they'll be lighter.</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
I know that much of the foreground elements are going to be dark colors or black so I'm not concerned about painting over them now. Except for her skin, which has had masking fluid applied to it to protect it.</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br />
<div>
---------------------------------------</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>7/17/12:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNs2WQvScPLIynL_hWHcR2t1iSg1yG2f7S0wBmqA-v8mzs5IK7_-v9ll1EHnxgru9anNAQFXnjCixaa3GHayYuB19d7vuXs202FTQgJ12vNfQsZ9WdJ4TlpONcJuksxCxRTt1wDLv1kea/s1600/FaeUnicornBG2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNs2WQvScPLIynL_hWHcR2t1iSg1yG2f7S0wBmqA-v8mzs5IK7_-v9ll1EHnxgru9anNAQFXnjCixaa3GHayYuB19d7vuXs202FTQgJ12vNfQsZ9WdJ4TlpONcJuksxCxRTt1wDLv1kea/s320/FaeUnicornBG2.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
I pretty much have the background done now. I added the nearest, darkest trees. I made the branches a little denser than in the sketch. I also shaded the snow and defined the fairy and unicorn so that they're easier to see when it come time to paint them in. I may think that the background needs more work once I get the foreground figures painted, but for now it looks pretty good.<br />
<br />
Now it is time for the fun part... painting the fairy and unicorn! I know I'm going to start her skin next. I'm not sure if I will finish her completely before moving on the the unicorn or work on them both at the same time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
---------------------------------------</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>7/19/12:</b><br />
<br />
I did quite a bit of work on the fairy! I hope to get this done in the next couple of days. I'm pretty happy with how it's coming along so far. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQMkVaXH9C9Jr-C7BP_XycETLSEjjsGRfqY86pUOo5v3UONIivLoLGPyRmmIZZm-b6Q5awsZLhBEhM3p84ex7eZJoSIjrcJ1xlQY1ofsGY8X2HZRSmzEDlj9wVtGIbLN8cAzI2XQoaQkm/s1600/FaeUnicornwip1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQMkVaXH9C9Jr-C7BP_XycETLSEjjsGRfqY86pUOo5v3UONIivLoLGPyRmmIZZm-b6Q5awsZLhBEhM3p84ex7eZJoSIjrcJ1xlQY1ofsGY8X2HZRSmzEDlj9wVtGIbLN8cAzI2XQoaQkm/s400/FaeUnicornwip1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
---------------------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<b>*UPDATE* 7/22/12:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>Finally Finished!</i></b><br />
I'm happy to say that I finished this painting last night and am really happy with how it turned out. It could be my favorite that I've done this year! :)<br />
<br />
After finishing the painting, I had to remove it from the board. Since this was my first time stretching my watercolor paper and I had to use heavy duty staples, I wasn't sure how this would go. I just knew that I had to proceed very carefully! The first step was to remove the masking tape. That went well and left a nice clean border around the painting. My main concern was getting the staples out without hurting the painting.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZGUkNKamtj3iUt-eVCsvvio40ERe0I0find5-vb4qFvtD3RqnYFsQuVvye9pvdwIB5RcSuS5J6ECWEiexhBhEsHZUH9hmf1llS2Ehqm-xSYDjudWZy3X2uuZ7g4uCaSKO4tqO80VMGhf/s1600/MTfinished1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZGUkNKamtj3iUt-eVCsvvio40ERe0I0find5-vb4qFvtD3RqnYFsQuVvye9pvdwIB5RcSuS5J6ECWEiexhBhEsHZUH9hmf1llS2Ehqm-xSYDjudWZy3X2uuZ7g4uCaSKO4tqO80VMGhf/s400/MTfinished1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIIgfmJBnUnNhJ4eQtGiqY1-0bMib_9ynu5DJ8zg7bM8a4isr0OJhLFWipgGKJtU6jnxZB4Qkx95DjVumnXJoKoLrhxF7fkaTIIH0VejakjjzhEdVHSdUaEp9SpsK2heLwEQ3kaimbQv2/s1600/MTfinished2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIIgfmJBnUnNhJ4eQtGiqY1-0bMib_9ynu5DJ8zg7bM8a4isr0OJhLFWipgGKJtU6jnxZB4Qkx95DjVumnXJoKoLrhxF7fkaTIIH0VejakjjzhEdVHSdUaEp9SpsK2heLwEQ3kaimbQv2/s400/MTfinished2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The staples came out easier than I thought they would. I used a pair of needle-nose pliers and gently pried them each out. As long as I could get the pliers under the the staple, they wiggled out pretty easily. A couple of them gave me problems, and I was a little nervous about my hand slipping and accidentally gouging the paper. Luckily it was a success in the end and I got them all out. Next time, I'm definitely going to try a different method of securing the paper down, but the paper turned out so smooth that it is worth the trouble of stretching! The final thing that I did was to trim off the edges that had the staple holes, leaving about a 1/4" or so border.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So here is the finished <b>"Midnight Travelers"</b> (<i>thanks to fellow artist, Wendy Fowler, for suggesting the title!</i>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8.5 x 12" Watercolor and white goauche. Prints available on my website <a href="http://www.elvenstarart.com/Galleries/Fairies/MidnightTravelers.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTu8txLDwdvQHPRxErqyXD5wbZlZiqPMw7xZ8LRaxpcWlqmh2kUeD0GGcNm-dwn-QibuYbUIyvfw9k6UI46B3iiW0yFuSmQPYOqvQt7EXXId5s-S1rCaDLx4VpC3gZ-VpbZtDV7xctUmTX/s1600/MidnightTravelers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTu8txLDwdvQHPRxErqyXD5wbZlZiqPMw7xZ8LRaxpcWlqmh2kUeD0GGcNm-dwn-QibuYbUIyvfw9k6UI46B3iiW0yFuSmQPYOqvQt7EXXId5s-S1rCaDLx4VpC3gZ-VpbZtDV7xctUmTX/s640/MidnightTravelers.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Details:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflS_IJIudqCYk8xvs19sfWsVQub99-JDQPE_kGtUlMt4O5xhCiSZenc29KvcBlsop408rMyrQGE2W9Rmqn2h4YIAfHr1p-Jk2yxZrt7x7qqapxrwpzv4fxJ-19qBhNUg0C_-5FUqWjVup/s1600/MTdetails2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflS_IJIudqCYk8xvs19sfWsVQub99-JDQPE_kGtUlMt4O5xhCiSZenc29KvcBlsop408rMyrQGE2W9Rmqn2h4YIAfHr1p-Jk2yxZrt7x7qqapxrwpzv4fxJ-19qBhNUg0C_-5FUqWjVup/s640/MTdetails2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocFd8nheu0NzWKyyXRQ3l2BqwGttUbaWckIKsMp0dy8b81o2MgFz8hPmG4XbDaA_QcEcGBRsJNUh3FgdlU5OZCXJgjpOmjgact_4BSgKbDQSIcEcZN3mHdPHUFkgp8t34WeS8A0sSrSXc/s1600/MTdetails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocFd8nheu0NzWKyyXRQ3l2BqwGttUbaWckIKsMp0dy8b81o2MgFz8hPmG4XbDaA_QcEcGBRsJNUh3FgdlU5OZCXJgjpOmjgact_4BSgKbDQSIcEcZN3mHdPHUFkgp8t34WeS8A0sSrSXc/s640/MTdetails.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
ElvenstarArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066944713059681546noreply@blogger.com10