Fairyland...or...Alberta, Canada.

When I go hiking, I love looking at the nature around me, and seeing the little pathways and trails created by animals, water or people in the woods. It takes me to fairyland :)

The Last Candle--Work in Progress

Here is a photo of part of my current work-in-progress due July 10 for the Enchanted Visions Project's July theme of "The Last Candle". This is drawn out on 13x17 inch paper, and will be painted with watercolor in hues of purples, blues and golds. I've always wanted to do a wizard piece, and I'm glad Enchanted Visions Project (and Blind Guardian) gave me the inspiration to create! 

6 Pieces for the Shadowfist Game

Back in April, I signed a contract with Inner Kingdom Games, Inc., to create 6 pieces for an expansion of the Shadowfist card game. They were completed by mid day on June 1st, and it is a glorious accomplishment. I was given parameters to meet for each card. These were all painted in watercolor, with white gouache for highlights, as per usual for my paintings.
I marathoned the new Doctor Who series (what is available on Netflix: Beefcake Eccleston through the end of Amy Pond), Supernatural, the Catherine Tate Show, and varying martial arts films to get me through this. I like to have something going on tv in the background. Especially with series, they keep me hooked enough when I need to put in long hours when I get home from the day job, and the creepy episodes keep me awake at night to continue working to 2 am, sometimes 4 or 6 am. Maybe that is a silly method, but it works for me!

Thunder Valkyrie

The first one I drew, and the first one I painted. 

Shield Bearer

They asked for a young man in light mail, helm and kite shield with this specific emblem. As they asked for a kite shield, I decided to throw a little Norman into this young man's attire.

Spirit Guide

The concept was changed halfway through drawing. The details were so much fun!

Butterfly Armour

I was asked to depict a knight in full armour, with armoured butterfly wings. I went with monarch wing design and colors where I could.

Estate of the Oncoming Storm

A cathedral in a cavern.

Thunder Champion

I was asked to depict an armoured man with sword and shield fending off two foes armed with guns. The layout and background were chosen by the customer.

Now, on to the next project!! I have quite a few commissions that have been waiting to begin!

Inspirations from MFAH

My, it has been a while, and I do apologize. Despite my absence, I have been insanely busy with my artwork. I have a project of 6 paintings due June 1 for a company, and unfortunately I can't share much information until then. Do not fret, that is only 3 weeks away! Well, I fret that small time frame...

I took a break from working on Mother's Day to go to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston with my parents, sister and grandmother to view the Picasso Black and White exhibit. I'm not a Picasso fan, and I was ecstatic when I exited the exhibit to find myself in a room of fabulous Bronze Age relics of Etruscan, Syrian, Greek and Roman make. Aaaah I love those ancient peoples so! After that, I went into the Jacques Callot exhibit, Princes & Paupers, and it was all I could do to contain myself. I couldn't take photos in there, and the book was sold out in the gift shop, so I just purchased it on Amazon.com. I can't wait to receive it. His work appeals to both the costumer in me, and the artist. If you're ever looking for references for 17th century wealthy and peasant costume, look for his art. There are a few series of pieces I have been wanting to create, and Jacques Callot's work has helped me immensely with inspiration.

Now, on to the images!!

I forget the title for this bowl...but I believe it was Etruscan in origin. I am absolutely in love with the patterning, and hopefully it will serve as a good guide in future:

 

 (Greek/Hellenistic) Head of Poseidon/Antigonos Doson 227-221 BC. Bronze. : I love his face, and the lines in his hair. 

 Imperial Portrait of the Emperor Caligula, God and Ruler 37-41 AD. Gilt Bronze: faces such as this are certainly a huge inspiration to me as I draw. Aside from the beautiful sculpting, I adore the color variation in the bronze. This is not only a good reference to me for facial structure, but also for coloring purposes.

 I forgot to photograph the information placque for this one. But I mainly took this picture because the woman looks like she's showing off her guns, which happen to be rams. And the coloring in the bronze is fabulous.

 Assyrian. Guardian Figure. 883-859 BC. Gypsum.: I love the lines in this piece.

 Greek Krater. 6th Century BC. Cast and Hammered bronze. I absolutely love the details of this Krater, and how happy the figures appear. Of course, they are happy because this is a vessel for mixing wine and water.