Cards and Stickers

This month has been a busy month with my creating ATCs and Stickers going back to my early days to present with favorite illustrations.

After creating the individual ATCs, I had to then set up onto sheets to be printed and cut.  Then I took the time to catalog over 700 cards I have created by assigning numbers to them and creating a list using Excel and a photo reference using Word and tables.

Next are the stickers I've started working on.  I had to figure out a way to make my stickers where my Scan n Cut machine can read an outline and then remember to use certain adjustments in the machine itself to cut just INSIDE the outlined area leaving a nice white border around the illustration.  I wasn't able to find a tutorial or video on setting up for cutting so I had to figure all this out on my own which took a lot of trial and error.  Once I found something that worked, I made myself a document I can refer back to along with step by step screenshots.  I'm sure there are probably other ways to do this but at least I found something that worked for me.

As I sit and type this post, I am asking myself why am I creating stickers?  I'm really not sure why but I think it's neat and something I might have a use for at a later time.

 

See, Hear, Speak No Evil - Opal

Using one of my newest Opal variations shown in previous post, I made additional arm/feet components to work this trio.

 

Reconstructing Pirate Opal and Color/Saturation Variations

Last month for my monthly challenge with Madison, I came up with the pirate theme using my miniature bear, Opal, as a model.

This month I have been more into playing with color variations and decided to use my Pirate Opal as my starting point.  Using Procreate, I took Opal apart creating individual components so I could dress, change arm positions, etc.  Most of my work was done in Procreate but also used Photoshop Elements as well since both applications share most of the same mechanics.  Much easier to see on a larger screen but some mechanics easier to perform in one application versus the other depending on what I am hoping to achieve.

This has been a three-day project (trial and error, several layers, several different file saves, and final results) and I could spend even more time if I chose to.  With each change in arm position and head, I had to make changes for each part to seamlessly blend in together.  That was accomplished by "pulling" area color using the "Smudge" brush tool within the individual parts to match up to the next section where they joined.  Same with any additions/changes with the clothing.  

Sample of individual parts:

Sample changing arm positions as well as the head (on one example), and my first attempt at creating different clothing and color of Opal:

After the initial change as seen in the center of the above photo, the real fun began - Various changes in clothing, color, texture, and variations of fur color.

With this final sheet, it shows where I started playing with using a selection tool making irregular shapes within an area, feathering the selection, and changing color to give a double color variation as seen in a few shirts and one of the bodies (bottom row, two over from the left).

 

Capturing the Moment

Lani and I were outside for a little while and as we were about to go back inside to the Sunroom, a dark shadow caught my eye.  I looked to see it was a Brown Anole sitting on our air handler's condensation drain pipe that extends down from the attic outside the house.

I don't know if this guy was just relaxing there or if he was headed to the drip of water at the end of the pipe.

This year we have seen green and brown (mainly brown) anoles at every turn.  They are everywhere on foliage, on the house, and even scampering across the lawn.  We've never seen this concentration of anoles in the seven years we've been here until now and wondering if it was due to the warmer winter we had this past year.

We've also taken notice of the larger number of geckos this year as well.

Handsewn journal with Fabriano Cold Press paper / TWSBI 580AL w/#41 Brown ink.

Magnolia Seed Pod

It took a few years before this tree would bloom.  Then we would miss the blooms and only find evidence that the tree had indeed produced a few flowers by finding dried up pods.  This year I was able to follow the blooming process of about half a dozen flowers from bud to pod with seeds.  

We were down to two pods remaining on the tree after hard rains and high winds knocked the other pods off prematurely.   One started popping seeds while the other still has a few days to go before it does (probably due to it being in a shadier area).  

I cut the pod off the tree while only a few seeds were popping out.  It's been sitting on my desk and each day more and more seeds emerge.

This was quite a challenge for me due to the complexity of the pod itself....especially those areas where seed had not started showing.  Part of the pod was a light tan to a pinkish tone to brown.  The flesh was still somewhat soft when I first cut the pod off the tree.  As the seeds emerge, the pod changes to brown and hardens.  My drawing is at the earlier stage showing the color variation when still soft.

UPDATE:  I thought I would remove the writing and date to print off as an ATC as well as adding another leaf to the left corner.  I haven't quite decided which I like better....with or without the added leaf.  (Fortunately, I can always revert back to without the added leaf if I need to.)

More Color Play to Existing Drawings

This is taking pencil sketches and adding color using Photoshop Elements and the color blending mode.  I like adding color to my pencil drawings while maintaining the original pencil work.  I then print off on quality art paper to either add to my sketchbooks or as ATCs for use in magnets or albums.

 

Something Different

This month has been busy with various projects I've taken on.  One project taking inventory of my art and craft supplies.  I'm still not quite done with that.  Plus I've been working on another major project, which for now I'm not writing about until after Christmas.  

Another project that's a bit different - my picking up crochet I haven't done in years.  Instead of crocheting practical items, I like working on novelty things like amigurumi.  Something different as I go through this drawing and painting lull I seem to be in at the moment.  What got me back into crocheting was my dear friend, Fay :-)  Like me, she's going through an art lull as well and has been crocheting.  She sent me a couple examples of what she's been doing and that inspired me.

Playing With Color - Ink Drawing from Jan 2021

Taking a break from a couple major projects I'm working on, I decided to play a bit with color.  I chose to use a pen and ink drawing I had worked back in January when my youngest son sent flowers to help brighten my day after a major family upset.  

I decided to make a print of the original on Stonehenge watercolor 140 lb cold press paper so that I could apply watercolor while maintaining my original as a pen and ink only drawing.

Once painted, I decided to play with some paper I had added only watercolor swatches to for possible backgrounds.  One with the original pen and ink and one with the watercolor version layered overtop for comparison.

Variation of Bees

My eldest granddaughter decided to go in with me working a challenge through the month and we agreed on sketching bees.  So far I have worked four different types in four different mediums.

This has not only been fun but very educational as well....even at my age :-)

 

UPDATE:  My granddaughter's bees (09/22/21)

First is using Procreate and the second is in her sketchbook.  She makes her "Mammaw" proud!!!

New Family Member - 8 Wk Old Zuchon

Last week we picked up a new puppy which is classified as a "Teddy Bear" designer pup.  The mix is Bichon Friese and Shih Tzu.  They go by other names as well but the breeder we purchased from calls them Zuchons.

We chose to go with the name Alani after bringing her home.  It's a name that means precious in Hawaiian.  

She was advertised as sweet and loves to cuddle, which turned out exactly right for several days.  She is still very sweet but is turning into quite a live-wire.  

Using Procreate and the Gouache brush tool, I worked the left side using a single dark brown color.  I was after a monochrome drawing but then decided to add black in areas.

"Lani" is more brown than white but I chose to work her the way I did as I like the contrast with lighter face against her dark ears.

After I finished that, I added another layer adding more brown in the face and paws.  

My objective was more in rendering a likeness with facial features and shape of head rather than worrying about correct coloring.  Plus I was after her soft look as she's a huge soft fur ball.......softer than Miya who is a Yorkipoo.

We are now waiting for a litter of Maltipoos.  A Maltipoo was the breed mix we were initially after but fell in love with this puppy.  Decided we'd go with two being closer in age hoping they will play together leaving our older dog in peace.  Miya is a senior dog who's not interested in the antics of a lively puppy.  She loves people.......not other animals even though she was raised with three other dogs and two cats.

UPDATED:

Added yet another layer with a touch more darker brown and a little black.  

Info sheet I've created for myself as reference.

Various Sketches Through July

Catching Up with July's sketches...

The monthly theme is Sketching a Mess or Cluttered Area.  I just haven't been inspired or motivated enough to work this theme.  Maybe another time.

Fortunately, I did manage to fulfil my other goals with regards to the various medias I try to keep up with on a monthly basis.

Digital

Rosehips using Procreate and my favorite brush tool - Gouache

Christmas Cactus using Procreate and Gouache brush tool:

Seascape using Procreate and trying out two very different brush tools - Organic/Spires for rocks and Organic/Rainforest for clouds.  Worked this while waiting for Elsa to pass by us here in Florida back the first week of July.  This was a lot of fun just playing around with the brush tools and letting the scene develop along the way.  I had no idea what I was going to do.  Added the quote that fit the specific time with that storm coming.

African Red-headed Agama using Procreate and the Gouache brush tool for the Agama itself.  Used BJD/Spots for the ground and Touchups/Old Skin for the subtle pattern on the body of the Agama.

Pen and Ink

Trumpet Tree Flower using TWSBI 580ALR / #41 Brown ink.  Fabriano Artistico HP

Pen and Ink with Watercolor

Yellow Bellied Slider using QoR watercolors; Fabriano Artistico HP; TWSBI 580ALR / #41 Brown Ink.

This guy showed up on our front porch a couple days ago.  No idea where he might have come from as we're a little distance from any water source unless there's a neighbor who has a pond.  My husband said it's possible a bird might have had it and dropped along the way.  This is the second turtle that has shown up on our front porch.  A few weeks ago we had a large Gopher Tortoise show up.

TWSBI 580ALR / #41 Brown in Fabriano Artistico HP sketchbook.

First of the Month Drawings - Graphite and Digital

Starting July off, I've been on a flower/plant kick starting with this pencil drawing of a new Orchid Terry picked up for me from Lowes.

Stillman and Birn Alpha 9x12 sketchbook using .7 mechanical pencil.

One of my favorite flowers to draw and paint is the dog rose.  My dad had this gorgeous vining shrub that grew up and around a huge oak tree.  Over the years I've grown from starters taken from his shrub with one that climbed up a lattice and across the railings of our porch when living in West Virginia.  I have another starter I brought here in Florida but so far in six years, I've not been able to get it to flower.  The problem might be it's still in a pot and might do better if planted into the ground.  We just haven't been able to decide where to plant it.

With this one I chose to work on my Ipad.  I worked it using black only and the HB pencil brush tool.  The color is from using another layer over top the drawing layer and painting on color where I needed it and changing the layer bland mode to "Color."

 

Baby Groot Flower Pot using Procreate

After working the first one in graphite (posted a day or so ago), I wanted to draw another using Procreate and in color.  At first I was dragging my feet picking up the Ipad but my granddaughter, Morgan, shared a digital drawing she had done yesterday and that was all the motivation I needed.  

Not only did I work baby Groot, I also helped Morgan with a drawing this morning where she was a little stuck.  I was able to use the video feature of Procreate to share with her how I would go about what she wanted to draw and let her take it from there.  We spent hours messaging back and forth and that was so much fun!!!

Anyways, after I finished helping Morgan, I went back to work on this drawing.  Although still waiting to receive the Air Plants I want to place in these pots, I took out a stem of artificial daisies placing on top for this drawing.

Procreate Brushes Used:  BJD's Streamline Inker, his Standard Inker, and Gouache.

For this one, I chose to use the line drawing as part of the ending results.  

 

Hibiscus

Was in the mood to sketch some flowers and I chose the sketch what's blooming right outside our kitchen window.

We have several hibiscus, most of which have the orange flowers.  Also have a Hawaiian Hibiscus my youngest son gifted me with and also a double peach hibiscus.  What I love is the fact these flowers basically bloom all year long.

Fabriano old stock Hot Press watercolor paper with TWSBI 580 (EF) and #41 Brown ink.  QoR watercolors.

 

Baby Groot Flower Pots

Yesterday I received four Baby Groot flower pots (all different poses) that I plan to stick airplants in.  For those who don't know who or what Baby Groot is, he's a character in Guardians of the Galaxy 2.

I was searching for unique flower pots and happened on these I find absolutely adorable.  I may keep one to store my pencils or pens at my desk, but haven't quite made up my mind yet.  I'll know once the airplants arrive.

Terry had taken Miya out for her last short walk of the night and during the 15 minutes he was gone, I worked a quick sketch.  Then I added a little shading plus the shadow before going to bed.

I placed a frown on my drawing as I had just read something that bothered me.  This reflects what I was feeling........lol

Stillman and Birn Alpha 9x12 journal using 6B and 4B pencils.  Not real crazy about the 6B.  Even though softer than the 4B, I didn't like how it felt going across the paper........really not as smooth as the 4B but instead a bit scratchy for some reason.

Continuing with Monthly Theme - My Diet

Lately I have been craving fruit and fortunately, it's the time of the year when some of our favorites are in season.  

Rainier Cherries are a favorite and they show up in Publix for only a very limited time.  I limit myself to only five a day.  

Another favorite is the Golden Kiss Melon.  It's the sweetest of the cantaloupe type melons.  Then there is the Watermelon and fortunately the season lasts for awhile.  Both of these I weigh in at around 50 gr each a day however, I will eat up to 100 gr of watermelon if that is all we have on hand.

Normally I would get Strawberries about now but we haven't had a lot of luck purchasing sweet strawberries or with any real flavor to them.  We feel we waste money on them more often than not.  This is one fruit I can eat more of when I do get lucky enough to purchase a good batch.

Gala Apples are my go to apple variety and I get them regularly throughout the year.  I only eat a quarter of an apple each day with just a little peanut butter for added flavor.  They are normally an evening snack for me.

Taking notice of the low amounts I eat, I have to watch my sugar and carb intake so rather than do without, I allow myself small quantities just so I don't feel deprived.

And besides zucchini, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli, which I eat regularly, I've been in the mood for tomatoes.  Our favorite being the ones sold still on the vine.  Even though technically tomatoes are considered fruit, I view them as vegetables.  

I like eating sliced tomato in a wrap or between bread with salt and pepper with a little mayo as it mixes wonderfully with the juice making a wonderful dressing.  

Page worked in the handsewn journal made with old stock of Fabriano Hot Press watercolor paper using the TWSBI 580 fountain pen with #41 Brown ink.