Children's Art

I've been desperately trying to get back to posting art on this blog!  If you follow me here you know that I love painting art for children.  These three painting belong to my children and since my son is moving out of their shared room and into his own, these came off the walls today while we rearrange.  What better time to snap some pictures and share with you.

A pirate treasure map for Max

A flower garden for Rose

 A word about the flower garden painting...in case you recognize it, yes, I copied this from something I saw at a retail store.  I know this might be controversial...but truth be told, I taught myself to paint by copying others.  I have never tried to pass someone else's design as my own.  I always admit to copying (I prefer to call it inspiration!) and I never have tried to profit from any art that was not originally mine.  Just wanted to get that out of the way...

One day Max asked me to paint him the "Bob" character from Monster's vs. Aliens. 
Here it in on his new desk in his new room.

More of my children's art.

I've been missing linking up with Paint Party Friday and so glad I did it today because you can visit the site and see beautiful artwork you can bid on with proceeds going to Sandy Hook Elementary School!

A Puppy and A Doggy





Hello Oberon who is 13 weeks old today and often wet and muddy.  In this picture you can see his "flaw," the black spot that we found out about the day before he came home to us.  We had no plans to show or breed him and we think his spot is charming even if it is considered a fault. 

I was extra busy last week painting special pictures for two special girls this week.

I painted an owl for H and then this fluffy white doggy for M's 7th birthday.



Acrylic on canvas, 12" X 14"



Linking up to Hello Monday.

An Owl

Acrylic on canvas, 12" X 14"

I painted this owl for H's 9th birthday.  Her family, besides being very dear friends, are some of my greatest supporters.  Six of my painting hang from walls in their home.  Seeing H's reaction when she opened her gift was priceless and the best compliment!

For Charlotte

Since my youngest niece Charlotte recently turned one it was high time I painted something for her room.  I hope these little birdies make her smile.
14X20.  Acrylic on canvas.

 

Work in progress

Happy Birthday C!

 

Going to C's 7th birthday party today so I made this 5X7 in about 1/2 hour to use as a birthday card. 

Happy Birthday C!

Illustration Friday - Intention

 

Giving paintings as gifts was a regular practice of mine a few years ago and it has been my intention to start doing that again.  This painting is for Stella's 5th birthday.


These are apple blossoms in my garden.  Despite the wonderful climate I live in I have had terrible luck with fruit trees...I'm hoping these pretty flowers turn into delicious apples.  I had them in mind when I painted the flowers above although I wanted a more bold pink in the painting. 

Illustration Friday - Silent

"Silent Knight" or "The 'K' in Knight is Silent"

This was a tough one...I mentally went through the obvious choices and even drew a baby sleeping in the woods but in the end, I'm pleased with my play on words and drawing this cute little guy took me out of my comfort zone.  That's what IF is all about for me...forcing me to be creative and productive.

 

I was a busy bee today...I made the BEST beans ever and two loaves of bread for dinner.

The BEST beans ever (Beans in broth)

Chop 1/2 cup yellow or white onions and cook in a 1 tablespoon each of olive and vegetable oil until the onions are black.  Not just browned but burned black.  You might want to open doors and turn on your fan.  In the meantime, rinse 1 cup of dry pinto beans.  Do not soak.  When onions are black add the beans and 4 or 5 cups of boiling water.  Be very careful adding water to hot oil!  Water should cover the beans.  Add one bay leaf.  Simmer partially covered for about an hour.  Keep your eye on the beans, if too much water evaporates add one cup of water at a time (water should be hot before adding.)  After about an hour when beans have softened add 1 teaspoon of salt.  Make sure you do not add salt before beans have softened.  Continue to simmer, adding hot water when needed for another hour or two until beans are cooked.  There should be some "broth."  If too much water has evaporated, add more to make some broth.  Discard the bay leaf.  Discard the black onions if you like (I never do.)  These beans freeze very well.  Use this recipe to make refried beans by smashing beans and reheating in a bit of oil.