Gift Of A Portrait Continued

The painting below was initially completed, but something didn’t sit right with me—the background felt off, and the hair color wasn’t quite what I had envisioned. To bring it closer to what I wanted, I deepened the background using a mix of burnt sienna, raw umber, and medium yellow, which gave it more warmth and depth. I also darkened the hair and made subtle adjustments to the skin tone. I'm much happier with how it's coming together now. The forehead still needs a bit more blending before I apply the final varnish, but overall, the changes have brought the piece closer to my original vision.

Link of post of original painting

Portrait received 

Gift Of A Portrait

Portrait painting is always a challenge. Capturing someone’s likeness from a single photograph often comes with its own set of hurdles—colors can feel off, and lighting isn’t always ideal. I’ve yet to try painting from life, as my sketching skills are still a work in progress. For now, I rely on printing the reference photo and using tracing paper to emboss the basic outline onto the canvas. It’s a method that helps me place the eyes, nose, and mouth proportionally, giving the portrait a solid foundation.

This particular piece was painted in acrylics on an 11x14 canvas and is a graduation gift for my niece. While I see areas that could use further refinement, I made the decision to stop before I risked overworking it and dulling the vibrancy. Working under a time constraint definitely has its drawbacks, but at least this piece will be delivered—rather than joining the stack of my many “misfit” paintings waiting in the wings.

Painting Collection: Babe’s Safari

Completed

Recently, I painted four individual safari animals for my grandson’s new bedroom. Afterward, I had an idea to include my grandson in one painting, sitting along side his new safari friends.

Click link to view Safari Animal Paintings

When beginning a painting I use an inspirational photo to guide my project. Sometimes, I use a digital photo to help refine my vision, and for this, I rely on the Procreate app. It’s a great tool that allows me to combine my artwork with digital photos. I can upload images of my paintings, then manipulate and arrange them within the app to find the best perspective and composition for each piece. It’s an essential part of my creative process. Then I transfer the idea onto my canvas and paint!

Beginning 

Work in progress 

Adding finishing touches 

 

Nursery Paintings Cont

I love looking for painting projects to do. Often to try to enhance my skills as an artist. But recently I found out  that I’m going to have another grand baby. Yay! Such an exciting time to have another baby around. Which is why I decided to do these cute paintings.

They are simple, fun, fast and fantastic to create for any occasion. 

  

Adorable DIY Safari Animal Art for Your Baby’s Room

Getting ready for a baby can be both exciting and overwhelming—especially when it comes to decorating the nursery. If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing project that adds a personal touch, this DIY safari animal artwork is a perfect way to de-stress and bring some cuteness into your baby’s space!

Easy DIY Safari Animal Art

These charming baby safari animals are surprisingly simple to create. Even if you’re not confident in your drawing skills, don’t worry—you can use a cute cartoon template to trace your design. Here’s how:

1. Trace Your Design: Use carbon tracing paper to transfer a template onto a canvas. This saves time and ensures a polished look.
2. Paint with Soft Colors: Use acrylic paint thinned with a bit of water to achieve soft, pastel hues. This keeps the artwork light and soothing—perfect for a nursery.
3. Outline for Definition: Once your painting is dry, use a fine-tip black marker to outline your design, adding detail and depth.

And just like that—voilà! You have an adorable, hand-painted piece of art that ties your baby’s nursery theme together.

Not Into Safari Animals? No Problem!

If safari critters aren’t your style, there are endless other adorable designs available online. Whether you prefer woodland animals, ocean creatures, or dreamy celestial themes, you can easily customize this project to match your vision.

Creating your baby’s nursery should be a joyful experience, and this simple DIY project is a wonderful way to add a personal, handmade touch. So grab your supplies, get creative, and have fun bringing your baby’s space to life!

Kelp In Motion

In this painting, I continue exploring the kelp forest, a process that has been both intriguing and rewarding. Capturing texture, movement, and light presents unique challenges, but incorporating fine details—delicate dashes and varied dots in multiple hues—brings the scene to life. These dynamic patterns create a sense of motion, making the kelp feel as if it’s swaying with the currents.  

As I refine my techniques, I find a deeper connection to the subject, allowing the painting to evolve organically. More to come as this piece progresses! To see post of last update click link Kelp cont. 

 

The Cost Of Creativity: Investing In Yourself

Just as a painting needs pigment, a passion needs investment.

How true this is.

Much like the saying “better late than never,” this speaks volumes about investing in yourself. Many struggling artists aren’t just battling finances—they’re battling hesitation. Sometimes the biggest hurdle isn’t buying materials, but believing it’s worth the effort to try.

Art has been my way of figuring things out. It’s taught me patience, discipline, and the value of showing up—even when it’s messy.

This blog is my personal journal—a space to share the real moments of my creative journey. I’m not here to sell or impress, just to be honest about what I’ve learned. If my path helps someone else feel less alone in theirs, then it’s worth sharing.