Painting a Day - Day 73

 I am giving myself permission again to not be perfect with my posting and doing a daily painting. I posted the sketch to Facebook, with the intention of posting the watercolor yesterday, but family stuff came up and I've got to take care of certain people!

This was another kitty cat I used to have. She was very shy but very sweet and very pretty.

Doing the sketch was a great way for me to find her fur and her tabby markings. I have heard it said and I believe it is true, drawing is the basis for all good art. I always do

a sketch before I start start painting. This is especially important if I am doing a painting from a photo or from life. It helps me find texture and shadows which will help me when I get ready to make the painting.

Thanks for visiting again. I appreciate you coming back even though I didn't manage a post yesterday. If you would like to purchase the watercolor of this kitty cat, email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.  It is 5 x 7 and for sale for $25. Hope to have a new painting up tomorrow so hope you can come back then!

A Painting a Day - Day 71

This is a portrait of my own cat. I don't have him anymore. He passed away four years ago. His name was Elmore and he was mine for 10 years. He was my baby before I had babies, which was hard on him when that happened. I loved him so much. I still miss him. He taught me how to be a better pet owner.

Wow, I didn't expect to feel that so deeply! But that is what having a portrait of him causes! Something about focusing on all the little detail that make him who he was brings back all the sweet memories I have tangled up with him.

I am currently taking orders for pet portraits and would love to help you make something precious that you can keep forever that will remind you of how much you love your pet. We don't get to keep them as long as we'd like and something that preserves those memories is priceless.

This is my 71st painting in my 100 paintings project. I think I am going to have to hang on to this one so it is not available.  But I still have other paintings available for sale yet. If there is one you are interested in, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. I'd also love to hear from you if you would like a pet portrait done. This was done from a photo and I can do the same for you.

Thanks for following my art. I would love to know what you think in the comments below!

A Painting a Day - Day 60

I started out this day with lots of ambition! Then there was a grocery store trip, dinner, kids homework, kids' activities after school and dealing with the crisis of the day. Needless to say, I ran out of day! But I began the day with this darling little cat which is a pet portrait for a new friend. So it is not for sale because it has already been purchased. I thought I would post it as my day 60 because it turned out so well. I love it! And because I ran out of time to do anymore paintings!

I am doing commissions now for pet portraits but also for illustrations and other subject matter. I will be posting more in the days to come. If you are interested in having a piece of art custom made, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com and we can discuss what you would like for me to create for you.

Thanks for stopping by to see my art. Hope you can come by again tomorrow!

A Painting a Day - Day 54

Another Halloween themed picture! This is my 54th painting. From what I understand black is not used in traditional watercolor paintings. But I am enjoying using it in this and yesterday's paintings. I get the paper wet where I want the black to be and then drop the color into the moistened area. It spreads and makes really cool patterns, like lace or spider webs, soft and feathery.

I also wanted to create a feeling of shadow and light with the pumpkins. The shadows create a dimension to them while the bright light shining from within creates a nice contrast.

This black cat is painted on 8 x 10 Arches 100% cotton watercolor paper. It is available for sale for $50. If you would like to purchase it be the first to email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. I know decorating for Halloween has become very popular and more elaborate than it was when I was a kid when all you had was a couple of jack-o-lanterns on the front porch. This black cat would make a great addition to the ambiance of that spooky day!

Thanks for following my artwork. Hope you will come again tomorrow to see a new picture!

A Painting a Day - Day 26

This has been quite a week. My house is a mess. My energy is gone. I have a list of to do's a page long. I really need to go to bed. Several times I thought, "I just don't want to do this today!" But knowing someone is waiting to see my painting a day project keeps me going. I cannot say how grateful I am for everyone who is rooting for me, keeping track of my progress and smiling when they look at each day's new painting. I am very nearly a month into this and I am just as excited, if much more tired, as I was on September 1st. I love making art. I love meeting new people. I love learning new things. I love taking a chance. I love that there is someone clicking on my post and enjoying the beautiful thing I made. I am sharing my heart and my talent and receiving so much in return.

This painting is all about love. That is what I am feeling. Painting #26 is available for $26. If you would like to buy it, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. The first person I hear from can purchase it.

Thank YOU for following my daily paintings. I hope I have made you smile. I hope I get to make you smile again tomorrow!

Angel Wings

My little angel has found a play mate.  This week on Illustration Friday, the theme is "Wing".  My original drawing had her lying on a ledge.  I thought tiny flowers would made it look more whimsical.  Thanks for stopping by to see her up close.  Please leave a comment.  I'd love to know what you think of them.

A Shy Kitty Hiding Under the Bed

This week's theme for Illustration Friday is "Shy".  It made me think of a kitty cat I used to have whose name was Ringo.  She was the cat of a friend and he could no longer care for her, so we took her in.  She was a sweet cat, but she spent alot of time under the bed, especially when guests visited.

This picture takes place in a little girl's room, just because I think every little girl ought to have the chance to love a cat sometime during her childhood.

Thanks for stopping by.  I would love for you to leave a comment and tell me what you think!