A Painting a Day - Day 14

I have really struggled today.  So many negative thoughts racing around in my head today.  Will I be able to keep this up, doing a painting everyday?  Will I be able to do it and not neglect my other obligations?  Will I ever get over worrying about what other people think?  This is when the announcer stops and says "Tune in next week and find out!"

I realize fears are mostly just shadows that give us the willies but don't have any way to actually harm us.  I think I am just feeling overwhelmed with all of my day to day stuff and I will feel better in a few days.  I just have to make up my mind to keep going and not give into the fears in my head.

There I've decided.  There will be another painting posted tomorrow.  Unless I die and then I won't be worried about anything!

Speaking of fears. This mountain lion would strike fear into the heart of any one who might meet her.  I have lived in Indiana all my life and there haven't been mountains lions around here in years...depending on who you ask.  I hear the rumors and the stories of hearing eerie screams coming from the hollars in the dark of the night. The kind of sound that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand on end.  There may be a mountain lion out there deep in the woods.  I hope they stay out there because it makes me cringe to think they might come near.

This beautiful cougar is for sale for $14.  She is painted in watercolor on watercolor paper and is 5 x 7 in size. You can email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com if you would like to purchase her.  She would also make a great gift.  Or maybe you know someone who loves mountain lions, please share this with them.

Thanks for stopping to look at my art today.  Hope you can come again tomorrow to see what I paint next!

A Painting a Day - Day 13

I had so much fun doing the textures in yesterday's tiger painting I wanted to try it again.  This time I went for strong contrast with the black and white of the panda and then the shadows created by the bamboo leaves behind him.  I don't use black too often and it was fun to see the pigment spread in interesting patterns over the wet areas of the watercolor paper. That is harder to see with lighter colors.

As it is day 13, this painting is for sale for $13.  Please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator @gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing it.  The first person I hear from can buy it.  And if you don't feel inclined to purchase it for yourself, this panda would make a great gift.  Or maybe you know someone who would enjoy it.  Please share this post with that someone! Thanks for coming to see my artwork.  I am creating quite a collection in a very short time which is really exciting.  It has been a fun challenge fitting painting in a midst day to day life.

A Painting a Day - Day 12

After doing dogs and cats and horse, animals that a near to us on a daily basis, I thought I would do something more exotic.  Tigers have so much drama with their expression and their color.  I like the contrast of the tiger's coat with the yellow green of the grass and leaves.  And creating patterns with leaves, grasses and strips was fun. Even the water has a ripple in it.

I am learning so much about watercolor by painting a complete piece everyday.  I am learning how to build up the colors, to create depth and shadow and drama.

This 12th painting is for sale for $12.  It is on 5 x 7 watercolor paper, ready to frame.  If you are interested in purchasing it, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.  The first person I hear from can be the new owner of this beautiful tiger.

Thanks so much for stopping to see my art work.

A Painting a Day - Day 11

Today we remember those who lost their lives when terrorists thought they could cripple America with a horrific, monumental act of terror.  For all of the faults America may have, we are still a strong and resilient people. Like this majestic bird which is our symbol, we can still soar on strong wings, reaching new heights. One of the most important things about art is that it can express our deepest emotions.  Today, emotions are stirred by memory and it hurts to remember but it is good to see the perseverance in our hearts.

I am posting this eagle in honor of those who lost their lives and those who lost their loved ones too soon on that terrible day in 2001.  As this is the 11th day of my challenge, it is available for $11.  If you are interested in purchasing it, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.  The first person to contact me will be able to buy it.

Thanks for coming to see my art today. I hope you can come by again tomorrow for my next creation.Please leave a comment if you are so inclined.

A Painting a Day - Day 10

When I was a girl, and I lived on my father's farm, I would often look out across the soybean field below our house and look to see if I could spot that reddish coat of a white tailed deer grazing in the beans.  So as a farmer, I am sure my dad found them to be a nuisance but as a lover of beauty, if he spotted one, he would tell us to hush and point to that reddish spot far out in the midst of the velvety sea of green where the field met the woods.

This little fawn reminds me of those quiet, precious evenings when nature would creep so close to my home.  She is painted in watercolor and is 5 x 7 and ready to frame.  You can purchase her for $10 as this is day 10.

If you are interested in buying this painting please send me an email at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.  The first person I hear from can buy her!  Thanks stopping by.  Hope you can come again tomorrow to see another new painting.

Sorry that I didn't get this posted yesterday! I was having trouble with my computer.

A Painting a Day - Day 9

Two prowlers are sitting on a wall, watching the sun set and the moon rise.  This was fun to experiment with lighting and I think it came off pretty well.  I always have liked that eerie glow that cats eyes' have in the dark when they catch a bit of light.  I hope that comes across in this.

I did a doodle of this while I was at work today on a break.  Seems like I am doodling a lot lately. I may be busy with something but my head is on what the next painting is going to be!

The painting for day 9 is available for sale for $9. It is painted on watercolor paper size 5 x 7.  If you are interested in these two kitties please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.  The first person I hear from can purchase them!  Thanks for stopping by to see my latest painting.

A Painting a Day - Day 8

Tonight I decided to paint something a bit playful and simple.  Foxes are so enchanting and cute.  I remember when I was a little girl I loved Disney's "The Fox and the Hound".  It was the first movie I ever saw in a theater and I was so in love with the little fox.  And I didn't realize it at the time, but I think that is when I first fell in love with Disney animation too.  The fact that foxes lived in the woods at the back of our farm just made it better.  I remember sneaking up on a litter of baby foxes with my dad and the delight of watching them wrestle and play.

I can't help but feel good about using my spare time for this instead of watching TV and having nothing to show for it.

These playful foxes are available for $8 since it is day 8.  They are on 5 x 7 watercolor paper, ready to be framed. If you are interested in owning this foxy pair, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.  The first person I hear from can buy them.

Thanks for dropping by to see today's project.  Hope you can come again tomorrow!  I am having so much fun making pretty pictures to share with you!