Things With Wings...



Each month at Willowing & Friends, there is a themed art challenge. August's theme is "Things With Wings". I decided to share one of my graphite pieces. She's available in my Etsy Shop.

"Letting Go"

Just who is the master? And who is the foe?
Who is the one who cannot let go?
Wings and Chains, and Locks, and Keys...
All tangled up in memories.
Neither can soar beyond their dreams.
Fear keeps them bound, or so it seems.
Woman! Take heart. 'Tis you holds the key.
Letting go of the crow... will set you both free.

Gritty Jane's "Masked" Challenge...



Jane DesRosier of "Gritty Jane Art Studio" is hosting an art challenge.
The prompt was "Masked". Cool idea, huh?
This gal came into my head as soon as I read about it, so I decided to join in on the fun.

Jane's one of those artists I'm thankful to have met online who not only is extremely talented, but also takes the time to share her knowledge with others, and continues to encourage the "artistic fires" through groups and challenges such as this one.

If you want to join in the "masked" fun... here's the link to the info:
Gritty Jane's "Masked" Challenge

Creative Every Day

I started participating in Creative Every Day at the end of 2009. I love that it's a low pressure challenge. But there are monthly themes and weekly challenges for anyone who wants to join in the fun of keeping the creative juices flowing. The other thing that I REALLY love about this creative challenge is that it's not just about visual art. Like many artists, I love so many ways to join in the "creative expression", including the written word. So... If painting isn't "in the muse" for that day and poetry is... I can still share what has come from my heart. I wasn't really good at connecting on a weekly basis, and I want to try that more this year. Every Monday, the particpants are welcome to link back to the Creative Every Day site with whatever they've been inspired to share. Check for more information by clicking on the link, here in this post, or by clicking the Creative Every Day 2011 Button on my sidebar. Join in the fun!

I missed yesterday's link up, but I've been wanting to make a painting for my grandbaby, Adleigh. She is soooo fun. When she visits the zoo, she is always smitten with the flamingos. Thus, Mumzie has bought her every stuffed flamingo she can find... LOL!  The other day I saw a painting of a flamingo with the same "poofy" hairstyle as Adleigh. I knew I had to do some kind of whimsical portrait of Adleigh with a "pet" flamingo. Below are the rough sketches. *Special thanks goes out to my hubster who "Oh so carefully" offered the gentle critique that flamingos legs bend the "other" way.... LOL! He makes everything I do so much more fun :)

I can already see the changes I want to make, but I'm glad to be getting in the swing of things while we're still in January ;)

Blessings... Linda

"The Bee Keeper"

Thought I'd get in on the fun over at Creating The Hive! There's a weekly art challenge focusing on different themes to inspire creativity, and all around group fun. This week's theme was "Bees". :)

I chose to do an illustration of

"The Bee Keeper"

If you'd like to join in the fun, check out the link to the Un-Bee-Lieveable Creative Challenge over at Pop Art Minis. I entered just under the wire this week, but a new theme should be posted soon. Buzz on over :)

(I just want to add that the text used in this piece is not part of the original pencil

 illustration. It was added digitally, and is "Dear Love" by Douglas Vitkauskas)