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Production in the studio has been slow.
That's not to mention all of the cool stuff that's happening behind the scenes!
So let me fill you in with one biggie.
We're moving into our first house at the end of March!!
Yep, my husband and I were finally given the gift of buying our first home, and that means packing it all up. The whole month of March has been preparing and packing, and now we're at the tail end called "crunch time".
This also means working in the studio towards art has been placed aside. Artist cap off, homemaker cap on. Although, picking out paint colors has rambled our design heads a bit. ;)
I'm very excited to be moving into our new home, and the new studio (eeee!!!), and I can't wait to show you! Until I can, here is the before and after of my current studio...the after being where it's at today. Just so you can get an idea.
I still have a mini work space for painting and basic office work since we're still in the apartment for two more weeks, but everything else is getting boxed up and ready to haul.
ETSY SHOP ANNOUNCEMENTMy wee shop is going on vacation Wednesday March 20th until April 15th, that's the longest time on vacation since I opened the shop 5 years ago.
Beginning
April 15th thru April 19th everything in the shop will be
35% off to kick off the new studio!
Mark your calenders for this sale!More details will be on
Facebook along with sneak peeks of the new studio as I get it all put together.
Want the first peek? The studio is through those doors...
Well, princesses will have to wait until the fairies fly South for the winter.
I have been given a new project involving these wonderful wee folk, and it's been quite some time since I have painted them. Almost two years in fact! I think I've done one or two here and there, but not many.
To catch you up to date, here are the new members of the portfolio family. It's been interesting to see how the added styles and techniques I've acquired over the last couple of years is being translated into the fairies.
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By:
Sara Burrier,
on 2/22/2013
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| "Spring Maiden" |
After looking through my portfolio of fairies, I realized there were no fairy brides, time for a change!
It's refreshing to get back onto hot pressed paper after a some time on cold pressed.
By:
Sara Burrier,
on 2/1/2013
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Ever wonder what I work with?
I am always curious to see other artists' studios, the tools they use, even down to how they brush the paint on. It fascinates me.
I'm working on a project right now that has forced me to look closer at what I work with and why I work with it.
You can find commentaries on blogs, forums, and Facebook about how one artist will voice their favorite pencil, while another artist in the same field will swear by another brand. Call it the sport of art if you like
(I'm sure there's an artist out there with a rabbit's foot).
Most of my tools have a story or memory attached to them. The oldest tool I've used every day in the studio is my
kneaded eraser.
My dad is an art teacher most of my life, so I grew up with this wonderful tool laying around his art studio coiled up or made into small pyramids. Something to do while thinking or working. I was introduced to it very young.
The next tool oldest to me is a retractable Tuff Stuff! The moment I discovered this eraser years ago I fell in love and haven't gone back. It gets into the little spots and is always a clean erase. I don't go anywhere without it!
My pencils are newer to me. I have worked with mechanical pencils for at least 15 years now, but the one I used as a teenager...well....was great for a teenager.
Two years ago I did some research and tried
Pentel GraphGear 500 on a whim. Love them! Great body weight, good lead selection, amazingly priced! The green Pentel is their most standard.
Pentel P205...still a great drawing pencil!
Sketchbooks are personal, in every sense, like a diary. I have always favored the large
Strathmore or
Canson spiralbounds, 9x12 inch. I have several moleskines too that are smaller....and I adore them, but I like space for my hand when I draw, this allows it.
Color Theory wasn't around in the beginning for me, so I just picked colors that worked to my eye. This did not help in finding the best palette for me, or how to lay it out even.
All of my palettes up to several years ago were rectangle and felt rough to me. Nothing progressed fluidly for me, only manageable.
There was a teacher of watercolor where I work
(The Des Moines Art Center) who had a round palette out during one of her classes, and I was introduced to the
Stephen Quiller Palette.
A circle! Imagine color on a wheel!I took her class, several times, and have since learned how to better use my palette effectively.
The paints I use are a blend of
Daniel Smith and
Winsor Newton. I always have a messy palette, it's cleaned maybe once every two months. I also paint on primarily
Arches Hot Press and Cold Press 140lbs. It's a comfortable inbetween weight and their brand is one of the oldest. I'm open to other papers, but I'm a snob about Arches. The brushes?
Cotman series 666.If you know my work you'll notice my use of white. This started in the phase of trying to keep the white of the paper and failing. I taught myself watercolor, so I turned to problem-solving (an illustrator's best trait).
First it was
FW liquid acrylic. I would brush it on, but it cakes easily. Nowadays I usually water it down.
The other partner in crime is the white gel pen. Discovered this while watching watercolor videos on YouTube. Genius! I don't think I use the best one, your basic
Gelly Roll, but will be ordering a
UniBall gel pen and I'm looking forward to seeing how it works!
Last but not least, the infamous indigo colored pencil. I started using this prominently last year while working on
Tangerine. I was first introduced to
Verithin Colored Pencils by Prismacolor a couple of years back. They're fantastic because of the harder lead with less wax. Because I'm not a colored pencil artist, this worked great for sketching!
The indigo was an accident. I was sketching with it, and as I added color (without thinking of the muddiness it could create) I noticed how it's more dulled tone worked. After
Tangerine I continued to sketch with it. The hue is attractive to me, mixed with graphite or color. It helps to provide me my shadows.
Although indigo can create mud very quickly (it's not for the inexperienced), it does create a more earthy visual of color hues in the painting. I trust it so much I paint with indigo as well.
I try to sharpen always with a blade so that I don't go through the pencil as fast (taught by my dad), and the electric eraser was a gift to me. Never knew I would have a need of it until I discovered it erases the indigo colored pencil wonderfully!
Do you have a favorite pen or material that you use a bit religiously?
By:
Sara Burrier,
on 1/25/2013
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Looking for the Real Thing?
Purchasing an original is a big deal.
Not only is the price demanding, but you're investing in something unique, one of a kind, fragile, and ultimately an asset to you and your legacy.
Sounds deep, but art collecting truly is just that.
My goal this year is to make my originals
more obtainable to you. Throughout the year you will find them on
Facebook in a photo album, here under
Art for Sale, and hopefully soon on my
website.
The blog is the simplest way to purchase an original. Visit
Art for Sale (found at the top of this page), find the piece, and click
Purchase.
It goes through
Paypal, and if that doesn't work for you, please
Email me and we can make an arrangement. If you've ever done business with me, then you know I'll do whatever is in my abilities to make it work for you.
Buying art isn't like buying something from the store, it's an investment...remember? I make that investment too by serving you, getting to know who you are, and if possible check in and see how that piece is working for you and your home.
I also create Custom Work If you're interested in owning an original, but don't see one you'd like to purchase simply request a custom piece by visiting my
Etsy shop and contacting me through the
"Request custom item" link there, or email me.
New works will be added often, so keep your eye on the
Art for Sale page by bookmarking it!
By:
Sara Burrier,
on 1/21/2013
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"I am hidden with Christ in God" - Col. 3:3
"I have not been given a spirit of fear." 2 Tim. 1:7
Title: Midnight Warrior
Size: 4x6
Medium: watercolor, colored pencil
Midnight Warrior is a self portrait of myself - metaphorically.
Like many masters and artisans from long ago, I throughly enjoy and intend to add symbolism into my work, adding story and meaning...an insight to my life and my beliefs.
The mask symbolizes that I am still hidden from my true self, to others, and to God. It reflects that I am still unsure to reveal all of me, to trust God.
The mask is golden, a treasure and symbol of royalty because I am a princess and heir to a heavenly Kingdom.
The owl feathers, and suggestive nature of an owl, stands for wisdom. The Holy Spirit is my guide, and through Him I gain wisdom.
The color palette is full of twilight and midnight colors that help me feel strong and filled with His powerful presence.
The moon crest and fairy wings has been symbols for me almost 20 years. Starting my spiritual journey as a follower of the goddess in pagan beliefs, the moon crest and fairy wings have become a symbol of my humanity, whereas the sun is a symbol of God.
 |
| work in progress shots |
She looks at you not ashamed of who she is, but her body language shows how she is still not trusting of others, not trusting to expose all of her. A warrior in training, hiding in the shadows, learning how to stand firm in His Word.
Find prints for this Featured Art
With the new studio fitness outline, and new works in progress, there is also new subject matter.
I've been drawing fairies, mermaids, and in recent years, angels, for 20+ years. Although I will probably always create them, they will not be my focus.
I continue to study my art and it's purpose. Why was I given this gift anyways?! It's not like I can go out and hand it to someone at a food pantry, I can't hand it to someone as clothes, I can't save animals through it, I can't change the laws of prostitution and sex-trafficking with my art.....
Or can I?
I can encourage, strengthen, give love, share hope, and inspire faith through the imagery I choose to draw and paint.
Wow. I mean, what a gift!
The new subject matter for this year is
Princess:
prin·cess noun- a non-reigning female member of a royal family.
What Scripture says:
Romans 8:17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Romans 8:16-18
Galatians 3:29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
God is the High King. Heaven (and Heaven on earth) is His Kingdom, Christ is the Prince, our bridegroom. That must mean I'm His Princess...His bride.I am a princess, so are all of the women of this world.
I can give the gift of showing you, me, and others what God and Christ sees when He looks upon us. I don't know about you, but there are many days when I look in the mirror and see something dark, dirty, guilty, and unforgivable. That is NOT what God sees.
I hope this year I can share the light and beauty of our soul when it is seen by our King. I thank God that He has given me this gift so that when I draw it, He is telling me
"I love you".
PS: This also includes the Warrior Princess in us. More on that later. ;)
My newest work in progress (WIP) is in response to the tragic shooting in Connecticut last month.
It hit me deeper than any tragic event outside of my bubble.
It's rare for me to go to the drawing board to create a response visually. I think I rather talk it out, but this time there just weren't any words. I didn't know what to do but stare at the T.V. in disbelief.
As an art teacher I tell my students how important it is that we describe our reactions, thoughts, and views through our art. This is how we communicate, and art in the history of our world has provided many things to the public. Insight, education, opinion, radical change, etc....there's so much art does...in all forms!
I had to make a response as an artist.
I started with a girl, then I decided that I was going to make a twin boy as well. They will be two separate pieces, but meant to be together. My goal is to have them done by March or April. The wings are in question right now.
Would you keep the wings or let these children be human?
By:
Sara Burrier,
on 1/2/2013
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I welcome 2013 with open arms and submission.
Do you ever sit down to plan and organize your work week but find that you enjoy the organizing more than the doing? That's me in a nutshell. It's taken a decade to realize this, but I'm grateful that I have! And this is why 2013 is going to be different!
First my health. Last year was all about my mental health and figuring out my identity. This year it's about my physical health...and that includes stress levels.
I'm a highly active person, not in the sports or adventurous aspects, but I'm always moving, thinking, and analyzing. Can you relate?
To bring the stress down, I reorganized my studio into "sections". I had this before, but not so broken down. When we move I will break it down even further. I have four sections: Office, Create, Process, and Craft. Office
Your typical office desk, makes me feel like I am somewhere else other than my home. I have created a place for all of my mail, charity, financials, receipts, and project logs, and so much more. It is be cleared off at the end of the day and no more piles of papers! Everyone has a place. I always have piles and piles of papers that build up...nothing more stressful knowing I have to go through them and then never do.
CreateThis is the happy place, where I create my work. I reorganized adding to the amount of mugs, laying out all my art materials instead of hiding them in drawers. I want to be exposed to the options for creating this year. Notice no chair (must get a stool though).
My husband, Brian, started a "movement" if you will at his work about standing at your desk while working. He did major study upon it, and now stands all day. His testimony declares how much more he's motivated and energized to work...especially through those grueling afternoon hours. I have always sat...so didn't think much on it except to pat him on the back.
I got the 2013 Artist's and Graphic Designer's Market book and there it was! An article about standing in the studio to stay healthy. Well there ya go! I decided to make the move and have found the results quick and awesome. I can definitely work longer hours without becoming tired or even creatively numb. My imagination and creative juices run longer.
I'm very excited about this, but if you go this route be sure to invest in a stool for frequent short sits (that's a healthy thing to do too), and a padded mat or insoles for your shoes to help your heels get through the change. I use a small step stool to alternate my feet.
ProcessI needed a place to process my Etsy orders, make promotional items, or even mat and frame work. It's daunting to place a table in the middle of my small studio, but necessary. It hasn't gotten in the way yet!
Part of my office desk problem last year was the use of office work slash processing. It got cluttered very fast, I felt like I was working in a box that was too small, and I was suffocating without knowing it. This has been extremely helpful!
CraftI am a collector of all decorative papers, and with my little side hobbies of jewelery, bird houses, ornaments, etc., I needed a place to store all of it. A small little section of my studio is devoted to this, and I'm happy to say it's a piled up mess, but thankfully it can stay that way. All of the crafts were getting lost in my art materials, and it became frustration overload. Amazing what a small little change can do!
Caffeine and SleepThe amount of caffeine I take in has changed, instead of consuming all the way up to when I go to bed, I cut off no later than 4pm.
Sleep is hard for me to get enough of, but my hope is with the stress levels low and the calm of knowing that the Lord has my life in His hands, I will be able to get the rest needed. Getting to bed before midnight is a change that has started for the best. A goal to get 6 hours minimum.
What do you think of these changes? Have you heard of any of these before?What are you doing differently this year?
This season I am giving away 12 gifts to 12 winners for Christmas!
Winners will be announced here and on Facebook December 8th.
a Rafflecopter giveawayKeep checking back to see what prize the day brings.
1st Day of Christmas:
A beautifully hand painted "Spring" resin figurine who measures approx. 6 inches high and hand signed on the bottom.
On top of that, there's an 8x10 inch art print she was base upon included!
Value $35
2nd Day of Christmas:
Custom designed iPhone case with image of choice. I've had Midnight Warrior on mine for months now and it has survived like no other. I constantly drop my phone and this case hasn't even chipped!
Value $20
MAGNETS! Whoo! I don't know about you, but in my family the fridge IS the family album! I also have magnets from artists I admire and gain inspiration from on mine. These are huge measuring 3 inches in diameter.
Printed and delivered from Zazzle Value $8
Limited Edition art print of "Red", number 10/150. Double matted in a leather tan with an accenting silver. All set and ready to be framed in an 11x14 frame. She's printed on Ilford Pearl archival paper with some of the best inks on the market.
Printed in my studio so you can be sure she matches the original.
Value $50
Bicycle Playing Cards featuring the art "Quiet Time", my number one best seller! These feel just like your good ol' poker cards, and the color is beautiful! Tempting to keep these for myself I like them so much.
Printed and delivered from Zazzle
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| Colored pencil in sketchbook |
"God shows us our poverty of spirit when we try, in our own strength, to walk in a way pleasing to God...and yet continually fail. This is the testimony the Apostle Paul gives of his own experience in Romans 7. Humility came only when the once-proud Pharisee fell on his face and cried out, "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of his death?" (Rom. 7:24)
Kay Arthur, Lord, Only You Can Change Me
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| Self Portrait - Pen - Journal 2012 |
I can almost remember every detail of moving my social life from Lost Souls Cafe a small place for teens in a quiet neighborhood, to Java Joe's, an urban downtown cafe. Lost Souls Cafe was forced to close because of it's nature...at least that's how we saw it and believed.
Java's presented something entirely different, it was full of young adults...either in college life or searching for "the" life. I was pretty vulnerable at this time. It was different than a bunch of kids trying to discover themselves. I think this is when my identity development halted. It's now been fifteen years.
I'm now, today, presented with this question of
who I am. I'm not sure actually. I can't hold friendships because I abuse relationships, and I can't keep a hold of my own thoughts and emotions which just blurt out whenever. I adjust who I am and mold myself according to my surroundings and circumstances. Believe me, you run out of coping mechanisms living this way. Thankfully, I've been woken up from this sleepwalking!
So I'm starting where I left off...a coffee shop...I repeat...15 years later. But I hope I'm sitting here with some more wisdom, and even more so, hopefully with Jesus now at my side. I'm at Smokey Row, a very alive, vivid, and wonderful atmosphere of a coffee shop. It's not downtown or tucked away from the rest of the world. It's at an intersection near the freeway. A very open, airy place. I'm exposed...this is good.
 |
| Self Portrait - Colored Pencil & Ink - Journal 2012 |
These aren't the same people from 15 years ago, the age range is very large...more 30 somethings and older than college aged. I'm encouraged and feel as though, in some way, I can remain me. And when the college young adults do sit next to me, I relax in knowing I am the adult.
What are my expectations from starting where I left off? I'm not entirely sure. I'm not sure of anything other than I must change my patterns, behaviors, and out look on life. If I don't I will be dead and empty, because I truly believe I was created for relationships. Without them...what else is there?
I'm writing and sharing this because I believe it's important to show that you are not alone. As an artist I live very much in my own world, wrapped up in lies I've come to believe about myself and those around me. I believe it's important to take responsibility for it, but to also reach out and share it. I've never done well to hold my tongue, perhaps I'll learn it, but until then, there's healing in sharing.
To show my art off and sell it is one thing, but to define it as I grow...as it grows with me...to share the artist behind the art and why it's created, well....I don't know about you, but I'm hooked already.
I ask myself this question quite a bit, especially lately.
Let me say this...for me who gets stressed out so easily with all of the things to do in one day (I'm certain there are those who can relate), I have to make a mental priority list.
My blog, as you can tell, is pretty low on that list. It's been nearly two months since I've touched it. A lot of stuff happens in two months, including some mental -- delayed -- spring cleaning.
In any given day I have about 4 hours to spend on my business, that includes website, blog, facebook, etc. I can do some through my phone, but blogging with my thumbs is not very appealing. Must be my age. To prevent myself from overheating, it must stay in the schedule as it is, and I find peace in that....today.
What is most important? My husband or a painting? My physical health or a chit chat on facebook? My spiritual awareness or a blog post (tho I do like to bring the two together). I fear that it is far too easy for us to get wrapped up in what we feel is an "obligation" when really we place that upon ourselves. We can say "No" ya know, seriously. We're not trained to do that, but the freedom is there.
I have begun to say "No" to areas of my life and say "Yes" to other areas that I never really said "Yes" to before. Like spending an entire Sunday prepping food and planning the week's menu instead of painting. But wow! It not only helps me in the week ahead, but I really do love cooking! I spend most of my time -- in life -- in the studio, at the art center teaching, or in my kitchen. Hands down. My waist thanks me too! ;)
See, my point is as an artist I always thought that I had to live in some kind of dark corner, hiding from the world, being the opposite of the rest of the world (in my own way I am still), and work work work work work till my hands bleed just to make it some where in this world as an artist.
What a shame I believed that. This is why...
I am now living my life! I am awake to the colors around me that are the pigments of every day moments. There is more to it than just studio work and weighing yourself so far down to the ground with rules, obligations, and stress that you aren't enjoying the work. This was me, it might not be like this for you, but I have done this for almost 30 years!
This isn't saying work is bad and day dreaming is good. I'm saying that a balance has been found in the business I have developed, not allowing it to rule me but I rule it.
Brian and I are working hard because we have a goal to buy a house soon. I'm very excited, and stressed out over it all. But in the day to day I am trying SO hard to remind myself to stop and relax. God has a great plan, a beautiful and loving one, and I must trust in that and Him with all of the facets of my life, including my art.
My blog has suffered, and it will continue to lack in posts every single week until it fits into my schedule. I must share this, because if I don't I will feel like I had an obligation and then in turn let you down. :)
I am on a journey, a peek into it here today. Let's see where it goes...
PS: Yes the blog look changed again, I like changing it, it's fun.
Ever since opening up the shop Dreamy Doodles my business side of life has been non stop freeway action.Although I don't see the rewards in the work yet, I know the wheels are moving and I'm heading towards a horizon line filled with hopes and possibilities.
 |
| WIP for licensing fine art "Harvest" |
Unfortunately when you give more to something, another has to sacrifice. For me, it's the blog and house chores. :P I hate washing dishes. I really do.
The best place to find any updates on me nowadays is on
Facebook because of it's convenience. Or you can email me a shout out of HELLO and I'll most likely respond because you cared to.
My time has been used gathering an agent, producing work for licensing, custom portraiture for amazing customers from
Dreamy Doodles, and still making time to paint fantasy. This is the biggest adjustment thus far....my fantasy art.
Although you see fantasy many places in the merchandising market, it is sad to say with this economy it's a gamble for these companies to sign on too much fantasy.
Surprisingly, I was okay with this. I love my doodles and more graphic work. But this means I need to build up that portfolio. |
| "Cardinal Fairy" WIP personal series |
My fantasy art has become, more or less, my personal art. Granted, it is still being used by many licensors and will be given to my agent nonetheless. :) Not giving up that quickly.
It's time to roll up my sleeves and work my toosh off, committing myself as an artist to a profession. Licensing / Commission art is it for me, and it's a
BIG mountain.
As a disciple I am called to
sacrifice, and I haven't. My time is precious to me...and for what reason but to sit and stare?! Filling my life with work is a change that I struggle with but find so rewarding! This is a good sacrifice. :)
God's got a plan, and although right now I'm frustrated with where it's at, tired of being patient, and looking for some kind of relief in the load called "life", I will clench my nails into the ground and stay here, trusting in Him.
By:
Sara Burrier,
on 5/21/2012
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It's always fun to do an interview,
knowing how much I enjoy reading about others. To gain a bit of insight of who they are really helps me better understand their work.
Today an interview was posted about my work and a little about me.
http://creative-artists-blog.com/interview-sara-burrier/If you read my blog regularly, I can't guarantee you'll learn anything new, but you can still celebrate with me.
For the next three days you can get BOGO over at the Etsy shop. Buy one get one free
(*equal or lesser value).
http://sarambutcher.etsy.comRemember - you must tell me what you want your free item to be in the "Note" section upon checkout.I had a great time filling in the answers and she did a great job. While you're there, be sure to read about other Etsy artists and their work!
Crazy busy month, yes, and only two more weeks of it! Soakin' it in. :)
I don't know about you, but the month of May has to be one of the busiest months of the year next to December. SO many wonderful birthdays, graduation, and other family/friend get togethers.
I am very blessed but feel weighed down when I have to stop and think of all that still must be done. Again, blessed, because I have a focus and direction....and now....I true desire and passion for one of my, I believe, greatest pieces to date.
It all started with a beautiful sketch, which evolved from frustration and many sketches. Beauty truly blooms from trial.
I was looking and looking for the right face, and without much reference the Lord gave me this. Wow. I am so in love with her grace and movement! Now the scary part....moving her from an 11x14 drawing to a 20x28 piece of watercolor paper.
On a stormy night when my husband was out of town, she emerged in indigo.
I go in and add more pencil. I love making lines pop and giving strong definition to drawings. My first love will always be drawing.
With trembling hands and lots of deep breaths, I began paint. Tried to keep it simple and light, even though I was anxious to bring her to life.
Starting to punch out the colors and define the space within the background. My goal was to get the background up and the eyes finished as soon as possible. These help keep me focused once they're in place.
Background and eyes finished. Beginning on the hair. I had to change my studio set up, stan
Here is the list of Pantone colors along with the watercolors I used to re-create it.
The first color listed is the one used most, then those that follow are lesser in ratio. Hope that makes sense. The best way is to use these colors and mix until you've gotten the color you're going for.
I literally cut out the Pantones and tried to copy them.
Also these aren't EXACT replicas. They are close enough for me.
- Tangerine Tango (color of the year) - Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red, Quinacridone Rose
- Cabaret - Quinacridone Rose, Cadmium Red, Cobalt Blue
- Starfish - Raw Umber, Cobalt Blue
- Bellflower - Indigo Blue, Quinacridone Rose, Alizarin Crimson
- Driftwood - Winsor Green, Perylene Maroon
- Sodalite Blue - Indigo, Neutral Tint
- Sweet Lilac - Quinacridone Rose, Cadmium Red, Davy's Gray
- Solar Power - Quinacridone Gold, Winsor Yellow, Quinacridone Rose
- Cockatoo - Phthalo Blue, Winsor Green, Quinacridone Rose
- Margarita - Winsor Green, Cadmium Red, Yellow Ochre
- Tangerine Tango - Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red, Quinacridone Rose
- Pink Falmbé - Perylene Maroon, Cobalt Blue, Cadmium Red
- French Roast - Perylene Maroon, Phthalo Blue, Aureolin Yellow
- Rhapsody - Mauve, Cadmium Red, Cobalt Blue, Aureolin Yellow
- Titanium - Ivory Black, Cobalt Blue, Quinacridone Rose
- Olympian Blue - Indigo Blue, Cobalt Blue, Quinacridone Rose
- Rose Smoke - Perylene Maroon, Raw Umber
- Honey Gold - Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna
- Bright Chartreuse - Yellow Ochre, Winsor Green, Quinacridone Rose
- Ultramarine Green - Indigo Blue, Winsor Green, Aureolin Yellow, Yellow Ochre
By:
Sara Burrier,
on 4/5/2012
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I have stumbled upon something this week which has made me wonder "Why haven't I done this before?!"
Pantone comes out with colors for the Spring and Fall every year in February (I think). This includes the color of the year and the colors most companies and fashion designers will use to advertise and create.
With my goal to sell my work to manufacturing companies and to license it out, it would only make sense that I too use these colors! Certainly an "Ah ha!" moment.
 |
| Fall colors on the left, Spring on the right |
Researching and finding Pantone's color groups. I find this amazing and was totally worth the work.
Why? Because now I have something to follow instead of thinking
"Which would be the best combination of colors to use?" Brilliant!
Resource: http://www.setufairtrade.comDrew up this image on Sunday
(?) thinking of Mother's Day and a request I received a while back. Placing the Pantone color schemes to work. Truly loved how my thoughts and problem solving was directed to other things, like painting skin, instead of what the colors where going to be.
Took it a step further and created the
10 Pantone colors for Spring/Summer and the
10 Pantone colors for Fall/Winter in watercolor. I googled this and didn't find anyone trying to re-create these colors.
Word of warning tho if you're going to copy these: probably not the most conventional way of doing it. Each set isn't made with one red, blue, and yellow like most palettes would. I just used what I had in my huge circle palette that would give me the color I was going for.
Find the list of colors used HERE.
By:
Sara Burrier,
on 2/9/2012
Blog:
warrior princess dream
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Not only am I working in the
Little Red Book (about once a week), but I've also found complete solace in creating these more refined sketches. Beyond anything my true love lies in drawing.
I'm trying to create work that reflects me, even if it's commissioned work or something for licensing. If I'm not connected to it somehow it lacks heart and thus very little connection with others. In watching my sales on
Etsy, the pieces that sell the most are the ones my heart truly connected with.
 |
| "Waiting" |
This piece was first an exercise to draw from observation, but after I drew her eye I connected with her and the emotion she's feeling. I really began to pour out my desires into her as I drew, thinking about everything I'm learning patience for.
The box was added at the very end problem solving how to express to others what she was feeling. I personally am patiently waiting for the next big chapter in my life...a larger family. "As I wait you make me stronger." I look forward to this painting being a more explorative piece in the watercolor stage.
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| "Life Song" |
I wanted to draw another piece similar to
"Cardinal Song" but bigger, so the other day I just began sketching with
"Cardinal Song" by my side.
Well, like
"Waiting" my thoughts began to roam. I have been very focused on
seeing my husband, Brian, and the health of our marriage. He really is the center of my world right next to God, and I have used him for reference but never a piece th
Have you lost count of the week I'm in? I have. I missed last week, so this should be a great catch up.
Though I don't have much to say other than I repeated a lot of the same colors and finally got the eyes in. Now I see more soul in her.
Unusually the eyes are one of the first things I put in because they help me identify with the figure I'm painting, but this time it came last. Interesting.
Skin is finally finished now onto clothes and background. Got some more research to do and some more details to place, like the red rope and more accent items to help tell the story.
Going with one of the prompts that were given to me on my facebook page, I sketched this out and ended up loving it! So last night without stopping I decided to go straight into redrawing it on my large watercolor block.
I am SO excited to have this going, and knowing I could have it done in one more sitting. What's different is she isn't a fairy, nor a mermaid, or even an angel. She is just a girl living in Ireland flying a kite.
I searched on the web for a story regarding a golden kite, and there was only one that I could find based in China about two villages. But there are also the Golden Kite awards for SCBWI.org writers & illustrators.
Saint Patrick's Day is right around the corner so I am so looking forward to using tons of greens and yellows for this piece.
Check out my newsletter next week for more WIP updates and projects that are going on. Plus business news and new products.
Blessings,
sara
I'm a bit scared, I'll be honest.
It's not normal to close your business for any period of time, and if it is, it doesn't feel like it when you do.
I purchased an Epson Stylus 1400 a couple of weeks ago. Put aside the anxiety of having yet another large format printer, and was pretty excited about it!
Got it all set up (after taking the studio apart trying to figure out where the beast was going to sit), printed my first page, and it had a band of ink at the bottom....just like my Artisan 50! The whole reason I started looking at printers was because of that band of ink.
I just couldn't believe it. A brand new $300 printer was already spitting ink.The next day I decided to give the poor printer another chance, and the prints came out perfect. Oooookay. It became a pattern. I gave the printer a week. Every other printing "session" was like before. One day, bands of ink, next day...nothing. I decided to risk my business and not settle for this printer.
I am sending it back.
B&H Photo was amazing and are paying for the return and giving a full refund. It was my intention to purchase another one just to see if what I got was a lemon (there are several of those in the Epson line), but I was told they don't sell it anymore. Say wha?!
And it's true, they don't. Looks like Epson is pushing everyone to buy from their new line. Sheeeah right, already bad reviews.
So I decided to give myself some more time than a week to solve this. My business runs on prints, and I can't afford to do large quantities at a time. It has to be on demand. I have started to freshen up my
Imagekind gallery for now, so prints are available.
I thought about just purchasing another Artisan 50 and printing my limited editions through Imagekind or another on demand printer. I feel like I was just in this boat about 6 months ago. I'm not positive what is going to happen, but the shop will be open on way or another on March 19th.
Works in Progress
Week in WatercolorSpent a couple hours figuring out designs to place into the background. The gorgeous patterns of the East are insane! It was pretty overwhelmed but found some that were simple enough for me to understand.
I can do complex hair, but find it increasingly frustrating to do geometric or intense patterns. Something I must practice more often!
I resolved the bottom half of the painting and added the famous red cord (or sash for this piece) from the story. I think it tied (no pun intended) everything together beautifully.
Life Song's Sneak Peek
The painting is really starting to come to life as this past week I worked on the background. I don't know about many other artists, but backgrounds are not my strong suit. They make my head hurt if they are anything but grasses, flowers, or sky. Especially a made up architectural one. Next time I might need more help...like a reference photo. :P
The debate Tuesday afternoon was over what color to add to the arches. With much consulting and testing, thank you
Candace Camling, I went with the cobalt blue and am very please with how warm it made the piece feel. I didn't anticipate that.
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| "Daisy" |
Having the Etsy shop down for a couple of weeks has really been helpful in the studio. I have been able to paint and create new art more frequently (the ultimate goal), and think further on where I want the business to go. This is huge, because like when you're in college, I feel like I am about to make a real career decision.
I had the wonderful pleasure to talk on the phone with my friend
Becky Kelly Tuesday and what a treat! I received so much encouragement, affirmation, and insight into the licensing business. I have your normal anxiety and fears, but I know it's a step in the right direction. We never know what tomorrow brings, but this would open up many different opportunities for me.
As a little girl I always envisioned my stuff every where for people to have, affordable and obtainable. Of course, working for Disney was right there too. :) So I have returned to my childhood dream. Next on the list of things to do is to dust off my portfolio, update it, and start finding a rep. And thanks to Becky, I have a couple to start with.
On a random note, Decal Girl has requested pieces more horizontal (format for most of their skins), and this just popped up into my head yesterday afternoon. Keepin it simple, but fun.
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| "The Smallest Mermaid" |
PRINTER UPDATE: Sent the defected one back, waiting for refund.
By:
Sara Burrier,
on 3/15/2012
Blog:
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After much pushing and encouraging by my teacher and friend, I got through the brick wall. She is finally finished!
 |
| "The Red Ribbon" |
The challenge for me, more than the skin, was the background. Architecture, for me, is using the other side of my brain. It's angular, mathematical, and stiff. Gorgeous, but stiff. The figure is the opposite...at least when drawing.
I did, however, adore researching and looking at all the beautiful patterns, and the patterns are what held my interest, even if just a tiny bit. It is hard for me to see no plant life or anything organic other than Rahab herself. Definitely something different.
I'm curious as to what I'll do next in this class. Still have a few weeks to go. Maybe a troll? ;)
 |
| "The Peaceful Troll" - Sketch |
My two dearest art friends,
Candace and
Natalie, both said Monday how they like my
Grumpy Troll. After talking for a bit I was inspired to do more. I decided to do one opposite of the grumpy and designed the Peaceful Troll.
He encompasses a lot for me. As most of my work does.
He represents my dad (who has long curly silver hair and is, in my eyes, a strong nature man), Candace's love for squirrels, spring time love, autumn oaks inspired by Natalie, the Celts, and the highlands.
I'm not sold on him sitting quite yet. They are such massive beings that it takes a bit to wrap my head around how they fit into their surroundings.
I am looking forward to this one, even if his pose changes, which it most likely will. :)
Yesterday it came to completion in my watercolor class!It took longer than usual, and that's not counting the days he sat there on my easel saying
"When are you coming back?".
This painting shows my personal journey.The path ends at the forefront of my life, where my amazingly wonderful and light-filled husband dances, among the sweet smelling roses in full bloom.
But life hasn't always been clear, and hasn't always been sweet.
Ravens used to be how I would visually describe myself (birds), even had a character named Raven who was very depressed, dark, and cold. She lived for a long time, and even took a rendition into one named Lynadia throughout college.
Though as I grew wiser in my identity (the old tree), my life showed more color. This really began to happen when I took a trip to Scotland (mushrooms) and walked through the Highlands (forest).
The dandelion seeds are the things to come, and I am so looking forward to what is to come alongside Brian. I know the Lord has a plan, a brilliant one I can't even paint!
side note: The symbol tattoo on his shoulder (meaning
The Lords Instrument) is there in real life, but the circles and spirals are not. The reason I bring this up is yesterday as I painted I decided to add the spirals. Last night Brian said he was thinking of adding spirals. Wha?! No way!
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Congratulations to you and Brian on finding your new home...Good things are yet to come. :)
Congratulations!!! I hope to buy my own house one day. :) And yay, new studio!