What to do when your drawers and portfolios are overflowing with original paintings?
You have a flash sale of course! 

ONE DAY ONLY
Friday October 28th
9am - 9pm CST
All original paintings and drawings on www.sarabillustration.com will be hugely marked down!

There's a new chapter in my life coming, and I am pretty certain I will be inspired to make much of it through drawing and painting. I have also been wanting to play with working larger, which will require more room!

So in celebration of the arrival of our son Jaxon (and the crisp cool holiday season! My favorite!), I am holding this ultra rare sale, marking my original art for almost half the price! This is a great way, I hope, for those of you who have been wanting an original piece but haven't been able to afford it, are able to find something that resonates with you and is within your reach.

"Summer"

All of the paintings available demonstrate my progression as an illustrator...

I have original paintings from ten years back when I was still inking my lines with microns because I feared loosing my lines and didn't like getting graphite all over my hand.

All the way through to the most recent, finished just a couple weeks ago. No inked lines but instead using erasable gray pencil, showing more confidence in my values, and creating far more inviting atmospheres that help tell the story.

Each step in the process is vital for the following step. Without experimenting and playing, I would not be where I am today as an illustrator.

"Moon Dance"

Most of my work is small for those little areas of the house that need some magic.

It is very well known that I prefer to work small, usually smaller than 8x10. I enjoy the challenge and quite possibly have always been interested in the miniature (LOVE dollhouses and all things small). Most of the larger works I create are requested commissions, but there will be a range of sizes available at the sale.

From a few of the smallest....

"Lime Pixie" 3 x 2.5 inches

The many in the middle...

"July" 8 x 10 inches

To a couple of the largest....

"Wisdom" 12 x 16 inches

I know each piece has a soul mate, created just for them.

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How exciting to have so much to look forward to!

A new face.
Baby smell.
Cute outfits.
Small toes.
To be needed, ALL. THE. TIME.
Sleep deprived.
Baby shrieks.
Poopie diapers.
Toddler regression.
>_<
I could go on and on.....but that may be TMI.

I have so many mixed emotions about what is to come, but our family has been busy making the most of every moment being together as a tribe of three before there is four. And I can't be more than blessed and thankful!

My art has taken the back seat. Although I have been able to do some drawing here and there, it has been far more minimal than usual. Yet, some chapters in our lives require attention on our relationships than career.

Here is what we've been up to the last couple of months:

In August we traveled to Elgin, IL for the fantastical World of Faeries Festival! This was our first real big family road trip and extended stay. We spent four days there in a hotel and working my shop, Sara B Illustration, in a tent. It was definitely a large learning experience for Brian and I as parents, as a family working a festival together, and the logistics of traveling 6 hours in the car with a toddler.

In September we spent time with good friends playing and working at the Renaissance Festival at Sleepy Hollow in Des Moines, IA. It's a three weekend event that I work selling corsets and dresses for EaGenie's Scots N Knots. I have many friends there that I get to spend ample amounts of time with, including my dad (which I treasure)! Norah also has a blast dressing up and seeing all of the pirates and princesses.

My ladies, Amber on the left, Jess on the right.

Time with Papi (my dad)

In October we ventured to the pumpkin patch at the Center Grove Orchard in Cambridge, IA. I didn't think I could do a day on my feet like this, but I am so glad I did!! We had a blast playing in the corn kernel pool, shopping for pumpkins, eating cider donuts, and feeding goats.



And had a great family dinner night out at the amazing landmark restaurant The Iowa Machine Shed in Clive, IA. This place not only represents all of Iowa in great atmosphere and shopping, but it also has the best comfort food!! It was definitely a treat for all of us. :)


Making Norah feel special, growing our bond with her, and establishing our unit as three has been paramount for us during this waiting period until Jaxon arrives.


As an artist it's challenging to divide myself between parent and creator. 

This in itself has caused bouts of depression for me. I so desperately want to be both at the same time! Keep my house organized, the studio open at all times, painting side by side with my kids, coming up with all kinds of crafts and to dos to share with them. Yet when I think of all that, I freeze and just sit staring at Norah playing puzzles, and do nothing.

Our trials and what appear to be hardships or undesired results can actually help shape and form us for the better if we allow it.

I have learned in the last couple of months that in this crazy artistic life of mine, I have chapters of family, and I have chapters of creating art. For myself it is currently very difficult for me to combine the two. I admire those moms who can with littles running around, keeping some kind of organization and self discipline in their daily routine. I thought I had to be that, but I don't. I can step aside, let God lead my feet, and being willing to do what is called of me every day. One. Day. At. A. Time.

"They're little only once."

I'm told that over and over again. Even by artists I highly admire and are successful. I do not want to make the mistake of regretting my time spent on something that can be done later, and not spending it with my children when they need me most.

It will be hard. It will be a struggle. It will be crazy. It will be WORTH IT.

We may not see the outcome of our hardships right now, but in hindsight we will and have no regrets. ♥︎

How can you relate?
Share in the comments how you manage your time between life and art. 

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Another amazing and heartfelt review of my mermaid coloring book. I am SO joy filled hearing how much these lovelies are touching people all around the world. 🐳

❤️ ADORE the blue mermaid!!!!

Color by Iris Eenmäe (@iriseenmae) http://thecoloringaddict.com

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This equals quality craft time at the dining table this morning. I'm working on Christmas ornaments and she's creating playdoh cupcakes. 😊 Making it work. 

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Valentine's Day is all about the love we share and feel towards those most important to us. Love is very important to me, to share with others....especially those that I don't know, because everyone needs it. A truth that is always good to share.

Today I want to share something with you, an original drawing...the first original drawing of my Mermaid Portrait series for my upcoming coloring book.

Here's what you need to do to be entered into the Giveaway:

♥︎ Go to my Pinterest page and Follow
♥︎ Pin something you like from my Pinterest page
♥︎ Share here or on my Facebook Page a link to the Pin you liked  

The more you Pin, the more your name is entered!

This will be running through the entire week of Valentine's. Today February 15th through Sunday, February 21st. All entries AFTER midnight February 21st will not make it to the list.

Winner will be announce Monday February 22nd!
winner announced on facebook and here on the blog. winner will also be contacted via message/email

Happy Pinning! ♥︎

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I have started a new project, Huzzah! I must be crazy. @_@

Every day until I feel I have enough, I am going to draw out a fun mermaid portrait. In the end, there will be enough beautiful mermaids for a pocket coloring book! I know, I'm so excited I just want to hide and draw for days to get it done!

On top of that, each drawing will be available for purchase. She will come matted in white ready for an 8x10 frame. You may visit here ↣ Mermaid Portrait #1 Original ↢ to place your sale.

Here is the first one! 

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<< Purchase A Mermaid Calendar Here >>

Explore the mermaids amongst the ocean waters, swimming and resting with their fish and sea life companions. Let the bright and bold colors sweep you away into the underwater imagination of watercolor fantasy artist Sara Burrier.

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Long ago, in a land far, far away (okay, like a few streets away...literally) I used to sit and draw conté portraits in a mall. My boyfriend at the time worked for a shop, who allowed me to sit right in front offering my services. At the time I did it because I could and it made me a little money during high school. But to be honest, I didn't see it as something to rave about or be excited about.

c. 1999

Fast forward almost 20 years, and I can tell you that my view on portraiture has changed...dramatically.

Hand drawn portraiture brings a perspective, quality, and etherial impression a photograph lacks without professional editing. And this is exactly what I hope to bring to you. The act of drawing a portrait is very personal, challenging, and a HUGE honor and gift given to me as the artist.

I have this daydream to hand draw children, friends, and family into fairies and angels. I am starting this new service using colored pencil while I build my watercolor techniques in this subject matter. The idea behind Impressionable Portraits is they are lifelike, and look very close to the realistic photo, but with a hint of whimsy and sketchiness found only in drawing. They are not intended to be photo realistic, but definitely to look a lot like the person being drawn.

c. 2015

I am currently taking commission requests for these portraits, and still have room to get some done before the Christmas holiday. They take about a week to create. Please visit my request page, fill out the information form, and in the subject line write "Impressionable Portrait".

These are 5x7 inch colored pencil drawings for a flat fee of $200. Sprayed and matted in a white mat, ready to be placed in an 8x10 frame.

All I need is the photo, if it's fairy or angel wings, color palette, and something of interest to the individual. 

It's my wish to provide an image filled with wonder, joy, and light around a person you love dearly. As a gift, or for yourself.

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Happy Mermaid Monday!

My biggest inspiration ever was Ariel from Disney's The Little Mermaid. She sparked my interest in fairytales, challenged me in drawing, and has always made me swoon to the endless possibilities through dreaming. I created this piece a while back thinking of her, she is timeless to me.

Which mermaid has inspired you throughout the years?
★ Comment below and I'll enter you into a drawing to win a handmade bookmark of this piece! ★

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I want to know your opinion for my next project. I'm designing and submitting a proposal for a new coloring book, but I can't decide which theme to go with. This would be for adults, and I know I want to include all things with wings, but how??

Halos I adore all things pattern, and placing the circles behind a lovely lady are representative of her personality and purpose. The halo is the radiating circles behind her. When I first heard this concept of patterned halos it was through a Mucha exhibit, where he himself called them halos. It forever changed how I saw them and the stories they tell.

Enchanted Gardens A narrative starting with the garden gate, entering into a world full of florals, landscapes, fairies, angels, and the songs of nature around them. A story unfolds as you wander through the pages, helping to create the mood through your choice of colors.

Will you help me? Vote!


My Pixie Fairy Coloring Book has be so much fun to share and create, I want to do more, with more pattern and detail. Something I truly love doing.


What's your favorite subject to color?
Answer in the comments below. :)

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I just had to share the excitement that I am feeling right now! I ADORE fall! The wind, the crunch of leaves, the colors, the cozy sweaters, boots, boot socks, jackets, all of it! I could go on and on about what is so fantastic about fall.

I looked at our forecast for the week and today SHOULD be the last day of 80 degree weather. Granted, I may be a minority for not wanting the warm temps. I'm sure in a few months I'll be begging for spring. I've had my fill of it tho, and I'm ready for something cooler.

In anticipation for the 60-70 degree weather on the horizon, I'm having a sale.

Sales are just fun on Mondays, because....well....it's Monday. :/ We have SO much to focus on, get back into order, meetings, its the start to a long week, and we all could use some good news or smiles (wish I could make donuts magically appear before you, but alas I ran out of pixie dust).

So I hope you find YOUR LIGHT for the week, today, on a Monday of all days, and purchase yourself something encouraging and inspiring.

FIND YOUR LIGHT 

If you purchase 2 prints from my shop, I will give you a third one, of your choice, free. All you need to do is buy the two and note to me which one you want as a third. 

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This afternoon I'm framing and prepping using my favorite lost and found frames.

There's a wonderful event happening tomorrow night, and I am so happy to say that this year I will be a part of it. A fundraiser for a local library using art, music, and of course food and drinks. This event highlights local talent while raising funds for the library, I'm so excited! AND it's happening right as autumn begins, awesome kick off to the holidays right around the corner!

If you are in the central Iowa area, may I suggest a date night or social gathering with friends at this annual event. Hope to see you there!

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Needless to say, the ladies fully enjoyed their time coloring with some colored pencils. They actually had a hard time choosing which image to start with!

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Ever feel like your head is swarming with the busyness and buzzing of a bee hive?? That's me, today, present.

After an amazing weekend at the World of Faeries Festival -

Where I got to meet so many followers, see first hand how my work impacts others, hear the stories that come with learning people, making new friends, and watching little children in awe of fairies in the flesh walking about (adults dressed up of course). Not to mention all that Brian and I learned as vendors, the time away from Norah, and seeing old friends on our way back home...

- I am so full of ideas and have the feeling of NEED in regards to getting my business into order. We are on a new path, one I never thought I'd do. One that has changed many things. Including what products I sell and which ones I need to provide.


So to the buzzing in my head I say this, I need to get you out.

I will be taking a time of leave, starting next week, and returning August 24th. I need to have time to sit and give my business some serious attention. I am always scattered in a million directions, and I am overwhelmed with this sense that I should just sit down, write it all out, and make a plan for the rest of the year. To do this I need my other busy bees to visit a different garden.

With the holidays right on the horizon, and with so many ideas to execute by then, including two more shows (Oy!), it hurts now, but will be well worth it later to take this time off. It's so scary to leave the social media for two weeks, processing orders, and connecting with my followers. A lot of "What ifs" begin to fill my head. Fear. Lots of fear that my business will suffer for it. But the doubt and fear only makes me want to do it more, as I know that is how it usually works.

The more I'm afraid of it, the more I want to go through it. Things will always be hard, things will always turn out unexpected, but if I just fly and keep my eyes on the light, I can not fail. 

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Right now as I type this using my iPhone we are heading to Elgin Illinois. 

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About a month ago I started a project, a sewing project. I decided to create my own costume for the World of Faeries Festival, something I've always wanted to do, but never felt I had the know how or guts to do.

I decided it was time to just "do it".

Although each step took several deep breaths, I am very happy to say I know how to use my machine well enough to sew without a manual, and I am way more confident in using the foot and speed. :) The costume is coming along too. It'll be interesting to see it all come together in the end.

When designing, and as I continue to create this costume, I keep asking myself "What would one of my fairies wear?". I want to personify one of my own creations. When do we ever get that opportunity!? It's way fun!!

Here are some progress shots. :)

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Visit My Page to Browse the Store

Lately there has been so much information on how to run a business, so much to read and prepare, that I feel like I'm falling behind while moving ahead. Crazy how it works eh?

I haven't forgotten about my blog or my newsletter, or Facebook for that matter, but working out new schedules, system for what I offer where, and how to find "me" time in it all. Because let's face it, when you can't take care of yourself, what you give out is no where near what you hoped it would be.

Wings are getting a bit clipped over on my end, but all for the better. Thank you for all of your patience and support. :)

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It's been a couple of weeks since I've been present on my blog, so many things to do! Summer is a very busy time, how do families fit in vacations and outings?! Maybe it's my profession and the start of attending faires that makes it feel like a lot.

I played in iMovie today to see how much I could learn in an hour, the video below is the result. Unfortunately while filming the painting process my phone continued to run out of space, so there are steps missing, like the entire painting of the middle fairy, and the completion of the third fairy.

Yet, alas, it's a time lapse video nonetheless and I learned a lot about iMovie!

Enjoy.

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This year, like many others, has carved new paths in my art career. I have two fairs now under my belt, Times of Future Past (a Cos-Play faire) and the Iowa Metaphysical Fair. All thanks to an amazing woman named Lisa, who has taken me under her wing in the affairs of selling your work at a craft fair.

I will also be at the World of Faeries Fair in Illinois this August, having been invited from the Times Faire. AND there is the possibility of doing two more fairs before the end of the year!

I have also committed to submitting my work to three SciFi Fantasy conventions; DemiCon, which was this past May; CONvergence in July, and ICon (Iowa Icon) in October.

It is crazy to think that I would be setting up tables and doing in person selling. I have been selling online for over 10 years because of my fear of small talk. Yet, I found selling in person rewarding in a new way...I got to meet the people, and they got to meet me!

I had a couple customers say they had either seen my work or bought my work online, and now they got to meet me! I would be so excited if I could do that with an artist I admired.

Once the weekend was over, I came home to this, the reality of life in the art studio. I too am a huge fan of looking at artists' studios....so preen and airy. But I fear in real life, it's a bit more like this....more often than not.

This Friday, June 12th, I will be having my second EVER flash sale. How many times until it becomes tradition? Well, I plan to have one every six months to help clear things out. So far, here are some peeks into what I have going up on the site.

What's different about this flash sale is it'll be on my website, www.sarabillustration.com, and everything will be listed at the exact same time. The page will go live at 3pm CST. There will also be special "peek a boo" items that will not be advertised, but available during the sale as well. 

So mark your calendar, set a reminder on your phone, tac up a sticky note, and get ready for a week of sneak peeks, and a fun sale at the end of the week! What a great way to start the weekend. :)

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End of the week, and believe it or not, this is when things get real busy. Our weekends are usually socially full with friends, family, and yard work. So on Friday I try to get one more big push to paint or draw.

Everything else typically gets pushed to Monday. Because of our weekend schedules working on Saturday or Sunday nights becomes quite difficult, so it becomes easier to just not work and give my loved ones my attention.

It was mentioned on Twitter that I create a fairy delivering coffee. I couldn't let it go, being a big coffee person myself, and on a weekly basis wish there was a coffee delivery service here in Des Moines. At that, I just got started and let other projects go to the side. When you feel it, you must go with it. That's how you know it's from the heart. :)

It wasn't raining either, so Norah and I did some errands to Hobby Lobby, Target, then some weeding out back to get some vitamin D. Loved watching her play in the dirt (helping mom weed) and pick dandelions.

I worked on the coffee fairy during her morning nap (2.5 hours) and in the evening (2 hrs). Brian and I finished the night off with an episode of Dr. Who. ^_^

Have a great weekend!

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As I grow older, and spend more time finding my true heart, my true spirit, and how to reign in all of the emotions I was gifted (yes, I believe they are a gift, not a curse), I have discovered how important it is to take time away from it all.

All of it. Shut off, close the door, sleep, and rest.

I fly so much, so often, that I always forget to stop and take a rest, and then the emotions take over and I have no control because I'm too tired. By taking a break, I regain my energy and my mental stability. It seems so simple, but so hard to do!

Every week it's a different day, but at least one day a week I give it up and just rest. It always looks different in how I rest too, but the important thing is to allow my mind a break from the "to do" list and the weight I place onto my shoulders in serving others, work, and realizing my responsibilities will still be met the next day.

Thursday, today, was my day. Last night was a deep, dark night within my heart, and when I was given the opportunity to have time alone from caring for Norah, and with hubby at work, I laid down and slept all afternoon, 3 hours! This time renewed my sore heart, gave my brain a break from all of the chatter, and my body time to heal.

As a creative soul, an introvert, a mom, a wife, a friend, and care taker of our home, I need to step away and rest. We all need this, and it is why I have been commanded to. Out of love for my soul I was told to take a day of rest.

It truly does amazing wonders when you allow yourself to be FREE from this world, and FREE to roam the heart and breath given to you. The day continues, life doesn't fall apart when we aren't attentive to EVERYTHING, ALL the time. I need that reminder, or this world will run me, instead of me running me as I walk this world.

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Made it to the middle of the week, and we're all still alive! Norah is getting some rest, and hubby stayed home, now sick too. Thankfully, I still haven't been hit with it, just a scratchy throat and runny nose..... allergies?

Wednesdays I try to make into web work days and painting if I can squeeze it in. I work on my Etsy shop if it needs attention, my personal website, and the Iowa Watercolor Society website...which I volunteer my time to do.

Today it was updating my Etsy shipping profiles to now allow calculated shipping costs. Yay! I really hate over charging people for shipping, and now I don't have to worry. Thank you Etsy.

I have also discovered today that I may need to invest in covered trash baskets.  >_<

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