Saturday
Gift Certificates Are Now Available!
Now you can purchase gift certificates for any pencil portrait or photo editing service. Certificate amounts start at $20, and increase in $5 increments. Certificates are hand lettered with calligraphy. Good for one year!
Monday
New Art and Photography
I recently posted a new portrait commission and some photos.
The portrait commission was for a first anniversary. It is a size 16x20 and I created it using graphite and charcoal pencils and powdered graphite. My favorite part of this drawing was the brides gown. It was time consuming, but enjoyable drawing the different folds, and it seems to glow against the stormy background. The most challenging part were the sand and waves. The finished portrait is more detailed than my photo of it, which just did not capture the fine details.
The portrait commission was for a first anniversary. It is a size 16x20 and I created it using graphite and charcoal pencils and powdered graphite. My favorite part of this drawing was the brides gown. It was time consuming, but enjoyable drawing the different folds, and it seems to glow against the stormy background. The most challenging part were the sand and waves. The finished portrait is more detailed than my photo of it, which just did not capture the fine details.
At the drawing desk . . .
Whew! It has been a busy couple of weeks. I completed 2 pencil portrait commissions. One is already posted on my website, and the other will be shortly.
Here is a look at the 6x8 commission from Fine Art America:
Here is a look at the 6x8 commission from Fine Art America:
This has already gotten some really nice comments on Red Bubble.
I have some celebrity works in progress on my desk, and have a new original piece in mind as well.
More later!
Saturday
Current News
It is a rainy day here in my neck of the woods so I finally grabbed a minute to update this poor, neglected blog!
I am currently working on a 16x20 anniversary portrait, which is coming along very well. I have a celebrity portrait of Rita Hayworth that I have been working on and off again for quite awhile. Other projects keep taking priority. Harrison Ford, winner of the last celebrity vote, is also on my list of portraits to draw.
My most recent celebrity artwork: Halle Berry
I am currently working on a 16x20 anniversary portrait, which is coming along very well. I have a celebrity portrait of Rita Hayworth that I have been working on and off again for quite awhile. Other projects keep taking priority. Harrison Ford, winner of the last celebrity vote, is also on my list of portraits to draw.
My most recent celebrity artwork: Halle Berry
I was also privileged to meet a very kind lady online who maintains a blog devoted to James Garner. This blog, James Garner - The Quintessential American is a must read for Garner fans! She was so kind to dedicate a post to my portrait of James Garner as Maverick. Read the post here. Thank you, Suzanne!
Sean Connery is my most featured work on Red Bubble. This portrait has been featured in 7 different groups. The most current feature is in the 60's Glory group, dedicated the great decade of the 60's. View Sean Connery's portrait and read some kind comments on Red Bubble.
Well, back to the drawing board!Wednesday
New Website Features
Well, after months of planning and building, PencilsandPixelsArt.com's new look is finally launched!
Here is a list of some of the new things you'll see:
1. Streamlined design that is more user friendly than the previous one, and better colors!
You will notice a lot less clutter. Web sites are a lot like houses - once in awhile they need to be straightened up and get rid of what is no longer of use. Some services were discontinued to make way for other ones that are more useful.
2. A division of the site into 2 sections, one for "Pencil Art" and one for "Pixel Art".
What's in each section:
Pencil Art Section:
This section contains all information, prices, and galleries having to do with pencil portraits and original artwork.
Pixel Art Section:
This section contains all information, prices, and galleries having to do photo restoration, colorization, editing, and digital photography.
3. New Frequently Asked Questions Section
4. New gallery of digital photography.
5. Easy links to my Fine Art America and Red Bubble galleries to buy prints and see larger views of my original art and photography.
6. New options for pencil portraits including new paper sizes, creative backgrounds, and personalized text insignias.
7. New photo editing options including Full Photo Touch-up (the Hollywood Treatment), and creative photo backgrounds.
8. New portraits and art work posted!
9. Simpler order forms.
10. More informative pages such as how to choose your photo for your pencil portrait.
11. New "Comments" page showing comments form customers and visitors.
12. Better site map.
Of course you may notice some other differences along the way too, but these are the major changes. Many of the popular features are still there like the celebrity vote, news and updates section, articles and reviews, and link exchange.
Hope you enjoy the new site, and find some helpful information!
Here is a list of some of the new things you'll see:
1. Streamlined design that is more user friendly than the previous one, and better colors!
You will notice a lot less clutter. Web sites are a lot like houses - once in awhile they need to be straightened up and get rid of what is no longer of use. Some services were discontinued to make way for other ones that are more useful.
2. A division of the site into 2 sections, one for "Pencil Art" and one for "Pixel Art".
What's in each section:
Pencil Art Section:
This section contains all information, prices, and galleries having to do with pencil portraits and original artwork.
Pixel Art Section:
This section contains all information, prices, and galleries having to do photo restoration, colorization, editing, and digital photography.
3. New Frequently Asked Questions Section
4. New gallery of digital photography.
5. Easy links to my Fine Art America and Red Bubble galleries to buy prints and see larger views of my original art and photography.
6. New options for pencil portraits including new paper sizes, creative backgrounds, and personalized text insignias.
7. New photo editing options including Full Photo Touch-up (the Hollywood Treatment), and creative photo backgrounds.
8. New portraits and art work posted!
9. Simpler order forms.
10. More informative pages such as how to choose your photo for your pencil portrait.
11. New "Comments" page showing comments form customers and visitors.
12. Better site map.
Of course you may notice some other differences along the way too, but these are the major changes. Many of the popular features are still there like the celebrity vote, news and updates section, articles and reviews, and link exchange.
Hope you enjoy the new site, and find some helpful information!
Tuesday
Using Art To Help Charities
I am sure we all have our favorite charities that we donate something to every year. Of course with the economic struggles, sometimes it is hard to make ends meet, let alone donate to a worthy cause. However, I have found there are a couple ways artists can help charities without stress.
First - Auctions and Fundraisers
Does your charity have a yearly auction or sale to raise money? Consider donating some of your art work to be auctioned off or put up for sale. Prints and photos are always popular items. Not only does this bring in funds for your charity, but also shows off your work! I was fortunate enough to be able to donate some of my cat photos to help a non-profit feral cat organization - even though it was located in another state.
Second - Donate a Portion of Your Sales
Sometimes for artists it is hard to bring in cash but donating even a small portion of your sales to help a good cause is well worth it. Put it on your website so your customers know what charity they are helping out with their purchase. It will make them feel good too!
Of course there are more ways to help, like donating your time as a volunteer. So, find a cause that you are passionate about, and see what you can do.
My current charity is a local non-profit organization called SOCKS (Save Our Cats and Kittens). They are a wonderful non-profit organization and no kill shelter that rescues hundreds of cats from being euthanized every year. A portion of the proceeds from all my cat photography and drawings will go to them to help feed and care for the kitties while they find them good homes.
My blue point Siamese, Sasha, was a young abandoned kitty. She showed up with her 2 kittens in my yard one day starving and skinny. It seems appropriate that pictures of her and her kittens should go towards helping other cats in similar situations.
Sasha 
Tayla, one of Sasha's kittens
First - Auctions and Fundraisers
Does your charity have a yearly auction or sale to raise money? Consider donating some of your art work to be auctioned off or put up for sale. Prints and photos are always popular items. Not only does this bring in funds for your charity, but also shows off your work! I was fortunate enough to be able to donate some of my cat photos to help a non-profit feral cat organization - even though it was located in another state.
Second - Donate a Portion of Your Sales
Sometimes for artists it is hard to bring in cash but donating even a small portion of your sales to help a good cause is well worth it. Put it on your website so your customers know what charity they are helping out with their purchase. It will make them feel good too!
Of course there are more ways to help, like donating your time as a volunteer. So, find a cause that you are passionate about, and see what you can do.
My current charity is a local non-profit organization called SOCKS (Save Our Cats and Kittens). They are a wonderful non-profit organization and no kill shelter that rescues hundreds of cats from being euthanized every year. A portion of the proceeds from all my cat photography and drawings will go to them to help feed and care for the kitties while they find them good homes.
My blue point Siamese, Sasha, was a young abandoned kitty. She showed up with her 2 kittens in my yard one day starving and skinny. It seems appropriate that pictures of her and her kittens should go towards helping other cats in similar situations.
Monday
Way Behind!
Wow, I haven't posted here in ages! Not for lack of things to write about, just a lack of time. So, here is a quick post to try and catch up.
I have posted several new digital photos in both my Red Bubble and Fine Art America galleries. You an see one above. I posted some other beautiful sun rise and sunset shots, as well as some fun ones of my cats at play. I plan to donate a portion of sales of any of my cat pictures or drawings to our local cat rescue organization SOCKS (Save Our Cats and Kittens). They are a great non-profit organization and no kill shelter that rescues hundreds of cats from being euthanized every year.
I have also added a new graphite art work entitled "Film Star". My portrait of Sean Connery has been very well received on Red Bubble and has gotten some incredibly nice comments. He was also featured in 3 different groups, which made me feel honored. The art community on Red Bubble is extremely friendly and supportive. I wound up using a completely different picture of him than the one I posted here, so take a look!
One reason I have been behind is I have been working on a total web site overhaul for PencilsandPixelsArt.com. I plan to launch it in the next couple days. Please check it out! You will see a much cleaner design with new art works and new features!
I have posted several new digital photos in both my Red Bubble and Fine Art America galleries. You an see one above. I posted some other beautiful sun rise and sunset shots, as well as some fun ones of my cats at play. I plan to donate a portion of sales of any of my cat pictures or drawings to our local cat rescue organization SOCKS (Save Our Cats and Kittens). They are a great non-profit organization and no kill shelter that rescues hundreds of cats from being euthanized every year.
I have also added a new graphite art work entitled "Film Star". My portrait of Sean Connery has been very well received on Red Bubble and has gotten some incredibly nice comments. He was also featured in 3 different groups, which made me feel honored. The art community on Red Bubble is extremely friendly and supportive. I wound up using a completely different picture of him than the one I posted here, so take a look!
One reason I have been behind is I have been working on a total web site overhaul for PencilsandPixelsArt.com. I plan to launch it in the next couple days. Please check it out! You will see a much cleaner design with new art works and new features!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)