Inspiration

I can't stop looking at impressionists lately, especially Mary Cassatt. I love the energetic brush strokes and unexpected uses of colour. Today I'm studying this beautiful painting by Claude Monet from 1875, "Woman with Parasol":

www.bethanyillustrates.com

My new website is now done with lots of recent artwork uploaded. Take a look around:

Bulletin

View a nice comment on my portraiture by Grant over at Veer here.

Boots

So, I'm back at school for Spring 2009... and this is my first painting. It's 16"x20" oil on canvas limited to a monochromatic color palette with titanium white for the lights and ultramarine blue / raw sienna mixed for the darks:



Also, I'm endeavoring to get my website back up and revamped before my thesis begins stealing my time away. Almost there... keep watching! www.bethanyillustrates.com

Sold.

Calgary's Skyline

This is a recently commissioned oil painting I just finished. Calgary's skyline with the new LRT design in the foreground:



And, for interest's sake, here is the initial pencil sketch:

Oh Canadia!

Been on winter break for the last couple of weeks, recharging my batteries and trying not to freeze back in Calgary, Canada! Lots of time spent with family, friends, dogs and hot tubs. I may have picked up my Mom's still good 40-year-old oil paints for a day or two as well.

Side note: I found this amazing lamp at Canadian Tire. I didn't realize I liked Canadiana until I moved away. Who knew!?

Nelly Furtado

This is one of my first forays into painting portraiture digitally. Hopefully she's recognizable!

BTW, I'll be updating my website in January. Keep checking back: www.bethanyillustrates.com

Lenny Kravitz

This is a celebrity portrait that I completed recently. It connects to Lenny's self-proclaimed "Love Revolution".

I have to admit, I love his music.

A Work in Progress

I finally bought an easel... the "Weston Full French Easel". I like it as I can fold it up and put it away when I'm not using it. Here it is in action with a recent painting in progress...

Oh, look!

My flying pig made it to the front page of IMAGEKIND! Toot, toot...

Also, my portraiture is featured on VEER's portfolio pages!

Purchasing Prints

Check out my greeting card gallery on IMAGEKIND, I've just uploaded some new images!

Today's Notes

Across the Universe

A narrative illustration responding to the Beatle's song "Across the Universe":

"Words are flying out like
endless rain into a paper cup
They slither while they pass
They slip away across the universe
Pools of sorrow waves of joy
are drifting thorough my open mind
Possessing and caressing me

Jai guru deva om
Nothing's gonna change my world."

The Secret Garden

This is a sketch I'm working on painting digitally right now... for the book "The Secret Garden" in my digital painting class. It was a favourite story of mine growing up, and I remember listening to a dramatized version on audio cassette.

More Digital Adventures

More painting on my computer... this time I can't take credit for the under drawing (it's my teacher's: Robert Revels) BUT the painting is all mine.

Tools for Repair

Digital Adventures

I've recently been learning how to paint with my computer... created this lady in class today. Fun!

A Late Arrival

She opened the heavy front door as quietly as she could and yet a loud creak reverberated through her Grandma's front room. A cold winter's draft forced its way in behind her and directed her attention toward the one lonely lamp lighting the space. She heard a small moan from behind the couch and realized regretfully that her Grandma had indeed waited up for her. She knew there was nothing she could say so she turned out the light, crept up to her bed in the attic and cried herself to sleep.

Wintery Strings

Her bright yellow cello case trundled along, shielding her from the blustering winds. Glowing brighter than the moon in the night sky her vintage white scarf trailed behind. As she wondered what her Grandma would say at her late arrival she slipped and fell flat on her bottom. What else would go wrong tonight?

Sweet Henry