The journey of creating.

Hi there!

Well, it's been a while since my last post. Where does the time go. My days have been filled with creating pet portraits, wildlife paintings, birch art and making candles. Lots of stuff!

So today I decided to get back to posting and share my everlasting journey of creating my book. Yes, a book.

It began in 2014 when I created a Mouse character and adventures he would go on. Not an ordinary mouse, a fairy Mouse. As the years have passed, I wrote, rewrote and drew many sketches. Nothing seemed to fit. What was I missing?

I find as an artist, for me, my brain is in constant creation mode. And if something isn't working, I put it aside. So this poor little Mouse has been sitting in waiting for me to figure out this path that is heading in the wrong direction.

Last week I saw a post from one of my favorite artist. She is amazing and creates these wonderful characters. Her detail and color use is nothing short of genius. Then it hit me!!

My use of color was all wrong and not defining the world this little mouse lives in. I needed deep earthy colors that represent the depths of the forest. Like digging in the soil with your bare hands. A connection to the soul of the forest and all that live there.

I got my 180 lb paper and finished all the backgrounds that will become the home of my Mouse and his friends and some enemies(not many). The paint brush came alive and in my style, quickly brushed the paint onto the paper.

Now I need to finish writing my story. This poor mouse and his friends are in limbo.

Thank you for stopping by and reading about my post!

Hope you have a wonderful day or night - wherever you are!

Christine

These deep color combinations are perfect!

Candles and Art

Hi!

The Winter season has begun in the norther hemisphere, even if the calendar may not agree. The sun is low and the dark nights are longer. A perfect time to light a candle.

I love candles all year long but especially during the Winter. Candles offer a soft light, warm glow and fragrance to make any room cozy.

I started making candles in 2020 after my Mom passed. It was a way to handle grief while being busy. A needed distraction, so the journey began.

When I began creating my soy candles, I wanted to make a safe candle that connected to aroma and sight. So I decided to add my artwork to each candle. There were paintings already completed that matched perfectly and then also created new artwork. This worked so well since my subjects are about Nature, Maine Wilderness and the Seasons. My favorite subjects to paint.

I love the connection my paintings have with each candle. It makes the fragrances and the paintings more unique and brings the paintings to life. Imagine you are watching a Fox while breathing in the fragrance of the woods.

Have a wonderful day! And Thanks for stopping by!

Christine

Links:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/HappyCrowCandles

First Snow and Bald Eagles

There is a very special feeling when you wake up to the first snow of the season. As I ventured outside to feed the birds, a sense of tranquility swept over me. The snow was lightly falling and the air was cold. I'm sure the birds appreciated the seeds.

After coffee and a nice breakfast, admiring the snow while washing dishes, a huge bird was perched on a tree outback. What was it!? I ran and got binoculars, a juvenile Bald Eagle. No way!

Then I saw another one further back perched on a large pine. A few moments later they were both on the same tree. Time to get the camera! I have seen Bald Eagles fly over before and they mesmerize you by their size and beauty. But this was an extraordinary moment!

A few minutes later an adult Bald Eagle swooped by and the youngsters followed. I am

so happy that I was able to witness such beauty. I was wondering what subject I wanted to paint on birch next - Yeup - Bald Eagle!

I never tire of the wonders that our backyard provides us.

Have a wonderful day! And Thanks for stopping by!

Christine