Painting on Birch bark

Happy Friday!

Today is a down day for me. I have been non-stop for the past week, getting all the prints ready for my Etsy page, started a new painting and finishing up a pet portrait. It's a gloomy day and lots of rain coming so it seemed perfect to relax a little.

So during my "downtime", I decided to prepare a new batch of dried birch bark for paintings I will start early next week and for the Holiday season. Most of this bark, from fallen trees only, has been drying for a while so the pieces are easier to break apart. Going through the bark I have to pay attention to what pieces work best. I have to be aware of thicker bark because the frames won't close or too many holes, which are difficult to paint on. Little details to make sure each piece is ready for its subject.

I like having a variety of pieces, especially if I am choosing for a pet portrait. The bark somehow communicates with me if it's the right piece. Sounds crazy but I have started a couple portraits and the bark just didn't fit the painting, so I have to pick another piece and the outcome is always the same, the new bark fits.

If you want to see the prints I mentioned - here is the link to my Etsy shop below!

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

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!

Christine

Many hats!

Hi!

Hope your week is going well, even with the very sad world events. I am trying to stay focused and complete my Halloween projects. Thank goodness for

music, a perfect distraction while I work.

Today I almost completed matting all the wonderful prints for my Etsy shop. I found a great web site that was not expensive and they matched the colors almost perfectly. I hope to have the prints available next week.

As a self-employed artist, this means wearing many hats. I wish every day was filled with painting but the reality is I am unable to. But I also enjoy being able to switch hats and do every aspect of my business. Being a graphic artist in my earlier career has been a gift for my business and has allowed me to be fully self-sufficient. There is a great sense of pride and exhaustion.

I will make this post short because of the time and I need some wine. :)

You can find the Halloween and Cat Totem prints on my Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/happycrowcandles

Take care of you and your loved ones!

Thanks for stopping by!

Christine

Busy Season & Hello from Maine!

Today the weather is warm in Maine, but Autumn is very close here in the northern hemisphere.

That also means it is the time of year when I am so busy. Today I framed Birch Art Paintings, small Halloween themed paintings, magnets and ornaments. I love being busy so I am in my comfort/happy zone.

I am hoping to create some pet portraits this season as well. Especially now that I am offering pencil portraits as well.

So this being my first post of my blog - Welcome and I hope you will join me on this journey of art. I will be posting at least once a week!

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Christine