pencils

I don’t know where the time goes. I blinked and it was October, blinked again and it’s already a week into November. But I have been busy busy! Mostly with art. My muse has apparently taken full time residence with me, which I am 100% okay with. I’ve been getting tons done, and even more exciting, I’m loving the work I’m doing! I know that sounds a little silly, but there is nothing like finishing a piece and being proud of what you’ve done. Plus, seeing my skills improve in my drawing is such a good feeling.

Unfortunately, I can’t post TOO much of what I’ve been drawing here as they are mostly Christmas presents for people! But I can post a few, so here they are.

‘The Kiss’
Drawn for a twitter sketch party I was partaking in (#DRAWtoberfest, at the time).

Finally finished this commission! Client decided on adding the phrase at the bottom, and while it was originally going to be a wedding present for her soon-to-be wife, she decided she can’t wait and is giving it to her for Christmas instead!
(Note: I received permission from the client to post this on my blog.)

The final piece of wall art for my daughter’s big girl room upgrade (which I am SO excited for! Only another month until the big redo!).

Fellow blogger Polly of This Enchanted Pixie was kind enough to let me draw an adorable photo of her daughter in this wonderful handmade knit hat! I always feel odd asking people if I can draw their photos, but so far no one has thought I’m a crazy weirdo. I’m quite proud of this piece, as that hat was a big challenge but I’m pleased with the result!
(Note: I received permission from Polly to post this on my blog and other social media.)

And lastly, this piece of the AMAZING a capella group, Pentatonix. I am REALLY proud of this piece as it turned out exactly as I was visualizing in my head. I’m especially happy with how Kevin turned out (all the way to the right, with the cello). I was expecting him to be the hardest to draw given that his features were heavily shadowed, and not only did he come together the easiest, but I LOVE the shading! And in case being happy with this piece wasn’t enough, I posted it on Twitter and Scott Hoying (fourth in the from the left) saw it, and faved it! Cue nerd-gasm of amazingly talented famous person seeing my artwork of him and his own band, and liking it. Day. Made.

Also, my hubby, being fabulous, agreed to let me do a MAJOR splurge for my birthday next April so now I have a VIP TICKET to go see Pentatonix which means I CAN GET THE DRAWING SIGNED!
Needless to say, me and my art have been having a grand ole time lately. And so far, it seems to be holding strong!
And now, a shameless plug for my art:
If you like what you see, please head over to my Facebook page and give it a like! Pencil and Paper
Commissions will be re-opened sometime in January 2014, so keep it in mind if you are looking for a one-of-a-kind gift.

I think I’ll be giving blogging the backseat for a bit, at least until after the holidays. This is crunch time for me to get presents made, and half of what I make I can’t share online. Which also applies to most of the fun projects and crafts I’ll be doing with my little miss. Lately I’ve been scouring other blogs for inspiration on what to blog about since I don’t have any particular projects I can share lately. So I’ll still be around, just on a smaller scale than my normal three posts a week. I’m thinking about a re-vamp in 2014. . .we’ll have to see what I have time for. See you around blog land!

Connect With Me

I’ve finally made my first foray into the blogging world! And I’m pretty darn excited about it. Seeing’s how this is my first post on my brand spankin’ new blog I figured I’d give you a little taste of things to come. To get to know me personally a bit better, feel free to venture to the About Me section and take a look around!

I love art. Expect to see lots of artwork posted. Some will be my own – currently I’ve been hard at work on some commissioned pencil portraits. But in my free time I also enjoy oil painting. I love to browse other artist’s work too – I’m constantly printing out little images to tack onto the wall above my art desk. That’s why I’ve made my Pure Inspiration page. It’s nothing but art that I find inspiring in some way. Take a look, and get inspired!

Two of my drawings. One of my friend and her son, and Drogo from Game of Thrones. Both graphite pencil.

Definitely don’t miss the Shop ‘Til You Drop page. It’s filled with amazing indie shops. One of my personal goals this year is to buy as many gifts (including gifts for myself!) as I can from indie vendors. There are SO many things to choose from, and who doesn’t love a unique, often customizable gift? As someone who is just venturing into an indie business I can really appreciate the importance of helping out other small businesses.

As for my post content, that’s going to cover a lot. Stories from my life, crafts I make, projects with my little miss, art I make, products I’ve bought and love. . .the list goes on! After I get the wheels greased and things are running smoothly for me, I will eventually be including a Monthly Feature page. This could be an artist, a shop, a blog, a product and have a page up and promoting it for a month. A great way to get the word out about things I find spectacular. Oh, and get used to this little face.

You’ll be seeing lots of her around here. I tend to be a photoholic when it comes to my daughter. What can I say, she just inspires me!

So thanks for stopping by my blog – stay tuned for some features of things that I love, some serious art inspiration, and I may just need to start up a Fun Fact Friday. Because who doesn’t love useless trivia? I’d be happy to hear any feedback on my blog, or any advice – I’m still learning about the blogging world! Thanks for reading!

-Kayly

Connect With Me