Let Freedom Ring ... and other stuff

For Americans this is a day of celebration, a day that marks are Independence ... our Freedom (relatively speaking). 

As a child I HATED the 4th of July, the fireworks scared me to death. This fear stemmed from an experience where the fireworks were being fired off too close to the crowds. The boom was unbearably loud causing several child to start screaming. If that was upsetting enough as the fireworks would fizzle and fall they were landing on the crowds as well and they HURT!  After I was traumatized at the age of 4 I would just prefer to watch them on TV for years to come. I'm not sure which age these started becoming acceptable (probably high school), but they did and I love them now.  

So like millions of others we will venture out into the heat and "ohhhh" Ahhhh" with the rest of them :)

People assume that living in MN we are always in the verge of a snow storm, this is far from the truth. Not only did we barely have any snow this past winter  the dew point today will make our 99 temp feel like 110! 

While I LOVE summer this past weekend I was treated for Heat Stroke. I along with several other crazy people decided to run the Warrior Dash. If you are not familiar with this, understand it is a 5K set at a ski hill/mountain  filled with mudpits and obstacles that you do in a timely fashion. 

Many people enjoy this sort of thing, I mean MANY people. Our group consisted of 14 people with all different athletic abilities and ranged in age from 20's to 40 (my hubby tops the charts here). I felt ready. I had ran some and while I had no intention of "racing" I felt like I would do okay. 

I was seriously mistaken. I only made it half way before I yelled for my hubby who had stayed behind and went slow for ME. I told him something was wrong, in 95 degree weather I should be sweating, but I wasn't. I had goose bumps and was shivering! I literally could not walk any further and I was starting to fade. The medic came to my rescue and I told my hubby to finish the race and find the rest of our group. 

I then spent 2 hours in the medic tent lying on ice, and working hard to form complete sentences. Once everyone was hosed off and had their pics and celebrations we were able to get shuttled back to the parking lots and head home where I happily watched TV/Movies in the AC. 

I am fine now, but a scary experience for sure.  What is the lesson here? KNOW YOUR BODY. If something doesn't seem right, it probably isn't.

Stay cool this 4th of July!

Oh ... You wanted some art?! Well I do have this little guy I finished just in time for today. While I am not a fan of "patriotic art" per se', I felt compelled to do this. 

Paintings, Butterflies and Life.

So where have I been ... well that is an a loaded question because the answer far surpasses the attention of most blog readers! 

Life suddenly got busy, and rather then sit back and watch I took the wave and have been riding it ever since. 

Here is a brief summary:

• Interpreting career has been very full, challenging and rewarding
• Finished one art e-course and then started taking another
• Finished my 3rd commission and have 4 and 5 lined up already
• Celebrated Hubbies 40th birthday with a big bash
• Will be celebrating our 8th wedding anniversary on Tuesday

I always feel so honored and blessed when I am asked to paint something for someone, but those requests aren't void of trials and tribulations.

Its one thing to paint from your soul, its another to paint from your brain. I feel less of the "joy" when painting a commission as I become so engulfed in the process. Suddenly "perfection" takes center stage and I am merely a lost shadow. 

I lose site of the goal. When I am approached it is because MY style has captured the eye of another; remembering that, I finally let go of form and embrace what I know and love. I grow and become whole again. 

Just when the Caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly. 

I am not a lover of symmetry, so butterfly wings were hard to achieve at first. This is actually the 4th butterfly and to arrive at this,  I had to consult a repeating dream I had been having. 

I had dreamed  that I was in an art class and rather then focus on balance the teacher wanted symmetry. I felt stuck and would get yelled at for not following the rules. No matter how nice my painting looked it was never good enough. In my dream I teach myself to become ambidextrous and draw each outline of my paintings with two hands so each half would be the mirror of the other. 

In reality, I am right-handed. My left hand has very little responsibility and lacks confidence. 

Feeling desperate I grab two pieces of white pastel and in one fluid motion my two hands work as one. In seconds I had the shape I was after and that was all it took! Who knew such a feat was possible?

I love wrapping the images around the sides of my canvases.

I am anxious to try this technique again in future paintings to see how it works for my faces!

Since the painting has been completed I have had NUMEROUS encounters

with butterflies, to the point of freaky.

I have had them land on the windshield while in the car at a stop light.

Nearly ran over them while they lie on the road in front of 

my drive way.

The most freakish was when I was walking along a wall of windows

down a hall way at a building I was working. 

The butterfly in a lovely outdoor atrium was following me the whole walk

down and just as I was about to turn the corner

the butterfly repeatedly flew into the glass making an audible noise!

I was so surprised that I stopped and walked toward the window

at which time the butterfly relaxed and landed on the window sill.

I was stunned and took two pictures. One was a shot of a calm creature

the second was a much more curious creature as it tilted its body upward to look

right at me!  Some day I may share those:)

At the same time the painted butterfly was taking transformation I had started to hang out with a new friend ... kinda weird. The butterfly has many symbolic meanings, but "soul" is one that comes to mind. I feel like I have known this person (newer friend) for a long time and that is rather cool ... We both just "get it",  everyone should have a friend like that. :)

I hope all of you wonderful readers are doing well, leave a message and say HI :)

  

One step closer... To selling my art.

I would say that I create in my sleep, its true. I will dream myself awake with an idea or an image, and while a dream journal is a great way to keep track of all those amazing thoughts, I cannot paint them into reality in the middle of the night. Thus those detailed pictures get squished between my hand and the snooze button. 

When I'm wide awake and my brain is full of mundane "life" stuff, sifting through it to find an image or a burst of inspiration seems to take much more work. It is a pretty messy office in my brain upstairs. The file cabinets are bursting with loose papers, there are completely empty files and stacks of things that could just be thrown out.

With all that chaos, I create first and think later ... many times this works. Then there is THE REST of the time.  

This painting started out as the image in the upper left corner.

I started over and had the image in the bottom left corner. 

While she was an improvement, I just wasn't happy and 

finally, she made her Debut as Lady Fox.

This little birdie was in instant success and 

was finished in 15 min.

Stopping to "Smell the Tulips"

For me part of the creative process is acknowledging that not all things have to make sense. In fact in the land of whimsy it is often better it doesn't. There is no planet where foxes run and flowers bloom with the luminous planet Earth off the horizon ... but so what.

Not all people are going to like what I create, and I honestly appreciate that. I often find it amusing when people Don't like my work.

Yep, totally true. I get some twisted high off of creating something only to have my Hubby look at it perplexed. I know instantly he isn't amused with it and that is completely fine. 

That is not to  mean that the pressure is off and I have some kind of overwhelming freedom. Recently I've added a new bit of technology (the Artisian 1430 printer) that is if anything making the pressure even more great. After painting for just under a year I have had an unbelievably amazing journey, I have learned much and have become quite comfortable with the process. Knowing when to take the next step however,  is scary. 

The once wide path has narrowed to a 4 inch balance beam and before I get down to the "wire" I have to answer a question. Why am I doing this? 

First and foremost I do this because I love it! When a once bare canvas suddenly evokes emotion, and a character or color combination resonates within me, others pick up on that.

I don't think God granted me this ability just to keep it for myself, but to share it with others. To send a smile, to share a story, to make others happy.  

I have been questioned several times about selling my work. Do I sell my work? Do I have a website? Why am I not selling? When will I start selling?

Currently I sell commissioned work. 

I only have a blog to display my work (I am a "basic" techie)

I am not selling because I'm chicken I have lots of excuses and feel like I need to learn more (do we ever stop learning?). 

I do however plan to sell soon, maybe, probably ... 

That printer was a commitment (thus the pressure). I mean if I wasn't going to make prints of my work with it, it would be really impractical to have. 

Lucky for me, fear has shifted in the last few years. It used to mean stopping dead in my tracks a road block with no detour insight. Now it is just a Yield sign or even a motivator.  "Caution, growth and opportunity ahead, proceed wisely."

I simply call this girl "Little Miss". Though I think a more appropriate

title might be as stated above; "Stopping to smell the tulips".

Lucky for me, fear has shifted in the last few years. It used to mean stopping dead in my tracks a road block with no detour insight. Now it is just a Yield sign or even a motivator.  "Caution, growth and opportunity ahead, proceed wisely."

So that is where I am now ... I create in a home studio that my hubby helped to set-up. Its quaint and I'm out growing it at a rapid rate! So time to sell what I have, to make room for the new right?! Ack!!

I have been absolutely terrified every moment of my life - and I've never

let it keep me from doing a single thing I've wanted to do. - Georgia O'Keeffe 

A big Shout Out to Mindy Lacefield of Tim's Sally. Who has inspired me to work with my inner 7 year old via her e-course, "Paint Your Story".  The paintings above were created while in her class and I have really enjoyed "letting go" and painting what is organically in me. If you want to free yourself and see what your inner child has to say, I suggest checking out her blog and signing up for the next session :)

Tulips and Roller Skates: my inner child out to play

As you may know I have for the last year been on quite an art journey. While I have always been creative and highly involved in the arts, I have never felt more real or true to myself as when I have a paint brush in hand.

The past few weeks I have been taking an online course, "Paint Your Story" , taught by the fabulous, Mindy of Tim's Sally.  We are learning about painting from our inner seven year-old selves and reconnecting to the simpler things we enjoyed (or still enjoy) in life.

This is all about loosing up and not being perfect. I tend to paint from my subconscious and really don't have an outward goal in mind when I start. But all at once this begin to emerge.

I did this much in one sitting while watching a movie and let me tell you ... it was a cathartic process, that included lots of crying. The good healing kind of tears, the ones that act as crystals shining on what is ahead while fully closing the door behind you.

I find myself really attached to her and even dreamt I was chasing her the very night I painted her.

My childhood wasn't full of Chutes and Ladders, Lolli-pops and puppy kisses, but lets just say rough around the edges. Too often the bad times emerge to the surface and I deal and walk away. But when you allow those bad times to sit a while, its who comes out of the muck that is amazing. My 7 year old self ... my red tulip loving, rollerskating everyday self!

I had purple Popple, roller skates that I wore as though they were my feet. I put more miles in 

our basement/driveway/roller rink than humanly possible. I loved them. 

I also really enjoyed the red tulips outside our (mine and my mom's) bedroom window would bloom

every year.

They were so fun looking and were quite amazing to me. 

I lived on my grandparents Christmas tree farm until I was 10 and to have the vibrant red against all the 

green was wonderful. 

The "tulip's" were just magically there before this little girl was. I guess that is how it works

when it is meant to be:)

I think more will get added and something things will change a bit, but I really love this character and you know what, she is going to be A-OK :)

I am beginning to rethink the large round mickey-mouse bun to the right of her head, what do you think?

What is your 7 years old self teaching you today?

My 7 Year-Old-Self Has Taken Over

If you have been wondering where I have been, well rest assured it has been in the studio! I have been consumed by this wonderful online e-course called, "Paint Your Story" taught by the talented Mindy Lacefield aka Tim's Sally.

This course has been about connecting with your 

7 year old self, and just letting go. 

As a child your art of symbols and scribbles doesn't have to 

make sense and yet, you were able to create things

you (and probably others) enjoyed.

They were uniquely YOU.

Just letting go and doing what 'feels good' versus what 

'seems right' can be scary. 

I've been working on NOT painting like I am 7 for a while

and now I am embracing that pig-tailed girl.

As a child I was a perfectionist and so I joke and say I am connecting

with my "inner-inner child", the non-perfect 

girl I sometimes really wanted to be. 

You can imagine some pretty emotional stuff can rise to the surface 

when digging deep.

I seem to be resonating with my "creepy people" as I loving call them.

They have scars that are visible, but slowly healing.

Sometimes just a word can set the mood for a great work of art. 

Sometimes a word can take you far away or make you laugh.

A whole mess of words can give you a glimpse into the crevasses of the brain.

I used to think, "I need to take art classes if I am going to be any

good at this." 

Now I am seeing that learning about My-Self, is far more 

rewarding and artistically beneficial!

Remember, "Little Bunny Foo-Foo"

Well I had always remembered the "Good Fairy saying if he 

didn't stop scooping up field mice and boppin' em' on the head

she would bop HIM. 

Well, no matter the words, that still little song of my childhood

played a part in this. 

Some have suggested (upon seeing this drawing) he was just loved a lot. 

Or maybe he really is wearing the Scarlet Letter of mice boppin'!

Each day I create new Characters and unearth parts of my

7 year old self. 

There is still a couple of weeks left and so please stay tuned to see

what my final creations will be. 

Happy Creating. 

I Peek in My Sketch Book

I have a few sketch books and while I enjoy sketching now and then, I also enjoy just using loose paper.

Well I haven't picked up my 7x10 sketch book in a long while but thought I'd share a little character I created using elements from other characters I've made.

He is rather fun, and I love his uniqueness. I think I'll have to add him in a painting ... He looks to the sky with determination and I like that :)

Are you ever surprised by what you find in your books?

Rainy Day Fun

Sometimes it's just fun to play... I guess you could say I was inspired by yesterday's rain.

I gave her umbrella a 3D look

by bending the paper and adhering only the edges.

I'm not sure why they make such small canvas'

This is how she looked when I left her last night.

I can certainly tell you that the process isn't quicker or 

easier ... 

Not sure if the storm is better or worse, but it is, what it is.

I love her "open" umbrella :)

Just a little Rainy Day Fun

A Bird Family Painting

Sometimes and idea pops into my brain and due to its silliness, I dismiss it as not being worthy. Which is what initially happened when I got this Bird Family concept in my head.
I didn't know if such a thing would be well received or not, and when one of my friends named her youngest daughter, Violetta, I just had to go with it.

Around Christmas time, my friend had asked me a few times about doing a commissioned piece and while I wanted to; mismatched schedules got the both of us and it never happened. :(  I however wanted to paint this piece and give it as a gift because it was a quirky idea and well I just really wanted to, plain and simple.  

Liquitex spray paints graced the background

Initially, I like the simplicity of the birds.

But as with many projects I start, simplicity 

just isn't in my nature. 

Many artists will agree that knowing when to 

"stop" is a gut instinct.

This piece has many wonderful layers, including paper

for the wings. 

I love the vibrancy of the colors and that the love they

share as a family is shown.

Under each of the (baby) birds is each child's name and birth-date.

Under the parents is their name and wedding date.

I'm very pleased to say that it was VERY well received!! 

I love when my work elicits smiles and joy, nothing can beat that!

I would love to sell these custom "bird families", or any animal 

of your choice! If you are interested or if you know someone 

who is interested then send them my way :)

Art Swap

I wanted to show you who has been keeping me company in my studio. 

This is Isabella, isn't she divine?! She brightens my spirits

and keeps the boogie-man away when I'm up late at night. 

She comes from the land down under, yes she traveled all the way from 

Australia! 

Lisa, makes these little beauties and sews many more

wonderful things as well! 

I remember finding her blog and seeing these darling Elephants. 

I have had nearly every kind of stuffed animal out there, but

never an elephant. 

I emailed Lisa, and asked her how much she charges for one of these

beauties and you know what? She said she would "just send me one"! 

Well I couldn't let her do that, so we decided since she liked 

my art that we'd do a mini art swap.

In return I pained this little gem of a girl, whom I'd become quite

smitten with. I was excited to send her on such a long journey and 

and my only regret is that I didn't get to travel with her!

But a little piece of my heart is living in Australia with my new friend. 

Please head over to Lisa's Blog at: http://mylittlecreativewonderland.blogspot.com/

I titled this "Hello Friend" and the words on the front say: You Make Me Smile.

I hope you find inspiration in what you see and tell someone you love what they do :)

WIP... The Three Charities

This is something I started a few days ago and it has taken a LOT of work so far.

This is the finished background

Then I started to outline the images I saw ... three faces

Then began the shading ...LOTS  of layers and LOTS of patience!

I cannot seem to get a "mop" of curls to look right... seems I

Need to look at some hair pics. 

Still very much a work in progress.

Stay tuned....

A Progression: First Realism/Ear Shot

So much of what I paint has little to do with my conscious mind. Truly. 

I often wish I could say I had set out specific intentions to do something

when really it's a journey I need to take and I am led there, by a power greater than I.

As normal, I started out to paint a background that would hold one of my whimsy characters.

I was using my new  Liquitex spray paints, and while I should have been 

greatly inspired by all the wonderful colors. I seemed to be traveling no-where fast. 

I was in a bummer of a mood playing with color again and again.

Nothing. 

So then I changed my painting around, seeing if anything was hidden among the 

background... and there it was the image of a FACE.

I quickly outlined it.

This however wasn't a whimsy face, this was a REAL face. 

I freaked, I don't paint realism. I don't even know HOW to paint

realism.

But remember I didn't decide this, so I went to one of my art groups on facebook 

and spouted my fears. 

I was astonished by the numerous comments of just pushing forward and going

for it. 

I needed to find a face with a matching angle, something to look at.

After scouring the internet and coming up empty. I took a shot of myself.

And yes, I really took the picture myself!

I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but today I took on the challenge. 

I came home from work, had a snack and with hunger off my mind; I set fourth. 

Now the color isn't exact, but all I had to look at was the iPhone photo I took of myself. 

With nothing more than courage, faith a few hours (and some intuition). 

I had created a respectable likeness.

I am honestly proud of how this turned out. 

Believe-you-me, I wanted to paint hair OVER the ear a million times.

But I knew I could do it ... and I gotta say, I'm anxious to do some more realism!

I never thought in 9 months of painting I'd be where I am right now. I am so thankful

to have connected with my artist self again. 

I am also blessed to have such great support, from the artists I've met and my friends/family in general :)

Another thing I like about this is is that in the real picture, I am smiling, rather obnoxiously.

The bit of color from the background right where my mouth is vibrant

as if I am laughing about something wonderful.

Giveaway winner...

I nearly forgot to announce the winner of my giveaway!  ... Catherine Constance!  She already knows and I will be working on it this week and send it off.  Congrats!

This past week has put me through the ringer, just a conglomeration of  "stuff", nothing bad, but far too much laziness. I think I know what it must be like to be a sloth. I'm hoping channel my inner Kangaroo this week and "HOP" into my studio with a new vision and embrace my paints again. How I've missed them :)

I think I am going to start tonight actually ... put in one of my favorite movies in my laptop and "Play".

Here's to a good creative week .... oh and if you are wondering how the winner was chosen, each person was assigned a number and each number was placed into the cup of my hands and my hubby (eyes closed) chose it. Yeah, real scientific! lol  I"m glad I picked up a FEW customs forms from the Post Office on Friday :)

Vulpes Vulpes

So the ever wonderful fox has been running through my mind again, yes again.
Back in November, I drew some silly sketches of a very simplified Fox and typed some "Fox facts" (say that 3 times fast)!
http://ontheshortside.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-character-little-foxy.html
Many other artists are also hopping on the fox wagon, and why-not with their fluffy tails and red fur, they are captivating and fun!
I was at Target and nearly bought a wallet with a fox on it ... so they are a trend too. Are they subliminally popping into my head?

I created this little fox last night and while s/he IS better then my previous sketches s/he is not looking the way I prefer... Those darn snouts! Lol

This picture is not complete, and I'm not all that sure I will complete it. 

My inner artist is on vacation, which is just silly seeing as we are having 

record temps in the 80's!! 

I hope she comes back soon with lots of inspiration and direction.

When your inner artist takes a break what do YOU do?

Celebration Giveaway Time and a WIP.

I'm excited to do a little giveaway of one of my colored faces. I haven't even made it yet, so what it will look like is a surprise to us both!

I was inspired to do this because I am so grateful to have the following and support I do. I hope to grow artistically in this next year and am happy to have you all join me!

I'm going to make it simple:

• You must be a follower/or start following
• Then leave me a comment telling me you are following. Also tell me the color that inspires you the most and you should post your email address so I can contact you as well :)
• If for some reason you are unable to follow my blog then follow me on Twitter or Facebook and then comment telling me you are doing so :) 

The winner will be chosen on Saturday, March 24th.

I feel like I should leave you with a picture : 

I started this last week 

Titled: Farewell to Fear

This is what happens when I paint from the subconscious mind, I love when I surprise myself with the

exact thing I need in that moment. 

What is your subconscious telling you right now? 

Blog Anniversary, Giveaway in the Works & WIP

Today marks the 1 year anniversary of my blog! I'm kind of amazed that with its very slow start it has transpired into what it is right now! I am planning on making it more fantastic as time allows and am anxious to see what the next year has to offer. ;) 

I am also VERY thrilled about reaching OVER 50 followers!! I appreciate the support so much! So as promised I will be having a giveaway and while this week would seem the perfect week to do such a thing, I am just far too busy *sigh*   So I am planning to post the giveaway details this weekend ... keep your eyes pealed!

I am also feeling very patriotic which isn't something I talk too much about. But just the fact that we can have a blog and write as freely about whatever we choose is not something to take lightly. I am proud to live in the United States and while we at times feel our rights are challenged or hindered we are still a great nation. 

With that being said, I was inspired to paint what has been floating about in my head for a long time. I haven't seen any Eagles in the last few months, but last summer my good friend while driving home happened to pass the exit to my house and saw 3 Bald Eagles circling about. Because she feels like Eagles are a sign of good-luck she called to share the unexpected sighting with me.   That has stuck with me and helped to transpire the painting I began tonight...

 

It just so happens the Bald Eagle is our National bird. 

I'm not sure where to take it from here ... I don't want to make it hokey so I am letting this rest

for the evening or longer if needed, until I can find a sense of direction. 

I think I need a map or I'm going to cut up the atlas I have...

I want to give a shout-out to Juliette Crane and thank her for her 

wonderful classes and support!  THANK YOU!!

What is inspiring you right now? 

What are you thankful for?

Flamingos, Blog-anniversary and a GIVE-AWAY!!

Wow, its hard to believe that I have had my blog almost 1 year. It had some mighty humble beginnings as I initially began my blog to keep writing everyday, because ...well ...I had something to say and I wanted to become a writer.

As it turned out, I wasn't writing everyday, not even every month ... not even close.  I liked what I was writing, when I did write, but I had NO followers. No one cared about my lonely little blog. I didn't even care that much about it. 

I must have been at a cross-roads and reached out into the universe to get something back into my life that had been missing. I thought it was writing, I tried playing my clarinet more, but that wasn't it either. In fact I had to travel to GA to find the missing link. ART ... I was missing Art!

I was always creating as a child. I could draw really well and I would use water colors and finger paints and make paper crafts and color like crazy. I would fill up those coloring books like no one else! 

As I got older and graduated from High School, the art stopped. I had to get serious, college, career and the  like. 

It would take 14 years for me to find that I really do love art! I should have listened to my 4 year old self when I declared that I was going to be an Artist when I grew-up!  

After a 14 year drawing/painting hiatus I did this: 

That was in June 2011

I was surprised how easily I was able to do it and how FUN and relaxing it was. My world was for a moment in HD ... colors were more vibrant and had depth, they spoke to me ... this flamingo was just waiting for me to rescue her from oblivion and get her to a sunny location and I did.  She rescued me too! 

The point is while I love writing, I really didn't have anything to write about. I had toyed with the idea of writing about my favorite paintings and artists that I would see at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Then I thought, who would read about art? Who would care?   LOTS of People, that's who!

Once I found that there is a community of Artists who were so willing to blog hop and enjoy everyone's creations I realized, that I not only could write about Art, but MY ART!

I am so appreciative of  all my followers and all the encouraging words. Its like I have a virtual family and we are ALL so darn talented!

Well so here is the scoop. On March 12th my blog will turn ONE and I currently have 43 followers (you are wonderful) ... if I can reach 50 followers by the 12th I will do a give away.  I will paint one of my colorful faces on wood and send it to the lucky winner!

 But I have to reach 50  OR MORE, then I will set up the giveaway details and such. 

Here is a sample of what I will create for the give away

The 43 of you that are here now, BIG HUGS and BIG THANKS!

To those who are wanting to join and follow me on my artistic journey, then come on board and Welcome!!

 Happy Creating!

Little Geisha

I remember life before painting ... it wasn't bad, but missing something.  If you fill up a jar with rocks, one might say its full, but if you pour sand into it, the emptiness is filled in. Painting to me is representative of the sand, it supports, cradles, and surrounds all the rocks in my jar.

This is the final painting I did for the "How To Paint a Girl", e-course by Juliette Crane. This is the second class I have taken from her, she does a great job of breaking down the elements so anyone can follow and create art they can be proud of.  If you are a perfectionist like me and felt stuck when creating then you will definitely enjoy her courses. Once I saw the creative process broken down and how it morphs or changes I felt much more at ease. Paint is forgiving ... and once I realized that, my artistic door was open-wide open!

I never knew I could experiment with paint on a canvas, I thought once you were playing with canvas you had better know what you were doing.  NOPE, I play and try things out and I am a MUCH better artist because of it.

This is my Organic Girl, I let the background guide me and take me on her journey. I had not intentionally set out to paint a little Geisha, but that is who she wanted to be. 

The Background definitely changed a lot

But once I found her eyes, I could see where she was 

taking me. The outline for her hair was already in place

painting it black was the next step

I really like the look on her face

I see it as innocent and sweet, but she also

looks like she is trying not to smile when she 

really wants to!

In Japanese culture a girl could start learning to 

be a Geisha as early as age 4. 

Despite the stereotypes Geisha's, 

they are not prostitutes, 

though some were considered as such prior to WWII

The most literal English translation would be 

Artist, Artisan, or Performing Artist 

 as they learn very skilled Dances, 

musical instruments, recite poetry etc. 

 They were/are often hired to 

perform at company functions or high class social 

gatherings. 

Details make a difference. I like to add a 3D

aspect when I can ...toothpicks are great for this. 

Geisha used to be very popular and at one time

80,000 were in abundance. Now days it is estimated 

that there are only 1000-2000 left. 

Its hard to know for sure as they live private

lives in quite areas of the community. 

I had a lot of fun creating her 

and learning a bit more about the lifestyle of the traditional 

Geisha. 

The information was found at:

http://www.japan-zone.com/culture/geisha.shtml

and:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geisha