tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83576466547534228972024-03-14T09:34:03.364-05:00The Art of MichelleAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.comBlogger349125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-48254290578311232162014-08-25T21:25:00.000-05:002014-08-25T21:25:06.943-05:00new website and blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My blog has finally graduated from this blogger platform and can now be beautifully read directly on my brand new website <a href="http://theartofmichelle.com/">here</a>. Thank you for following me! I do hope to see you on the other side. :)</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-12097410740628278042014-07-28T15:56:00.000-05:002014-07-28T15:56:33.848-05:00Sketchbooking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nryP_dgMfJ2sezhaUb1DPW4OC9FLpoYIy4iD5rfg4_lDlXI5BPwyrrOncsz_JbMnIwQZZmkpzVWNzUP8V6cpYjrdsakW2h7wSuPHZHNn2t2uvCNT1ddNMCGBByLiGS02QSN3zGm_2R1l/s1600/Small+sketchbook+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nryP_dgMfJ2sezhaUb1DPW4OC9FLpoYIy4iD5rfg4_lDlXI5BPwyrrOncsz_JbMnIwQZZmkpzVWNzUP8V6cpYjrdsakW2h7wSuPHZHNn2t2uvCNT1ddNMCGBByLiGS02QSN3zGm_2R1l/s1600/Small+sketchbook+1.jpg" /></a></div>
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For so long I have dreamed of being an illustrator. I think about how great it would feel to create my own line of characters and write stories about them and see them come to life on product and in books. I have countless stories floating around in my drifty little brain about night gardens and squirrel families and galloping white horses. But for some reason I've always been too intimidated to actually write any of my stories down. The characters have lived for years only in my head.</div>
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Now it's like something in me has changed and suddenly all of these gathered ideas are pouring out. I take a shower in the morning and think of five more things I need to draw, like, <i>now</i>. I grab my sketchbook before bed and write "make Halloween illustrations with animals in costume" or "outdoor scene of a snowy village." Gosh it feels good to finally say some things. What in the world took me so long to start sketching these ideas out?</div>
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My characters are still a little awkward looking to me. I'm definitely not creating things perfectly, but I'm getting there! And I've decided to post pages from my sketchbook on the blog every week starting today. Hooray for progress!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-64479962223893091992014-07-07T10:34:00.002-05:002014-07-07T10:34:33.855-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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So much green here lately! My garden has been loving this moody weather. Cool and bright one minute, then dark and stormy and <i>so much rain.</i> This summer has felt peaceful and fun. We're 13 weeks into our pregnancy, and I'm finally off the couch and back to a somewhat normal routine. I love to work in every way but have had to take so much time to rest due to fatigue and morning sickness (that has unfortunately come in waves throughout the entire day). But all in all we are thrilled with the changes God is bringing into our little world! A definite answer to years of prayer and hoping.</div>
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We've officially purchased all the parts for our new garage and have broken ground in the backyard in preparation. So exciting! Our old one-car garage (attached to the house) will become my new <i>dream </i>studio complete with multiple work stations, high ceilings, a baby friendly corner, and large open windows. We're really hoping to finish the garage in July and start on the studio come August.</div>
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Now that I'm vertical again Sarge and I have resumed our morning strolls through the neighborhood. Walking in this town is like meditation for me. <i>So peaceful</i> and pretty in the strong morning light. Every now and then when the park is empty and quiet, I let Sarge off leash to run wild and free. </div>
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I've been inspired to work in acrylics again after seeing all of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/janethillstudio?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Janet Hill's</a> amazing work and just ordered a new set of Golden and Da Vinci fluid acrylics that I'm dying to try. They're supposed to be good for watercolorists wanting to branch out. I have so many canvases stacked in the corner of my studio just waiting for my attention. Hopefully I can free up some time to work on something just for pleasure again.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-53194890814768660152014-05-28T13:11:00.002-05:002014-05-28T13:11:26.191-05:00lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZiAY5segzcgaDjjPbRpLAoG5vEyU7p1swYZd96bSuoH0U_oIcYgqsXBYfXNueS9AnHCEerShrBa6qjcsUT9-2PTVvZxQk5mxIS1MyX_Fsr6tqZYOj-Q44W-x3tLNXT1Ou5B072JcFUTp/s1600/IMG_5476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZiAY5segzcgaDjjPbRpLAoG5vEyU7p1swYZd96bSuoH0U_oIcYgqsXBYfXNueS9AnHCEerShrBa6qjcsUT9-2PTVvZxQk5mxIS1MyX_Fsr6tqZYOj-Q44W-x3tLNXT1Ou5B072JcFUTp/s1600/IMG_5476.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGJJ6yR1kqMGbsW5632WMqUGwealnHMBqp8LUw4EQlyMHbH1-MwWyblS9Ko19v0KXhAJAI7RhlX1mbDEYKJHRbSZtRqD6r2vZ11Qznip-PPhXY4OTv8cXhyB0J6rAoj5oX6z__MQCuFa1/s1600/IMG_5484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGJJ6yR1kqMGbsW5632WMqUGwealnHMBqp8LUw4EQlyMHbH1-MwWyblS9Ko19v0KXhAJAI7RhlX1mbDEYKJHRbSZtRqD6r2vZ11Qznip-PPhXY4OTv8cXhyB0J6rAoj5oX6z__MQCuFa1/s1600/IMG_5484.jpg" /></a><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Lately the sky has been pale blue and cloudy with gentle rain here and there and strong sun in late afternoon. There are certain times of day when it seems like the whole world is glowing bright green and yellow. The trees are full and lush now and all the peonies around town are popping white and pink. I find myself lost in daydreams as I walk Sarge around town every day.</span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I'm so excited for June. Seth and I decided early this year that we may have to skip a vacation in order to cover the cost of the new studio and garage. Our zoning application has officially been submitted and work on those projects will begin very soon! I'm over the moon excited to have a bigger work space. I can't even tell you how renewing it will feel to have an <i>actual </i>studio and not just a desk in the corner of a bedroom. Yay!</span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">About a month ago Seth's boss decided to send him to South Carolina in June for training, and we're scheduled to stay a few extra days for fun. I'm thrilled to be tagging along and plan on spending every waking hour on the beach reading a book or painting or just sleeping for crying out loud! :) I'm in desperate need of a nice long break from work to recharge my creative batteries. A "stay-cation" isn't very helpful when you work from home, I've found. </span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Hope your week is short and sweet!</span><br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-41946774410589804432014-05-06T12:44:00.000-05:002014-05-06T12:46:55.827-05:00pretty spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm not sure it could be any prettier outside. Dapple light pours into the house all day, surrounded by a cool, sweet smelling breeze of collected perfumes from neighborhood blooming trees. Each day the pup and I wind our way through town, dropping off packages to post, walking out our errands, and soaking up the warm sunshine. The trees have seemed to fill in all the gaps in the alley behind our house. The lilac blooms are SO fragrant right now that I've been stealing small branches from bushes in the alley to bring inside.<br />
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Sarge, the lucky boy, gets treats and pats on the head from just about everyone in town. The baby squirrels and bunnies see him trotting down the sidewalk with his nose in the air and ears bouncing and duck behind trees and bushes to avoid the nasty chase that would inevitably ensue.<br />
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Meanwhile, I've been dreaming of new paintings and longing for a bit of extra time here and there to sketch out new ideas. Seth and I have been talking up plans for the new studio and possibly bringing a studio assistant on board among other house projects and Summer trip ideas. Spring is just bursting with promise and potential!<br />
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How are you getting along? Has this warmer weather ushered your winter blues away? I hope so!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-6223813828868632952014-04-28T09:54:00.000-05:002014-04-28T09:54:27.337-05:00dreaming of a studio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Fall I took a page out of my journal and shared it with Seth when he got home from work. It was called "My Dream Studio." I showed him the little sketch I made and began by describing the light pouring in from giant windows and reflecting off bright white walls to create a glow in the entire room. I talked about how in my dreams this studio would have a vaulted ceiling with exposed wooden beams, a cement floor with a bright pink patterned kilim rug. Part studio part greenhouse with a waist high table on one side for my plants and pots and soil. Lots of textured pillows in window seats and of course a bit of sheep skin here and there. Several old wooden tables for painting stations, scanning and printing stations, and packaging. Large enough to hold a studio open house or teach a small painting class.</div>
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I really went on and on about it all. And Seth patiently smiled and nodded. After a long pause he said, "I could build that for you." I laughed thinking "yeah right." My business was so young and it felt new and unpredictable. I don't deserve that kind of studio. "I'm serious. It wouldn't be too hard. I think I could locate some free windows and a door. We could start saving now and add on to the house or build it separate from the house in the back yard," he said.</div>
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And so, our conversation began. Since then we've decided many wonderful things about my dream studio. We've saved our pennies. And I've collected hundreds of inspiration images from across the web and compiled them on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/artofmichelle/">Pinterest.</a> To find the sources for each of the above images, please visit my Pinterest page titled "<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/artofmichelle/studio-design/">studio design</a>."</div>
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I do hope to share more on the status of this project as we make slow and steady progress. I'm brimming over with excitement!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-42130519482509949392014-03-21T13:47:00.001-05:002014-03-21T13:49:52.773-05:00custom portraits update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just a quick note today to announce a price increase on all my custom work starting Tuesday, April 1. I'm currently booking orders into July and don't want to fall too behind, so I've decided to raise my prices by $50 to meet the demand. I really appreciate all the support and am so excited to continue doing custom work for at least the rest of this year. There are so many really beautiful portraits coming up that I just can't wait to get to! Not to mention this warmer weather and sunshine in my studio windows is energizing and exciting me for the upcoming seasons and projects.</div>
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Hope you have a great weekend!</div>
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(click the images to visit my shop)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-61587642851375882102014-03-17T09:25:00.000-05:002014-03-17T09:32:54.080-05:00SPRING FLORALS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5i-VZM2_h1yShOcr0v_Si2Rl5lolJtvPx5KpaOtm8vDxpwfHkjcLzgPsTQ9BSbGsSTUQOGFyo6rZWzpWBnbxr-Rd8iKO1kEAMaDoOra1OUHKrDuBpytvGDfBup2kx1eL_7emzYw0lGki/s1600/IMG_4966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5i-VZM2_h1yShOcr0v_Si2Rl5lolJtvPx5KpaOtm8vDxpwfHkjcLzgPsTQ9BSbGsSTUQOGFyo6rZWzpWBnbxr-Rd8iKO1kEAMaDoOra1OUHKrDuBpytvGDfBup2kx1eL_7emzYw0lGki/s1600/IMG_4966.jpg" /></a></div>
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Spring is absolutely my favorite time of year! Included in my many <a href="http://theartofmichelle.blogspot.com/search/label/sketchbook%20tips">sketchbook projects</a> and plans for this exciting warmer weather, I've struck up a friendship with the amazing blogger and gardener <a href="http://thecurtiscasa.com/">Whitney Curtis</a> and will be debuting one floral illustration on <a href="http://thecurtiscasa.com/">her blog</a> every Monday during Spring. Each painting will be available in the new "floral prints" section of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheArtofMichelle?section_id=15163031&ref=shopsection_leftnav_8">my shop.</a> I'm wanting to design them all to match so they can be hung together on a wall or interspersed throughout a house to add a fresh, bold and bright design to your home. </div>
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Check out <a href="http://thecurtiscasa.com/">Whitney's blog</a> to see the final print and to learn how you can incorporate today's flower into your garden this Spring. And follow us on Instagram (<a href="http://www.instagram.com/thecurtiscasa">here</a> and <a href="http://www.instagram.com/theartofmichelle">here</a>) and Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecurtiscasa">here</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/liketheartofmichelle">here</a>) for weekly updates.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-22540858013156021622014-03-06T13:48:00.003-06:002014-03-06T13:48:55.820-06:005 sketchbook prompts <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3NQO7JHQPysA23tRa_84gRDT9inBXl8NGJkZX7Jz64BGG-Xucff2MH_EW32C-i0q56A5xdAnnXUGyufInh7oE1JHefi237Tz4477tXr7mUk7z-BEUdf6PgyXPRxoEsIobgkrX5y3xc1L/s1600/IMG_4916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3NQO7JHQPysA23tRa_84gRDT9inBXl8NGJkZX7Jz64BGG-Xucff2MH_EW32C-i0q56A5xdAnnXUGyufInh7oE1JHefi237Tz4477tXr7mUk7z-BEUdf6PgyXPRxoEsIobgkrX5y3xc1L/s1600/IMG_4916.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLASSO5K9a2njxhjmb1_Mz46wpCb3nTqjyHXzd6pVuyhXO9Y8inDYIFh-ptRyc20Aje9S3-HQxsDfzU80jAZWSiVk5fJSqD4QXB5b7-eLvkgYLzhH9EVY0I8erRyS1wXjg8vbPQ45IA4TK/s1600/IMG_4919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLASSO5K9a2njxhjmb1_Mz46wpCb3nTqjyHXzd6pVuyhXO9Y8inDYIFh-ptRyc20Aje9S3-HQxsDfzU80jAZWSiVk5fJSqD4QXB5b7-eLvkgYLzhH9EVY0I8erRyS1wXjg8vbPQ45IA4TK/s1600/IMG_4919.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9xOMDqhSftc3WtxHV3le2AukzLzB3WEwPkfUWOKUsYicEs0rTHo9YLMVSE_G4xKpgBrEOmXqwb_cVpXpRLRhMAIAWT7f_VcA0lo2J3niK1Y1eb2H3TivHpUr4z_Y4DzO9IMGv-Qheks8/s1600/IMG_4925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9xOMDqhSftc3WtxHV3le2AukzLzB3WEwPkfUWOKUsYicEs0rTHo9YLMVSE_G4xKpgBrEOmXqwb_cVpXpRLRhMAIAWT7f_VcA0lo2J3niK1Y1eb2H3TivHpUr4z_Y4DzO9IMGv-Qheks8/s1600/IMG_4925.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AZUwcFbGwe8vkI4tgr6CqnQb4rhdmQsGDr0PPm22Nm4ypqTO2NFAKNO8klvGuoizUNIrA5yHqRLXv7VOZp-rUFFJQw9UUUoxpyQ94SYtf09eVDLbyvQigCzJG2vDF4IWZI_ui8FLDiLh/s1600/IMG_4931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AZUwcFbGwe8vkI4tgr6CqnQb4rhdmQsGDr0PPm22Nm4ypqTO2NFAKNO8klvGuoizUNIrA5yHqRLXv7VOZp-rUFFJQw9UUUoxpyQ94SYtf09eVDLbyvQigCzJG2vDF4IWZI_ui8FLDiLh/s1600/IMG_4931.JPG" /></a></div>
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Now that you have your sketchbook and supplies, let's get started filling those pages with beautiful and fun illustrations that make you happy! Here are just a few tips to get you started in your sketchbook.</div>
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1. Keep a list of things that inspire you. Throughout the day pay attention to your surroundings and look for little moments of inspiration. Record what you feel, see, touch, experience in your sketchbook or create a <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/artofmichelle/">Pinterest board</a> of visual inspiration. I, for example, am naturally drawn to high contrast, bold design and pattern. So, I thought I'd incorporate my own patterns onto pots with bright flowers to add color.</div>
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2. Pick one thing that inspires you <i>the most </i>and draw it over and over again. I tend to come back to things like trees, dogs, flowers, etc. They make me happy and give me so much satisfaction to draw!</div>
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3. Practice painting patterns with a variety of brushes and lots of water. If you need some ideas for patterns to get you started, I'd recommend looking at textiles and textile designers. A few of my favorites are <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/westelm/pattern/">West Elm</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ashleygoldberg/patterns-by-me/">Ashley Goldberg</a>, and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lottajansdotter/inspiration/">Lotta Jansdotter</a>. This is when <a href="http://theartofmichelle.blogspot.com/2014/02/tips-for-getting-started-in-your.html">all of your practice with color</a> will come in handy.</div>
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4. Simply observe nature for an endless amount of creative ideas! Draw a close-up of a leaf or flower or hang a bird feeder out your window and draw the birds that visit.</div>
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5. Observe your favorite manmade objects and draw them with a paint brush or felt tip pen. For inspiration look to <a href="http://kattfrank.tumblr.com/">Katt Frank</a> whose simple line drawings of ordinary objects neatly arranged always make me swoon.</div>
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Happy sketching!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-29592380995902862522014-02-12T11:50:00.002-06:002014-02-12T11:50:43.985-06:00Tips for getting started in your sketchbook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrtkkAhCwCgWTe00-G4tDaY4q_rQWWKS0k7DpEQnNY3RBF69dctfDvdJu0v4uLiv8245DlENjP1xSgfspqn6DLlgaj2A3Oit3aTYgjOPcACYFPtIwQ9A522k3j5yINVARJlLwPUDIgggW/s1600/IMG_4726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrtkkAhCwCgWTe00-G4tDaY4q_rQWWKS0k7DpEQnNY3RBF69dctfDvdJu0v4uLiv8245DlENjP1xSgfspqn6DLlgaj2A3Oit3aTYgjOPcACYFPtIwQ9A522k3j5yINVARJlLwPUDIgggW/s1600/IMG_4726.JPG" /></a></div>
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Now that you've found that perfect sketchbook and gathered your supplies, I want to give you a few simple tips for getting started. </div>
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First, you should get to know the colors in your palette and learn how to use your brushes. Start with a blank sheet of paper and pick a medium size brush to begin. Then, start laying in each color of your palette on the paper like I've done above. Wash your brush completely in between each use to keep the colors from mixing. </div>
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Label each color swatch with a pen or pencil and continue until you've laid out each color individually (see example in photo 2). Now you can try mixing colors being sure to label each mixture with the colors you used. Try making different marks using the edges of your brush. For some of the color swatches use more water- for some use less, letting your brush go dry.</div>
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Play around with your colors and have fun using all the different brushes. Notice that some colors will be transparent (like yellow, purple, grey, and some blues) while others will be bolder with a little more opacity (like green, some blues, red, white). Blues tend to "separate" while they dry and typically colors will fade a bit when they're completely dry. Reds and oranges are stronger colors that want to dominate and grab your attention. When mixing red with other colors you'll notice how a tiny bit goes a long way.</div>
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Once all the colors have dried completely, go through each one and put a mark next to your favorite colors. This little exercise will help you "establish a palette" for future use. I tend to use greens, reds, browns, and blues the most (can you tell?).</div>
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Now celebrate because you've just completed your first sketchbook exercise! :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-3650376682593901992014-02-06T13:03:00.000-06:002014-02-06T13:03:28.962-06:006 Tips for buying sketchbook accessories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Now that you have the <a href="http://theartofmichelle.blogspot.com/2014/02/5-tips-for-buying-sketchbook.html">tips for buying a sketchbook</a>, I thought today I'd share a little about the accessories and art supplies you might need to fill the <i>pages</i> of the sketchbook. Every artist uses different tools, pencils, paints, etc., and honestly it's really up to your personal preference what you'll choose from the list provided. Here are just a few tips for finding the art supplies that are right for you.</div>
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Tip #1: <i>If you're buying for the first time, go to an actual art supply store if possible and look at the supplies in person.</i> Make sure you read all the labels and buy water soluble paints and watercolor brushes. Set your budget and buy in small quantities. It's easy to get carried away, but just remember that one tiny tube of watercolor or ink will last you a very long time. I'd start with just 3-5 of your favorite colors and buy individual tubes or small paint sets to get you started.</div>
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Tip #2: <i>Choose according to your preferences.</i> I can't say this enough! Buy a palette that feels right to you- not too big or small. Since I use mine every day, I need the larger size. Maybe you'd want to start small? Also, pick paint colors that inspire and excite you. Buy a variety of brands and choose the ones you like the best after some experimentation. I use about 3 brands and have 20-25 colors in my palette.</div>
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Tip #3: <i>Buy 3-5 brushes of varying sizes.</i> I use liners and round brushes primarily, but if you aren't sure what kind of brushes make certain marks, do some research online before heading into the store.</div>
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Tip #4: <i>Use pencils WITHOUT erasers.</i> Buy the erasers separate. Pink erasers found on the end of most #2 pencils will leave marks on your paper that cannot be removed.</div>
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Tip #5: <i>A small hand-held METAL pencil sharpener is the one you want.</i> Don't buy a cheap plastic sharpener if you can help it. Those sharpeners tend to crack the wood and break the graphite. Electric sharpeners tend to eat your pencil, but a small metal sharpener will give you the most control.</div>
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Tip #6: <i>Keep scrap papers, magazine cutouts, and inspiring photo references in a clear folder. </i>I think mine came from Target or Wal-Mart. The clear folders with a button allow you to see what's inside without the contents spilling. They are super cheap and keep my sketchbooks from becoming scrapbooks.</div>
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LINKS TO GET YOU STARTED:</div>
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<a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/moleskine-watercolor-notebooks/">sketchbook</a>, <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-newton-artists-rigger-watercolor-brushes/">paint brushes</a>, <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/prismacolor-ebony-pencil/">pencils</a>, <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/maped-hand-held-sharpener/">pencil sharpener</a>, <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/prismacolor-kneaded-rubber-erasers/">eraser</a>, inks (<a href="http://www.dickblick.com/p/15427">calligraphy</a> or <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/p/1464">pearlescent</a>), <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-newton-designers-gouache/">gouache</a>, watercolors (<a href="http://www.dickblick.com/p/165">Cotman</a>, <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/p/4149">sets</a>, <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/p/166">Grumbacher</a>, <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/sennelier-french-artists-watercolor-tubes/">Sennelier</a>) , <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-covered-palette/">palette</a></div>
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<i>Have fun shopping!</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-24889874570574263182014-02-05T11:12:00.003-06:002014-02-05T11:14:13.529-06:00Sketchbook tips from across the web<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are simply too many good ideas about "<a href="http://theartofmichelle.blogspot.com/search/label/sketchbook%20tips">How to Have an Awesome Sketchbook</a>" than I can share on this blog. So, I created a <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/artofmichelle/sketchbook-tips/">Pinterest board</a> for easy sharing. Follow along right <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/artofmichelle/sketchbook-tips/">here</a>!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-48636423589941585002014-02-03T12:10:00.000-06:002014-02-03T12:34:26.464-06:005 Tips for Buying a Sketchbook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you've never had a sketchbook before, I can see how intimidating buying your first one can be. There are so many to choose from, how can you know which one is right for you?</div>
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TIP #1: <i>Buy it in person.</i> I'd highly recommend buying your first sketchbook <i>in store</i>, not online. Pick it up and hold it in your hands. Flip through the pages. Is it too heavy or too big for your tastes? Are the pages too thick or not thick enough? Is the paper smooth or rough? Does it feel like a good quality sketchbook?</div>
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TIP #2: <i>Decide if you want to draw or paint.</i> There are two types of sketchbooks I buy- one for drawing and writing notes and one for painting and color studies. If you want to use the sketchbook for painting, make sure you read the labels on the front first. It should say "watercolor" or "water media" indicating the uses for the paper inside. There are certain kinds of paper specifically for water media- <i>it's impossible to paint (with watercolor) on anything else.</i></div>
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TIP #3: <i>Choose a size that works for you.</i> I obviously have many different sizes and kinds of sketchbooks on hand. I love to carry the small ones in my purse for quick notes and car sketches, and I keep the big ones for larger concept designs and color studies when I'm in the studio.</div>
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TIP #4: <i>Have a budget. </i>Art supplies are expensive, so before you ever walk into the store, determine how much you're willing to pay for your supplies. Prices range from $10 to about $30 for any standard sketchbook. I'd start out on the less expensive end until you figure out what you like. You may even want to buy 2-3 different cheap sketchbooks to get you started. </div>
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TIP #5: <i>Spiral bound or hard cover? </i>Spiral bound sketchbooks tend to have paper or stiff board covers that tear and bend easily. That didn't bother me when I was first starting out, but now that my sketches are being shown to others and used for higher quality purposes, I need a hard cover to protect the pages. The advantage to spiral books is that they can be laid out flat or folded over. The disadvantage is that the spiral can get in the way of your hand as you lay it down to draw or paint.</div>
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I have so many more tips to share this month, but I hope this gives you a good start!</div>
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<i>*This post is part of my "<a href="http://theartofmichelle.blogspot.com/search/label/sketchbook%20tips">How to Have an Awesome Sketchbook</a>" series that runs the entire month of February 2014. You can join the fun by posting your sketchbook photos on social media using the tag #myawesomesketchbook.</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-83271326576892236042014-01-30T11:51:00.000-06:002014-01-30T11:51:14.419-06:00How to Have an Awesome Sketchbook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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During the month of February I've decided to run a new series on this blog, <a href="http://artofmichelles.tumblr.com/">my Tumblr page</a>, and all my social media sites under the heading of "How to Have an Awesome Sketchbook." I've been keeping a pretty consistent sketchbook since I was barely old enough to hold a pencil. Sketching kept me quiet and busy on nights and weekends, so my parents supported my habit by keeping me stocked with cheap paper and pencils, folders and coloring books. I had large and small sketchbooks all throughout college that I'd carry to class to take notes in and into the studio to sketch out new ideas. </div>
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Over the years I've collected countless sketchbooks of all kinds and acquired a knack for knowing just how to fill them. This habit has changed over the years from drawing pictures out of my coloring books to cutting and pasting pictures from my mom's magazines to writing stories and developing new ideas. Still to this day keeping a sketchbook is a daily practice.</div>
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So for the month of February I've decided to share a plethora of tips and techniques about how to keep an awesome sketchbook with you. Whether you're a beginner who's never used one before or a trained artist, I hope this series will help! I'll share my list of tools and supplies as well as links to resources and supply stores so you can start your own awesome sketchbook today!</div>
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Use this tag to play along: #myawesomesketchbook</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-87131679176241946262014-01-16T11:08:00.000-06:002014-01-16T11:08:15.516-06:00Sarge sketches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm officially in <i>love </i>with Sarge. He's so much fun to play with throughout the day and is my tiny shadow on every trip to the post office, bank, and library. He's really getting quite popular around here. In between naps little Sarge's new hobby is spying on all the local squirrels and birds that clean up our yard and feeders every day. This Spring when we open the windows and the birds <i>really</i> come back in droves I'll have to rig him up a spot by the back window in my studio for an all day viewing extravaganza. Little Sarge won't know what to do with himself!</div>
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As you can see I'm trying out ways to incorporate him into a new logo for my business. I've never been too fond of the one I have now, so getting a cute little dog is the perfect excuse to change things up. So far I'm liking the one on the bottom right the best. Which one do you like??</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-73107431358326646652014-01-14T12:41:00.001-06:002014-01-14T12:41:18.145-06:00a few special portraits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheArtofMichelle?section_id=11064740&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8GWnGLhtzMcvJ9Ran6WtNXuW7_JZhcGROMcve3vJ2xoxXmGEMh_NkM9-ioeZ5ntEuUn_xKtJupUt6Gqd3mOcaCSRP0MkPYUGxFwhJ1BrZWOMKhGJhAAxNgtJQ8s3Ck_7PkuU7pDO2nGy/s1600/IMG_4447.JPG" /></a></div>
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I try not to bombard you with house portraits, but only share a few special ones here and there. These two were purchased from husbands looking to please their wives for their anniversaries. How thoughtful is that? The sweetest thing is the level of involvement most men take to insure their wives love the gift- emailing me with countless questions and pointing out every part of the house that's special to their wives so I'll be sure to include them in the portraits.</div>
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And, more often than not, these thoughtful husbands follow through by sending me emails after their wives open their new house portraits, detailing the entire event and saying things like "it made her tear up" and "it was the perfect gift" and "thank you so much."</div>
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The truth is that I'm the most grateful of all! It's such a blessing to work with such a kind tribe of customers who really care about their families and want to share what I do with them. I'm so thankful every day for the chance to serve people in a way I love most- through my art.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-53549582941228232692014-01-09T11:01:00.002-06:002014-01-09T11:01:53.425-06:00quiet and calm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Life this week has been very quiet and calm, snowing every day almost. Sarge and I take short walks in the crunchy cotton piles all over town and dream of warmer days with colorful gardens and green trees. But we like the pretty snow too, around here. It just makes our walks a bit more challenging and much shorter. How are you handling this snowy winter? Do you go outside or stay in mostly?</div>
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Stir crazy would be an accurate description for us. We're working to meet deadlines, drinking <i>way</i> too much coffee, enjoying dinner together, watching hours of The Office on dvd in the evenings, and getting up early the next day to do it all again. Stir crazy is typical, I guess, when you work from home! But even more so with all of these snow days!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-4512147612547158712014-01-03T17:21:00.001-06:002014-01-03T17:30:59.252-06:00Determination<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My word for the year. Determination to do the important things for myself, my family, my career, that I've been putting off like start a family, build a studio and a new website, paint more for myself. Determination to start my days sooner, to reach higher than I've ever reached before, to relax when I'm not at work. Determination to execute on my goals, to push myself out of my comfort zone, to learn.</div>
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Mostly I'm determined to keep going and to keep doing the things I've already been doing but with more fervor and efficiency knowing all along that my life is ultimately in God's hands.</div>
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Share your word of the year with me and link up over on Kelli Murray's blog <a href="http://www.kellimurray.com/2014/01/03/2014-breathe/#more-16291">here</a>!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-31578032987617148752013-12-30T14:10:00.000-06:002013-12-30T14:10:09.919-06:00Finally Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, after an incredibly busy holiday, I'm finally back in the studio with my brushes and my little dappled companion. My two week break turned into an all-out house cleaning/ food making frenzy followed by two straight days of exhausted Christmas cuddling and tv binges.<br />
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Seth and I have been talking plans for next year and goals for our bodies, brains, and budget. We've been trapped inside due to snow, ice, wind, etc and, out of sheer desperation, have picked up our running and exercise regimen on the treadmill in our newly cleaned basement. To keep things spicy we've started doing one minute intervals switching back and forth from running to lifting. Otherwise you're just staring at a blank wall for half an hour. <i>I'm already longing for spring.</i><br />
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In other news I'm officially booking custom orders into April of next year! <i>And, </i>as crazy as it sounds, I've already started putting names on my 2014 Christmas List. Seth suggested I start fulfilling holiday orders sooner than September (which is what I did this year), but I still just can't get my head around that.<br />
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Anyways, if you think you might be interested in having a custom portrait by spring or summer, I suggest ordering today. But if you just want your name on my list for Christmas next year, you can email me at Michelle@TheArtofMichelle.com.<br />
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Oh, and happy New Year!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-29043525038223513862013-12-14T10:09:00.004-06:002013-12-14T10:09:59.719-06:00Snow Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-3906199424405534822013-12-06T09:55:00.000-06:002013-12-06T09:56:09.943-06:00Sarge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Christmas came a little early for me this year! Seth revealed his plan to "buy me a puppy and wrap it in a box with a bow for Christmas"(which would have been adorable), but once we started talking we quickly realized we had two different ideas about pets. We finally decided on a shelter dog and browsed through hundreds of photos online through humane society websites. I knew I wanted a mini dapple doxin, but they are so hard to find unless you buy from a breeder.</div>
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Finally, on Thanksgiving day Seth spotted Sarge, a four year old mini dapple just like I wanted! We went that night and visited him shivering in his cage between about a dozen other barking and jumping mutts. Poor little guy was so nervous!</div>
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He's just the absolute sweetest thing and is super low key. He loves to cuddle and chew on his new fleece blanket and soft toys. He's still pretty nervous around most people and has had so many visitors over the past week! Kourtney and Peyton (our neighbor's kids) absolutely love him and help me walk, bathe, feed, and groom him on a regular basis. Then we cover him in his blanket and he curls up and falls asleep, snoring for hours. Such a little darling! He's already such a fun studio-mate.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-25371081756249034162013-11-22T08:36:00.000-06:002013-11-22T08:37:32.448-06:00A Summer Cottage and Lakehouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/109987972/custom-house-portrait-lake-house-summer?ref=shop_home_active"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtxJGIAlXlQcwEC4HGTOjjvNd_SzqKf0ZVSXn_XAH0G01HTVF2pQqi4XBPf_Z_BiC65s3lmaju6EDPSSfXPDlhrIv4kawPlXJ4yYxBbrOoiUHsuEgawTMfUztG1aKbFvwkB4xWQ11hLOY/s1600/Amy+DiBella+8x10+760.jpg" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-86892075278215540522013-11-13T09:10:00.001-06:002013-11-13T09:10:33.520-06:00Sketch journal no. 10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVq1p6mMP2r6l9r8f0NmY5DA42yU0LP8qS34zcCJVoHlj-LN3c9hIstOdC5WXdP4d2W1v5o7bHxAD3GH9xzpBXiQVV5TtTx8plh1xy8LevxDjDxoP7tsgFaQqgzrhI1bb1uxqKjRhXV1W_/s1600/Dogs-+Dalmatian+Family+760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVq1p6mMP2r6l9r8f0NmY5DA42yU0LP8qS34zcCJVoHlj-LN3c9hIstOdC5WXdP4d2W1v5o7bHxAD3GH9xzpBXiQVV5TtTx8plh1xy8LevxDjDxoP7tsgFaQqgzrhI1bb1uxqKjRhXV1W_/s1600/Dogs-+Dalmatian+Family+760.jpg" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-31727265569183855182013-10-30T16:35:00.003-05:002013-10-30T16:37:59.434-05:00House Portraits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheArtofMichelle?ref=si_shop"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKiw-44P1iIu3UUJ9SHqQ04EYT9ZACc1sfsvdqHTslfCDAme3vdaP2mhMh-D20vgDRiQRKpLXv8T1YicbYH7jdJi-NBuA1WQEz8mNRIq-oi2NnFxXS4TcdLRMs-WjWhqCbLFkwgR0LZuf/s1600/Carrie+HP+1.jpg" /></a></div>
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The houses I've been painting lately seem to have come straight out of a storybook, wouldn't you agree? They're just so amazing and adorable. This last one is one of my very favorites (although I tend to say that about a lot of them). The wood paneled house is set back in the timber, shrouded beneath a giant canopy of bright emerald green leaves, and complete with wandering chickens and a long and winding driveway. I like to think it's someone's dream home!</div>
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I'm afraid to say my blog posts will, for the next two months, be slowing down considerably as I try to tackle my giant work load before Christmas. I'm so very thankful to have a growing little business here, and don't want to fall behind. If you'd like to still keep in touch between now and then, I'll be periodically posting new things on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/likethartofmichelle">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/theartofmichelle">Instagram</a>, which are a much quicker means of sharing life, I have found.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03219618306205173139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357646654753422897.post-16613462800398011662013-10-25T10:19:00.001-05:002013-10-25T10:21:45.958-05:00Sketch journal no. 9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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