"The Hour of The Nightingale" oil on 18x24" canvas. (Inspired by the Trees of Eternity song) Sorry about the bit of glare in the corner. I took this picture before the paint dried. Anyway, I had this dream last week, about riding a bike under a purple moon with nightingale's singing their songs behind me. Everytime I passed a tree, I could see their wings flutter in the shadows. This is somewhat like I saw it. Once I reached the water and saw the reflection, I woke up. 🌠
This one was so awesome! I absolutely loved painting these beautiful kids. Thanks Anthony Collins for coming to me for the commission piece. You've got a great faimly. It's always a pleasure to paint them.
"Chopper" Rip (Sold) Mixed media; pen, acrylic, airbrush (tools) and digitally rendered. Took a little over 20 hours. I wanted to wait and share after giving it to them. There's nothing better than giving life to a furry companion. I hope they'll pass it on one day and enjoy it for years. For Donnie Thomas and his Wife.
(Mixed media) Custom brushes; acrylic, pen/ink airbrush and digital. It's been an absolute pleasure to be able to bring back a memory of this special soul. This is the second time, that I was given this opportunity. We don't know what our futures hold for us, so enjoy every little moment. Alex is an example of how fast life passes us. After a long battle with cancer, he survived. Sadly, an infection grew in his lungs and he was unable to breath. Even though he's not here with his faimly and fiance (physically), he still lives in their memories.
Mixed media. This picture was a great memory that I got to capture. It's absolutely heartbreaking to paint such amazing people who've passed away so young! In their case Alex suffered from cancer, and beautiful Kristin never left his side. Words cannot express how meaningful this was, for me to be able to give a lasting moment that will be carried on throughout her life, now that he's gone. I can't imagine how much pain Kristin experienced throughout his fight. I feel like by being able to give this to her, I was able to connect with Alex on a personal level. I'm glad that I could convey life again through a soul that should never be forgotten.
"Desolate" painted in Sketchbook, with airbrush, pen, marker, and other custom brushes. Special thanks to my model Rebecca. Everyone is waiting for something.. someone... anything, really. I painted this delicately, to feel as though she was basking in the warm glow of the sun. She's was apprehensive, but has accepted peace in her solitude. It's not about giving up the wait. It's about patience. Whenever the time is right, she'll get what she's looking for. "Time can change us, but we can't change time."
"Raven Night" painted with airbrush, pen, in Sketchbook pro. I've been doing a lot of night paintings. I am enjoying the shadows, contrasts and glow. It's been good practice. Soothing and melodic music has been inspiring me. Katatonia "The Fall of Hearts" has been on repeat, since it has come out a week ago. Of course the cover is of a raven, which just furthers my inspiration.
The crazy trend of candy skulls, has had people wanting me to paint and design different things. Shoes are what I've been working on for the past two years. When I say "working" on them, I seriously mean tediously taking a lot of time perfecting their details. A magnifying glass would really help me out! Unfortunately, I am just now learning the hard way.
The sugar skulls concept designs are so exciting. I absolutely love coming up with new details, and idea's to put together. Following the shoe's measurements are a different story. I have to visually "shrink" my art to fit each tight area. For example, around the laces on tennis shoes, or around the curves on high heels. Imagining very detailed images, and having to readjust their positioning is tricky!
Each color is a blend into an entirely different shade. When I work with markers and acrylics, I am down to a limited selection. So, what can I do? Well, slowly fade a thin layer into a thick layer. It's all I've got! But, hey... it works!
Anyway, my next ideas are Barbie heads, faces, paintings, backpacks, purses, and custom pieces. Sugar skulls are so fun, even though they take so much time to finish! Both of my pictures being shared are sold. Let me know if you want to order anything shonnanelson85@gmail.com
After my best friend died recently, he brought some insight on how art expresses our mind's. We talked four days before he died, and he was volunteering at a rehabilitation center - after he graduated from their program. He said I would absolutely love the art that was being created, and displayed there. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see him or the art before he passed away.
But, Zach did inspire the thought of how important art is to our psychological well-being. He himself, wasn't a fine-artist. Although he encouraged me throughout my whole life, and gave me the confidence in "not" throwing away the pieces that I wasn't proud of. Which were honestly the pieces of art that were my deepest expressions. He saw that, and knew I felt vulnerable about sharing this with the world. Thank you Zach for nudging me through my insecurities, and helping me gain the confidence that it took for me to progress in being the artist I am today. There are other people that have helped me "love" myself. Yet, the time's he pushed me out of my comfort zones were during the most important phases in my life. He was always there.
His art was writing, and he enjoyed expressing himself with the written words, that otherwise he would've never spoken. I enjoyed our letters that were sent from a distance, throughout our lives. We both grew up and chose different paths, yet both of our expressions kept us close. It's heartwarming now, to look back and think of the encouragement we gave each other.
During everyday life, it's so easy to get caught up in the cycle. And, it becomes so easy to forget about the "little things" that keeps us going. That's what matters the most! Not the things we think are the most important - but, the things that go unnoticed or unseen. Don't forget what paints your soul, and who inspired you to do it. It's not about the big picture, it's about the details that it's made of.
Out with the old, in with the new. My poor old paint brushes have turned into sticks with splinters, because I've used them so much. I admit the reason I've hung on to them for so long is - because they're like old friends, that have been good to me. My brushes have seen everything that I've expressed. Every vulnerable secret, anger, sadness, or elated moment was in my hands. It's unfair to give credit to what I've constructed, with acknowledging the tools used with my skill. So, here's a blog giving a tribute to the brushes that I am going to set aside. (Notice I didn't say throw away), sorry just can't do it.
Anyway, today after browsing every brush in Hobby Lobby I decided on a couple packs, that particularly suited my taste. And, what do you know? The cheapest pack for $3 had every brush I needed. Before the high art elites, or art snobs judge - I had a pocket full of money and chose those specific packs based on quality not price. You think a classic name brand has the best brushes and paints, since you've become comfortable, while being happy with the results. I've done the same growing up - same as I have with the cheap brushes, although a lifelong lessons have taught me better.
What artists do not realize is the very (same) companies are manufacturing the (same) brushes. One is sold in a cheap pack, with different color painted stems or label stamps - the other high end brushes are outlined in gold leaf packs and have signatures of companies or other artists. It's a sneaky trick to trap artists, so we feel important. Also, their advertisements insure us that the quality is up to par and assures artists that we can paint as good as Rembrandt! Don't fall into the trap.
This was digitally painted on my Wacom, (details) in Samsung Galaxy Note 4, and edited in PS5. She was a fun picture. The fall is my favorite season, mostly because my birthday in October 19th. I love waiting for the peak of the leaves color, right before they fall off of the trees. There's nothing like getting lost in the Smokey Mountains hiking too - for the best inspirations. For years, I've carried my sketchbooks around during each season. Mostly to jot down idea's, and more importantly to capture the colors. Of course autumn is the most vibrant scenery, well depending on where you're from. If you haven't experienced the overwhelming sensations, from a beautiful fall - then I really recommend that you travel to the mountains in late October.
Anyway, "Autumn Breeze" has surprisingly taken off as one of my most popular pieces. I admit, she's one of my favorites as well. I spent a few hours analyzing which angle the wind should blow, and carefully took the time to paint her strands of hair in the right direction. In real life, if you notice - there's a subtle warm light that shimmers through each branch when the wind blows each leaf from it's tree. Every single gust takes at least 10 or more (depending on the size). And, that's when I timed the glow on her skin. Those tiny seconds during each breeze.
The San Francisco contemporary magazine has influenced a lot of my pieces, for years. I remember roaming around our bookstores, here in Knoxville Tennessee and being memorized by each months cover. Traditional paintings are widely popular here (in the south). So, of course contemporary art is considered controversial - not as much today as it was 15 years ago. The demographics are changing constantly, and many westerners and northerners are bringing their skills around Knoxville. It's wonderful! I can't help but get excited about new cultures sharing their passions.
Anyway, back to Juxtapoz. I've interacted with many artists and publishers within their company. The best part is, unlike other companies or galleries - they're not afraid to publish the underground artists. Those who scribble provocative things, graffiti, modern, surreal, and (my favorite) "edgy" realism.
There comes a beautiful moment in life for artists, and that is accepting a "taught" schooled skill, or breaking the mold to express individuality. Personally, with my roots coming from my very conservative grandmother (floral artist) Ida Bland - I've developed a structure. Although, refusing to obey the realistic social standards, I've kept my identity. Isn't that what being an artist is about? No restrictions and pure freedom.
