Draw a REALISTIC APPLE with ONLY EIGHT Crayola Colored Pencils

 It's almost fall!

And apples are one of the lovely parts of fall. Whether you like McIntosh, Macoun, or good old Red Delicious, apples are everywhere in the month of September--including right here.

This video shows how to draw and color a realistic apple using only eight colored pencils--and you don't have to spend a lot of money on supplies, either. In fact, these are from a set of 12 Crayola Colored Pencils, and they cost less that three dollars.

So grab your pencils, crayons, or even markers and join me as I draw and color this delicious fall apple. YUM!

For more videos on this fun channel for kids, look for @doodlebugartkids on YouTube. See you there!

XO Dea

Drawing for Fun with Black, White, Brown and Grey Conte Pastels on Tan Paper

Using pastel pencils is very different from colored pencils.

Pastels are much softer, can cover an area much faster, and are super dusty. They do not hold a point as long as a colored pencil, and need to be sharpened often. They can create very painterly looks with a more controlled feel.

In the video below I am coloring this printed ink image of a hummingbird using only four colors. Please feel free to download and work along with me if you like. Enjoy!

                                       CLICK HERE to download hummingbird to draw along!

Here's the video! All items I mentioned are listed here and under the video. Click below to watch.
Conte Pastel Pencils:  https://amzn.to/3fhV4RG
Strathmore Tan Toned Paper: https://amzn.to/30k004u
Strathmore Tan Tone Paper (Smaller Pad):  https://amzn.to/3hVrx1R
Conte Sharpener:  https://amzn.to/2EvlliH
Starter Brushes:  https://amzn.to/3k0t9ta
Coloring Dreams Coloring Book (more pretty images):  https://amzn.to/3gp8tJi

Thanks for stopping by! xo

Why Coloring and Art Can Be Therapeutic

Can drawing, painting, crafting, coloring, and even doodling be GOOD for us?

Well, I always thought so, but turns out I am not the only one.

Shutterstock photo from Africa Studio

It seems that creating art is a type of meditation...calming, centering, and "an active training of the mind that increases awareness and emphasizes acceptance of feeling and thoughts without judgement and relaxation of the body and mind." (The Washington Post)

Most will also agree that art seems to take us elsewhere, a place of peace and healing, where we can escape from the stress of everyday life. Turns out this escape is actually good for us, too. Art helps us connect to our inner selves, the true beings we were meant to be. When we listen to our own, very often negative thought loops, we can create self-doubt, insecurity, and fear. Hobbies like drawing, crafting, and coloring allow us to break free from this mind-chatter and get into a free-flowing, alpha wave inducing flow, something we very much need. Alpha wave biofeedback has been used to treat depression and anxiety. (Psychology Today)

Speaking of brain waves, "alpha waves are produced when you are awake but relaxed and not processing too much information, such as first thing in the morning, just before you go to sleep, when you're daydreaming, or practicing meditation. Alpha activity has been linked to a reduction in stress, anxiety, discomfort, and pain. It may also boost memory." (Caba) 

Meditation is not for everyone. Sitting cross-legged on the floor and focusing on a tone or trying to have no thoughts seems counter-intuitive to calmness to some. Yes expert after expert claim the benefits of the inner stillness and mind-emptying that meditation creates. How wonderful to know that when we create art, we are creating the same type of benefits for ourselves, along with an outward expression of this work that we can look at, share and enjoy. Eckhart Tolle writes, "All artists , whether they know it or not, create from a place of no-mind, from inner stillness," which is just the state--or non-state--that meditation is trying to create.

Not every artist or colorist is on social media, but Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms are the perfect place to find others who have the same hobbies as you do. Studies have shown that loneliness is a very stressful state. Coloring groups, art pages, and drawing communities are a great place to find like minded people, and possibly some new friends. Some say being an artist can be a lonely endeavor, but now there are ways to connect even if we have to stay home.

One final word, you do NOT have to be Leonardo da Vinci to experience the joy and benefits of art, coloring, or crafting. Find your thing and do it with gusto...and do not seek approval from anyone.

Here's your homework...get two blank sheets of paper, or coloring pages, and, with NO attempt at GOOD RESULTS, draw or color something just because you want to. Maybe use colors you have never thought to use, or a different medium, color outside the lines if you want...JUST GO FOR IT. See where you end up. Take your time or hurry up--just don't be attached to the outcome. See what happens...you might be surprised.

XO

P.S. I'd love to see what you end up doing. You can find me in my coloring gallery on Facebook, or in my studio. dealenihan@gmail.com Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

CLICK HERE to see my ETSY Shop, ArtbyDea.

Follow me on Instagram.

My New Coloring Book EVERYDAY MAGIC Is Coming Soon!

Finally!

My newest coloring book, EVERYDAY MAGIC, is at the printer.

Preorder NOW

It's been way too long, so thank you for your patience.

Everyday Magic is about the wonder of the ordinary, and the amazing things that happen to all of us in our day-to-day lives.

It all started as I was taking photos of the super moon in Watchung, New Jersey. As a giant tangerine orb rose over the skyline of NYC, I thought to myself that it would be hard to imagine something more amazing. My mind wandered, and I realized that little things happen all the time that we so often overlook. 

Not long after, I was thinking of a friend I hadn't spoken to for a bit, and the phone rang...who do you think it was? Yup. Another example of Everyday Magic.

I started to look for magic...and you know what? The more I looked the more I found.

I thought of a blue feather...on purpose...and a gray/blue feather ended up on my porch the next day.

I had a conversation with a friend about the possibility of UFOs and life on other planets...five minutes later my husband called my out to the deck to see two very strange sets of lights in the night sky. Aliens? No...but it was amazing thinking they could have been until they were close enough for us to realize they were planes.

Some of these magical things that happened were so uncanny it seemed that something otherworldly was intervening, so in the book I represented those moments in the book with images of fairies or elves, or sometimes animals and plants that are part of out everyday lives.

EVERYDAY MAGIC Artist's Edition is available on Etsy for PRESALE AT THIS LINK right now. It has 30 single sided images printed on thick, lovely artist's grade paper. The binding is removable, so each sheet can be colored on a clipboard or desk. No need to cut or rip. The pages can them be replaced inside the binding for safe keeping.

The Amazon Edition will follow a few weeks later, with two copies of each image for double the coloring fun. Both books are 8.5 x 11.

I am currently conducting a COLORING CONTEST. The winner will be featured on the back of the Amazon version of EVERYDAY MAGIC...I hope you enter. Click here to be directed to the DEA LENIHAN Coloring Gallery to enter:  CLICK TO ENTER

Here are some images...hope you like them! With a little hocus pocus, I'm sure you will do your OWN magic and make these images come to life. Coloring isn't as "cool" as Kylie Jenner, but I wouldn't want my magic any other way.

Thank you for reading! 💗xo Dea

Coloring Mushrooms and Water Droplets

Aahhh!! The magic of coloring.

It is so fun too see all the wonderful work out there. It can also be frustrating when you don't know how to do one of the effects you see.

Here is a color-along video that includes a how-to color water droplets segment.

Subscribe on YouTube for two coloring videos a week.

xo

Witches Brew Tea While You Color

Today as I set up my area to start another drawing, and realized that part of my drawing ritual involved tea. 

In the summer as I sit with the doors opened overlooking the cove I drink iced tea. But now there is a bite in the air and I find myself putting on the kettle.

As I waited for the water to boil I moistened the rim of the teacup and dipped it into a plate covered with brown sugar--kind of like an autumn margarita. Then I added spice to my cup of Afternoon Tea by Crabtree and Evelyn. Just a pinch of allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. I added a star anise and stirred with a cinnamon stick.

This nice warm tea was just what the doctor ordered on such a cold and blustery day. 

So grab your colored pencils and your favorite Halloween coloring book, or my new one if you like, PENELOPE'S GARDEN, and get to coloring with a nice warm cup of Witches Brew Tea.

Enjoy!

Here is a quickie video with instructions for delicious Witches Brew. If you make it tell me if you like!

xo

Nine Ways to Tell You Are Creative

Aaahh the creatives--we all know a few. 

Maybe they work as graphic artists or interior decorators, or maybe you know a mom who puts together crafts that rival Picasso.

Or maybe you are one of these easily distracted, constantly doodling idea machines.

I know many in this interesting group, and here is my list of creative characteristics:

This list is in no way official, comprehensive, or complete.

I would also add sensitive, self-confident, night owls, addicted to at least one thing: coffee, tea, cigarettes, chocolate, potato chips...you get it. 

Tell me if you fit into this category and if you can think of any other symptoms. :)

xo

Drawing vs. Writing--Which One is YOUR Thing?

As an author and artist I spend much of my day either imagining then sketching images, or thinking about a story and then writing it down before it fades into the ether.

Someone asked me recently which I prefer to do, and initially I was a bit befuddled. I've been doing both since I was a young child (like most authors and artists) and had to really think.

But I have an answer.

If I had to do ONLY one for the rest of my life, I would have to choose writing. 

My posts and pages on Facebook and my blog are filled with my art, but I get a more fulfilling buzz from words. The images are great attention getters, and I am happy to share them.

I find drawing satisfying, especially when the picture is done. I can hold a conversation while I draw, and funny enough even watch TV (something I rarely do anyway). But there is something missing.

When I write I am almost completely absorbed. Time flies, and I get the feeling I am a bit lost, which I love. I get to create worlds and people, and it feels like a special privilege. It is magic.

My stories are almost never exactly right on first draft, and I even like the rewrite part--it feels like a puzzle, and each fix feels like another reward.

I usually have ideas to go with the stories--what the people look like, the settings, and I am happy to sketch them out, but once that part is finished there is a pull, and it is usually another story clawing its way to the surface.

Creepy Carrots--I am in love with the illustrations by Peter Brown. Peter, if you are reading, boy do I have a book for you!

 It would be a wonderful thing to write a story and have a fantastic artist flesh it out and make it a thing of beauty. I recently did some sketches of one of my characters and a wonderful artist did them in digital, and I was amazed. I have every digital do-dad there is, but I can't recreate what she did.

That is not to say that I will never write a book and illustrate it myself, but from now on I will really think it over, and if my art fits, then it's off to the races, but if I think someone else could elevate my books and stories even more, then I will gratefully turn it over to another more suited talent, and anxiously wait for the stunning results.

We can't be and do everything--we have to pick OUR thing and run with it. Get better at it, then eventually get great.

This realization was freedom to me, and I have renewed energy about my work that I haven't had for some time.

Disney had it right when Elsa sang Let It Go.

xo

iPad Pro for Illustration with $6 Worth of Apps and I'm in Love

I opened the lovely (and probably expensive) box of the iPad Pro and the iPencil.

I did not read any directions.

I signed up and entered the correct WiFi numbers.

Then I uploaded the three apps that the girl at the Apple store told me were good for illustrators: Procreate ($4.99), Tayasui Sketches (free), and Adobe Photshop Sketch (free), and one I found myself called Amaziograph ($.99), and after trying them for about five hours last night I am happy to say I am very happy with the results.

The learning curve is practically nil, and the results were better than anything I was ever able to create on the Cintiq after a year.

I love this thing. 

The apps make drawing very intuitive and take out the guess work. The brushes, pens, and airbrushes are listed with a large sample of each stroke, and one click takes you to a new page to modify if you like.

The iPencil is the perfect weight IMHO, and the tip can draw microscopic dots to super wide background fill, and everything in between. Charging is amazingly fast--fifteen seconds gives you thirty minutes of use. 

I have to give some accolades to the apps too. The additional $6 I spent turned this thing into a drawing machine. Yes, I just got it yesterday and of course I have not run the gamut of drawing situations, but I can only compare it to what I had been using in the digital world and the ease of use and results can't be beat. 

The iPad itself is a great size, light enough to use on your lap, and unencumbered by any cords.

I'll keep you updated as I progress and improve as I use the iPad Pro.

Fun with the Amaziograph app

I was up all night using this thing, and although I am tired today, I am looking forward to using it again today.

I'll be checking out some more apps this week--I'll post about them soon. Off to draw!

xo 

Incense, Drawing, and a Little Magic

How long has it been since you burned some incense?

High school? College maybe?

I was drawing a page from a soon-to-be coloring book and the doorbell rang. It was a special delivery--my order of incense.

I was very excited about the idea of my bundle of mysterious fragrances, but did not want to stop working, so I lit a Frankincense and Myrrh stick and got right back to the image of the lighthouse. 

And something a little magical happened. 

The scent transported me. I felt like I was at the top of the lighthouse in the dark, looking over the troubled black waters. Off in the distance I could see the sun crack through the clouds, and I could hear the seagulls call to one another.

The waves settled down, and the sun rose. Far off I could see the gulls swooping, and one landed in a field of poppies and smiled at me.

Coming soon from the book By the Beautiful Sea

Not sure poppies grow anywhere near the ocean, nor am I sure a seagull is capable of a smile, and I don't think Frankincense and Myrrh have anything to do with the sea, but that's fine. None of these images existed before I lit the incense, and now they will all be featured in an upcoming book. (The book was originally called Lighthouses, it has now been renamed By the Beautiful Sea.)

All this from lighting some incense? I guess so. Would I have developed these ideas without the mysterious smoke wafting through my home? Maybe. But maybe not. Plus I sincerely enjoyed it, and I think I will do it more often.

Here is some incense I really enjoy. I am not paid by any company--just want you to know the companies and brands I like.

Click here for the meditative Frankincense and Myrrh I just wrote about by Fred Soll 

Very popular and less expensive Nag Champa--still yummy

So here is my  recommendation--light a candle, put on some soothing music or a healing tone, (I love this one and it supposedly heals our DNA! I'll take it):  Healing Tones, light some incense, and draw, color, or paint. 

No need for meditation--this makes me feel wonderful and creative, and I have a feeling it might create a little magic for you too.

I also have a library of resources for anyone who likes to color. 

CLICK HERE for THE COLORING STASH

      
Enjoy!

xo Dea

Here is the video, Coloring with Pastel Pencils Part One, demonstrating Conte pastels for coloring. Enjoy.

Coloring for Your Inner Artist

Hello coloring friends!

There is nothing like opening a beautiful coloring book, picking up one of the many pencils or pens available, and settling in to start a picture.

It is relaxing, and even doctors are recommending it for calming the mind and creating focus.

There are many types of people in the world, but I do believe that we are all born creative. When we are small we fiercely search out things to keep our mind stimulated. We looked for and found beauty everywhere. Give us two sticks, a few crayons, and a couple of leaves and we would create a masterpiece.

Some of us were sadly talked out of our relentless search for creativity for more "realistic" pursuits.

I believe this is where coloring comes in.

It is a way to free our inner artist without intimidation. We don't have to be Picasso to create a beautiful image.

We have a reason to go to the art store and search through the Polychromos pencils, the Copic or Tombow markers, and the Conti pastels.

From the soon to be released coloring book COLORING DREAMS

Don't be afraid to try things that feel odd or different. Leaves do not have to be green!

Be brave with your art, and with every stroke you will become more of an artist.

Sign up below to receive monthly artistic coloring tips and art motivation from Coloring Club Press Newsletter.

Click HERE to sign up now! 

Have a great week!

xo Dea

Artists, Watermark Your Work

As artists we realize the importance of sharing our work, and we also realize the danger.

We create original pieces, and are always at risk of someone taking advantage and using them without our permission.

I found several watermark companies today, and after trying them, I found that for the work I am doing now, Visual Watermark is the easiest to use, and the trial period is free. After that, there are three levels to purchase, ranging from a one-time payment of $19.95 for one computer to $39.95 for up to ten computers.

Visual Watermark walked me through every step, from download to watermark image storage. 

I chose to use my name and a relatively transparent watermark. You will be able to choose the transparency, font, color, and design for your watermark.

You can also create a watermark in Photoshop or Illustrator if you have them, although you would not be able to do a large amount at one time.

We should also share our work on social media on low resolution, so a reproduction would be very difficult, if not impossible.

Our work is valuable, and we should do all we can to keep it safe.

Find Visual Watermark HERE.

Here is a link to a post of Nine Best Software To Ad Watermarks. I tried them all. CLICK HERE. 

Tell me what you think!

xo 

Art and Meditation

I have a friend who always tells me that I should meditate. She tells me it does many wondrous things.

I don't disbelieve her, but whenever I try it sometimes feels like overkill.

Most people can meditate, and I wondered why I had such an issue, and why I felt so antsy.

I think I have an answer.

When I am drawing I have to focus. I do not like having conversations, or even recording myself when I am doing serious work. Music is OK, but that is about it for input. 

I think art is my meditation.

Big Sister Goes to School

I do not think of problems, solutions, people, money, or any other worldly problems--I just draw. It is rhythmic, peaceful, and time stands still.

It is a separateness from reality and a bit of a delve into magic.

This week I looked at a deck of tarot cards drawn by artist James Eads. I was shuffling and the High Priestess card fell out. The High Priestess is the card of the subconscious, where ideas and creativity are first conceived.

We need to listen to our intuition and meditate in our own way. Some go outside and say nature is their church. Some meditate. I do art. Maybe you do too.

Stay tuned. I am in the process of creating a book just for artists. We are a special breed. We should not forget that.

xo 

Rule Your Own Life

Change can be hard when you are used to living your life a certain way. Not only hard for you, but others also.

If you are used to doing everything for everyone and putting yourself on the back burner, it may come as a shock to them when they have to start putting away their own socks. Many times when we find ourselves angry and exhausted it is because we are doing things we no longer need to do. 

Yep, your 15 year old can do his own laundry.

So get used to it! 

The same goes for your art. It is your own world and you can make it any awesome way you like.

Little Ruby

 If you like black and white and red all over, go for it. Glorious colors are your thing? Don't hold back.

You do not have to try and follow someone else's style because they are popular. Make your own style, then find the people who like it. There are Facebook groups, Google hangouts, Meetups, and endless social media forms where you can find your people.

Ruby, grown up.

So stop conforming! 

Be like a comet and blaze your own trail. 

xo

Oh! Don't forget to enter the February Art Giveaway RIGHT HERE. Good luck!

(This blog was inspired by awesome art agent Lilla Rogers and her Monday Moments. You can find her HERE.)

An Artistic Plan ~ How to Enhance Your Creativity Even as a Beginner + Downloadable Journal Page

Pablo Picasso said "the chief enemy of creativity is good sense."

This is probably true, but as you can tell there are some inherent issues with this statement. I am certainly not trying to argue with the master of creativity who would surely say that his art came before anything else.

But many of you out there live in a home, possibly have a car, have some type of job, and eat on a regular basis. Most would say their family comes before anything. Having good sense allows us to keep our homes and jobs, eat decent meals, and stay out of jail. That being said I cannot be a complete proponent of throwing good sense to the wind.

But if we can laser focus our good sense to our artistic endeavors, I think the advice is perfect.

Rejected

A few years ago I was chosen to illustrate a children's book. The text was lovely and I instantly had an idea of what the pictures should look like. I quickly put together several images and sent them over--and they were just as quickly rejected. 

So I tried again, and again, and again--no luck.

All my great ideas were gone. 

At this point I had nothing to lose. I drew a far more grown up image, but the made me happy. I loved the colors and the whirling dreamy background. I figured what the hell! At least I could go out with a bang.

Accepted

 Those were the pictures that were chosen for the book. 

I had nothing attached to them--no fear, no worries, no preconceived notions. I figured it was already too late, and a tiny voice in the back of my head said the images would never work. So I sent them.

My roundabout point is this: sometimes the thing that gets in our way the most is our own negative thinking. 

So when it comes to art, do what they say in Frozen: LET IT GO!

If any of you are true beginners here is my advice:

* Go out and get whatever you like to create with--markers, paints, yarn, fabric--whatever! (Even if you are scared and you never tried, all the more reason to go for it.)

* Find a magazine or Google article about whatever medium you chose. 

*  Choose a project--a picture, a painting, anything--and copy it. (That's right--copy. You can trace, copy, recreate, or do your own version of anything you see. Some people need this little kick start for their creativity--especially if they have not used it since they were little. Plus copying or tracing actually helps you learn very quickly. Before you know it you'll be itching to create your own stuff.)

*Start right away and DO NOT worry about being perfect.

* Finish it!

* Start another.

* On the same day you start this project, get a notebook or journal--even a piece of paper will do, and write about your artistic dreams each morning. Feel free to tear out the page and rip it up after you write if you are afraid someone will read it. (Great idea from a friend). The point isn't to have a book to read when you are done, but to get your mind on creativity and what it means to you. Just do one page, and try and include one positive thing you are feeling about your creative process. Also, follow Picasso for this too--just write with abandon, write from your soul. This could be something you have waited to do for years. (I have included a downloadable journal page to hopefully inspire you HERE. It is free, and you can rip it up when you are done if you like.)

* Last but not least, do art with kids. Watch how free they are, they are not worried, just happy to be in the creative moment.

I'd love to see your work--especially if you are just starting. I feel art is so important and can be a wonderful way to express yourself.

Here are some words of wisdom that every. single. creative needs to hear. Only two minutes and super worth it. Click HERE

Video Cat

Today's video is How to Draw a Cute Cartoon Cat. If you like it I hope you share it with a young person who likes art too.

Don't forget to enter the Six Shades of Grey Faber-Castell Giveaway HERE for a chance to win SIX Faber-Castell PITT artist pens. Good luck!


xo

Brush Pens--Comparing Zebra, Pentel, Kuretake, Pilot, and Tombow

As an I artist I love trying new pens and markers. 

I was looking for some brush pens because I was starting to practice script writing. I also read that many were using these brush pens to outline art or create beautiful pictures.

I Googled around and found that Jet Pens had a sample set of five brush pens, one each from Kuretake, Pilot, Pentel, Zebra, and Tombow. I've used the Pentel brush pen and have a colored marker set from Tombow, both of which I am very happy with. The other three will be new to me. (Love JetPens.com BTW. Easy ordering and super fast delivery--and no, they do not pay me.)

I was looking forward to trying the Kuretake pen because I heard it had a very springy tip and lasted a very long time. I was also excited to try a brush pen with a super fine  and hard tip like the Zebra because I'd had no experience with them at that point. 

Getting the delivery was exciting. All of the pens are made in Japan, and the packaging is different from what we are used to in the USA, and it made it very interesting to open and begin.

A big PLUS for me--all of the brush tips are made from felt or synthetic hair so NO animals are hurt in the process.

Below are writing samples from each pen.

Below is a video describing from Jet Pens describing each pen and showing it in action. 

The Kuretake pen had a nice solid tip. The ink flowed well but not too fast. It allowed for nice control. I like the feel of this pen.

The Pentel pocket pen is the most popular brush pen on the market. It is a refillable pen with a springy tip and a heavy flow. Although I loved writing with it, being a beginner it allowed for the least control of all the pens. That being said, I loved it and feel it will be worth it to continue using it and improving.

The Pilot soft brush pen is very interesting. The ink flowed very dark and nicely, but if too much pressure was applied on the down stroke the entire tip lifted, and the point of the tip would pop off the paper. BUT--that makes for very interesting lettering and the ability to stylize. It was the only pen that squeaked as I wrote.

The Tombow pen was an all-around nice pen. Good control and good ink flow. 

My favorite of the pens was the Zebra fine. To me it was the closest to a Crow Quill or calligraphy pen with a nib. It offers great control and the ink is very dense and black. It also makes a slight scratchy noise as you write. I like that.

Here's a short video of me using each pen. I've just started with script writing with a brush pen so my samples are not beautiful like some other videos out there.

I have a feeling that as I improve and get used to using these pens that I may change which is my favorite.

This drawing was done with the Pentel brush pen. 

If you would like to enter a giveaway to win the all the pens in a JETPENS sampler set, click HERE. All entries will be entered into Random.com on February 1st and the winner will receive the Brush Pen Sampler that I reviewed above! Winner will be notified by email and announced in a post on this blog. If there is no response from winner within one week, a new winner will be chosen. Brush pens will be sent to winner within thirty days.

So please follow my blog and enter the contest for more art, kid lit, pen addiction posts, and a chance to win!

Good luck! xo 

Kid Art, Creativity, and How-To Kitty

Pablo Picasso said, "We are all born artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."

So true!

Children gain self-esteem and emotional fulfillment when they are allowed to create without judgement. 

They do not have preconceived notions or endless loops of internal negativity to get in the way of their thinking. 

If we foster the creativity in a child we are allowing them to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The Whole Child of PBS states: "The experiences a child has during their first years of life can enhance their creativity."

For all those parents out there that want to do art with their kids but think I do not have a creative bone in my body--maybe you do, but need a little help finding it. 

Make it easy. Get some paper and some pencils, crayons, or paint and go for it. Don't worry about the result. Enjoy the moment and  just go for it.

For those that need a bit of a nudge, here are some prompts:

* A lovely November morning
* A yellow bird
* A cup of tea
* A monster in the closet
* A rocket ship in space
* A new planet
* A flower no one has ever seen before
* Constellations in the night sky 
* Your pet
* A pet you wish you could have
* A cool car
* Snow flakes with faces

Choose any of these items and draw one on a page, a few, or 50. Just have fun.

And here is a quick how-to for Kiki the Cat :) Show me your version when you are done!

xo

Kiki starts with two circles, kind of like a snowman, except the bigger one is for her head! (Only slightly bigger--mine almost look the same size and that is fine.) Draw lightly here because you will be erasing some of these lines later.

Now draw some VERY light guidelines on her face so you know where to put her eyes and nose.

Her face is looking right at us, so her nose will be right in the center, on the lower guideline.

Make the nose with just a tiny triangle, and then draw another short time down from the bottom point of her nose. Then draw the top of her mouth--it looks like two very shallow Us. Her eyes fit between the top and bottom guidelines. My Kiki will be looking to the right. (Her head is facing forward, but her eyes are looking off to the side.)

Lightly draw two triangles on her head for ears. If you draw them wide apart she will look calm, if you draw them more on top of her head she will look alert, or surprised. 

Her front paws are just small ovals with the tops of the ovals erased. Her back paws are kind of like parenthesis with tiny cat toes. Her tail looks a bit like a large backwards C.

She's starting to look like Kiki now!

Now we can darken the lines and make her look fluffy. I also left some white spots in her eyes for highlights, and lines under her for a shadow. I also added some very light whiskers and I shaded part of her ears.

Voila! Kiki!

I will be adding more Kiki how-tos in the weeks to come.

I'd love to see what you draw!

The Future's So Bright

Today it dawned on me that my future has a direct correlation with how I feel today.

And what I do today.

And what I don't do.

SO--Facebook? You have been cut to 5 minutes.

Drawing and writing? Business hours.

The rest of the time will be delegated to activities that are positive and NOT time wasters. (We only have so much.)

Most importantly--the endless loop in my mind will be carefully monitored. NO MORE personal negativity.

Tough goals? 

You bet.

I have a feeling it will be worth it.

xo

Working on a Book

My version of Old Barney in LBI--haunted.

The shivery Halloween season is upon us, my favorite time of year.

Although it won't be ready this year, I am working on another book for kids.

I used to love spooky books as a girl, and now I am just as thrilled to write them today.

So here's the thing: like many authors, I'm sure, the ideas for books come to me rapid-fire. I write them in notebooks, dictate them to Notes in my iPhone, or scribble them where ever I can--napkins included.

At home I quickly type the first draft into Word before I forget the feel of the story.

Then comes the hard part.

For me, the illustrations grind the creative process to almost a halt. It's not that I don't have the pictures in my head that go with the story, but the pictures seem to take a loooong time. Even compared to edit after edit of the writing, the drawings drive me nuts.

Penelope the Witch from a soon to be book.

To make it even more weird, I love to draw. If one of my books was being illustrated by someone else I am sure I'd feel odd about it. (If someone's style fit my story I would consider it--but I'm sure I'd still prefer to do it myself...I think...)

Anyway--I think the writing occupies my mind in a certain way that allows the time to seamlessly go by. When I draw I can think too much--the wash, dishes, MORE STORIES.

I just decided I am either going to start listening to music while I draw, or maybe digital books.

Sometimes this blog is better than therapy.

xo 

Illustrator's Weekly Challenge

Every year around this time I pull the decorations down from my attic and transform the inside of my house into a glowing black and orange Halloween explosion.

Starting on October 1st I began drawing ghosts to post on my Instagram account because the spirit moved me. I decorated a box of matches with a fiery little apparition, then I made Mod Podge Ghosts a few weeks ago and hung them in the dining room. 

I love Halloween and not only wanted to share my art, but wanted to see art from others too.

So I started the Weekly Challenge.

The prompt will change weekly. Feel free to add paintings, sketches, or crafts--whatever medium grabs you. You can grab the Illustrator's Weekly Challenge button if you like from the right column. 

This week's prompt is PUMPKINS~!! 

Post below, I can't wait to see yours--I can't get enough.

To join the brand new Illustrator's Weekly Challenge Facebook group just CLICK HERE! A new prompt weekly--show us your work.

You can find us on Instagram too at @IllustratorsWeekly. I am on Insta at @dealenihan

xo 

An InLinkz Link-up