May 2025 – Rainbow Pet Portraits

Crested Gecko Mlem Watercolour Portrait

pet portrait, watercolor, watercolour, wildlife art / Squid / May 26, 2025 / lizard, pet portrait, watercolor, watercolour, wildlife art

It’s been a little while since I’ve painted a lizard (almost a year!), so have a crested gecko!

I really struggled with this piece. Painting the crestie went pretty smoothly, but the background was just one problem after another. I used salt in the background textures, which is something I almost never do. I accidentally dumped a ton of salt on the rock in the back, so it really stood out with a ton of texture. I also realized the swoop in the background, the gecko’s back leg, and the back rock were all the same value; which looked terrible. I ended up lifting up most of the back rock, then going over it with very faint layers of white gouache. That helped smooth out the texture and contrast. Then I increased the contrast on the gecko’s back leg to help it stand out a bit. I’m happy with where it ended up, but it was definitely a journey haha!

Crested Gecko Mlem Watercolour Portrait Read More »

New Freebie Sticker – Blueberry Tarts

Halfway through the year, and I’ve finally found time to update my freebie sticker design. Every year, I draw Tarts the bobtail squid with either fruit or a tart, and this year I chose blueberries!

I used to do a lot of character art but have moved away from it in favour of portraits. I love portraits and one off designs, but it’s always really fun to revisit Tart each year. Bobtail squids are also a treat to draw, because they’re just orbs with little noodle legs and can come in any colour. It’s also a great opportunity to play with colours, textures, and elements I don’t usually include in my portraits or animal sticker designs.

Anyone who orders from my Etsy shop or website for the rest of the year will get one of these little guys as a thank you gift!