Here’s my first experimental piece trying to improve my black animal painting skills. I think the sharp edges and textures really help push the feeling of depth and darkness. I learned a lot playing with this piece, and I have a lot of ideas for how to improve.
Black Cat Experimental Watercolour Piece Read More »
Rainbow Goat Vinyl Sticker!
I’ve had a page of goat doodles kicking around in my sketching app for months now, and I finally decided to make something with one of them! I love drawing goats, because they’re so blocky and bouncy. There’s something super charming about how they’re just little bricks on pogostick legs. (Their flippy, little tails and huge, floppy ears don’t hurt, either!)
You can grab these goat friends here:
https://squidtartsart.etsy.com/ca/listing/4331256883/rainbow-goat-vinyl-sticker
New Rainbow Goat Vinyl Sticker Read More »
Here’s a little black kitty portrait for practice.
One of my self improvement goals for this year is to figure out fully black animals. I feel like I’ve actually gotten worse at conveying their darkness as I’ve developed my painting style over the years. This is where we stand now. I have a few ideas for how to improve, and I’m excited to see where I end up.
Black Cat Experimental Watercolour Painting Read More »
It’s hard to believe it’s been a couple years since my last leopard gecko painting! These guys are so charismatic and cute. They have such an unusual texture, too, which is a real challenge to paint. Summer seems like the perfect time to be painting reptiles, and I hope to paint at least a couple more before fall hits. 
Learn to paint like this through my Skillshare classes: https://www.skillshare.com/en/user/squidtarts
Baby Leopard Gecko Watercolour Painting Read More »
Happy Pride month! New pride snails are dropping in my shops! In addition to my older ace, bi, lesbian, trans, and pride designs; you can now get agender, gay (blue flag), genderqueer, enby, and pan snails! And ofc there’s a discount for getting the full set.
I’m sorry these guys are coming out so late. I started working on them in early May, but then things in my life started to fall apart. Things are more-or-less back to normal now, and I’m looking forward to my usual boring existence haha.
You can grab these here:
New Pride Snail Stickers Read More »
Despite my recent posts, it’s actually been quite a while since I last painted. I like to do these (mostly) monochromatic pieces when I’m rusty to help my brain warm up. It’s also really refreshing to paint in dark colours every so often, like a little brain reset.
Sun Reflected In Your Eyes Kitty Painting Read More »
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 »
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!
New Freebie Sticker – Blueberry Tarts Read More »
Continuing my prep for the Spring Capital Art Sale, I’ve made these two mini versions of my latest border collie rug. This design is based on my smooth coated border collie, Nonoha, which is why they’re not drawn super fluffy. I’ve seen a lot of smooth border collies around Fredericton, so I’m hopeful these rugs will find some border collie fans!
Border collie people: Do you prefer classic black and white or red and white coats? My husband loves the reds, but I have a soft spot for the classic black look. It’s just so dignified! (totally unlike the dogs themselves)
2025 Mini Border Collie Rugs Read More »
Here are some new kitten rugs! This is my first time tufting out this design, and I’m pleased with how it turned out. Tabby cats are my favourite to create, and I’m glad others seem to like them the best, too. There’s just something so charming about stripes.
I’ve made these two little kitties for the Capital Art Sale starting May 8th. I know money is tight for so many right now, so I’m trying to focus on making lower-priced goodies. Everyone deserves something colourful and fun to bring them joy!