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 »
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 »
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!
It’s time for a new sticker! I got this idea for an extra bean-shaped pony stuck in my head and had to paint it. Then I was thinking, “You know what’s more ridiculous than a fat little pony? A fat little pony unicorn!” And here we are.
I aaaalmost went with a white coat to push the unicorn aspect, but then I got the idea of adding pants and couldn’t stop myself. Idk what it is about painting ridiculous things that’s somehow extra fun, but I’m glad I’m able to indulge it sometimes haha!
You can grab one of these cuties here at my shop.
New Sticker Design – Rainbow Unicorn Pony Read More »
After a long delay, I’m thrilled to finally be releasing a new Skillshare class! This is an intermediate level class about adding a mirror to your rugs.
This class is perfect for anyone who wants to add more function to their wall-hanging pieces or who wants to add a bit of a surprise to their work. This is an easy way to add an extra level of interactivity to your work, which makes it super fun!
Thank you so much to everyone who supports my work by watching my classes. Please let me know if you have any questions or requests for future class topics!
New Class Drop: Tufting a Mirror Rug Read More »