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 »
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 »
This is a memorial piece for Ninja, an absolutely stunning tux cat.
My first cat was a tux, so I feel especially nostalgic every time I paint one. They’re also all such stunning cats. Can’t beat the black-and-white class. (This might also be something I love about classic border collies.)
This is a memorial piece for a very special boy, Rocky.
Rocky was Maulkin’s first friend who taught him how to camp, swim, and respect other dogs’ toys (but only if the other dog gets there first. He’s not a miracle worker, alas.). He was a good-natured boy full of humour and boxer sass, and he’s very dearly missed
Memorial Portrait – Rocky the Boxer Read More »
Here’s another new sticker I actually painted a little while ago during the first snow of the season. I just love watching the chickadees flit around the trees foraging in the winter. Even though they’re out all year, they feel like such a winter kind of bird, and I have them strongly associated with snow.
This little one has been foraging to grow even fatter and rounder! Adorable!
You can get your little chickadee sticker here.
New Sticker – Chickadee! Read More »
Now in my shop: Please enjoy the world’s happiest ichthyotitan! Why is she so happy? Idk maybe she just ate a whale.
Ichthyosaurs are some of my favourite prehistoric friends, and ichthyotitans are just xl ichthyosaurs. Instant fav! I decided to give this one spots like a leopard shark, because I thought it would be really cute despite being pretty unlikely on an apex predator. ~fashion~
New Dino Sticker – Ichthyotitan Read More »
As an absolute shocker to everyone, here’s another cat portrait! :0
I’m trying to maximize my cat content this year. ALL THE CATS! How is this different from every other year, you ask? Good question. 🐈
Blue Tabby Portrait Read More »
A new year is the perfect time to paint more cats!
I have a few art goals this year, including figuring out negative space (aka, white areas in the figure) and playing more with edge types. I think the edges are an improvement on this piece, but I definitely have a lot more work to do with negative space haha.
Do you have any creative goals this year?
Learn to paint like this through my Skillshare classes.
First Kitty of 2025 Read More »