tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52618455754925887542024-12-18T21:27:03.416-06:00NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-72877961857019063692014-10-29T16:12:00.001-05:002014-10-29T16:12:27.022-05:00

Is it just me, or is there a national day for everything? Well this is one I like: National Cat Day, a celebration of our feline friends. I'm definitely a cat lover, and have been fortunate enough to rescue some amazing cats who became the best pets. My cat Samson walked up as a starving, mewing kitten, just barely weaned. He was stand-offish at first, but now loves to have his head scratched and

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-83800876120057633342014-10-23T11:57:00.000-05:002014-10-23T11:57:23.158-05:00

After a long break from pursuing my art, I've decided it's time to get back on track, and I'm excited about it. Personal circumstances led me to take a long break, nearly two years, from promoting my art, taking commissions, and even drawing. My poor website sat neglected, as did this blog. My drawing table gathered dust. Now it's time for a fresh start! I just launched my newly redesigned

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-84819433190776859782012-12-25T22:06:00.003-06:002020-01-30T09:29:16.165-06:00

Be the first to get a look at my new drawing titled "Eye Catching!" The original work is size 9x12 and I drew it with graphite pencils ranging from 2H to 8B. It is drawn on my favorite paper: Strathmore Bristol 300 series in a smooth finish. I drew the butterfly from a picture I took in a butterfly house. Known as a Tree Nymph or Rice Paper butterfly, this species has beautiful black and white

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-62049415363694465942012-03-24T17:10:00.009-05:002012-03-24T17:51:12.360-05:00

My Art Contest.com runs contests throughout the year. I entered one of their portrait contests way back in 2008, and I decided to enter again this year. Deadline for entering is March 31st and they announce the winners April 15th. (For winners in the US that will make tax day a bit easier to take!) The three main prize winners receive cash and a 2 page spread in the Artist Portfolio Magazine. 20

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-78723040827734521542012-02-29T12:13:00.005-06:002012-02-29T12:35:59.553-06:00

I was privileged to be featured as the "Pencil Artist of the Week" this week on Studio 602. Studio 602 is the online magazine/blog for Pencils.com. If you haven't read it, I encourage you to check it out. They have some wonderful articles, art tips and have featured many talented artists. Thanks to Alexander Poirier who was kind enough to choose me and write the article!Read the article here!

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-5003894628823341032012-02-25T14:39:00.008-06:002012-02-26T17:34:59.123-06:00

I'm thrilled to have sold a print of my original work "Peacock Fashion Inspiration!"Prints of my work are available through Fine Art America. They have hundreds of framing and matting options to choose from!The picture below illustrates the frame and matte chosen for the purchased print.View the sale page here.

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-67580166845079754352010-11-17T12:22:00.001-06:002010-11-17T13:56:19.502-06:00

I was browsing through my statistics today on Fine Art America.com and Red Bubble.com to see how many visitors had stopped by to see my artwork. I was surprised at which pieces had the most views, and also how high some of the numbers were! Interestingly, the popular artworks on the two sites are completely different from one another. Here is a quick look at the most popular original art,

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-60271985097761563382010-02-25T12:15:00.000-06:002010-04-14T09:45:33.341-05:00

I plan to review 3 websites that have free artist galleries, and allow comments, contests, prints, etc. for artists. These reviews will be posted under the Articles and Reviews section of my website. I have personally joined each of these websites, and so I hope to offer information for artists who may be looking to promote their work using these sites.These are the 3 sites that will be reviewed,

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-75009242161229010192010-02-18T10:45:00.000-06:002010-02-18T11:08:56.548-06:00

Pencil portraits from photos make great gifts, but let's face it, not every photo is perfect. Sometimes the wind blows hair around, the person doesn't look right at the camera, or bad lighting emphasizes flaws. Everyone likes to look their best, and this is especially true for a hand drawn portrait, since it will be a lasting memento. I offer customizing of portraits and can work with you to

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-74475471380314680502010-01-25T13:45:00.000-06:002010-01-25T15:22:18.019-06:00

Well, here it is almost then end of January 2010 and I am finally able to post a review of 2009. I was surprised to look back and see that I had posted quite a number of drawings. You can see a sample of some of those drawings and also photographs from 2009 below.However, another pleasant surprise was the increase in the number of visitors to PencilsandPixelsArt.com. It has grown steadily since

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-13062583320514939722009-10-31T18:38:00.000-05:002009-10-31T18:50:36.528-05:00

Now you can purchase gift certificates for any pencil portrait or photo editing service. Certificate amounts start at $20, and increase in $5 increments. Certificates are hand lettered with calligraphy. Good for one year!Learn more and buy a gift certificate now!

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-908975332534597792009-10-12T14:01:00.001-05:002009-10-12T18:46:16.684-05:00

I recently posted a new portrait commission and some photos.The portrait commission was for a first anniversary. It is a size 16x20 and I created it using graphite and charcoal pencils and powdered graphite. My favorite part of this drawing was the brides gown. It was time consuming, but enjoyable drawing the different folds, and it seems to glow against the stormy background. The most

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-49573025147001048312009-09-28T09:18:00.000-05:002009-10-08T14:52:48.830-05:00

Whew! It has been a busy couple of weeks. I completed 2 pencil portrait commissions. One is already posted on my website, and the other will be shortly. Here is a look at the 6x8 commission from Fine Art America:This has already gotten some really nice comments on Red Bubble.I have some celebrity works in progress on my desk, and have a new original piece in mind as well.More later!

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-32737117536682144992009-09-19T10:57:00.000-05:002009-09-19T18:13:14.996-05:00

It is a rainy day here in my neck of the woods so I finally grabbed a minute to update this poor, neglected blog!I am currently working on a 16x20 anniversary portrait, which is coming along very well. I have a celebrity portrait of Rita Hayworth that I have been working on and off again for quite awhile. Other projects keep taking priority. Harrison Ford, winner of the last celebrity vote, is

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-14502511472313242592009-02-04T17:02:00.000-06:002009-02-04T17:22:51.426-06:00

Well, after months of planning and building, PencilsandPixelsArt.com's new look is finally launched! Here is a list of some of the new things you'll see:1. Streamlined design that is more user friendly than the previous one, and better colors!You will notice a lot less clutter. Web sites are a lot like houses - once in awhile they need to be straightened up and get rid of what is no longer of use

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-8518290997808294602009-02-03T14:40:00.000-06:002009-02-04T02:09:30.759-06:00

I am sure we all have our favorite charities that we donate something to every year. Of course with the economic struggles, sometimes it is hard to make ends meet, let alone donate to a worthy cause. However, I have found there are a couple ways artists can help charities without stress.First - Auctions and FundraisersDoes your charity have a yearly auction or sale to raise money? Consider

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-73472253248189152102009-02-02T19:10:00.000-06:002009-02-02T19:26:35.475-06:00

Wow, I haven't posted here in ages! Not for lack of things to write about, just a lack of time. So, here is a quick post to try and catch up.I have posted several new digital photos in both my Red Bubble and Fine Art America galleries. You an see one above. I posted some other beautiful sun rise and sunset shots, as well as some fun ones of my cats at play. I plan to donate a portion of sales of

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-19102298736949385072008-11-04T11:25:00.001-06:002008-11-04T11:35:22.358-06:00

I have been entering contests lately for fun and to try and get some recognition. I am limiting to myself to what I consider the reasonably priced ones. Some of them can be pretty expensive! Of course those are the ones that usually offer the best prizes, so it's a catch 22. Here are a couple I found that look interesting:FALL 2008 ART CONTEST - "PORTRAITS"INTERNATIONAL ARTIST MAGAZINE'S ART

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-91218886216893397872008-10-23T16:45:00.000-05:002008-10-23T16:53:49.193-05:00

To celebrate selling 100,000 items, Red Bubble.com is offering free shipping. The coupon code is ‘100000masterpieces’ – just enter this during the checkout process to receive the free shipping offer. Hurry! This expires at midnight (GMT) on Oct 30, 2008.So now is a great time to buy cards or prints of my art and photography!

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-71700081015128630272008-10-14T14:30:00.001-05:002008-10-23T16:45:17.882-05:00

I have completed a couple things recently, one just today in fact.I had been working on this one for a long time off and on. I would get bored and did something else, but I finally finished it up, and am quite pleased with the results.This one was just for fun, and gave me a chance to play with Pastel Chalk pencils. Those pencils are quickly becoming a favorite.I have also found another fabulous

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-55430562937713103152008-10-03T11:06:00.000-05:002008-10-03T11:41:22.636-05:00

I found an interesting art community website called A Singular Creation. One thing I like is that they run free art contests every month. The Art Showdown Contests all have different themes, and there is small prizes, normally $50 for the winner. The winner is featured with a small statement form the artist, but 4 pieces also receive honorable mention. Each artist can enter 3 pieces. See the Art

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-38443227087523616342008-09-12T14:00:00.000-05:002008-09-13T12:43:02.186-05:00

Wow! I can't believe it has been so long since I posted. It has been a busy summer with work and vacations, so that is my excuse!I have recently been experimenting with pastel chalk. I really like working with these. General's makes some in pencil form, and there are also pastel chalk sticks. They lay down very soft colors that blend easily. I have used paer towels and q-tips to blend them. I

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-60860314582904246902008-08-04T15:24:00.000-05:002008-08-04T15:41:45.220-05:00

I added my new art work "Sasha" to my Fine Art America gallery several days ago.Sasha is the name of my recently adopted cat. I found out the name means "moon" in Hindu, and a cat with the moon seemed to be a perfect fit! I really wanted the moon to have some detail, so I based it on a royalty free high res picture of the moon. It was neat to be able to see all the craters on it's surface.I added

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-39225098652564306552008-07-20T18:06:00.001-05:002008-07-20T18:19:08.734-05:00

Well, my blog has suffered again because I was on vacation. I had a fantastic time with my family. Unfortunately, it seems to be my routine to go out of town and come back sick!Enough about that though! On to drawing news. I am working on an original, that is really coming along quite nicely. Sometimes pieces surprise me and wind up being easier than I expected. I am going to be very vague, so

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261845575492588754.post-20567074695007522102008-06-19T16:34:00.000-05:002008-06-19T16:41:45.970-05:00

I was inspired recently after working with powdered graphite to create a Squidoo lens about it. it really is a great useful product, but I think many artists shy away from it because pencils are the old standard. On this lens you will find tips on working with it. I hope you'll check it out!General's Powdered Graphite is my favorite to work with.

NIHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15808243071126910903noreply@blogger.com0