Serene's Portfolio

2013-01-02T12:46:00.003-08:00

I was asked by a friend to draw a portrait of her nephew (who passed away very unexpectedly in September) as a Christmas gift for his mom.

It was an honor for me to draw him.

Pretty African Girl

2012-10-04T16:15:00.002-07:00

2010-08-31T14:52:00.000-07:00

I have always just loved this photo. So when the opportunity came up to draw it for Latter-day Village, I was super excited!

I am actually quite happy with how it turned out.

Drawing non-traditional poses always turn out to be my favorites.

He is a God of Miracles

2010-07-31T13:47:00.000-07:00

The Primary theme for August 2010 is "Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He is the God of Miracles"

As Debbi and I were trying to find the right picture for the theme so I could draw it for Latter-Day Village, I couldn't help but think of our experience almost a year ago when our baby girl had to have cranial reconstructive surgery. I believe our experience was something of a mini miracle.

The surgery was about five hours and it included cutting open her scalp and removing her head plates so they could be fitted back together properly.

She had her surgery on a Wednesday and here she is on Sunday.

According to the surgeons, her eyes should have been swollen shut with her head much more swollen than it was. They couldn't believe how good she was doing, let alone sitting up and smiling!

So yes, I believe we had our own little miracle.

If you are interested in reading more about it, I have all the links listed here from her surgery.

This image brings back a flood of memories and I feel so very humbled over God's love for our little family.

My Little Fairy Princess

2010-04-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

(nervous shuffling of feet... clearing of throat)

W-welcome. Thanks for uh... thanks for stopping by. *gulp*

I don't normally get too nervous when it comes to public speaking but (wringing of hands) but I am feeling a bit nervous to show you all my latest art project.

It's been something I've been thinking about doing for some time now but I had a bit of an artistic breakdown and kind of went on drawing strike. But I am feeling better now and decided to dive right back in.

I have been wanting to experiment with adding a bit of a ummm....cute fantasy touch, for lack of better wording, to the drawings that I do. And also figure out how to incorporate more color.

This is what I came up with. Sorry, I know the photo isn't all that great. I have a REALLY lousy camera. And you can click on them to see them a little bigger.

I started out with just an old photo I took of Alayna quite a while ago.

I then used some random google images to give me a guide as to what I wanted to do.

Next I sketched it out, and did my usual one-color drawing.

This is the part where I got REALLY nervous. Adding the color.

Okay.... okay then, that wasn't so bad showing you after all! Considering that I was sweating so bad I should probably shower again.

So this is the part where you awesome readers come in.

Opinions? I mean, opinions please!?

So what do you think? Yes to the color idea? Or no, never again unless I want to get hit with a flying tomato.

What about the over-all idea? Do you think people would be interested in getting something like this done? I realize that this isn't everyone's style but opinions are so very welcome. I'm just trying to gauge interest to know if I should offer this as an option for people.

I think it would be cute for any age. But I'm still trying to think of a good idea for boys. Gosh, why are they always so much harder? And they say girls are more complicated!

If you have any ideas for what I could do for boys, that would be awesome too.

Thank you so much!!

If you were here, I would make you all chocolate chips cookies... minus the chocolate chips since I already ate them all.

I did it! Finally, geez!

2010-03-02T08:30:00.000-08:00

I Love This

2010-01-15T13:01:00.000-08:00

I just finished February's Primary Poster for Latter-Day Village.

I love the way Christ's hands are open behind this super cute little boy!

Although, this is the first time I actually tried to alter the image. I mean, I've added things or erased things from drawings before but, I wanted his eyes to be less squinty and his mouth more relaxed.

What do you think?

Successful? Or, Never do it again!

Candle Decorating! Or at least trying.

2010-01-12T09:09:00.000-08:00

There is a whole lot of planter shelf space in our house. But home decor' can be expensive! So they had been empty for a while. Eventually, one or two things were added, thanks to my mom. Then, last night, I found a couple more things on sale to add. So I gave my living room planter shelf a makeover.

As I stood back, looking it over, I decided that my white candles needed some spicing up.

At first I thought how ingenious and original my idea for adding ribbon was. But then, it occurred to me that every crafter and their dog has probably tried this.

Anyway, at first, I thought something along these lines.

Then I decided that I already had enough flowers up there. So I kept it simple. I liked the touch. It added some color. (and yes, I know that I have two different candle sticks)

But THEN, this morning my eye caught site of some hairbows that I had made Savannah. I thought to myself, oh that ribbon would be perfect!!

I even layed the hair bow on there to see what it would look like. You know, I like it! I don't know if I have enough ribbon for it, but I do like it.

Still, I'm undecided, is ti TOO much brown? Maybe the blue-ish color looks nicer? Interior decorating is NOT a strong point for me. I thrive off of other people's opinions in this matter.

So I need your help.

Do you like the blue? Or brown better? Flower, bow, or plain?

HELP!

After all, this is a VERY IMPORTANT decision!

P.S. If you've ever decorated candles before, I'd love to see!

2009-12-22T13:32:00.000-08:00

Done for my very best e-friend. Is she not just the CUTEST thing ever!

I think drawing pictures like this is my favorite. Not your traditional "stare at the camera" pose. And of course, babies are always so very fun. She is just too cute.

2009-12-21T07:56:00.000-08:00

This drawing was commissioned by a friend for her husband's boss' boss. (Did you follow that?)

A late life surprise for this couple. This picture captured a precious moment.

I used graphite on the baby's eyes to give them a little more definition. The flash from my camera is reflecting off the graphite which is why it has that glare, sorry.

Some of 2009 - So Far

2009-12-15T11:50:00.001-08:00

This first drawing was done for Latter-Day Village. It is for the LDS Young Women's 2010 theme, "Be strong and of good courage."

You can buy the posters HERE
And keychains HERE

Some of 2008

2009-12-15T11:43:00.000-08:00

Books in 2008

2009-12-15T11:42:00.000-08:00

These books were made for Latter-Day Village and can be bought HERE.

2009-12-15T11:41:00.001-08:00

These books were made just for the fun of it.

2009-12-15T11:41:00.000-08:00

In December of 2008, I was asked by some friends, who do stain glass masterpieces, to put some of my books in their art show. These were a couple that were in there.

2009-12-15T11:40:00.000-08:00

Wood cover with dyed green paper. One of my favorites.

2009-12-15T11:39:00.000-08:00

Some of 2007

2009-12-15T11:38:00.000-08:00

These are pictures that I drew for the Latter-Day Village Monthly Theme Primary Posters. It was my first real taste at constantly drawing with this medium. It was a challenge, but fun.

Books in 2007

2009-12-15T11:37:00.000-08:00

At this point I was very blessed and honored with the opportunity to teach Bookbinding at BYU.

Just a couple of my projects. I didn't always remember to take pictures of my books. Some of my best I will never have pictures of. (sniff)

2009-12-15T11:36:00.000-08:00

I know this picture isn't the greatest, but I made up this criss-cross pattern for the coptic-bound books. One of the other teachers liked it so much she still teaches it to her classes!

2009-12-15T11:35:00.000-08:00

This is a papercase bound book. Instead of a stiff cover, this handmade paper allows for a soft, flexible cover, while maintaining durability.

2009-12-15T11:27:00.000-08:00

Okay, truthfully, I have no idea when I made this. I can't seem to remember! But I know it's one of my earlier projects. Its covered in paste paper.

In a nut shell, paste paper is paper that is painted with a paste that is mixed with paint. The paste keeps the paint from chipping and allows the paper to be flexable. This was the first piece of paste paper I ever made.

2006 - The Real Beginning

2009-12-15T11:18:00.000-08:00

I got it in my head one day after a figure drawing class that I really wanted to draw a picture of my daughter.

Once I finished it I was hooked. I knew I wanted to keep drawing portraits. And so I have.

Savannah

Joseph

2004

2009-12-14T11:10:00.000-08:00

I took my first Bookbinding class in the Fall of 2003. I fell in love with it. So, I decided to take it again in the Fall of 2004. During which I decided to make everyone in my family a book for Christmas. It was a lot of fun trying to make them individualized. These are a few of my favorites.

2009-12-14T10:58:00.000-08:00

For my mom: coptic bound wood with her name engraved on the cover.