Well, here we are at the end of February and I couldn't be happier with the new discoveries I've been making with my new watercolor technique. A while ago I finished a sketch for my new painting "Messenger," which turned out very nicely. Because I was so happy with the sketch, I decided to sell it with a silent auction, and it sold. Thanks to all who participated!

Normally, I don't do full sketches before I paint. I know many artists do, but I rarely do, and this was different for me. However, it helped a great deal when it came time to paint the final image. I knew exactly where I wanted to go and how the values were going to work. It was very comforting! Even though I made little changes to the final painting, it is pretty much the way I sketched it out.

Messenger will be ready to view within the next two days. I'm putting the final touches on now. I'm loving working with the watercolors on paper, as I keep saying! However, I've found such freedom, that I think I'll stick with this way of working for a while.

I know I said I was going to do a big painting next, but I've put that painting off for while, as the idea for Messenger came to me and I just had to paint it!

Spring is around the corner, and even though I'm a snow freak, I'm looking forward to the warm weather and flowers. Thanks so much for dropping by my web site!

Faerie Blessings,
Janîce

Silent Auction Ended. Sold.

I just finished a "working" sketch for a new painting titled "Messenger." I don't normally sell my sketches, but I like the way this one turned out and I thought it might be fun to have a silent auction.

Here are the rules: If you would like to own this sketch please contact me through my web site and place your bid. Please write in the subject line "Silent Auction." Opening bid is $9.99. All bids are kept confidential. (Serious bidders only, please. Only bid as much as you are willing to pay.) Size of sketch is 11" x 7 3/4". Shipping will be free in the USA, however, those from outside the USA will be charged a discounted shipping fee. Auction will end Friday, Feb. 20th at 12:00 midnight EST, and the one who bids the highest will win! The original painting will be auctioned on eBay later this week or early next week. Feel free to write me with any questions. Thanks for looking and good luck!

Wow, it's February already! Seems like it got here faster than usual. During the month of January, I was very inspired by Andrew Wyeth. I was very saddened by his death and started looking at my Wyeth books, pouring over his gorgeous paintings, one by one. I was very inspired by his egg tempera work, and one reason was because I liked all the detail. For some reason it finally hit me: that I should focus on the fact that I love painting detail. This really fired me up, and I began a new painting which became "Snow Bringer."

I'm very excited by this new insight, which might seem obvious, but when you are in your own head, it's more difficult to see. It's not that I haven't done this before, I have. But my focus is different. I enjoy working on paper again, after working on canvas for a while, and I also started using my watercolors in a new way. This new technique seemed to allow great freedom in changing brush strokes after they are applied to the paper. Also, it allowed for more detail to be added to the painting. I don't think my technique is unique, I'm sure other artists have done it before. The only drawback is that it seems to take a longer time to get the result I want. That's ok, because in the long run, I think my paintings will be better.

I have a great new painting in mind, which I'll share as it comes closer to manifestation. What I can tell you so far is that my next painting is going to be larger, and will probably take a while, since I will be painting all those details that I love to paint!

Also, take a look at my FAQ and Interview, as they may answer some questions you might have about my process and art! :-)

Thanks so much for stopping by my site!
Janîce