Brenda Thour's Art Blog

Fuchsia aceo

2009-07-10T10:40:00.001-07:00

This is a colored pencil aceo I started in June. I am still not quite sure that it's finished yet, but it almost is anyway. It is from my Fuchsia hanging basket I have in my yard. It's suppose to attract hummingbirds, but so far I haven't seen any. But then again, maybe they are there when I'm not looking.
I will soon list it for sale in my etsy shop

It would look excellent matted and framed and added to your home decor.

Patriotic Zebra aceo

2009-07-09T11:55:00.001-07:00

Technorati Tags: dawg team,aceo,original,patriotic,watercolor pencil,red white and blue,dawg quest,brendathour,zebra,wildlife

Last October I did a pink tiger aceo for a charity auction for Breast cancer. I figured, if I can do a pink tiger, I can do a patriotic zebra. It’s a little crazy, but fun

I created this aceo yesturday for my DAWG (Designing Artists Women Group) Quest. It’s just a fun little competition, between us artists. It would be great if you ‘became a fan’ of our dawg group on facebook. Then you can vote too when it’s time. I just ask that if you do, be sure to vote for the images you like best. You can pick your top 3 choices.

I’m planning on posting him for sale in my Etsy Shop tomorrow.

My 4x4 inch Hibiscus painting is now for sale at my Etsy Shop.

My Nutty Dog

2009-07-05T13:15:00.000-07:00

This is my dog, Dusty. Dusty just turned 2 and is such a sweetie and a very good boy. I was just wondering if anyone else has a dog who 'sits' on the furniture? Dusty will actually back up to a couch or chair, if it's the right height, and sit his but down. Sometimes he has a leg down, sometimes both back legs are off the ground. Sometimes he'll back up to the couch sideways, and sometimes straight back. Dusty sits on the furniture alot! If you are laying on the couch, he seems to think that you want his rearend by your head. I think he loves his booty, and thinks everyone else does too.

Hibiscus

2009-07-02T17:39:00.000-07:00

This morning it was so beautiful outside that I decided to paint my hibiscus plant that is sitting on my deck. I sadly have to admit that this is the first time I've painted outside without using a photo for reference. Which means this is my first plein air painting, and I loved it!
The paint is still wet, that's why there's a glare. It is a 4x4 inch oil on stretched canvas.

Once the paint is dry I will post it for sale at my etsy store, where you can find other paintings, aceo's, pendants and magnets.

I will also be listing it on my website.

You can find me on facebook, and myspace

I'd be delighted if you'd follow me on twitter.

Also, come and check out my Zazzle Store and Cafepress Shop.

Another DesignStyleGuide Giveaway

2009-06-19T09:19:00.001-07:00

Our second DSG (Design Style Guide) giveaway is here. Watch the video for details.

You can read the original post here

Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity, and tell your friends!!!

Good Luck

Featuring Georgina Soojian

2009-06-13T11:44:00.001-07:00

Technorati Tags: floral,design,wreaths,arrangement,floral design,floral arrangements,georgina soojian,designstyleguide,home decor,floral wreaths,silk flowers,planters,cross,planter

I want to share with you a talented artist who designs wreaths and floral arrangements. Her name is Georgina Soojian, or Georgy for short. Her shop name is Wreathmic Creations.

All of Georgy’s creations are her own original designs, some of them being one of a kind that cannot be duplicated. wreathmiccreations are handmade in her smoke free and pet free shop.

This one is called Celtic Cross.

Georgy Soojian lives in a small suburban town in Northern New Jersey. Her family has been vacationing in Cape May, New Jersey for the last 15 years. Cape May is a beautiful Victorian Era seashore vacationing spot that is famous for it’s Victorian homes that have been turned into Bed and Breakfasts. Georgy loves visiting these beautiful homes, with their gorgeous flower gardens and learning about the people who once lived there. It is from memories of her past vacations in New Jersey and nature that Georgy gets her inspiration for her beautiful designs.

This beauty is called Cardinal Swirl Wreath

Georgy started making floral wreaths as gifts for friends about 15 years ago. She is a self-taught floral designer, and a couple years ago she took an online Floral Designing course and got her Certificate.

Georgy spends most of her time gardening and watching the birds that come to her feeders and of course, making her beautiful floral creations.

Visit her etsy shop

You can visit her website at www.wreathmiccreations.com

You can find her listings on Design Style Guide here.

Summer Geranium Planter

A faux silk geranium plant on a charming metal bicycle planter.

A Look At My Flower Garden

2009-06-11T14:33:00.001-07:00

I took these pictures last Friday, and it’s taken me this long to finally post them. Thought you’d like to see my flower garden with the painted rocks and tiny bird bath. This is the prettiest little bird bath I’ve ever seen, can you see the lily pads? Thank you honey! I can’t figure out how to make the pictures bigger yet, so sorry it’s so small.

Here’s another shot of my garden. Oops, I have to still remove that brick in back. Funny how I didn’t notice it until now. Out on my deck I have this beautiful Hibiscus plant. It looks like a little tree. I am hoping I can bring it in the house for the winter. I’ll have to do some research since this is the first one I’ve ever bought…I just couldn’t resist it.

This is my flower basket that’s suppose to attract hummingbirds. (Hoping and praying) I guess it’s called Fuchsia. That’s what the tag says and when I googled the word, this is the same flower I came up with. I also have a little Fuchsia in my side garden right in

Technorati Tags: flower,fuchsia,hibiscus,birdbath,bird bath,garden,flower garden,dog,tandem,bicycle built for two,rocks,painted rocks

front of the birdbath.

Thought I’d throw in a shot of Paul and I on our tandem. Running beside us is Dusty, our almost 2 year old dog. He loves going for runs with the bike! We’ve had a tandem for 16 years now, and love going riding on it.

Well, that’s it for now. I am hoping to do some painting tonight, yikes – it’s already 4:22. What’s for supper? Who knows!

Visit my etsy shop for my paintings, pendants and magnets. Also, stop by my website, sign my guest book and say hi. And don’t forget to smile : )

Another Rock for My Garden

2009-06-04T15:42:00.001-07:00

I started this one last weekend, and finally got to put the final touches on today. I’m not sure if it will go in my side garden or in the back. I don’t know if this will be the last one or not, only time will tell. : )

Technorati Tags: rock,rock painting,painting,bird,bluebird,blue,acrylic,garden,wildlife,mama bird,rock garden,brenda Thour,wwao,outside painting

June WWAO Art Exhibition

2009-06-02T08:10:00.001-07:00

Every month a member of World Wide Women Artists Online (WWAO) host a themed art exhibit. This month is ‘The Secret Life Of Trees’, hosted by Amanda Makepeace

This is just one of the beautiful pieces in the show. Please click on the link and take a look at all the other beauties. Yes, I do have a painting included called ‘Nature’s Trail’ If you click on each thumbnail, you can see a bigger pic and more info on it.

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The Secret Life of Trees

WWAO June Exhibition 2009

In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they're still beautiful. ~Alice Walker

Click on an image to enlarge.

Distant Brilliance by Alexis Baranek

Technorati Tags: wwao,june exhibit,art exhibit,amanda makepeace,Alexis Baranek,Diane Clandy,Karen Casey-Smith,Nora Blansett,Janine Maves,Brenda Thour,Jordanka Yartez,Schar Freeman,Tami Booher,Cheryl McDonald,Cathy O. Lewis,Laura Dawson,Jean Levert Hood,Lynne Reichhart,Pippit Carlington

About WWAO

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You can also go to Amanda’s Blog and leave a comment for her. Hosting a show is alot of work, but satisfying work. Let her know how much we appreciate all she has done.

Another rock for my garden

2009-05-29T12:10:00.001-07:00

Technorati Tags: bird,rock,painting,rock painting,chickadee,black capped chickadee,acrylic,paint,garden

You’ve seen my cardinal and tree frog rocks that I painted for my flower garden. Well, last night I did a black capped chickadee, and here it is.

I still have to give it a couple more coats of modge podge, I don’t know how well that will work, but until I find something else, and being it’s just for me, that’s what I’m using.

I just thought that I’d mention that this is the first time I am using Windows Live Writer, and it’s pretty easy so far. Now I just have to post it and that’s it. : )

Something for the garden

2009-05-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

I've been working in my flower beds and getting things all pretty. I decided my garden needed a cardinal, so here he is. (I had a butterfly on flowers painted on this rock, but after the years it wore off, I like this one better.) I did the cardinal this past weekend.

This next one I did just tonight.

Yep, a tree frog. kinda a big tree frog. My hubby bought me a cute little birdbath with lily pads, and when I say little I mean it comes up to my knee only. Since it has lily pads, I thought the garden needed a frog. : ) ...Any guesses what I'll paint on a rock for my garden next???

Oh ya, see those acrylic bottles of paint behind the frog? These are the paints I used during my first year or more of painting. Good and cheap, but things definately needed more than one coat.

Memorial Day

2009-05-24T06:53:00.000-07:00

In honor of all the men and women who have served our country, or are now serving, I want to say Thank you, from the depth of my heart. I can't even begin to imagine the sacrifices made, the lives given, and all that was and is endured. To the families who have lost loved ones, those who have or are holding down the fort, my heart goes out to you, God Bless you.

Memorial day is also the day we honor our loved ones who have passed on, even though they have not been in the armed forces. My mother passed away almost 11 years ago, and I miss her so very much. She is buried in the Fort Snelling cemetary because my father served in the Korean War. I thank God each and every day he is still alive and kicking, and at age 79 he is very active and is a driver for the Go Ministries for Living Word Christian Center.

Even though my mother's body is layed to rest at Fort Snelling, I am thankful that I can know that she is rejoicing in heaven with Jesus. I know she is happy, healthy, strong, united with her past loved ones and awaiting the rest of us. No sadness, no sorrow, no tears. My mother was a born again believer. She asked Jesus into her heart years ago, and loved Him dearly. Her love was a testament to her faith.

The Word of God says the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ. If you confess your sins to Him, and ask Jesus into your heart, if you believe He is the Son of God, and that He died for your sins you can be born again. Simple words, from the heart. No matter what you may have done, He is waiting with open arms for each and every one of us. It is NEVER too late as long as you have breath.

Design Style Guide giveaway #1

2009-05-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

The Design Style Guide is beginning a new and exciting project! We are going to be having giveaways approximately every 2 weeks!
Our first giveaway features Karen Faulkner Art.

Click on the link below for more information and to enter.

http://designstyleguide.blogspot.com/2009/05/giveaway-1-featuring-karen-faulkner-art.html

Kid aceo

2009-05-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

Three years ago we went to visit some friends in Pennsylvania. His brother has a farm, and this cute little goat was there. I've been wanting to do a painting of him for the longest time now, and finally came across this missing picture. (I had stuck it in the pages of a traveling drawing pad.)This is a baby goat, tiny as can be, about the size of a small dog. Boy could he jump around.

I decided to do an aceo of him yesturday. I sketched him out and started putting in the shadows with colored pencil, using Indigo Blue. I use Prismacolor and Derwent brands. Some are regular colored pencil, and some are watercolor pencil used like colored pencil.

Then I thought, hey, why not take pictures of it as it progresses so I can show you my process. Even though this is only 2.5 x 3.5 inches, it took me 5 hours to complete. Yes, 5 hours. That's because I did a ton of layers to get the color built up the way I wanted it. This is my second painting/drawing, Using this method. (I don't know, what do you call it, painting or drawing?)

Keeping the layers light and kinda spotchy, I added the first layer of cool gray, sienna brown and burnt sienna. I also used a bit of Dark Brown around his nose and top of head and tip of ear.

Here I put down another layer using the same colors, including Terra Cotta and I do believe peach for his back ear. Still keeping it light. Added some of the Dark Brown on the shadows and dark areas of the goat.

My first instinct is to put the color in good and dark, filling up the paper, but then you lose control and don't get the same effect, at all.

Then I took white and went over most of it like in his back half. I also discovered a colorless blender from an artist friend, and it works great. You can blend the colors together without changing the colors. It is just a Prismacolor pencil, the pencil has no pigment.

Then I started putting in more darks (like the first half of his body.) I almost forgot to take the picture between these two stages.

Most of the time I use the Colorless Blender pencil to blend the layers together before I add the next layer, but not always. I added more darks and put in some black. I haven't done his eye yet at this point, except for an outline in Dark Brown, so it looks a bit freaky.

Usually the eye is one of the first things I do, but not in this one.

Here goes another layer of white, gray and colorless blender on the darker areas. Highlighted his ears, tip of tail and lighter part of tail especially. On each layer I go over the whole goat with some color or another.

I set in more browns, blacks, Sienna Brown and Blue Gray. So he keeps getting darker, then lighter, and back and forth. I also started on the eye.

Added a touch of green to his eye. Used the colorless blender in the darker areas, white in the lightest areas, and added more of that orangy color (Burnt Sienna). Besides a little bit of shadow, I haven't touched the background.
Here I put in some green between his back legs so I wouldn't loose that little area. More blending, more browns, burnt sienna, grays. Sometimes I use more black, Dark brown, or even a bit of Blue gray on the dark areas of his legs, tush, tail,
Brought in more Burnt Sienna.
Soon he will be for sale at my Etsy shop.

Toned down the Burnt Sienna and brought in more grays.

Added more darks in his fur.

Here's a shot of it after I started the background. It looks more washed out than the last shot because of the angle that I took the picture.

Here is the final piece. It looks very rich in color in person.

Red Poppy

2009-05-02T19:19:00.000-07:00

This watercolor is a commission for my dear friend and biggest collector of my work, Pat Otten. She is a beautiful lady who is kind enough to send me her wonderful photos and lets me paint from them. I always give her credit for the reference photo, and so appreciate the use of them.

Prom 2009

2009-04-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

Today was my daughters Senior prom. What a busy day it was. Between helping the girls get ready, taking lots of pictures and meeting at the school for the 'Grand March' ! Wow!

The 8 of them went in a party bus, kinda cool! Couches and tables inside.

My daughter.

My foster daughter.

Aren't they beautiful?!

Jessica and Tyler

JLO and Jeremy

Jessica and mom (me)

Jessica and dad

the three princesses

The whole gang.

All week longthey were saying it was going to be cold and rainy today, but I've been praying since last weekend, and what a beautiful day it was. No rain, and the sun was even out.

Tomorrow it can rain. Thank you Lord!

More of Our Lighthouse Trip, Part 5

2009-04-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

This is Sturgeon Point Light, in Alconaco, Michigan on Lake Heron.

This is the very first watercolor I ever attempted back in 2003 or 2004. First ever seen by anyone but my immediate family.

We spent quite a bit of time exploring the beaches of this lighthouse and came across animal tracks in the sand, here is one of them. We are thinking its a bear track, and very glad he wasn't there when we were. : ) I have great respect for wild animals!

This other pic is of my husband. He ran up and down the beach for about a mile, looking for more animal tracks. This was a beautiful day with sweet memories.

Here is the new Presque Isle Lighthouse, in Michigan on Lake Huron. This first pic is from the view as you're driving up to it. Pretty regal looking.

Here's another view of the same lighthouse.

This is the old Presque Isle Lighthouse. The two were built about 10 years apart, because this first one was too short to really be seen well.

New Watercolor Flower aceo's

2009-04-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

I created this little aceo (art cards editions and originals) a couple of days ago. I used salt for some effect (the white splotches). I had alot of fun creating it because it's way different from what I usually do. I decided to name it Raining Petals, mostly because that's what comes to mind when I look at it. I think it has a nice spring feel to it.

I will be puting it up for sale on my etsy shop and also upload it to my website today (is the plan)

I also will be creating products with this image on at my CafePress and Zazzle shops.

This one is similar to the other, I painted them at the same time. Basically, while I was waiting for one to dry, I would work on the other. It worked great. Felt like no waiting time.

This one I named Red Love Flower. Honestly I couldn't think of anything else except red flower, but then there's that upside down heart, so I threw the word 'love' in there. I think it works.

Again, you will be able to find this aceo painting for sale at my etsy shop today or tomorrow, and you will soon be able to find this design on my Zazzle and CafePress shops.

I like posting my new stuff here first, that's why they aren't listed in my other shops, or even my website yet. Hope you don't mind.

God Bless your day : )

Thought for the day: No matter how hard things get or how bad things look, I can always depend on and lean on Jesus to get me through. I don't have to take the burden of this world on my own shoulders. His shoulders are so much better equipped to carry it. Dwell on God instead of the problems.

2009-04-08T12:57:00.000-07:00

I am in Today's Best on Zazzle!

Golden Goosebybmthour
Get this custom postcard at Zazzle

Tawas Point Light

2009-04-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a wonderful painting day because I also did this painting. It is from one of our lighthouse trips in Tawas, Michigan. The night before we saw this lighthouse, while we were checking into our motel room, hubby was getting our bags from the trunk (unfortunately I was already inside with the camera) and he saw a skunk kinda close to him in the parking lot. As it turns out there was a resident skunk that liked to hang out infront of the motel. I wanted a picture of it, but by the time Paul got back out there, it was gone. I really want to get a picture of a skunk...as long as we don't get skunked while doing it. : ) That would be BAD.

You can find this 6 1/2 x 6 1/2" watercolor painting on my website.

I will be listing it in my etsy shop soon, and I am working on designing products with this image on in both my CafePress and Zazzle shops.

Manistee North Pierhead Light

2009-04-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

I did this 9x12" watercolor painting yesturday. Didn't I tell you I'd end up painting this one? : )
Now, for some reason, when I uploaded it in my blog, the colors messed up. The sand and water switched colors, and the sky is suppose to be blue and pink, not orange and pink. (if you don't know what I am talking about, then it must have fixed itself) I deleted and reloaded it 4 times.

You can find this painting for sale on my website and etsy shop shortly, (I'm doing that next).
In the next couple of days you will also be able to find products with this image on at my Zazzle shop and CafePress shop.

Now, this is what the painting REALLY looks like. I figured the problem. I somehow had it saved in CMYK color instead of RGB.

Lighthouse Trip Part 4

2009-04-05T07:49:00.001-07:00

We saw these late in the afternoon. This one is Frankfort North Breakwater Light, MI.Ludington North Breakwater Light.

When I look back at these photos, it makes me want to start painting lighthouses again, like I did with Light the Way. Looking at this one, my heart starts to beat a little faster, kinda like when your a teenager and you see your crush. Weird, huh?

Anyway, this one is Manistee North Pierhead Light. Gorgeous, isn't it? (I have a feeling I know what I'll be painting today)

This is Point Betsie Light, in Frankfort, Michigan. Look at the beautiful color of the water. I like it when you can get close to the lighthouse without having to walk along a long windy pier. We spent a little more time at this one. I remember I filled a small jar with sand as a momento.

Don't forget to visit my website at http://brendathour.com I recently added new paintings under lighthouses, wildlife (Birds) .

If you are looking for pendants or marble magnets visit my Etsy shop.

For a variety of products featuring my artwork, from t-shirts, mugs, clocks, teddybears, cards and more, visit my zazzle and cafepress shops.

Hope you have a glorious day!

Light the Way

2009-04-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

Light the way is my recent watercolor that I did this past weekend. It is the tower of Seul Choix Light in Michigan that I blogged about 6 posts ago.

I will be listing it in my etsy shop, my website, zazzle and cafepress shops this week.

I better get busy!! Have a wonderful day!

Golden Goose Watercolor

2009-03-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

I'm still having a ball with my watercolors.

Home Portrait for Realtor

2009-03-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

I got a call the other day to do a home portrait for a realtor that I have worked with in the past. It's been a long time since I have done one of these. Yah!
This is the finished painting, I think he'll like it.