On the first day of Christmas...

 Okay, okay, so technically the 12 days of Christmas happen after Christmas, but that wouldn't really be as fun for you guys, and the build up helps you get in the spirit. 

 Fun fact, the gifts in the song seem super weird because they are actually symbols for the tenets of Christianity. The "true love" is representative of the Judeo-Christian god, and a partridge was chosen because this bird displays a behavior to protect its young wherein it will lure predators away from the nest and go so far as to feign injury to keep any threat away. 

Man, I love birds. Nature is so cool.

 The printable page of the line drawing is available to download on my Patreon page for supporters at the $10 level. It can be used for coloring, wrapping paper, or various small pet bedding when properly shredded. Printed at a very small scale, they may enjoy the artwork, too.

 Not into coloring or supporting independent artists monetarily? That's cool. Interject your new carol knowledge at the office party to make people uncomfortable when they thought they were singing strictly secular songs. 

 FYI- the Cyber week sale has ended and the extra Patron codes have expired, but as an extra thanks during the holidays, there is a 30% off code for $10 Patrons on the Patreon page with the Partridge download. 

 Thanks again for stopping by!

See you birds soon,

D. Renée

Kidding Around

"Everyman can tell how many goats or sheep he possesses, but not how many friends." Marcus Tullius Cicero

Today I started celebrating my best friend's day of birth by whipping up a hand-painted card featuring a few of his favorite things in one; animals- namely goats, baby goats, & skepticism of others' motives through the side eye expression. 

There's some gorgeous, artisan crafted, goat shaped soap (from Oil Patch Farm on Etsy) to accompany this card, don't worry. My gag gift giving game is still en pointe. 

Farm Animals/Goat Soap by Oil Patch Farm

(I wish I could've shown you a better photo b/c this soap it so detailed and pretty, but I couldn't unwrap a gift, y'know. He also said won't be using it, because he likes it too much! )

I'm a lucky lady to be married to someone that can poke fun at things most ppl take seriously. To all the Virgos ♍️, you're an intelligent, caring, and incredibly hard working special lot. May this year bring you the amazing rewards you deserve. :)

Do you make your own birthday cards?

Are silly and fun gifts your thing? 

Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for stopping by,

D. Renée

Always be a mermaid...

 

 Well, it is a tad bit cooler than it was last week, but still way too hot for much outdoor activity unless it involves water.

The UV is 10 out of 10, and the "real feel" is a balmy 103 F.

Here are 4 of my fave little shells from my time at the beach and one of the 5 newest coloring pages available for instant download.

You can pick up the watery instant downloads in my shop, or on my Patreon page. 

And FYI, mermaids go topless, so I guess this really is adult coloring. 😆

It's also a bonus Freebie Friday for Patrons on my Patreon page, 

so head over to support my project for as little as a $1 a month and get free coloring downloads that you can print again and again. 

What do you do when it's too hot outside?

 I guess I have plenty of work to do, but I need some playtime...

🌊 Always be yourself, unless you can be a mermaid. Always be a mermaid. 🌊

Flamingo Friday

I've obviously been on a flamingo roll lately.

I'm a bird lover, but these tropical beauties are unique, and I really like unique.

They stand out. They are elegant and really specialized for their environment.

The printable July rewards for my Patreon Patrons followed suit.

You can get them by pledging support on my Patreon page, or swing by my Etsy shop and get an instant  download, easy peasy.

Speaking of Etsy, 

I put together a lil' flock of fabulous pink things for Flamingo Friday. 

I've also listed another of the small watercolor flamingo studies on Daily Paintworks.

These auctions give collectors and artists a chance to add a small originals to their collections at an affordable price. :)
Click to see more or Bid

Thanks for stopping by the blog.

Don't be afraid to stand out.
Stay flamboyant,
stay weird,

Full Circle of Gratitude

It's so funny how things come full circle... 

Who would get your thank you note?

 On the left is one of my daily gratitude journals, and a super cute teensy cactus planter made by the awesome Julie Harbers, who also happened to be my neighbor at the Orlando visual Fringe Art market. On the right are notecards of my watercolor painting Dragonfly Druzy, which was painted during an extended gratitude in nature exercise. These boxes of cards are being sent out to an awesome lady, who will then send them as thank you cards to Patrons of the Orlando Fringe organization.  

 I feel super honored and thankful to be a part of that. Gratitude is everything. Every breath, every kiss, every tear.✨ It's all effin' magical. ✨

We can't forget that. We have to hold each other up. 💙  

What are you thankful for today?

Who would you get a thank you note from you?

Beware the Ides of March

Beware the Ides of March

Florida, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio all hold primary elections today.

I'm sure you're aware of this, and if you weren't just turn on a television. 

(I'm allergic to political ads, so I can't without an epi pen.)

It's also a historical day in politics;

Today is the day Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 B.C.E.

He got a surprise dagger party on the senate floor! Ouch.

The Ides, simply means the halfway point, and that was the 13th or 15th depending on the month. 

William Shakespeare made the line famous in his play, which was based on historical writings (but obviously fictionalized because he wasn't there).

Each year we hear that heavy phrase on this day, and it brings images of Shakespeare's mysterious soothsayer warning Caesar of his impending doom.This is probably where the superstition came from that it was an unlucky day, which brings me to this awesome Books by Her Side bauble featuring the Cassius line to Brutus:

Books By Her Side on Etsy

But every March 15th, I've always thought more about Brutus.

This is probably due to the influence of Shakespeare's work, as Brutus is essentially the protagonist of this work. 

This TED Ed animation is actually a perfect illustration of my mood when I think of Brutus.

Here's a fun, brief history of the Roman empire and Julius Caesar's role in it, if you'd like to learn more.

Even if the Roman patricians are technically like the current oligarchy, you have to admit that plebeian voting is a better deal than a militarized emperor.

Anywho-

No matter what your political leanings may be, 

enjoy these finds and then make sure to

do your stabbing with a pen, on the ballot, in the voting booth this year. 

Click here to see these items on Etsy.

Beware the Ides of March.

Left or Right on Freebie Friday

Happy Fri-yay!

I hope you're having a fantastic one, so far.

I've kind of had it with opinions on social media as of late, and I've been steering clear of my personal Facebook newsfeed for the most part. (I'm on my art page and ig, and though.)
The day after a debate is like a port-a-potty after a music festival. No thanks.

But I'd love to hear what your left or right preference is when it comes to adult coloring pages.

Care to give your opinion on 

which one of these coloring downloads you might prefer for print-at-home coloring?

 #1 or #2 ?

This particular design is pretty intricate and has a lot of symbolism, but I'll leave that unpacking for a later post.

When it comes to coloring, do you prefer the option to shade yourself, or do you like dark linework?

The dark lines of the original also leave patrons with the options of simply printing the artwork to hang if they wish, so there's that.

Let me know- left or right?
#1 or #2

It's #freebiefriday for patrons and I'm getting all the downloads together for the reward post.

Thanks so much for your opinions ;-)

Have a wonderful weekend, and try to stay sane out there.

I love him to the Moon & Back...

Keep reading below to see what inspired this design, and why I love Husboo to the moon & back...

It's Freebie Friday again, and although this month has been chock full of 

freebies for the super awesome supporters over on my Patreon page, they still get another freebie today because V-day is pretty much here and I really like giving them free things.

                              

                        Today the Moon & Back click & print card PDF is free for all patrons,

                       and $10+ patrons received a download of a PDF file for an 8x10 print.

If you dig my art, like coloring, or just want to support me as a human being, please support! :)

Here's a little sampling of a few of the free

 printables and coloring downloads rewards they've received in the past couple weeks.

Some of these are also available in my Etsy shop, but patrons always get the first dibs and uploads.

I came up with this very simple design because I was thinking about Husboo.

(that's my husband/boo, husband is too formal and I don't like the serious tone. :/)

Every year, I paint him something and get him a card and gift.

It's nice, but it's sort of becoming routine.

I don't like routine...

I like gestures that pull heartstrings and inspire.

However, we are going to continue a tradition that I like very much and clues you in to why my Husboo is the bees knees in every way.

This is a major reason that I love this man to the moon and back, and then on to Venus and back.

It's the tradition of taking my very special single sister out for dinner 

on V-Day.

My sister is special needs, and is usually single on Valentine's Day. 

Being a single adult is not something that she's overly preoccupied with, but couples' holidays have a tendency to rub a bit of salt in her wounds.

I think it's nice for her to hang out with us as a couple,

 because she is treated like a normal adult

 and we don't make an issue of her not having kids or a significant other-

 we are childless, too!

She also loves to team up with my husband and tease 

or "troll" me about whatever they are finding particularly hilarious at the moment. 

It's nice to be the butt of joke if it's making them laugh.

Our Valentine's Day won't be spent over a romantic candlelit dinner and wine.

Chances are, we'll be testing out the color-changing rotating stars light I got for my sister as her Valentine gift, and maybe watching Star Wars. 

Husboo thinks it's more important for her to have a good day 

and some happiness than it is for us to have another night by ourselves. 

It was his idea. It always is.

Isn't he the best?! <3 <3 <3

Support me on Patreon to get the free printable PDF.

Well, that's it for today!

I've got a few things to gather for my moon and stars, if you know what I mean. ;-)

What are your plans?

Have a fantastic weekend and a Happy Valentine's Day!

XOXO,

Humbug Country

The holidays can really tend to magnify what we feel is either currently "right" or "wrong" in our lives at the moment.

The good is great,

and the not so great-

well, there's no mincing words,

it's really shitty.

But if you're feeling overwhelmed and humbuggy-

it's always a good time to stop and remember that it's just a date.

Every culture has a festival of lights to bring a time of celebration and togetherness during the time of darkness and cold to bring comfort.

The light is the focus. 

Just as in any time of year, 

dwelling on the darkness will stir up an emotional shit storm. 

Having dark thoughts?

Stop that mess. 

Run yourself a hot bath, make a hot cuppa, pour a glass of mulled wine, whatever you need to do.

If you are really missing loved ones,

find ways to honor them.

Take the funds you would have used to purchase gifts for them and donate to charities,

or volunteer your time at orgs that need you throughout the year. 

(Most shelters are pretty good on help during the holiday- picking another date can be even more helpful.) 

It's okay to have a pity party, 

but show yourself some love and find ways to recognize the light.

Party.

Party hard. However it is that you party, do it.

You deserve it.

Celebrate the awesome parts of your year,

and celebrate the end of the crappy parts. 

It's a little hectic with the holidays,

and I haven't been blogging much.

This is also a reminder that this weekend is the last chance to order signed prints or originals from my Etsy shop and have them delivered via USPS Priority Mail before Christmas.

If you're a H.S.T. fan, or a reader of gonzo lit, you might get the reference, 

and you might be surprised to know that H.S.T. actually had a soft spot for Christmas.

I drew it up last week for a customer that ordered one of my Turn Pro prints, as part of the OOAK mailer sketch special I was running.

If you like the Hunter S. Thompson inspired sketch,

head over to my Patreon for two printable PDFs. 

(It's free for Patrons, and there's also a special 25% code for patrons.)

I hope your holiday season is going well, 

and you're steering clear of any Yuletide blues.

What do you do when you find yourself in humbug country?

"Santa" Time Lapse

Yesterday, I was sketching out new holiday card ideas and grabbed the closest thing nearby before the idea escaped into the vapors- 

a mailer for my cards. 

I shared the sketch to my Etsy updates app 

and said the next card order would be mailed with it- 

and then I got an order right that second. 

I doubted this customer had even seen my update, and it was not a follower or fan's name I recognized, but I told him about the offer anyway. Fair is fair.

 Since he had ordered a somewhat Tori related item, I offered to do a Tori Amos sketch instead. 

(I enjoy drawing her, and I was up late in the studio anyway.) 

Sure enough, this customer didn't even know about the OOAK mailer sketch offer and was excited I was willing to still do something else.

(Santa Time Lapse Drawing)

I was happy to do a special "Santa" sketch for someone getting a 

gift for a fellow EWF. 

(That's "Ears With Feet" for you non-fans.)

And if you're not familiar with Tori as "Santa", she is one of the alter egos from American Doll Posse. 

I love having my art be a part of someone's holiday gift giving, 

so making it extra special was even better. 

This month, any Patreon supporter that purchases 4 or more cards from 

my Etsy shop  will receive an OOAK ink or oil pastel sketch on their mailer. 

Don't forget to use your codes, and contact me if you forgot yours.

I listened to Midwinter Graces while working on Santa, of course. 

Enjoy Tori singing the entire song, Pink and Glitter, here.

What's your favorite non-traditional holiday music?

Have you finished your holiday cards yet?

heart emoticon heart emoticon heart emoticon

Pass the bamboo; My art has finally gone to crap.

And here it is...

I visited the giant pandas in San Diego this October and got some photos, video, and some of this VERY special paper in the gift shop.

It's a different texture than what I'm used to painting on, 

(it's almost like a very strong paper shop towel) but it's so much fun and really cool to use a repurposed material that supports the conservation of an endangered species. 

Here's my time lapse painting. :)


I learned a lot.
The giant panda eats 20-25lbs of bamboo every day. That's a LOT of fiber. 
Most of this bamboo is not digested, and it comes out looking almost the same as when it went down the hatch. Pandas poo between 30 and 50 times a day! The keepers at the San Diego Zoo save this scat after they clean the pandas' living areas, and it is recycled and turned into a beautiful bamboo paper;
poo paper! (Guess who stocked up.)
This paper is totally clean and does not smell. A valid question, but no, it's super clean and beautiful.

It was awesome to see the pandas, especially the baby Xiao Liwu a.k.a. Mr. Wu. 
I really did have tears of wonderment, and a bit of sadness, welling up in my eyes. 
There are 1,800 pandas left in the wild. Conservation and breeding programs are so important!
I was really excited to leave San Diego with an experience that I'll never forget, and some of this cool paper to help capture my memories and inspire me. 


If there's an animal you're passionate about, you can select the "Custom" drop down variation for a special sketch of your favorite animal on this unique paper.

Each poo paper painting will be hand painted to-order, and will not look exactly like the photo in the style variation. Those are just pose guidelines. The nature of this paper, watercolor, and free hand ink doodles is totally wild and free.
This means that each painting will be truly one-of-a-kind. :D

I just love this eco-friendly and animal aware paper.

How do you recycle or repurpose?

What's your favorite animal?

Let me know in the comments :)

Happy snacking,

Cyber Man Day?

 Oh no, wait a sec, that's just my Dr. Who nerd. 
It's Cyber Monday. 
(click here to share your shop link on my fb page)

Use code CYBER25 for 25% off any purchase in my Etsy shop this week.

There's also a big sale going on in my Society6 shop today.

This includes the leggings! Aggghhhhh! 

 Yay leggings

and the framed prints, pillows, the mugs, posters, tote bags, tank tops, phone cases, wall tapestries, clocks, (there's a lot more)

you name it- it's on sale with free shipping.

Plus, my fine art America/ pixels site has free shipping at least until midnight, and it's the only place to get the limited time promotion of a large stretched canvas reproduction of 

The Noble Guardians.

Attn. Artist friends!

Dick Blick has free shipping on orders of $79 or more, and 15, 20, & 25% scaled savings when you use the code

CYB2015 

(Saving on supplies! <3)

And I just can't write a shopping post all about my stores- 

today I get to shop, too!

Here's a winter treasury I curated to get me started.

Do you have an online store?

What's your Cyber Monday Sale?

I still have some shopping to do,

let me know in the comments! :)