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. 🌊

Wildlife Wordless Wednesday

(To read the description of this image of one of my favorite trees

click here.)

Happy trails!

~D. Renée

Summer reading suggestions?

 What's on your summer reading list?

 Let me know your suggestions in the comments.

I'm about to embark on a studio prep session and then a long run of commission & personal work, which means I need some new audio book suggestions!

I read everything from non-fiction and bios to fantasy and sci-fi. I have an e-reader subscription service that provides audiobooks so I can still get "reading" done while I work. Although I must admit, when I'm really in the painting zone I need to re-listen to a chapter or three.

 Here are my top three that I've recently finished:

•  The Girl Who Fell From The Sky by Heidi W. Durrow, which was incredibly poignant. 

It's not surprising at all that it won the Bellwether prize for fiction.

• This I Believe; The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women edited by Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, an incredible compilation of frank and candid essays from Americans of "all walks of life". This is one instance where I soundly recommend listening to the audio version, as you will hear clips of the original recordings from the interviewees and editors. It gave me chills, and was utterly inspiring and completely heartbreaking at points. The entire program is only 53 minutes, and is worth a listen. 

The book is based on the NPR series, and you can visit thisibelieve.org to hear many, many more essays. 

• The Universe Versus Alex Woods, Gavin Extence

I really can't write anything deserving enough of this book. It's one of my favorites, by far.

The inclusion of astrophysics, neurology, spiritualism, pacifism, and the ethics of one's right to a dignified death all in one?

A hundred times, yes. 

I'll let you read this review by Susanna Rustin, if you like, but this quote sums it up nicely.

"Extence's hugely likable first novel is a fairytale for rationalists."

Okay, your turn!

What lit is inspiring you this summer?

Let me know. :)

The painting on the tote pictured above is "Clio", and is my modern take on the Muse of history. 

The original watercolor is in a private collection, but you can get reproductions in my online shops and Society6 has $5 off + FREE shipping on totes (perfect for books!), pouches, phone cases, laptops sleeves, skins, & mugs today only. 

Click HERE to visit my Society6.

May the muse be with you!

~D. Renée

The Universe Supports You; Wordless Wednesday

This summer's got me like...

Take it off to put it on.

Click here to order reproductions.

To add the original ink & watercolor sketch to your collection,

visit my Daily Paintworks or click the Bid button below.

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,

Single & Ready to Flamingle

Are you a pinky fan?

Then you probably already know

June 23rd was National Flamingo Day.

I've been painting flamingos for several years, but I'm pretty thrilled that they have the spotlight right now. 

I don't know how anyone couldn't love them. 

The long lines, gorgeous and unique color, completely breathtaking flight, and truly fascinating social rituals and interactions are  just a few of the things that make these birds an absolute must 

for my wild Florida series.

While there were relatively very few wild flamingos in Florida the past century (since more and more people settled in Florida and their numbers dwindled due to feather and egg harvesting) the greater American beauties are making a comeback in certain spots of sofl.

                                                         Full flamingo watercolor study I

As I make small watercolor studies for larger pieces in the Wild FL series, I will place the small postcard sized paintings on DPW for auction.

Stay tuned for more birds as I list them online this summer!

What's your favorite thing about flamingos?

Let me know in the comments. :)

Full flamingo watercolor study II

Agggghhhh- Oh, um, I mean almost Wordless Wednesday

Have you taken the new Ilvermorney sorting quiz?

I was placed in Horned Serpent. 

What Hogwarts house are you?

(I'm a Ravenclaw.)

The Ilvermorney backstory is pretty awesome, too.

Do you even Pottermore?

;)