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,

What floats your boat?

 Water is a constant inspiration for me. (As you can see.)
Which one of my water themed pieces do you like best? 
Every piece of art I make is an outlet or a conduit for a specific group of emotions or memories.
Each one of them illustrates a piece of me or something that I or a client experienced.

 Just from looking at them visually, which artwork speaks to you right now?
Everyone has a different interpretation, and art is totally subjective. But the art we choose can say a lot about where we are right now.
Leave a comment and let me know why that one resonated with you.
(You can also join the conversation on my Facebook  page or Twitter.)

Details on each piece are below, the bold text is what your art choice might be telling you.

1.  Something In The Water ~
11" x 15", Watercolor & Ink 

   This piece was inspired by a friend's engagement and wedding.
I'm a big fan of love, especially when it took two people a while to find each other.  
 When you've had  a not-so-fairy-tale long-term relationship or marriage and it ends, it can be hard to swim back into the deep end. Do it anyway. It's worth it. True love will find you in the end.
 If you chose this piece, I'm guessing you're in love or really want to be. You're a true romantic that values people and relationships. Dive in, it's waiting for you. ;)

2.  Moonlit Tide
 16" x 20", mixed media pastel, original in private collection, prints available

  I used to live on a magical and very quirky island, Tybee Island, GA.
Now, I'm in Florida. I can still make it to the beach in 30-40 minutes, but it is not the same.
I miss hearing the ocean lullaby every night, but most of all, I miss the full moon dancing on the night sea. I painted this one night when I was pining away for my little beach town and all of the wonderful friends that call it home. I think the loneliness I feel in Florida came through in this piece, but also the part of me that really likes solitude in nature. 
If you chose this piece, you're probably in a place like that right now. 
It's okay to be a recluse. Take a break and escape somewhere that you can be still.
Sometimes the moon seems to shine brightest when there are clouds hiding her from the stars. 

3.  Mark Of A Perfect Day
16" x 20" oil canvas, private commission

  I paint memorial portraits for people all the time, but this was a very special commission for me. 
A landscape isn't usually interesting for me if it's from someone's direction, but this story was as touching and beautiful as the beach in the painting.

 A young wife wanted to give her husband a painting for Christmas to help him remember his father that had passed away. The last good memory he had was having lunch on a beach in the Florida Keys.
 I was especially touched by the story. I wanted to make this the most peaceful and happy beach I could while still making it look like the view they had during that meal. It seemed like a challenge, but making someone's good memories last is one of the greatest pay offs in my work. Mark was the client's father's name, hence the title. So, I was very relieved and joyful when the painting was received with heartfelt thanks and praise. <3

  If you chose this painting, you might be in need of a nice beach break. Maybe it's cold where you are and some tropical breezes would be welcome. I'm also betting you're the sentimental type that has crystal clear memories and tons of photos.
 
4. Throne
16" x 20", textured plaster & acrylic
  This piece was created with quite a few underlying meanings, underlying being the key word.
I am fascinated by and have a deep respect for the sea. There's something about water and the ocean that calls to me again and again. But- there is always a slight discomfort about what lies beneath the waves. (There's also an iron islands reference for you GOT fans. ;) )
 I could go on and on about this piece, instead I'll leave you with a Frida Kahlo quote-

"“I drank to drown my sorrows, but the damned things learned how to swim.”

There is a lot to be said for the texture of this piece and the figures within. If you chose this painting, you are probably drawn to fluid movement, whether it's water or dancing. You're physical and tactile with lots of kinetic energy. You feel restless if pent up and need freedom, even if others say it's a little hazardous.


 5. Release
30" x 48", torn letters and sennelier pastel on canvas
 This piece is very personal and could be an entire blog post in itself, so I'll save it as such.
Just know it was created from a box of old love letters. I tore them up and created a "self-portrait" of sorts. This piece was made for a group show titled Beauty for Ashes.
  If you chose this piece, you're a water baby, too. But, you may sometimes submerse yourself in heavy mental and spiritual quicksand. Relationships and commitments are important, but you might need to come up for air. Don't drown in whatever is miring you down, wash it off and let it go.

6. Certainties
   8" x 10", textured plaster & acrylic
Fun, textured, pure, energetic and simple. 
 If you chose this piece, I'd like to hang out with you. You're bold, bright, and you bring it.
You see silver linings and possess an uncommon optimism while remaining honest and uncomplicated. Never let anyone convince you to be serious and stop playing, you're too smart for that. ;)



7.  Matsya
 38" x 18" textured plaster & acrylic on wood

The legend of Matsya is very similar to other Great Flood myths. According to the Matsya Purana, the king of pre-ancient North India was washing his hands in a river when a little fish swam into his hands and pleaded with him to save its life. He put it in a jar, which it soon outgrew. He then moved it to a tank, a river and then finally the sea. The fish then revealed himself to be Vishnu and told him that a deluge would occur within seven days that would destroy all life. Therefore, he was instructed to take "all medicinal herbs, all the varieties of seeds, and accompanied by the seven saints” along with animals. Sound familiar?
  The colors of soothing, cool waters saturate this piece featuring a figure in matsyasana, or fish pose. I created this piece to remind myself that the deluges of life are not always meant to drown me, but to wash away the unnecessary obstacles I may be clinging to. Let the riptide take you out, go with the flow, and know that the current may sweep you to better shores. 
 If you chose this piece, you are a deeply relaxed person that appreciates stillness while the world swirls and unfolds around you. But if you're stressed right now, this piece might be calling you to lay back. Go ahead, flop into a fish pose. Your heart will thank you for it. <3

8. Outswimming Typhon
19" x 30" textured plaster on wooden skate decks
 The story and mythology behind this one deserves its own post, but I will say that
the decks were given to me by a collector's twin sons. I wasn't sure what to do with them until I learned they were Pisces and their mother believed they were reincarnated together after one killed the other in a past life. (Yeah, I know.) In Greek mythology, Typhon was known as the "Father of All Monsters". Aphrodite and her son Eros (aka Venus and Cupid) transformed into fish to escape Typhon.
 If you chose this piece, you could be the type of person that is a great companion. You're lively, supportive, and fiercely loyal. Your friends or significant other mean the world to you. You couldn't imagine leaving them to fight off bigger fish alone. Swimming solo is nice sometimes, but where's the fun in that? 

9. Reflecting on the River
16" x 20", textured plaster & acrylic
 This piece was inspired by a blissful day on the black back waters of the St. Johns River.
Taking it slow and surrounding myself with nature is my way to recharge. It's also my sanctuary.
The cypress trees and their knees stand like members in the choir as I roll by to the alter call.
I feel like I am most grateful, reverent, and able to be clearly reflective when I'm in the hammocks.
 If you chose this one, you know where I'm coming from. You love nature and everything in it. Manicured city parks are boring and way too loud. You like to be in a wild place where the animals and breeze in the trees is the only action. You're ready for a quiet ride in the boat. We'll let the birds do all the talking.

 

 

Share a Kiss & You Could Win

 Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day isn't just for romantics-
EVERY heart shines a light the world needs. Whether coupled or strong and single, let your lovelight shine for everyone today. No roses or chocolate needed. We just need you <3

This week my Facebook page reached 2K Likes!

I'm having a giveaway contest to say thank you to my Facebook page fans.

Share a Kiss and you could win (totally cootie-free sharing).

click on this photo to see the details & how to enter-

All of the Likes, comments, and shares help me to share my work and keep my dream alive, and I am so very grateful!

Something in the Water signed watercolor print

As an extra smooch of thanks, 

enter code at checkout

I'm giving a code for free shipping in my Etsy shop this weekend. 

I hope this Valentine's Day fills your heart with love of all kinds!

(And discounted drugstore Valentine candy. Mmmmm, candy.)

XOXO ~ D. Renée 

Hearts A'Flamingo!