This is my rework of "Buttons"...She was originally illustrated as a 7" x 5" colored sketch- see the picture:
I do have an ACEO or two of her left, if you'd like one, just shoot me an email: I want an ACEO print of Buttons! and let me know! They are $3 each, I only have 1 or 2 left. I am also adding one in with the original painting if/when she sells :) Then that version of "Buttons" will be retired forever! :0
So, a bit about the process, and the life I led in the shortish time it took to recreate this piece: First, I would like to just mention two words (and please forgive me, I am about to "hippie out" on y'all a little)- Manifestation, and Serendipity. I am ONLY going to mention them, however, and say this one little thing- it is my firm and substantiated belief that WHAT YOU PUT INTO THE UNIVERSE IS WHAT YOU WILL GET OUT OF THE UNIVERSE. I am sure many of you have seen the Snapple commercial "put good in, get good out" or whatever...well...it's true. Or...perhaps it is just that whatever you believe so firmly is what will happen. Crap. That thought had more to do with my painting in my head than it does typed up. I suppose what I am trying to say is that I have come to experience serendipity as a product, as proof, that manifestation is a real, working magic. Lately there has been a fair amount of serendipity around, enough that I would notice (because we all know I live in a low-pressure, but pretty dense cloud hovering just above the ground). Now...I'm pretty sure the events that follow will give you a little glimpse into why I say these things.
To get into the mood to paint this particular piece, I actually did a sewing project first (results are HERE!). I love my sewing machine. I will never not have a sewing machine in my life. It was upon completing this project that I finally sketched out the new "Button Pusher" piece, complete with an old-timey sewing machine/audio-listening contraption fusion thingy. It would be cool to have a machine like this...but I'm not sure how safe it would be. Really. I have suffered some pretty nasty injuries from my beloved sewing machine. One time, a needle broke, flew up, and hit me RIGHT IN THE EYEBALL. Everything worked out for the best, as I still have both my eyes in (mostly) working condition.
Once I got her onto canvas and started shading her, filling in skin, adding a little life...things in MY life got all weird. I mean, more condensed weirdness than usual. I noticed that while I was bringing this lady to life, a lot of the personal buttons in MY life were being pressed...good, bad, a variety of in-betweens. That is why I mentioned the manifestation. It was starting to creep me out, even, so...I did break away to work on some cartoon art. But enough rambling. Basically, this piece has a statement, I suppose, and it would be something like this-
Pushing Buttons can get things done. Everything is connected, though, so be freakin careful about the buttons you do push. Also, nekkid tattooed ladies are hot. She is currently up for auction on eBay- click her picture or the link below it for all the info ;)
It's funny to me what I ramble on about, and what I do not ramble on about. Sheesh. So...continuing the theme of serendipity and manifestation...I had originally had another song picked out for this post...Dare I tell you...Yeah, it was "Pink" by Aerosmith. I'll wait until you are done laughing. It's okay. I love that song. What. But then, the other morning, I remembered the band Tweaker (a side project of Chris Vrenna-NIN drummer) and this song...which I just adore and feel it was probably written for me (not at all the truth, but I live in fantasyland after all):
Tweaker-"It's Still Happening" I'm sorry, they've disabled the embed function for this video, and I don't want to post another version of it because THIS VIDEO is AWESOME. AS is the song. ;)
Good grief, that is quiet enough rambling. I am so sorry. I often read other artists' blogs, and they are so helpful and informative (see http://tiffanysrealm.blogspot.com/) or inspiring and exciting (see http://magisterian.blogspot.com/)...And mine is just full of crazy. Perhaps that is my charm. Perhaps it is best not to question such things. ;)
Remember- more frequent updates, work in progress pictures, news, and such can be had here on my Facebook Page: Darkling Treasures on Facebook
xo!
Em
Visit my website- tons of images available as art prints and posters: darklingtreasures.com
Loads of fun stuff- T shirts, stickers, mugs, stationery, bags, buttons, and more in my Zazzle Shop!
Ahh...April was kind of a whirlwind month for me, so...I got quiet again :\ Not to say I was not working, I just was not posting much. I go through these "bratty" phases where I just DO NOT want to market and be all social about my art, even listing can be a huge chore for me. I'd rather just be creating. I don't consider it a good thing when I get this way, and I am currently trying to figure a way to trick myself into being consistent in my 'business presence' while still feeling free to be myself- a sometimes cranky girl. *sigh* If I KNEW being an artist was this hard, I may have chosen the Peace Corps instead. (That was a joke! I know I am doing what it is I am supposed to!!)
Okay, so that ramble just got out of hand. Meant for that to go AFTER the art updates!! This is basically a post for rambling, thinking out loud, and updating you all on where the original paintings "Fool's Blood" and "Blue Dutchess" ended up, and what is coming up next!
I know you can't see me, but I just put my business pants on...Now let's get to it! Remember "Fool's Blood"? Well, she did not sell at auction (this happens ALL THE TIME with larger originals) so I have put her up at her full price in my darklingemily etsy shop!! The original is 11" x 14", acrylics on canvas panel, signed, sealed, wired- ready to hang as is or frame- and you can see all the other details and more photos here at the link below her picture:
The same thing happened with the mermaid "Blue Dutchess"- she is ALSO available for constant viewing and possible purchasing at her new home in my etsy shop- see the link below her beautiful face!
In other art news, I have finished up the "Button Pusher" piece, except that...it needs a bit of adjusting on one section. I have been staring at it for a few days now, and you know...It just doesn't look quite right. So, once I fix her and scan her in, etc, I will have that post (with music, yay!). And I am still pondering on which rework to choose next. I keep leaning towards my gorgeous friend's portrait "Pris"- See her HERE- or maybe "Russette"- see her HERE- but I'm a bit afraid I might be overloading on mermaids. This leads me right into a ramble about how I don't really care to paint legs or feet, really, and my recent admission and struggles with this. That's part of the reason I chose to rework "Button Pusher" this past round. I have nothing against feet and legs, and I use mine all the time and am thankful they work and look okay...but as far as art goes...not my strong suit. So, what do I do? Avoid it like the plague. This has been a downfall of mine since the beginning of Emily. Trying to rectify that, starting with my artwork. Of course, both of those reworks I just mentioned above have no legs or feet. Gah!
This also brings up my other recent issue with my creative self...fantasy vs comic. I had set up this rework painting schedule at the beginning of 2013, knowing in my heart that where I really want to head is...into comic land. Cartoons make me happy, and they seem to spring from my hands without effort or too much thought most of the time. I find them to be a purer sort of expression, with a wider reach, a simpler footing in society, and...they look like candy but they aren't candy. You know I love things that look like candy but aren't actually candy. (I also love candy). I'm not saying I am leaving behind my mermaids, dragons, and sexy sexy ladies. But I just can't seem to market everything appropriately anymore. I may be a fool, but I never learned to juggle this much stuff. ;)I'm basically overwhelmed with art, and just getting more and more ideas every day. GAH!!! Perhaps I will give up and just be one of those really spacey, unorganized artist types. Whoa. Wait, that's an option! I hadn't even considered it until just this moment! :P
Remember- more frequent updates, work in progress pictures, news, and such can be had here on my Facebook Page: Darkling Treasures on Facebook
xo!
Em
- For those of you who were curious and couldn't figure it out on your own: H.F.S.= Holy Fucking Shit
Visit my website- tons of images available as art prints and posters: darklingtreasures.com
Loads of fun stuff- T shirts, stickers, mugs, stationery, bags, buttons, and more in my Zazzle Shop!
Hi guys!
So, this month's re-work piece is "Buttons"- she was originally a 7" x 5" pen and ink sketch/illustration...and I am turning her into a 10" x 8" painting! Here is the ink version of "Buttons":
I do have an ACEO print of her up for auction on eBay HERE- probably one of the very last ones of this version EVER to be made! I will include one with the new painting as well, but you may want to grab one up before they are all gone :) Additionally, you can order other print/poster sizes through this page on my website- "Buttons" illustration artwork + print order info
So...here are some work in progress shots (crappy ones, and for that I apologize, and will blame my iPod camera):
As you can see, I have added a bit of a 'story' to her, with some slightly wonky props and furniture. I told myself I would NOT use every color in the rainbow on this piece, but I think that might have been wishful thinking...
I am mostly working on cartoon/comic art at the moment, so I hope you can forgive my lack of updates and such. Running two completely different operations gets a little...well, fucking batshit crazy. I can't lie, and I can't not swear, because I want the emphasis. Also, because once in awhile I feel the need to remind everyone that while I may paint pretty things, I have a pretty...gritty personality. That is not to say I cannot be sweet, but...Uhh...something something...cavities? Yeah :P
Before I 'sign off', though, I would like to remind you all of all my OTHER auctions happening on eBay- you can see them all HERE! I've been listing some of the Mermaid March Madness originals (you can see which ones are available on my website HERE- if you don't want to wait for the one you want to go up for auction, just send me an email!) I've also been rotating in some older original paintings and illustrations, as I need to do a bit of spring cleaning! :) I will have another post in the very near future about other art stuff, so...be on the look out for that! :)
Remember- more frequent updates, work in progress pictures, news, and such can be had here on my Facebook Page: Darkling Treasures on Facebook
xo!
Em
Visit my website- tons of images available as art prints and posters: darklingtreasures.com
Loads of fun stuff- T shirts, stickers, mugs, stationery, bags, buttons, and more in my Zazzle Shop!
I had a lot of fun painting her, and even have a song for this painting!! I thought "why not post a song with every finished painting, Em?" Sooo, here is Magnetic Fields- "Deep Sea Diving":
Now, about this pretty mermaid girl- "Blue Dutchess" is an ORIGINAL 11" x 14" acrylic painting on canvas board. She is a multi-layered creation, swimming through some very strange water...Somewhere along the line, I decided that my work should be reflecting the messes that it often takes to get them made. I know, I know, it's just a freakin' mermaid, sheesh, why get all deep and philosophical about her? But there's always more under the surface. Ramble ramble ramble ;)
Sooo, anyhoo, she is currently up for auction on eBay, you can see her/bid/share on FB/twitter/wherevererrererer at this link: "Blue Dutchess" mermaid reworked original fantasy art on eBay I should also note that the auction for the original painting includes the last ACEO print of the illustrated version of this beauty!
I think that is all for this post. I have a million other things I want to post about, but the paintings get their own special minute ;)
More frequent updates, work in progress pictures, news, and such can be had here on my Facebook Page: Darkling Treasures on Facebook
xo!
Em
Visit my website- tons of images available as art prints and posters: darklingtreasures.com
Loads of fun stuff- T shirts, stickers, mugs, stationery, bags, buttons, and more in my Zazzle Shop!
Hello!!
Didn't mean to drop off the face of the blogosphere, but...life happened. I do have some work in progress pictures of the "Dutchess" re-paint for you! Also, some MORE updates, yeesh...
So, this is the original illustration of "Dutchess":
There is ONE ACEO print of this version of "Dutchess" left, up for auction HERE on eBay! I will also be including an ACEO print of this version with the NEW PAINTING ;)
She was originally a little ACEO piece, but NOW she is becoming a large 11" x 14" painting!! Complete with my messy ink look!! A few progress shots for you:
As of this blog post, she is complete, and I should be listing her on eBay sometime in the next few days (I will have a seperate post for that!), barring any severe craziness (I may have just cursed myself there...)
Also- Mermaid March Madness is over, but go ahead and visit my website HERE to see ALL 31 of them!! There are still many available for purchase- each one is $15...I am slowly listing those that are available on eBay, too....Mermaids and More on eBay!
Now, quick updates:
First, I have gone ahead and revamped my eBay listing template- Nothing intense, I just wanted it to look more like my website :) So, for those of you who have noticed the change, and were possibly wondering what was going on with that- yes, it is still lil ol me! We are not attaching ourselves to EBSQ anymore, which leads me into update #2:
I will be removing my art from EBSQ- it's a long and slightly poopy story, but let's just say I don't like to pay for services that are not provided, and we'll leave it at that. I will be moving over to deviantart.com- slowly...very slowly. I have decided, for reasons related to sanity, to retire MOST OF MY ART. I know, that's a LOT of art to retire. What I mean when I say "retire"- I mean, no more prints. I DO NOT MEAN relinquishing my copyrights. I do not mean throwing my art in the garbage (maybe a few pieces). I will be 'curating' the works of mine that I have chosen to NOT retire...things will be set up a bit differently. I want to organize them into "stories" or "similar voices" or...eh, it's hard to explain. So that will take a bit of thinking on my part (dang, I can't ever escape the thinking!!!) I will certainly keep you posted!!
The print set up for all my new pieces (beginning with "Fool's Blood") will also be a bit different...I've been pondering the limited edition vs open edition point. I just realized, I have probably bored you to tears with this. This is probably what I am thinking about when you are talking to me in person and I have a glazed look on my face...Or maybe I actually look like I am listening to you? I have very little idea what is going on outside my inner world, and my studio, lately. I hope that I have been decent enough to you that you would naturally have a touch of patience for me at this time :)
Visit my website- tons of images available as art prints and posters: darklingtreasures.com
Loads of fun stuff- T shirts, stickers, mugs, stationery, bags, buttons, and more in my Zazzle Shop!
Oh, good, I have finally found some time to post my new painting!!! Yay!! I also have a few other random things to share...actually, just mermaids. Lots of mermaids. And the new painting!!
Okay, first the new painting...I have decided to keep the working title "Fool's Blood", because that's what it is, that's what SHE is...*ahem* Anyhoo..."Fool's Blood" is an original 11" x 14" acrylic painting on a canvas panel. She is signed, sealed, wired, ready to hang as is or frame...all that good stuff!! I have put her up for auction on eBay- the link below the picture will take you to the auction, where you are invited to come check out the detail pictures, share via your preferred social media outlet, place a bid, etc, etc (hint hint):
I don't really want to get into the specifics of how she came to be (pain, obviously) but I will tell you some things about the process of this particular painting...For one thing, it is REALLY DIFFICULT to paint while you are crying. It just does not work. It's hard to see, plus I am not too sure how archival teardrops are...I'd think not so much. Secondly, this version of this song:
Now, I don't normally go for dubstep, but the elements of 'robot noise' really brought it home. Go ahead and judge me if you must, I will understand.
After finding this song, I went out and rented Requiem for a Dream (which I have seen before, and certainly recommend to anyone with a strong psyche)...which led me to develop a strange and totally random celebrity crush on Marlon Wayans. So. That was my February, or at least the creative part of it. Of course I did lots of other stuff, too. But this blog is not about those things.
Hmmm, I hope you know I did not mean to make anyone feel sad, I just wanted to share my process. It is not all sunshine and rainbows, you know, being an artist...being an Emily. ;P Now, how about some pretty pretty mermaids? Hahaha :) Let me explain: March Madness!! My version, of course! It is consisting of one brand new mermaid illustration every single day for the month of March! All of them are available for purchase (save the ones that have already sold). Everything is right here on this special page on my website:
A Mermaid A Day for March Here's a picture of one of my personal favorites:
So, that is about it for the moment. I will try to do a rework this month, but...I am not sure if I will have time! We will save that for another post :)
xo!
Em
Visit my website- tons of images available as art prints and posters: darklingtreasures.com
Loads of fun stuff- T shirts, stickers, mugs, stationery, bags, buttons, and more in my Zazzle Shop!
Hi hi!
So, making progress on this painting- I think I have decided to call her "Fool's Blood"...at least, that is the working title. Here she is with some color in her skin:
And here with some background colors:
At this point, all the base colors are in there, I just have many more layers and details to get in there...I am hoping to have her finished up by early March. Dang, that is such a long time for me!! Also, again, my apologies for the crumtastic photos :/
Now, onto some other things...
FIRST! I am having a Birthday Sale in my etsy shop- Darkling Treasures etsy shop turns FIVE!! Celebrate with me- here is a 25% off coupon code for you- UROCKROCK - use it at checkout, save monies! (lasts until March 1 at 12am EST)
Click HERE to visit my shop and check out all my goodies and fantasy art!!
A new small painting- "Gossamer(maid) has swum out of my head and onto canvas for you to see! She is a small 7" x 5" piece, in lots of flowing layers of acrylic paint...there are even two jellyfish watching her explore! This piece is a bit more abstract that I usually work, but I like her. She is currently available for adoption via eBay auction- check out the link below her picture for all the info:
Of course, I always have a HANDFUL of art listed for auction on eBay...You can see all the pieces on one page by clicking HERE!
I have been sketching up a small storm of pretty ladies and other random things...Not exactly sure what I am going to do with them all...I was considering some sort of "sketch adoption" which would also be a great way to get a custom Emily piece without me actually having to go full scale commission. Hmmm...hmmm...More thinking is to be done on this subject :)
So...I guess that's about all for now. I'll be back soon, hopefully with a finished painting ;)
xo!
Em
Visit my website- tons of images available as art prints and posters: darklingtreasures.com
Loads of fun stuff- T shirts, stickers, mugs, stationery, bags, buttons, and more in my Zazzle Shop!
