Advent Calendar

Ever since I started preparing items for my Etsy Store I was toying with the idea to include an Advent Calendar in the list. My biggest issue was that I could not find a wooden item that didn't look flimsy. I wanted something sturdy, something that would last for a long time and could be handed down to the next generation.

As they often say, doing your homework pays off in the end- I found such an item. I was extremely excited when I received it and  my hands were itching to start working on it right away. Unfortunately, as always happens, I had so much other stuff on my plate at the moment that I had to postpone it.

Woodburning the piece was a wonderful experience. There is nothing else that you can compare to the pure creative process of imagining how something will look like when it is finished. Although I knew that this piece would look gorgeous when it is done, I have to admit my imagination didn't do it justice. I love it so much that I was tempted to keep it for myself and not sell it.

Isn't it stunning?

Here is some detail too

The cute little drawers are small enough, yet big enough too. Perfect for any treat or trinket. 

And the best part? You can purchase that piece in my Etsy store with a 10% Off Coupon until Christmas. 

Faces

While I was looking through my old picture stash I found these and I wanted to share. There aren't that many people who agreed to pose for me through the years, so these are definitely special. I rarely draw people. I don't know why, maybe because it is too time consuming, too frustrating if the model is not still and I like to take my time and totally immerse myself in the details of their faces, especially the eyes. Eyes are my thing, I've always said it, compared to hands, which I hate drawing.

So, to decide to draw a person I have to feel a special connection with the moment, the facial expression, the feeling that radiates from that person, the person itself. In other words, it's complicated.

Kelly-

the kindest, sweetest person you could find. I am so happy I was able to share her special moment a couple of weeks ago. Even if we don't see each other or talk that often, every time we are together is like we have never been apart. That is the portrait of a true friend.

Malenna- 

Although I never met Malenna in person( I know her mom), she is simply stunning little girl. This drawing was my first charcoal study and I never drew another. 

Noelia- 

She is the most beautiful pregnant woman I have ever seen. People often say pregnant women have this special aura, now I believe it. Noelia was simply radiant. 

Jo-Jo -

 is a bright young man now, but as far as I hear, he still  has the same mischievous smile.

Kalin- 

my very own, my only little big boy that wants to be e grown up. How did he pose his fingers like that, I still can't explain.

Ellie- 

my other one ;-). Now this little cutie loved to tickle tree leaves. Her first apple picking was unbelievable fun, there were many pictures taken and of course, the drawing followed.

Sofia- 

just look at her eyes! She is older now, writing in her traveling journal, a sophisticated young lady.Same beautiful, wise eyes, though.

Alex- 

the love of my life. Nothing more beautiful than to watch his peaceful face while he is sleeping.

Annie

Corel Painter 12 Test Drive

Now is the time to announce that there are many changes coming up in the beginning of 2013 connected with my website and more. What is more...will remain a secret for now. Trust me, it's not easy for me to keep it a secret since it wants to burst out of me like an alien, but I'll do my best.



So, while we are on the subject of changes, one of the projects that is coming up required some research on digital drawing software. My Wacom Bamboo tablet and Corel Painter Essentials software are serving me well( I don't know if you remember my project with the hand drawn illustrations from  last spring) but I kind of felt that it might be time for a little upgrade. I was eying a new tablet, maybe even Adobe Creative Suite, but the prices are ridiculous. We'll see, Christmas is coming. :-)



Anyway, while I was looking for an upgrade on CPE, I saw that Corel actually has a new and better version, Corel Painter 12. How much better is the better version, I was asking myself. A quick trial of the software gave me the answer. MUCH BETTER. I  mean, I knew it will be better than what I have ( I have the 2007 version, duh), but I didn't expect what I saw. The mixer capabilities, the brushes and materials, not to mention the mirror drawing- it's insane!

In short, I LOVE IT!



The software is so much more intuitive than Corel Painter Essentials, I was able to do this in 30 minutes with no prior experience with the software or with manga.

 I watched this tutorial a couple of days ago and I meant to try it with real pencils on a real piece of paper, but I didn't have time, so downloading Painter 12 today was the perfect opportunity to give it a go.

 Of course, it was a trial-error experience,that is why it took me so much time. I am still not familiar with all the features of Painter 12, but it is simply amazing what it can do.

I was so excited, I wanted to share. Stick around, there will be more new and exciting developments I will share soon. :-)



Annie