Mermaid summer

I've been busy in the mermaid workshop now that summer is almost here...

A few are ready to swim off to new homes 

Frida, inspired by her wonderful quote about drowning pain. 165.00 available

 https://www.facebook.com/darklingwoods/posts/10153666438837196 through Facebook before adding to Etsy Shop

And this lovely pink swimmer 125.00

More to come! They are all original pieces on a thick wood cradle ready for hanging.

Bright Blooms

Bright blooms are in the works!

If you notice I tend to work in a different style with acrylics. My watercolors are more detailed while the acrylics allow for a more expressionistic approach. Yes I'm a contradiction :)  These will be available later in the week when complete!

Welcome to Night Vale

I'm giddy that our small library has the Night Vale novel! Do not loose faith, the bizarre, the theater of the absurd can be found almost any where you look! If you haven't had a chance to listen to the brilliant podcast you have a treat in store for you. Originality, humor, philosophy with a dash of horror and romance, what more could anyone ask for? 

Fairy Garden

Sharing my latest commissions for a lovely patron who requested red haired  fairies! acrylic on wood. 

Winter Fox

A winter fox in watercolor, second in my seasons series, I'm working on a summer swan next along with a few more commissions!  

Attempting a brighter Monday

Made a trip to the local book mine,  a nice way to end a stressful Monday! Could spend all day here but they close early :)

Was craving a lavender coffee from "Brew" 

But sadly they close early on Mondays

Maybe next time.. 

I did bring home a treasure to feed my 

Pre-Raphaelite obsession 

Hope your Monday is lovely!

Summer Works

Still working on summer paintings - wishing I had a rose garden so I created a bouquet (These two are already sold to collectors) 

Angel daily painting 

Daily Painting

Having trouble finding studio time this summer so I decided to try a daily painting challenge. Would love to hear any tips from those of you who have tried it. Here is my Monday painting will do my best to keep it up!

Took a road trip to the Keys and enjoyed the laid back welcoming atmosphere and the animals! Key deer outside a restaurant, iguanas sunning, extra toed cats ruling the roost at the Hemingway house and roosters strutting along the Beach! So much inspiration!

Missing the Mountains

Missing the mountains-this scarf still isn't finished! Something about knitting in a rocking chair by the river that sets the mood!

Rose Wood

New print just listed - Rose Wood

 

I've been in a woodland mood, sketching many flowers and vines- new animal paintings should ready soon!

Prints available at https://www.etsy.com/listing/224228635/rose-wood-print-of-nature-girl-painting

Heartbreak Hotel

Beautiful Tampa Theater 

Attended the wonderful Heartbreak Hotel presented by Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer on Valentine's Saturday.  Amanda sang! Neil sang! Stories told of heartbreak (and horror) all in all a magical time! A lovely review of the show ishttp://www.tampabay.com/blogs/soundcheck/review-neil-gaiman-amanda-palmer-share-tales-of-love-heartbreak-at-the/2217842  

I have to mention that the Tampa theater was one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen. If you are ever in the area be sure to check it out. 

Summer blooms

Found a bush full of these beauties while visiting a friend in Orlando for her birthday. I'm told they are Passion flowers, They are so striking I didn't think they were real at first!

Later we visited Savannah and the Bonaventure Cemetery, they have statues of ethereal beauty and stunning oaks with Spanish moss by the river. 

And these pretties were growing wild by the banks 

Are these wisteria? I'm feeling inspired to paint purple flowers and maybe an angel or two!

“All grown-ups were once children... but only few of them remember it.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince 

I can't think of a book that had a greater impact in my childhood than "The Little Prince" This pop up version looks delightful, I can remember wearing my pop outs out as a child I loved them so. I hope they still delight in this digital age. 

Beautiful article at Brian Pickings on the "Little Prince"

I've had several requests for another Poe, so I created this portrait for the first EHAG emporium of 2014. EHAG is a group of professional artists who create one of a kind Halloween inspired art. Once a month new pieces are unveiled on the EHAG blog- this month there are 17 new creations from hand sculpted dolls to paintings and ornaments! If you have Halloween spirit year round be sure and check us out at the blog

Back to the whirlwind of school! I did a get a couple of pieces finished over break, here is "Night Lotus" a  original now available in my shop

New Years Wish

My New Years wish for you,

  An extra slice of your favorite pie. A visit to a place you've been longing to go. Room for mistakes, time for trying new things. Friends who cheer you on (and that you don't listen much to those who don't) That you remember what you do matters, if its for one or a hundred. To treat yourself with a little more care.

                                                          Noel by Cat Mallard

Hope you had a most magical season and brightest blessings in the New Year!
Cat

Happy Halloween!

My newest Bride and i wish you a day filled with magic (and treats!) 

A Little Poe

A friend passed along these wonderful vintage frames that were her mothers, and I thought they called for old fashioned watercolor portraits. Who better than my childhood favorite Poe?

I did plan to put him in my shop but my hubby is crazy over it so I think he gets to hang it up! He also suggested who should be the next portrait but I'll leave that a surprise!

Mad Hatter

Back from holiday! Had a wonderful road trip to Miami with a group of friends and my girls.  First day back was my birthday and I found out my Mad Hatter mixed media painting was featured in the new Somerrset Studio magazine, so that was a nice surprise.  It's a wonderful issue filled with eye candy and heart, I'm thrilled to be included!
So the shop is open again and I'm getting ready for what summer brings next, weddings, the beach and spending as much time with friends and family as I can on these slower days. Well, its supposed to move a little slower but it doesn't always seem that way! I've started a couple of new pieces that I hope to complete before school starts. I'll try and share a peak soon.

Pippi

Schools out, time for some adventures outside the art classroom!  I painted this Pippi Longstocking the last week of school, I think my inner Pippi was tired of scrubbing the deck (ie end of the year cleaning) and ready to set sail! 

I had an amazing year working with High Schoolers and the adventure that is AP art. I'm already planning for next year and we've been out 2 days! I have a few new projects of my own to tackle this summer, and plan to spend as much time enjoying family and friends as I can (road trip!)  I will be putting my shop on vacation for a couple of weeks, but will reopen soon! 

Happy Summer! 

Cat

Return to Middle Earth...

"Luthien" 

““The leaves were long, the grass was green,
The hemlock-umbels tall and fair,
And in the glade a light was seen
Of stars in shadow shimmering.
Tinuviel was dancing there
To music of a pipe unseen,
And light of stars was in her hair,
And in her raiment glimmering.

From "The Simarillion" JRR Tolkien
New watercolor I just sent off to California "The Unexpected Art Show" Hosted by TheOneRing.net 

as part of the  2013 Oscar Party weekend. It was wonderful going back to Tolkien's world for inspiration, the hardest part was deciding on what to choose! "The Lay of Luthien and Beren" won out, although I'd like to do another piece with Luthien and Huan! 

Olafur Arnalds and Nils Frahm Improvisation in Berlin



I've gone back to this clip numerous times, the creative process is so immediate and inspiring. Since I don't play there is always an added element of mystery when watching musical performances, especially improvisations. I hope you enjoy!

Fall news!

Fall is in the air! Even here in sunny (humid!) Florida things are a bit cooler and crisp. We've lit a few fires in the fireplace this week though I'll admit we might of jumped the gun there. It's just so cozy to have a fire going!

For the holiday weekend I've reduced prices on originals in my shop and will be listing this new print inspired by Delirium of the Endless, "Feeding on Stars"  I'm also posting updates on my facebook page for new originals!

I hope you are having a pie filled, stress free start to your holiday season!

Moon Bunnies

 Time seems be getting away from me, so many ideas so little time! I was happy to find time to complete this piece. I've been wanting to revisit the stories of rabbit in the moon for sometime and I don't think its quite through with me yet.




 In other things celestial, have you seen the new Pixar short "La Luna"? (it screened with Disney's Brave) I was absolutely spellbound watching it. Writer/Director Enrico Casarosa weaves a magical tale that while fresh and new feels timeless and seeped in tradition.   Clip from "La Luna" Enrico's delightful blog is here 
wonderful behind the scenes peeks and sketches!

Happy star gazing!