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.

Happy Halloween!

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

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!

Hearts and Shadows, Peter Pan

Valentines and fairy tales, Who is the Most Romantic of them All?

   Wendy and Peter are my favorite fairy tale couple. What makes the Neverland pair so special?  flying children and lost boys?  Part of the intrigue for me was that shadow, not as exciting as flying but oh so much more mysterious. Does Peter's shadow only escape in our world or does it slip away from him in Neverland as well?

I couldn't understand why Wendy didn't want to stay in Neverland (of course I could never understand why the Princess would kiss the frog either..wouldn't you rather have a talking frog?) Now that I'm older I can see how Peter wanting her to be the lost boys mother, well isn't the most romantic thing.  But she gains her fame by telling stories, which is pretty fantastic.
But that "thimble" kiss, pixie dust flights over London  and perhaps even the letting each other go have won my heart!
(drawing 2011 Peter and Wendy)

Who is your Favorite Fairy Tale couple? Which prince would you choose to ride up on a white horse this Valentines day?

Sunken Treasures Mermaid Paper Doll Mixed Media

 

"Sunken Treasures" 

 Original sold to collector, prints available here 

 "FAR out in the ocean, where the water is as blue as the prettiest cornflower, and as clear as crystal, it is very, very deep; so deep, indeed, that no cable could fathom it: many church steeples, piled one upon another, would not reach from the ground beneath to the surface of the water above. There dwell the Sea King and his subjects"  from Hans Christian Anderson's Little Mermaid 

A new mixed media paper doll, I do love making them. (Probably because needle and thread vex me so!)  The Little Mermaid is painted in watercolors. Her tale is a passage out of book of pantomimes about brave little sailors.

Mermaid stories, so filled with contradictions have always been intriguing to me. Some like the familiar Anderson's is filled with longing and sacrifice (see sur la Lune) in contrast we have Undine and Selkie stories. Mermaids are creatures portrayed in wide range of personalities from murdering temptresses to tragic innocents. They are everything feared and admired in females, the sinners and saints of the mythological world.

Cephalopod Eve, A Giveaway to Celebrate!

 

"Blush" 2010 Cat Mallard

Yes, tomorrow  October, 8th is International Cephalopod Awareness Day!   and to celebrate its giveaway time! 
The winner will receive a signed 8x10 archival print of my newest painting "Blush"

To enter:
1 entry leave a comment 
2 entries tweet or post the giveaway on your facebook and mention this in a new comment
3 entries?  Blog about the giveaway or "Blush" be sure and comment again so I'll know!

 

Just look at this blue beauty. Do you think he might help me draw the winner? Hmmm he might be too grabby!  In any case the winner will drawn on Friday, Oct. 15th

Happy Cephalopod Day!

Goldilocks and Friend

 

"Just Right" 

After the porridge an unexpected friendship began. 

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one”  C.S. Lewis

 Sometimes friendships start under the most unlikely of circumstances.  I'm always happy to embrace a bit of serendipity! 

A new little painting of Goldilocks and Bear, I'm working on another pair of friends tonight and I'll get "Just Right" listed my shop 

We're All Mad

A new member has joined my mixed media Alice family, Cheshire Cat sitting pretty in a tree!

I've been in a pink mood of late and it just spilled over to this "in the pink" Cheshire kitty. I always loved how Cheshire might mad, but always so calm and cool. A good role model I think!

Prints available here

Pepita's Halloween finest

Congratulations to Tammy, the winner of the beautiful art jar!

My favorite Holiday is right around the corner, *adjusts pointed hat* and I've got goodies galore for you! Giveaways, special gifts and new art, so stay tuned!

I'll be listing this original later today in my etsy shop
"Pepita goes to the Masquerade" The little pumpkin head girl has a special date, doesn't she look delightful? Pepita is painted in watercolors on heavy watercolor paper.

Off to the attic to search for more Halloween decorations!

The Macabre Masquerade

ahhh, The Bride of Frankenstein enters the ballroom of the Macabre Masquerade.  I'm not sure her charming little mask will fool anyone but she feel so elegant wearing it! 

original painted with gouache and watercolors, archival prints here in my Etsy shop

Just in from a short holiday, we waste no time once that last school bell rings! We actually have our bags packed before the last day of school. Feels good to be back home though (we all missed Capt. Jack) and to get back into my studio. I love my day job (most of the time) but once spring hits my mind drifts to summer plans and projects. Of course my first one would be a Halloween theme! Hope you like the Bride, I have another Masquerade attendee in the works (my pumpkin head girl) and I'm having fun deciding on what she should wear!

"Everything I Needed to Know"

"Everything I Needed Know I Learned from Mary Poppins"

Is she coming in for a soft landing or making a graceful exit?

This mixed media piece will be in an exhibit next week in St. Augustine. The theme for the show is spring but little girls in coats kept floating in my mind! Floating and flying, I was fascinated with the idea of flying as a little girl. I'm quite sure I took some leaps with an umbrella with high hopes and air underfoot! I'm relieved I was able to complete her in time for the show, I have two other shows the same day so I'm hard pressed for time. One is for my students, the big county public school show. The other, I have a booth at the Historic Hibernia Arts Festival which thankfully is very close to home!

Peppermint Twist and the Imaginary Circus

"Peppermint Twist" She is a contortionist of course, but right now she is enjoying the night air and wondering where the road will lead.  

I'm having so much fun with the Imaginary Circus. I'm up late at night working on sketches. I hope you like visiting! *passes cotton candy*

Winter Queen

Ah spoke too soon! all this balmy weather and palm trees had me lulled into early spring dreams. I do love the winter, its my favorite really. Somehow its been warm so long it felt as if winter had passed us by. Tomorrow my northern friends you may giggle at this tropical girl who dreams of snow as she searches for mittens in the swim suit drawer. I just know somewhere in my closet *peers deep into the abyss* there is a coat.. at least a jacket? Lady winter is coming to call with chills getting into the 20's by the end of the week. I can't ever remember it being this cold! I'm a bit giddy that we have a fireplace and an excuse to light it. I'm not so excited about the thought of getting up out of a snug bed in that weather!
Perhaps we will see snowflakes!

*dreams of making snow angels*

Kitty

What is it about fall that makes me want to nest? Everyone else spring cleans ... I arrange my long neglected nest in preparation for the holidays.
I'm even enjoying domestic activities like cooking this time of year. I just made wonderful scallops and shrimp with olive oil and garlic *yum* Maybe its the chill in the air, which in itself is a rare jewel here in Florida, or the looming specter of company arriving, but I'm all a flurry with activity that normally I would put off till tomorrow (or the day after!)

My youngest daughter had her first ensemble experience at a county chorus competition, her group made superior and she was so proud. It's almost surreal to see your child breaking away with this new talent blooming. Especially one as foreign as vocals are to me! Its been a wonderful experience for her so far and I think she may even go out for show choir next year.

Speaking of school, I can't believe its almost time for fall break! I've got so many loads of clay pots to fire for the kids .. then glaze and refire before the semester ends *scrambles* I always do this and run full force until the last minute. One day I will learn value of *winding down* Before you know it, a new semester will be here with a new eager and energetic classes! No wonder I want to savor the autum, it is when time seems to travel too fast!


I have had a little time to paint..... this is "Kitty" with her pet bird out enjoying the crisp fall sky.

Violet, studio notes

I will organize my studio today! *nods head determinedly* Its getting a bit crazy with shipping supplies and art supplies and new jewelry supplies vying for attention! I should be realistic and recognize this will take more than one day, but since when have I let reality get in the way! :)
One more Halloween painting for you, meet " Violet"

Calamity, a ghost story

I know you've already met Calamity, but she has such stories to tell I made a book for her. Actually its a book/box that opens up for treasure stashing and secret keeping. On the binding it reads "Calamity Walking on Moon Beams" I do think one day she will evolve into a picture book. I do love her like this though, an open book so to speak :) There is a little jar of star dust wired to the hinge and faded roses in her favorite color.

Pumpkin Lass

Well Pumpkin lass is colored and painted and is generally feeling quite pleased from all the attention all of you have been lavishing on her. If you haven't had a chance, go to the entry below to name her and enter my Halloween drawing!

Ahhh, Autumn, even here in Florida the air is just a touch cooler. We've been taking more walks and I even pulled weeds this weekend and put out some wonderful purple and orange flowers. I can't wait to get the Halloween decorations out of the attic this weekend!

Halloween Give Away!

Another Pumpkin Girl coming to life in my dear moleskine watercolor book. But this one isn't talking.. she just won't tell me her name. So I thought... perfect topic for my first blog giveaway!

The rules

1. post your idea for a name for Pumpkin Girl.

2. make sure you leave contact info

3. I will drop all the entries into a hat for a drawing on Oct. 15th

The winner will receive a special Halloween goody package from my shop

Ella, Little Pumpkin patch girl

I've been busy with Halloween goodies for you!

Meet "Ella" my little pumpkin patch girl. If you notice her mice you might guess why she prefers "Ella" to Ellie (her real name). You see Ella has been reading fairy tales and has a big imagination! She is hoping her fairy godmother will come along one day too. She really prefers her walking shoes to glass slippers though.


And here is "Soot" a sweet little Halloween kitty.









Prints available here

I will be listing the originals Thursday.

Bluebeard *time for scary stories*

Illustration by Gustave Doré
Bluebeard, The fairy tale that reads most like a horror story. I'm actually quite sure I never read this story as a child (and I read a good many tales!) I believe it once was very popular, back when fairy tales weren't so sanitized. This story is pretty difficult to clean up for modern readers.
Bluebeard is the tale of the husband Bluebeard who forbids his new bride to enter one room in their home while he is away. He had been married many times before and the wives have vanished.
Bluebeard for me is a tale of contradictions, curiosity is a dangerous thing in this story, or is it the key to survival? One thing that rings true is once the discovery is out made is no going back. (the image of the key is one of the most powerful in the tale) Somethings cannot be undone.
you can read the whole story here at SurLalune
I've created a minature portrait of one of Bluebeard's unfortunate wives. Its ACEO size 2.5x3.5 inches the original is here. The pocket sized portrait just felt right. I'd also love to do one of heroine of the tale.

I'd love to know if you found this story as a child or later in life?