Inked in ranch

Inked in

Thanksgiving is over and the company has gone home.  I spent a couple of days inking this in, right before the holiday, and am now on the the watercolors.  The pavers turned out fine, which was my main concern.  All of those vanishing lines had to work out well or it would definitely. look off.  I must have drawn them at least 3 times before I inked.  The rest of the house is pretty simple with brick below and stucco above.  The landscaping with add nice greens to contrast with the re/brown tones of the house.  I think it is going to turn out well.

Another California commission

 

California ranch house

This one isn’t quite as quirky as the last one, but it is a gift for the grandparents of my client, so I am sure it holds just as many memories.  It has variegated red brick on the lower area and stucco above, with black shutters and off white trim.  The parking area is made of red pavers and that may be the hardest thing of all to draw.  A lot can get wonky with so many lines.  The inking has started and I expect to finish and get it in the mail right after Thanksgiving.

 

It’s off to California

California cabin

I finished the little California cabin and it’s in the mail today. I am pretty pleased with the way the portrait turned out. The house seems to be a cozy place that the owners have put a lot of love into.  The trellis, climbing bougainvillea, and those cute yellow chairs are wonderful additions to the curbside appeal as well as the livability of the house.  They certainly add color and interest to a very simple house.  The recycled siding adds an aged look to a modern remodel.  The owners have worked hard to change a small, one room building into the lovely home of their dreams with thoughtful additions and landscaping.

I am already at work on the next Christmas gift portrait and expect to get another order very soon.  It is getting closer to the holiday season and I am always happy when people are proactive about their order request.  I hate turning someone down because it is too late to get it out in time.

California cabin commission

A California cabin

Just when I went back to the Jasper streetscape, I got a surprise Christmas commission. Not that I am complaining of course, but usually people contact me first, asking lots of questions about me and my process before they purchase. This one just appeared in my Etsys sales as a nice surprise.  I guess she just liked my samples and feedback and didn’t feel the need for reassurances.

I was able to start pretty quickly after she sent the pictures and this is the result.  It was a small one room structure that they have added onto and made into a full time residence.  Its simple design will be enhanced with the trellis and accompanying bougainvillea vines as well as bright yellow chairs on the patio. The siding is weather boards, either gray with brown undertones or brown with gray undertones.  I’ll have to get that clear before starting the watercolors.  The furniture and flowers will have to provide the colors for this one.

Back to Jasper

Inking Jasper

Now that I have finished the last commission, I’m going back to the inking for the Jasper, Indiana storefront.  There is a lot going on in this little streetscape.  The brick has vertical embellishments at the top and the window staging is busy.  On this nice weather day, they have put quite a bit out onto the sidewalk, too.

The building to the left adds its own special qualities.  Its windows shelter under a big canopy and the brickwork is accented nicely with limestone and the raised double squarish pattern.  The facade has a nice little parapet on top to break up a flat roofline.

There is still quite a bit of inking left before I get to the watercoloring.  With blue gray brick, this one won’t be as colorful as the others, but I think its interesting architectural features will make up for it.