Ink it up

Two more days until 24 Hour Comics begins.  Before that, there's a "Buckaroo Banzai" 30th anniversary showing to attend, followed by a night of murderous mayhem (artistically speaking) at the annual Art of Horror opening.

And because my plate was simply not full enough, I am trying to squeak in the Inktober challenge to boot!  Read about the challenge here on his site, and browse through his artwork.  Wow, he can handle the ink.

Last year, for my first attempt at the challenge, I went with photos of people I found online (a mix of friends & celebrities.)  I didn't quite complete the challenge, sort of fizzled at about 14 or 15 (and only posted up to #12.)
This year my goal is to draw a different "Mode de Monstre" piece each day.  Size will be 4" x 6" and they'll remain black & white for now.

So without further ado, I present my Inktober #1 for 2014:

#Inktober day 1, Ink on paper, 4" x 6" ©2014 Kristin Richland

Just about destroyed that old 005 Micron with this drawing! 

Two classes coming up!

Dates are confirmed!
I'm offering the intro-style "Unlock Your Inner Creature" class for a second time (see this post for details on what to expect) on Saturday September 13th, and will follow that with a second class on Saturday September 27th:  "Breathing Life Into Your Creature."
In the "Breathing Life Into Your Creature" class, we'll be working with body language and facial expressions, as well as creating texture and pattern with fur, feathers, scales and maybe even plaids.  

Sketchbook pages, Lion study.  Pencil, watercolor, acrylic.  9"x9" each
(c) Kristin Richland 2014

Both classes will be held from 2-4 p.m. on their respective dates, at Artists' Mediums in Williston, VT. $40/person per class.  

Materials are included for the first class.  For the second class, "Breathing Life Into Your Creature," students are asked to bring their own favorite colors in markers, pens, pencils and/or watercolors to use in addition to what I provide.  

Since I've just confirmed the dates, we don't have this info on the store website yet, please contact me if you have questions!  More details will come soon.

"Lupus Trifectus" watercolor and ink on paper, 6"x4" (c) Kristin Richland 2014
(it was only after posting this for all to see that I realized the Latin for rabbit isn't lupus!)

Artists' Mediums refund policy:  Class fees can be refunded up to 85% if we are notified at least two weeks before the start of the class. A full refund will be given if Artists’ Mediums Inc. needs to cancel for any reason.

Please sign up early for classes. This gives us time to order the correct amount of supplies and prevents us from canceling the class if there doesn't seem to be any interest.

Up-Coming Creature Class Announced

 Unlock Your Inner Creature

with Kristin Richland of Sweet Enemy Art

Saturday July 12th, 2014

2:30 - 4:30

Artists' Mediums, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Williston VT 05495

Cost:  $40/person 

Call now to register!

(802) 879-1236

Owl Slippers, sketchbook drawing
copyright 2014 Kristin Richland

Ballpoint pen people,  sketchbook drawing
copyright 2014 Kristin Richland

This is a class aimed at those of you who wish to create whimsical, inventive creatures WITHOUT the pressure of making something realistic.  No prior drawing experience is necessary.  

We will experiment with materials and ways of seeing. The goal is to loosen up, have fun, and go home with some new creature friends and the skills and knowledge to make more!

Materials are provided, but feel free to bring a favorite pen or paintbrush.  Come ready to get your hands dirty and you may want to wear "studio" clothes or an apron.  

Pre-registration required by July 8th, 2014.  Please call Artists' Mediums at (802) 879-1236 or (800) 255-1290 to register.  

All levels welcome.  Ages 16 and up.

Refund Policy :

Dancing Bears, sketchbook drawing
copyright 2014 Kristin Richland

Class fees can be refunded up to 85% if we are notified at least two weeks before the start of the class. A full refund will be given if Artists’ Mediums Inc. needs to cancel for any reason.

Please sign up early for classes. This gives us time to order the correct amount of supplies and prevents us from canceling the class if there doesn't seem to be any interest.

Barnyard Blobs,  sketchbook drawing
copyright 2014 Kristin Richland

The Transportation Project!

IbexMobile, Mouse Skates, Cat Cars and more!  

Mouse Skates!

Flying Carpet Bears on their way to a new home!  (Sold!)

Chrysler LeBearOn!

I have started a series of small drawings that are all transport related.  If you're wondering what  inspired this, well, it finally happened:  my beloved car bit the dust (dramatically!)  

For the past few weeks Arkonbey and I have carpooled, but our schedules are getting crazy and we need the second car.  That's where you come in.  I have priced these drawings to sell QUICK.  

Stay tuned to this blog, where I'll be posting the drawings when they go live in my Etsy shop.  You can also follow posts on the Sweet Enemy Art Facebook page.  

Another drawing posted today, December 7th!

Mouse Skates

New drawings posted December 5th!  

Diamond-Eyed Cat Car

Bear Chariot

Shooooes!

Chrysler LeBearOn

Basically, any art you buy from me right now, online at Society6, Etsy, or in person, will really help me towards my goal.  

P.S. I'm already working on two commissions, so I won't be taking requests for anything before January.  Lots of goodies are available in the studio though, so leave a comment here if you're looking for something.  

Seven Goat Coat, 24 Hour Comics Day 2012 preview

Hello there!  So to catch you up, we're at hour 13.5 in our 24 hour stretch of drawing comics here at the Winooski Welcome Center in Winooski VT.  That means it's 11:30 p.m. E.S.T. and I'm feeling pretty punchy.  Here are three more page previews.  Once we're settled back at home, real scans will be made.
Which reminds me!  I will also try and post my 2011 twelve-page comic.  I don't think I have yet!

I am at page 7 so far (not counting the cover) so there is some semblance of hope.  I'm also the blogger for our event (which means also FB & Twitter, etc.) so I have to be kinda realistic.   One bonus with having the computer right here at hand:  GOAT IMAGE SEARCH.  I am so happy with my goat on the right.  He's a pretty boy.

five hours in and three pages finished...

It's 24 Hour Comics day, once again & around the world!  I'm at the Winooski Welcome Center with many of our usual crew from previous years at Artists' Mediums.  Once again I'm just attempting a twelve page story where everyone else has hopes of doing a full 24 page piece.  

The story seed I pulled out of the bag was "A Seven Goat Coat."  Which has a lot of potential, but right now I feel like I'm just treading water with it.  Five pages plotted out loosely and I'm not sure if it's going to turn into a teenage angst story (don't we have enough of those) or a magical realism story.  

Just one more comment for now:  Urgh, why in the world did I choose to do a story with humans!

(Edited to add that I'm feeling a bit better about the characters now (page 7), but it was a rough climb to get there.)

Art Hop Preview: Rattus

Rattus:  A portrait

Graphite on paper.

©Sweet Enemy Art 2012

Going to the DOGS

Old school nibs and super-dooper modern brush pen,
bringing you the Bernese and a variety of fluffy things.

Ahhh... I do love a new fine line pen.  Getting a little shaggy on the Maltese here.

And then I had to draw something other than dogs for a few minutes.
But of course the dogs snuck back in.
At least they're napping.

HORROR! Or: Why I love October

The weather has taken a turn for the wonderful, almost tempting me to sleep out on the deck tonight.  However, after seeing some of our resident spiders this weekend, I think I'll pass.

"Spider Silk" will be at the Art of Horror show in October
©Sweet Enemy Art

Still, occasional wood-smoke on the wind, the trees turning to gold, and oh yes,
the spooky sundries of Halloween.  We don't have any trick-or-treaters up this way, which is sad, but I still get to pull out some of our fun creepy stuff for the heck of it.  In the week leading up to Halloween, Arkonbey often has a lit jack-o-lantern ready to greet me when I arrive home late & tired.  Add to this fresh local cider & cider donuts, and life is generally better.

Now I have another reason to be excited for October:  The Art Of HORROR exhibit is about to start, and this year, three of my pieces have been juried in!  There may be one or two more, depending on what I can accomplish in the next 36 hours (besides sleep & a day job.)

The Art of Horror opens on Friday October 7th at my favorite haunt: The S.P.A.C.E. Gallery; as part of the Burlington First Friday Artwalk.  Opening reception is from 5 to 9 p.m. and includes ghost stories and a chance to have your fortune told.
I'll be there until about 8 p.m. (having a brother's birthday bonfire to attend the same night, at least my double-bookings are interesting!)

The exhibit will display through the following dates, and open hours: October 7th – October 29th, open Thursday – Saturday from 11-4pm

Do you Facebook?  Here's the event page for The Art of Horror.

Also!  This Saturday at 9 a.m. Arkonbey and I launch into our FIFTH year of 24 Hour Comics Day.  Aside from reading lots of webcomics, I've been musing about which medium to use this year.  Other than that, trying to keep my mind open so that I can start with a clean slate.  And a little less caffeine than my first year :)

Poster designed by my own Arkonbey, in-house designer extraordinaire

Paint anything, on EVERYTHING... Oil Paintstiks workshop is coming up!

Hello Art Friends & Fiends! 


I'm teaching a one-day workshop which will introduce you to a very versatile painting medium:  Shiva Artists' Oil Paintstiks.

These look like giant crayons, but are actually fine oil paint in stick form.  Paintstiks are safe to use on fabric (soft, wearable & washable); paper (thin, thick, textured, smooth); and much more. They do not require solvents, but are completely compatible with all oil painting mediums if you so choose. 
As usual, it's another mixed-media friendly product that I get rather excited about!


All materials are provided for participants.  We're going to cover the basics of how to use them, primarily on fabric and paper, but I'll have samples on hand of how Painstiks work on other surfaces as well.  


 (One thing I'm working on with these is painting an old metal filing cabinet.  Not sure if I'll manage to haul it to the store for the event, but I'll try!)

Class is from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (with a break for lunch) on Saturday Sept. 17th at Artists' Mediums. There is only room for eight students, and it's coming up quick!  You can follow the link above for more information.  If you're interested in attending, contact the store directly at:  (802) 879-1236 to sign up.  

Hope to see you there. If you aren't able to make it, please help me spread the word!

Cheers,
Kristin

The shop is reloaded!

I had one of those AAAGH! moments this afternoon when I realized that my lovely Etsy shop, the one I had just directed over 90 people on my mailing list to, had gone empty.
(gasp, ack, ack, wheeze.)

Well, it's looking much better now, and in fact I'm quite pleased with the selections.  Here are a few samplings:







 Arkonbey hadn't even seen "Cat helps with the Harvest" yet.  There are always so many little pieces of art around here, it's no wonder I'm slow to inventory everything!  Etsy is actually helping me bring everything into line.  Thank goodness, that means more art for you guys.


Cheers!

Some creatures on bikes

Let's just be clear, here:  I have lived with Arkonbey for a long time, and there are always bicycles in the house.  And yet, I remain completely unaware of how the things are actually constructed.  Far be it from me to actually go and look at one.  I mean, there are only a paltry few to choose from.  Regardless, here are a few creatures, on my interpretations of those two-wheeled devices.

Cat on a bike 1 ©SweetEnemyArt

Cat on a bike 2  ©SweetEnemyArt

Lemur on a bike  ©SweetEnemyArt

Thing on a bike (For Arkonbey) ©SweetEnemyArt

Thing on a bike was the progenitor of this series, by the way.

Small Picture Exhibition opens this Friday

Nazgul Bride  Graphite on paper  ©Sweet Enemy Art 2010

I've submitted two pieces to the annual Member's Small Picture Exhibition at the Bryan Memorial Gallery, which runs through December 23rd 2010.  Obviously, what you see here isn't quite Vermont landscape, but this show usually mixes things up a bit.  I'm curious to see if they hang both my pieces at once, or if the turnout was large enough where only one piece from each artist will show at a time.

Guess I'll have to wait, though, as I'm missing the opening reception this Sunday!  Check back then and you'll see why.  

Incubating ideas

Last night I attended my second meeting with the 'Pollinators', kindly hosted by Sidney E.  This is a group she invited me to take part in, where working artists can bring their in-process-work in for feedback and ideas.  As with the first night, the Mode-de-Monstre work that I brought received the best response.  Sculpture keeps coming up as a response when I show my drawings, and Wylie mentioned an iron pour that takes place in Burlington.  My response has been rather giddy.  I got out my roma plastilina clay when I got home, but it's tricky to work with (and my hands stank all night.)  This is something I'll probably need to talk with some other sculptors about.

I'm also halfway through a class with Alyson Stanfield of artbizcoach.com and it's simultaneously overwhelming and energizing.  Tons of "to do's" are threatening to topple over onto me, so thank goodness arkonbey has stepped up to the plate and is, well, washing the plates.  Ladies and Gents, my man makes dinner and he does the dishes. 

The shop! The shop!

The shop is alive!

Ten original pieces have made their way onto Etsy.  I feel like I've done a technology workout this evening, but it was all worth it.  Here's a few pieces that you'll find there:

Ghost Cat, one of the most recent mini-cat watercolors (1.25 x 1.25 inches) is at the top of the list.  Now that I've blown the image size up here on the screen, I don't know if I can part with him!  Excuse me while I go jack up the price.  Just kidding.

Favorite Book Bug

Celtic Pup, loose in the book of Kells

My imaginatively-named "Bird Number Two" 

At Arkonbey's suggestion, I've set Mondays aside for business-related activities.  Tonight was one of the more rewarding Mondays, even though it overlapped into Tuesday.  Next week should see a few more pieces in the shop.  Till then, Goodnight!

A pair of birds

I'm waiting to hear if the recipient likes this design.  She'd missed her chance on obtaining an earlier piece of mine, so I'm revisiting the theme, but it's turned out quite different from the first.  

There's just something I love about the way a crow quill pen scratches across textured watercolor paper.  This may get a bit of color later on.  Remains to be seen.
While drawing this, I took advantage of my fancy-pants laptop's DVD-playing abilities, and went through three episodes of "All Creatures Great And Small" (Season One.)
Fantastic show, and I'm familiar enough with it that I just listened to it, audio book style.

Off to the Studio Center!

Feather Study, originally uploaded by Sweet Enemy Art.

Vermont Art Week starts today!
I'm taking a short break before I load up the car with tons and tons of stuff and head to the VSC. It's gorgeous weather outside, though chilly.
The laptop will stay behind with Arkonbey but I'll bring my camera, so next week there will be a post (or two) of images documenting my time away away away!

Bug Parade part two

More Bugs! Again, these are about 5.5"x 5" actual size.
And may I just say how much I love advance posting? Because if you're reading this at on Sunday morning, I'm not at my computer, I'm on my way to the 20th Annual Children's Illustration show with my friend KW! I need to brush up on who's going to be there, just in case, you know, I get to actually meet any of them... (I'm just a bit giddy.)

Now, back to bugs:
#3.) Garden Bug Parade


#4.) Favorite Book Bug

Please note: I'm always open to suggestions for more bugs. Or bug situations.
Somewhere in my studio there's a slow-moving bug that keeps showing up this time of year, I'll have to do a portrait of him sometime. Most recently this bug was crawling all over Purple Easter Man while I was working on his portrait. But perhaps I should first find out if he's a good bug or bad.

Bug Parade part one

Here are a few small (5.5" x 5") drawings I plan to either put in the local library show, or post to Etsy. Once I've matted them I'll know where they're headed...

#1.) Gentleman's Stroll

#2) Walking the Beetle

Inking away

My poor, neglected acrylic paints.
They think I don't care for them anymore.
This past week it's been all about ink. And more ink.

Arkonbey & I have been following Jake Parker's blog, especially his wonderful execution of an ink drawing a day for the whole month of "Inktober"
(Not only does he post his own fantastic artwork, he also provides extra inspiration via ink illustrations by other artists, some well-known, others new to me)

A few months ago I dug up my old bamboo pen and did a few big ink portraits, as yet un-photographed. But for your viewing pleasure, and also because I wanted to write an entry for the AM Blog, I present to you some new work: portraits of Buzzy (top) and Purple Easter Man (with chair.)
Higgins non-waterproof ink on 11x14 paper, with nibs by Speedball & a new favorite, though vintage: Esterbrook.
More to be seen on the Artists' Mediums Blog!