The Artistic adventures of ScarlettFox

3 dog painting

2010-03-09T13:23:00.000-08:00

This painting is a long time coming!

It was commissioned before last Christmas, but we had to wait on the start due to some photo issues which were resolved only after my 60 hour a week schedule of work/school had restarted. (not including homework, lol) So, I set the date for the painting in March. The beginning of the painting posed an immediate issue. The dog's heads were wide (well, two of them) and took up alot of space horizontally- enough so that standard canvas would not do unless one likes the "squished" look. I stopped progress and ordered a longer style canvas, free of charge to the customer. I will start it back up as soon as canvas and a little free time arrives, which will be soon.

Here's the beginning of the painting. Keep in mind this is just a "sketch" for them most part. It will look nothing like it in the end, but that's the fun of progress photos, right? (:

Thanks for reading

Scarlettfox

Pup Painting for a friend

2010-03-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

Well, I finished this painting in early February, and I'm just posting the photos now. Shameful, really! School and work throw a little wrench in my intentions. However, I am getting invites to join U of M and other universities as my GPA is so high now. I've been working very hard at this, and my love of painting has gone a bit on the back burner. Soon, however, work will have it's summer hiatus, and I will be back on the artistic "ball" so to speak. I have some plans for that time! Here's some photos of Gus, a painting I did for a friend. (the one who commissioned "a forest" see older posts and video.) Thanks for reading!

PS I want to kick myself- I didn't take a final photo of the finished painting. I removed that awful green and it looked 100% better! By the way, this is an oil painting, unusual for my pet portraits. Oil paint takes longer, but is unmatched in color and quality, plus blend ability makes it a much better paint.

Scarlettfox

Kaleb and Charlie

2009-12-15T17:54:00.000-08:00

Kaleb... plus wings- and Charlie, the black kitty- (almost done)_

I'm having a heck of a time with Charlie, as the photo is very basic- and is the only one that exists, and he's got no distinguishing markings. I had to restart him- I hope he looks better this time. He's due by tomorrow night for shipping!

Progress on Charlie

2009-12-14T11:15:00.000-08:00

I gave up and started over- the close up was just not working no matter how much I tried. The photo is very basic, and so is the kitty- so a started it over. (:

I think it looks better already.

Charlie and Amy's Sweater!

2009-12-07T18:44:00.001-08:00

Progress on Charlie and Amy's Sweater!

I know the painting is a bit sad... I had to postpone progress for a bit to finish another project, ordered before it. But- I will be working on it a bit more tomorrow, and it will look MUCH better.

The sweater is very close to done- I just need to figure out the buttons!

here's the photos!

Thanks for reading!
Scarlettfox

Nessie Complete?

2009-11-30T20:28:00.000-08:00

Oops! Forgot to post those pics yesterday! Here they are!

Notice the subtle colors in the eyes- there's actually 5 colors making them up now. The background is a neutral cream, which really puts the attention on the gorgeous coat of the kitty. Many fine details were added, as well as a signature.

I could probably work on this painting forever, it was alot of fun. (:

Thanks so much to Patty for this opportunity!

Thanks for reading
Scarlettfox

Working on Charlie and finished up Nessie!

2009-11-28T07:56:00.000-08:00

Photos coming soon! Nessie looks similar but more "done" and I evened out her eyes. Charlie is done in a similar fashion. The sweater is 3/4ths done for Ms Amy!

Making progress!

Will post photos this weekend!

Thanks for reading
Scarlettfox

Nessie 5 x 7 progress

2009-11-23T11:26:00.000-08:00

As promised, I started Nessie this weekend! She's already near done! She should be all finished by tonight, and in the process of being sealed up. Charlie is next- I plan on starting him in a few hours!

Here's some progress Photos for Nessie!

Thanks for reading, and if you want a portrait, order now! I have a couple spots open, but they fill really fast!

Warmly
Scarlettfox

Work resuming on Saturday, will go strong for a week or more.

2009-11-18T19:17:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

I am so wrapped up at work (I also have a full time, demanding management job) and finishing up a few customer's orders (in chronological order) the past couple days I have not been able to get to some of the projects I had hoped to this week. It's alright though, because the weekend is coming, then I have a week off, then another weekend! That's 9 days! I'll be able to do Nessie, The new Kitty (charlie?) and start any other painting. If you want anything else done... NOW is the time! I will have about 60 hours to work these next days, and I'm counting on YOU to keep me busy! Anytime not taken by a customer will be spent on making gifts for the holidays. (paintings!)

I apologize for those waiting- I promise I haven't been slacking for one instant! I have however, fixed up Finn, worked more on Boo Boo, and took care of a customer's graphic order who has been waiting patiently. Nessie is next priority and should take just a couple days. Then the three dog portrait if that's still happening, then Charlie. At night, I'm crocheting a new sweater for a customer who had sizing issues. (my fault, sorry Amy!)

Thanks for you're patience!

Warmly
Scarlettfox

Is ANYBODY OUT THERE?

2009-11-08T21:24:00.000-08:00

Had to ask. Haven't had a comment in MONTHS. Wondering if anyone comes around!

Finn Progress!

2009-11-08T15:03:00.000-08:00

I worked on Finn's portrait nearly all day!

Here's the results....

Current work!

2009-11-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful day! So I took all the paintings I'm working on outside for some photos!

2009-11-08T08:11:00.001-08:00

I moved the eyes down and apart, fluffed him up, and shortened the legs. I raised the forehead, then the ears. It made a tremendous difference!

BooBoo Progress again!

2009-11-07T07:34:00.001-08:00

Something just wasn't right... so I widened the eyes, and lifted the mouth. Spent about 3 hours on this last night. Look better? It feels almost done to me! I'm working on it today- last details, and redoing another.

BooBoo Progress

2009-11-06T11:15:00.000-08:00

Here's Mr. Boo x2 hangin' out in the park on a beautiful summer day!

Still in progress!

Walter, a bit more red

2009-11-05T14:18:00.001-08:00

Before and After!

Here's the Walter Portrait which I think... might be complete! By the way, blog readers, are you

aware that you can click on the photos in this blog, and it will zoom in so you can see more

detail?

Also- I started a poppy mirror (new product) and worked (in vain) on the poppy box.

It's harder than it seams to seal paper onto wood without creases - and to get it cut down to

perfect size. It's also, I have found, impossible to cover up the marks left by the old hardware, even

with wood filler, a good sanding, 3 applications of woods stain, and 2 applications of sealant. It

appears I'll have to be creative in replacing this hardware so it looks nice. Didn't think it would

more than 20 minutes to do this. Oh, well! Live and learn, right? It's beautiful regardless- and

I'm not shipping it until it's perfect.

Thanks for reading!
Scarlettfox

New pet portrait progress!

2009-11-04T12:00:00.001-08:00

Here are the next two pet portraits ordered by another new customer- both purchased together, and painted on these amazing 1.5 inch gallery wrap canvases I just got in! Look at the difference- you'll have to see them to believe them though, they look amazing!

I am really enjoying both of these paintings, and they are going really smoothly. Only thing is... I want to fit the names on, but how? Any ideas?

I has the flu- how 'bout you?

2009-11-02T21:29:00.001-08:00

Oh no. I don't feel so good, and I have SO much work to do!

At least my 8 x 10 canvases and $175 worth of paint came in.

I've made lots of progress on the weekend, but if I really get sick from this, there won't be hardly

any progress for maybe days. ):

Today I stained the poppy box, and recieved some important art supplies to continue my orders.

Plus I worked all day. (cooking) I couldn't manage much else. I am taking the day off tomorrow.

Perhaps the whole day won't be a wash- maybe I can spend an hour painting, slowly- between

naps.

thanks for reading
Scarlettfox

Progress this weekend!

2009-11-02T09:23:00.000-08:00

Here's what I worked on this weekend (plus the poppy box, which is in the shop drying from the wood stain) See anything familiar? I've got a start on a few paintings, and near complete with a few others.

5 pet portrait progress

2009-11-01T08:36:00.000-08:00

For Bridgett!

Walter Pet Portrait

2009-10-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

Today I finally got started on a new pet portrait- on a cute little 5 x 7 gallery wrapped canvas. The subject's name is Walter, and he's just a handsome boy! (:

I am really having fun with his curly fur, and his great shaped face.

He's a surprise gift- for someone who loves and misses him very much- I hope to capture his character as much as I can. He's not done- I'm hoping either tomorrow or next Saturday he'll be ready to ship. (As I work Mon-Fri)

Thanks for reading,
Scarlettfox

Progress on a new poppy box!

2009-10-31T20:44:00.001-07:00

Here it is! I worked on it for the second half of the day- going to switch the latch out to something much more high quality- and brass!

Here's the photos- I got another box unexpectedly- so I'll be making one more!

Kaleb Progress!

2009-10-26T21:34:00.001-07:00

I tried like hell... and couldn't get the right combo of colors to match this gorgeous kitty's coat! I ordered some paint from Jerry's Artorama to see if I can match it better!

Crochet MANIAC!

2009-10-22T16:10:00.000-07:00

Holy Toledo I've been busy lately!

I sold 4, yes FOUR of these sweaters on etsy this week! Woot! I also posted a few more new sweaters in my store!

I also sold a gorgeous lady bug costume to a very nice lady in California.

I also got a THIRD order for the O' Keefe jewelry box, and another pet portrait order! I hope things pick up even more for the holidays!

If you wanted something... I'd contact me or buy now- I'm booked up through part of November already! Happy times. :D

Thanks for reading
Scarlettfox

2009-10-22T16:06:00.000-07:00

Never thought I'd see the day!

But I cut my dreadies... and then got a cute haircut! Then, posted my 18" dreadlocks on ebay for sale! Turns out they're worth a bit of money! I could use it for college!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180423373964

Check it out!

Dreadlocks for sale!

LOL

Movie Release "A Forest"

2009-10-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I've been slacking around here!

Dailyblog my foot! :}

Well, I've been so busy with my chef job and also to the gills with orders for Halloween, I haven't had a chance to take pictures!

Current projects;

2 Custom Ladybug outfits for 2 very sweet little girls for Halloween
1 Kaleb Pet portrait
1 5 Pet portrait, near finished

OH! And the most exciting news of all... a film was made- a time lapse piece on the creation of "A forest" (see photos and blog about the painting below) and put on youtube! Check it out- it's over 4 months of work in just 7 minutes, and it came out rather well, if I must say so! Thank you so much to Jade and Cynthia for making this all happen. xoxoxoxo for both of you!

http://www.youtube.com/user/Scarlettfox1

Thanks for reading!
Scarlettfox

Kaleb!

2009-09-19T21:19:00.000-07:00

A portrait was started today for my Good Friend Nicola... of her Angel Kitteh Kaleb. It has been requested that it is done in the style of one of my previous paintings, "Wellington."

Here's the first few hours of work!

Thanks for reading;
Scarlettfox

PS More 5 pet portrait work was done too, pictures up tomorrow!

Progress on Cat Family Portrait!

2009-08-04T20:05:00.001-07:00

WOW what a challenge THIS kitty turned out to be! Took me over 3 hours. And I still don't like it! I will have to go back at it again. Soon I'll be done with my cooking job- just a matter of days, so I can really focus on this painting and get it done- plus the logo!

thanks for reading
Scarlettfox

Forest Painting Progress... The Eigth and FINAL Day!

2009-07-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

Yay!

Today I picked up some more blue oils (ran out last time) and brought the big painting outside. Of course it was due to rain, so I had to hurry! Within a couple of hours, I starting getting really excited- I could see the finish line, and see the painting done! It really started to pull together, and all the pieces fell into place. It was hard to pull myself away- I could easily work on this painting for months to come. It could go on forever- it's a very complex image. I felt though, that the painting (after many step backs and observations) is finally balanced- and as done as I am going to get in this time frame. I worked on the darkest darks, and the lightest lights, and signed the piece.

I learned a TREMENDOUS amount from this painting. I learned about the time it takes, the process, the costs, and painted something I never have before. I never did a large scale oil of this complexity before. I have done large oil paintings of a face, or a small part of a landscape- but nothing compared to this. I was surprised that it commonly takes 6 months to several years to create a painting like this- and now I can understand why. I spent a couple months- and it could have easily gone on. It's mostly the drying time that slows the process down. It can take up to a year for oil paint to "dry." I used a pricey, but very useful additive to get the paint mostly dry between coats. (Grumbacher 3)

I also learned how much paint a painting like this will need for the future. ( I had no idea before this_) and I also tried out Grumbacher paints for the first time, which are significantly better than the Winsor and Newton oils I was using before. However, I found that whenever I used these new paints, I was very sick the next day- which means I will be switching to another brand. If anyone has any suggestions for a less toxic paint, I am all ears. I painted outside, used a box fan, and wore gloves. I still had unbelievable headaches and nausua the next day- and every day I painted- not just for this painting, but also for the poppy paintings seen below. I couldn't believe the vibrant reds however! I know I am sensitive to many things others aren't- such as cigarette smoke, bleach etc- so I think it's mostly me. I have noticed though, that when the paint dries, it dosen't affect me at all.

I am so excited about this painting- and about it's progress. I have pictured here, my assistant, Jade- (: He's the camera man! We'll be working on a stop-animation of the painting in progress, though it may take some time. He's been slaving away on a new website for me, and I believe we have over 15,000 photos of the painting in progress to trim down! :O It'll be so much fun to finally put it all together and then set some music to it! This was such an adventure!

I have next to finish... that 5 pet portrait ... (near done) then start another pet portrait, and a organization just hired me for their logo creation. After that, a pen and ink of the effiel tower (hopefully) and a huge mural painting on panels! It's been an exciting summer- and I have so much exciting work, I don't know if I even feel like taking that road trip to California I was planning in a month! I might just stay here and paint! :)

Thanks for reading
Scarlettfox

My New Website...

2009-07-13T19:30:00.000-07:00

Is being built!

It is a baby..... so make sure you check back in a week or so and it likely will transform!

http://www.scarlettfox.com

Check it out!

It will have a gallery, blog links, contracts for commissions, indications for sold or unsold pieces, details on ordering work, hopefully a commission schedule, contact info, and more!

AND I just got my business cards! The only bad thing is that I didn't have the website when I ordered them....

I'm SO excited!

Thanks for reading
Scarlettfox

Made some big strides on the forest painting today!

2009-07-12T17:35:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know they aren't the BEST pics... but more to come with next posting!

I brought my whole oil painting gear, camping chairs, folding table and huge canvas and all to the arb today~! I painted for a few hours, almost completely changing the bottom half of the painting. It was looking way busy down there so I decided to simplify it. LOTS of compliments by the people walking by- some even walking across the park to get a better look and say nice things.
The painting is about 75% or more done by now. I bought some super nice speed dry a few days ago so the paint should be dry in a day or two. :

Thanks for reading!
Scarlettfox

Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area- Adam's Creek

2009-07-09T21:01:00.000-07:00

I lived in Jersey for 7 years... it wasn't really the state for me but I really liked driving out to the water gap to go hiking! I really found sanctuary out there, and I still go to this day whenever I can, even though it's now 10 hours to get there. It's really the only place that I felt truly at home. I know this forest like the back of my hand- and have spent countless hours in it, solo and with friends. It made me feel fresh, alive and rejuvenated. My best friend, Debbie took photos of the forest when I took her one day, and from one of those photos, I did this oil painting some years back. Jade made the frame by hand!
I'm looking forward to possibly FINISHING the forest painting this weekend. It's my goal. We'll see! After it's finished it will need about 2 weeks to dry before I can move it to it's new home, so the sooner it's done, the better!

Thanks for reading
Scarlettfox

Example of Pencil Ninja skills...

2009-07-06T17:53:00.000-07:00

Barack OBAMA! This was on the cover of Rolling Stone. I can do better. This was a quickie!

Forest Painting Progress... Day Seven

2009-07-05T12:55:00.001-07:00

On Sunday, I painted until I ran out of medium! I will have to go the sto' and get some more... there's still alot to do on this painting- I have alot of details to add. I really like the layering effect that is starting to happen, it looks great- much better in person.

Pet Family Portrait Progress Day 5

2009-07-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

Worked on Wiggles! Also touched up some color in Bobo's coat- near his tail. The painting is over half done now! I am considering what to do with the background... if anything at all....

Pet Family Portrait Progress Day 4

2009-07-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

I worked mostly on BOBO tonight- (the doggie)

I went and checked the forest painting... still wet. I am going to put the fan on it and try again tomorrow!

Pet Family Portrait Progress Day 3

2009-07-03T20:59:00.000-07:00

After a long week of work on Friday night- I set up to paint a bit. I resized Claudius smaller again- (the persian on the far right) and started to block out Bobo's head a bit. (the dog) I honed in on the detail in Ani's face and paws, and more clearly defined wiggles. (the black and white) I also did a bit of work on Anton- but he needs to be enlarged, as he looks too small. So I will change him again, to make him a bit bigger. More work later! Also- forest work. PS.... Click on the photos to zoom in!

Response to customer feedback

2009-07-03T06:43:00.000-07:00

AFTER

I received an email from Kitty, the customer who is having me paint the "pet family" stating what the kitties sizes are in comparison to eachother. It turns out I made the wrong kitties big, and the wrong kitties small. :/ But that's ok! I have begun to make the changes here. There will be more resizing this weekend, after my next session with the forest painting. Sorry it's slow going folks- I am back to my full time job- and painting takes time! So thanks so much for your patience! (: Also- sorry for the low light photos- the only time I have to paint is at night.. where photos go to die... LOL
I can't wait to be done with my full time job to be honest- I'll have another 5 weeks off in just over a month- which is good because my neighbor just asked me to paint a huge outdoor painting for her beautifully newly landscaped garden. We're talking 10 feet or so. It will likely be a huge blown up bunch of gorgeous flowers or butterflies.
Tonight I hope to paint for a couple hours- I'm sure Jade wants to go out as it's Friday and all... but I have some unfinished work to attend to- and I'm particularly excited about how the forest is coming out- it's so close to done!

Thanks for reading!
Scarlettfox

Pet Family Portrait

2009-06-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

l

Today I started the much anticipated (by me, lol) 5 pet portrait for a new customer. The piece will be 2 feet by 1 foot- stretched canvas, and acrylic paint. There's one dog- and four cats! I did a number of sketches of everyone before I left for my vacation to get the ball rolling... then one was formally chosen, and details were discussed! I've chosen photos, flipped them and printed them etc, and have started the painting process. This painting should not take too long, as it's small and in acrylics. However, it's much larger and more complex than the Wellie painting- (see below_) so I'm really curious to see how it turns out! It's coming along quickly so far. This painting will likely change DRAMATICALLY in the next session alone. I also found that I don't have any raw sienna... ): Sigh. Off to Micheals!

Poppies, 3 ways! COMPLETE!

2009-06-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

I have finally (after MONTHS of work) Completed my Poppies. Because they were done in traditional oils, I had to wait long periods of time between layers. Today, I threw in the towel! (well, I actually threw "OUT" the towel...!) I signed my name and there you have it! I am planning to sell what ever paintings I can right now, as I am just finishing a 6 week bout of being unemployed... (I just went back to work yesterday full time!) Any revenue I can generate now would be great- just to begin to cover the art supplies! (: (darned expensive, I tell you! But OH so worth it...)

If you see a poppy painting you like, let me know. There has been ALOT of attention on these paintings from interested potential buyers, but I didn't have them up for sale yet. I will likely put these up for real on Etsy in the next week or so, and if I do, someone else might have their eye on them!

How much, you ask? GREAT prices, I respond! Check around! These paintings are 4 foot long- VERY large, hand stretched, are created with high quality oils and non- yellowing medium, and will be shipped to you next day. I have painted the edges, leaving framing as an option, and not a necessity.

These paintings are up for sale at my website, http://www.scarlettfox.com

If you have a coupon from a previous purchase, feel free to use them. Current commission customers receive 25% off if wanting to make a completed artwork purchase. (this counts as a coupon)

I will be starting to show progress on a new pet portrait very soon- perhaps as early as tomorrow. The forest painting will be a bit slow going as I'm getting to the last few layers, and the paint is going on thick. (takes forever to dry, even with the special medium and fans) I will work on the pet portraits (there's actually two_) in between the time I have on the forest painting. It's getting close though!

Thanks so much for reading!
Scarlettfox

Forest Painting Progress... Day Five/Six

2009-06-27T17:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally got a chance to work on Cynthia's forest painting today! It was beautiful outside- so I used this to my advantage and painted for quite awhile. It looks like now that I'm more than half done, that there will be about 5 days to a week between layers, because it takes that long to dry, as my paint becomes thicker and more pure toward the last few layers. This happens because I add less thinning agent as the work progresses. I figure I'll need 3 more layers- MAYBE four to finish. I've been adding details to the birch trees, and adding more trees in general. I'm using the Japan fast dry medium in liberal quantities- to speed the drying process up. I began to really layer the subtle ground colors (with a magenta-purple base) mimicking the photo I'm working from. The painting is taking on an impressionistic-modern feel with obvious paint strokes and a thick texture. I have been outside in full view of my neighbors, and have gotten quite alot of positive feedback on those passing by. The photos here show the progress from the session before I left for vacation (that I never posted photos for until now) and today's progress. (:

Feel free to comment! (Especially you, Cynthia! You're co-piloting here if you like!)

Thanks for reading
Scarlettfox

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge...

2009-06-22T23:04:00.000-07:00

Another day in NYC! We walked the Brooklyn Bridge from DUMBO into Manhattan- twice! Also went to the Brooklyn Bridge Park and took a few photos of the sunset. Just 3 more days in NYC... time always goes so fast!

Enjoy!
Scarlettfox

Brooklyn Botanical Gardens...

2009-06-21T22:27:00.001-07:00

Some beautiful photos we took yesterday! (:

Going On Vacation! New York City!

2009-06-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone;

ALL commission work has been put on hold until I return from my trip. Expect work to pick up the weekend of the 27th. Anyone requesting drawings (as I can easily take paper and pencil along) MAY have limited progress.
I'm heading to New York early tomorrow morning! I have been so busy preparing to leave I have not had much of a chance to work on art or post any new photos- it's alot of work to set up a garden, house, two pets, and everything else for over a week. We will be staying in an apartment in Greenpointe, Brooklyn from the 17th until the 2th. I will likely post up some pics our adventures. I hope to get some shots of the sea life at the Brooklyn aquarium we plan to visit for artwork!

I did however, receive another informal (the effiel tower!) and one formal (Kitty portrait) commission request. The formal request took the LAST offer at $23.99! Looks like I'll be booked for small paintings until mid-July- and large Paintings are on hold until the forest painting is done. (: My prices for small paintings WILL go up, but I promise I won't be in the $400+ margin like many I've seen just yet! Also, as always, my former customers will always get a good deal, (coupons) as well as blog followers. (10%) I will be creating other unique discounts as well- like one specifically for people wanting a portrait of a rescued animal. I don't have the room to rescue more myself- (and Jade might have words with me) but I want to help the cause any way I can- If you rescue, you get a great deal with me!

I have been thinking about creating an artist's website- with detailed options, prices, and sizes. I was thinking of adding a portfolio- and putting more formal documents up like commission agreements with an e-signature, ect. I am also going to offer pencil, pastel and colored pencil options for portraits. If anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear them!

Thank you so much for reading- I will be online throughout the vacation, so if you want to check back, I may have posted~!

Scarlettfox

The SPOOK

2009-06-14T23:08:00.001-07:00

Just a simple little painting I did a couple weeks ago that I never got around to posting! I actually worked a bit on the forest painting today- I will post pics tomorrow!

As for the Spook; AKA Spookers, Spookety, Spooks, Spookit-from-Nantookit; I made her out of acrylics and acrylic gel medium. She's on a tiny canvas of 4 x 6 inches. She just loves her Daddy so much- and to roll, roll, roll outside, showing her soft belly and her white patches of fur. She's got a meow that sounds as if one stepped on a frog. And she sings to herself in the basement stairwell. Did I mention she loves her Daddy? Daddy and Spooks have "pets" time almost every night. It's a ritual. Spooks lays on Daddy, and gets her pets. Afer about an hour, she simply gets up, and has a snack. Pets time is over. Spook loves pets ALMOST as much as food.... She's quite rotound, our little miss Pookit.

I am selling teeny tiny paintings like this for $23.99 plus shipping on my etsy- for just THREE customers. 8 x 10's in a more serious style (or not) are also being made and are available- just contact me! I LOVE doing pet portraits! whatever you dream up, I will try my best to create!

Forest Painting Progress... Day Four!

2009-06-12T19:01:00.000-07:00

It was FINALLY nice out today... so I set up shop outside! The oil paint fumes will give me a massive migraine tomorrow, so it's best outside. I EVEN BROUGHT a FAN OUTSIDE! Call me crazy- but you don't know the headaches I get the next day!

Anyway- the painting was extra fun tonight. I really laid on heavy, thick paint. As it builds, I will use thicker and thicker paint- and get more details in. I think you can really see the layering showing through at this point- and it will only get better!

Because I really slathered it on- I am sure it will take a bit longer to dry this time. I figure it will be a day or more until I can go back at it- or I will mix colors that shouldn't be. I might do a little more "detail" work tomorrow though. i will post pics!

Thanks for reading!

Scarlettfox

FIRST RANDOM ETSY SALE!!! Poppy box is SOLD!

2009-06-12T14:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry, ladies... this beauty is GONE!

Didn't last long! Knew it wouldn't! It was a steal on sale at $32.00!

I actually have "2 more in stock" in my etsy store... but please allow up to 1 week for creation! I make one specifically for you!

I've been running super fun errands all day- and I can't wait to get outside and paint for an hour or two! Then Jade and I will be off to see a local band- outside, so no smoke! Woo HOO! Next Wednesday, we leave for Brooklyn, NY!

Can't wait!

Will update tomorrow~!

thanks for reading
Scarlettfox

By the way, my dear blog reader... you know you always get 10% off from my store or commissions? And that you'll get a further discount (coupons!) once you buy? That's right! I love my customers! :D

wellie Painting... COMPLETE!

2009-06-10T19:41:00.001-07:00

It's DONE! :D Wellie is ready to go home to his loving family! He's off to the post office first thing tomorrow... All sealed up and signed!

Great experience- I hope that another great customer will give me a shot! With each painting I do... I get better!

I am starting another commission pet portrait tomorrow, (5 pets! that's right... FIVE!) and will continue work on the forest painting (in oils) as it should have had sufficient time to dry. :)

I have only room for maybe one more piece before I leave for vacation on the 17th- so if you want a commission piece of your pet- or a portrait for fathers day- you better move fast, cuz I have ONE open spot! If you like this painting- I can do one of your pet for a sliding scale (depending on size, time, materials) with the different options costing $30, $60 (this style/size) $80 and up plus shipping, and have it done in 3-7 days! This is affordable for most people- I can work with near any budget. ANYONE should able to afford art!

Thank you for reading!
Scarlettfox

Wellie Painting... Progress... day 3

2009-06-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

ALMOST DONE!

Need to do just a little highlighting/shadow and touch up the words a bit... then let it dry and seal it up!
It's taking much longer than expected... but I want to do a good job! I am considering putting different levels on etsy for portraits after this experience- so that new customers can have more options.
He's coming along rather nicely and I've grown attached to the fella', like I know him! (:

Enjoy, and I'll post him when he's done- I hope tonight!

Take Care
Scarlettfox

Wellie Painting Progress... Day Two!

2009-06-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

Here he is- and I took photos with the GOOD camera so the eye won't be flipped! Hurray!

I should be done by tomorrow- the details are taking a bit- plus I had a dr.'s appt today that took half the day.

I am hoping tomorrow night!

Thanks for reading
Scarlettfox

Forest Painting Progress... Day Three!

2009-06-08T23:15:00.000-07:00

Another day... and we have... TREES! WOOT!

This is really coming together...! I would say I'm about 1/4rd done at this point. I am really enjoying the soft, higher quality oils. I'm tearing through it fast! It's so much fun to blend the subtle colors- and to layer, layer layer! I have been dreaming about painting this for 3 nights now, so I really want to keep working- however, the paint needs time to dry between coats! ACK! I wish I had patience! :D

Thanks for reading!

Commission Pet Portrait of "Wellie."

2009-06-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

Ok... Missing eye... chewed up ear... Half of a tail (not pictured) what gives?!

Today I got a sale at etsy in the featured seller chat room... a fellow New Yorker put a down payment on a commissioned pet portrait! She wants to surprise her husband with this painting... and what a character this pet turned out to be!

Wellie, or Wellington, as he's formally called... was rescued from a cardboard box near a closed bar in Brooklyn New York. He was rescued- and given treatment... and a loving home! I get the feeling this kitteh recently passed away? And this painting might serve as a reminder of him. (:

I'm doing the painting in artist's quality acrylics on an 8 x 10 primed canvas... here's Day ONE'S work... Stay tuned for the completed portrait! I plan on finishing up the banner- putting his name on it, and making catnip grow up from the bottom of the painting- his favorite thing! I really have to fight myself to not paint a collar on him- collars look so awesome against black fur!

I am having more fun painting Wellie due to his unusual features! What a character!

Thanks for reading!
Scarlettfox

2009-06-08T18:02:00.000-07:00

Forest Oil Painting... Progress Day TWO~!

Forest Painting Progress... Day ONE

2009-06-07T23:30:00.000-07:00

I was just recently commissioned to do a large painting of a gorgeous forest by a friend. She gave me the photo- and it was immediately captivating. There are so many soft colors- and a few bold (sugar maples) that seem alive!

I bought the canvas yesterday (see yesterday's post) and I began the painting today! I originally set up outside...but then the rain came in- so with Jade's help we moved it upstairs into the spare bedroom. Did I mention... that we are doing a stop-animation of the whole process? today we took over 3,500 photos ALONE for the project. My plan is to put this video on youtube. (:

So here it is... day ONE! Expect a few more posts on the progress of this painting- it's in oils, so it needs time to dry a bit between coats.

Thanks for reading!
Scarlettfox

The POTENTIAL, the EXCITEMENT of a BLANK CANVAS!

2009-06-06T18:44:00.000-07:00

Today I got the go-ahead to pick up the canvas for a commissioned painting! I brought my saved up coupons to Micheals, and found THIS! (: It's 36 x 48 and just FULL of potential! The plan is for a painting of a gorgeous forest- with a trail leading up the center. I'll be doing the painting mostly in oils- and I plan on starting work tomorrow! I'm really curious about how it's all going to come about- how the piece will grow- transform and what the finished painting might look like. I'm really excited~! :D

horsey painting acrylic

2009-06-05T17:41:00.000-07:00

This is my horsie friend. She may gallop the flowering fields only in my head... but she don't mind. She's a happy horse and that's what matters. She's made of acrylic and imagination- and is up for sale on my etsy store. (: I just love her. I hope to paint her many brothers and sisters! (: I am working on two other works with horses as the central theme... does pegasus count as a horse, by the way? Hmm..... Horses with wings... SUPER sweet!

Commission Poppy Paintings

2009-06-04T12:38:00.000-07:00

I made this painting by request for a
customer last year... to go with her living room. (: She LOVED it ! The painting is 16 x 20- but I can make another (in pretty much any color) to match your room in near any size!

ALL my followers on my blog or twitter automatically get 10% off all
my work! You guys rock! :D

To commission a painting from me,
just go to my etsy... (link is on the top of the page) and when you got to my shop- click "request custom item" under my little profile pic on the right side. You will be taken to a form called "alchemy" which is etsy's way of saying "commission." Enter what you'd like, the price you'd like to pay, and the date. The form is easy to fill out, and I will recieve the request. Then I'll respond, and we can talk details. (:

I LOVE commission work- especially when it's a challenge!

Thanks for reading!
Scarlettfox

Tweeeetle tweet tweet!

2009-06-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

Mr. Blue bird is quite the handsome fellow. He's as vibrant as they come- and charming to boot. Yes, he's quite the ladies man... or shall I say "chick's" man? No.. I shall NOT say that. It is BAD.

Mr. Blue bird's real name is "Greater Glossy Eared Starling" Never heard of such a thing? Well, you gotta see this! http://i1.treknature.com/photos/4319/lamprotornis_chalybaeus.jpg

Now THAT'S a PRETTY BIRD, wouldn't you agree? :)

What's really quite awesome about this prismacolor drawing is... that you can literally turn it in any direction... and it looks right. It's kind Escher- like. Also- I'm actually selling it framed/Matted, at cost. (:

I'm 90% done (not pictured here) with a box with this exact image on it- except the background is
purple. I will post as soon as it's done! First... to catch up with the 5 etsy orders placed last night! (;

Thanks for reading!

Scarlett Fox

OY! SPEAKING of "tweets!" I broke down and joined TWITTER!
I'm scarlettfox1

cul8r!

Busy BUSY BUSY!

2009-06-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

Well, ain't a a creative whirlwind as of late? My house is littered with art projects everywhere- a canvas roll here, a display table there... a paint brush cup here- 4 half finished paintings there, a scanner on the floor, unfinished boxes I plan to paint- 16 ikea mirrors in a bag near my feet... lol

I'm just as busy as a beaver over here! I got 2 more orders this weekend- for another mirror, (my best seller) and for a customized etsy banner! (the graphic strip on the top of the sellers main store page) This is technically my FIRST graphics job! How cools is THAT?

I made like 18 beautiful blank greeting cards- all day yesterday after someone suggested I offer items in the lower price range. Here's some of my work!

I may be back later... but I have a GOGOL BORDELLO concert tonight in the "D" and ALOT of work to do, plus I gotz to clean this house... AGAIN! I am thinking though- what's the point? It'll be an art mess in 24 hours again anyway..... Oh, le-sigh. (:

C U laterz!

2009-05-30T12:28:00.000-07:00

HUGE SALE ON ETSY this Weekend! Some Items are near 50% OFF! Check it out- while it's HOT! I need another SALE! :D

HUGE SALE ON ETSY this Weekend! Some Items are near 50% OFF! Check it out- while it's HOT! I need another SALE! :D

Lady bug baby snug!

2009-05-29T23:50:00.000-07:00

Well... Not to puff up my own feathers... but this is pretty darned cute, isn't it? I made it up! Not only that... but I used MICRO SPUN yarn! Do you have ANY idea how exquisitely SOFT micro spun yarn is?! (It's also expensive, but hey!) The yarn is so vibrant too- it's a really nice material. I really liked working with it. It's also very stretchy, which is nice. (:

I couldn't stop at the snug, (baby-sack sounds WAY weird) of course- I HAD to make a ridiculously cute hat to "top" it all off, didn't I? Well, of course I did. Because I'm like that. I'm "OVER THE TOP!>" (did I hear a drum crashing?) :P It wasn't easy figuring out the antennae- I didn't work from a pattern (I'm a REBEL!!!) and it took awhile. All in all it took about 8 hours and $22 in materials to make.

The hat has two little antennae... and a a sweet little crochet flower with a little lady bug on the petal. Who can blame her for stopping by? She's seen the largest, brightest and cutest fellow lady bug ever!

I'm selling this 1 of a kind beaut on etsy- (scarlettfox) but if it dosen't sell... I won't cry much. I LOVE this piece, and I wouldn't mind keeping it for my selfish self! :P If I DO sell it, I'll make another... for me.... OH! I mean... for my future baby. :P Sure, it's a bit pricey- but it'll all be worth it when you see people's head exploding from the cuteness exuding from your baby, who is wearing the most adorable thing on God's green earth. Plus, WHERE are you gonna find something like THIS? And the quality? Forgeddaboutit! Ok. I'll stop tooting my own horn now! :D

BY THE WAY; All my blog-followers GET 10% off ALL my store items, ANY DAY! It's my way of saying "Thank you!" You're the best! :D

Thanks for reading! I'll have more tomorrow!
Scarlettfox

2009-05-29T08:31:00.001-07:00

SOLD ON ETSY last night! My tiny little oil painting of orange birds hangin' out in a tree. (;
I'm gonna add a little detail to it, seal it up and ship it out! I love my customers! :D
I'll be back to post more later... I'm working on some AWESOME projects today!

See you in a few!
Scarlettfoc

Little soy yarn baby sweater... (;

2009-05-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

SOY yarn??? WTF? you're asking. Yes, it is indeed soy yarn! It's fitted for a new baby... and has beautiful vintage buttons securing it. I have affixed a flat, cloth (as not to bother baby's skin) handmade tag. This little sweater is so soft- surprising for soy! And right now it has NO baby to hug in it's soy-tastic warmth. (sorry couldn't help it) Perfect for summer time- as it's easy to to get on and off, and nights can be chilly! Even better for a baby due in the fall- In August, Sept- or Oct. (just around the corner!) PERFECT for a baby shower..! I can hear it now... "Oh! What a cute sweater!!! Soy? WOW, really? But how? Did you make this? Yes? Can I have the pattern? Where did you get SOY yarn?" Well.. that's what you get for taking credit...lol! It's avail for just over 20 bucks on my etsy site. I will WAIVE SHIPPING if you conversation me on etsy- and tell me you're from my blog! :D

Thanks for reading... see you tomorrow!

ScarlettFox

LONG Dreadlocks...

2009-05-27T23:12:00.001-07:00

This is a post to an 11 year work of art. My hair. (:

Poppybox Success!!!

2009-05-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

Here it is!

It took FOREVER... First I had to find an image... (an hour) then I had to condition it, then wait- then paint, (2 hours) then stain, then seal the painting, then seal again... etc etc. 6 hours later- it's almost done! Oh, wait- photos! Ok.. 2 hours later... lol Wait! I forgot the hour we spent driving to the store... picking out the boxes etc...

And this is why I don't understand how people can make things like this and ask 19 bucks! I am only going to make a couple of these. I will make another one tomorrow- something completely different. I'm thinking a Pegasus. Yup. A Pegasus!

See you tomorrow!
Scarlett Fox

Scarlettfox (ME!) 3 Sales on Etsy!

2009-05-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited because I sold 3 things on my first week!!! I have attached what I sold.... (:
This is great- I wish I could JUST do this for a living! Maybe someday?! I have a few more of these mirrors made- I am experimenting with them too. I'm also painting boxes for sale at the end of the week. (:

2009-05-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

Oil paint poisoning?

I woke up this morning in a daze... a massive migraine was just starting. I took 600 mg of ibuprofen. The headache still came- I then took my prescribed pain meds and the headache still overcame me. I am also sick to my stomach, my vision is skewed and I'm dizzy and out of it. I'm pretty sure it's the paint. I could have easily ingested a bit of it yesterday, and it was on my skin. I painted outside, but I tend to be super sensitive to chemicals- even air borne. (cigarette smoke gives me instantanious bronchitis, for example.) I may have to toss in the towel on oils- I know it's the big one- the best of the best, and has the most potential for color and salablitly, but this is ridiculous. Perhaps I can mainly paint in acrylics, and finish in oils. I've done that before and it works nicely. Or perhaps I can just use another medium- like my rembrant pastels. I work well with these, and it's considered "dry painting." The colors are very good- not as vibrant as oils, but still much better than acrylics. I also came across another option for oil painting while searching through dick blick last night... oilbars. These are oil paints in a pastel shape, and don't require brushes, turps, etc. Also, I strongly prefer drawing to painting- so perhaps this is the road for me. Paintings, especially oil- and most especially large ones... scare me. There's the cost, the mess, the mixing, the choice of tools and techniques, the surface, the set up... it's overwhelming. I find drawing to be relaxing. Painting stresses me out. It is so alluring though.. those colors- that intensity- the sizes possible... the boundless opportunity for expression... It's a love hate relationship. The point is, I walk up to that (usually very expensive) canvas... confused.

Maybe it's time to come to terms with that.... for now- and stick to pastels, drawing, colored pencil... and maybe the pastels I have sitting lonely in the drawer upstairs. (: In today's post I included a few pastels I've done. They have a realistic-impressionistic, painterly quality to them.

Thanks for reading, see you tomorrow!
ScarlettFox

Memorial Day... Perfect day for Painting!

2009-05-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

Jade stayed home from work today! (: I posted a bunch of paintings on boundlessgallery.com and then headed out to the garden to work on the three poppy paintings I started a few weeks ago. They are supposed to go in my newly finished living room. Oil paintings scare me- especially big ones. I almost never finish them! It seems that whenever I get to them... I have to redo everything, then I get frustrated and confused. Today didn't go badly though- I "finished" two of the paintings- in two very different styles. Which one do you like better? The one on the right was inspired by Carol Nelson- a fantastic artist right here on blogger.

Tweets (:

2009-05-25T10:20:00.000-07:00

I love my tweets. (:

Birds give so much to me in their songs... their cheerful demeanor and their beauty. Last year I gave in and started feeding them, providing the perfect opportunity to take some photos to paint/draw from! I am working on a series of likely 12 birds in prismacolor colored pencils. So far, I have done a Baltimore Oriole and a Cardinal. I am planning to do a gold finch next- then a blue Jay, and likely a raven... then an owl... (:

I also started a mini-series on illustrated, more stylized birds, which will likely be 3 pictures total. I will post that one up soon! I just finished all these "tweet" drawings this week!

Happy creating!
ScarlettFox

Orchids!

2009-05-24T22:09:00.000-07:00

I always have at LEAST 12 projects going at once. Just ask Jade. (he's rolling his eyes.)

These projects become sort of personalities within themselves... some even developing voices to speak to me in dreams or in keep me from sleeping at night, urging me to create them. I know that sounds crazy- but that's the way I've always been. (;

One of these projects is my Orchid series. I have an infatuation with orchids, and I would love to paint each and every one of them if I could. Unfortunately, there are over 22,000 orchid species discovered SO FAR in the world. This does NOT include hybrids! (the ones most people see in stores or at shows.) Orchids are everywhere- they're even in Michigan. They are fascinating plants- some growing from the branches of trees in the tropics- some in swamps, others are terrestrial, such as the lady's slippers- and resemble some sort of alien life form.

Many of them have very interesting names- like the one named after Dracula. They are also used for some surprising things... (I quote wiki here)

One orchid genus, Vanilla, is commercially important, used as a foodstuff flavouring.

The underground tubers of terrestrial orchids (mainly Orchis mascula (Early Purple Orchid)) are ground to a powder and used for cooking, such as in the hot beverage salep or the so-called "fox-testicle ice cream" salepi dondurma.

The scent of orchids is frequently analysed by perfumists (using Gas-liquid chromatography) to identify potential fragrance chemicals.

And if you're really a nerd like me, keep reading...

Orchidaceae (or Orchid family) is the largest family of the flowering plants (Angiospermae).^[1]^[2] Its name is derived from the genus Orchis.

The Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew list 880 genera and nearly 22,000 accepted species, but the exact number is unknown (perhaps as many as 25,000)^[3] because of taxonomic disputes. The number of orchid species equals about four times the number of mammal species, or more than twice the number of bird species. It also encompasses about 6–11% of all seed plants.^[4] About 800 new orchid species are added each year. The largest genera are Bulbophyllum (2,000 species), Epidendrum (1,500 species), Dendrobium (1,400 species) and Pleurothallis (1,000 species). The family also includes the Vanilla (the genus of the vanilla plant), Orchis (type genus) and many commonly cultivated plants like some Phalaenopsis or Cattleya.

Moreover, since the introduction of tropical species in the 19th century, horticulturists have more than 100,000 hybrids and cultivars.

And none of this mentions the sheer unusual beauty they possess.... Anyway. I'm slightly infatuated... lol

Thanks for reading!

More Photos...!

2009-05-24T17:28:00.000-07:00

I don't know how to publish multiple images yet on this bloggy thingie! ACK!

Archival Photo Prints

2009-05-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

Today I got my photos I ordered from snapfish! Jade and I strung a line... and clipped them up in the garden on this beautiful day to take some photos of them. (:

I really like the morning glories, but I think the forest in Pennslyvania is my favorite! I especially like the one with the winding walkway that leads deep into that lush forest. Did I mention that there were waterfalls everywhere? :D

I am slowly putting these up on Etsy.com. I don't know if things like this sell or not... but I've told time and time again that I should try to, as people really seem to love my photos. I don't even have a great camera or anything. I'm hoping to get my hands on one of those soon- before my big road trip in August!

Thanks for reading! By the way, I'm Scarlettfox on etsy if you want to see more of my work!

Poppies and POPPIES!

2009-05-24T16:50:00.000-07:00

It's no secret I'm a sucker for flowers. Especially poppies. I have been attempting to capture their delicate, dancing... paper thin vibrancy for some time now. I still have much to learn! I did however, create this today (and last night) from a few images combined I found online, plus my own twists and colors. I posted it on etsy.com but I would love to take insprational images from my own photos.... Therefore- I need to take more photos! I have this up for sale... for around $100 - and this includes the frame on Etsy.com- under Scarlettfox. I'll have to make another one- that's a bit different to go with it. It could use a sister. I love to create series of paintings and drawings. Yet I'm also impatient to sell my work and get out of the kitchen!