Here’s another work doodle turned finished product. I want to do more verse-based work like this. I love it. But I need to know – which of these backgrounds do you like better?
“To Be Praised” by Natalie Grace
“To Be Praised” by Natalie Grace
Fresh and Juicy Art Prints April 10, 2013
So if you’re friends with me by way of the Book of Faces, you already know I’m super stoked about receiving my first batch of art prints from a local printing shop (shameless plug for RT Art – www.rt-art.com). The first batch included a few sign-and-sell’s of the Flora ladies below. The order was small to test the waters, I loved them, and now I’m diving in. Below are the next pieces I’m getting some prints made of. If you see something you like, give me two weeks and I should have them in hand! And as always, if you have an idea for a commission, let me know and I’ll try to whip something up for you! SO excited these dreams are coming true! Thank the Lord!
“Tending the Garden” by Natalie Grace
“Dreams of Paradise” by Natalie Grace
“Love Me Less!” by Natalie Grace
“Fetch Your Camera” by Natalie Grace
“See the Skies” by Natalie Grace
“Swan Dive” by Natalie Grace
PS – Can anyone tell I like purple? 
)
“The Floras” February 27, 2013
These two ladies are the other major project I’ve been working on:
Practically Finished
I’m still debating on names and titles, but I had this inspiration to take the “chicas” I always draw and try to make them into pieces I could actually see myself selling at an art show. I’m trying to get brighter colors into my work, too, and I think these colors would really pop off the walls of an art tent! Someday I’d love to have a tent FULL of works like this, but I gotta start somewhere.
I also thought it would be fun to try using some color theory here. If you hadn’t noticed, their hair and flowers are complementary colors. Blue and Orange. Red and Green. I’d love to make a third of these with Purple and Yellow, but I just haven’t gotten to her yet… Perhaps you’ll see her soon!
Here’s another gallery taking you step-by-step through my process with… we’ll call her “Red” for now:
Canvas Pencil Drawing
Skin and Outline
Base Colors
Practically Finished
I’m also hoping these could potentially be alternative characters for parents who want something different than the Disney Princesses for their girls’ rooms. Nothing against Disney! You all know how I feel. But I’d love to write Bible verses around the borders and create a brand for them, something along the lines of “Girls of Grace.” They won’t only be pretty to look at, but they’ll stand for something more, reminding girls that beauty comes from within, and we are God’s Princesses. Who knows? Maybe if I keep dreaming big, Lifeway stores will pick ‘em up! That would be SO sweet!
Anyway, my greatest joy for now is to share these with you, my sweet readers, and hear your feedback. Please share your thoughts!
Kids and Canines
Well, again, it’s been a long time. But that’s not to say I haven’t been working! So here’s the first, and thankfully finished, project I’ve been working on since the Beatles collection:
My friend Crystal was so great in allowing me to do this project for her son’s room. She gave me some great direction and I just ran with it. These were a blast to work on and really got me seeing what kind of art I can do that might sell. I can see these being snatched up in an instant at an art fair. The bold colors are striking, and what kid doesn’t want a dog in their room? ;o) So this will complete my… third baby commission in the past few years. I’d love to keep that going! It’s definitely one of the blessings of being this age and in such a fertile church! ;o)
So what do you think I should try next?
“Only a Scratch” – Beatles Inspired December 12, 2012
I really like this one. I had a totally different look in my head when I started, but this is what came out. ;o) Ha ha. I like it when my pencil takes over and doesn’t disappoint me. I always loved the feel of this song, but I didn’t really know all the words until I looked them up for this drawing. All I could remember was that someone walked in, “schminking” of gin. Yes, “schminking”. On one of the recordings, I think Paul tried to say “smelling” and “stinking” at the same time. I love that they decided to leave that in, cuz it’s caused my Dad and me lots of laughter through the years. So thanks, guys. Thanks for not having to be perfectionists…
“Only a Scratch” by Natalie Grace, Dec. 2012 ©
“Stirring Up The Dirt” – Beatles Inspired December 11, 2012
I’m trying to keep these coming. While I was drawing this one, I was thinking I should post a disclaimer. I don’t claim to draw any of these with any underlying meaning other than a simple visual interpretation of the original Beatles lyrics. Especially with this one, I’m sure it could have connotations for many people, but I’m ironically not trying to “stir up the dirt.” I just want to draw! So feel free to interpret, share, and ponder, but realize that the only message I will try to portray in my art unless written otherwise is the beauty of the Gospel. Plain and simple. I’ll leave the rest to the musicians. 
“Stirring Up The Dirt” by Natalie Grace, Dec. 2012 ©
Disney Commish Reworked December 10, 2012
I love a “client” (I don’t like that term, but I guess that’s really what she is) who knows what he/she wants. Sometimes it’s frustrating because that means if I work Take 1 of a drawing too much, I have to completely reprint and start again. Case in point, this Disney commish. First time around, I tried for color and colored them all. But she wants the unfinished, linear look of a sketch. So I went back to FedEx, reprinted my outlines, and tried again. I wondered if she’d like a black outline to make the characters really stand out. Thankfully I only did it on one of the outlines, cuz we both agreed it took away from the sketchiness. So I finally came back to them again to do everything in blue colored pencil. Even after the frustration of having to reprint, it’s ended up being a great challenge for me, and I love it. I’m hoping these work for her a little better. All I can think to add is some shading, but I think this is more up her alley. What do you think? Would you do something different?
Remy, Dec. 2012
Mike&Sully, Dec. 2012
Jaq&Gus, Dec. 2012
Woody&Buzz, Dec. 2012
Aladdin&Abu, Dec. 2012
