Duo In Orange & Blue

Here it is...the blue and orange bunnies I've been giving you sneak peeks of...

It's the first time I mixed watercolour with black & white ink pen work, I am pretty happy with it.

I don't know if I'll be listing prints of it yet.  If I do, I'll let you know.

The original is up for grabs.  If your interested just email me at Whimsy@MandySaile.com

Your Existence Gives Me Peace

I had been drooling over a set of Prismacolour markers

and my friend Maria finally convinced me to splurge and get them for myself.

So I've been playing...

and just finished up this ink drawing which I call

"Your Existence Gives Me Peace"

...I guess the couple in the image does look abit like Jonathan and myself,

and I suppose that was intentional since the piece is about us, love, partnership

and how my honey's presence and existence gives me great peace & soothing hope.

These new markers are perfect for those days where my heads quite sore

and I just can't bring myself to work at my desks or easels
but when I want to get something creative done.

I can just curl up with a small piece of paper and the markers whiles on the comfy couch or bed.

I am going to print out the black and white drawing and then take my watercolours to the print. 

I can't wait to do so...I'll show you the results here of course.

I have another black and white to show you soon...it's one for animal lovers/advocates.

P.S.  I just updated new shots to my Flickr account for anyone interested in my photostream.

XO Mandy whose heart is full 

A New Illustration "Amaryllis Bird

So after a night of getting at least half a foot of snow, I thought I'd reveal this bright red bird to add to the Holiday Cheer. I created this image primarily as a Xmas card (hopefully on Thursday, I'll be showing you the finished product).

This image "Amaryllis Bird" was created with acrylic, coloured pencil and ink on paper. The original is indeed for sale, I'll let you know at a later time when and where it will be available outside of this blog.

Until tomorrow...where I'll have another exciting new project to share with you. Be Well.

Friday's Here With An Older Illustration

Good Friday Everyone. We've had a few lovely days full of sunshine and thankfully not-intolerable heat but today is gloomy and looks like it will rain any minute which I am actually happy about because I have too much to get done to worry about the outdoors beckoning me to 'come hither' ha ha.

Since I've been busy with some other secretive things:D which I can't share with you this week...let me show you another old favourite of mine "Home" which is the coloured pencil study for one of my most favourite paintings that I've done so far...here's the painted version...which my friend Maria will attest to that it's defiantly not one for sale, I just can't seem to part with it.

This version was done years later in acrylic on canvas and it's about 2 x 3 feet. It was one of my very first paintings that I didn't show to many people and aside from it's subject which hits home for me (at the time all Jon and I wanted was a little house near the water that we could live in peacefully and blissfully and fill with rabbits:D....we got our wish years later:D) whenever I look at this painting I am reminded of the joy I had in making it, the excitement that came with working with paints...well I just think that it's important to keep reminders around like that so I refuse to part with this piece and it happily lives in my main studio.

I welcome all of you to hyperlink images to your most favourite and not-for-sale inspirations in the comments section following this post.

Well, I really must get going...my studio needs attention....serious attention actually and some added twinkle lights and pink paint I am thinking, I promise to share photos of my studio someday soon. Also, today my dad is getting back home, yay...so we'll go meet him at the airport.

With that I bid you all a fantastic fantastic Friday...don't forget I'll be doing a Saturday post this week for the "Mad Tea Party".

A New Painting, Some Cute Rabbit and Thanks

Hi Everyone, well usually I don't look forward to Fridays quite as much as everyone else, I think that it's because I love what I do all week long, but I do look forward to them in the sense that I get to have Jonathan home and it usually means more time to play around the house and to spend with the rabbits outside, making them happy which makes us happier. Anyhow, the last few days I've not felt too great, I think I am coming down with a flu or cold, so today I made sure to get the painting ready so I could show everyone, but once I am done with this blog post, I think I may just take the rest of the day off and either take a much needed nap (I think the constant headaches are wearing on me now) or I might drive over for a visit with my mom. Anyhow, what I am trying to say at length just now is "Thank Goodness it's Friday" ha ha!

So anyhow, here is the new painting for today...

It is a painted version of a coloured pencil I did awhile back, but I liked the composition/shapes and I already had it drawn out on the wood so I proceeded to do the image again and I am glad I did because I really like the acrylic version alot more, it seems softer to me but with more depth. I am really enjoying all the painting I've been doing and I am feeling anxious to get back to the large paintings again. Actually next week I plan a semi-large one which I am excited about, my only hint is that it'll include a sandpiper.

Today, I also really wanted to share these two photos. There I was just painting away when I turned around and found Hazel all stretched out on the bottom shelf, ha ha. She looked too cute and luckily I was able to get to the camera without disturbing her. I cleaned that shelf off a couple days ago, thinking 'mmm, I bet the girls would like to sit on there' but I was just guessing that they would and I can't put anything too important within their little teeth's range! So I left it empty...and Iam so glad I did because it seems to be a favourite spot now, when they aren't under my chair trying to move my feet!, on the window bench or out on the kitchen porch...

I am happy that 'Blog Catalog' has accepted my blog onto their listings, I am hoping this will help to increase traffic.

I also really wanted to send a heartfelt thanks to Naomi and to Maia, two new readers, who sent me such beautiful messages through the Etsy shop yesterday. Girls, I so so appreciated your words, you really made my day.

And with all that said, I shall proceed to enjoy this Friday afternoon 'off'...the sun is actually trying to peek out now, thank goodness for the rabbits are starting to revolt...they need nice weather so they can go outside in the grass and stretch their legs, especially our Ella-Luna, boy oh boy she's been a handful this week, but I guess we really wouldn't want her to be any other way. Be Well everyone, have an excellent weekend and see you Monday.

New Painting "Rainbow Swish"

"Rainbow Swish", acyclic on wood, 11.5" x 9" x 1.5"
The original will be available for purchase soon through my new website.
A print of this painting will available shortly on Etsy.

My post is abit late today, but better late than never is my positive attitude for today. On this extremely gloomy and humid day, distant thunder can be heard slowly approaching, the clouds seem bloated with rain and even the mosquitoes and bees seem heavy in flight with less hum, I wanted to do something extra bright and fun...so I give you my painting for today "Rainbow Swish".

I adore painting on wood, I have for as long as I can remember. I like to cut all of the wood about a year in advance and give it a good chance to dry up properly inside the house but today I fear that my wood supply is getting low and I am anxious to get into the garage and cut more to stock up again.

I am off to watch some "Lost' episodes with my sweetheart and with some cups of hot cocoa, as the rabbits snooze peacefully, I bid you a good evening, take care and happy creating.

New Illustration "Bodhi The Elephant"

To buy the original please click here.

To buy a print please click here.

Today, as promised I have a brand new illustration to show you. This is a coloured pencil, 9"x12" and is called "Bodhi the Elephant". It feels really good to get back to my style and just to do an image for love of the subject, I mean who doesn't love elephants, they are such incredible creatures and this image is meant to celebrate them. May the enjoyment I had making it be passed onto you. Have a wonderful day everyone and until tomorrow Happy Creating.

On another note, Wendy Baylis over at Dharma Designs Blog has written an article about me and my work over at my Etsy Shop, thanks so much Wendy.

New Illustration "Florida Granny" Take 1

To buy the original please click here.

To buy a print please click here.

Here is a new illustration that I just finished this morning. It is done in pastel and coloured pencil, an equal mixing of both. I say 'take 1' because I plan 3 different reincarnations of this image, it's always interesting to see how differently they turn out. 1 will be done in just coloured pencil and the 3rd will be an large acrylic on wood most likely.

Today is gloomy and it looks like a boom shower is on it's way...I am off to the cafe' to meet a friend. Till tomorrow, stay warm and cozy and happy creating.

Two days in Toronto and Chocalate

Hi Everyone. I hope this entry find you all well and cheery. I am abit tired here today at 'Bijou's Whimsy', so I'll make today's post a quick and simple one. Making things abit slower however, is my un-cooperating 'delete' button! It was working find before, now it just isn't.

Anyhow, we spent the last two days in Toronto and we had a absolute ball. I spent the Tuesday hanging out with Judit again, and we finished off her carpet stand together, we were so proud of ourselves and happy that we didn't need any of the boys help, ha ha. Abit of time was spent on an electric bike. A new and absolutely fabulous restaurant was discovered and thoroughly enjoyed by all (Check out Toronto's "Fresh" if you already haven't, an all vegetarian place).

Wednesday included a lovely shopping spree...we haven't been to Toronto in awhile so we needed to shop and get some treats. We tried another great vegetarian place for lunch called "Vegetarian Haven". I parallel parked in the tight and crowded Kensington area (again cause for some proud-ness, ha ha). And after a busy morning and afternoon, we grabbed some coffees, jumped in our rental truck, blasted the jazz and drove home in the pouring rain to our furry babies.....ahhh it's always great to get back home, regardless of the great time had.

On our adventures we visited the store "Ten Thousand Villages", I know I mentioned the website before so I was delighted to learn that they actually had a physical store. Toronto actually has two different store locations. We got some of this divine chocolate, ohhh it's so good (and all consumed). It's a fair trade product for the cocoa bean farmers of Kuapa Kokoo, in Ghana. Besides being delicious chocolate, you can feel good buying it because you know proceeds will go to help the makers. Plus, I couldn't resist the absolutely gorgeous wrapper....

That's all for today. I have a bit of cleaning to do, I need to call my sweet momma, and after abit of yoga and lunch, I plan to just sit on the floor with the 4 furry monsters and colour some simple picture. Stay cozy on this rainy Thursday...till tomorrow.

"Everything's Going to be Okay"

Good Tuesday Everyone,

Here is a new image...a whimsical and unearthly blue bird flying amongst the stars. This illustration was done to be inspirational but also at the same time it is meant to be grounding, as I am hoping the bird looks and gives the viewer a feeling of relaxation...that everything will be 'okay'.

To buy the original please click here.

To buy a print please click here.

I love this piece because 'everything is going to be okay' was exactly the mantra I had to repeat to myself the days after I finished it. Here's a question, I don't want answered but that I still want to throw out into the void...can art actually sometimes foretell the future? Anyhow, here's what happened; I was having a wonderful time in Toronto at Judit & Ed's place. I was suppose to be home on a Tuesday but things happened causing my ride to be unable to come pick me up on the scheduled day, so we all decided that I would stay another week on top of the initial week. I finished this illustration on a Tuesday and Wednesday at 6am, I got a call from home saying Ella Luna was very sick and it was strongly suggested that I get home as soon as I could. The bus and train weren't an option because they took 6-8 hours to arrive at home and neither left till at least 9:30am. So I did what I originally thought was the unthinkable..I rented a car and drove myself, ha ha. Now I know this doesn't sound like a big deal to most people, but for me, it was a massive thing....a big fear overcome and conquered. Despite the fact that I lived in Toronto for 5 years and drive quite alot....I've never had the nerve to drive in Toronto on my own. I always needed that expert beside me telling me which lane to get into, and which exit to take etc etc. But when push came to shove, I had to get home to my Ella Luna and I just did it, in 3 hours I must add, ha ha. The whole time...being terrified of being in the car in the middle of Toronto and the expressway all on my own...being terrified that Ella wouldn't be able to hold on till I got home...I kept telling myself 'Everything is going to be okay"...and it was:D I got home safe and sound with renewed confidence in my strength and abilities and our beautiful Ella Luna has fully recovered.

Life is just so much more fulfilling and amazing when we can move freely through it...and when you reach that fear that is blocking your way, if you really must bust through it, have the belief in yourself that you will. I think that most of us are alot stronger than we give ourselves credit for. I love the saying "A woman is like a tea bag, she never knows how strong she is, till she's put in hot water".

Till tomorrow, be well everyone and happy creating.

I am back with a new illustration

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are all well. I am happy to be back to my blog. In a very short time, blogging has quickly en grained itself into my routine. I was away from my studio for almost a week. I had the pleasure of spending that time in Toronto with my best friend Judit and I had a wonderful time. Judit and I pretty much just hung out together, cooked and baked and ate together, created together, walked together...it was just a simple and very awesome time, Thanks Judit & Ed.

Here is a picture I created whiles I was at Judit's place. I drew out abunch of images to work on, so all I had to bring was my paper/drawings and coloured pencils basically. I decided to 're due' the painting 'Pink Jinny' in colored pencil and see how it would turn out. I am happy with how it turned out, she has her own kind of whimsy, just as the first one does.

To buy the original please click here.
To buy a print please click here.

Well that it about all for today. I feel like I've been away from my studio forever so I have alot to do today and this week. Be well everyone and until tomorrow have fun creating.

Whiles I am away...a new illustration

Hi ya all. I can't help it, ha ha...I will most likely blog as much as I can over the next few days off because really the blogging never quite seems like work, mostly it's just fun and really sets the tone of my days.

Here is a new illustration that I haven't shown to the 'masses' yet. It's not the best photo but it will be scanned in properly etc, for the 'What's New' section of my website soon.

My uncle sent me this 'poem' the other day and I just really liked it so I thought I'd share it with you.

"As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will.
You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time.
You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken.
You'll fight with your best friend.
You'll blame a new love for things an old one did.
You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love.
So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.
Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin. "

Thanks and I'll post again soon.

"Time Carries On WIthout You" New Illustration

Good Tuesday Everyone. I would like to share a new illustration with you today. I finished it a couple days ago...this is just a digital photo, it'll be scanned in and viewed more nicely through my website at a later point. It is called "Time Carries On Without You" and as before, I'll leave my story out of it and let you bring your own to it.

Here is a detail...
If it moves you enough to leave a comment or send an email that would be wonderful. If not I hope it atleast inspires.

I am happy that http://www.5starblogs.com/ has approved my blog for inclusion at their site.

Well, my tea and oatmeal await and I have some bunnies to snuggle before I get to work in my studio for the day. Thanks Everyone and have a great day.

A New Illustration

Hi Everyone. Usually I don't get quite as excited for Fridays as most people do because I like working, I love what I do. But typically when my sweetie doesn't work, I don't work because we are too busy hanging out together. I do find myself on Sundays, looking forward to Mondays, instead of dreading them like most people, because if I spent the whole weekend away from my work and studio, I am just really glad to get back to it. I am sure us "Monday Lovers" are not well received by the general population, ha ha but I am not going to worry about that.

Today's post will be short and I am really looking forward to this weekend, as I am not feeling very well again. I have a case of constant nausea, chills and a steady stream of headaches. But I really wanted to show you a new illustration that I haven't shown anyone yet. It's not even scanned in yet as you can see.

I thought, 'hmmm, if I were asked to design a wedding invitation what would I come up with'. This is my 'answer' to a wedding invitation.

Now, I shall either let myself go take a neo-citran and curl up with my heating pad under my beloved duvet, and I am sure the bunnies will snuggle down close by since it's snowing one minute and pouring rain the next and they just don't know what to make of it, ha ha. Or, I am going to sit at my drawing table and work on a new illustration, under my lovely full spectrum lights...hmmm maybe I'll do both.

Be Well Everyone and have a good weekend, stay cozy and kind.