Blog
Kirkus Review - My Darlin' Quarantine
Great Kirkus Review for My Darlin' Quarantine by Elizabeth Stewart, Ph.D.
I got a wee little mention, too. :)
3x3" Cat Paintings On Sale
Hey Friends!
I just reduced all of my 3x3" cat paintings to $20 each for a limited time only, so if you've always wanted one or need to buy a gift for a cat loving friend, now's a good time!
Find them here ($25 if you want it with a 6x6" mat). I'll throw in some of my new kitty postcards, too!
This one just sold (thanks, Susan!) See if any of the ones below make you happy. :)
Cat Embroidery Sold
I sold another embroidery today that was based on one of my sketchbook drawings called Devoted. I know I said this last time I sold one, but looking at it reminds me of how much I enjoyed this process and maybe I need to start up again. :)
My Art is in a New Book!
The book is My Darlin' Quarantine: Intimate Connections Created in Chaos, written by Elizabeth Stewart, Ph.D. You may remember I worked with Elizabeth on her previous book No Thanks Mom a few years ago.
This book is "a collection of short comedies that describe the humorous ways in which five small groups of average people deal with an absurd situation: quarantine with strangers."
"My Darlin' Quarantine takes the reader on a journey into the surreal world of our present crisis set in the future in the unlikeliest of places, where creativity is channeled into personal growth through the companionship of earnest, annoying, funny, all-too-human strangers."
Read more about it and buy it on Amazon here. I am so grateful for this opportunity that realllllly stretched me in new ways and I'm very proud of the 20 illustrations that made it into this book. Can't wait to get my copy!
New Cat Postcards
My most recent acrylics painting is now available as postcards. The front of the postcard reads:
wishing you peace and ease...
This is what I've been needing for a long time now. Maybe you know someone who needs it, too. Snail mail means more now than ever!
You can find them in my store.
Be well! xo
Rabbits in Progress
Some kind of rabbit-ish animals made from blobs of paint. It started as a warm up exercise but is evolving into something. Who knows where it will go?!
Blue Cats Gel Print
When you don't know what to paint, there's always cats! Somebody requested a print of this so I have a few available on Etsy if you're interested.
Gel print, acrylics, 3x3"
Ginkgo Leaves - Gel Print
Thank you card - a little something different from me (no cats?!) Gel print, acrylics, 3x3"
Cat and His Person - Magnet
The second of my gel printed magnets. The shirt was the original gel print. Sometimes more of the print remains, sometimes less and it then becomes an under layer which gives it more depth. So fun to play with! Acrylics, 2 1/2".
Kitty Magnet
This started as a gel print (the flowers) and then I painted the cat, all in acrylics. I've been enjoying working small lately. Oh who am I kidding, I always love working small. I actually prefer it. This one is 2 1/2". Eventually I will go outside my comfort zone and go super large!
Gel Printed Magnets
Found these little 2 1/2" canvas magnets and decided to try gel printing on them. Here are the first layers. The colors aren't as vibrant as on paper, but I will brighten them as I add additional layers to them. Wonder what they'll become....!
Gel Print - Cat
We didn't have a lot of money growing up so I made cards rather than buy them. Plus it was fun for me! I still make them today. This is a recent thank you card for a friend of mine.
Gel print, acrylics, 3x3"
Owls
I made these owls for the birth of my great-nephew.
Happy Birthday, Maximus Michael xoxo
12 Cats
Here are my 12 cats all together. My process is below - I build the layers of the gel prints with color and texture. I then draw the cats over the prints with a watercolor pencil. Lastly, I paint the cats with acrylics, leaving some of the print as either the cat or the background. I try to leave as much as the print as possible, but sometimes it just doesn't work for me, so you will see a couple of them where the print has been painted over.
I may list these in my Etsy Store at some point. If you don't find them there, please contact me if interested. :)
Santa Barbara Printmakers at the JCC
Yesterday was the opening reception for the Santa Barbara Printmakers show, Imagination in Print, at the JCC. My three cats were hung with the monotype "Fraidy Cat" by Bay Hallowell. I also loved this woodblock print, "Cat and Koi" by Lawrence Hughes. There were so many beautiful artworks, but difficult to photograph since they were all behind glass. I'm proud to have my art included in this fabulous collection. The exhibit runs until June 18.
Cat 11 of 12 and Process
First gel print layer, I used Legos for texture.
Painted the cat outline.
Second and third gel print layers, used some plants for texture.
Decided if I want to keep gel print as the cat or as the background. I decided on the cat, so I painted the background but left some bits of the print, including a plant and some Lego dots.
Next I drew the cat with watercolor pencil.
I always aim to keep the original print somewhere in the final art, but decided the print on the cat was too busy so painted over it. I left a few Lego dots and added a couple more, added shading and whiskers. All done!
Hand Embroidered Cats
Today I sold this embroidery I hand stitched a couple of years ago. It is 6" and is called "Where Are You Going?" Packing it up reminded me of how much I enjoyed the process, and how relaxing it is, too - I may have to start up again!
I have a few others still available in my Etsy Store if you think you might want to have one for yourself!
Three Cat Prints Accepted in Local Show
Excited to have three of my artworks juried into Santa Barbara Printmakers' Spring exhibit "Imagination in Print!" The exhibit will include all types of original, hand-pulled prints including silkscreen, linocut, woodcut and more. I love these forms of art and am looking forward to seeing what everyone else has created. If you are in the area, check it out! Show runs from April 28 through June 18.
Reception: Sunday, April 28, 2019, 2-4 p.m.
Art at the JCC - Santa Barbara Jewish Community Center
524 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Live music by Chucumite, 2-3 p.m.
Awards presentation and talk by juror Laura-Susan Thomas, 3-3:30 p.m.
Hope to see you there!
The Start of 12 More Cats!
After my last 12 cats, I thought I was done, but apparently not! I just started another 12 (all made with my 3x3" gel plate). I love the small format, I feel much more comfortable working small. I've tried making cats with my 8x10" prints and am struggling. Anyone else have issues with that? I will get there, eventually!
Framed Kitty Gel Prints
I decided to separate the 12 cats and now they are available matted or in these cute little frames. You can find them in my Etsy Store here! The artworks are 3x3", matted they are 6x6" and framed they are 4x4". One of the cats I made into a thank you card. Hope you like them!
Gel Print Valentines
Tried to use all reds and pinks for these, but I couldn't help let a little turquoise and yellow slip in. :)
12 Gel Print Kitties Done!
Here's how they began: first layer gel print, couple more layers on top of that, then painted the cats. Really fun project and I learned a lot which I will now apply to larger gel prints!
Ten Cats
Only two more to go! Acrylics on gel prints, each one is 3x3". Next time I post they will be complete!
Eight Cute Kitties!
Eight done, four more to go. Acrylics on top of gel prints, each one is 3x3". If you ever see one of my cats with a little square by his nose, you will know I was inspired by my best childhood friend, Spotty. <3
Six Mini Cats Done
Half way done with my twelve cats! The first cat took me awhile to be happy with the color of the cat. I must've painted it six different times! But now you can see some of those layers which I think makes it even more interesting. The second cat is now one of my favorites. I used a couple of handmade stencils on the print, which you can see in the background. The bottom one looks like a fence, which was unintentional, but I really like how it turned out!
Two More Tiny Cats
Continuing work on my 3x3" gel prints. I love using the print as the background of the cat, although this time I painted around some of the print on the cat itself. (Maybe you can see on the first cat where I painted around the ginkgo leaf on its face!) The second cat I played with doing more of a wash on its body so the print would show through. It's fun to see the different effects I can create that I will later use on larger prints.
3x3" Cats!
Happy New Year! This Christmas I received a 3x3" gel plate and was so excited to try it out. Up until now I've been creating 8x10" prints and using up more paper, paint and studio space. Using the smaller format I am able to experiment more freely with different techniques and how I'd like to finish the prints. One cat I used the print as the background, while the other cat I used the print as his body. I am trying out different levels of opacity as well and letting some of the print show up underneath the paint. So much fun!
Photos of The Night Before Christmas Exhibit
I just received photos from the curator of the exhibit, The Night Before Christmas: Illustrations from 21st Century Editions of the Poem, where three of my mosaic illustrations are hanging. I am honored to be sharing the walls with some of my favorite illustrators including Lisbeth Zwerger and Bruce Whatley.
I love the little alcove with all of our books for visitors to look through and read, or be read to as these kindergartners are!
From the curator in MOAS Magazine: "In the 21st century, innovative - often wildly eccentric - illustrators have presented exciting, fresh new ideas for characters or plot details. The MOAS exhibition features three dozen of the best of these illustrations..." Of me she writes: "Christine Brallier's stained glass illustrations are remarkable in their detail, especially for the jubilant, bugling reindeer and a decidedly suspicious cat." The exhibition is at the Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach, Florida and runs until February 24, 2019.
Gel Print Christmas Cards
I am a Christmas card making machine today! Yes, I'm getting a really late start - sorry family, they may be a teensy bit late. <3
The Night Before Christmas Exhibit
Three mosaic illustrations from my book, including these two, are in a group exhibit that just opened entitled The Night Before Christmas: Illustrations from 21st Century Editions of the Poem! They are a part of "fifteen of the most non-traditional and exciting 21st century published versions of the illustrated poem by award-winning artists from abroad and the United States.” I’m honored to be included with such amazing illustrators as Lisbeth Zwerger and Richard Jesse Watson among others.
The exhibit is at the Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach, Florida and runs until February 24, 2019. I’m told our exhibit is located right next to the Kathryn Hepburn costume exhibit, how fun! I’m waiting on some photos and will post when I receive them. If you live in the area, let me know if you go! You can find my book here. Happy Holidays!
Gel Prints with Plants
Love how these turned out, that I'm a little afraid to do anything else with them! But I'm thinking I want to add birds or cats to them anyway :)
Pink Gel Print Cat
Made this little guy for my little sister's birthday. <3
Gel print, acrylics, pen, 5x7"
Gel Print Cat - Spotty
Last one in the series, my favorite! My childhood cat, Spotty, had a little black square by his nose. <3
Gel print, acrylics, pen, 5x7"
Can't Have Too Many Cats!
Finished cat #3 in this gel print series I'm doing. Just need to finish one more in time for tomorrow's show, Picassos for Peanuts, at the Goleta Valley Public Library, December 1st, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Stop by and say hello if you get a chance!
Acrylics, pens, 5x7"
Another Gel Print Cat!
Finished another cat for our local show, Picassos for Peanuts, this Saturday, Dec. 1, 2:30-4:30 p.m. at Goleta Valley Public Library. Hope to see you there!
Acrylics, pens, 5x7"
Gel Print Christmas Cat
Finishing up some cats for Picassos For Peanuts this Saturday at Goleta Valley Public Library, 2:30-4:30. Original art and prints by members of the Goleta Valley Art Association. Buy original gifts for Christmas and support your local artists! Speaking of Christmas, this one looks rather Christmasy.
Acrylics, pen, 5x7"
More Gel Printing with Plants
More experimenting with gel printing and plants. There are some really neat effects you can get, I love it! These aren't yet finished though a couple are close. I'll post again when they're done!
Cat Gel Prints With Collage
A friend of mine asked if I'd make some cats for her brother in law's birthday and these two appeared from two of the gel print cat heads I created earlier. I was going to draw their faces and bodies, but I had some leftover print scraps and decided to collage them on instead. I love the texture of gel prints so much, and I'm so excited to see what else I create in this media!
Gel Plate Printing - Cats
Oh my gosh, who knew gel plate printing could be so much fun! I am loving the texture and the surprise element of really not knowing what I'm going to get! I will add some faces and other details to these and report back :) Who else has tried this?!
Divine Bovine
I forgot to get a photo of this artwork before I dropped it off at Old Town Coffee in Goleta, CA where it hung for two weeks in celebration of Dia de los Muertos. I recently picked it up and took some photos before dropping it off at its current location, the Goleta Library. It is part of the Goleta Valley Art Association's group show and will be there until November 28th.
Birthday Cat
Made this birthday card for my dad who calls me Stine. I really like how it fits so much better than my long name, that I am considering signing all my work this way! Though it might make finding me as the artist a little tricky for those who don't know me. What do you think? I'm gonna give it a go for a bit and see how it feels. :)
Painted Bull in Local Show Wins 3rd Place
My painted bull was accepted into a local show, Alebrijes: Embrace the Fantastic, at Old Town Coffee in Goleta, CA and it won 3rd place! Divine Bovine is 14x18" framed and is painted with acrylics. It will be hanging there until November 4th, so drop in if you happen to be in the neighborhood!
Cat in Acrylic Inks
Playing with acrylic inks in my sketchbook.
I also used some stencils for patterning. This one's 7x10". Fun!
Painted Purple Cat
In this painting, I tried something new using techniques I learned from Tracy Verdugo. I started with collage and layered over it with acrylic inks and Golden acrylic paints. You can see a few of the collage elements peeking through, like on its paw. I also used stencils here and there to add to the design. It was fun to do something different and I'm sure I will find other ways to incorporate these techniques into future artworks. If you would like to learn how to create something similar, head on over to Tracy's web site and sign up for one of her online classes!
Little Cats in Acrylic Inks
I've been experimenting with acrylic inks and really enjoying how they bleed together. I also used ink pen and some gel pens for little details. I love the intense colors these inks come in (Daler Rowney) and a little bit sure goes a long way!
Exciting News and a Discount!
I'm sending my quarterly newsletter out tomorrow. If you'd like to receive it (with exciting news I haven't announced yet and a special discount inside!) sign up here!
Kitty Studies
Experimenting using Golden fluids with acrylic paints, ink pen and gel pens. Working on lights/darks (top one not so much) and being loose (bottom one was the loosest). What are you working on with your art?
Cat and Dog Painting
My newest painting with acrylics. This one is on a 5x7" canvas so I painted the edges to match so it can be framed or not. I've always loved working small, but I am gradually increasing the size of my art as I get more comfortable with working larger. This one is in my Etsy Store if you'd like to add it to your art collection. :)
More Painted Cat Magnets
These are the last of my painted magnets as I only bought ten. I really enjoy painting in this small size so I may do more in the future. They are 2 1/2" square and are available in my Etsy Store.
Painted Dog Magnets
Painted with acrylics, they are 2 1/2" square and are available in my Etsy Store.
Painted Kitty Magnets
I found some little blank canvas magnets and these kitties magically appeared on them! I painted random marks of color and then looked for who or what wanted to be painted within the shapes and these guys showed up. They are 2 1/2 inches and are painted with acrylics. I rather like them and can't wait to do more! These are sold but I have others available in my Etsy Store.
Paint Lab 2
Paint Lab 2 began with pouring fluid acrylics but my initial result didn’t look anything like the book’s example. I’m not sure where I went wrong, but I went with it. After I filled in the spaces with watered down paint and let it dry, I saw creatures beginning to emerge. The one on the right was initially hovering upside down, but I realized after stepping away from it for awhile that it didn’t really read that way. I made a couple of changes and then it felt done!
Exploring Paint Lab
I've had this book called Paint Lab by Deborah Forman for six months or so and finally decided to get it out and try some of the 52 different exercises to explore new (to me) methods and techniques. I have very limited experience with acrylics so I think this will be a good starting point for me. I already can see from the very first Lab that I will be changing things up and expanding upon an exercise to reflect more of what I want to paint.
In Lab
One, I was instructed to begin with a circle and some intersecting lines, and then fill in the spaces with a different field of color. Once that was dry, I was to layer on mark making with
different colors. I did the first part (sorry, forgot to take a photo of it) but then altered the "mark making" part as I'm not interested in creating abstract art. I used the opportunity to just
play with layering the paint, and this is what came out of the process.
I really enjoy drawing without a plan and letting the images appear as I go, so painting in this way
really appeals to me. I'm looking forward to the next Lab and will continue to share what I am creating!
Framed Cat Painting
I love this wooden off-green frame I found for my new little painting! You can see from the photo below that I started with green and I didn't veer too much from my initial sketch. By the way, I just discovered how wonderful watercolor pencils are for drawing over the dried paint. So easy to just wipe away with a damp towel until you get it just right!
This painting is available for purchase in my Etsy Store.
Sleeping Cat Painting
Another little painting I finished for the Goleta Valley Artist Tour last month. Acrylics on sassafras wood, 5x5". It was inspired by the sleeping cat I painted for Pianos on State.
Purple and Yellow Cat
Finished this cat in time for the artist studio tour last weekend! It's 5" in diameter and was painted with acrylics on a sassafras wood slice. It's interesting to me to see how it began as an unidentified creature and with a very different color scheme. I never have a plan for my art. I just start and see where it takes me. Painting is still relatively new to me and I am trying to get a feel for painting in layers, while at the same time, trying not to stress about what feels like wasting paint!
Available in my Etsy Store.
GVAA Artist Studio Tour
This weekend I participated for the first time in the annual Goleta Art Studio Tour where members of the Goleta Valley Art Association (GVAA) open their studio doors to the public to share and sell their art.
This year more than 20 artists participated at five locations. I was grouped with three wonderful artists, Marie Arnold and Judy and Warner Nienow, at Marie's home. Marie showed her fabulous abstracts in acrylics as well as her super adorable knitted cactus pin cushions!
Judy brought her beautifully expressive animal paintings and still lifes in oils and Warner, his wonderful atmospheric urbanscapes, nocturnes and still lifes in oils.
My artwork included some of my stained glass mosaics, my newest paintings, and a few embroideries. We had a steady stream of visitors with lively conversation about art, cacti, travel, and more art! I made many new friends and sold one of my mosaics (thanks Warner and Judy!) as well as some of my books and cards.
I haven't been very active with GVAA for the past few years, but I am excited about participating much more this year and in the coming years!
Painting Animals With Brad Nack
For the past couple of months I have been playing with acrylic paint and not feeling like I was making much progress. I wasn't planning on taking a class, just experimenting on my own; but when I saw that one of my favorite local artists, Brad Nack, was going to be teaching his layering technique of painting animals, I was inspired to sign up.
I first discovered Brad's art years ago at his annual 100% Reindeer Art Show (Going 20 years now!) I was instantly drawn to his colorful, quirky reindeer with crazed expressions and began following along on his artistic journey. So I was excited when I discovered he would be teaching a two hour class at my local Art From Scrap (his artwork is currently on exhibit there so go see it while you can! 302 E. Cota, Santa Barbara, CA)
Brad was a lot of fun and I'm newly inspired to continue my exploration with paint!
GVAA Artist Studio Tour Coming
Save the date, locals! I'll be participating in the Goleta Valley Art Association's Artist Studio Tour on May 19 where I will have my mosaics, paintings and embroideries I've done, plus notecards and my book. Enter a raffle at each location for fun prizes. Come by and see me!
"No Thanks Mom" Event
Elizabeth Stewart discusses the top 10 objects that younger generations do not want as “gifts” from the homes of their parents and grandparents and what to do with them. If you haven't heard her talks before, you must go! She is infinitely charming and funny with a wealth of information to share. I'm going, hope to see you there, too!
Here are a few of my illustrations in the book. You can see more illustrations here.
And you can find her book on Amazon here.
Details of the Event:
Wed., Feb. 7, 2018
Dr. Stewart, a certified appraiser (and SBHM docent!) discusses the top 10 objects that younger generations do not want as “gifts” from the homes of their parents and grandparents. She finds a consistent pattern of familial tensions over objects that older relatives have saved for the kids, wishing and hoping to pass on the beloved family treasures. If you’ve tried to pass on fine china, tableware, linens, fine porcelain figurines, silver-plated objects, ornate rugs, or heavy, dark furniture to a Millennial, you know it’s not so easy.
The problem, Dr. Stewart says, is the intergenerational difference in the concept of value and ownership. The answer, she explains, is to understand the new and changing concept of home, and to follow her specific remedies for each category of objects.
Stewart reviews each of the 10 object groups and gives the current owners ideas on how to pass them on. She provides an easy way to survey your belongings and offers advice on how to verify value and, where there is a market, how to put your items in play.
Raymi and Red, Painted Cat Ornament
I painted this ornament of our two cats Raymi and Red and stuck it in my son's stocking this year. We got Raymi from a shelter nine years ago for my son's
birthday. She was the queen around here until Red came along. He was my mother's cat who came to live with us after she passed away four years ago. He has tried
to make friends with Raymi ever since but mostly she will have none of it and will swat at him whenever he comes near.
There have been some moments of her allowing him to sleep a foot away and she also "sort of" plays with him but pretends like she's not. We're getting there slowly so there's hope!
Hand Painted Cowboy Ornaments With a Twist
I bought a couple of wooden gingerbread man ornaments to paint but realized I was not inspired at all - I find the typical gingerbread man a bit soulless with their eyeball-less eyes. I tried drawing a few different interesting eyes but none of them were working for me.
So I looked at the outline shape and instantly saw a cowboy hat in the head and arms! The bowtie fit perfectly on the hat. Well, then I saw a handlebar
mustache and these guys magically appeared. I gave one away as a gift but you can find the other one on Etsy.
Have a Yee Haw New Year!
Hand Painted Birdhouse Ornaments
I painted a couple birdhouse ornaments as gifts this year. This one "flew" all the way to Minnesota to a longtime friend.
This second one was for my brother who is a mailman. I put his address on the mailbox and the initials of him and his wife in the heart.
More Hand Painted Ornaments
These ornaments were all gifts and have been received so I can now post them! Hand painted on wood with acrylics. I have others available in my Etsy Store if you'd like to take a look. Have a beautiful Christmas!!
Naughty Kitty Christmas Tree Ornaments
I love these naughty kitties! When I was painting the trees, they seemed so boring and plain. I thought to myself, what would liven them up? Well, cats of course! Cats make everything better, don't they? These are wooden ornaments painted with acrylics, about 4x6" and available in my Etsy Store if interested. Happy Holidays!!
Hand Painted Bird Ornaments
It's that time of year again when I start making ornaments! Each year I make a series of ornaments using a medium I haven't used before. In the past, I've made ornaments with drawings, mosaics, felt, cross stitch, crochet, polymer clay, and embroidery. This year I am painting wooden ornaments with acrylics. Here is my first group of sweet little birds. I'm just finishing some Christmas trees that I will post next. You can find them all in my Etsy Store - they make great stocking stuffers!
Pink Kitties
I love the way they look in these sweet green frames. :)
More playing with brush pen markers. These kitties are small, about 2x3" and sold right away! If you would like something similar, please feel free to contact me here.
New Drawing - Cat on a Flower
I tried something new this time, drawing with black ink and coloring with brush pen markers on some fun decorative paper. I framed it in this found pewter frame which is 6 1/4 x 8". You can find it in my Etsy Store if you are interested in purchasing it. Hope you like it!
Yellow Cat, Blue Cat
New little acrylic painting on sassafras wood slice. It is 5" in diameter and 3/4" in
thickness. I LOVE the edging of the bark on this, it is some gorgeous texture! If you're interested in purchasing it, you can find it in my Etsy
Store.
Painted Cat in the Snow
New painting by me called "Snow." Painted in acrylics, it is 4x4" and 3/4" thick on wood. If you're interested in purchasing it, you can find it in my Etsy
Store!
Public Art Project - Painted Piano
I was chosen to be one of 12 artists to participate in Pianos on State, an interactive musical experience that takes place during Arts and Humanities Month in October. Pianos are painted by Santa Barbara artists and are then displayed at various locations on State Street for impromptu playing as well as scheduled performances.
The eighth annual installment runs from Oct. 2-16, 2017. My
piano is located in front of The Red Piano at 519 State Street. The design was inspired by my love of both cats and music, which includes musical terms and notations attributed to the
various cats. The title of my piano is Giocoso, which means fun and joyful.
New Book with my Illustrations!
New Note Cards
New note cards have been printed and are now in my store. They are blank inside for any occasion. Cat and dog friendships are the best! Find them here.
Welcome to my new website!
I am excited to share with you the new work I have been creating for the past year. Many of you know me as a stained glass mosaic artist (www.cbmosaics.com) and have watched my curiosity wander from glass to drawing to painting. I love animals so you will be seeing a lot of those in my work. I am currently working on a very exciting project with my illustrations that I look forward to telling you about in the very near future. Thanks so much for visiting my site - I hope you enjoy my artwork!
P.S. Find earlier blog posts at my original blog here: www.cbmosaics.blogspot.com
©2020 Christine Brallier