Santa Monica Pier

     For this piece I worked from about 5 different photos that I had taken in California in January. The evening we were at Santa Monica Pier, the Saints had just lost a playoff game to the Vikings and the mood was rather somber. I pulled out my reference photos  of happier people from Newport Beach that I had taken a couple of days earlier and put that crowd at Santa Monica Pier.  There are, however, a couple of people (the central guy in the blue shirt for one) who represent the Saints fans. 

Rain Baby

This is from a photo I took many years ago of my daughter. She was just stepping up onto the porch and out of the rain. The photo was not good. It was taken with a film camera and there was no going in later and increasing the exposure or doing anything to bring out her sweet face. Here's the photo:

So all these years later, I tried brightening her up myself, the old fashioned way, on my iPad Pro. (Well okay, maybe that's not really old fashioned, but my drawing supplies were in my studio and I was under the weather.) I may go in and tweak her a little more. I still haven't captured those apple cheeks and beautiful eyes to my satisfaction. 

Happy Valentine's Day

Dear Valentine's Day,
     Why are you my favorite?
     Is it the chocolate? The glittery hearts? The sparkling sugar cookies? The little stuffed animals with hearts for eyes? The potential to receive a dozen red roses from a secret admirer? (My husband is not allowed to send me a dozen roses because I will complain that it is a waste of money), (it's not easy being my husband)).
     Valentine's Day, you are like snow to me. Not only am I no longer a child, but my children are no longer childs, (that was on purpose) and I still get excited when school is cancelled for the day! I just can't get past that youthful glee!
     I remember the afternoon Valentine's parties in elementary school; cookies and punch and my valentine's box, covered with pink gingham and plush red velvet hearts on top (thanks, Mom!) I remember how cool it was to get cards from ALL my classmates and some of them were super nifty and came with a Hershey's kiss or a red lollipop attached.
     And thankfully, Valentine's Day falls in a month where there is a potential for . . . SNOW. Can you just imagine how I feel on a SNOWY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!??? Doesn't look like it's going to happen this year, but I'm always hopeful.
     Valentine's Day, you are awesome.

Love,
Tracy

p.s. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
 
   

Logo Design

     As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, I'll be getting a new website in a month or two. I'm working on a logo for the home page. This design started when I came across a creative prompt quite a while back: design a tattoo for yourself. Below is the sketch I did that will grace my arm if it ever becomes law that everyone must have a personal tattoo. (Don't think I'll be getting one unless it becomes law).

     I worked it up two ways on my iPad (in the Procreate app). The version on top with the background, and the version below without. Finally, at the very bottom is the little gem (6"x 6") I'm currently working on (still in progress) in oil paints. 

Faith

     This is number four in my compassionate animals series. The original is done in watercolor with a little digital touching-up. I have four of these animals now available in my Society6 store - FAITH, HOPE, PEACE, and MERCY. To check them out click on my link https://society6.com/tracyonoz 

     Thank you and have a beautiful day!