Stream Painting Update:

Getting close now to being finished, in fact it may be finished. I think I just have to step back for a day or two and see it with fresh eyes.

In the mean time I can wait for my proportion divider to arrive (yay) and get working on all those chocolate eggs and bunnies that I'm supposed to be making for Easter.

Hope all of you are well and that you have a lovely weekend!

Winner:

Congratulations Natalie!

I will send out your prizes soon.

Getting ready for Easter

The plan is to hang decorated eggs off of these branches for Easter, but for now I'm enjoying the unusual arrangement in our living room.

The giveaway is now closed and I will announce the winner tomorrow. Thanks to everyone who entered!

Playing with Transfers

I just made this pretty little bag. I'm getting better with those iron on transfers. They really mean it when they tell you to wait for the paper to cool before peeling it off, but its like waiting to cut freshly baked bread (almost impossible). Luckily I resisted the siren call enough to be very happy with this one, so much that it may be included in a certain giveaway.

Stream in Progress

Currently working on the rocks and the river in the foreground. Next, to move on to the trees and then add details. I've been enjoying my longer stints in the studio and hopefully can keep it going.

Giveaway!

I'm so excited to be giving away this pretty wooden egg that I have decorated with cabbage leaves.

I used color pencil to draw the leaves and added in the veins with white ink. It would make a pretty addition to the Easter table or an added surprise to someone's basket. Of course you could always use it to not so subtlely cheat at my favorite Easter game, egg tapping (if you've never heard of it follow this link).

 To enter, just add a comment bellow and be sure to follow my blog. Its easy and free, I will pick an entry at random. The giveaway will close March 28th and I will announce the winner on the 29th.

Good Luck!

Stream Painting in Progress

Started work on this landscape again. Its of the stream that runs through Ridley Creek State Park. Coming across the spot in the park that the painting is based on during my first spring hike really made me want to finish this little piece.

You can see that I have already deepened the colors and worked on the rocks as well as some of the right most woods.

Weekend Travels

A few shots I took this weekend on the Krantz Hill Farm in Delaware.

I really should get my plein air easel out there soon!

Wooden Egg in Progress

I'm really excited with how this is turning out. Can't wait to do the giveaway!

Spring is Here!

Things are starting to bloom here in Pennsylvania, its very exciting to get our first taste of good weather. I'm doubly excited because I have two beautiful plein air easels and plan to do a lot of outdoor painting. Its a bit strange to work outdoors if you are used to working in a studio setting but once you figure out an organization method that works for you, its really enjoyable. Mitchell Albala's book is full of good advice for those of you looking to get started with plein air.

Here are a few quick tips from my own experience:

Collecting

Some of my natural curiosities collection.

I love having these little objects on hand for sketching.

The Blue Cabbage

My Blue Cabbage painting is finished!

Title: The Blue Cabbage

Oil on wood

Size: 18"x 22.5 "

Wooden Egg

I love wooden eggs, so when I found this pretty one I knew that I had to make something special. Who knows it might even be a future Spring giveaway?

I think I may also have to finally search out and acquire an ostrich egg or two. Its one of those things that I've always wanted to have. You also have an instant quiche party on your hands with two of those giant eggs.

Coming Together

Slowly coming together! I can't wait to add the finishing touches.

Making Business Cards Stand Out

I've talked about my love of Moo before. I think their printing is so beautiful and their attention to detail stunning. Just having these beauties in my pocket makes me a lot more excited about sharing my work. Sometimes I want the presentation of these cards to be extra special, so I've been brainstorming a bit and found these cute little envelopes. They are the perfect size and shape to fit my business cards. As luck would have it I also found this lovely tutorial about how to make your own template out of one of these envelopes and thus use any paper that you want.

I've also been dying to play with muslin draw string bags, and have sketched up a few ideas already.

For artists especially, I think its important to give people a concrete idea of your work. I prefer to do it by showing them images of my paintings but it can also be done by vivid descriptions. No matter how you present your business card I believe that the enthusiasm you have for your work is infectious and will spread to your audience.

Sketchbook and Signs of Spring

A recent page from my sketchbook

Beautiful moss surrounding a small puddle in the woods.

Many crocuses have come out.

I've been painting a lot and taking long walks in the woods. I hope that you are also enjoying the oncoming spring!

Cabbage Progress

I'm really pushing to get this piece done soon. The oil and the wood really make a great combination. As usual I'm already planning my next painting and getting distracted.

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

Branko Miljuš

1936 - 2012