Art Around Midnight

What a year!

2012-01-05T23:18:00.000-08:00

(scan of the artwork for our family photo)

Presenting: our 2011 family Christmas card! Here is the art from the card I designed. It was made with prismacolor markers, micron pens and some great watercolor pencils that I've enjoyed lately.

It was a good year for art. It feels like I did more this year. Perhaps it only seems like that, since it's harder to juggle any "semblance" of a "career" with three precious chewboos buzzing about.

Fortunately, my only goals for the year were to add beauty to the world. Or, if you have a dark sense of humor, some quirkiness... since illustrations heavily influenced by late 70s Sears studio portraits don't exactly count for "beauty."

Whatever the case, I had fun in 2011, and I was able to share my art with my children, my family, my friends, etc. I even worked on several commissions, which was a lot of fun and a big blessing.

The Etsy store had some happy buzzing during the Paschal season! Thank you to everyone who bought Pascha cards! I look forward to adding more this Spring, for the Lenten/ Paschal season!

I was even able to buy a new camera, and with it I plan to take more pictures of my larger work. Two of my watercolor commissions went off undocumented... so sad. I would have loved to share them here. Now that I have a camera, though, I will be able to keep track of my art.

Goals for 2012? Work on cards and try to get them printed and packaged in the most efficient way possible. Work on cards for the parish book store, and other local stationery retailers. Perhaps work on some commission work, if I come across any. Create an acrylic painting to donate for our yearly school auction. Of course, continue the family Christmas card, later this year.

Slowly but surely, I plan to whittle away at improving this blog. I know it's not much at all to look at, but I thank you for taking the time to stop in and see what's going on in my world.
Above: ink drawings of my three gorgeous kids, printed on a t-shirt for my dad's Christmas present-- he loves t-shirts with his grandkids on them :D

Have a Happy and Blessed New Year, from X.K., and the precious and patient people who share her house-wide "studio"!

Just in time: St. Nicholas cards!

2011-11-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

I love St. Nicholas, and I love how he is reverred so enthusiastically all across the world, especially within Orthodox Christianity. St. Nicholas is an ever-popular saint, and his feast day is coming up! If you've already visited my ordinary blog, I'm sorry for the repetitive information... But I have 6-packs of these special St. Nicholas cards available in my Etsy shop now! You'll find them there, along with other Nativity cards and goodies. Take a look!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you are well.

And the winner is...

2011-11-04T17:25:00.000-07:00

The lucky winner of the pack of cards is HANNAH! Wahoo for first-time commenters! Nice work-- Congrats, Hannah! Please drop me a note-- xktussing(at)yahoo(dot)com-- and let me know which cards you'd like and where to mail them.

Elizabeth, Marfa, Phronsie, Michelle-- thanks so much for commenting and for your support! I really appreciate it! It made the "Winter re-opening" of the shop extra special. I hope you have a blessed November and, as of the 15th and thru Christmas, a very blessed Nativity! Much love to all~ Xenia Katie

Nativity is just around the corner....

2011-10-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

(this one is not yet in the shop, but I'll be adding them tonight, after the kids are in bed)

All right, I have some NEW ITEMS in my Etsy shop!

Get a head start on your Christmas shopping and pick up some unique, Orthodox Christmas cards! Take a look!

I've also got some vintage items that I've been hoarding for too long-- time to find them them new homes!

In honor of the new goodies, I am giving away a pack of cards! Please leave a comment and I'll have a drawing next Friday, NOVEMBER 4th. The winner gets to choose whichever style available in my Etsy shop. Tell your friends, and comment away (well, one per person, please)!

Thanks, as always, for your support!

Fall "Thank You" notes

2011-10-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

A little preview! If I can get my act together, I'm hoping to have the etsy shop up and running this Friday (Oct. 14th) and have some boxed thank you notes for sale.

Which one is your favorite? "Leaf" a comment-- I'd love your feedback.

Welcome and an Update

2011-09-19T22:44:00.001-07:00

Hello!

If you happen to be visiting for the first time, and you've seen my auction item for the Greek Open, please click here to browse some of my portrait work! Thanks for stopping by!

It's been a long time since I've updated this blog. Life has been busy. I spent the summer working on some sewing projects and even a few art projects, here and there. Mainly, though, I just enjoyed being with the kiddos. Now it's back to school, and I find myself with more opportunities to be diligent in housework... not to mention, getting back on the ball with ART. As a disclaimer, I will say that I thought I'd have "more" free-time with 2/3 of my children shuttled off to school. This isn't necessarily true. However, it is giving me a glimpse into the future, and I can't help but wonder how big of a part creating art will have in it. You see, even as a child, I always wanted to be a mom and an artist. I always envisioned having a studio and creating art once my kids were old enough and in school. Now that I'm actually, kind of, sort of, at that point, I want to take baby steps into making my old dream a reality.

I'm trying to make some goals to get myself motivated, even it I won't be able to work on those goals for another 2-5 years or so (then again, who knows? Maybe sooner).

Mainly, I'm eager to take a class or two on how to use the Linux-version of Illustrator and Photoshop programs. You see, I'm kicking myself in the head for not taking more graphic design courses in college! I just wanted to spend all of my time painting and drawing... But now, it seems there are so many hoops to jump through just to attain my goals. These "hoops" wouldn't be a problem if they didn't involve expensive technology applications or equipment or classes that take me out of the home.

So for now, I'll just keep drawing and painting and scanning and fidgeting with images in the compartively-primitive Paint program (or in my case, the Linux equivalent, KolourPaint). The main goal for now? To get pen to paper, and to just give myself permission to create. Even if it's just to beautify my home, or the lives of my children, or family and friends.

In the end, I just hope I can be responsible and a good steward of the gifts and talents that God has given me-- may His will be done.

Etsy news

2011-03-31T22:39:00.001-07:00

Pascha cards, in the shop! Take a gander if you want :)

Cleopatra

2011-03-22T10:57:00.000-07:00

This is also one of my favorites. This is a painting of a little girl that was like a younger sister to me. My mom babysat her for years and years. This was her Halloween costume one year, and a photo was taken of her in our backyard. The October lighting and shadows on the window, the polyester costume, the yellow siding that my dad put onto the addition of the house... all of these are elements that I really enjoyed capturing.

Now... as for my "model"... does she know I made this into a painting years later? Probably not! I hope she doesn't find this and hate me.

Steve and Gyme

2011-03-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

This is probably one of my favorites. In college I did a big project and presentation on Regionalism. As part of the project, I had to create a piece of art in the style of one of the Regionalists. Can you guess who I modeled this painting after? Grant Wood, whose art I find fascinating (and not JUST 'American Gothic').

I used my then-fiance (now husband) and his grandmother as my models. I changed their hair and clothing, and I mimicked the Dutch-realist-type of landscape backgrounds the same way Wood did.

A friend commented the other day that I need to make another painting similar to this, only with my husband and I as the subjects. Maybe! :)

Untitled

2011-03-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

This style was experimental, and heavily influenced by Ben Shahn, whose work I discovered in college, and who I admire as an artist. I tend to paint objects and portraits that are really big, and take up most of my canvas. This painting was a good exercise for me focus on setting an entire scene, and incorporating a lot of detail.

The theme of the painting is open-ended, though I was "going" for jealousy. Others' reactions have varied from "lonely" to "CUTE!" All right! :)

Forgotten?

2011-03-21T23:28:00.000-07:00

I think I forgot to add this to my senior thesis collection back when I first started this blog. Oops! Here'tis another one!

2011-03-21T23:16:00.000-07:00

St. Xenia

2011-03-21T23:07:00.000-07:00

The Trio... and Put a Bird on it

2011-03-21T23:04:00.000-07:00

Watercolor sketches from a few years back

I guess it [was] Christmas?

2011-02-03T17:27:00.000-08:00

This was the illustration I did for our Christmas card this year. Acrylic and tempera paints with colored pencil detail, on watercolor paper. A different style than last year's pen and ink , but I'm amazed I sent anything out this year, with our mid-winter move and everything. We've had no break from the chaos since we've moved... HENCE, the reason for this Christmas-themed post coming nearly 7 weeks overdue.

As far as art goes, lately I've just been doing doodles or working on volunteer-related projects for church and Vasi's school. Oh, and of course drawing with Vasi, who has been coloring and drawing NONSTOP since she received her own set of markers for Christmas. Not that she didn't have a bajillion markers before... *shrug*

Boy does she love to draw. It's nice to "bond" with her over a fairy coloring book and a rainbow of Faber Castel felt-tip pens. Looks like we have a little artist on our hands!

Art Minute: Sucie Stevenson

2011-01-17T15:55:00.000-08:00

My husband loves to take the girls to the library down the street. Since moving here just two months ago, I still haven't made it there myself, but Job tells me the selection is incredible.

The girls have fallen in love with the Henry and Mudge books, much to my approval! My little brother used to read these books, and I even liked them myself (when I wasn't reading Goosebumps). The stories are entertaining, and the illustrations are absolutely charming!

As an artist with aspirations to illustrate, I've often struggled with the concept of style. Namely, what kind of style REALLY appeals to kids? I remember when my mom would bring home picture books from the library. Many were filled with gorgeous, glossy illustrations that were realistic and rich. I think most parents are drawn toward and impressed by illustrations painted in the realist style, and understandably so-- they are beautiful after all. In the long run, though, do they limit the imagination? IT probably depends on the story.

But now that I have children of my own, and a sizable book collection too, it's interesting to see what my kids gravitate towards over and over again.

Children's illustrations require a lot of skill, but they should also evoke a sense of fun and spontaniety. That's what I like about the Sucie Stevenson's illustrations for Henry and Mudge. The stories are endearingly written by Cynthia Rylant, and both author and illustrator imbue their work with a great sense of humor.

I love how Stevenson's work is loose and whimsical, yet colorful and highly detailed at the same time. It's not overwhelming, and yet you seem to notice something new about the pictures each time. Overall, the illustrations are so very sweet. Even my "non-artist" husband is charmed!

There are no other books on earth that actually make me WANT a 182 pound bull mastiff! And as an artist, I find Sucie Stevenson's artwork very inspiring and spot-on when it comes to what kids (of every age!) like.

Baby Boy Announcements

2010-08-18T00:07:00.000-07:00

Announcement time for our family! What a joy to design, to make, to mail with love. In the age of "electronic" everything, it's nice to work on something tangible to send via regular mail, to those we know and love, and who know and love our little boy, too.

Some drawings I did for my sweet little boy's birthy announcements. Heavily inspired by Richard Scarry and Art Seiden. I ended up chosing the one, right above, "Boy Oh Boy!", and you can see the finished piece at the very top. As always, a fun and happy project to work on!

Engagement Portrait

2010-07-27T13:30:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year I was contacted by Deborah, a wonderful bride-to-be who was interested in having a portrait done of her and her fiance, Carlos. It was great to break out the watercolors and get sketching! Thankfully, Deborah was very patient, as I simultaneously juggled a new baby and adjusting to life as an artist AND a mother to three.

I've never met Deborah and Carlos, as they live on the East Coast! But Deborah was great to work with, via e-mail communication, and it was a true delight to paint their portrait for them.

Congratulations you two! Thank you for the opportunity to do this commission for you, it was a lot of fun. All my best to you as you prepare for your wedding next month!

Art Minute: Edward Hopper

2010-07-02T20:12:00.000-07:00

Edward Hopper. I don't know much about his personal life. Well... I probably did a report on him or something back in high school... but that, my friends, was a long time ago.

But his work invigorates me. Inspires me so, so much. I haven't painted with acrylic and canvas since college (a good five years ago). I haven't been very inspired, and let's face it, canvas takes up a lot of room.

However, I "googled" Edward Hopper a few weeks ago and, in turn, became reacquainted with his work. Sparse interiors and landscapes, lonely individuals, quiet settings depicted in bold, clear strokes, each painting overflowing with suspense and/ or secrets. This is one of his most recognizable/ popular paintings.

You may have seen it parodied before. Just google "The Nighthawks Parodies" and you'll be astounded. The subjects in the paintings have been replaced by everyone and everything from the cast of X-Files to the Simpsons to Lego reproductions.

I love his bold use of color and high contrast. The strong light and the dark shadows tell a story. His work embraces architecture, the human form and landscape, all the while conveying and mastering human relationships and emotion. Seriously, what can't this guy do?

It's been cool to revisit his work and gaze, gaze, gaze for a bit. My hands are aching, for the first time in 5 years, to pick up a canvas again and (attempt, at least to) tell a story.

Colette Inspiration Board Contest: Cinnamon

2010-06-07T17:30:00.000-07:00

Colette Cinnamon by grovereatsbeans on Polyvore.com

From Colette Patterns' Spring '10 patterns comes "Darling Dainties", visualized by moi in cheerful, retro prints. Subtle voile, satin ribbon accents. A lovely full slip, this pattern can also be modified to make a camisole. I can see it now; a gorgeous slip, the perfect getaway and a fresh pot of coffee on a lazy summer morning-- sounds like a dream!

Pascha Greeting #2

2010-04-04T23:39:00.000-07:00

Truly He is Risen!

With all of the art supplies I've collected over the years, it seems that pen and ink hold a special place in my heart. The thick, luxurious lines of ink, the drama, the contrast.

Time to invest in some new nib sizes... the skinnier, the better! A little variation in line detail will be nice.

Oh, and Happy Pascha!

Paschal Greetings

2010-04-04T23:33:00.000-07:00

I had the luxury of spending Holy Saturday preparing for the great Feast of Pascha (Easter). Once the food was prepped and the house was straightened up, I sat down and worked on some greeting card illustrations. Some uninterrupted, meditative time with my pen and my inkwell... making something special to share with others... completing a project from start to finish in one day and with time to spare... Seriously, what more could I ask for in a quiet day of rest? Big thanks to my hubby for taking the kids, and to my kids for napping most of the time, anyway :)

A peak at our Christmas 2009 card

2010-02-25T18:36:00.000-08:00

Here's our Christmas card for 2009. I wanted to post it sooner, but I didn't want to do so before our family and friends recieved their Christmas cards. Then? I just plum forgot until now!

This was actually done on a 15"x15" piece of watercolor paper, and shrunk down to a mere 5"x5" image. Then I fixed the image to a white card and sent it off with our a greeting, our signatures and lots of love. Watercolor and black ink were used, along with a little bit of colored pencil and markers in some of the detail work.

I love making our family Christmas card each year. Sometimes it is a labor of love, but it is always, ALWAYS worth it.

2010-02-23T12:18:00.000-08:00

Have a blessed Lent!!

Sisters

2009-10-18T22:56:00.000-07:00

Sisters
4.5" x 6"
watercolor and pencil

October 2009

Yay!

2009-10-18T22:43:00.000-07:00

Mystery

2009-09-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

Final illustration sketch/ submission. I tried to convey the mystery of angels, and what it might be like to be swept up by one.

This painting was completed on a 15"x20" watercolor sheet. Which sort of stinks if you have a scanner with a much smaller surface. Hence, the photo above is a bit askew. Grr.

It was a fun challenge; I'm pleased with the fullness and the color! everywhere!

I might put this in my etsy shop, in case anyone would like to make a home for it in a frame.

More sketches

2009-09-30T21:52:00.000-07:00

More sketches from the submission I mentioned in the previous post. I was pleased with this, for the most part.. though more time and planning probably would have helped. It seems I sort of thrive off of sponteniety... which sometimes does and sometimes doesn't "work" in my final sketches/ illustrations.

tilted tree

2009-09-30T21:43:00.000-07:00

Here is a recent illustration submission sketch. I wish I had worked harder on making the tree "up right." I have a feeling that my work lacks a certain professional touch... Too wonky, too rough. I'll keep working on it-- onward!
:)

Senior Thesis Part 6, Heather

2009-09-22T21:44:00.000-07:00

Heather
acrylic on canvas
Senior Thesis 2005

Senior Thesis part 5, Christy

2009-09-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

Christy
acrylic on canvas
Senior Thesis, 2005

Senior Thesis part 4, Fr. Seraphim Rose

2009-09-22T21:29:00.001-07:00

Fr. Seraphim Rose
acrylic on canvas
Senior Thesis 2005

Senior Thesis Part 3, Sisters

2009-09-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

Sisters
acrylic on canvas
Senior Thesis, 2005

Senior Thesis part 2

2009-09-22T21:19:00.000-07:00

Petra and Pascale
acrylic on canvas
senior thesis, 2005

Senior Thesis part 1, self-portrait

2009-09-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

Self-portrait
acrylic on canvas
Senior Thesis

A look at 2006...

2009-09-07T02:08:00.000-07:00

(watercolor, pen and ink, pencil, marker)

This is an illustration submission I did back in January 2006 for an Orthodox book publisher. It was my first experience submitting work for a children's book! Just seven months after graduating from college with my art degree (and working in retail, thankyouverymuch) I realized that a career in art required lots of initiative, networking and "putting myself out there."

This was my first official submission for a children's book. Now I look back and I see things I'd change... I learned a lot of "dos" and "don't" about what I wanted my style to be like. Heck, I'm STILL learning :) But it was a good exercise in motivation, taking a stab, making baby steps (hopefully, prayerfully) in the right direction.

2009-09-07T00:50:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, I don't really "do" logos. I am a fairly low-tech kind of girl... just give me my paints, and I'll be just dandy. Somehow, that doesn't stop people from asking me "So... could you do a logo for me?" In reply, I usually hem and haw and am far too prideful to say "No, wrong person." Instead I sort of start gesticulate and pontificate and "...uh... well, um... I'm not really... uh... I mean I COULD try-- SURE!"

I know that Illustrator and Photoshop skills are really important, and one day in the not-too-far future, I'd really like to acquire these skills to better round out my abilities. Meanwhile, though, I'll keep sketching ideas...

Above are some sketches I did for the fundraising committee at my church.

2009-09-07T00:43:00.000-07:00

"All Saints Eve" advertisement for church bulletin (Pen and ink)

Wow! I guess I did this 2...3 years ago? I'm definitely not a graphic artist, but once in a while someone asks me to do something "logo"-ish... and once in an even rarer while... I'm actually pleased with something I did! It's probably way too illustration-ish to qualify as a logo, but it's as close as I get. :) SO... if you're interested in a logo, let me know-- I have a lot of talented graphic designer friends I can defer you to. hehehe.

Sailboats and happy news!

2009-09-07T00:38:00.000-07:00

Watercolor and pencil with digital image and text.

2009-09-07T00:29:00.000-07:00

Watercolor and ink, scanned with digital photo and text added.

What a cutie! I drew up several different baby announcements, and this was the "final" pick of the proud, new parents. Another fun-filled custom job. Did I mention I love custom work? :) I do!!!

2009-09-07T00:21:00.000-07:00

"Yianni" (2007)
Watercolor

This was a Christmas gift that my friend commissioned for her husband. How I loved painting it! I LOVE commissions... I love looking at photographs, studying faces and pondering the subject matter... I love to see people's reactions (vain, I know...) to their commissions. I always, always, ALWAYS work hard and doing it right, and making sure folks are 100% pleased (ecstatic?) with the results.

St. Lucia

2009-09-07T00:10:00.000-07:00

(pencil, marker, ink)

(Watercolor, pencil, markers, ink)
(ink, pencil)

Illustration submissions for a children's book. I thoroughly enjoyed researching this festive Swedish holiday and creating these works. Now what? I'm considering making some greetings cards for Christmas and posting them in my etsy shop in time for the Advent season.

Spanish breakfast

2009-09-07T00:07:00.000-07:00

Colored markers and ink with some Paintbrush touches

I drew this in 2008 for my sister's bachelorette party invitation. I was disappointed that no one showed up in a polyester polazzo slacks/ vest set.

Jello!

2009-09-07T00:05:00.000-07:00

"Jello" 2008
Mixed media (colored markers, ink, with "paintbrush" digital background)

2009-09-07T00:03:00.001-07:00

Watercolor and ink
Printed on cardstock, cut into 4"x5.5" cards.

2009-09-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

2009-09-06T23:55:00.000-07:00

"Bunny" Announcement and Baptism Invitation Combo

2009-08-18T23:42:00.000-07:00

Apple Announcement

2009-08-18T23:15:00.000-07:00