Jessie Lilac Blog

This week is the word is 'whiskers' and so I painted cats! Brown Cat This one above is the image I'm submitting to Illustration Friday. He has some fine whiskers doesn't he? I didn't know what colour to paint the dress so I decided to make it patterned and had a lot of fun making up this design. :) Tiger Lady Both these paintings are now listed in my Etsy shop . Please click on the individual titles to take you to their details in the shop.  I've used watercolour paint and acrylic inks. The blue background of the one on the left has metallic shiny blue paint, so lovely to use! Hmmm...I think I might be tempted to change my Avatar again. What do you think? ;) A few days ago I noticed that my Bloglist had disappeared from the side panel of my blog! I've put a new one up and I've tried to remember everyone but if I've forgotten or left you out please tell me. :)

'Show Your Soul',  watercolour and acrylic ink on paper. One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul. ( Clarissa Pinkola Estes ) It was a stormy morning when I painted this picture today. I tried to get a feeling of calm and centredness (is that a word?!) The colours are cool blues and greens and maybe more reminiscent of a summer's day than a November one but I felt drawn to using soothing greens on this blustery day. This painting is approximately 6 x 8ins, and will be available to buy in my Etsy shop. Please click here to see more details. You can't have my vases though! ;)

After a wonderful weekend visiting family in London, it's back to the painting table for me this cold Monday morning. Welcome to my new followers, thankyou for becoming followers of my little blog, it's lovely to see you here. :) If you've seen my last few posts you'll know that I've been working quite small lately, making ACEOs which are only 2 ½ x 3 ½ins. I'm stepping up a gear today and painting on A5 size now. It's funny how it seems so big. Who'd have thought that at one time I was painting on canvas 6 x 6ft?! While I was in London I wanted to go and see the Harrod's window displays. I didn't take any photos thinking I wouldn't do them justice but they were gorgeous. The theme appeared to be Fairytales and as that's been an interest of mine since time began, I came away feeling very inspired! Here are some images of the displays that I found online... Cinderella by Versace  Sleeping Beauty by Elie Saab Sle...

My garden doesn't know what it's doing. We haven't had any frost here yet so maybe that explains why I still have strawberries growing. and nasturtiums! The lilac is in bud despite the wintery looking sky and primroses are beginning to bloom but the virginia creeper knows what season it is and so do I! Less than 6 weeks until christmas, how did that happen?! Here is the result of my give away. Thankyou to all that took part, I really appreciate the time you took to choose which paintings you'd like. :) I've used an online random number generator, and the person who is number 4 in the comments on that post is...... Yvonne  ! Congratulations Yvonne, please send me your home address so I can send your chosen paintings to you. :)

Rose Tree  Did you have a nice weekend? It was perfect weather here, bright wintery sun. Just how I like it. Not so many flowers around any more but  I can still create them on paper them can't I? St riped Pony I planted some bulbs a couple of weeks ago but I'm sad to say the squirrels got there when I wasn't looking and had a feast. I replanted the remnants with hope in my heart so only time will tell if they survive! Growing These 3 new ACEOs are now available in my Etsy shop . Please click on their titles to see the individual details. Don't forget about my giveaway! If you'd like to take part, click here and leave a comment on that post choosing which prize you would like. Thankyou!♥

Stripey Grey Cat Illustration Friday this week is the word 'Tree' and as trees are one of my favourite subjects I had a lot of fun making this painting! I made some more ACEOs with cats and here they are.. Love Cat Shy Cat Each of these are ACEO size,   2.5 x 3.5ins. (that's 64mm by 89mm) and are painted on strong watercolour paper ready to frame as a picture for your wall or for your ACEO collection.   You can click on each of the titles to take you to the details of the paintings. Have a lovely weekend! :)

Can you spot the owl? This is the scene of my youngest daughter's bedroom this morning. She having 5 friends over tonight for a sleepover. I am so brave. Meanwhile I've been having fun making new owl ACEOS. You've already seen the middle one but let me introduce you to the others. pretty owl Two owls I've just listed them in my Etsy shop and I've painted them on strong acid-free watercolour paper with acrylic inks. They're $10 each (approx. £6.43 each.) Click on each of the titles to take you to their details. Thankyou for looking! I hope there's an owl that you like and if cats are more your thing then you'll like my next batch. It's going to be more cats soon! :)

I thought it about time that I did another giveaway for you. No rules, no regulations, all you have to be is someone who would be happy to own 2 of my original watercolour paintings. Yes two! The four I have up for freebie grabs are..... facepack golden chair hedgehog hair universe Just leave a comment on this post telling me which two you would like to own and if you're the winner I will send them to you, simple! :) They're all painted on strong acid-free watercolour paper using good quality watercolour paints. My favourite brand is Schminke, so velvety and bright! I shall sign your paintings for you too. The draw will be next Wednesday 14th November. An early christmas present! Good luck.  :)

'Shy' for Illustration Friday. My white kitty in the picture is too shy to tell you her name. I was like that when I was a child. I used to hate adults asking me, especially having an unusual name like Jessica, I found it excruciatingly embarrassing! Who'd have known it's become such a popular name nowadays? Of course I like having that name now and don't mind in the least being asked but that doesn't actually happen very often any more. I've had a busy few days painting owls and cats but I haven't forgotten that I've promised a give-away really soon! I shall be back :)