Hop Art Studio

Dogwood

Well I  took a break and went upstairs to draw.

I used my Prismacolor pencils to draw and color some dogwood flowers. It was quick little illustration. ATC sized (called ACEO's  -The acronym "ACEO" stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals.)

Fun little size to work with.

I sat there drawing away with my Kindle Fire propped up in front of me playing a new SyFy series I began watching on Netflix.

And I must say it was very fun!

So I will definitely try to crave out a few moments in my busy days to try to work on something artistic.

Even if it's just a tiny piece of art.

And a want to give a big hug to everyone who follows my blog. Your comments lifted my spirits and gave me the courage to keep on "keeping on".

 

(Oh yeah...working on a new look for the blog. I think the dog's a bit on the creepy side, right? But I like the colors. I'll look at the other ready made options Typepad has. Haven't searched around them lately. I'm sure they must have some cuter ones. Or I'll have to work on one of my own.)

Maddie

New gal's in town!

I just finished her this week and colored her in.

Didn't have a chance to create a card but I hope that's okay.

I love to color.

Cards, well....it's been a while.

So artist first, cardmaker....when I can.

Copics -E00,E50, E53,Y11,YR31, YR23, Y17,E81,E33,E23,E77,RV21,R17,R59,B32,B95, G14

Maddie and Cat can be bought at Hambo Stamps.

(There are some cute saying that are part of this set.)

Profits of the sales of my new digital stamps go to support OWH. (See blinky on my sidebar.)

Daisy

 

My new digital stamp is now available at Hambo Stamps!

I'm so excited to be able to share my illustrations again.

I just bought some new Copic markers.

I was such a good girl last year. Nothing bought. Really!

Just yarn and some magazines. 

Okay a few books too!

And since I sold so many of my stamping supplies I had a bit of cash stashed away.

So I decided to spend a bit of it on the new markers.

I will also be getting the set of Ciaos that I don't have.

Then, of course, there are the refills. 

Yikes!

Have a great weekend.

 

Josephine

Copic Markers- W1, W3, W5, 0. B95. YG67, E50, E51, E35, E47, RV00, RV23, RV34, R46

Josephine can be found at Hambo Stamps.

I hope you guys are okay with me posting cards again?

It's actually weird for me.

I've been away from it for so long that when I see a card posted on my blog, I have to wonder if it's mine!

Yikes!

I have a new gal coming out this weekend.

Hopefully I'll be able to get a card done this week so that I can share it with you.

If not....

I'll make sure to post her and links to the hop here on my blog.

Here's my puppy.....

My son took this picture while there was a strong wind blowing and he was just enjoying all of the smells.

(I'm a dog person. But if I could find a cat that didn't shed I might, maybe, someday.....own one.)

Linda

 

Copic Markers-  E00, E21, E33, E35, Y08, YR04, Y38, RV10, BG05, BG90, R29, 0

OMGosh! I'm always running around.

And around,

And around!

This is Late Linda, one of my new digis for Hambo Stamps. Profits of these go to OWH.

Did you know that Hambo Stamps have some really fun challenges?

Now that I'm starting to get back in the game, the stamping and coloring game that is, I want to start working on something fun every week.

They have a great challenge this week, extra folds.

I want to work on it next week. I'm rusty! But I'm gonna give it a shot.

Take a look at all the beautiful cards the design team created.

Hambo Hoedown

I'm so inspired.

And oh my!

Look at the gorgeous fairy card created by Sarah.

It's so nice seeing what people create using my drawings. And I'm so happy to be able to help out OWH.

Not to change the subject....

But a mom can't help but brag....

James passed his first exam this week, missing only 4 questions. He's so excited.

Watch out for Army Geeks!

Celeste

 

 

Copic Markers - E50, E53, RV00, RV10, RV21, Y11, Y31, Y61, YR23, Y38, YG41, G02, BG93, W1, W3. W5, R46, E08, E37, 0

Meet Celeste. I printed her out twice. Then after I colored in the images, wings and mushroom only on one of them, I cut out the body and adhered it to the front of the card. Using foam dots.

I'm thinking now, glitter may have looked really nice on the wings. Maybe next time!

I cut out strips of the grey paper and layered it for the ground. To give it some texture.

(Okay....really to cover up a mistake! But texture sounded better....hehehe)

Fairy Celeste is part of my new digital stamps to help support OWH  sponsored by Hambo Stamps.

I already have 3 new gals drawn up. 

Just need to make them into digis.

Can't wait to share them with you.

I hope you have enjoyed the new digital images that I've created.

I can't wait to hop around the web and see what beautiful cards you make with them.

Please, leave me a link to your creation.

I would love to be able to see it!

Thank you for supporting OWH.

Thank you for supporting Hambo Stamps.

Addison

 

Meet Addison. I had a blast drawing her. You can find her here at Hambo Stamps Digital Store.

Copic Colors- E00, E21, E53, E31, E33, E35, E37, E47, E93, B00, B97, B95, C00, C1, C3

Remember that the profits from the sales of my new digital images go to OWH.

Last year when I decided to take a break from stamping and illustrating everyone, including my family, thought I was nuts! LOL

Really....a break?

But you're obsessed about it.

Look at all of those markers? $100's of dollars....let just add it up, hubby said one day....let's not! I replied.

(And I don't have ALL the markers! Imagine what he would say if I did have every one. All I have are the original 4 Ciao sets plus the 0000 set)

But I was serious. 

I quit teaching, I quit stamping and I quit illustrating. 

I learned to knit. 

And I enjoyed the year I had with my son before he left to the Army's basic training.

Sometimes.....we have to let go of something that we love inorder to focus on something that is more important.

I will always be an artist, just like I've told my son that he will always be an artist.

Just because he's in the Army doesn't mean that he has to give up drawing. 

I just sent him a care package and in it a little surprise.

A new sketch book with a set of black and a set of colored markers. No, not Copic. But thin ones for illustrating.

(Like the new Prismacolor ones, without the brush tip.)

So....

this year.....

with some of the stresses of last year gone....

with the joy of knowing my son is doing something he loves....

with my passion for illustrating tapping again at my heart....

I'm so happy to be able to share on my blog again.

Hang in there.....

it's gonna be a process for me to get back into stamping again.

And...

I honestly don't think I'm gonna get as involved as I once did.

This time...

It's on my time!

Serena Mermaid

I have some exciting news!

One of my dearest friends has been sweet to host my illustrations on her site. Hambo Stamps !

Not only that but the sales of my new digital images will benefit Operation Write Home.

As you know from reading my blog my son is now in the Army.

And I can't tell you enough how important it was for him, as well as for us, to receive a card or letter.  

I'm nervous and excited at the same time about this premier.

I've been having a blast playing with my new illustration style and I am so happy to be able to share it with you. You already got a glimpse of 2 of my new gals, Trena and  Bella, but now you get a chance to see all of them!

To see samples of all the new images please go to the Hambo Hoedown.

I hope you enjoy using them on your cards as much as I've enjoyed drawing them.

Meet Serena.  

She is printed out on Neenah Classic Crest White Super Smooth paper. I then spray the image with Krylon Workable Fixatif. This makes sure that the ink on the paper, from your printer, will not smear when you color in the image. I have tried other sprays but found that, for me, this one works the best.

Copic Colors - E50, E51, Y02, Y15, Y11, YR23, W00, W1, W3, YG03, YG63, YG91, 0, B02, BG05, RV14, RV21, R17

You can purchase all the new digital stamps at Hambo's "New Arrivals"

Please remember, all digital images are copyrighted Asela Hopkins for Hambo Stamps.

You can use them for your own personal use and to create cards. Handmade, not mass produced.

I think this clears up Copy Right questions. (Thanks Maurie J Manning!)

My Lil' Ballerina

 

Copic Markers: E50, E51. E53, RV10, R11, R02, R05, Y04, Y06, YR23, B95, G07, C1, 0

This is the first little gal I drew. (Well, actually re-drew)

The first style that I did was very familiar to me, just the way I draw.

I worked on her a ton. Cleaned her up, printed her up. Put her aside for a time and then when I looked at her again I hated her!

Crumbled the paper up and just told myself  - you can do this. Relax and just draw.

Man it's amazing how one can do something when you put your mind to it.

I just told myself to stop trying so hard and just do it!

I now have a total of 4 gals - a mermaid is the newest one.  I'm almost ready to print her out and color.

Now the dilemma.

Last year some of my rubber stamps were stolen and used by a pretty high profile company.

(I contacted the artist and the company. The company was wonderful about the whole situation. The artist, well she never contacted me back. Did I out her? Nope. That's just not cool...ya know?)

Anyways, where did she get my images? They were obviously mine.

Maybe she found them on line somewhere, in some data base.

Maybe she proposely stole them. (They were flipped, but otherwise unchanged.)

Since that time I have come to the understanding that NO art is safe. 

People don't care about copyrights.

People think that if it's on the web it's fair game.

People think if they just change something, even just a bit, than it's their original to do what ever they please.

I have saved links, after links about how this just isn't the case. 

So anyways I'm really having fun drawing again.

I'd love to be able to share my drawings but I don't want them stolen.

(Not that I think they are THAT good...lol. Just people are dishonest. At least, that's what I've been reading on line. Seems to be happening a bunch lately.)

So what to do?

I'm still thinking about my options.

I'll let you know what I decide.

She's Got Heart

(We are having lots of overcast days. Hard to take a good picture, darn it!)

Copic: E11, E21, E33, E35, E37, R20, R17, R85, BG23, BG34, BG49, C1, B45, 0

Okay, I drew.

Really....I'm amazing myself lately....LOL

Like I have been saying, I'm trying to draw cartoons. And I'm really not that great at it.

My son keeps encouraging me to keep trying. So I have been.

Draw, erase, crumble and draw again.

It's a vicious cycle!

So yesterday, after scanning a gal I drew and worked on in Photoshop for hours. When she was done I thought to myself, "Self I like her."

Not!

So I started her all over again. I'll share her with you another time.

I was pleased with her so I drew another little girl.

Yep, as you can see from the middle picture I used those kids as a starting off point, an influence for her.

And I just started to draw. Weird, really....lol.

So I scanned my 2 little gals, cleaned them up. Saved them and printed them out.

 I ran to my son for a word of approval, excited that I finally found a style I was somewhat please with and what did he say?

"Those are good mom, not really cartoony enough, but good. Kind of like something girls would like."

Good enough for me!

Sunshine

Sending you a little sunshine.

I drew this daffodil and afterwards decided I will send it to my Mom for her wedding anniversary. Usually I send them flowers but I thought she might like this better. My parents walls are full of both my brother and my artwork. Last time I was there I noticed some new drawings that he had sent them and I realized that they didn't have anything recent of mine. So I think they will like this. I found the frame and mat at Michaels. It was already precut, supposedly 4 x 4, but I had to cut a bit more off. Very easy to do.

We have had very dreary  days. Cold, raining and dark. So I had to take this inside using my Ott light. 

(Those white highlights, wish I could take credit for them, are the reflection of the light hitting the glass. Looks good, huh!)

I used Prismacolor Pencil to draw this.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Chloe

Meet sweet Chloe. I just couldn't draw Baxter and not draw this beautiful face. I love boxers. We owned one and they are so much fun.

I don't know if I mentioned this before but the illustration is only 5x5 inches. I'm working on a smaller scale because I want to practice without feeling overwhelmed by the size of the project. I'm liking this scale. I also did an ATC sized illustration. Chloe took 16 Prismacolor pencils to get all of the texture just right in her fur.

I hope you don't mind me sharing my drawings with you. It's really helping me immensely to be able to illustrate again.

Thank you for all of your kind words about my post yesterday. Means so much to me.

Baxter

I wanted to keep my pledge to myself to start working on my art again. To practice. Just do it, not think much about what to draw, just draw. It's been way too long since I just made art for art's sake.

This sweet face is Baxter, my friend Vicky's boxer. I just couldn't help but try to illustrate him. I used Prismacolor pencils to draw him. 

Have a wonderful weekend.

Coloring a Bride- Copic Markers

At one of my classes I was asked how to color a brides dress. 

So I pulled out a drawing that I had done some time ago 

and tried a few different markers to color in her dress. 

Thought I'd share what I came up with.

 

(Skin pair of colors is skin colors)

(Click on images for larger version.)

(JPG of the brides for you to download) 

   

Many Blessings

 

Just a quick post. Another card I made using one of my illustrations (digital stamp) from my Etsy store. Have a wonderful weekend!

Being Koi

I've had some let downs this week that have zapped my mojo. I have had to cancel my plans to attend CHA. I was not only looking forward to going for the first time and experiencing what it is all about, but I was hoping to get the opportunity to meet some of my online friends.

But you know, that's life. It has it's ups and downs and it's challenges. Compared to other things that are happening in the world not going to CHA is pretty small. So I'm over the self pity-party and ready to move on.

Instead of stamping I worked on a illustration that has been floating around in my brain for some time.

You may have remembered another similiar illustration I did of another Koi using Prismacolor pencils. This time I wanted to only use Copic markers.

I first drew my Koi using several references for body shape, placement and markerings.  After I drew him in pencil I outlined using a Copic black Multiliner. I carefully erased the pencil lines left and began coloring in with my markers.

In order to give the fish a lot of depth I made sure to first add undertones. If you look at the dark areas you can see some reds and then in the reds you can see some yellows. Those were added first and then layers where built on top of it. That's where going with lighter colors when using your Copics is helpful. If I had just colored in all the black areas with a Black marker than those areas would look like a dark void, flat and lifeless. By using grays and other colors I was able to build up layers and make those area more dimensional.

When coloring in areas like water sometimes we tend to just color it with one blue marker. I used several diferent shades and built layers upon layers, blending in the darkers with the lighter marker. I did not use circle strokes! I only dapped the marker, brush tip, all over the area. Similiar to cross hatching done with pen and ink.

I found doing this illustration was very calming to me. I was able to forget that my plans have changed and to focus on other things. What would we do without our creative outlets? For me, I would be lost and not complete.

Size: 2.5 x 3.5 (ACEO)

You Rock!

Ha! This is how I look on a Monday morning after a long and hot weekend. LOL

I used my sons digital stamp "Tongue Monster" that I have listed in my Etsy shop to create this card.

I printed it out on plain ole 80lb printer paper and colored him in using Copic markers.

I used SCS Wednesday sketch challenge for the layout.

Saying is by GinaK.

This week is the release of my newest set for Ginak. I've been busy making samples using it. Hope you like it.

Keep checking Gina's blog for sneak peaks and blog hops! I'm excited to see what all of her talented design team come up with. All of the sets this month are awesome!

Check back this week for a chance to win my new set.

Digital

Have you tried digital stamps yet? Do you even know what they are? Well, have you heard of digital scrapbooking?This is the natural progression from that media. Now you can save black and white illustrations on your computer and print them out. It's really cool!

Well, I so happen to have an extremely talented 17 year old son who is dieing to make some extra spending money over the summer. I have always encouraged my boys artistic talents and am very proud of them. I let them use all of my supplies, always have. Nothing I own is sacred, not even my Copics!

I'd love for you to take a peak at his drawings. I think you will be really surprised how totally cute they are! (Mom of course thinks they are awesome!)

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5583808

Please remember, that if you do purchase his stamps all Copyright laws apply to them. That means you are only buying the rights to use them for your own personal use, you are not buying the artwork to pass it on to others or to create things such as rubberstamps for sale.

(I know.....I hate to remind everyone of Copyright laws, but I think it's important to understand that laws are laws and ignorance of them doesn't mean that you can break them.)

Framed Friends

 

I'm so excited to share with you my new stamp set for GinaK designs. You can hop on over to Gina's store and purchase it here - Framed_Friends.

As you can see I've added special little extras for you to enjoy. You can make inchies, stamps, jewelry, decorate envelopes and other adorable little things!

I can't wait to begin sharing all the ideas spinning in my head!

Don't forget to take a peak at GinaK's beautiful gallery over at SCS_GinaK_Gallery.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Gift Shop

Well look what I did!

I took my Daisy from my set "Flowers for Daisy" by GinaK Design and created some fun gifts at my Cafepress shop. (Something I started a long time ago but never really promoted much.)

I've already included another one of my original illustration in the store, plus in the future I'll be changing things up by adding more cute images.

I love to try new avenues for my artwork and this is just an extension of that.

Fun!

You can find them here http://www.cafepress.com/hopartstudio 

Sharon asked which bible was used in my last post. It's my hubby's bible and the version is The NIV Study Bible (New International Version) by  Zondervan Bible Publishers.

Eileen wanted to know how I cut out my images so precisely. I use a very sharp small pair of scissors by Cutter Bee. I don't usually use the tips of the scissors when cutting out an image but rather slide the piece of paper closer to the back. When I cut I turn the paper not the scissors. (Sometimes I'll use the tip to snip smaller areas.)

Make sure to trim excess paper from the sides so that you have a smaller piece to work with. This makes it much easier to turn and cut the artwork. I use a very sharp exacto blade to cut out areas that the scissors can't. Hope this is helpful. I'll see if I can make a tutorial on this in the future.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

I have something really special for you.

I drew a bunch of images that you can download and use as you wish. (Just make sure to give me credit if you post them anywhere. Remember that even though you have the right to use these images for your own creations you do not have the copyrights to mass produce with them. Otherwise, have tons of fun!!!)

I've uploaded them to Photobucket Happy_Valentine_Friends. Just right click on the image in Photobucket and either print the images out or save it to your computer.

(Sorry these images are no longer available for downloading.)

Once the images are downloaded you can use a photo imaging program to crop out individual ones and print them out. I used Adobe Photoshop to crop the Heart Swirl. I printed out the Heart Swirl on pink paper. Once it was printed out I cut out the pink panel. I colored the Heart Swirl in using my white gel pen and a Prismacolor red pencil.

I printed out the images and colored in the bird using my Prismacolor pencils. Then I cut it out and used my Marvy Scallop punch to punch it out. I used my Coluzzle to create the mint oval. I hand lettered the Love You saying.

These Free images will only be available until February 16.

Have a wonderfully sweet and loving day.

God's Beauty

A small fish in a big pond. Have you ever felt that way? I think we all have.

Yesterday I had a bit of time to draw. I've been itching to try my hand at making some ACEOs. ACEO stands for "Art Cards, Editions and Originals". These cards have one main rule - they are 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches - the size of a trading card.

Nope, not ATC's. ATC's are usually made to trade and not for sale. ACEO's are small works of original art that are sold.

I'm fascinated by the small scale of this art form. I've always enjoyed working small. And, well, ACEO's just seemed perfect for this point of my life.

I drew the fish in pencil, rather quickly. I colored him in using a variety of Prismacolor pencils. Going in a cross-hatching motion across the surface.

There are definite times in our lives when we feel like that small fish. Swimming about. The world around him so huge. Almost like he's getting lost. But how can something so beautiful, and special ever be lost.  No matter how big the pond the beauty of that fish can never be overlooked.

Have a wonderful weekend.

SOTM January

Oh how fun it has been to read each one of your comments. I love finding out where everyone is from and especially how the weather is. It's warmed up here a bit, now bright and sunny. I went by the home site and they are installing the cabinets. Ohhhhhhhh wow....I'm totally excited. Do you know that for me and hubby the kitchen now looks larger with the cabinets in. They told us usually people say the opposite, that the cabinets make the space look smaller. Not to us! It's just beautiful.

I want to share the new stamp of the month (SOTM) with you for January and into February at Cornish Heritage Farms. Yep, it's one of mine!

And hop on over to Lisa's blog to view her gorgeous card using my illustration.

Mona_Lisa_Moments.

This stamp is a real tease for some of the new designs to come.

I'll do my best to announce the winner of the Hop Art Candy this weekend. (If not then Monday morning...K)

Check back on Monday for a really great giveaway!

Have a great weekend everyone.

Crikey!

One of the embossing folders I bought is called Mesh. Well, to me, it looks like alligator hide! Maybe I ate too much gator tail when I was living in Florida or something....(LOL, naw just kidding. I've only tasted it!)

I looked and looked in my stamps. Thinking, I must own a gator. Well I definitely don't! So I just had to draw one. This lil' fellow sat on my table for a week after I created him. Poor thing.

I had the darnest time coming up with a saying for him. I was going to use Crikey, but then I couldn't think about what would go with Crikey! (Is it inappropriate to use Crikey, considering Steve Irwin recently died,? I don't think he would mind.)

Oh the problems we have at times. But I really didn't want to scrap the whole card. So I pressed onward.

I went over the embossed background with a gold metallic ink pad. Cut a circle around the gator, leaving his tail out. And then a second one, bit larger, in black. Hand wrote in the words.

I colored the gator with my Prismacolor pencils and doodled a bit. I used pastels for the sky and ground.

The ribbon is from Michaels. Love you is part of the set by Stampin' Up!, "Tiny Talk".

I'm overwhelmed with how sweet you all are. Thanks for the comments! I wouldn't even know where to begin to make my own stamps!

Drawing on Friday

I'm so glad it's Friday. I've had a really busy week. It's a good thing I love my hubby to death, or else I wouldn't be teammom. Don't get me wrong, it can be fun, but if you have ever been a teammom for anything then you know how much work it can be. My list is a mile long for today. But it's all good. You know, it's for the boys. And man are they worth it!

So I took a few minutes today to sketch. I never use a pencil when I draw in my sketchbook. I find it very challenging and rewarding to just draw using a fine point marker or pen. So if I make a mistake I don't care. I just keep adding lines.  I just look at the pic and draw away. The sketches don't take anymore than a couple of minutes to do. It's just a great outlet for me. No worries. Just drawing away.

Sketchbook

One of the things that I was awful at during college was keeping a sketchbook. All my instructors pressed the importance of having one with us at all times. Maybe it was immaturity at the time. Or just plain laziness. I never really got in the habit of keeping one.  

So lately I have been carrying around a small one that I have had for years. (Empty, of course...LOL)

After a short trip to the park yesterday I took the boys to the pool to cool off. I found a nice shady spot under an umbrella and started to sketch. I find it very rewarding to use only a black ink pen. This forces me to just draw away, no concerns of the mistakes I make. Just mindless drawing.

I know now what my instructors where trying to teach me then. My sketchbook is a way of opening up my mind. It's not for anyone else to view. It's my own personal diary, where I can sketch away, not worried about making it perfect. Not concerned about critisim. Just a way for me to open up my mind and release any creative blocks.

Thank you ladies for your comments about what you do when you have a creative block. Now I know that keeping a sketchbook is my solution.

Mermaid

I was going through cards I had received in swaps. And I came across a card that I had made for an ME swap (Mary Engelbreit). I love her illustrations.

I drew the Mermaid and colored her in using Prismacolor Pencils. No gamsol used, just cross hatching. The orginal illustration was then scanned and printed out to create all the cards I needed to send out. I mounted and framed the orginal illustration and sent it to the host of the swap as a thank you. She let me know that it found a loving spot in her young daughters room.

Luckily I had made an extra one for myself. LOL...using I don't. I just send stuff off and never ask for it back.