I can't believe January is almost over - nor that it's 2010. I remember when my first son was born (1976), i thought about the year 2010 frequently and wondered what i would be doing. I have no idea why this seemed a landmark year for me -- seems strange how those years passed so quickly!

Perhaps all the thought about this particular year was linked to the fact that i am spending quite a bit of my time doing what i like -- creating! Creativity has always been a very important part of my life. It's only become almost full-time over the past couple of years. I feel productive and as if i'm making great strides.... i have something to look forward to, and always a new idea for a bird portrait, of course.

This month, i've been quite busy painting. I've finally finished my daughter-in-law's Christmas gift (yes, i said Christmas). It's a large painting, and it took me a bit longer than i expected. I have painted about 20 ACEO's, have made watercolor valentines for my five grandkids.

I'm also working on my first 11" x 14" portrait of a hawk. It's coming along, i'm very pleased... will post it when completed.

My new year's resolution is a diet -- you know how time-consuming that can be! I've decided to turn over a new leaf this year, get back into shape and exercise more. I have a few other goals set - learn at least one new language, and to finish my Microsoft Office tutorials (i have to start them first).

Original Watercolor Paintings
ACEO 2.5" x 3.5"
by carolynn mcdade

Are We Doomed ? Will We End Up In The Recycling Bin?

Here is a stack of tiny, unfinished paintings sitting around on my desk -- I tend to go back and forth from one to the other. It seems to work out well that way for the most part.

I've noticed that can become frustrated with some paintings. Usually when the paintings end up in "the stack" they look doomed. I've recently realized that setting them aside for a few days (or weeks) helps me to realize their potential. I hate to throw a painting away (but i've done it before!).

I wonder if this is common for many artists?

Johnny Depp Portrait

Johnny Depp has recently turned my head. I didn't pay much attention to him before last year... everyone in the universe knows he's quite an actor as well as a super person and humanitarian (not to mention extremely easy on the eye!).

This portrait was captured from the sweet movie, Chocolat.

I'm pleased to present this original miniature watercolor painting, created using watercolor and archival ink.

Original Watercolor by
carolynn mcdade

Winter Whimsey

ACEO, 2.5" x 3.5" original watercolor paintings.

It's the end of December and i'm sure everyone is winding down from the Christmas holiday. Seems i haven't posted in over a month. Even so, i've been painting quite a bit.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas....

Here are some paintings i completed during December. All ACEO (Art Cards, Editions and Originals) original watercolor paintings, 2.5" x 3.5".

ACEO (2.5" x 3.5") Original Birds

Original Watercolors by carolynn mcdade

Winter Chickadee

I was asked to paint a chickdee, so here she is... looking for a morsel on a cold, winter's day. Maybe she will stop at your feeder?

Original Watercolor 4" x 6"
by carolynn mcdade

I'm following myself on blogger!

Seriously, how did i manage that? Somehow i'm my own follower. Nothing like giving myself a HUGE giggle!

I've completed another baby fairy painting - ( 8 x 10") intended as a Christmas gift for my granddaughter. I was lost for an easy pattern on her dress, so she got little circle swirls.

original watercolor by carolynn mcdade
November, 2009

More Feathered Friends

I scurried around and got these two bird paintings done at last. A blue and gold macaw happily preening, and a wintry nuthatch -- 4" x 6" watercolor and ink.

Original Watercolor Paintings
by carolynn mcdade 11/2009

Snowguys!

This snowguy looks a bit worried! ....

Gathering at the Fence...

Original watercolor paintings 9" x 4"
by carolynn mcdade

Kitties

I love pets, and cats have always made my heart melt. Here are two, 2.5" x 3.5" kitties which i painted yesterday...

Original Watercolors by carolynn mcdade

Illustration Friday - Skinny

This is my first Illustration Friday painting (keeping fingers crossed i can link from there to here!) This week's topic is "Skinny". The first thing i thought of was a pretty young girl i know who is tall, and skinny...

Original 4" x 6" Watercolor and Ink
by carolynn mcdade

Finished the "Unfinished" - Pale Fairy

Original 9" x 11" Watercolor
by carolynn mcdade

It's satisfying to finally have finished my fairy.... she's still among the mushrooms, daydreaming.

Snow Penguin

Lately, i've been busy painting winter ACEO's (an ACEO's are a baseball card sized painting, 2.5" x 3.5", also referred to as Artist's Trading Cards). I get a lot of fun and enjoyment painting snowmen and penguins. Here is a tiny portrait, shown bigger than actual size...

Original Watercolor Painting
by carolynn mcdade