Color Inspiration Daily: 10. 04. 12

Hungarian Dancers Archival Art Print by Julie Morstad (one of my most favorite artists)

Illustrated Prints Available Now

Hi friends! I'm sorry for my late posting today. After sharing the snapshot of my little elephant sketch yesterday I became completely distracted by the process of editing him in Photoshop, and put all other work aside (bad)...but the great news is that I've now made two finished versions available for sale in my Society6 shop! Meet William and Margaux! They are available as art prints, framed prints and stretched canvases. I hope you'll like them. I'm planing to add more prints soon, so I hope you'll bookmark my wee shop and check back in for updates from time to time.

Also, before I go and attempt to get caught up on all of my neglected work, I just wanted to say thank you to each one of you who has been so kind and encouraging (both here and on Instagram) of my new adventures in art. I've always been so shy about sharing anything art related of mine, but you've made me feel braver...and because of your support I am too inspired and motivated to feel afraid any more. Thank you!!!

Lastly, I promised to share a few process shots yesterday...so here those are. xo Ez

Deciding on a color palette is one of the most fun parts of the design process...and also one of the trickiest! There are just so many amazing colors to choose from! As you can see, my final palette ended up looking a bit different than the one I first chose to work with.

Next I paint in all the layers. If you're curious about the technique I use, I can't recommend the book Heather Ross Prints enough.

The technique I follow (from Heather's book) allows you to quickly and easily change any color in your piece. Phew!

After all the layers are set where they need to be it's fairly easy to create additional versions using different color palettes. After several test prints I finally uploaded both completed designs to my shop! Hooray!

Color Inspiration Daily: 10. 03. 12

Emerson Fry Illustration by Caitlin McGauley (via)

In My Studio: An Elephant on a Bicycle

So I've gotten into a bad habit recently of starting a movie on Netflix and then becoming completely immersed in something else while it plays. I probably only glance at the film (usually hidden in some forgotten tab) once or twice. Isn't that terrible! My best guess for this new vice is that the sound of the movie playing helps to distract the part of my mind that would otherwise be taken up with worry, doubt, or idle thought. Because of that I can then focus much more clearly on what it is that I really want to do. Maybe I should give podcasts and audio books a try too (any recommendations?)!

Anyhow in my case the thing I've been wanting do so more often than not lately is to draw. The other night I popped on an episode of Mad Men thoroughly planning to watch it, but then the theme song queued and immediately a bow-tie clad elephant riding a bicycle popped into my head and I had to start drawing him right away. I thought I'd show him to you today in his unfinished state, then I'll post again soon with some process photos that I will take as I work to give him some additional character using color and texture.

On a somewhat related side note...I have the toughest time drawing anything unless it is facing left or face-forward. Isn't that odd?! Just last night I discovered that they make little posable wooden models for 4-legged animals (like the wooden ones they make of humans) so I might have to pick up one of those. At least it would give me something to go off of while working on my sketches, since there aren't exactly bicycle-riding elephant resource photos floating around for me to practice with. Anyhow, my goal is to start doodling poses in my sketchbook every day until it becomes second-nature to draw an elephant (or llama, bear, etc.) at a 3/4, or some other currently challenging angle. Wish me luck!

Giveaway: Win a $75 Shopping Credit from Cutting Edge Stencils

After a long break, I've decided to begin hosting giveaways for my sponsors here on Creature Comforts again. Today I'm excited to start things off with two generous prizes of $75 (shopping credits) offered by Cutting Edge Stencils.

My favorite use for stencils is to spruce up underappreciated elements in the home...like the kick boards (is that what they're called) on a staircase or the inside of a cupboard or closet (that little pop of prettiness will put a smile on your face every time you open the door). Of course there are loads of other great ways to use stencils, and I'm sure you'll think of something wonderful to do with yours if you win.

Details and how to enter for your chance to win: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED 10/09/12

• Two winners will be chosen. Each winner will received one $75 shopping credit to Cutting Edge Stencils. Redeemable for products only. No cash value.

1. Leave a comment using your first name and last initial, and tell me what stencilling project you're looking forward to creating if you're the lucky winner.
2. Giveaway open to both US and International readers.
3. Shipping charges will be covered by Cutting Edge Stencils. International winners will be responsible for customs fees if applicable.
4. Giveaway ends 10/8/12. Winners announces 10/9/12

For some great inspiration visit Cutting Edge Stencils on Pinterest and their blog.

Full disclosure: Cutting Edge Stencils is a sponsor of Creature Comforts, but no financial compensation was received for this post. The opinions expressed are my own.