I've been extremely busy lately, but realized I haven't posted anything new for awhile. These aren't done yet, but here's a peek at a series I'm working on...

I do enjoy working with a few different styles. I can do cartoon styles, Lichtenstein style, pin-up, pop art, etc... but this style seemed appropriate for this subject matter. :-)

90 sketches down... likely 500-600 to go this weekend! Whew! I'm getting an opportunity to do a project with a client this weekend and it involves a bit of traveling on my part. Just for the weekend, though! It will be a fantastic weekend. I'll be sketching on demand and I'm excited to see the turnout.

Just a quick update today... Life has certainly been busy. I'm busy with a variety of fun projects for clients and meeting with potential new ones. I'm also helping to teach an art camp this summer. Because of all of that, no art to post today. I will have more soon. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank someone very special to me for their unwavering support. You don't know what an impact you have. You know who you are.

Big announcement today! I have opened a store on Etsy!  I will have original, hand done paintings available. I try to keep my prices reasonable, but yes- these are originals, not prints. You can find the store here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtByAdrianneDraude

I accept Paypal, credit cards- and I accept custom orders when I have time. Please no licensed character requests! I have a strict policy about only doing licensed content through the respective owners.  I do ship and I'm looking forward to getting this started!

At Fringe!!! Come say hello! I'm selling original paintings from 12-8 today and tomorrow!

Hello friends!  It's been a very, very long time!  I'm still around and have been working on a lot of projects. I'm pleased to be able to make this announcement.... I will be selling original art at Visual Fringe--- part of the Fringe Festival in Orlando next weekend! I will be selling original paintings (like the ones pictured here), and I will post more pictures as I go.  I will have a booth set up at the warehouse from 12-8 on both Saturday and Sunday.  Prices of paintings vary from $25-35 to $1000. I normally paint larger scale paintings but I'm mixing it up for this event. Come say hi and support the arts!  I will be able to accept cash or credit/debit and would love to see all of you lovely people!

Again- keep checking back because I will be posting pictures of the paintings, plus more details about the festival. If this one goes well, there will be more in my future. As with any of my work- if you see something you'd like- email me at AdrianneDArt@gmail.com and we can discuss price and availability. I also do commissioned pieces, though due to my client contracts- I ask that those don't include licensed characters.  See you all real soon! Stay tuned!

Run or draw? Run or draw?!?

How about drawing a character running? Does that count in my training? No?!?

The Disney Princess Half Marathon is approaching and I had better keep on top of my training and do my run today... but I also feel the urge to practice my character art and sketch. Some days it's absolute garbage- but that's the point of practice, isn't it? Strengthen those bits and work out the kinks... Creativity is so much like athletic training. You can only get better with practice and if you don't use it- it can take a lot to get back where you were!

Now that I've sketched something out... Time to run!

New Vinylmation One of a Kinds!

Huge delay in posts, but life can be like that. :)  Here are my two newest One-of-a-kind Vinylmation figures. They are each 9" tall. Each has sculpted elements.  I also mentioned in my previous post a few projects I was finishing up but hadn't posted pictures. Here they are! 4 one-of-a-kind Vinylmation pieces I did for Mickey's Circus Trading event this past summer.

Doctor Facilier was in a fortune telling booth. I like using the popular characters but it's nice when I can find a place for ones who don't get the spotlight as often. There is a soft spotlight above him and the candles are flickering LEDs. The lighting added a nice quality to the mood.  The Neverland Mermaid was a bit more abstract. I wanted the freedom to experiment and I'm very pleased with the way she turned out. I thought the display case was a nice touch! ;)  She's sitting on a rock and yes- there is a hidden Mickey made from barnacles on the back of the rock. Her tail is sculpted with hand cut/placed individual paper scales. This one has a lot of sparkle to it. It's safe to say those two were pretty time consuming.  Next are Chip and Dale- decked out as clowns for the circus theme. These four took a lot of time to complete but they are very special to me.

I am very happy to say I'm putting the finishing touches on 4 big projects right now. Sadly, it's too soon to post anything, but I am so proud of them and can't wait to share them with the world! Coming soon!

It's a little too soon to put away the pencils and paint, though- as there are lots of other projects I'm wanting to do! I love it when I'm in a groove like this! Yay for productivity! :)

Teaser....

I will have more art to share soon. I have several pieces in the works but I can't reveal them quite yet.  I'm hoping they'll be well received as I've been putting a lot of work into all of these pieces. Perhaps while I'm waiting to be able to share some of them- I can post other art. Stay tuned!

Tangled and Tinker Bell.....


Thank you to everyone who comes out when I have signings! I appreciate it!  Last month's was a fantastic turnout for the Piece of Disney Movies Tangled pin. This film is very close to my heart and it was my pleasure to get to work on this pin. I was so touched at people's responses to it at the signing. I had another signing last night at Downtown Disney for the Attraction Poster pin for the Jungle Cruise. I met some wonderful people- and I can't tell you guys how much it means to me that you come out to say hello. Thank you so much!

To make a great night even better, yesterday I found out that some very nice people "adopted" my One-of-a-kind Custom Rapunzel Vinylmation.  I will miss her and she will always be one of my favorite customs, but it's nice to see her go home with such wonderful people. I love doing custom Vinyls, and it's great when I have the chance to talk to the people who enjoy my work.

I do have more signings coming up.  They're 5-7pm at Disney's Pin Traders at the Downtown Disney Marketplace. If you're nearby and want to stop and say hello, I'd love to meet you! Here are the dates:

Friday, July 27
Friday, August 10
Friday, September 27

They say we are birds of a feather....

Again- so sorry for the delay in posts! I have been very busy with projects for clients- but I'm beginning to find time to work on things for fun/practice- whatever floats my boat!  This would fall into that category. I love Disney- and I have found myself spending a lot of time at Epcot.  This is still a work in progress. I have colors to change and some additional highlights, shadows, details to attend to- but it's so nice to stretch my legs and draw/paint whatever I feel like doing.  This is acrylic paint on a wooden canvas. It's far from done but I feel like I'm overdue for posts. ;)  The content, of course- is ©DISNEY.

Sorry for the delay in posts! Life gets crazy sometimes!

I'm happy to report that I do have a few projects in the works. I will post soon.

Stay tuned!

Tangled

Wow!  First off- sorry for the delay in posts!  It's holiday time- so of course, life is busy.  My world is pretty preoccupied these days with projects and preparing for Christmas, etc-  but I think it's time for an update.  I am very happy to report that the Sideshow Strongman custom Vinylmation I did awhile back found a home!  Thank you to the lovely people who adopted him! :)

In addition to the Strongman, I also did this one of a kind custom Vinylmation of Disney's Rapunzel. Thanks for the pic, Destination Vinylmation!   Of course, I had to give her a frying pan (in case of ruffians and thugs)!  I'm working on possible ideas for future customs- but am juggling all of that with regular work and personal projects. I have a lot of things in the works right now and I'm excited to see how all of it turns out.  

I was recently approached by a collector about how I create my custom Vinyls. I am by no means an authority of custom toy design- but I can tell you things based on my experience.

 Let me say it's purely a matter of experimentation: trial and error.  The "error" part can be quite frustrating but you just have to stick with it until you find something that works for you.  For me- the materials I use really vary according to the subject matter. What works for one may not work for another.  I use a lot of sculpting on mine when I feel that it's appropriate- and the same goes for fabric elements, accessories, etc.  You have to go with your gut and experiment with various materials/techniques till you feel it looks right.  And it won't always work like you hoped- and that's okay! It's a learning process.  These are my standard go-to materials when working on a custom:
-A good sculpting medium and sandpaper
-Acrylic paint- usually the kind that comes in the little craft paint bottles
-A good set of paint brushes, paint markers, etc.
- A bottle of clear paint varnish to act as a protective topcoat
- Hot glue gun
- If and when appropriate- fabric, ribbon, faux fur, etc.

You should pick the subject matter that speaks to you- and seems like something fun to create.  From there, decide what materials you want to work with.  Do you sculpt on it?  Simply paint on the form?  Mixed media? Do you use beads or any of the other art materials out there?  I really think the possibilities are endless and that's part of the fun!

More paintings

These are all older paintings of mine that are part of the collection I'm sorting through.  This was a fun way to paint and I do plan to do more paintings like this- especially since now I know how to make them better.  No, they don't necessarily have a political statement to make.  I paint what I want- whether it's to express myself or just for the fun of it.  I want to get back into the habit of painting on a regular basis on the side--  but some days I feel like painting scenes/portraits- and some days I feel like painting the more abstract, funky, retro content as seen in these pictures.   All of these images are oil on canvas.  I like to experiment with pastels, acrylics, etc- but oil is my preferred medium when painting on canvas.  I tend to save acrylics for mixed media pieces. 

 If anyone is ever interested in commissioned pieces, please PM me.  I'm happy to do commissions as long as it does not include copyrighted characters or custom Vinylmation figures.

Alice

I've been going through storage and sorting through older paintings of mine.  This one was inspired by "Alice in Wonderland". Oil on canvas.

Super Duper!

Sometimes you just feel great for no particular reason... even "super duper".  This is a little something I did for fun.  Enjoy!

Straight from the Disney Vinylmation Blog

I hope to have more pictures to share soon, but look what popped up on the official Disney Vinylmation blog!  It's a peek at my next custom Vinylmation- due for release this September at the Florida Project!

Dark Passenger

Meet Dexter Morgan. I'm not really happy with the pose here, so I may come back to it- but this was just meant to be a quick sketch while I was taking a break and enjoying part of season 5. Plus I feel like I really, REALLy need to post something.  It can be really frustrating to draw human characters so the more practice, the better.

Bit of a delay in posts...

Sorry for the delay in posts, folks.  Life has been busy.  I spent some time out in California at my very first San Diego Comic Con.  Now I'm hooked for life!  I met some amazing people, including several artists who inspire me.  I got to hang out with good friends, learn some stuff, and I got to fill my time with lots and lots of nerdy bliss. :)  It was awesome!

I realize I haven't posted much but I'm trying to get back into it.  I'm spending a chunk of my time trying to get back into my routine and any free time is spent working on a few side projects.  Bear with me, please!