I used to do tons of art, and I loved it. I would enter all of our local art shows, and I would spend my nights painting and drawing, but once I opened my tailoring shop, there just wasn't time for it. Then I had a baby, and there was even less time for art, and it has really been years since I've sat down and really tried anything.

Recently, a friend of mine was curating a local art show and invited me to be a part of it. I was really excited about it and the thought of drawing again just seemed fun. The theme of the show was RED, which makes me think of love and violence, so I decided to do a small series of Orca whales (also known as Killer Whales).  I think they're really beautiful animals, and they're smart and extremely emotional and they love their families.

I know I've made art that I like more, but it was wonderful to get out and try my hand at it again. I used ink and acrylic paint on heavy paper.

I have always loved vintage valentines. When I was fifteen, my family took a trip to Nauvoo, Illinois during the summer. All of my (50) cousins wanted to see pioneer-style musical plays and church exhibits which I just couldn't endure. So, the few days we were there, I just walked up and down the main street eating ice cream and buying antique nick-knacks like a wooden rotary telephone (it's in the barber shop now), costume jewelry, cuff links, and (my favorite) vintage valentines and post cards. 

Since I was only fifteen at the time, I'm pretty sure I wasted those beautiful valentines on silly boys. With the love day approaching though, I've decided to make a few beautiful cards to give to my true love throughout the month.

I found an amazing book at our local library filled with portraits from the 18 and 1900's that I used for inspiration. I used ink and watercolor. I like these.

My cousin Stephanie, is a great artist.

You can see all her artistic talent HERE.

She specializes in oil paintings,

like this one she painted for my dad last Christmas, (my dad is the little boy on his father's lap)

So here was my first attempt if you'd like more details of the process

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