I shouldn’t have left you, without a dope beat to step to. 🎵
You guys, it’s been over a year since my last blog post and only the words of Timbaland can convey how that makes me feel.
What have I been up to since we last saw each other? Well, I’ve made several new mixed media pieces that I’m really excited about (pics and details below). Once the animal ones get framed I’ll be actively searching for an exhibit for them all to be seen. I have ideas for the next piece but am waiting for a rainy weekend at home to get it jumpstarted. I sold three of my older pieces around the New Year and would love for these ones to get new homes too!
I’ll keep this post short and sweet so stay tuned next week to find out about my digital art progress and new job. 😎 Check out my work below and let me know what you think. And of course follow my social channels, especially IG, if you like my content. Later nerds. 🤓
All of my life I have had animals as parts of my family. They really make the best companions. They are always happy to see you, they don’t judge and never stay mad at you. This is why I have enjoyed drawing portraits of companion animals. I feel that it is just as important that our memories of our quadrupedal friends last forever. As a former veterinary technician, I have seen many people lose their loyal friends and it can be just as painful as losing a human friend. Although you can go out and adopt another pet, no one forgets their lost companions. They are all unique with their own personalities, just as we are.
Most portraits were made for friends and co-workers, but a few were for some lucky raffle winners.
Dogs…..
(click on the images for slideshow and info)
Chloe in color. 11×14, colored pencil, 2010.
Jackson pop art. 8×10, acrylic paint, 2014.
Commission. 8×10, pastel, 2013.
Sunny Afternoon. 5X7, graphite, 2006.
Rio. 8×10, graphite, 2011.
Sisko. 9×12, chalk, 2010.
Same Sleepy Dog. 8×10, chalk, 2006.
Chloe in the Snow. 8×10, graphite, 2010.
Jack. 8×10, graphite, 2009.
Penny. 8×10, pastel, 2011.
Joe. 11X14, charcoal, 2010.
Australian Shepherd. 9×12, chalk, 2010.
Bruschi. 8×10, graphite, 2012.
T-Dough. 4×6, graphite, 2011. Frame painted with acrylic.
Bailey. 11×14, graphite, 2010.
I use high quality, archival drawing paper for graphite drawings, textured paper for charcoal and pastels.
Flowers, whether in a garden or a vase suggest beauty, life and fragility.
One of my favorite artists, Frida Kahlo once said, “I paint flowers so they will not die.” She was often seen wearing them in her hair, which has become synonymous with our memory of this legendary woman.
I am currently working on a new mixed media collage painting based on my own sketches of Ms. Kahlo and recycled paper products that have bright colors and flowers on them. I’ll be sure to share pics on Instagram and Twitter @tarawhitestudio when it’s finished!
Frida sketch session
Floral prints add a certain timeless charm and femininity to anything. This makes them a staple for Spring wardrobes and any romantic getaway.
My favorite online fashion shopping venue, Modcloth has created a special Romantic Roadtrip Collection. There are more than 1000 beautiful items from dresses, blouses and jackets to bags, watches and shoes.
I’m hoping to plan my own romantic road trip and would love these items to wear:
While perusing through the collection I came across four items that would make a fun, flirty and comfortable springtime road trip outfit. The floral crown in pastels is reminiscent of those worn by Frida. The faded denim blue dress is casual and comfy but could be dressed up too. The mint green bag would fit all my necessities. And the multicolored slip on sneakers would make it easy to jump in and out of the car to check out all the sights!
If you love Spring, flowers and anything pretty, definitely check out their collection and leave your comments below!
Thx 😉
8> Tara <8
**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. I know, this is one of those love it or hate it holidays. Personally, I don’t care for the mushiness, stuffed teddybears, Hallmark cards, and heart-shaped everything. I do celebrate the February 14th because it’s my husband and my original anniversary of when we started dating 16 years ago!!
I think it’s a good day to celebrate someone you care about, and I don’t think that someone has to be a significant other per say. Why not a sister, brother, friend, co-worker, Mom or Dad? Remember back in grade school when you gave a Valentine to all your classmates? Let’s bring that back!!
This is one of those holidays when handmade or just really thoughtful gifts go a long way too. This year I decided to make a bunch of cute, valentine’s-inspired items for my Etsy shop. I came up with some really fun wooden spool photo holders. While the concept is not new, I gave them my own special flair by adding extra “bling” to the tops!
Wooden Spool Photo Holder
And of course I had to make my own Valentine’s. As a creative and lover of the environment, I always try to make my own cards from recycled materials. I had so much fun making these first three cards. They are made from the tops of those small, square Kleenex boxes, recycled greeting cards, Starbucks corrugated cup sleeves, scrap fabric, trim and assorted embellishments.
Valentine’s Day Card Victorian RomanceValentine’s Day Card Bohemian LaceValentine’s Day Card Carnival Love
One thing that drives me crazy about cards is that they typically aren’t something you want to keep out for very long. So, the best part about these Valentine’s is they can be hung as a keepsake!
Valentine’s Day Card Victorian Romance
**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.
For our special day, my husband and I will likely go to dinner somewhere close to home. Not too fancy, but more upscale than usual. I’d most likely be able to wear a cute dress with leggings and boots, which are more my style than a little black dress with heels (I don’t do heels). Perhaps I’ll splurge on a new outfit!
Modcloth has so many cute dresses and more and they’ve made shopping for Valentine’s Day super easy by creating their Sweetheart Shop. I checked it out and here’s three items I’d like to buy for V-Day:
This is the “About the Artist” dress, which I have been obsessed with for quite some time, but have not allowed myself to purchase yet. It is so simple, but still pretty and romantic.
About the Artist dress – Modcloth
I’d pair it with these adorable little pink ballet flats because they add just a touch more girly without being sickeningly sweet.
Tasteful Touch flat in blush – Modcloth
Finally, this bag, omg, this bag is the icing on the cake. How amazing is this? It looks like it came right out of an antique store and the colors go with the gray dress perfectly! If I end up buying these I’ll be sure to share a pic of me in the outfit!
It’s been almost 6 months since my last post! I thought I’d share the handmade gifts I gave this Christmas (note the mason jar wall hanging and sugar scrub were handmade by my sister who gave them to me).
Moon and Stars necklace
Wooden spool photo holders
Charlie Brown tree in a mason jar
Craft jar
Sewing kit and bag
Sewing kit and bag
Mason jar wall hanging
Sugar scrub
More sewing jars!
Mason jars were the star of the show this year. I bought a case of them to make the sewing kits, Frozen-inspired craft jar, Charlie Brown tree, as shown above, along with cookie mixes and a Portlandia-inspired pickling kit in a jar (sadly no pics of that). My sister made several wall hangings with jars and bought special smaller mason jars for the sugar scrubs, which are amazing, I must say. Basically, jars make the best, most creative gifts, so I plan to come up with some more fun ideas! Save those pickle jars people!!
Metamorphism. Mixed media on reclaimed wood. 7×12. 2018. ©️TaraWhiteStudio
Shapeshifter. Mixed media on canvas. 18×24. 2018. ©️TaraWhiteStudio
Rabid Radical. Mixed Media on Canvas. 18×24. 2018. ©️TaraWhiteStudio
