Monday, November 26, 2012

Painting Furry Rainbow Foxes on Quartz




This picture is a glimpse of a piece I'm working on over a pile of crystals in my living room.  Sam went mining in the Nevada desert and came back with two cases full of quartz crystals.  They have a strong ability to heal and beckon creative spirits.  I must say painting on a pile of these babies helped my focus and really moved the painting of the fur and detail quite nicely.  I had to be careful not to over do it, once you lay down a wash of watercolor, there's no gettin the same luminosity if you layer too much paint.

Commission Missions


River dragon channeling light; swimming with the current, charging a crystal in the sun. I'm fond of this idea! First I draw freehand on the canvas, from a selected sketch. Then I outline everything with my brush using acrylic paint. The rest of the coloring happens in between the lines, this is how I keep the detail on a large piece.



Still in process, there is much to do from this point. This is just showing my basic steps.


Here are the final drawings for a tattoo design of the mother earth goddess, this piece will likely be rendered further on canvas and turned into a painting.




A commission for a lovely woman from a secret admirer.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Gift Shop!

I am pleased to announce a new gift shop opening for my prints, greeting cards and books
click the link on the right column of my blog called "Kelly Patton Gift Shop"

Special requests for additional prints found in my gallery can be custom printed, just email me and I will package them lovingly and send to your doorstep.  Thank you for all of your support and recognition!

"The Shaman"  8"x10" signed print by Kelly Patton
$20 (plus tax)



Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Sardegna and Berlin Art Endeavours

New bookplate in progress. I began sketching it at the comfy artist's studio where I had temporary residence in Sardegna, Italy. The plants and animals in the image are from the island.


"Nutrisco and Preserve" mixed Italian and English, "Nourish and Preserve"



Bookplate number two, another Sardegna landscape inspired drawing featuring the ubiquitous poppy.


Watercolor painting mixed fantasy with realism...


Movable mural detail for my friend Annalisa.


Tree mural in Berlin!

Warmest Mountain Cafe

Good morning, I am the Ridge Cafe, now decorated by my new sign painted by Kelly Patton. It's a new day and I feel like this fresh makeover really stands out, don't you? Don't be shy! Come inside and sip my fresh juices and conversation.


Yellow is the color of my true love in the morning...

Monday, July 16, 2012

Monday, June 4, 2012

Connecting to the Stars

I recently discovered another depiction of intertwining sentient animals and the stars. This drawing by Leonardo Da Vinci is a perfect example of early animal alchemy. Leonardo declared in order to become the best in your skills, practice copying the works of masters. This use of the sundial was already in my subconscious somehow, but I will take the tip of practicing my drawing skills in the style of Da Vinci.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Beautiful Fables

Gustave Dore a gorgeous recommendation from a friend in Paris
He was born in 1833 in Strasbourg France where he illustrated his first collective work in lithographs at age 11!
It was clear he was a young prodigy and was sent to Paris to begin his career as an illustrator. He died at age 51 and left a massive body of work behind including many lushly illustrated fully packed gems of books.
I particularly am fond of his illustrations of fables, of course.






Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Amsterdam...Paris... Rome!...


Well, the time has finally come! I am off to visit Europe for 3 months. Over there I will see friends, visit dance venues, paint and draw statues, frolic through gardens and swim in the mediterannean, all accompanied by my wonderfully sweet boyfriend, Sam.
Those are just a few things I anticipate, not to mention all of the most random magical randomness yet to be discovered. Then I will come back and paint the memories to my heart's content.

Keep watching for new exciting discoveries along the way.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Vernal Equinox, the series is complete

My first time lapse watercolor painting accompanied by acoustic guitar instrumental by yours truly...

This painting completes the series for Winter Solstice, Autumnal Equinox and Summer Solstice.
I loved the time lapse, it really helped my process move along and kept me focused. What a great reward to see it in fast forward after completing it. And now my book is complete...stay tuned for the announcement of it's availability.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Supernatural

When I was a young'un I had perpetual dreams involving alien visitation. They were not always as pleasant as this encounter, (mostly influenced by the tv show x-files) maybe that is why I felt the need to see them in a different light.

This piece will be up at the art opening "Free the Alchemists" at Willow Springs in North San Juan. We'll be throwing a departure art show/dance party/yummy soup night/stargazing through telescopes/bonfire wonderment. This show will be up for one day, so come and bask in the cosmos if you are nearby.




Saturday, February 18, 2012

Free Because of Me!


I just finished illustrating my first children's book written by Tamara Venus Star;  "Free Because of Me" is a small book full of common household bugs given a second chance at life by the hands of a little girl. The pictures are lovingly painted and the story is very simple. I will update this page with an announcement as soon as it is ready to buy!

Livin' the Dream: Europe Art Tour

This is going to be a very exciting year in our lives. So much is changing so quickly, so many people are becoming aware of the need to make improvements in this world and are educating themselves about global policies and where they fit in the big puzzle.

So what better time to spread awareness and ideas, and to have a kick ass life and do what you have always dreamed of doing, its 2012! So to this I declare my partner, Sam and I, are traveling to Europe for 3 months, to immerse ourselves in all things art.



This has been my dream for a long time. To see great works of art throughout history that paved the way for so many artists who thrive in my generation.

I traveled to 12 European countries in 2010 with The Pleasant Revolution Tour, on a schedule with other musicians. This trip is all being negotiated by myself, where I will be free to roam and absorb more art than I could during those years.

We'll also be checking out mystical gardens, apothecaries, fantastical architecture, toy stores, absinth bars, dance parties--as much eye, ear and tongue candy as possible and at a nice pace without rushing it.

Everything is going towards this trip, every moment, every thought. Stay tuned for more cool updates!

Friday, February 3, 2012

What I have been up to...



Painting on the new deck, my dream studio with natural bright light from all angles, nestled in the woods. I am working on a special new watercolor, the final piece to appear in my first BOOK.


Using acrylic paint to decorate Bolete mushrooms on a sign going up at the Fungus Foray and Mushroom Exposition in downtown Nevada City.


Mushroom Exposition at the Miners Foundry! You can see the poster I designed for the event up on the projection screen.


Painting mushrooms. I did three separate watercolor studies, and sold all three the same day!


Here I am displaying a variety of prints, postcards, greeting cards, amigurumi's and hats all made by me. I'm standing next to Bill. He is a huge fan of my work, and is a very good friend!


A commissioned portrait of a beloved lost friend.


Practicing violin and posing for a photo.


Ahhh yes, back inside the fishbowl, or as Sam calls it, "the incubator"