Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead Framed Paintings at the San Juan Capistrano Library + October Sketches

Happy Halloween and Feliz Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead wishes!

I apologize for my long absence, I was under the weather and quite unfocused.  However, I am feeling better now and would like to share an upcoming event.  These framed pieces are my newest contribution to this year's Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead art exhibit at the San Juan Capistrano Library, there are also a few of my piece from last year featured as well.

The two large portraits are actually self portraits; one is darker and more abstract, one is more positive and idealized.  I submitted them to a different show, but the curator Skye Amber Sweet saw in them something more, she saw the feelings of life and death expressed in these two paintings and thus their inclusion in this show.  

San Juan Capistrano Library 

31495 El Camino Real

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Library 949-493-1752 

The festival exhibit dates are officially Sun. 10/1 - Thurs. 11/28; however, it looks like there will be art drop offs on 10/1 and pick ups on 11/28, so I'd suggest any of the dates between the two. 

Gallery / Library hours to view art outside reception date is as follows:

Monday-Thursday 10:00a - 7:00p

Saturday-Sunday 9:00a - 5:00p 

Fridays- CLOSED

The date of our Day of the Dead event and reception is Saturday, 11/3 from 12-3.  In addition to the art, the exhibit and festival will include:

Aztec Dancers

Free Face Painting

Ballet Folklorico

Mariachis

Sugar Skull Making and Crafts

Pop Up Poetry

Alex Ledante and I will try to be there, most likely towards the end.  We'd love to see you if you're in the area, it's a wonderful exhibit and festival.  I'll try to get some photographs when we go.

Edit 11/2: I've ran out of time to do a separate post for PPF today, so I am sharing these completed paintings.

Happy Paint Party Friday!  To see more participants, please visit:

http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/

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October 11-30 Sketches

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in October. They are all rough sketches.  I'm quite a bit behind in sharing my daily sketches, so I've grouped the images in groups of 5 so it isn't quite so overwhelming.  You may see them individually on facebook here.  You may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

Day 11:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a powerful gaze.  I think she is most likely a goddess, although she could also be a fairy angel or a mermaid.

Day 12:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She seems to have a joyful quality...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.

Day 13:  Here is a sketch of a mandevilla flower.  They seem like lovely flowers... 

Day 14:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has an expression of gentle concern...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess

Day 15:  Here is a sketch of a Virginia bluebell.  They have a charming form...

Day 16:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has an intensity to her...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess. 

Day 17:  Here is a sketch of a peony.  I love peonies...

Day 18:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She is adorned with flowers in her hair...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.

Day 19:  Here is a sketch of a dahlia flower and bud.  They stand upright and full of joy...

Day 20:  Here is a sketch of daffodil flowers.  They have a wonderful charm to them...

Day 21:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a gentleness in her gaze...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.

Day 22:  Here is a sketch of some apple blossoms.  They have a delicate beauty... 

Day 23:  Here is a sketch of a flamingo flower.  These flowers have a dynamic form...

Day 24:  Here is a sketch of a wild columbine.  They have different look than their domestic counterparts but are still quite lovely...

Day 25:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has an intense quality.  I think she is most likely a goddess, although she could also be a fairy angel or a mermaid.

Day 26:  Here is a sketch of a rugosa rose.  I love roses very much...

Day 27:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a touch of sadness in her eyes...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess. 

Day 28:  Here is a sketch of a labrador puppy.  It is one of two dogs I sketched for a project I am moving forward on, I've decided to go with the the older dog, but this little fellow is a sweetie.

Day 29:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has wildly flowing hair...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.

Day 30:  Here is a sketch of a sunflower.  They are such a joyful flower...

Día de los Muertos: Remember Me at the Ontario Museum of History & Art Day of the Dead Framed Paintings + October Sketches

Here are my paintings framed and ready for the Día de los Muertos: Remember Me exhibit at the Ontario Museum of History & Art.  

Día de los Muertos: Remember Me at the Ontario Museum of History & Art

Thursday, October 11, 2018 to Saturday, November 10, 2018

"Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) emphasizes remembrance of past lives and a celebration of the continuity of life. It is a tradition with roots to Mexico's oldest civilizations. Explore Día de los Muertos through the artwork of local artists at our annual exhibit showcasing contemporary work in painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography, ofrendas (altars), and the participants from the city-wide ornament contest! Admission is Free. For more information, call (909) 395-2510."

The opening reception is Saturday October 13th from 1 pm to 3 pm, Alex Ledante and I both have art in this show, but I don't think we're going to be able to make it to the reception.  We will be attending on a different day and I'll try to get photographs to share of the exhibit.

These are:

Return to Me (Vuelve a Mi)  11"x14" Acrylic Painting, Approximately 17"x20" Framed

Guiding Light (Luz de Guía)  7"x5" Acrylic Painting, Approximately 12"x10" Framed

If you're interested in the art, please contact me regarding price and availability.  They will be on display until November 10th and available after November 20th.

Location: 225 S Euclid Ave 

Ontario, CA 91762

Phone: (909) 395-2510

Hours: Noon to 4 pm Thursday through Sunday

http://www.ontarioca.gov/museum

I'm joining in this week with Paint Party Friday.  To see more participants, please visit:

http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/

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October 3-5

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  Her hair is being tussled by the wind...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in October. This is from day 3. 

This is a rough sketch.  You may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

Here is a sketch of weeping cherry blossoms.  Sakura flowers are a favorite of mine...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September.  This is from day 4.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a delicate sweetness...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.  

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September. This is day 5. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead Big Eye Art Original Painting Work in Progress WIP + Sketches of Big Eye Angels Fairies Maidens & Flowers / September 15-21 / Art Sketch Daily...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead maiden I've been working primarily on her face.  Her eyes and makeup are in place, but the highlights will come later as will her eyelashes.  I've done the underpainting of her hair and the underpainting for the marigolds was finished before; but when complete, her hair will be dark and the marigolds orange.  I'm still a ways from being done, but I feel that I will meet my deadline.  Usually I work on more than one painting at a time, but I presently feel that I must devote myself to this one until it is complete.

This lovely maiden is on an 11"x14" panel in acrylics.  

This is a work in progress, but I also usually post at least one finished piece on Tuesdays if you'd like to come to visit!  My schedule is a bit off currently though due to this deadline so I'm not sure when next I'll be here but you also may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like. 

I'm joining in this week with Paint Party Friday.  To see more participants, please visit:

http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/

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September 15-21 Sketches

Here is a sketch of two daisies.  One daisy is charming, I felt two would be even more so...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September.  This is from day 15.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a bit of a languid expression...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September. This is from day 16. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of mullein flowers.  I don't think I've sketched this flower before...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September.  This is from day 17.  

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She seems very focused...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.  

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September. This is from day 18. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a calla lily.  These flowers have such lovely lines...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September.  This is from day 19.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a sweet expression...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September.  This is from day 20.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a marigold flower.  I definitely have marigolds on the mind right now...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September.  This is day 21.  

This is a rough sketch. 

Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead Big Eye Art Original Painting Work in Progress WIP + Sketches of Big Eye Angels Fairies Maidens & Flowers / September 1-14 / Art Sketch Daily...

Edit 9/18:  I'm still working on this painting with an upcoming deadline, if my progress goes well enough, I'll post an update again on Friday.  If not I'll need to continue working and wait to post again until I feel closer to completion...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead maiden I've completed the background and the underpainting of the marigold flowers.  I'm still working on her underpainting for her face and her hair needs to be blocked in as well.  When complete, her hair will be dark, the marigolds orange, and her face will have makeup as well.  I'm a long ways from being done though and the deadline for this is coming up, so it will be my focus for a while...

This lovely maiden is on an 11"x14" panel in acrylics.  

This is a work in progress, but I also usually post at least one finished piece on Tuesdays if you'd like to come to visit!  My schedule is a bit off currently though due to this deadline so I'm not sure when next I'll be here but you also may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

I'm joining in this week with Paint Party Friday.  To see more participants, please visit:

http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/

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September 1-14 Sketches

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She seem quite wise.  I think she is most likely a goddess, although she could also be a fairy angel or a mermaid.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September. This is from day 1. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a calla lily.  Calla lilies have such grace...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September.  This is from day 2.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She looks like she would like to be of help...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.  

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September. This is from day 3. 

This is a rough sketch

Here is a sketch of a rose and rosebud.  I love roses very much...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September.  This is from day 4.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  Her hair is damp from the ocean...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September. This is from day 5. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of fuchsia flowers.  They have a sweet delicacy...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September.  This is from day 6.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  With her winswept hair, she has a powerful feel.  I think she is most likely a goddess, although she could also be a fairy angel or a mermaid.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September. This is from day 7. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a passion flower.  They have such beautiful details...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September.  This is from day 8.  

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She seems a bit intense...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September.  This is from day 9.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a bloodroot flower.  They are a favorite of mine...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September.  This is from day 10.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a caring expression...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.  

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September. This is from day 11. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She is perhaps a little wistful...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September. This is from day 7. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a bloodroot flower.  There is an elegance to these flowers...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September.  This is from day 13.  

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She looks a bit cautious...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.  

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September. This is from day 14. 

This is a rough sketch. 

WIP Marigold Flower Art Original Painting Work in Progress + Sketches of Big Eye Angels Fairies Maidens & Flowers / August 25-31 / Art Sketch Daily...

For the month of August I will be offering a free random rough sketch included with any original art order on my website lisarusso.com!  I plan on making some adjustments in pricing and content on my website, so now is an excellent time to take a look...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a marigold I've completed the background.  I've spent some time painting the stems and I've done an underpainting of the flower itself.  I'm going to glaze some orange over the underpainting and go from there.  This is a very ornate flower and I find myself enjoying the details, which I'm very glad of as there will be two in the hair of my Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead maiden that I hope to begin painting soon...  

This lovely flower is on a 7"x5" panel in acrylics.  

This is a work in progress, but I also usually post at least one finished piece on Tuesdays if you'd like to come to visit!  You also may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

I'm joining in this week with Paint Party Friday.  To see more participants, please visit:

http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/

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August 25-31 Sketches

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a very fashionable eye patch...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in August.  This is from day 25.  

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a zinnea.  They are a charming flower...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in August.  This is from day 26.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a gentleness in her gaze...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.  

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in August. This is from day 27. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a deciduous azalea.  The flower has lovely curves...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in August.  This is from day 28.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a very knowing expression.  I think she is most likely a goddess, although she could also be a fairy angel or a mermaid.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in August. This is from day 29. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of periwinkles.  These flowers have such sweetness...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in August.  This is from day 30.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She is perhaps a little wistful...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in August. This is day 31. 

This is a rough sketch. 

WIP Marigold Flower Art Original Painting Work in Progress + Sketches of Big Eye Angels Fairies Maidens & Flowers / August 18-24 / Art Sketch Daily...

For the month of August I will be offering a free random rough sketch included with any original art order on my website lisarusso.com!  I plan on making some adjustments in pricing and content on my website, so now is an excellent time to take a look...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a marigold I am working on the background.  I've done three or four layers and am about to start working on the stems.  I didn't initially sketch the stems as this was originally sketched as one of two hair accents for a Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead painting I hope to begin soon and it didn't need it for that.  However, I decided it might be good to paint a solo version of the flower as well.  This is my first time painting bokeh (the little orbs in the background) in a piece.  

This lovely flower is on a 7"x5" panel in acrylics...  

This is a work in progress, but I also usually post at least one finished piece on Tuesdays if you'd like to come to visit!  You also may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

I'm joining in this week with Paint Party Friday.  To see more participants, please visit:

http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/

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August 18-24 Sketches

Here is a sketch of an orchid.  They are amongst my favorite flowers...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in August.  This is from day 18.  

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She looks as though something weighs heavily on her mind.  I think she is most likely a goddess, although she could also be a fairy angel or a mermaid.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in August. This is from day 19. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a marigold and two buds.  The flower has more simple petals that the one I'm currently attempting to paint, but still quite lovely...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in August.  This is from day 20.  

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She looks ready to celebrate...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in August. This is from day 21. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a rugosa rose.  These flowers have a fascinating allure...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in August.  This is from day 22.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She is a bit shy and hides behind her fan...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in August.  This is from day 23.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of an iris.  This is a wild variation of this lovely flower...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in August.  This is day 24.  

This is a rough sketch.

Original Marigold Flowers Painting! Art Prints & ACEO Prints! October Sketches...

"Encantadoras (Enchanting)" Original 8"x8" Painting on Canvas Here

This week my featured painting is "Encantadoras (Enchanting)".  These bright orange flowers are often featured in Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead celebrations. The original marigold floral painting is available for purchase on my website as are art prints and LE ACEO prints!  The art has an impressionist realist feel.

On the 1st Tuesday of the month I list some prints at a sale rate for 30 days  The theme this month is Halloween and Dia de los Muertos, with a bit of Wednesday thrown in, but this time the auctions will go dark before the next 1st Tuesday, so I'm listing this one as a sale print and LE ACEO as a bridge...  There will be additional art available as open edition giclee art and LE ACEO prints here next 1st Tuesday.

Most of my art is also available on my website at lisarusso.com; however, I like to put some art on ebay at a lower promotional rate for the duration of the auctions... I have been updating my website. It's an ongoing project, but there is now an excellent selection of art available!

Featured Image "Encantadoras (Enchanting)" 

8"x10" Open Edition print on Sale here

ACEO 2.5"x3.5" Limited Edition LE 1st of 25 on Sale here

I am linking this post with Inspire Me Monday

http://www.create-with-joy.com/

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Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a slightly mischevous expression.  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in October. This is from day 23. 

I would like to try to reach a goal of 100 faces sketched on consecutive days, I started this effort on September 1st, 2017...  This is face 53. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has long flowing hair and a cautious glance...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.  

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in October. This is day 24. 

I would like to try to reach a goal of 100 faces sketched on consecutive days, I started this effort on September 1st, 2017...  This is face 54. 

This is a rough sketch.