Owl Notecard

Earlier this week I drew a small owl, and decided that it would make a great notecard. The illustration was graphite and watercolor on hot press watercolor paper.

The cards are available on Etsy and at The Art Dept. in Philadelphia.

I hope everyones doing something fun for the Fourth of July! (even if you don't live in the US, I hope you have a great summer day!)

Doves & Grapes

Doves & Grapes, watercolor & graphite on Rives BFK, 11 x 11", 2013.

My housemate, Sara, recently got married, and I made a drawing as a wedding gift.

I was inspired my Audubon's paintings in The Birds of America. I own a huge copy; it's one of the best gifts I've ever received. I was also inspired by looking out my window; it overlooks a courtyard full of grapevines.

Here's a look with the frame and lettering:

I hope everyone's enjoying their summer. There's been a lot of hot weather and thunderstorms here!

Illustration Friday: Tribute

White Rabbit, graphite and acrylic ink on hot press watercolor paper, 5 x 7", 2013.

I recently have a giveaway contest for a 5x7" drawing, and the winner wanted something Alice in Wonderland related. So, here's my small tribute to Alice in Wonderland!

Have you seen the Illustration Friday blog this week? There's a wonderful tribute to Penelope Dullaghan; she started Illustration Friday, and this past week was her last week running the site. Thank You Penelope!!!

Thumbelina

Thumbelina, watercolor & graphite on Rives BFK, 11x14", 2013.

I'm working on building my portfolio, and thought it would be nice to include this drawing.

I'll be picking the winner of my drawing giveaway tomorrow. If you haven't entered yet, details are here.

100th Post! **GIVEAWAY**

Hedgehog Party, watercolor and graphite on Rives BFK, 7x9", 2013.

I made it to 100 posts on this blog! Whew!

I know it took me much longer than most bloggers, but I still want to celebrate. Everyone has been so supportive of me, so I thought having a GIVEAWAY for my readers would be fun.

I am giving away a custom 5x7" drawing!
I'll draw a portrait of you, your favorite animal or place, delicious food...whatever you want.

Here's how to win:
Simply leave a comment on this post (Google+ comments work too).
Tell me what you'd have me draw. If you're indecisive, just say hello!

Want an extra entry?
1.Retweet this post on twitter:

I'm giving away a custom drawing! RT this post to win... details here: sarahdrawsthings.blogspot.com/2013/04/100th-…
— Sarah Ryan (@SarahRyanDraws) April 21, 2013

2. Like this post on Facebook:

If you feel like it follow me on twitter or like my Facebook page too :)


I'll pull a name on May 1st.

PS: The hedgehog drawing in this post is available on a notecard in my Etsy shop or at The Art Dept.

And the winner is:

Paul!  
Congrats... and thanks to everyone who entered!

Preliminary Drawing: Thumbelina

Preliminary Drawing, graphite on bristol, 11 x 14", 2013.

Here's the start of a new illustration I've been working on.  I don't have enough on my portfolio website; I'm hoping that when this is finished it'll be good enough to add.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend!!

Miniature Cats

I'm not a cat lover. I know that's horrible to say on the internet since everyone is obsessed with cats. I'm allergic to them, and I just don't trust them... they make mean faces at me.

My sister, however, has two cats and loves them. I drew her tiny portraits of her cats, FDR and Cliff Lee, for her birthday. The photo below is one of the preliminary drawings so you can see the scale.

Happy Birthday, Emily!!