Tag Archives: Elephant

Calendar 2019

Looking for gift ideas? How about a calendar or a children’s book?

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You’re in the right place! I now have three new items for sale.  These were all inspired by my recent trip to Zambia. A 2019 calendar, a perpetual calendar, and my first attempt at an illustrated children’s book!

First, the book- I made a custom one for my granddaughter, and posted a video of it.  It got so many nice comments, I decided to recreate it.  The book consists of 24 full color pages of animals seen in Zambia, 8.5”x8.5”, and is available on Amazon.  I do have a limited quantity of advance copies available for sale at $10.00 each.Book If you went on a Safari Cover

Book If you went on a Safari Sample

 

Second, a 2019 calendar. ($12 each) The same format as past years, 8.5×11, spiral bound at the top, with each one individually wrapped for easy gift giving, using my art inspired by Zambia combined with new quotes.  Calendar 2019

Calendar 2019

Finally, a new perpetual calendar, 5.5×11, spiral bound at the top, with each one individually wrapped for easy gift giving, using the same art and quotes as the 2019 calendar. ($12 each)   Keep this one and refer to it for years to come for important birthdays and other dates.  Calendar perpetual

Calendar perpetual

Note: Prices do not include shipping. Please email me here for total cost.

Finally, if you’re looking for more of my art, some are originals, some are prints, and they’re available here on my Etsy page!

Going on a Safari!

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I recently completed a children’s book for my granddaughter,  using my Zambia trip photos and sketches for inspiration.  These are all original ink and watercolor sketches, then I used a finishing spray for protection.  Here’s a link to a short YouTube video.    Link to video

So many have said they’d like one, I decided to recreate it in a format that can be published. I know, I know, it’s a bold step for me!

But sure enough, I have been slowly made progress on the new, improved version.  Here’s a shot of what I have so far…  These images will be scanned and I’ll create a pdf in Indesign to submit for publication.Work in progress

I’m hoping to complete this and will try using Amazon for print on demand publishing, but I’m open to any suggestions for publishing it!

Catching up

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Not sure how all of you (in the U.S.) are dealing with this cold snap. It’s sounds like we’ll be seeing warmer temperatures very soon, thankfully!
Meanwhile, I’ve been inside as much as possible, trying to stay busy. Lots of organizing, minimizing and cleaning out the old. Some art, and here are a  couple of recent ones…
Locally, a visit to the farmers market got me a couple of delicata squash. Cut and roasted, these make a delicious snack.  Delicata squash

An impulse purchase of a dozen quail eggs led to this sketch.  I was given instructions on how to break the eggs (tough shells!) or how to hard boil, which is what I did. After boiling, the inside of the shell is a very pale blue. They didn’t seem to taste much different than chicken eggs, but it was fun to try something different, and of course, get a quick sketch out of it too!  Quail eggs

One of my recent gifts was this adorable set of 3 photo holders, inspired by my travels.  They have the curly wires on top (not shown) to hold a pic.Jungle photo holders

Finally, I am very happy with the results of these two wrapped canvas with my art printed on them. They come ready to hang, no framing needed. They will be going to their new homes tomorrow.  2 elephant paintings

If you like these, or want a paper or canvas print of any of my art, let me know!  Even though I haven’t quite finished with sketching African creatures, I’m working on matting and framing my originals, and will have some prints available for sale.

Warm hugs to all of you and thank you for stopping by! ?

Zambia – Elephants

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The creatures I most wanted to see, who made me tear up when we saw our first herd, and they are so beautiful that I wonder – how can anyone even consider shooting one?

The elephants.  We were quite fortunate to see many herds, although I’m sorry to say I have no idea which ones we may have seen the day before.  These magnificent animals were described in the brochure as “Large, grey and unmistakable”.  I can’t put it into words any better,  so I’ll just post these 2 sketches.

 

Splashy Elephant

Splashy Elephant

elephants - river crossing

River crossing

Zambia – what an adventure!

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With Zambia temperatures in the high 90s, the heat and dust made me wish for cooler weather. Waking up back home in upstate NY, the cool rain was exactly what I needed.
But – Africa, right? It’s now in my heart and in my dreams.

There is a lack of focus in these posts, so let’s blame it on jet lag, okay?
I’m not sure where to start, to share parts of this experience. It feels like words aren’t enough to describe it.  Well, of course there are sketches, but maybe I’ll start at the beginning.

When you’re my seat mate, or in an airport, know that you are fair game to be a sketch subject.  Asleep on the plane

Arriving at Thornicroft Lodge near Mfuwe, we had a perfect view of the river, with hippos and various birds.  View across Luangwe River

Our safari rides into South Luangwe Park started on Tuesday. My dream on this trip was to see elephants, and they did not disappoint!  So as not to overwhelm you, I’ll only post some of the sketches today. There were many fantastic opportunities to sketch, and we took advantage of them!
2017 Z Elephants 1    elephants 3  elephants 4

Trip prep

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Yes, I’ve been busy, buying special clothes and repellant and whatnot for the upcoming Zambia trip. But on a quiet night recently, I thought it might help to practice sketching elephants, so I turned on a documentary, and here’s the result:

Elephant sketches

Pasted the stamp that arrived on my Zambia info packet, then realized I had plenty of room to sketch!

I also thought I’d try on an “outfit” while holding a sketchbook, and did a selfie sketch.

Bernadette's selfie

Yep, I’m a nerd! But you probably knew that.

I really should be practicing other animals, but… I have no idea what we will end up seeing!
For now, I’ll just practice sketching – anything, just to keep the pen and pencils and colors moving!

Wildest India

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A very relaxed Saturday, I was feeling a bit under the weather, so I sat around and watched “Wildest India” episodes. I have to say, that was an amazing show! The photography was superb, I learned so much about India that now I want to visit there, and every episode made me want to pause it and grab my sketchbook. Finally, when they started about the elephants, I went and got my pens and paper, and did this quick sketch.

image Aren’t elephants the most beautiful and fascinating creatures?