Happy Mermaid Monday

Even a cold couldn't keep me away from creating a lovely mermaid for the upcoming book. ♥︎ Feeling the love in the air as Valentine's Day approaches next month.

Original Drawing available here: http://www.sarabillustration.com/#!product/prd4/4453885531/mermaid-portrait-%235

Happy Fairy Friday

WINGS OF THE WISPS

Original Painting Available Here: 

http://www.sarabillustration.com/#!product/prd4/3775580621/wings-of-the-wisps

Fall In Monday

I just had to share the excitement that I am feeling right now! I ADORE fall! The wind, the crunch of leaves, the colors, the cozy sweaters, boots, boot socks, jackets, all of it! I could go on and on about what is so fantastic about fall.

I looked at our forecast for the week and today SHOULD be the last day of 80 degree weather. Granted, I may be a minority for not wanting the warm temps. I'm sure in a few months I'll be begging for spring. I've had my fill of it tho, and I'm ready for something cooler.

In anticipation for the 60-70 degree weather on the horizon, I'm having a sale.

Sales are just fun on Mondays, because....well....it's Monday. :/ We have SO much to focus on, get back into order, meetings, its the start to a long week, and we all could use some good news or smiles (wish I could make donuts magically appear before you, but alas I ran out of pixie dust).

So I hope you find YOUR LIGHT for the week, today, on a Monday of all days, and purchase yourself something encouraging and inspiring.

FIND YOUR LIGHT 

If you purchase 2 prints from my shop, I will give you a third one, of your choice, free. All you need to do is buy the two and note to me which one you want as a third. 

http://www.sarabillustration.com/#!fairyprints/cnf1

Head of Bees

Ever feel like your head is swarming with the busyness and buzzing of a bee hive?? That's me, today, present.

After an amazing weekend at the World of Faeries Festival -

Where I got to meet so many followers, see first hand how my work impacts others, hear the stories that come with learning people, making new friends, and watching little children in awe of fairies in the flesh walking about (adults dressed up of course). Not to mention all that Brian and I learned as vendors, the time away from Norah, and seeing old friends on our way back home...

- I am so full of ideas and have the feeling of NEED in regards to getting my business into order. We are on a new path, one I never thought I'd do. One that has changed many things. Including what products I sell and which ones I need to provide.

I didn't think it was possible with the income I make, that it was possible for ME to handle! So many little things to get into order, so many people to give my energy to....but it was so F U N!! I felt satisfied with my work, like it served a purpose, aspiring little girls to be artists as they watched me paint, and then older adults sparked by inspiration to pick up the brush again. Wow, just wow! Did I mention the joy of little girls with fairy wings dancing about?? I couldn't help but walk around with a huge smile on my face. Pure joy.

So to the buzzing in my head I say this, I need to get you out.

I will be taking a time of leave, starting next week, and returning August 24th. I need to have time to sit and give my business some serious attention. I am always scattered in a million directions, and I am overwhelmed with this sense that I should just sit down, write it all out, and make a plan for the rest of the year. To do this I need my other busy bees to visit a different garden.

With the holidays right on the horizon, and with so many ideas to execute by then, including two more shows (Oy!), it hurts now, but will be well worth it later to take this time off. It's so scary to leave the social media for two weeks, processing orders, and connecting with my followers. A lot of "What ifs" begin to fill my head. Fear. Lots of fear that my business will suffer for it. But the doubt and fear only makes me want to do it more, as I know that is how it usually works.

The more I'm afraid of it, the more I want to go through it. Things will always be hard, things will always turn out unexpected, but if I just fly and keep my eyes on the light, I can not fail. 

Peek A Boo

Visit My Page to Browse the Store

Lately there has been so much information on how to run a business, so much to read and prepare, that I feel like I'm falling behind while moving ahead. Crazy how it works eh?

I haven't forgotten about my blog or my newsletter, or Facebook for that matter, but working out new schedules, system for what I offer where, and how to find "me" time in it all. Because let's face it, when you can't take care of yourself, what you give out is no where near what you hoped it would be.

Wings are getting a bit clipped over on my end, but all for the better. Thank you for all of your patience and support. :)

SBI Website Revealed

A big project that's been underway since December, my website.

I have many goals for what it can provide my customers and potential clients, yet until all those goals are met, there are a few that have been reached and I feel the site is ready to be revealed.

What Does My Site Offer Now

• My watercolor book and coloring book
• Shop etsy while still within my site
• Request form and details on private commissioned work
• Contact form you can reach me at
• A comprehensive portfolio showing my range of work

Goals For the Site

• List all of my original artwork for sale, paintings and drawings
• Move prints from Etsy to personal site
• Offer more licensed gifts such as figurines, mugs, puzzles, etc. 

It would mean so much if you could take a visit and see what's new. Enjoy! :)

Visit the new SaraB Illustration site ☛

When In Doubt, Search Out Joy

As I came to the end of the Sweet Easter collection yesterday, doubt started to overwhelm me. It had already begun creeping into the space of my heart, but yesterday I was submerged and left bobbing for some kind of clarity. Did I do ok? Was this strong enough?? Is it what my agent wanted??? Will it sell????

The art licensing realm is quite different than what I'm accustomed to. I had a system to my art, always got great feedback, and I thought I knew what I was meant to do! I thought "I'm going to paint fantasy, and that's that. That's me! It's what I do!". I am learning, quickly, that nothing, NOTHING, is "That's that.". EVERYTHING is changing, all....the.....time.

That includes my art. What I'm accustomed to is, as my friend put it best, being comfortable. Art for licensing is stretching me so thin that I'm being redefined, challenged, pulled out of my box. I am usually the one teaching my students to get outside of their comfort zone, and to get outside of the "box" we choose to place ourselves in. Time to take a big bite out of my own teaching! I'm comfortable with my subject matter, my compositions, and techniques. I'm not playing anymore.
This has led to doubt. I feel helpless, lost, without faith, no trust, and begin to think I just don't have what it takes. But doubt is a LIE. It's the biggest lie out there that you'll ever find. It just takes a grain of doubt to bring your entire soul down. At least...that's usually how it rolls with me. That doubt must, I repeat, must be replaced by JOY.

Tonight, after teaching another watercolor class about getting out of your comfort zone, I decided to continue searching for words of wisdom, insight into the world of creating art for licensing, and found this amazing interview by J'Net Smith with Joan Marie.

This! This is just what I needed to hear! If you have any doubt, this simple yet compelling interview resounds all the advice and wisdom I have found thus far, on creating art for licensing. I thrive on constructive feedback, and have found very little in the licensing community so far. But there are TONS of information and interviews. These are the keys to gaining feedback. Read. Read. Read. It's just different then what I'm accustomed too. That's okay!

And...

TRUST

LOVE

Find your JOY. Your VOICE. Your SPIRIT.

Then share it to the world.

This is the key I must continue to remind myself. To remind others as I teach. To remind yourself.

Shamrock Pixies

New Art!
Created for Creative Design Outlet and Crafts and Me digital stamps. Coming soon!

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Christmas Bear Sketches

A very small and sweet story unfolded as I drew these.

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Birth of a Morning Glory - Sketch

Slowing getting the hang of these videos. :)

Best Friends Daily Sketch

I am so unbelievably blessed with some very open, honest, and funny girlfriends. I've always been one who struggles with friends, but as an adult, I believe I have some of the best and strongest relationships I never thought possible.

One of these friends is fellow illustrator and work from home mom, Candace Camling. We are so much a like, yet so very different, and I adore this about our relationship. We can be very honest, borderline offensive honest, and still want to talk to each other. I find this very special and I treasure it.

"Explore all the World" illustration by Candace Camling

She's on her way to New York today for a very important trip. She's attending the SCBWI conference where she will be presenting her top notch portfolio to directors, editors, and participating in the illustrator event (sorry, I don't know ALL the details). She's on her way to the top as a children's book illustrator.

I thought of her this morning as she's beginning this fun adventure. I've been able to help her out with printing her portfolio, and I am very honored to be there for her. She helps me out by being my soundboard for those really rough days and nights all about being mom or struggling artist.

She's my light for today, reminding myself that you get what you put in. She puts in long hours, money, perseverance, and hope for her career, and I'm inspired by that.

Visit Candace's blog and her portfolio!!!

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The Daily Sketch

Yesterday I started a new semester at The Des Moines Art Center, teaching teens fantasy art. I've taught there for over a decade now ( O_O ) and I tried something I've never done before! It was super fun too, at least it got more interaction and conversation from the teens than usual.

I made three categories: symbol/animal/fantasy figure

There were ten in each category, folded up and placed in three cups. The kids divided a large sheet of drawing paper into eight sections and then drew whatever I pulled from the cups. Finally they picked one they liked and elaborated for the final.

I didn't draw with them during the eight, but I did sit and draw with them during the final. My personal favorite was

leaf + rabbit + elf

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Although I didn't get to draw this weekend, here are a few highlights from around our home.

Little bird added to our bathroom, next to his new buddy the Goldfinch.

New amazing rug found on craigslist for the living room. In LOVE!

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The Daily Sketch - Day 17

In a moment of great tension and stress (while driving I might add), I come over a hill and in the far off distance something bright white catches my attention. They are pigeons taking flight, and their bellies shine brightly of the morning sun. 

I am immediately made aware of my tense and negative attitude, and at the same time made aware that peace is present. 

Today is the day for white doves, and of course white pigeons. We are both, I am both. 

Mini Inspirations

It started here. I made five fairy busts for my book demonstrating the different ways to approach painting skin tones.

It then moved onto this without me realizing it, I began doodling them with this crazy spiral hair during Inktober.

At the end of October I listed the five busts from my book to be sold during my first Flash Sale at my Etsy shop. They went so fast! I didn't think something so small and so simple would be that popular.

Once the sale was all finished and I had so many envelopes to draw on, I decided to continue with these wee fairy busts as a way to "brand" the sale. I came up with a simple design and modified it for each envelope. Every envelope from a sale during that day has a fairy bust drawn on it. You can view all of them on my Facebook Page.

Now, with all of that said and done, here is where I have ended up.

I think I am border line obsessed with these wee ladies. They are quick, full of sweet personality, and I really can't wait to paint them. I envision them in tiny ornate frames hanging together or in the smallest of nooks and crannies around the house. Just like a fairy! They measure about 2x2 inches.

I love them so much I made myself into one!

Why Halloween Doesn't Matter Anymore

Happy Halloween! 

It used to be my favorite holiday. Seriously, over Christmas. Who needs gifts when you can dress up into your wildest fantasy? That's what I used to think. 

The question I ask myself this morning, on Halloween, is:

The image on the left was painted in 1996. I was in 8th grade, obsessed with the movie "The Crow", listening to heavy metal,  and addicted to Gen 13 and Witchblade comic books. I believe it was around that time I dressed like the Catwoman from Batman Returns for Halloween. Whip and all. Yep, I thought I was quite the bad girl. I hid behind a made up character I named "Raven", who I drew all the time, made stories for, and just simmered there. Angry and lost.

She followed me all through high school and into my freshman year of college.

1997

1998

1999

In college she began to morph, just a little. And although I invented other stories to hide myself behind, she was always there. I tried so hard to hold on and not forget who I thought I was.

2003 - Heavily into Manga and still learning watercolor

2004 - Style used for my senior project in college.

When I left college the real soul searching started. I continued to practice witchcraft, but grew in my watercolor and figure drawing skills. I entered into some really difficult relationships, did my years of exploring the night life, and hit rock bottom.

Enter the church. Now wait, don't jump the gun yet. There was LIGHT. I lived in the shadows so long, it was refreshing and very unexpected. I was skeptical but continued to find faith in it. I always had faith I would find LOVE. Find TRUTH. Find WHO I WAS. Who I AM. 

I can't paint the darkness like what's above anymore. I try, and this is what happens:

This image (just below), after many years of searching, is the truth of who I am. I hide behind masks to protect my heart, but it's golden because I am a child of light, the daughter of He who is LIGHT. I wander through the night, not because I am lost, because I'm hunting evil and snuffing it out to make the night safe and beautiful. I have wings so that I can fly, because I am free. These are the truths I have learned through the years, and it is because of these truths I can not go back. I am glad that Raven is now a face who smiles, who comforts, who flies in to bring LIGHT. Not death, pain, or sadness. 

So Halloween you say? Sure, I'll dress up, I'll laugh and find the joy in it, but the holiday used to have such meaning to me - freedom to hide. I think today as we celebrate dressing up and scaring away ghosts and goblins, I see myself as a warrior who doesn't need to hide anymore behind costumes, it doesn't matter anymore. So, I'll happily eat some zombie finger pretzels and begin to look forward to Christmas, when family, love, light, and joy are all dancing about. 

Sisters - A Painting Step by Step

Step one: Finish the sketch.

Step two: Scan and trace using light box,  from print out onto watercolor paper. Using hot press 140lbs. 

Step three: Tape down prepared drawing and spray with clean water, patting down gently with paper towel. Let dry and blog steps. ;)

Step four: Lay in under painting. Here just quickly, while paper is still wet (or spray it to moisten paper again) apply light color with a flat watercolor brush. Be quick but thoughtful about where and what you're putting down, knowing that color will effect all post applied colors.

Step five: Begin what I call the final glazes. These are far more intentional than the previous layer. Most of the paint will be applied using a round brush instead of a flat or square brush. Colors are built up from here.

Step six: The final step in painting, adding the details. Use very small round brushes to get into all those nooks and crannies. These layers are also more saturated and bold. This step takes the longest. 

Purchase a print: https://www.etsy.com/listing/187239274/flower-fairy-print-sisters-best-friends?ref=listing-shop-header-1

Featured Art - Midnight Warrior

"I am hidden with Christ in God" - Col. 3:3

"I have not been given a spirit of fear." 2 Tim. 1:7

Title: Midnight Warrior

Size: 4x6

Medium: watercolor, colored pencil

Midnight Warrior is a self portrait of myself - metaphorically. 

Like many masters and artisans from long ago, I throughly enjoy and intend to add symbolism into my work, adding story and meaning...an insight to my life and my beliefs. 

The mask symbolizes that I am still hidden from my true self, to others, and to God. It reflects that I am still unsure to reveal all of me, to trust God.

The mask is golden, a treasure and symbol of royalty because I am a princess and heir to a heavenly Kingdom. 

The owl feathers, and suggestive nature of an owl, stands for wisdom. The Holy Spirit is my guide, and through Him I gain wisdom.

The color palette is full of twilight and midnight colors that help me feel strong and filled with His powerful presence. 

The moon crest and fairy wings has been symbols for me almost 20 years. Starting my spiritual journey as a follower of the goddess in pagan beliefs, the moon crest and fairy wings have become a symbol of my humanity, whereas the sun is a symbol of God. 

work in progress shots

She looks at you not ashamed of who she is, but her body language shows how she is still not trusting of others, not trusting to expose all of her. A warrior in training, hiding in the shadows, learning how to stand firm in His Word.

Find prints for this Featured Art

My Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/listing/81823852/fairy-in-owl-mask-art-print-golden

Fine Art America: http://fineartamerica.com/featured/midnight-warrior-sara-burrier.html

Project 2013

With the new studio fitness outline, and new works in progress, there is also new subject matter.

I've been drawing fairies, mermaids, and in recent years, angels, for 20+ years. Although I will probably always create them, they will not be my focus.

I continue to study my art and it's purpose. Why was I given this gift anyways?! It's not like I can go out and hand it to someone at a food pantry, I can't hand it to someone as clothes, I can't save animals through it, I can't change the laws of prostitution and sex-trafficking with my art.....

Or can I?

"Sitting with Angels"
Buy Print Here

I can encourage, strengthen, give love, share hope, and inspire faith through the imagery I choose to draw and paint.

Wow. I mean, what a gift!

The new subject matter for this year is Princess:

prin·cess noun- a non-reigning female member of a royal family. 

What Scripture says:

Romans 8:17
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:16-18

Galatians 3:29
If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:28-29

God is the High King. Heaven (and Heaven on earth) is His Kingdom, Christ is the Prince, our bridegroom. That must mean I'm His Princess...His bride.

I am a princess, so are all of the women of this world. 

I can give the gift of showing you, me, and others what God and Christ sees when He looks upon us. I don't know about you, but there are many days when I look in the mirror and see something dark, dirty, guilty, and unforgivable. That is NOT what God sees.

I hope this year I can share the light and beauty of our soul when it is seen by our King. I thank God that He has given me this gift so that when I draw it, He is telling me "I love you".

PS: This also includes the Warrior Princess in us. More on that later. ;)

Light of Memories - WIP

My newest work in progress (WIP) is in response to the tragic shooting in Connecticut last month.
It hit me deeper than any tragic event outside of my bubble.

It's rare for me to go to the drawing board to create a response visually. I think I rather talk it out, but this time there just weren't any words. I didn't know what to do but stare at the T.V. in disbelief.

As an art teacher I tell my students how important it is that we describe our reactions, thoughts, and views through our art. This is how we communicate, and art in the history of our world has provided many things to the public. Insight, education, opinion, radical change, etc....there's so much art does...in all forms!

I had to make a response as an artist.

I started with a girl, then I decided that I was going to make a twin boy as well. They will be two separate pieces, but meant to be together. My goal is to have them done by March or April. The wings are in question right now.

Would you keep the wings or let these children be human?