What I have been up too....
The reason for my being away so long is that I have actually started a tattoo apprenticeship...well I am headed that way. So I have been slaving at a shop in Columbus for the last month on top of working a full time job and school.
I was recently laid of off, well was told that I will be in 12 weeks. The silver lining is that it will allow me to focus on my art and doing what it is I believe I was meant to do.
So here are some sketches and paintings I have done, and I will continue to add to this album. Feel free to be critical...I am used to it ;) I have actually just started watercolor and only have two paintings, but I love it so I am sure there will be more and more of these prints posted.
I miss all my friends here, and I can't wait to get back in touch!
Big Hugs!
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In terms of tattooing, realism is extremely difficult to master, I suspect it would be years before I ever attempted to do so. These sketches and painting are really to practice color blends and get used to the output of each combination because its very similar to the results of pigment on skin.
Honestly, I would love to master realism...but for now I will stick to impressionistic. I don't want to get ahead of myself.
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 5:04am
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Betty! Hey girl! I love that your dog is named Bella! 
I love your art. It's freakin' beautiful! The owl is HOT! I adore your use of color. My fav is the little swallow. She's got the sweetest little face!
Keep up the good work mama.
You're going to be a MAJOR hit in the tattooing community with these skills!
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 5:15am
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You have a good sense of color. The trick in watercolor is to start with less and build. Always easier to add then subtract. I am not sure how tattooing works.
If I may, take a look at Albrect Durer. He was a master etcher. He did many body part studies which you might find interesting. His praying hands are beautiful. Study the muscle & bone
structure (med books are good for that). The muscles and bones are the real base for human anatomy drawing. If you have time (with the layoff) try to find a life drawing class. You have the
basics you just need to refine proportions of anatomy. The old guys used to study corpses but that is a bit creepy and harder to do in modern times.
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"Ever tried, ever failed, no matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail Better." - Samuel Beckett
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 5:16am
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I'm not a tattoo fan, but this is very nice work!
And congrats to you for finding the silver lining in your layoff.
Those big life changes can also be opportunities, but we're usually too stressed to see that.
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Conservative in exile
Washington and Sacramento: Stealing our children's futures.
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 5:17am
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Thank you Sam, you are the greatest. I will have to take a look. I was thinking about classes maybe..because its something I really enjoy. I also need to invest in good watercolors.. the already liquefied..they seem to have a better flow.
My one flaw is anatomy, I have to really work on it..and its going to be a definitely challenge.
Thanks Chancleta! Ive missed you girls!
Laine its ok to not be a fan lol, but thanks for the comment!
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 5:21am
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It definitely is, and quite different. I hope to be really good one day 
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 5:31am
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you might want to look at grumbacher or winsor & newton for a starting set. you can buy primary colors and a few others and mix the rest. brushes are very important - i like natural
bristol.
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"Ever tried, ever failed, no matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail Better." - Samuel Beckett
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 5:34am
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Looking now, I know the artist at the shop has a set that I secretly desire ha ha.
Sam do you paint?
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 5:38am
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When i had time yes. I love watercolors. I also used to etch. Now it is more photographic work.
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"Ever tried, ever failed, no matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail Better." - Samuel Beckett
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 5:41am
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I don't like tats. I actually have 4 that I pray one day will magically disappear and two I've had lasered off.
BUT
I definitely believe that tattooing is a work of art. Working on human skin takes talent. And you've got that. And lots of color. And you have that too!
You're going to do great.
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 5:45am
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Yeah I have been trying to nurture many mediums, it just makes me happy
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 5:46am
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Awe Chance...it hurts me when I hear that, but I understand. Have you looked into laser at all? What about Wrecking Balm?
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 5:47am
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Thats awesome doll!sh*t...I have no tats cause I'm chicken but I would let you ink me anyday!!
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 5:51am
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I had two lasered off and it was pricey, painful, and left so icky scars (they look like kinda like chemical burns).
So I think for my bigger tats I'll have to wait till the removal process is more advanced.
But what's wrecking balm?
Does it work?
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 6:10am
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Wrecking balm is a fading cream..Ive heard it does and doesnt work. Laser is really painful, I feel for you. 
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 6:13am
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Humm maybe I'll have to try this wrecking balm stuff 
Thanks for the tip.
Yah laser removal is awful. But the pain and money would be worth it if it didn't scar so bad.
Thanks for the help.
Your work really is beautiful!
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 6:16am
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Betty great work!
I admire your attitude. Good for you for being positive and taking advantage of opportunities!
Keep up the good work and keep us posted.
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 6:27am
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My Sy! I missed you so!!!
Ive been trying to catch up on the forums...
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 6:31am
I missed you too!
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Beautiful work, Betty. 
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Stop Fiscal Slavery
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 9:00am
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Wow!! 
Betty these are gorgeous!! You are so talented!!! I can't see what
else you add to the album. I am hoping to get a few more tattoos myself, i totally would love to get from you!! Great work girlie!!!
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 9:50am
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Betty, you have been missed! Your artwork is absolutely beautiful! It makes we want to run out and get another tattoo!
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 12:29pm
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Beautiful art Betty! Wow, I'm very impressed!
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The man who speaks to you of sacrifice, speaks of slaves and masters. And intends to be the master.
Wed, 04/22/2009 - 8:45am
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I've missed youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu. I hope to see you back on here more when you can. 
Thu, 04/30/2009 - 8:01am
Hey sweetie, we have missed you.
Sorry about the impending layoff but congrats on going to a field you want.
Interesting and intriguing artwork. Good use of color. I have one question: your faces are impressionistic - do you want more realistic or the impressionistic view.
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"Ever tried, ever failed, no matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail Better." - Samuel Beckett