Day 7/30 + last day to enter GIVEAWAY

TODAY is the last day to enter the GIVEAWAY! You have no chance of winning if you don't play...:-) Look for the contest form, at the end of today's post...

DAY 7/30


Title: "...keys to your own success..."
Media: graphite, watercolors, ink, gold leaf and gesso on hand-torn, watercolor paper
Size: 5 inches by 7 inches
© 2013 by Martice Smith II.

The theme for WEEK 1 is: {Artist Discovery}
This illustration marks the completion of WEEK 1!!!

enter to WIN! This is your last chance...don't wait!

this contest has ended...I sure hope you got your entries in! ~updated 11.8.2013

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Did you miss a day from this week's project? No problem, my friend! You can always go back and take a peek...Click on any day you want to see. Don't forget to leave your comments ;)

I wanna see DAY 1!...
What does DAY 2 look like?...
Whoa! DAY 3 is da BOMB!! It's dedicated to my...
Natural elements, eh? See DAY 4, here...
DAY 5 is floating on nostalgia...let's go back in time...
Surprise me, oh awesome one! Take a look at DAY 6...
OH SNAP! DAY 7 is hitting hard and showing you the key to your success...

Day 6/30

DAY 6/30


Title: "Tigress"
Media: graphite, acrylic, Yupo paper cut-outs, gold leaf, ink pens, hot glue gun stencil, feather, plastic bird confetti, sewing pattern tissue, phone book pages and gesso on canvas. 
Size: 8 inches by 10 inches
© 2013 by Martice Smith II.

The theme for WEEK 1 is: {Artist Discovery}

Day 5/30

DAY 5/30


Title: "She who rests upon the wings of nostalgia"
Media: graphite, watercolor, cut-paper collage, hand-carved stencils; digital collage
Size: 8 inches by 10 inches
© 2013 by Martice Smith II.

The theme for WEEK 1 is: {Artist Discovery}

Let's start off with a few detail pics of today's illustration!

 

As you can see, there's so much energy in this piece! It was, actually, an experiment where I played with color theory, textures, hand-carved stencils and primitive-looking, mark making techniques...hey, maybe I should post a tutorial about a few techniques I like to use! 

  "She who rests upon the wings of nostalgia"

Have you figured out possible names for DAY 4/30? I'd love to get YOUR input. See it here

Day 4/30...Help me name it!

DAY 4/30


Title: Untitled...Will you help me give it a name? 
*a name has been chosen! Look for it at the end of this post... ~updated 11.12
 
Media: graphite, acrylic, cut paper collage, white china marker, ink pens, brass studs and gesso on wood panel
Size: 9 inches by 12 inches
© 2013 by Martice Smith II.

The theme for WEEK 1 is: {Artist Discovery}

I'm still trying to figure out a title for this one...what do YOU think it should be called??

*DAY 4 has now been titled "Majestic Evolution"! Thanks for helping me give it a name :-)

IMPORTANT NEWS: My giveaway contest is only HOURS AWAY FROM BEING OVER!!! You still have time to enter, so ENTER NOW!   

This contest has ended...I sure hope you got your entries in!  ~updated 11.8.2013                    

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Day 3/30 + CONTEST!

DAY 3/30

This was a very sensitive subject for me to share with the public because my emotions are still raw and I still feel vulnerable- yes, even after (nearly) 4 years of my maternal grandmother's passing.

On the brighter side of things, I can say that I've healed and have already taken action in preserving my memory of her!

The theme for WEEK 1 is: {Artist Discovery}

Title: "Viva!"
Media: graphite, acrylic, cut paper collage, watercolor paper, white gel pen, ink pens; digital collage
Size: 8 inches by 10 inches
© 2013 by Martice Smith II.

Lean in a bit closer!

Notice a few elements that reveal personal sentiments of our relationship: 

♫ ♪ Can you see the blue music notes? ♪ ♪♫

** Did you find her age embedded in the illustration?

** Oh, look at the scribbles in the upper right and middle areas!!

It's a hand-written note I wrote to her! (It's illegible and mainly used to give some visual weight to the bottom of the illustration.)

   

** the cardinal bird is a strong, personal symbolic reference of mine. It stands for the abundance of faith and peace; it also represents my prayers being heard from God.

I'm forever grateful to have such a positive and wise woman to help guide me along the right path. Her legacy will not be forgotten.
It was an honor to share my memory of her with you.



**now closed** ENTER the GIVEAWAY!!
Yes, it's free ;-) No purchase necessary!

Best wishes to all the entrants!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Did you miss the illustrations for DAY 1 or DAY 2?

No problem! Check them out by clicking on the links.

 

Day 2/30

DAY 2/30


Title: "Soar"
Media: graphite, colored pencils, gesso, watercolors; digital collage
Size: 11 inches by 14 inches
© 2013 by Martice Smith II.

The theme for WEEK 1 is: {Artist Discovery}

 I'm still considering DAY 2 a "work in progress" because I feel like my vision hasn't fully emerged to the surface, yet. These are the few areas I'd like to refine:

• the shadow areas in the face and around the head

• integrate more words, doodles and splashes of ink

• experiment with different effects on the lettering

Here are some detail shots from DAY 2/30

This illustration came from the idea of following my dreams and "dream-catching". (Did you see the dream catcher in this illustration?)

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Great news: tomorrow, Sunday, November 3rd, I'll be having a G I V E A W A Y!!! If you are a Subscriber to receive my free, mixed-media newsletter, you've already earned ONE entry! How cool is that?!

You can grab more entries tomorrow, so don't miss out! Meet me back here OR join me on my Facebook fan page at Martice Smith II - Illustration and look for the contest form


Did you miss yesterday's illustration, DAY 1/30? No problem! * * Click here to see it! 



What recent accomplishment are you proud of? I'd love to hear about it :-)

DAY 1/30 {WEEK 1/THEME: Artist Discovery}

Today marks the *OFFICIAL* first day of my new challenge called, "30 Illustrations in 30 Days: A Mixed-Media Artist's Soiree"!!!!

The theme for WEEK 1 is: {Artist Discovery}

Let's get started!
DAY 1/30

Title: "Believe"
Media: graphite, black Sharpie® marker, calligraphy pens with India ink, oil pastels on tea-stained, handmade paper; digital collage
Size: 6 inches by 12 inches
© 2013 by Martice Smith II.


 "Believe" was my concept for this illustration. I tend to gravitate towards words or phrases that resonate, not only within myself, but those that may do the same for others. I find it a joy to give helpful advice to those in need and an honor to see those who take my advice and implement in into their own lives.

When I'm asked how success and various opportunities have come my way, I simply reply, 'It's because I believe in myself that much and I expect greatness to come my way.'


* * * {Subscribers to my free, mixed-media newsletter ALWAYS gets first peeks! Wanna be in? Click this sign-up link to join! It takes about 10 seconds (or less!). Many goodies + a free entry to WIN an original artwork, await you!} * * *



What would you say, to encourage someone, to be the best them they could be, even when they may not see it in themselves? Go ahead- share those brilliant thoughts of yours!