30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day Twenty-Six

"It's Not Easy Being Queen" - mixed media on canvas paper, 16" x 20"

Day 26!  More shenanigans from the studio.  This sulky royal is tired of wearing her heavy crown.  Being queen isn't all she hoped it would be!  But the piece did meet my goal of 90% without brushes.  Because of this month's challenge, I now reach for scrapers and such before I even notice my paintbrushes.  Mission accomplished.  But there are four more days left in this 30-day paint-a-thon, so I won't rest on my laurels just yet. :)

Lucky for me, I finished this piece yesterday afternoon.  I tend to work at least one day ahead, just in case something goes haywire unexpectedly.  Which it did.  For no apparent reason, I didn't sleep last night.  And I mean DID NOT SLEEP.  Once two a.m. rolled around and I realized the sleep fairy had forgotten to stop at my house, I dragged my bleary-eyed self into my studio and started painting.  Now let me tell you, the things I paint at that time of morning are not particularly inspired!  But I did get some groovy textures and backgrounds going.  Instead of pushing through to get it done, I gave myself permission to let it sit, contemplate and correct with fresh eyes after (hopefully) a great sleep tonight.

It is funny how things work out, however.  This sullen queen, though I created her yesterday, is exactly how I feel today.  She's perfect!  Her head is heavy with responsibility, her attitude is clearly a bit off, and her hair is a frightening mess.  She has birds nesting in her crown and she is too tired to wave them off. Life imitating art. 

The dogs will be running amok here today.  My dad may have taffy for dinner.  My micro-kingdom may be in chaos, but I am still the (tired) queen!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THIS PIECE ON ETSY

​Today's Adoption Event:

"Whoop-de-doo" - mixed media on paper, framed behind glass 18" x 22"

A hint of spring in January...flowers emerging in all their zantangled glory, with a little bird announcing "There was a great whoop-de-doo" - isn't that what happens when flowers bloom in your garden?  This piece will remind you to trumpet your  accomplishments and celebrate the little things that make life beautiful.

Adoption fee: $65 (shipping included).  Contact Jen at mailto:imajenation@gmail.com to make adoption arrangements.