A Piratey Family

You know what’s fun about this family portrait set? Three-fifths of its members are cats! And do you know what the best thing about it is? That they’re all gussied up in pirate-wear!

Boy, did I have a blast painting this set!

  

Who says there has to be a parrot on a pirate’s shoulder? Why not a chimp in a banana skirt and mouse wielding a cutlass?

I’m pretty pleased about the corset and the miniature pirate ship.

An old been-there-done-that sort of pirate cat.

During the Big Move I had more than my fair share of KFC…guess it kind of showed here, except instead of the Colonel, we have Kapp’n Krusty.

I love this tabby because she has a pet pig!

And…the pièce de résistance…

…the tricorn hats!

Well, you landlubbers, next time I see you I will be back in the Big Apple! The timing cannot be more apt as I’ve got a set of dolls in mind that requires a trip to Mood Fabrics. Maybe there’ll be some harried designers from Project Runway rushing around in there during my visit. Can’t wait!

The Id and the Ego

When a psychiatrist contacted me and asked if I’d be willing to paint something for her to use in her sessions with patients, I was a bit hesitant. If you’ve looked at my body of work from the past, you’d understand why. Vampires and monsters, sitcom characters and utter ridiculousness…I was a little intimidated by this project. To delve deep into my soul and paint representational figures was so not my bag, but I’m always up for a challenge so I accepted this proposal.

They’re supposed to represent the inner conflicts of a woman’s life from toddler to middle age.

Now these gals found some solace and satisfaction.

I was truly happy to have finished painting this set before the Big Move. My paints and brushes were the last things to be packed up and I lost the little dolls not once but twice. Of course I could always paint while I’m all settled into my new space, but what’s the excitement in that? An old art teacher never ceased to point out that Caravaggio was still painting even when he was on the run from murdering his tennis opponent, so it would behoove us to be just as dedicated in our craft. I wasn’t exactly on the run from the law, but the thought was there!

New Headquarters!

It’s been an interesting fortnight. To think, this time two weeks ago I was still making repairs to my wedding dress. Now I am happily settled into the new Bobo Babushka headquarters with a heck of a lot more room to spare and a garden view to boot!

Even the insects here are prettier!

It’s true that I’ll have to share my work space with Anthony, who’s got, along with a bunch of man-toys, an industrial sewing machine. But as long as he doesn’t cross the tape marker I’ve put down, I think we’ll work well together!

A Handmade Wedding

Boy, what a whirlwind week it’s been! Not only did I get married over the weekend, but we are also going to move all the way to the other side of the Gold Coast by next week! It was a good thing that we had a very very small affair, or else all these new changes would’ve done me in for sure!

The best thing about having a small wedding is that you have more time to personalize everything because you’re not too busy figuring out the seating arrangements and yelling at florists. Thank goodness for that because I had time to make Anthony and Irene wedding dolls, both of our outfits were modeled after our real ones!

If you think it’s easier to make the mini version of my wedding garb than the real one…you’re absolutely right. I take papier-mâché-ing over sewing ANY day!

This was my second try at the hem. Gluing it the first time around didn’t work out too well.

Anthony refused to be painted without his pacifier—a stubbie. His shirt can be found at Shakatime.

Anthony, that’s right, Anthony, had his eyes on a pair of Louboutins for me to wear on my most special day, but we compromised on this lovely pair of knock-off for a very sensible price of $30. For someone whose feet are accustomed to flip flops and Keds, Louboutins are out of the question.

I’m not a fan of floral bouquets, largely because I hate to see flowers being torn from their roots, so I made myself an artificial butterfly bouquet. Of course, mini Irene had to have the same one!

Ditto with the hair piece (not a fan of veils either, but I have nothing against tiaras!)

The wedding dolls were originally going to be cake toppers, but it turned out to be unnecessary as our friend Kristy gave us one of the best wedding cakes I’ve ever seen in my life. I’m sorry the photograph didn’t do it justice, but take my word for it, it’s pretty darn special!

…as were our rings, made by the amazingly talented Alix Bluh.

In one week’s time, I will be comfortably settled in my brand new studio at Paradise Point. See you soon!

Interview with the Vampire

Someone came up with the idea of painting the main cast from “Interview with the Vampire,” and I said, why not? For one thing, I was intrigued by the idea of mixing up the paint that best exemplifies vampire skin (I shall call the color: “Vampire Pallor”). For another, I was dying to paint some fancy schmancy 19th century French overcoats.

Lestat

Louis…

…with his mouse blood.

Little Claudia with her dolly…

I’ve read my share of vampire literature, but I’ll have to say my favorites are “The Radleys” by Matt Haig and the enormous tome by Deborah Harkness entitled “A Discovery of Witches” (trust me, there are vampires galore in that book). No “Twilight” sagas for this gal!