missysue illustration

New Blog Home - visit me there

2011-10-30T06:07:00.001-07:00

I've been trying very hard to keep up with all the creative endeavors I have going on & it seems I'm fighting an impossible battle. Up until now I've tried to keep my photography separate from my illustration but have found myself asking the question why? as of late. So, here's to the beginning of my new blog....one where I will post things about my life as well as what's going on in both my creative worlds - photography & illustration. Hope to see you there~

BELLES & GHOSTS

cafe

2011-10-12T03:17:00.000-07:00

A new illustration that I will be submitting as stock at BigStockPhoto.

Dreams

2011-10-11T03:17:00.001-07:00

early morning sketch

2011-10-06T03:26:00.000-07:00

2011-10-05T17:02:00.000-07:00

I am already addicted to Pinterest! It is one of the coolest things ever. I could spend all day there. I've been hearing the buzz about it for awhile but you never understand the full buzz until you actually get to use it!!

Meet me there ♥

baby, it's cold outside

2011-10-03T18:27:00.000-07:00

They're playing holiday songs in a store here in the rural MidWest.

I feel sad, hopeful & excitedly disappointed all at the same time.

????

IF - Hibernate

2011-10-03T03:28:00.000-07:00

Just a quick digital sketch for Illustration Friday from a somewhat sleepy me ;o)

Have the most beautiful Monday, everyone!

adventures in tilt-shift PART II

2011-09-26T03:20:00.000-07:00

We headed out to the park yesterday afternoon. I brought my sketchbook & actually accomplished a few sketches but for the most part, I soaked up what was around me....a birthday party, kids running, parents laughing. It was a good day.

In other news....my beloved camera will be fixed in the next few days & I'm planning on offering my photography services again. What this means for the blog, I'm not sure yet. Perhaps I will modify my photojournal for sneak peeks of sessions. What I do know is that things are moving in such an awesome direction & I couldn't be more grateful to the powers-that-be for such a simply abundant life.

IF - Ferocious

2011-09-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

When I sat down to complete this week's Illustration Friday challenge, I thought I was going to draw what normally comes to mind, a bear, a wolf....anything that is fierce in nature. But when I took pencil to paper, I began to draw this girl. A girl who keeps getting shot at with arrows but doesn't budge. A girl that continues to never give up even when everything points to failure. Because, even if she fails, she has tried; ferociously.

to-do's are a don't today

2011-09-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

First on my to-do list is to finally get my "studio" corner organized, but this new app on my son's iPod, a tilt shift generator is calling me to explore & experiment.

I think I might be in love with this app. I'll be back later with some new work to show.....that is if this new obsession doesn't take up the rest of my afternoon.........

......to be continued

boys & girls of fall

2011-09-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

There's nothing I love more than football and the Fall season & everything that comes along with it. Been super busy here & admittedly have not been able to accomplish many of my goals these past few weeks. My son is #86 (on the right). We had a game this morning and won....26-0!

GO BULLDOGS!!

Getting ready for the game.

Our 3rd & 4th grade level cheerleaders, it's a blast watching them.

I am off to get some long overdue sketching done. I hope your weekend has been blissful so far ;o)

Clowning Around

2011-09-23T03:30:00.000-07:00

Bliss & Fierce

2011-09-21T18:24:00.000-07:00

In There

2011-09-20T03:30:00.000-07:00

Been feeling a little under the weather. A combination of rain, sinuses & just all out tired-ness, I think.

new work

2011-09-11T07:58:00.000-07:00

awesome find....

2011-09-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

I was just browsing through the illustrators on Children'sIllustrators.com & found Kim Fleming, so I hopped on over to her site where I then skipped over to her blog & was beyond happy when I saw this.....

Illustration Station is a blog Kim set up "........which collates worldwide opportunities for illustrators, whether it be a paying job, a casual art swap, a contest, a giveaway, or just plain networking."

Hope you can check it out & help spread the word!

IF - mysterious

2011-09-05T06:41:00.001-07:00

a few new things....

2011-09-04T10:38:00.000-07:00

I'm going through what I'd like to call a "chrysallis" period. I'm learning, growing & evolving.....figuring out what brings my heart the most joy. Many of you know that I am a photographer, that for a few years my bread & butter was taking photographs. When my beloved camera broke, I had to take a step back from that & re-evaluate what I really wanted. Did I enjoy taking family photos?? Of course, I did. But my true passion in photography was the simple way I viewed & observed life from behind the lens. The documentary, no rules type of photography.

I am now at a place where, though with the help of a true & dear friend I am able to get my camera fixed, I find myself wondering if I'd like to return to that type of work or if I'd rather begin my very own personal empire of no-holds-barred documentary portfolios. In my heart, today I can say that is where my heart is leading me. I can also say that today, my heart is leading me to truly & finally pursue my dream of being an illustrator. Who knows, maybe I'll even write & illustrate a children's book like I've wanted to do for so long.

So, later today I will announce the closing of one chapter in my life & the opening of another (the closing of my current website & the opening of my illustration portfolio). This creative journey of mine has been a wild & wonderful ride with lots of twists & turns & up's & downs......but I look forward to the road ahead because I never plan to steer off the path ;o)

absolutely cannot wait....

2011-09-03T21:59:00.001-07:00

.......for crisp breezes, comfy scarves & yummy apple cider.

once in a while, every girl plays the fool....

2011-09-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

one of my old illustrations

reminiscing

2011-08-31T02:38:00.000-07:00

thinking about this house on stilts & how much I wanted to live there

IF - disguise {pt. 2}

2011-08-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

IF - disguise

2011-08-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

getting geared up....

2011-08-28T06:43:00.000-07:00

I have alot of things on my to-do list today & one of them is getting some long overdue drawing & sketching done. This is the start to what I hope will be a very productive day ;o)

& I had no name for it

2011-08-27T22:16:00.000-07:00

Fall will be here soon. Crisp leaves, bitter breezes. All I can feel & think is this rush. This rush to get moving, to get things in order...rush, rush, rush. In my slow moments I hear the whisper of the wind & I hope & pray it's just a matter of time before I capture what has always been just out of my reach.

finally working on my "space"

2011-08-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

I've been procrastinating on weedling out a studio space in the apartment since the angel & I moved a few months ago. I finally started today. It's a work in progress but I like it already.....light coming in from the window, a place to gaze out & daydream for a few seconds ;o) Now all I have to do is sit down & get to work (maybe after I pretty it up just a bit more.........)

to be continued.......

anticipating fall

2011-08-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

Sketched this today while a storm brewed outside. Had visions of pumpkins & Halloween dancing around in my head. Ready for apple cider and crisp breezes........

new digital illustration

2011-08-14T19:49:00.000-07:00

ideas are grown

2011-08-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

unedited - straight from the sketchbook

2011-04-08T18:46:00.000-07:00

i didn't even crop it.

a new website is in the works ;o)

A GENUINE HURRICANE

2011-01-25T14:52:00.000-08:00

"I want to be a genuine hurricane. Hurtling and whirling and totally out of control.....a cyclone of mass and wonder and love."

.....♥.....

love + luck + bliss,

missysue xox

NEW PRINT

2011-01-19T16:13:00.000-08:00

Home

Now available at my shoppe.

UNCOVERED ARTISTRY

2011-01-18T17:14:00.000-08:00

I'm very proud to say that I have been accepted as an artisan at Uncovered Artistry.

I'm also enjoying reading this blog. It's by a very smart lady who owns this shop & also writes about crafting a business. Because, let's face it.....any business help is good ;o)

Tonight on Etsy - I really, really need this print by Belafonte (Illustrations by Emma Leonard).

And a new photography shop find that has me swooning for this print. And a quote to bid you adieu;

"In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed."

~ William Ernest Henley

Sweetest Dreams to you, my friend ♥

YER HOSTILE LITTLE FACE

2011-01-16T18:57:00.000-08:00

OPRISCO WILL LITTER MY WALLS

2011-01-16T10:54:00.000-08:00

For months I have been in this decoration transition for my studio/bedroom. I've cut out pics from mags that inspire me, searched online for ideas & hunted at local antique stores for items that intrigue me. If they don't instantly illicit an emotional & powerful response, I don't get them. I've been in a bit of a slump when it comes to what I'll put on the walls, though. At first I thought I would cover one wall with art.....all in different size frames and all thrown together (because that's how I like things, to come together in no particular or orderly fashion). Then I figured I could do the same thing on the next section of wall, but with photography. There's where I have been perplexed. Until now. To give you an idea of what I'm talking about~

Bluebellgray via Design Sponge

I have found whose work will litter my photography wall. When you look at these photos, please tell me you also feel like a little slice of heaven is raining down on you too.

i lead by Oprisco

unspoken by Oprisco

the sacrament by Oprisco

I'm off to figure out exactly how much I need to save to buy every single one of the prints, lol. Hope you're off to check out more of this stunning work. You'll be rendered breathless, I promise ♥

........................

love + luck + bliss,

missysue

A HAPPY WEEKEND

2011-01-15T11:34:00.000-08:00

A new illustration. Planning on having this available in the shoppe soon. It's been a happy weekend so far. I've spent a good chunk of time today doing research into local galleries & art festivals/fairs. Hope yours is beautiful & relaxing so far as well ♥

PHASE 1

2011-01-12T17:13:00.000-08:00

This is the beginning of a piece. I plan to trace with my trusty pen & then paint it with my watercolors. I love the way pencil looks. No matter what mediums I try, I will always be a pencil gal. Nothing can beat good old fashioned lead, lol. Just wanted to share the first stage with you.

I also want to share some delightful Etsy shops that were under my "suggested shops" feature. I absolutely love the feature. I take a few minutes everyday to peruse the shops Etsy thinks I would enjoy. First up is Ello There. Take a look at their adorable wedding invitation design;

Next is this Pillow Cover by Olive;

I need one. Absolutely have to have one.

And last is this print from Lisa Falzon;

I hope you all have the sweetest dreams. May they be so beautiful that you wake with a smile ;o)

.....♥.....

love + luck + bliss,

missysue xox

VOYAGE

2011-01-11T18:37:00.000-08:00

A quick sketch from today. Not 100% happy with her, but then....I never really am happy with any of my quick sketches, lol. Off to bed ;o) May you have the sweetest dreams.......

.....♥.....

love + luck + bliss,

missysue xox

DISGUISES & BRANDING

2011-01-11T11:24:00.000-08:00

Today I have been working on redesigning my branding/look & have also begun building my new website. It feels good to get something accomplished. When you're chasing a dream, any progress you make feels amazing ;o)

We've gotten so much snow here today that schools are closed, the roads are quiet & I've not been able to bring myself to get out of my pajamas. I love these kind of days. Quiet reflection, plans & preparation & the giddy joy inside that tells me great things are on the horizon. I'll be back to share some of what I've been working on later.

.....♥.....

love + luck + bliss,

missysue xox

PERCHANCE

2011-01-10T16:36:00.000-08:00

I still have to paint this little beauty. I tried enhancing her digitally, but everything I did seemed too harsh, not soft enough. I've been thinking these past few days about where I want to take my art. The good news is that I want to take it anywhere, lol. Sarah Ban Breathnach said that the not knowing is what usually stops people from creating. That you don't always have to know where you're going with your creative talent or where you'll end up.....so long as you use it. Her books have saved my life and my mind on more than a few occasions. Another woman who has been saving my life as of late is Keri Smith. If I could marry her, I would.

I have so much to do -
:: organize studio
:: pick a paint color for my bedroom/studio makeover (will share pics in the near future)
:: sit down & really tackle my "getting published" list
:: build a more suitable website for my portfolio

The list goes on, I'm sure you have one of your own. How is your 2011 coming along so far? Are you keeping with your resolutions?

.....♥.....

love + luck + bliss,

missysue xox

BE WILD

2011-01-09T15:31:00.000-08:00

Just a little illustration for today. With the exception of a quick trip to the grocery store.....all I've done all day is draw. It's been a wonderful Sunday, for sure.

i miss summer

2011-01-08T09:08:00.000-08:00

................................................................

i miss the soft breeze. i miss the sunshine on my face & how it slanted across the road. i miss the quiet walks and the flowers. i miss it.

IF: deja vu

2011-01-07T19:13:00.000-08:00

Illustration Friday - this week's topic = deja vu

from the sketchbook

2011-01-07T16:53:00.000-08:00

A few from my sketchbook. I've been sketching an awful lot lately. I've also been trying to recuperate from walking pnuemonia, bronchitis & sinusitis. It's been fun, lol.

marysville public library exhibit

2010-12-03T05:51:00.000-08:00

this has got to be my favorite winter image to date. this little boy was so much fun to follow around and capture in images. just wanted to share it with you ;o)

my exhibit at The Marysville Public Library in Ohio will be starting January 3, 2011 & will be running until the 31st. I haven't decided if I will take the roadtrip to install it myself or if I will just ship it to the lovely people there.

i have a rare day off today & have been pondering what to do with it. i think the best idea is to get outta the funk i've been under. soooo; first order of business- take a walk...snap some pics. second order of business- sit down with a cup of joe & draw, draw, draw. i think it will be a lovely day. hope yours is as well.

funk and uninspiration

2010-12-02T17:34:00.000-08:00

Amber Gray

I have been stuck between unmotivated and uninspired lately. It's a funk.

Deep Within The Armoire

& i don't like funks. this is the longest funk i've ever had. i need to lift up, get moving. do something. take pictures. of anything.

2010-12-02T16:41:00.000-08:00

"I crossed the street to walk in the sunshine."

~Elizabeth Gilbert

Nikoline

2010-11-28T11:46:00.000-08:00

Nikoline's Diary

Nikoline's Tumblr

a few winter favs

2010-11-26T17:37:00.000-08:00

a penny for your fears

2010-11-26T09:02:00.000-08:00

Facing the fears inside and wanting to hide. He told me to be there, in that place. So, I stood. Very quiet, unable....powerless to move. Powerless in that way. That way that turns your insides out and leaves you gaping, wide open. Now all I feel is clown-like. A sort of sadness mixed with joy. In reverence, I am nothing but painted on.

carpe diem

2010-11-10T16:36:00.000-08:00

to be young again. to take root that which has passed into old, to hold that which is new and fresh in the palm of your hand- & be willing to bleed every good thing from it.

IF: afterwards

2010-11-07T06:18:00.000-08:00

the bunny & the clown

2010-10-05T03:20:00.000-07:00

A few sketches from the past weeks.

uneventful

2010-09-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

I had a very uneventful weekend. Which is usually how I like it, lol. I caught up on my dreaming, did a little laundry, but not too much and just relaxed. I slept with the windows open, listening to the sounds of Fall fill my room. It was glorious.

listening to: Paperweight by Schuyler Fisk & Joshua Radin

old selfie

2010-09-06T15:47:00.000-07:00

and what to my wandering eyes appear....a dim and swift vision, too far to reach. faded and loveless, it attacks me as I sleep.

taken winter 2009

she flicked me off

2010-09-06T07:25:00.000-07:00

I've been roaming around in all of my old snapshots.......under the guise that I'm trying to "organize" them. Really, I just want to see if there are any goodies in the massive pile of digital files I've accumulated over the past few years. Well, this morning (as I'm roaming) I pull up a pic I snapped while driving over the railroad tracks a few miles from my house - and what do I see? The bird.

She flicked me off.

I almost can't believe it for two reasons;

I drive by that lady's house almost everyday.

Talk about a great shot, lol.

Farewell Summer

2010-09-05T18:50:00.000-07:00

Amanda - A Photographic Study

2010-09-05T18:39:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Fall by Pushing my Pencil

2010-09-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

A few illustrations to celebrate the coming Fall season! I absolutely can not wait......it's my favorite time of the year! These illustrations will be available at the shoppe in a bit!

New at the Shoppe

2010-08-12T14:42:00.000-07:00

NerdyNotDirty; Rockie Nolan

2010-08-09T06:27:00.000-07:00

nineteen-eighty by nerdynotdirty

baptism by nerdynotdirty

show on the road by nerdynotdirty

These pictures are from one of my favorite photographers, Rockie Nolan. I am simply in love with her work. I first encountered it when I ran across a post (I believe it was on The Drifter and the Gypsy) about her controversial dead bird shoot, her secret menagerie.

I love her style.

Speaking of style, my cousin and I plan on raiding our nearby thrift shoppes so that we can get our Fall wardrobe together! Fall is my absolute favorite season, the clothes are so deliciously comfy and cozy! I'm setting up a few prints in the shoppe for later today, so I must get to it ;o)

M U C H

love + luck + bliss,

missysue xox

These Masks

2010-08-07T23:06:00.001-07:00

I'm glad to see summer go this year. It's been one that has not only been physically hot and sticky but emotionally trying as well. Personal issues have clouded and clogged my every step and I'm just beginning to get my footing again. While dealing with an incredibly painful issue this year, I was also diagnosed with Vitiligo, a skin pigmentation disorder.

I have always had patches of skin on my arms that were lighter than the rest of my skin but it was never highly noticeable or even something I was concerned with. I actually thought the biggest patch was from a burn I got when I was two years old, when I pulled an iron down on my arm. For the past couple months, white patches began to show very prominently on my hands and wrists. They have progressively gotten worse, so much so that I've been asked while out in public if they are scars from a burn. They appeared rapidly and have since shown up on various other parts of my body, such as my upper arms and feet.

Though I'm not overly concerned with having it, I have been doing research and have found that doctors believe the spots get worse in correlation with emotional and/or physical stress. Which means I need to focus on only positive things, do only that which makes me happy. I also have to start taking vitamins that are designed to counter balance my immune system, since it is believed that this is an autoimmune disease.

As I write this, I look down at my fingertips which, just a few months ago looked normal. Now, they are white and encircled, breaking off from the rest of my hand like little ships taking sail.

For some good news, I am stocking the shoppe finally and getting back into the swing of things. Above is my new print, titled "These Masks". As soon as I'm done with this post, I'll be listing it in the shoppe.

love + luck + bliss,

missysue xox

new art

2010-07-31T05:40:00.000-07:00

this.is.epic. | photography

2010-03-21T16:01:00.000-07:00

this.is.epic - Blog (deadweight on velveteen)

this.is.epic - on Deviantart

Purchase this.is.epic Prints

lisa warninger | photography

2010-03-14T13:42:00.000-07:00

Lisa Warninger

See more of Lisa Warninger's work

Read Lisa's Blog

..::DORGUSKA::..

2010-02-09T21:52:00.000-08:00

..::personal style::..

2010-02-02T17:04:00.000-08:00

"Watching the Days Burn out like a Cigarette" by ZANNA V.

"Deserted Diners" by EMILY S.

..::NIRRIMI::..

2010-02-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

..::Anna Dobos::..

2010-02-01T08:41:00.000-08:00

"Photography has meant different things to me at different times; representing reality, manipulating reality, uglifying the beautiful, beautifying the ugly. One of the things that stay constant in my interest and influence are people. I truly believe that photography is one of the most versatile and effective means of recording, skewing and exploring what people are and can be."
- Anna Dobos

Anna is not only a photographer, but an illustrator as well. Visit her website to see more of her work.

..::ANNA DOBOS ART::..

website

deviantart