Brittney Owens

Faith the size of a mustard seed

2012-01-19T14:17:00.000-08:00

Painting for my sister-in-law's mother. Top left is the scripture verse, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20

Painting is still wet so it looks shiney, and once again, my camera takes really crappy photos. So Just use your imagination :)

Commission information available @ www.illustrationsbybrittney.com or email leightherese@gmail.com

Something New

2012-01-16T15:42:00.000-08:00

24x24 acrylic, found material, drawn flowers on paper

Commission information available @ www.illustrationsbybrittney.com or email leightherese@gmail.com

Things aren't always what they seem #2 Recycling shark

2012-01-10T09:37:00.001-08:00

"Things aren't always what they seem" series Painting #1

2012-01-01T12:59:00.001-08:00

The paint is still wet so the balloon is a little shiney in this picture. I have been listening to so many people debate over politics recently. Everytime I hear two people argue I am baffled by how they seem to view the other side as "Idiotic" or "Evil". This inspired me to do a series titled "Things aren't always what they seem". I am going to use animals with bad reputations showing their soft side, as well as, animals with good reps showing a more... devious side. So this scorpion is my jumping off point.

Making baby clothes

2011-12-19T15:03:00.000-08:00

l made my daughter a tutu for Christmas. It was a fun break from painting and drawing. Although l am working on a scorpion painting that l will post later.

Muchacho Squirrel

2011-12-09T10:16:00.001-08:00

My eight year old little sister loves squirrels. She made up a song that goes 'Oh muchacho, oh muchacha! Its time to sing the squirrel samba...' and on it goes. This is acrylic and collage on wood.

Christmas present/Hidden pictures

2011-11-29T15:33:00.000-08:00

Here is a painting l did as a Christmas gift. It has photographs hidden throughout the painting of family members.

Christmas gift painting

2011-11-16T10:06:00.000-08:00

I am really excited about how this painting turned out. I started by collaging pictures of my brothers family all over the panel. Then I used painters tape to block out a tree shape. I really like how you can still see all of the photographs, but many are hidden. Hopefully my brother and his wife will like their Christmas gift because I do not accept returns :)

Added color

2011-11-07T16:46:00.000-08:00

l added some watercolor to my doodle

Maybe finished

2011-10-30T17:32:00.001-07:00

l worked more on the cell painting. l don't know if l am calling it finished yet. l also don't know what orientaion looks best.

New work in the process

2011-10-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

I started working on a new piece. I have just finished the underpainting. I am really excited about it and hope to complete it over the next week. I am using cell reproduction for inspiration.

Wedding commission

2011-10-24T12:34:00.001-07:00

I just finished a painting for two friends that just got married. I am really happy with the way it turned out. I used pictures from when the were dating, got engaged, and the wedding.

One big bummer, While working on this painting l got distracted by my crying baby and didn't clean my favorite paint brush. Now its ruined and l sincerely feel like someone ran over my puppy. l will miss you favorite paint brush!

(other commissions can be viewed at www.illustrationsbybrittney.com)

Craft Sale @ Immaculate Conception, North Little Rock Oct 15th

2011-09-11T12:58:00.000-07:00

Ive been making a bunch of kids paintings for the Arts/Crafts Sale in North Little Rock. The sale is going to be at Immaculate Conception Church on Oct 15th.

Changed Triptych

2011-08-23T16:02:00.000-07:00

I havent had a lot of time to work on new pieces now that l have my now three week old daughter. I changed up the three flower pieces from the previous post. I am trying to change up my color use and my use of extreme contrast.

4 new paintings for Growth Series

2011-07-29T15:08:00.001-07:00

I used my flower sketches in the three panel painting at the bottom. The picture isn't very good because the paint is still wet.

Practice

2011-07-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

a photo taken by my friend kim at 36 weeks.

In preperation for my baby to be here (hopefully by her due date in 10 days) I have quit my job and been staying home. Boredom has taken over, but I am trying to make the best of it. So Instead of using photographs/collage material out of books and magazines in my paintings I decided to start drawing my own flowers. I have never been very good at roses so I have been practicing. I have also been working on a slew of other plant images. So hopefully practice will make perfect...

Landscape

2011-07-01T12:09:00.001-07:00

I don't really like landscapes, so since l was stuck on the current series l am working on l decided to do some. I tried to let my "illustration side" come through more on these paintings. I don't know that l like them or even if they are done. I am just trying to keep working and hoping that my mental wall breaks down soon.

On the triptych I used a lot of collage elements. Several ended up being painted over. I usually used a lot of dark backgrounds but while working on these l forced myself to use white.

The purple piece was once a brown painting with gold leaf. I got stuck on the painting so l decided just to paint over it.

I am excited and annoyed at the same time because I feel like I am finally getting somewhere conceptually, but aesthetically I am not really excelling.

ABF Christmas Card

2011-06-23T09:29:00.001-07:00

Entry for ABF Christmas card competition

Growth

2011-06-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

These are the current works from my new series "Growth"

Some of the images are carried over from older series, but many are new.

Artist Statement (still working on it):

Growth is defined as development from a lower or simpler to a higher or more complex form. Growth can be applied to size, number, value, or strength. It also applies to maturing physically, mentally, or spiritually.
Throughout this series growth has been explored from simple definitions to more complex. Plants are used to show a natural, organic form of growing; encompassing a simple definition of something developing from smaller to larger. Realism and abstraction are combined throughout the series, as are oils, acrylics, and collage. Collage pieces showcasing spiritual elements are incorporated to express a more mature expansion. Collage allows religious icons to be incorporated in a way that is obvious, though some of the collage elements have been hidden in the paint. Bold color and high contrast are another way growth is expressed. Light and darkness, both physically and metaphorically, define the growth of nature and individuals.

Nature

2011-06-01T11:58:00.001-07:00

www.lightspacetime.com/exhibitions/our-current-art-exhibition-theme-nature/

One of my paintings was selected for the websites show.

Still working on it

2011-05-31T16:06:00.000-07:00

I am a little over half way through the three panel painting. The three panels stretch to 6 foot by 4 foot. I am happy with the progress so far. l used phone book covered with gold leaf to texture the background. I wanted them to appear like stones. Then l started collaging flowers and painting flowers on top to look like they were growing. Hopefully l will be done tonight or tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

In the works

2011-05-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

l am currently working on this piece. It is three seperate panels, each 24x48 inches. It is proving difficult because of my limited work area but l am excited about it. l am creating an abstracted landscape.

l have been spending time updating my website http://www.illustrationsbybrittney.com/

New piece for Growth Series

2011-05-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

I am trying some new techniques in this series. I began by collaging different paper to get texture, then l painted the canvas yellow followed by blue. After that I used sandpaper to expose the yellow and some of the collaged paper. I wanted to conceptually "grow" the colors. I have been enjoying sketching plants so instead of painting flowers I drew them and collaged them into the piece.

I am planning on expanding the idea of growth into areas outside of plants. I now have 4 new pieces in the series.

477 Store

2011-05-08T16:18:00.001-07:00

Both of these images were selected to be shown for sale in the 477 store located in Memphis TN for the next 3 months.

Sketch

2011-05-05T13:29:00.001-07:00

Some doodles l did while sitting in the Doctors for an hour.

Ballet

2011-04-25T15:15:00.001-07:00

I am really excited about going to see the Alice in Wonderland Ballet at the end of the month. I guess I was inspired and decide to watercolor a dancer.

Taking the bull by the horns

2011-04-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

For years and years my husband has asked me to make a painting of him "taking the bull by the horns." He got the idea from the movie "Dodgeball" where Ben Stiller had a painting of him taking the bull by the horns.

Well, I finally did it. My main reasoning behind NOT doing the piece was, I don't want that image hanging in my house. But what can I say? He is the most amazing husband. Sometimes you just gotta suck it up.

If you would like your very own, Ben Stiller, Dodge ball inspired, taking the bull by the horns piece, contact me. Cost unframed $25 plus shipping

Commission information available @ www.illustrationsbybrittney.com or email leightherese@gmail.com

Fun with Collage

2011-04-18T14:46:00.001-07:00

I feel like l often forget that art can be carefree. l have been so focused on making a "masterpiece" that l often find myself tense while painting instead of smiling.

Collage is one of my ways to let go, relax, and enjoy the process.

Growth Series

2011-04-12T09:40:00.000-07:00

I feel like I am finally settled on a concept for a new series. A lot of my sketch work has revolved around growth. I have really enjoyed work that focuses on nature, so l am planning to explore that and evolve that concept into growth beyond nature/plant life. The series done prior has been very spiritual based. Several of the past images have incorporated plants to represent feminine influence. Some of my past pieces will be able to be used in this new series. I am not sure that this piece is complete, but for now I am saying it is. More than likely, as the series evolves, I will work more on it to incorporate new ideas. Any feedback is appreciated.

Something old something new

2011-04-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

Both of these pieces recently sold. They were part of the 'Atonement' series from 2009.

I am currently trying to develop a new series.

Finished mural in baby's room

2011-04-07T06:46:00.001-07:00

Updating past images

2011-04-05T07:25:00.000-07:00

(detail)

I have been reworking some images I had done in the past. I recently punched up the contrast in this painting Even the Angels Obey. I have not been using oils recently, but this piece is done with gold leaf, acrylic, oil, and collage. I recently had three pieces accepted into the juried show "Art for God's Sake" in Troy, Michigan. The Gallery will be open to the public May 13th-15th.

Lily Pad

2011-03-31T12:51:00.000-07:00

I did a quick study of lily pads. I used gold leaf to prime the wood. Acrylic paint and collaged pieces of paper were used on top of that. In total the painting took about one hour.

In addition I am beginning to work on paper. I want to start combining the texture and color I get through painting and collaging with charcoal and pastel drawing. I am unable to draw with charcoal on the wood panels I am presently painting on. Hopefully I will have a paper painting/drawing to post within the next week.

Crossing my fingers!

2011-03-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

I applied for a show in Troy Michigan and am waiting to find out if my work was accepted. I should be finding out on the 1st of next month. These are the three images l submitted.

Top to bottom:

"in nomen of abbas, quod of filius, quod of flamen"

"Give us this Day"

"Guadaloupe"

Quick Painting

2011-03-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

This painting was done in two hours. I feel like something clicked when l was working on this piece. Recently l have been so hung up on details that l can't produce a painting l am proud of. l really hope l can get out of my rut soon.

Cant sleep...

2011-03-28T15:29:00.000-07:00

Having problems staying motivated. Think its time to switch back to acrylic.

I recently did some basic illustrations to help a friend spruce up his blog. visit http://putitonnetflix.blogspot.com/ to see them.

Mural on the wall

2011-03-26T14:15:00.001-07:00

My swamp themed baby room. I have had so much fun painting the mural. It has taken a long time but hopefully l will be finished in a couple weeks.

Through the Window

2011-03-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

In this image I collaged lace, fabric, watercolor paintings, and photographs. I used acrylic and oil. It was inspired by a lighthouse I saw while visiting my brother at the beach.

Flowers

2011-03-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

Collage will always be my favorite part of painting...

Happy little critters

2011-03-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

Decided to draw my favorite animal, the turtle, along with a few others. I am very ready for the weather to be sunny and warm. Starting to get a little cabin fever.

I really need to hook up my scanner. My camera isn't doing justice to the colors.

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair

2011-03-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

I was always captivated by fairy tales. Rapunzel amazed me because here was this girl whose hair grew astronomically long. So long that an old woman was able to use it as a ladder to climb in and out of a tower. Thinking about it, how was a girl with hair 20 feet long to keep it clean if she were locked away in a tower that probably had no running water? My hair is barely past my chin and I still manage to get things stuck in it (and thats without someone climbing up and down in it).

Thinking of me and splashing some color.

2011-03-18T08:34:00.000-07:00

I spent a little time sketching. I was thinking a lot about my childhood and this portrait is what came of it. I was always really mischievous. My brothers and sister were all realatively well behaved. The worst they did was not eating their veggies. But l gave my parents a run for their money. I blame the right side of my brain for making me so creative. It made it so easy to come up with inventive ways to get in trouble.

I also decided to add some color to a sketch l did earlier this week.

The Cougar Hunter

2011-03-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

This image was inspired by a guy l know (We can call him Ronald). Ronald has a thing for the ladies. Mainly, he has a thing for the mature ladies. He is a master of the pick up lines. This image sports his famous line, "Have you ever made out with a 25 year old?" (in case you were wondering, the line totally worked)

Inspired by you

2011-03-16T20:59:00.001-07:00

One of the most enjoyable parts of illustration is creating images inspired by people you know. l hate to admit that an individual inspired a toilet... a very crappy toilet, but it is so. It can be very therapeutic to vent out your frustrations about a person on a sheet of paper. Tho l know no one else will probably share my laugh about this jon, it will make me chuckle every time.

Daily Doodles

2011-03-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

Spent some time doodling. l really love my weedy yard. l love dandelions and buttercups. Soon my husband will be laying down some weed killer so l figured sooner was better when it came to sketching them.

I sketched out a fish and made it crying before l thought it threw :) l guess you wouldn't be able to tell if a fish were crying, but they draw tears in Spongebob, so why not on my fish.

My bagged bear... don't know why l did that. Bears are cute. Animals in paper sacks are cute. So l guess l was going for cute.

A Pond in the Woods

2011-03-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

Available for purchase at any major website.

Commissioned Art

2011-03-15T15:15:00.001-07:00

I have been fortunate to stay busy with commission work. I never use bright colors in my paintings, I have always bettered enjoyed dark earth tones, but for some reason the commissions I have been working on over the past couple years have been very vibrant.

Make room for baby!

2011-03-15T15:12:00.000-07:00

I am currently working on my swamp themed baby room. The nice thing about owning your home is you can do what ever you want :)

Work in Progress

2011-03-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

Illustration was a big part of my life through college and for awhile I got away from it. I really want to keep working on it a little each day. Truth be told, nothing makes me happier than inventing a character and trying to give it a personality through its posture and expression. The ugly dog creature is inspired by my wonderful, dumb german shepherd.

I am working on a nature based series. I really enjoy spending time outside especially now that the weather is getting nice. I must say, the weeds in my yard are very inspirational.

I am using gold leaf/thread/napkins/scrap paper to build up the background. The gold leaf has a really nice, reflective quality.

2009-10-04T16:00:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the paintings l am working on for the show in Memphis. l would appreciate any comments/suggestions.

I need advice on my work!!!

2009-02-25T14:28:00.001-08:00

These are close ups of the painting l donated to birthright. l would appreciate any advice!

Here is a couple of my pages for my book... or at least it is in the works. l would appreciate insight.

Getting Started

2008-10-23T11:16:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt at blogging. I am currently looking for a way to display my artwork until I can get my Website going. I have recently been working on Children's books that have a lesson's section in the back that can be used to teach children scripture while it is applied to a colorful story. "A Pond in the Woods" is my first book. I am working on a second. Hopefully It will be finished with in the next year.