While I’m parading pet portraits, here’s one more I did as a Christmas commission. In this pastel, I put two friends together from separate photos, two beloved pets who passed away recently. I was touched to hear on Christmas day that the gift was treasured, thoughtfully given and happily received!
This Christmas, I was honored to draw a very old cottage located in Americus, Georgia.It was an old civil war doctor’s office that was moved and restored into a one bedroom cottage.
It’s so fun to be a part of meaningful and lasting gifts!
You look out into the night. You see two shining eyes and a big tongue. It’s Bear. Not A bear, but Bear, my grandfather’s very large, very sweet, very black, very loved Belgian Sheepdog.
I had the privilege to draw this pampered dog for my Paw Paw’s Christmas present, given by his family. Here’s how it turned out:
Belgian Sheepdog, 9×15 pastel commission
Twas the weeks before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse…
I was quite the busy bee, but all my art had to stay hushed so as not to ruin Christmas surprises. I had lots of commissions, lots of gifts to create. Over the next few days I’ll catch you up on a few of the pieces that found new homes for Christmas!
Below is one of the first pieces this “commission season”…a very large, majestic white lab. Can I even tell you how much I enjoyed this piece?
Featuring the diverse and eclectic art of Chi Roach, Sunny Carvalho, Cecily Hill Lowe, Mary Liz Ingram, Dariana Dervis, Erin Hardin, and Ami Phillips Ross
Check out our group’s new Facebook page to view the unique creations of each artist!
https://www.facebook.com/EclecticArtSocialClub
A cold, gray morning just two days after Christmas finds me groggily puttering around the house in my pjs, heading for coffee and breakfast. Still recovering from Christmas festivities, stepping over toys and readjusting to life without Christmas music, I browse my phone to see what’s going on in the world. There’s a confusing text from one of my friends that looks like this:
from www.al.com Birmingham’s Best 2013
I ask what it is, where it’s from, and expected questions when you are nervously beginning to be excited, but waiting to find out it’s a scammy joke. But apparently this time it’s for real. Some of my family members found the same surprising announcement in the newspaper that morning.
Some how, some way, all my little cows, pigs, portraits and cotton bolls helped me get voted by at least enough Birmingham residents to make it on the list as a runner up for best local artist in Birmingham for 2013.
And even in the Birmingham News! Hurrah!
Looking for a unique gift that just seems to speak to you? These quirky, textured pastel farm animals are just the thing…a gift that will last and bring fun to any room! Check out some of my newest pieces that will be available for sale at my upcoming art shows. Contact Mary Liz if you’re interested in a special piece, or one of the farmyard friends below: marylizingramart@gmail.com
Coming up is the always fabulous Mountain Brook Art Association Holiday Show at Colonial Brookwood Village. On the lower level of the mall, this huge show is full of wonderful art, perfect for gift giving! Join us for the opening reception on December 5th from 4:00-8:00, catered by Cocina Superior. The show will be up from December 5th through the 19th, 10-8pm daily. Grand Finale party 5-8 on December 19th. Lots of fun, lots of artists, lots of shopping! Hope to see you there!
Another great gift idea for your holiday season, these original pastel cotton bolls are symbols of the South. Drawn from actual pieces of Alabama cotton, this handmade local art is available in various sizes, from 4×4 to 16×20. Proving most popular, the small cotton bolls make fabulous gifts, affordably priced at $40.
Contact Mary Liz today to purchase your own! marylizingramart@gmail.com
Looking for a cool gift for the holidays? Why not share a local, handmade “piece of the South”?! These small, framed and original oyster shell pastels make inexpensive and thoughtful gifts. Affordably priced at $35 each.
Eight of them have already made their way into wrapping paper!
Contact Mary Liz today to purchase your own: marylizingramart@gmail.com
I'm a self-taught pastel & watercolor artist and instructor, raised and based in Birmingham, Alabama. I constantly collect stories and pieces of the world around me, turning them into works of art. Inspired by nature, I love to share what I've learned and build connections and community. I invite you to browse and join my site. I hope you find something that inspires you!
Voted one of Birmingham's Best Local Artists 2013, Birmingham News & al.com
Featured in Birmingham Magazine, March 2018
Visit the Commissions page on the top menu to find out more about my pastel & watercolor portraits. Portraits are drawn from photographs in a timely manner with the highest quality materials to ensure they will be enjoyed for generations!
Thanks for visiting my site! I am an awarded pastel artist and instructor based in Birmingham, Alabama. A self-taught artist, I have been working with pastels for over 6 years, selling in shops, galleries, shows and by commission. I teach pastel workshops for adults, and love to help emerging artists on their journey into the art community.
