Starving Artist Forum

Ok, you may be thinking I've gone completely Country with all these famous Country artist sketches, but I'm just attempting to sketch most of the performers at this month's Show-Me Music & arts Festival here in Springfield, MO.

My latest sketch honors Joe Nichols. I just love his messy hair. I bet it takes a lot of time and energy to look that perfectly disheveled!

I'm very excited to see some of these greats live. I know many of you are also, so I'm sharing my sketches on my blog and making them available to purchase at the music fest exclusively from Kel's Custom Designs. Look for her jewelry booth at the event and pick up your favorite sketch.

I'm even offering my actual original sketches, which I seldom release to the public. Tell Kelly Belle sent you!

Go to Venue Site

I would be remiss to sketch the hunky Country male singers and leave out some of country music's rising stars of the female persuasion. So for your viewing pleasure the first two ladies I have recently sketched in B&W are Kellie Pickler and Gretchen Wilson.

Kellie is most known for finishing sixth on American Idol's fifth season. Gretchen is most known for "Redneck Woman" but has had 5 top ten singles so far. Both are top selling artists and gorgeous gals! So here is my nod to these amazing women. Keep up the good work ladies!

Order Now!

My latest request took me to the Vampire theme of forbidden love once again. For your viewing pleasure, my take on Damon Salvatore of the Vampire Diaries as portrayed by Ian Joseph Somerhalder. This hit CW series is based on the L.J. Smith book series and is currently still captivating viewers of all ages.

My favorite male Country recording Artist is Trace Adkins. The recently crowned American Idol has captured millions of hearts with his low baritone voice, but my favorite booming voice has always been Trace's.

He seems like a good 'ole boy with country character. Maybe that's why he has sold so many records!

Prints of my latest ink sketch will be made available soon.

Have I inked in your favorite yet?

My newest Country Artist to sketch is Matt Kennon. I like to know my subject to get more details, and you might be surprised to know that Matt is adopted at birth. To get this as dark as possible I experimented with permanent ink. I had several sizes in my hand and loved the way it turned out!

OK, so not exactly what you may be thinking...

I'm not getting a tattoo of Tim McGraw, this is my latest sketch.

I wanted the contrast more severe, so I did the entire sketch with ink! No pencil lines and no smudging! The result was very crisp. What do you think?

Originally I wanted to complete a series of celebrity sketches in my sketch book and try to get them autographed, but this one was done on a separate sheet and will be made available in several sizes. Which do you think will be the most popular?

I know I've mentioned VistaPrint before, but I really love this company! I was able to cash in on some frequent shopper deals and totally redesigned my advertising for Artbybelle.com

New Banner

Business Card

Now I'm ready for small set up displays and traveling with my work again. (Once my body catches up with me!) I look forward to showing off my new style and direction soon!

 Come in to Our Cozy Cottage to see ArtByBelle.com sketch cards and limited edition photographic prints. Now to the left of the register!

This is a unique gift boutique that features items from women entrepreneurs and crafters. The store in located in Springfield, MO on South Campbell Ave in the Parkcrest Shopping Center behind Bair's Restaurant.

They have several gift items to choose from and items for all ages. I am very proud to be included in this elite group. With offerings from candles to monogrammed towels to gourmet diaper cakes and soup mixes, the possibilities are endless.

I have created new packaging to complete my display for the store. Stop in to shop from the stock or go to Our Cozy Cottage Online Boutique and have it shipped to your front door!

Did you know facebook has silent auctions? Well, I didn't! But I was happy to participate in this particular one since all the money goes to create treat boxes for our troops overseas. To get to the auction go to...

• Complete Rules for this auction
• My Donation "Eternal Kiss" as seen above

Ok, it's minitature! ACEO sized painting with metallic green, glitter and some free style inking.

I was inspired by crisp and tart green apples, peridot gems and curling ivy...

without further ado:

What made me even attempt this tiny painting? My online group, ACEO Online Magazine. We had a monthly challenge for March of "Green". I think I nailed it! LOL Now for the voting!!

Wish me luck!

Before colorization.

I am so excited that my entry to the Jimmy The Sheep's Pet contest was selected as the winner! To see the post go to the Jimmy the Sheep Blog. You will my winning entry along with other sketches Jimmy's artist. You can even READ all about how Jimmy and Maggie meet Abby the Ladybug!

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

The winning card

To buy a Jimmy the Sheep card click here!

My ACEO creation to honor the Doctor that has kept all our childhood memories in rhyme! I do not like green eggs and ham, but that's just who I am!   ;)

Available for a limited time to purchase as the ORIGINAL on ebay!

My facebook fan page is growing in fan base so I am celebrating by giving away my newest Art Card!! I will be creating another Valentine ACEO similar to the ones earlier created and if my fan base reaches over 200 I will choose a random fan to win the very first print!!