Tricia Danby – Ellen Million Graphics Blog

September Sketch Fest Saturday

Welcome to this September’s Sketch Fest Saturday! It’s been a leisurely day full of creativity, evoking the autumnal spirit with hedgehogs and fairies and witches and more. We hope you’ve joined us in either leaving prompts or creating art – or both!

If not, you should definitely check out the #EMGSketchFest gallery – but admire these featured illustrations first.

Ellen uploaded the first sketch to our gallery this month! She drew “Black Cat” as a bookplate sketch for the Zoe Chant Shifting Sands Resort series of books. You can purchase this sketch on the sticker paper bookplate for $10.

“A Prickly Fall Flower” by Hannah Stayton

This is Hannah Stayton’s first Sketch Fest, and she created this completely adorable autumnal hedgehog illustration in “A Prickly Fall Flower.” She describes them as a “Cute little garden buddy to help you clean up the flower beds.”

Jill Britt sketched this provocative and eldritch witch and her tree in “A Witch’s Best Friend.”

Tricia Danby created magic in her painting of “Moon Witch,” reveling in the moon’s phases.

Let’s end with another beautiful black cat: as Madison says of her illustration “Moonlight,” it shows “A black cat crowded on to a shelf between some potion bottles and some toadstools, looking out the window at a full moon.” She did this in 22 minutes.

Now, head on over to the gallery and leave some comments for our artists! It’s not too late to sign up and participate on Sunday, either.

Don’t forget to use our official hashtag, #EMGSketchFest, when sharing your thoughts on social media.

Thanks for a great Sketch Fest #111!

Thank you to every artist, prompter, and commenter who joined us for July’s Sketch Fest event! We had almost 100 illustrations uploaded to the gallery in the 48 hours of the event, with over two dozen pieces available for purchase.

Before you explore our gallery full of witches and unicorns (and other kinds of -corns), fairies and foxes and bunnies with balloons, check out our last set of featured illustrations.

This evocative and spellbinding illustration by Rowan Lewgalon is called “Reach for the Stars,” matching the Maigan Lynn prompt that inspired the piece.

Tricia Danby’s “Fortune Teller” may be incomplete, but the intensity of focused attention comes through, inspired by Harkalya Reveur’s prompt of “Fortune teller (Enchanted Visions).”

These enchanting rainbow “Jellyfishes” were sketched by Afke van Herpt on Scratch Magic note paper and inspired by Maigan Lynn’s prompt, “Jellyfish parade.”

“Foxy Blue” by Harkalya Reveur is a whimsical, foxy delight! As the artist describes it, admire “[a] cute blue kitsune girl fancy dressed for a tea party!” Purchase the original mixed media ACEO painting on Opalina 200 gr/m paper for $25.

Inspired by Julie Rabischung’s “lotus flower mermaid” prompt, Maria J. William created this beautiful and captivating mermaid in her piece “Lotus Reverie.” You can purchase the original colored pencil, white charcoal, and white acrylic sketch on 6″x8″ toned paper for $40. Prints can be had for $7 and $10.

Our last featured creation for this Sketch Fest is from Melinda Baker, whose creativity took LEGO® pieces and crafted them into this intriguing scene.

That’s it for our eleventy-first Sketch Fest! Head over to the full gallery now to explore more, leave some comments for the artists, and perhaps buy yourself something awesome.

Join us in August for EMG Sketch Fest #112 on the weekend of August 23-25. Sign up for free! And you can find the Facebook Event here.

Sketch Fest Sunday, October Edition

We’ve wrapped another #EMGSketchFest, but creations may still be added to the gallery as we head into evening. We’re going to share a few more featured illustrations – enjoy the below, then click over to admire the full gallery!

“Witch Way is Witch” by Katerina Koukiotis

Katerina Koukiotis is getting into the Halloween spirit with “Witch Way is Witch.” The prompt came from Jools62 – here’s what Katerina had to say: “Loved this prompt, thank YOU Julie, combined inktober and some color, 5×7 ink and color pencil on strathmore toned paper .” You can grab a print of this illustration for just $6!

We’re loving “Wanded Mog” by Tallulah Cunningham with its Discworld reference! “A nod to one of Pratchett’s earliest characters,” Tallulah explained. “And Russian Blue cats – because I have fond memories of one in particular. ” You can pick up the original 2.5″ x 4.5″ artwork in Copic marker, white and gold gel pen, and ink on a light, white subtly textured paper for $15.

Inspired by Sarah Alden’s prompt “Glowing,” Deirdre M. Murphy painted this serene and lambent “Moon.” She commented: “I will likely add a tree. Or something.” We’ll keep an eye out!

This dream-like composition from Janet Chui is titled “Angels and Demons” from Jools62’s prompt of the same phrase. “Very rough and rushed, but I had fun with it for an hour,” Janet mused. “Will see how polished I can get it after this.”

Tricia Danby broke out her sketchbook this Sketch Fest and drew this tattooed “Elven Male” using thicker copy paper and ink pens. You can pick up the original 8.5″ x 11″ sketch for just $35.

Those are all our featured illustrations for today – check back this week for our #EMGSketchFest After Action Report for more fantastic art and the announcement of November’s Sketch Fest dates!

Closing Sketch Fest Sunday!

#EMGSketchFest 102 ended earlier this afternoon, but artists may still add pieces as we start the new week. Enjoy these evening featured illustrations, then explore the full gallery!

Tricia Danby gave us this mysterious “Harvest Moon Witch,” silhouetted against the most gorgeous, enormous harvest moon. You can snag a large print of this one – 20 cm x 30 cm – for only $18!

This captivating “Autumn Owl” was created by Regina Mailloux with graphite and gouache washes on 7″ x 10″ Canson watercolor paper. You can take home the original piece for $30.

“The Mermaid’s Oyster” by Katerina Koukiotis

Katerina Koukiotis created this moving mermaid illustration with color pencils and pastels with no references. Her inspiration came from Camille Chandler, who wrote a poem for the prompt as well – click through to read the poem and admire “The Mermaid’s Oyster.” Snag a LE ACEO print for just $6!

“Witch’s Unusual Pet” by Julie Rabischung

We are beyond charmed at this “Witch’s Unusual Pet” as drawn by Julie Rabischung! Prompted by Mayumi Ogihara, here’s what Julie has to say, “A purple undefined octopus-creature is swimming in the little witch’s potion. It is her favorite and unusual familiar.” You can purchase the original black and purple ink sketch on 5″ x 7″ Bristol for $15!

There’s something eerie and poignant in “Bestowing” by Abi. Inspired by Tara N. Colna’s prompt “The Raven’s Stone,” she was pulled in many different directions before grabbing hold of one and pursuing it. She says, “In my interpretation the Raven’s stone is mounted in the circlet he carries. Here, for reasons that are bound to mystify and perplex, he is bestowing it upon one whom he deems suitable to carry it.” Abi mentioned she might work with this piece more – and we hope she does!

That’s it for our features tonight – hit the full gallery, and come back tomorrow for our wrap-up post. We’ll also be announcing next Sketch Fest’s dates, which will take place during our 25th Anniversary Celebrations!

EMGSketchFest 99 – After Action Report!

Another #EMGSketchFest has come and gone, and we had a grand creative weekend! We had 29 participating artists and 99 sketches – which, given it was Sketch Fest #99, we feel is rather apropos. And there are 19 pieces of art available for purchase, from original full-size and ACEO sketches to limited edition prints. You should really do yourself a favor and have a whirl through our gallery if you’re in the market for some art.

We also welcomed two new artists this month: RCoots and NickyWolf!

Let’s take a final turn through some featured illustrations before putting Sketch Fest #99 to bed:

Inspired by Tara N Colna’s prompt “coffee time,” Maria J. William creating this alluring sketch of “The Curator.” You can purchase the graphite and white charcoal original on 8×10 toned paper for $40 or pick up some prints for $7-$10.

NickyWolf’s first Sketch Fest drawing is the adorable and fluffy “Fairy’s Big Pet“! Here’s what they had to say this about their digital drawing: “I rarely do quick sketches so this is good practice. I hope you like it!”

We can’t help but grin when we see Amy Sue Stirland’s 5.5×8 watercolor of a “Pig Fairy!” This wonderful when-pigs-fly what-if was inspired by Heather Kilgore, and Amy says: “I’m tickled with how the flowers turned out.” You can grab the original for only $17!

Kim Turner’s woman wearing “Amethyst and Pearl” is effortlessly elegant! Here’s what Kim says about her: “This was really a quick one, but I can imagine going back to it as a painting and bring out the pearls and amethsyt sparkles…” We hope you do, Kim!

Even in it’s partially-sketched state, Tricia Danby’s “Strawberry Fairy” has out mouths watering for some fresh strawberries!

Patricia Bowne created this digital art sketch of a “Meeting” between water and air, inspired by Julie Rabischung’s “fairy and mermaid meeting on the beach.”

“The Littlest Mouse” by Nathalie Reinholz

This teeny tiny ACEO from Nathalie Reinholz is the cutest littlest mouse we’ve seen!

Rowan Lewgalon drew on Katta’s prompt of a “meditating nature sprite” to create this magical and provocative illustration. About “Meditation,” Rowan notes: “I took the background from one of my other paintings, so I could already finish this one.” You can purchase a print for just $15.

Our last featured illustration for this Sketch Fest is this lovely portrait from Linzi Fay, a delicate response to Julie Rabischung’s prompt, “Flower’s enchantment.” The original 5.5×8.5 drawing is available for purchase.

We hope you’ve enjoyed today’s set of features, and our #EMGSketchFest 99 weekend. We’re planning our 100th Sketch Fest right now and it’s going to be AMAZING – follow us on Facebook or Twitter so you don’t miss our upcoming announcement!

Late night expressiveness with EMGSketchFest 98!

We’ve come to end of this Sketch Fest Saturday! We’ve had more felines show up as the day wore on, along with a vampire doll and an amazingly disturbing angler fish mermaid.

Let’s jump in to tonight’s featured illustrations:

My Fractured Heart by Katerina Koukiotis

Katerina Koukiotis drew “My Fractured Heart” in color pencil, pastel, and lots of sparkles. Her “little mermaid with her bubbly fragile heart” was inspired by a prompt from Camille Chandler. You can pick up a limited edition ACEO print for only $6! You can also purchase the original 5″ x 7″ sketch for $25.

“Bewitching Smile” by Tricia Danby features, well, a truly bewitching smile. We can’t wait to see this sketch continued!

Monika Holloway’s enthralling sketch “I Wish” was inspired by Edward Cammarota’s prompt “I wish someone would look at me like that.” This sketch measures 6″ x 9″ on 300gsm ivory paper.

Who can forget the Toad Prince? Finley Mac didn’t, and drew this spectacular “handsome and perfect little boy, smeared ink and all.” 9″ x 12″, ink on mixed media paper. This is Finley’s first Sketch Fest, and we couldn’t be more tickled!

Shadows in the Dark by Peter C.M. van Herpt

Peter C.M. van Herpt turned a piercing eye to the night and drew “Shadows in the Dark” in pencil and charcoal.

Those are all our featured illustrations for tonight, but be sure to give the gallery a wander before bed. Then come on over and create with us tomorrow!

Saturdays are for Sketch Fest

We’re back with the first installment of our Saturday highlights from #EMGSketchFest 97! Have you been creating today? We’d love to create with you! Just head on over to the full gallery – explore the art, leave some prompts, and create art (sketches, jewelry, whatever you make) of your own!

Let’s take a sneak peek at what’s hanging out in the gallery, shall we?

ElmaBree, inspired by Mayumi Ogihara’s prompt “Mermaid dress decorated with the most beautiful mermaid scales,” drew this well-dressed mermaid. She adds that this is an unfinished sketch to be completed later.

It may not be sweater weather anymore, but Heather Kilgore sketched the fabulous “Miss Fuzzy Sweater.” You can almost feel that fuzzy sweater! You can purchase the original graphite drawing on cream drawing paper for just $25.

Tricia Danby’s “Shy Fairy” promises to be a lush illustration in all the fresh colors of spring. We can’t wait to see her completed!

Janna Prosvirina drew this fresh-face fairy crafting a “Chain of Daisies,” and it’s soon to be a coloring page! Here’s what she said: “For those who enjoy coloring I will make this image available as a digital stamp /coloring page. It will be available through my Etsy.” You can pick up the original ink drawing on office paper for $12!

Our last highlight for this afternoon is “Jellyfishie” by Nathalie Reinholz! This gorgeous watercolor of a jellyfish absolutely glows. “No ideas how these are fish,” Nathalie wrote, “but I took this as an opportunity to follow Stephanie Law’s instructional video on patreon on how to paint jellyfish.” If you fancy snagging the original watercolor painting on Hahnemühle Cornwall paper, it’s only $35!

Now that your appetite has been whetted, head on over to the full gallery and wander through the marvelous works waiting for you. Don’t forget – share your thoughts and your artwork on social media with our official hashtag, #EMGSketchFest.

Saturday Night Sketch Fever

The #EMGSketchFest 96 gallery is thriving! Thanks to everyone who’s gotten creative with us this weeked – 18 of you have uploaded over 50 illustrations to the gallery so far! We can’t wait to see what Sunday brings. For now, we’re sharing a few more featured sketches:

Elisa Ferguson drew and inked this playful mermaid bedecked with “Necklaces.”

Milkycat’s impatient elf in “Spring Flower Crown” looks like she’s really over whatever she’s listening to.

Inspired by Tara N. Colna’s prompt, Tricia Danby created these captivating “Emerald Eyes.”

Jools62, joining us for their first Sketch Fest, drew this fierce dragon taking time to smell the flowers in “Flower and Dragon.”

Who doesn’t feel the spring breeze invoked by Eimiel’s “Spring Dress” illustration?

That’s it for our Saturday featured illustrations! Join us again tomorrow for the last day of our Sketch Fest – and don’t forget to visit the full gallery.

Farewell EMGSketchFest 94… hello EMGSketchFest 95!

That’s it, folks! Another #EMGSketchFest weekend has passed in 48 hours of creativity and sharing. Archers and dancers, sea unicorns and Christmas mermaids all turned up in the gallery during this Sketch Fest. And there are tons of goodies for sale, as well – snatch an original or a print to give to a friend this holiday season!

How about some final featured illustrations?

Lorna Cowie created this delightful piece, which she later finished with an outline of Mystic Hare. “I’m always surprised at how blue winter is,” Lorna wrote. “There is a certain time of night, when it snows, that everything turns blue, with violet shadows. Windsor and Newton watercolours with salt detailing. Once dry, the salt is brushed free to reveal the textured pattern.”

Caitlin Woods, meanwhile, spent some time playing with crayons and drew this “Faerie Light.”

Edward Cammarota left the prompt “Christmas fairy in candy cane stockings” and that’s exactly what Heather Kilgore created! You can get the original drawing, 4″ x 6″, on cream drawing paper for $35.

Tricia Danby’s participation this Sketch Fest is manifesting as a beautiful “Winter Fae” – we can’t wait to see the finished creation!

Maria J. William snuck in at the end of the weekend, sharing several amazing illustrations – including this snow leopard with it’s stunning “Icy Blue” eyes. Snag a print for a cat-loving friend: get a semi-gloss print for $10 or an ACEO print for $5.

We may be done featuring illustrations from this Sketch Fest, but artists may still upload a drawing or two as they finish up their latest pieces – be sure to check back and don’t forget to shop!

We’d also love to announce #EMGSketchFest 95 – SURPRISE, it’s December 29-31! We’re getting in one last event before the end of 2017! Please join us, and create something warm and wonderful in the heart of the cold. We can’t wait to see you there!