California marine life in trouble — Quick auction for donation!

Our marine wildlife is in crisis here in California. The rescue centers are full, volunteers are exhausted and giving their all. And more animals need help everyday. I want to donate the full proceeds from the following two mini paintings to our local chapter of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center to help at least a little. Would you help?

You can read more on the issue here: http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/19/us-usa-wildlife-california-idUSKBN0LN01620150219

Simply bid on which painting you would like to buy from the links below… They are each 5″x7″ acrylic originals on canvas. Highest bidder wins and I will donate your entire payment and send you the painting. It may even be partially tax deductible (check with your accountant). Thank you.

Auction – PMMC – Sea Lion Love

Auction – PMMC – PMMC Love Owl

Life changes

It’s amazing how quickly your life can change. In a matter of months I no longer work for the place I’ve been for the past 18 years. My husband got a new job and they keep changing his schedule. My nights, days and weekends are all a blur now.

I’m trying to get a handle on things and add some structure back to my life. I don’t mind some chaos, but these last few months have really done a number on my mental state. The good part is that I have much more time to concentrate on my art. I was able to do a painting for my husband for Christmas that I’ve been wanting to do for quite a while now. He loves it! I’m pretty happy with it, too.

Dive Deep with Me. © 2014 Aprille Lipton. Original acrylic painting on canvas.

I’m really loosening up my style, and the orders for custom works are still coming in. I also launched my own website — which was WAY overdue. It still has a long way to go until I’m satisfied, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Blue Owl with Heart. © 2014 Aprille Lipton. Original acrylic painting on paper.

Happy New Year! And please, if you like my work, share with friends and family, Like my Facebook page or follow me on Pinterest.

I think I’m ready to open the gates

On Etsy, that is. I’m going to take the plunge and start offering instant digital download art for printing at home. I’m still not convinced that Etsy is where I really should be, but if I can generate some money to help tide over between original artwork sales, it would be welcome.

I’ve already started with a few of my digitally altered photos and will work on getting some of my watercolor and mixed media sketches online.

These Boots – ©2013 Aprille Lipton – digitally altered photo

Number 33 – ©2013 Aprille Lipton – digitally altered photo

Hawk’s Hill – ©2013 Aprille Lipton – digitally altered photo

I also have an idea for a series of child-themed initial art that would translate well to instant download.

What are your thoughts? Have any of you tried selling instant download works? If so, what has your experience been like?

By the Light of the Moon… Wolf painting

Inspired by the last supermoon of the summer and my recent trip to the Southwest U.S., I’ve painted a very large (for me) 15″x20″ watercolor wolf. I love the textures and shading. It’s been a long time since I’ve done anything in this size in watercolors and had to overcome a few challenges to get back in the groove. It’s been literally years since I had to deal with glazing, softening edges, deepening shadows and unifying color on such a large scale. Fun times! I’m happy with the result. The original will be available once it’s been photographed for reprints.

By the Light of the Moon. © 2014 Aprille Lipton. Original watercolor with acrylic painting on paper.

Two new pieces complete

Feeling whimsical… finished up a few pieces this week, both 8×8″ acrylics on wood panels. The Humpback Whale is already spoken for, but I’ll be putting the horse in my Etsy shop sometime this weekend (have to get good photos). Enjoy!

Humpback Whale © 2014 Aprille Lipton – original acrylic painting on 8×8″wood panel

Prince Charming © 2014 Aprille Lipton – original horse acrylic painting on 8×8″wood panel

Two more from early this month… also 8×8″ acrylics on wood panels.

Ewe and Blue Skies © 2014 Aprille Lipton – original sheep acrylic painting on 8×8″wood panel

I Heart You © 2014 Aprille Lipton – original octopus acrylic painting on 8×8″wood panel