Another Chapter

 Another new chapter starts today!

Around this time one year ago, I sat at my desk with my baby asleep in his bassinet next to me. I finally had just enough peace of mind and energy to paint! And I chose to paint his cute little face :) 

Introducing my Little-Guy!

Everything before and after that moment seems both far away and like it happened in a blink! Either way, today I sit with a one-year old sleeping next to me as I write, and I am again setting myself a goal to get back to my creative pursuits. It has been very difficult for me to carve out time for my art on any kind of consistent basis; or post things online! With a new determination to guard time and energy to make it happen, I will embrace this new month as a new start!

Project Low-Poly

Recently I have been enjoying getting engrossed in making low-poly creations suitable for games :) My goal is to have a collection of simple but beautifully textured prop models, and, with some scripting help, an "animated" bird! I am enjoying the challenge of creating these models with as low polygon count as possible, while still making a pleasing form.

Below are two pieces I can share with you today, a simple model of "Claude" my real house-plant, and a standalone four-leaf clover for Saint Patrick's Day!

Claude the Aloe

Lucky Clovers :)

Take care of yourself, and see you here again tomorrow with a modeling update!

Happy March Pup

Happy Sunday!

Every day is a good day to appreciate doggos :) Don't you agree? Especially those with big goofy smiles!? So, today I sketched this handsome fella, a sweet german shepherd!

A good start for what I hope to be a very productive work-week. Hope you have a good one too! See you again soon :)

Adventures & Appreciation

It is amazing how much a change of pace can do for your levels of energy and inspiration! A hike near the mountains gave such perspective, on many things! It has definitely been a week of nature-inspiration....while also sitting in front of a computer screen experimenting for maybe too long. :P

This week I focused my energies in two areas I've missed; 3D modeling and texture painting! There is a special kind of satisfaction when you update a texture painting onto the model and....viola!- it fits well and makes the model look that much more convincing!

First, the fun found feather (whew, alliteration!) that started my digital art obsession:

Next, you may recognize this plant from last week's post....but I used my painting in my texture mapping for this potted plant project (oh goodness, there goes the alliteration again!):

I have many, many more project ideas flying around my head, so there will be much more fun projects to come! Thanks for reading, and as always, have a great week!

<3 And Happy Valentine's Day!

New Year & "New" Me

I really enjoy learning about different cultures' customs, so this past Saturday I found myself reading more about the Chinese New Year. Specifically, I got to learn about this being the beginning of a "gold rat" year :) (If you want to read an interesting article that I did, you can find it here). In honor of the new year, and my love for pet rats, I just had to stay up late to draw these little cuties:

Another challenge came my way during this last week, and that was the "toon me" hashtag I saw many a fellow artist having fun with on Instagram. So, I decided I'd join in! Here's my cartoon-self, and I'd recommend hopping over and seeing other artist's self-portraits!

Well, that's all I've got today! Thanks for visiting, and see you again in February!

My Favorite Childhood Mermaid

In honor of #Mermay & my favorite mermaid of my childhood, here's my own little mermaid! This painting-doodle is inspired by the "Under the Sea" musical scene in Disney's "The Little Mermaid" (which I was addicted to as a kid!). Created in Photoshop.*

*This is fan-art! As such, I do not lay claim to "The Little Mermaid" as depicted in Disney's film. :)

Thanks as always for stopping by! See you again soon!

"(Friendly) Bull in a China Shop"

Watch out bull!
This cartoon is an original take on the "bull in a china shop" idiom. Unlike the traditional meaning, this bull is kindly and concerned at his predicament (even as we all know his situation spells disaster!).

Pictured left:  My "Bull in a China Shop" on screen! Audiences at the Karen Gail Miller Conference Center (Sandy, Utah) got to view this artwork as talking point during a presentation by guest speaker Dave Feldman.
April 17-18th, 2019.

Though I did not attend, the thought of my artwork being shown to an auditorium of people is always exciting!


Thanks for reading, and see you next week!

Princess Pigeon

Today a friend shared with me a comic by @ChuckDrawsThings titled "self-worth", and it inspired me to draw this princess pigeon! Of all the "wildlife" of Nice, France, I must say I have seen more pigeons here in a month than I have ever seen before! They have been my constant companions out on the street :)

I also encourage you to go see the comic that inspired this lady-bird! You can see it on ChuckDrawsThings' Facebook page by clicking: here 

Here's to 2018!

🎉What a year! 
I had so many new art-adventures, got married, and set up new plans for the new year! Here’s to 2018, and looking forward to 2019! 

Here's my 'best nine of 2018!' from Instagram:

A Batty Idea: Oregon Wildlife Art

One reason I love Photoshop; it's easy to create a seamless pattern! So as Halloween was drawing near, a batty-bat pattern seemed like a must-have :) I have wanted to create more artwork featuring local wildlife, so why not start with Yuma myotis?



A cute little bat, Yuma myotis can be found near my home in Oregon. I have always enjoyed learning more about creatures and plants, especially those who share the same wilderness that I do. Energized by the thought that creating this art can bring me both joy, and the knowledge to identify this creature in real life, I decided to start a new art series!



I am excited to say that I will be focusing on Oregon wildlife artwork for the rest of this year! I endeavor to create art that inspires interest in learning about the natural world, especially for Oregonians young & old :) To do this, I will focus on local species, & include a bite-size bit of educational information with each art piece!

Currently I'm working on naturalistic wall-art, illustrated notebooks (with wildlife facts inside the cover), greeting cards, & even getting my pattern-designs on cloth (pictured left)!


New possibilities are open to my art-gifts now that I am printing my artwork on cotton cloth, and I am so excited!


I hope to bring a fair bit to my art-booths at events this holiday season as well, so keep an eye out! :D

2017 Year of Art!

Happy New Year!

How is 2017 over?! Looking back, I have had so many new and wonderful art experiences this past year! My artwork has traveled to bazaars in Oregon, out to sea on the Tara expedition, installed in Oregon State University, and has been published in a scientific journal! See all below!


*Pictured Left:  Instagram "Best Nine of 2017"









Scientific Illustration:  Marine Host Microbiome Alpha Diversity Measures
Scientific Illustration:  Marine Host Microbiome Alpha Diversity Measures

This illustration was published in Frontiers in Marine Science academic journal, as "Box Figure 1" in the article "Responses of Coral-Associated Bacterial Communities to Local and Global Stressors". You can click on the link above to read the full article! This article was written in part by the Vega Thurber Laboratory, with whom I collaborated on projects such as this as their Resident Artist.

"Marine Host Microbiome Alpha Diversity Measures" compares and contrasts the diversity of microbes found in different marine organism's microbiomes. The figure compares the richness of organisms to one another in a community, and calls the viewer to question their assumptions about coral microbiome richness.

"Coral County" Educational Comic Trio:

This interactive educational comic is part of a science outreach effort, in collaboration with the Vega Thurber Laboratory in microbiology at Oregon State University!

​

Click here to read stories of the adventurous & troublesome parrotfish, coral crabs & more as they follow research currently being conducted at OSU! Roll-over the comic with your mouse to discover extra aid-bits, and click the CC Library where eager learners can delve deeper into the topics presented in each comic strip!

Art Aboard the Tara expedition.

The Tara now bears a sticker representing the Vega Thurber Laboratory, & my artwork! The Tara sails around the world collecting scientific data and promoting scientific education, outreach, and art concerning the ocean's health. Though I am not on the boat, I am so honored to have my artwork represent the Vega Thurber Lab on the boat (and among their other supporters)!

Members of the Vega Thurber Laboratory contribute their time, expertise and support on Tara's expeditions year round! Learn more about the Vega Thurber Laboratory, or the Tara.


Under Sea & Stars

 

This year was my very first selling my artwork and wares in person as a pop-up shop! My (online) artwork shop, 'Under Sea & Stars' was present at the Valentine's Day themed "A Bazaar to Love", "Spring 2017 Etsy Team Handmade & Vintage Market", "NACC's Holiday Bazaar", and the "Town & Country Christmas Bazaar". It was a lot of work, and I really enjoyed being able to design my booth space, and to explore what displays and decor enhanced my artwork!

I am also so thankful to have teamed up with two lovely craftswoman to complete our booth:  'Creations by Deborah', 'Roosevelt Kid' & 'Adornments by Meg'. I am glad to have had the opportunity to meet so many other great artists and craftspeople too!

I am also working to fill out a new website for Under Sea & Stars, along with the existing Etsy Store :)








365 Days of Art
 I am happy to announce that I will be participating in the 365 Days of art drawing challenge this year! To do this, I will be posting artwork & art inspiration daily on my instagram @BriannaLeahyArt !

This challenge will encourage me to do more personal art, to challenge myself to tackle new techniques and subject matter... I am excited to get back to it!

This means more art for you to see! So check out my Instagram & keep an eye on this blog; there will be much more to come very soon!

*Pictured left:  thumbnail sketch in pen & copic marker, January 2nd 2018


Take care everyone & see you next week!
-Brianna

'Coral County' Comic, Science & Art Collaboration!

Brianna Leahy Art in collaboration with the Vega Thurber Laboratory of Oregon State University are proud to present 'Coral County, Episode #1'!

This comic is the first of three interactive web-comics that promote marine science learning! Below, you can read the comic, but for its full interactive features, please visit briannaleahyart.com/coralcountycomic !

Our goal with this project is to provide fun & educational content for the general public & everyday reader. We hope that this comic can inspire interest and a greater understanding in science, especially in marine biology issues and ocean health.

We encourage sharing with friends! The 'Coral County Comic' is also fully available for educational use. For educators, please, encourage students of any age to visit the website and learn!

More episodes are coming very soon!

'Coral County' Comic.  For interactive version, visit briannaleahyart.com/coralcountycomic

Art-Monday: Science Illustration!

I am back! I am excited to say my absence on my blog was because of a great opportunity! I have been working as a resident artist with the Vega Thurber Laboratory at Oregon State University doing scientific illustration for their publications & presentations! I cannot tell you how happy I am to be contributing to this educational endeavor. Their research is inspiring!

Below you can see the first of my pieces for the Vega Thurber Lab, an image & diagram demonstrating coral metagenomics & virus ecology. And my feature on the OSU artist page! I will be posting more scientific illustration as it is released in publications!

My artist bio on OSU's website!

Finished illustration for textbook publication & presentations

 

Work in progress screenshots of my reef illustration
Left:  School of butterfly fish  Middle:  Parrotfish and Acropora sp. (coral).  Right:  Reef part 1

Thanks for reading as always! See you next week for more art!

A Girl & the Earth: Art-Wednesday

Something a little different this week!

I felt the need to relax and enjoyed learning a bit about chakras :) So here a simple Copic marker drawing of the root chakra, or muladhara from my sketchbook. Also, a digital doodle of a daydreamer. Enjoy!

Thanks for reading! Check back next week fore more artwork! -Brianna

Raven Passport Cover DIY: Art-Wednesday

I am excited to have my first passport ever! In anticipation for my first big trip out of the country as an adult, I could not help myself from wanting a nice passport cover! After some price-checking and research, I decided that I would love to make a custom one with some leftover felt I had in the house. 

Keep reading to see my art & process!

My Completed Raven-Passport Cover!

Materials:

I personally really love using eco-fi brand felt, because it is made in the US out of 100% polyester from recoiled post-consumer plastic bottles! I used most of a "sheet" of brown felt for the base cover, and small scraps of black felt for the raven. I had some black elastic from my last project too, so I used that to create the closure for the flap. Other than that, it was just thread, ruler and a charcoal pencil to mark the measured felt!

I also had too much fun with raven studies and designing the pattern from my Cintiq in photoshop!

Initial Raven Studies, Cintiq & Photoshop

Raven Felt Pattern Design, Cintiq & Photoshop

Was so excited when it came time to add the raven! Printed the pattern and cut into a stencil for the felt. Dark green thread for his feathers to give him a bit of subtle color.

Making of the Base Passport Cover (And improvising design all the while!)

Thank you for reading!!! Hope to see you next week! And please, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them here, or on my Facebook page: Brianna Leahy Art!

You can be crafty and eco-friendly too! I was so excited to find the Eco-fi felt in my local craft store. If you would like to learn more about the recycled plastic felt, here is the link:  eco-fi website .

(P.S.- No, I am not being sponsored or anything by this company, I just get excited about eco-friendly things, and I love sharing my discoveries!). 

All content in this article is ©2016 Brianna Elizabeth Leahy

Emerald Flora Dress: Art-Wednesday

I had artist's block the other day, and it lead me to try something a little different! I chose three images from my "inspiration bank" of random photos/artwork/architecture and fashion that I find personally inspiring. From those three, I made my own mash-up of the images and my personal style.

Hope you enjoy!

Finished Illustration:  Girl in Green Dress

(Click an image to view larger)

Left:  An initial sketch.  Right:  Value study & pattern exploration

All images © 2016 - Brianna Elizabeth Leahy

Baby Badger: Art-Wednesday

In preparation of making my Etsy Shop, BadgerBriArt more official, I have been working on the look for my logo and banner. I sketched these while looking at badgers and their body structure a little more closely, and just had to paint this little baby guy too!

Sketches in colored pencil in my sketchbook, and the baby was started in the same sketchbook and finished in photoshop.

 

Pink Girl: Playing with Color

For this digital painting, I was inspired by a music video with the most lovely soft pink lighting. I wanted to play with color, & I love how it turned out! Painted on my Citiq tablet in Photoshop.

Art-Wednesday: Birthday Edition!

Today is a special Art-Wednesday, because it is my birthday! So here is a silly birthday-doodle of a birthday pup as happy as I am. I will leave this post as a short one, and go back to celebrating! Catch you next week and thanks for reading!

Sketched in Photoshop on my Wacom Cintiq tablet computer:

Coral Reef Study: Digital Painting

Starting off 2016 right with more consistent artwork! I painted this quick study while watching Disney & Pixar's "Finding Nemo" last night.

My goal doing the painting familiarize myself with some of the shapes and colors of a coral reef. I planned this exercise as a very fun and informal introduction to coral biology, as I am looking forward to a more in-depth project collaborating with a microbiologist in the field!

Please Follow me & Heart artwork on My Instagram
Painted on my Wacom Cintiq Companion, with Adobe Photoshop CC