Trying my Hand in Acrylics, STJ May

For the last few months I've had this blank canvas staring at me, begging to be brought to life. Unfortunately, I don't have much experience in that field. However, I do know what I like to see in an acrylic painting, so there was at least something to go by.

One of my favorite artists stated that there is almost always white space left in his work. I can't remember what he said exactly, but it was something along the lines of "it's ok to leave blank spaces in art, it's not a tax form." I don't like for art to look like a photo, which worked to my advantage.

I decided to be quick and 'sloppy' with this painting, and it was fun. That's what matters the most right!?

Available now at Spookytime Jingles

Spookytime Jingles April

It's STJ time again! Head over to spookytimejingles to see my new Frank piece, and a few acrylic art cards.

Easter WIPs

This may sound funny, but it feels great to be swamped... at least when it comes to art. I can never really get myself into gear until it all piles up at the last second, and here we are again!

I have STJ to finish, several special orders to work on, and hopefully a few new Etsy pieces.

Here's a touch of what I will have to offer for STJ this month. As far as I can remember, this will be my first ever Easter ornaments, and I'm not sure why; I love Easter! I also have a larger Easter piece in the works for the hootenanny, and a new Halloween piece as well.

I've decided I should probably put my moon man project aside for a while, or at least until the 13th, when STJ updates. Here's another update pic on the big fellow:

Anyway, my coffee mug is almost empty, and so is the pot, so I better get ready to tackle this big pile of work in front of me!

Spookytime Jingles January 13th

Available now at STJ.

First Post of the New Year

My most recent post was last year lol! That sounds really weird. It has been almost a month since my last post. Fortunately one of my many resolutions is to stop neglecting this blog.

We are about as far from Christmas and Halloween as possible, but this, surprisingly, is one of my favorite times of the year for Spookytime Jingles. Starting on the 13th of January is our second annual "Holiday Hootenanny!"

What is a Holiday Hootenanny? It's about as fun as it sounds! Many of the great holiday artists of STJ will be offering Valentine art in addition to their Christmas and Halloween staples. Look for some truly unique and OOAK works from your favorite artists.

Below is a little sample of a crossover piece I almost have for the 13th. See you then!

Spookytime Jingles December

Time is flying isn't it? The cool thing about this as that it's already Spookytime again! It's my favorite time of the month. SO that makes this my favorite time of the month of my favorite time of the year. It's a good time!!



Be sure to check out all of the awesome new art at STJ tomorrow, or tonight if your a night owl like me.

Also, I have a new item available at Etsy. This is the first of a little series I'm calling "Snowbodies." Click here to see the listing.

See you tonight at Spookytime Jingles!!

Still Available at STJ

This poor fellow has literally blown a fuse, trying untangle a string of unruly Christmas lights! Available at Spookytime Jingles!

Also, I had a pilgrim in the works for the 13th, but he didn't make it on time. I'll try to have him on Etsy before too long!

A Great Way to Start the Day

It's almost update time again, and I've been trying my best to get everything finished. Lately I've been implementing a double dose of coffee, one of my favorite tools in art. The mug is from my favorite coffee house, a local place called "Java Jacks." I think their coffee is much better than Starbucks. The coffee in the mug, however, is just some good 'ol Folgers, "the best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup!"

When brewed properly, a good cup of coffee in your favorite mug can wake you up and massage your artistic shoulders. That's what it does for me anyway.

In the picture, you'll see a snowman WIP from an earlier post. The snowman has a bit more color in this pic, and is almost completely finished as I type. I also have an ornament set, and two Halloween sculptures on the way, so keep an eye out!




Zero, making himself comfortable in the window seal.

Available Now at Spookytime Jingles!!

You saw the WIP pics earlier, and here's the finished product! If you haven't already, stop by Spookytime Jingles for our first birthday celebration, and check out these pieces. Also, be sure to look at all of the other great art available. I just finished looking, and WOW!

Below are a couple of candy corns named "Tweedle Dee" and "Tweedle Dum," also available at STJ.

Spookytime Jingles - April!!

Hey guys, don't forget to check out all the great new stuff at STJ this month. It may have looked a bit sparse last night, due to the overwhelming success of STJ at the convention, but guess what? More stuff will be listed tonight!!!

Mushroom WIP

This little guy has been dwelling in my sketchbook for quite some time now. I'll have a few days off soon, so hopefully I can finish sculpting and painting him. I also need to get to work on some STJ stuff and some orders, so I have a busy couple of weeks ahead!

Elf WIP and a new Poll

I usually don't remember to take WIP shots until the sculpting is almost finished, but here's an earlier view of this piece. This design has been very ambitious and challenging from the beginning, but it has proven a blast to create.

You'll just have to use your imagination to fill in the gaps, he still has a long way to go before completion!

Also, I am tyring to get some new ornaments ready for etsy. Hopefully I can finish this guy within the next couple of days and get back to them. I'll keep you posted.

Santa WIP

Santa WIP for Spookytime Jingles. Don't forget, STJ is listing twice in December!! (Dec.1, Dec. 13).

Naughty or Nice STJ is listing TWICE!

Yep, you heard right, so don't forget to check out Spookytimejingles on the 1st AND the 13th of December!

WOW

This little guy just remembered that the next Spookytime Jingles update is just around the corner, and I think his expression says it all!

Visit me at STJ November 13th to find this elf and more!

Elf WIP

It's amazing how many times I changed my plans for this piece before it ended up where it is now. I first made the package with the intent of having an elf sitting on it. Then I decided to have him standing on it. As you can see, I crossed both of those ideas and decided to put him in the package!

Santa WIP

As far as I can remember, I have never made a themed Santa. This one will be my first.

My dad owns a clock shop and has always been fascinated by time, and the mechanisms that measure it. I guess some of that rubbed off on me. Plus he has a lot of spare clock parts and stuff that he doesn't need, great for artistic inspiration.

What better first themed Santa to create than one inspired by time. Here's how he looks so far:

In his right arm, he will hold a porcelain pocket watch face. I'm thinking this one will also be my first Santa wearing white. Not sure yet. Anyway, time to paint!

Frank N. Stein WIP

Like the new look!? Annette gave my blog a face lift and she did a wonderful job. I couldn't be happier!

I haven't been able to get myself in gear this month so things may be looking a little sparse on Etsy and Spookytime Jingles.

Speaking of STJ, the update is just around the corner. I had considered passing on the Halloween entry this month, but seeing how it's in October, I couldn't resist. Below, you'll see the beginning of my take on everyone's favourite monster, Frankenstein's Monster.

Vist STJ on the 13th for the finished product!

August 13 STJ Update!!

I hope everyone is as excited as I am about this month's Spookytime Jingles update. I can't wait to see what everyone has in store for this month. Judging by what's been posted so far on our Flickr page, it's gonna rock!! I'm particularly excited about all the new artists coming to STJ; such great talent!


I wanted to have three sculptures listed for each section this month, but I've fallen so far behind I'm afraid this isn't going to happen. Either way, I should get back to the 'studio' and get busy.

Here's a little taste of what Crescent Hill will offer this month...

I'f you would like to see the rest of this sculpture, you'll just have to make your way over to http://www.spookytimejingles.com/ on the 13th!!

Harvest Moon Man on Crow WIP

This is another work in progress for the August update on Spookytime Jingles. I just couldn't resist creating something moon related for the site, as the moon was one of my early inspirations in the folk art world; hence the name "Crescent Hill Designs."

Fortunately for me, both Christmas and Halloween seem welcoming to moons, from crescent to full.

Below is a not so good pic of the not so finished product, with an unfinished "See no Evil..." looking on in the background.