Don’t get excited. This isn’t a finished painting. It’s a Photoshop sketch I pieced together with one of my paintings-in-progress (the background of the purple, black and white textile design is my actual painting thus far) and images of three birds, one spider and the circular design. The latter will be in 22k gold leaf, just like the painting I posted last week, while the birds and spider will be painted in oil. All the critters will be rendered at their actual size, which for the Eurasian Eagle Owl means a whopping 23–30 inches. After staring at it for a while, I feel like I’ve set the bar a little high for myself. But I like a challenge!

Grad school, volunteering at The Courtauld Gallery, coordinating a move back to the States and planning my wedding has kept me away from my easel. I did however get a chance to sketch the breath-taking Italian scenery while on my honeymoon. This drawing is of a secluded rock beach on Capri, the island where John Singer Sargent painted some of my favorite of his works.

My fiance surprised me with a weekend trip to Paris for my birthday this year (that sounds like a line out of a romantic movie). We stayed across the street from the Louvre. He was even patient enough to sit with me while I, as he called it, “sketched this painter painting a painting of a painting.”

Needless to say, it was a great birthday.

Here’s a shot of our truly DIY decorated tree (hand-strung popcorn and all).

While I’m on break from grad school, I’m thinking about what I should draw and paint in the new year that I can finish in short increments since time is scarce with class. I would love to hear your suggestions, or better yet, send me photos for inspiration.

I hope Santa is nice to you tomorrow!

St Paul’s Cathedral and Millennium Bridge from the top floor of Tate Modern.