Pink Cupcake Paintings

Before I became obsessed start watching Downton Abbey, I was really on track, painting things for Valentine’s Day.

Of course, now I’m totally derailed and sketching more costumes but I wanted to share these fun little cupcake paintings I did.

After basecoating the canvases with a blush pink I sketched the cupcakes.

I drew the patterns for each cupcake below. If you click on the photo it’ll take you to Google documents where you can print them off at 8 x 10”. Or smaller or larger. That’s up to you.

Of course, if you don’t feel like painting cupcakes you can also use the patterns for other things – appliques, embroidery, or even coloring pages for the kids.

I wanted them to be really soft and delicate, almost like watercolors. But then I wasn’t so sure.

Too soft? Too pale?

Too late now.

A while back I started using markers over my paintings. It was kind of a stage I went through. I’d used Sharpies for the most part until one day I saw these markers at Michael’s. I had a 40% coupon and couldn’t wait to get home to try out all 100 colors. Just like a little kid.

But, just like a little kid, they just sat there on my shelf. For over a year.

I don’t know why other than it’s a little unnerving to spend a bunch of time painting something and then grab a marker to possibly mess the whole thing up.

But that’s what I did. I grabbed a marker, and then another, and then another.

For the most part, I liked how the cupcakes turned out. But some parts I didn’t like so much.

Honestly, I don’t know how I figured this out – probably by mistake, like I always do – but these particular markers are water-based. Unlike Sharpies that are perm-a-nent.

There’s nothing on the markers to indicate they’re water-based. I looked them up online but only found terrible reviews.

As usual, I happened to love something no one else likes. *sigh* Gee, I hope they continue making these ‘terrible’ markers ‘cause I’ve got all kinds of plans for them.

Anyhoo, I took a damp paintbrush and gently went over the marker lines. Just enough to take away the ‘marker’ look.

Pretty cool, huh?

Of course, the logical question is, couldn’t I just do the same thing with diluted paint?

And the answer is, yes. But then my 100-plus markers would still be sitting on the shelf.

And I wouldn’t be setting my inner child free, letting her play with 100 colors.

I was so tickled when I was finished – tickled pink, heehee – I threw a picture up on Facebook and a couple of my friends went cray-cray for them.

One of them wanted to know how much they were.

Um, for originals?

I always hate quoting prices because I’m afraid they’ll knock people over. It took me a long, long time to figure out my pricing, a lot of clients, a lot of murals, and a lot of years.

But original paintings are just that – original. So, yes, they do have some value.

Thankfully, I found this wonderful online site where I can have my art reproduced as prints, greeting cards, key chains, you name it. Oh, before I made my store public I wanted to see how well they reproduce my art and they do a fabulous job. Everything they make is 100% guaranteed. Which makes it really nice because now people that wouldn’t, or couldn’t, buy an original can buy a note card or tee shirt or whatevs.

I love that. So did my friend who ordered the series.

There’s a lot more to come in the store. I’ve barely scratched the surface of their products, and my paintings. And, AND!!! I just found a similar site that puts art on all kinds of home décor! Rugs, sheets, pillows, shower curtains . . . shower curtains? Yes! As soon as I get my test sample from them, I’ll be going crazy. Let’s just say it’s like having another full time job, taking photos, editing them, and getting them just right for reproduction.

That’s okay though. I like being busy.

Speaking of which, if you happen to like pink cupcakes as much as I do, and like painting pink cupcakes, you can join me for a BYOB & Paint class on January 31.

If you missed the post where I explain my live online classes, just click here or on the class cupcake pic above.

No markers required for this one though. Unless you happen to make a run to Michael’s with a 40% coupon and grab a pack of 100 markers. In which case you and I can play with all the pretty colors.

Of course, we can do exactly the same thing with paint, you know.

p.s. I love my job(s).

Colleen

about Colleen