Rapunzel II and the 2 strand twists

"Rapunzel II", watercolor and ink on paper, 8x10, copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

My art director (my 5yr old) on this project has pronounced her finished!  Actually screamed and squealed when she saw it!  And, she won't let me touch her with another drop of paint.  

She believes it's perfect as is.  I appreciate that!  Normally I would have to be the one who proclaims a painting complete (Ok, I always decide when its complete) but for this project I let go and followed her direction.  My gut said to go with her gut,  so the background will not be painted... and am very happy with the finished piece.  And enjoyed the process of following her direction.

The original will hang in her room, the prints are available in my etsy shop.

Rapunzel II - its all about the Hair!

Had to show her hair!  Rapunzel is obviously ALL about the hair, but once the dress is painted it may have to share the limelight. 


My daughter LOVES the hair and went crazy when she saw this stage of the painting.   The hair which was inspired by her recent 2 strand twists.  The twists took me forever to do, but I intend to keep practicing.

Rapunzel II in progress

Rapunzel II is taking shape and coming to life.  I love the stage where all is still black and white, paper and line, except the rich skin tones.  Like she's caught between fairy tale and reality.


She'll be ready for adventure soon!

Snap Crackle and Pop!

"Snap!" pencil on paper, 3x5, copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

Rice krispies. I grew up on them. I had 2 favorite cereals as a kid, and this was one! As an adult it continued to be a favorite breakfast - and dinner in a pinch.

But I hadn't had them in 10 years.  Not since stripping most gluten out of my diet. (It wasn't until 3 yrs ago that I learned I needed to go completely gf).

Because gluten is everywhere and seemingly in every big brand produced food, no matter what it is, I eat more and more food from the smaller companies. Those companies that safely produce for gluten intolerance (read NO shared facilities). So I was hesitant when I first heard about Kellogg’s coming out with Gluten Free Rice Krispies!  Really?!

And then I heard they are using a GF facility! Now I was getting interested.

I was sent a complimentary trial box - and got very excited. You mean I was going to get to eat a childhood staple?! Safely?!    Cue nostalgia and teary eyes. Truly.

My first bowl was a bit of an event with sliced bananas and a touch of honey. Once the milk hit the bowl the very familiar crackling started. They looked and sounded the same. My fingers were crossed under the table as I took the first taste… Ahhh. Exactly the same as I remembered. Delicious. So I munched my way thru the bowl, and down memory lane.

Thank you Kellogg’s.

PS- my 5 year old who eats GF too fell in love with them. And a friend who was recently diagnosed with celiac almost cried when I gave her a box. She is thrilled with them and only stopped long enough to say "yummy!"

Rapunzel - the second

"Rapunzel II" in progress, ink on watercolor paper, copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

I accepted an assignment from my toughest client this week - my 5yr old daughter.  She wanted a rapunzel with "long hair, everywhere. Not puffy and up all around."  She was looking for something more literal than my original.

Inspired by her new 2 strand twists look- and the terrific pose she gave me when taking photos of her new 'do'. I decided to accept.
Last night she (whole heartedly) approved the rough sketch. Now the finished drawing is ready and waiting for her color direction.

I wouldn't dare paint that gown before she let's me know if its going to be pink or purple.
But, who knows... Maybe she'll surprise me.

Sketch of the Day - Hand to Hand

"Right hand drawing right hand, drawing left hand", pencil and ink, 5x6, copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

Happily, so happily, spending the afternoon drawing.

Happy Hours!

"Luau", watercolor & ink, 10x4, copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

A string of gorgeous sunny spring days has brought about lovely afternoons and evenings out on the deck. Nothing quite like an adirondack chair and an icy cocktail to inspire thoughts of a tropical vacation, and the many happy hours of summer to come!... 

Sketch of the Day - Gerbera Girl

My flower among flowers.

I was photographing a fresh bouquet and she wanted to be part of the action, so put on her petal headband. She posed and preened for the camera.  Then, I caught her in a rare quiet and reflective moment, unaaware of me and the lens - and captivated by the blooming color around her.