Art

Musings of Paint and Pizza // an art dump

by Sarah Baran

Whaddup, humans.

The last time I did an art post was… an embarrassingly long time ago. (Thirteen months, to be exact.) The amount of art I’ve done since then is also… well, embarrassing. I haven’t arted much. Must be covid’s fault.

(When in doubt, blame covid. Every irresponsible decision I’ve ever made is covid’s fault.)

Flipping through my sketchbooks was depressing because 92% of my work from the last 13 months was unfinished, and the other 8% was of Sley. (Who is a depressing subject in and of himself.) Regardless, I scraped together the dredges of vaguely art-shaped thingies and slapped them into a post to fling at you.

Behold: You are now being flinged at.

The general reaction to this was, “FAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!” *insert a dozen vaguely autumnish emojis, heart-eyes and unintelligible gushing*

I’ve played around with the whole “ink and watercolor” thing before, but I’ve finally decided that I’m in love and it’s the man I want to spend the rest of my life with. So… so airy! So whimsical! So lovely! All the things I would never in a million years associate with myself, the self-proclaimed Queen of Darkness!

*as the Queen of Darkness proceeds to gush unintelligibly*

I wanted to make a card for my manager but didn’t know what to paint. So she ended up getting a pizza.

She seemed happy, so I count it as a win.

So. Many. Straight. Lines. So. Many. White. Dots.

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I made the critical error of showing this to my nerd sister and nerd friend at the same time, and needless to say, I’ve never been more worried about my impending death than in that moment.

Gollum, Jim Hawkins, Robin Hood

 

President Trump, Albert Einstein, Jane Eyre (my interpretation)
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Dalinar Kholin, Jasnah Kholin, Adolin Kholin
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Myself, Tom Holland, Tony Stark

A smattering of random people as requested by other random people. To the person who wanted me to do a self-portrait…

Why. Just why.

(You know who you are.)

Though frankly, it’s no weirder than Trump.

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#FacialHairGoals

This ominous looking goat-man is from Star Wars Rebels, and spun the “villain’s dumb henchman” trope so completely on its head I didn’t know what hit me.

(Anna knew what hit her, at least, considering I whacked her at least three times in quick succession when The Thing happened.)

(Apparently, happy flailing isn’t appreciated when you’re sitting next to someone.)

Awwwww, my adorable little immortal freaks of nature! I reread the Ashtown Burials in preparation for the 4th book’s serial release (*incoherent happy platypus noises*), and Nolan and Arachne decided to inhabit my sketchbook. Let’s all marvel in fear and wonder at the fact that I drew CURLY HAIR and it ACTUALLY LOOKS DECENT.

Frozen2 Crying GIF - Frozen2 Crying Moved - Discover & Share GIFs

(Though the real reason I’m directing your attention to her hair is to distract you from the grayish blob in her hands. Which was supposed to be a spider. Until I realized I couldn’t draw spiders. And was too cowardly to look up reference photos ‘cause those things be nasty.)

“Pink is a lovely color!” I cooed as I painted this, vibrating slightly. “All nice things are pink! Like sunsets! And petunias! And infected wounds!”

*family radiates visible concern*

The cliché star pic every art dump needs.

I tried painting a thingy of my friend’s unnaturally nice-looking visage, and ended up making her look like a horse.

Another friend’s nice-looking visage. Though less horse this time, much to everyone’s delight.

Alas, I succumbed to the virulent epidemic sweeping the world of entertainment – namely, anime. In my defense, I was seduced. By a friend. Who shall remain nameless.

(You know who you are.)

I’ve heard some pretty nasty things about anime content, which is why I don’t plan on going much further in the genre, but my friend picked a clean one for us to watch together and, well…

It was surprisingly charming. And sweet. And all those fluffy girl things I try so desperately to avoid.

(*She says condescendingly, despite the fact that she just painted fluffy fan-art for the thing she liked more than she’s willing to admit.)

I wanted to be trendy like all the trendy fan-artists who put trendy quotes in their fan-art, but the only thing that came to mind was Frodo belting out fifteen syllables of Gandalf’s two-syllable name when the balrog did him in.

Trendiness is not in my future.

BEHOLD. THE PRIDE AND JOY OF MY LIFE. THE ‘H’ IN MY HAPPINESS. THE JOY IN MY EYES. THE LIGHT OF MY LIFE.

Was there any particular reason I defaced my ceiling-fan, other than the ability to crow about releasing one’s inner galaxy and channeling the artist vibes and succumbing to vaguely aesthetic graffiti?

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—

Aaaaand guess what! As of next week, I’ll be accepting art commissions! There be a whole long post explaining the details and such, so stay tuned. This has been in the works for so long and my stomach’s getting a little floppy knowing I’m finally doing it.

Secondly! Giveaway winners!

*drumroll ensues, and confetti, and all that*

Zhe grand winner of painting and book is…

Julia @Lit Aflame! (There were about seven Julias who entered and LEMME TELL YA, it was hard keeping you all straight.) Hooray for you! I shall contact you sometime this evening with details.

As for the honorable mentions for whom I will paint a small watercolor of their choice… Millie Florence and Elisha Starquill! I will also contact you girls later this evening with details.

And honestly, thanks so much to everyone who participated in the scavenger hunt a couple weeks ago. You guys are great, and I wish I could do more to express my gratitude.

So anyway, it’s been real, folks. See you next week.

~Sarah

 

51 thoughts on “Musings of Paint and Pizza // an art dump”

  2. IS THAT….IS THAT MY NAME…WHAT. 0.o I won?!?!?!!?!? I’M.SO.CRAZY.EXCITED!!! Thank you so much!!! (and my brain is currently screaming, “our we SURE there isn’t ANOTHER Julia @Lit Aflame somewhere??? I mean are we SURE? This could be an absolute mistake and it doesn’t actually mean MEEEE XD).

    Also those drawings of the Kholins!!! *ALL THE HEART EYES* (next you need to draw Kal’s family, just saying).
    (I need a pic of lil Tien, okay?? OKAY??? FOR MY MENTAL STABILITY).

    AND THAT STAR WARS ONE ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

    PS. Seriously excited to hear more about your commissions!

    AND ALSO #CeilingFanGoals, I need you to come do that to mine (except I don't have a fan, so that would prove difficult, but hey you have the whole ceiling to work with then!)

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  3. OH MY GOODNESS ALL THIS ART. WOW. AMAZING. Especially all the portraits, Gandalf and Frodo (<333), and NOLAN AND ARACHNE. EEP. But I have to say my favorite, after all, was your ceiling fan. Just… wow. Please. Come. Paint my ceiling fan. *faints*

    Thank you so much for sharing your art with us, Sarah! I look forward to these posts so much because they're always amazing. <33

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  4. I. Can’t. I saw Trump on Instagram weeks ago and I still can’t get over how ACCURATE it is. Despite what you say, your self-portrait is magnificent. You look like Galadriel.

    Anyway! These art dumps always make me happy. Keep ’em coming. (and you’re doing commissions now?!?! EEEP!!)

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  5. I love this!! Especially the portraits. And… everything.

    *remembers why I wanted to comment* Nolan!! And Arachne!! How are you enjoying The Silent Bells? If you’re anything like me, the way your family knows it’s here is because you disappear for a while and reappear babbling unintelligible nonsense about transmortals, peppered with screams.

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      1. I don’t believe for one moment that Babd Catha is actually out of the picture. Also WHAT IS GOING ON WITH QUICK and where’s MERCY and all that…

        (retroactive apologies for my somewhat-spoilers, friends. if you don’t know what I’m talking about, you need to read Ashtown Burials.)

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  6. I
    AM
    ONCE
    AGAIN
    IN
    AWE.
    Seriously I am high key hyperventilating here. Now I shall comment on EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM BECAUSE THEY’RE ALL EPIC.
    Falllllll is the best season! Ever! Yay! It is beautiful. ❤
    Wow, never has pizza looked more aesthetic. XD It's amazing.
    NARNIA!!!!! Oh, my heart. That's simply beautiful.
    WHAT???? YOU WOULD BREAK MY HEART LIKE THAT?????? HOW. COULD. YOU??? *cries* That is the saddest thing ever, thanks a lot. 😭😭😭
    Alll of those people are amazing!!! Including you. 😉
    Duddddeee, the henchman. *chefs kiss* Perfecto!
    I. can't. do. curly. hair. Therefore you have my undying respect ( you already did, ten times over, but now it's MORE).
    Pink hair! I love it. ❤ If I were to dye my hair an unnatural color, it would probably be that color. Or sky blue.
    Ahh, cliche star paintings are so great tho. ❤ ❤
    A horse? Yeah, right! It does not look like a horse, it looks beautiful. ❤
    And the second one… wow. The hair. The everything. *dies*
    Awww, that anime one is adorable! Never seen any anime, probably never will, and probably never want to, but I love that painting!!
    Ah, yes. We love to roast Frodo, especially when he screams Gandalf's name in that part. This painting make me happy. 😊
    THAT FAN THO. Goals. Absolute goals. 😍
    I feel so privileged getting to see your art, honestly. It's just so freaking beautiful.

    Liked by 3 people

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  8. SARAHHHH

    All the beautiful human facessssssssss good grief. O.o (And the fox face—that Robin Hood is SO ACCURATE OH MY GOODNESS)

    These are so stunning and it’s sheer joy to look at them.

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  13. *ignores warning and fails dramatically with overwhelming joy, nerdiness, and general heartbreak*
    Sarah, this is all so amazing!!!!! You are quite honestly one of the most talented artists I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, let alone calling friend. Thank you SO much for sharing your talents with the world!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

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  16. Your art is…incredible. *amazement and awe*
    I recently took up watercolor painting after only using acrylic and oil for several years and let me tell you, I have so much more respect for those who can actually create something decent with them. *claps* You definitely have an awesome gift, Sarah!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. I FEEL THE EXACT SAME WAY ABOUT OIL PAINTERS, GIRL… It’s funny how the thing you’re used to doing doesn’t seem hard at all, but branching out into other mediums is like trying to paint with a forked stick…

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  17. How have you mastered so many styles? and your people are amazing… even the one you claim looks like a horse 😍
    *steals your ceiling fan* I need that precciousssss
    And Frodo’s feet *is highly amused* …. did they grow a foot beard?

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  20. AGHHH. HAPPINESS AND JOY. I adore your art dumps, Sarah! You are INCREDIBLE at portraits (well who am I kidding; all art, but portraits especially). And for the record, I saw no horses in this post. At all. The two portraits of your friends were so amazing! And the fan blades… *I don’t even know what asterisk to use here* Love them so much.
    Okay I’ll stop now.
    (But please don’t stop making art I want more.)

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  21. Woooow this art is just amazing!!! ALSO YOUR TOM HOLLAND DRAWING IS AWESOME. And I just am gushing over your LOTR drawing 😍 Also, random question: did you paint your ceiling fan upside down, or did you take it off? (either way it’s incredible!!)

    Liked by 1 person

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  22. Pingback: Liebster and Sunshine Award – Over the Withers

  24. AGDIWBFIQNFISM
    PIZZA
    AND NARNIA
    AND LOTR
    AND ROBIN HOOD (which I actually watched the day you posted this 🙂
    *freaks out over Gollum portrait whilst also not trying to reveal that he is one of her children*
    Pink Hair Lady is cool. You should name her Alice. *blinks in astonishment at this suggestion because she doesn’t even like the name Alice*
    Ahem….
    Eeeep yes to the night scene!!!! Every art dump should have one.
    STARS
    *bursts into song but quickly dwindles to a whisper due to her horrible squawky singing* THERE OUT IN THE DARKNESS A FUGITIVE RUNNING…..(from the Les Mis musical….:[|]).
    I had to, ya know?
    Aw, your friends look good! The first doesn’t look like a horse. Believe me, I know.
    FRODO IS SO TINY AND ADORABLE AWWW *fangirl moment even though he is not her favorite character*
    Then there’s Gandalf who is like “Child, my name is two syllables. TWO. SYLLABLES. Get it right next time I careen into a pitch black abyss with a demon.”
    Not that that isn’t totally fun….
    *gushes enviously over your ceiling fan for ten minutes*
    And hooray to Julia! 😀

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  26. Excuse me but you’re not allowed to say anything bad about your art again because it is way better than mine could ever be. Also… Tom Holland, Tony Stark, Anakin and Obiwan, and JIM HAWKINS (*insert SWOON*). Thank you for those blessed faces.

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  27. I finally started reading the Stormlight Archive (after pretty much all my fantasy-reading friends told me to… for very long time…) and I’ve been searching your blog for the fanart I *knew* existed! Ahh! I cannot wait to discover more about Jasnah (and the others, but she hasn’t been in the book much so especially her) and I love your art!

    Apologies for the random comment. But I love your art and I have a sneaky feeling I’m going to love the Stormlight books too, so the combination here is making me very happy.

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  28. Omw!!!
    You area an amazing artist!!!!

    I love love love the fan. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ 😍😍😍

    Come and do mine!

    Like

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