The Art of The Illustrated Rat

Luke

2012-01-27T14:10:00.001-08:00

Graphite 8"x10".

Portrait of Bev R as Mary Kelly

2012-01-23T13:14:00.001-08:00

Graphite 5"x7".

Self Portrait after Da Vinci

2012-01-22T12:52:00.001-08:00

This was something I always thought would be fun to try. After watching the HBO series The Borgias, I got more motivated. It is modeled after Da Vinci's painting "Lady with an Ermine."
Graphite 8"x10".
(A couple of years magically disappeared in this portrait).

Godess Protects (for NFAC on eBay)

2012-01-20T13:32:00.001-08:00

The theme for this month's Nibblefest Art Contest is "Letters, Signs & Symbols." I wasn't feeling too inventive with this category, so I thought I'd do something for my Wiccan friends. This drawing is posted on eBay here.
Graphite 5"x7".

Shammie

2012-01-18T12:40:00.000-08:00

8.5"x11" graphite on Stonehenge paper.

I am happy to offer graphite portraits like this for $60 (8"x10") and $28 (5"x7").

Whitechapel: The Unfortunates

2012-01-12T11:50:00.001-08:00

In Victorian London, "Unfortunates" was a euphemism for prostitutes. While this drawing does represent the five canonical victims of Jack the Ripper, there was no attempt to do actual likenesses. Graphite, 11"x14".

Whitechapel: Inspector Abberline

2012-01-08T07:22:00.001-08:00

Inspector Abberline did not look like Johnny Depp, he was not an alcoholic or an opium addict. By all accounts he was pretty much a straight arrow kind of guy.

Graphite on Stonehenge drawing paper (which is really good for this kind of work). 8"x10".

Whitechapel Study 3: Mary Kelly

2012-01-02T13:48:00.001-08:00

8"x10" graphite on Strathmore 400 Pastel Paper (better, less texture).

Whitechapel Study 2

2012-01-01T13:10:00.000-08:00

8"x10" graphite on Mi-Teintes paper. The paper is not ideal but good enough to practice on.

Whitechapel Study 1

2011-12-31T12:47:00.001-08:00

8"x10" graphite, Graphitint pencils on Mi-Teintes paper.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T08:49:00.001-08:00

Wishing everyone a happy & healthy new year!

Brux & Boggle Program

2011-12-27T13:43:00.001-08:00

A website badge for the Rat Stash's hammock donation program. Check out The Rat Stash here!

Grandpa

2011-12-18T13:04:00.001-08:00

Watercolor 8"x10".

Napoleon

2011-12-15T08:47:00.001-08:00

Watercolor 8"x10".

Pictures for a Story

2011-12-13T14:06:00.000-08:00

Two illustrations for a story by mystery writer, Diana Hockley. You can read Frisbee, Rat Detective here. It's a good tale!

Agouti Stocking Stuffer Card

2011-11-20T14:03:00.001-08:00

Another new holiday card design. If you are looking for rattie themed holiday cards, please check out the Holiday Store on my Illustrated Rat website or my Etsy shop.

Penguin Pendant for NFAC

2011-11-20T12:21:00.000-08:00

I skipped last month's Nibblefest Art Contest but wanted to do a little something this month. The theme is "penguins." The pendant will be listed tonight on ebay.

Rat in a Stocking Pendant

2011-11-15T06:21:00.001-08:00

I wish I found a way to get better photographs of these pendants. The colors are true to the original. Available in my Etsy shop.

More Hand Painted Pendants

2011-11-13T12:59:00.001-08:00

One inch by two inches. Available at my Etsy shop.

Masquerade Ball, Third Iteration: The Christmas Ball

2011-11-11T14:15:00.001-08:00

This card is available at my Holiday Story and Etsy Shop.

Dancing Dreidels Hanukkah Card

2011-11-10T14:03:00.001-08:00

This and all my other holidays cards are available on the Holiday Store page of the Illustrated Rat website and in my Etsy store.

Experimenting

2011-11-08T12:29:00.000-08:00

This is a first try at doing an actual watercolor and putting it under glass for use in jewelry. These puffy glass domes do not have trays. I will put a hanger loop on top and it will be a pendant. If all goes well and the colors stay true, there is no reason why I couldn't consider custom pieces. This piece is two inches by one. I will be getting in horizontal rectangle trays with glass. I think there's potential for some fun stuff. Good thing I like to work small.

Grace & Ernie

2011-11-07T12:46:00.000-08:00

8"x10" watercolor.

Masquerade Ball 2nd Iteration

2011-11-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

Commissioned 11"x14" version of the Masquerade Ball.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T06:35:00.000-07:00

Nick

2011-10-30T13:11:00.000-07:00

5"x7" watercolor.

This wonderful horse will turn 37 this January!

Dexter

2011-10-26T13:45:00.001-07:00

Dazzle

2011-10-24T13:10:00.001-07:00

Merlin

2011-10-19T16:08:00.001-07:00

ArtsWalk Hudson, October 8, 2011

2011-10-09T06:25:00.000-07:00

Artists' Marketplace

Members' Show (Chatham)

Pensive Dog ACEO

2011-10-04T10:21:00.001-07:00

Watercolor ACEO: 2.5"x3.5".

Happy Baby Elephant

2011-10-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

4"x6" watercolor. Again thanks to Sallie RB for the use of her photo.

Three Zebras

2011-10-03T09:55:00.001-07:00

4"x6" watercolor. Thanks to Sallie RB for the use of her lovely photo.

Windows on Warren: ArtsWalk 2011

2011-10-02T14:37:00.000-07:00

Lick Ice Cream

Dogs of Hudson

Pendants

2011-09-19T05:25:00.000-07:00

I finally got the hang of these. The rectangular ones are 1"x2" and the ovals are about 1 & 1/8" tall. They will be available in early October. I will be doing earrings also.

Under the Yogurt Drop Tree Mini

2011-09-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

Watercolor 2.25"x3.25".

For your keyring...

2011-09-13T14:48:00.001-07:00

Shrinky Dinks! More Craftiness

2011-09-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

I was introduced to Shrinky Dinks at Bella's house before Florida Rat Camp. I never had them as a kid or I don't remember having them. Anyway, they make Shrinky Dinks that can go in your printer! And they work. This was a trial run (you can see some paper got stuck on the front so I know what not to do) but I am pretty happy with this idea. :)
The SD sheets can be ordered here.

Charms

2011-09-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

First batch of charms. It's still a learning experience--I see on a few I put too much glue and it bleeds through the paper somewhat. My charms and pendants will be available at the end of the month after Ratfest.

Under the Yogurt Drop Tree ACEO on Etsy

2011-09-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

Watercolor ACEO listed on Etsy here. Thanks go to Bellaratta for the use of her wonderful photo.

A nice interview with me.

2011-09-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

King's River Life Magazine.

New from the Illustrated Rat

2011-09-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

Cute little 1 inch square charms for key rings or necklaces. I thought I'd give these a try, and they are easy and fun to make. When I get them in, I will be making larger pendants and earrings. I will be taking a batch to Ratfest and offering them on Etsy after that. I will also be offering (I hope) hand painted pendants (in a larger size). They are a little tricky to photograph, so I have to work on that too. :)

Please Adopt Me

2011-09-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

10"x13" watercolor. I found out that the paintings of Stacey Mae and Castro will be shown in the window of Dogs of Hudson (a very upscale dog shop) during the ArtsWalk weekend. I am thrilled about this. It was suggested I do a third dog painting so I did this. This adorable pooch was on the Montreal SPCA website.

Happy Together ACEO on Etsy

2011-09-06T14:21:00.000-07:00

This is actually Francis, my partially paralyzed rat and is his lady friend. The watercolor is listed on Etsy here.

Squirrel in the Snow

2011-08-31T11:46:00.001-07:00

3.5"x5.5" watercolor.

Bunny in a Tube

2011-08-30T13:45:00.001-07:00

3.5"x5.5" watercolor. Thanks to Lisa B for the use of her photo.

Savanna

2011-08-27T13:22:00.001-07:00

8"x10" portrait.

Calhoun & Adams

2011-08-23T10:30:00.001-07:00

Farmer Rat Goes Home as the Stars Come Out aceo

2011-08-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

This month's theme for the NFAC art contest is "On the Farm." This aceo is listed on eBay here.

Her Favorite Pet

2011-08-18T13:39:00.001-07:00

I did this for the Member's Show at the Columbia Council of the Arts galley put up for ArtsWalk in October. At 10"x13" it is the largest watercolor I've done to date. It is based on a photo of Isabella by my friend Bella.

Giblet & the Red Baron

2011-08-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

The WW1 aviator's helmet, goggles and scarf were requested by the person who commisioned the portrait. I took it a step further and figured if Snoopy could ride his dog house, Giblet could ride his igloo.

2011 NE RatFest Art

2011-08-12T13:52:00.001-07:00

Art for the 2011 Northeast Ratfest being held in Connecticut in September. T shirts, totes, caps & bumper stickers are available in my Zazzle store.

Stacey Mae Mountain

2011-08-10T11:59:00.001-07:00

Stacey Mae Mountain is a Swiss Mountain Dog and a Facebook friend. She is a wonderful service dog. I will be submitting this and the doggie dreaming of steak to the Windows on Hudson/Artswalk.

EBSQ Blogger of the Week

2011-08-09T06:08:00.000-07:00

I am featured on the EBSQ site as Blogger of the Week. It's a nice little promo. Thanks guys.

Oliver

2011-08-06T11:54:00.001-07:00

8"x10" watercolor. Deeply missed by my friend Lisa.

Getting Ready for ArtsWalk 2011

2011-08-04T12:55:00.001-07:00

ArtsWalk is a big weekend in Hudson and there are several opportunities to show off one's work: the Members' Exhibition at the Columbia Council of the Arts Gallery, Windows on Hudson, where many establishments on Warren Street exhibit artwork, and finally the Riverfront Artists Marketplace. I signed up for a space at the Marketplace and plan to submit work for the other two venues. With that in mind I recreated a favorite of mine, this time 8"x10". I will be concentrating on doing work for Artswalk as much as possible now.

The Rata Arcana: The Empress aceo

2011-07-31T14:10:00.000-07:00

Fourth in the series. Matted to accomodate a 5"x7" frame. Listed on Etsy here.

The Rata Arcana: The High Priestess aceo

2011-07-29T13:09:00.001-07:00

Third in the set. Like the others, it is matted to accommodate a 5"x7" frame. Listed on Etsy here.

Masquerade Ball

2011-07-27T12:56:00.001-07:00

5.5"x 8.5" watercolor.

Linda & Claudia

2011-07-20T18:51:00.001-07:00

Linda and Cludia founded Time & Space Limited here in Hudson. They've been partners for 35 years, and will be wed a minute after midnight on Saturday. They've always been very nice to me so I did this as a little wedding gift. 5"x7" watercolor.

The Unicorn & the Rat

2011-07-19T13:24:00.001-07:00

5"x 7" watercolor for the NFAC July contest. The theme this month is "imaginary creatures." I'm afraid it's just too hot to be very original. It is listed on eBay here.

Isabella and Jace

2011-07-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

For Isabella's birthday. 5x7" watercolor.

Masquerade Ball pencil

2011-07-16T14:29:00.000-07:00

I don't usually post work in progress but this is kind of fun. It is a commissioned piece I will finish in watercolor with some pen work. 5.5" by 8.5".

The Bare is Beautiful Picture Frame on Etsy

2011-07-14T10:53:00.001-07:00

A picture frame for hairless rattie lovers listed on Etsy here.

The Illustrated Rat on TV!

2011-07-13T14:19:00.000-07:00

I got a message from a writer who works on the TV show The Protector asking if they could use some of my artwork on the set in one of their episodes. It has something to do with 2 guys who work with lab rats and they wanted rat images in their office and home. They are using four images, plus they bought a bunch of things from Zazzle (hat, mug etc) which they will also be using. Cool, huh? The tentative air date is 8/21. Set your DVRs! LOL. Here are some of the things they may be using.

The Rata Arcana: The Magician aceo

2011-07-12T13:25:00.001-07:00

The aceo comesin a mat to accomodate a 5"x7" frame. It is listed on Etsy here.

The Rata Arcana: The Fool aceo

2011-07-10T14:17:00.001-07:00

I finally started a project that I've been kicking around in my head for some time: a rattie Tarot. I don't know if it would every be possible to get them printed up as cards (though it's a nifty idea). But it would make a very pleasing set. I'm starting with the Major Arcana, with The Fool. The card is matted to accommodate a 5"x7" frame and is listed on Etsy here.

Self Portrait with Smoked Turkey Drumstick

2011-07-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

Watercolor 5"x7".

Sharing Ice Cream

2011-07-05T14:20:00.001-07:00

8"x10" watercolor.

Fireworks Rattie Mini Painting on Etsy

2011-07-02T13:26:00.001-07:00

Mini painting listed on Etsy here. This is Kiwi. She's older now but still waiting for her forever home at Mainely Rat Rescue. Adopt, don't shop.

Proud American Dumbo Mini Painting on Etsy

2011-07-02T11:41:00.001-07:00

Time to do a few more minis with a July 4th theme. Thanks to Cindy B for the use of her photo. The mini painting is listed on Etsy here.

White Horse in Snow ACEO on Etsy

2011-06-29T13:03:00.001-07:00

Felt like doing something a little different, The card is listed on Etsy.

Home Squeak Home Again

2011-06-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

Because I got such an enthusiastic response the first time I did this, I made another. (Listed on Etsy here).

The Little Fairy's Favorite Pet ACEO on eBay

2011-06-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

This ACEO comes in a mat that fits a 5" by 7" frame. It is listed on eBay here.

Patriotic Home Squeak Home Wall Plaque on Etsy

2011-06-25T12:30:00.001-07:00

Just in time for the Fourth of July, a decorative hanging wood sign for your patriotic ratties. listed on Etsy here.

The Nom Nom Trinket Box on Etsy

2011-06-23T12:13:00.001-07:00

Cute little hand painted plastic box, about 4"x2"x1 1/4" celebrating peas and corn, my ratties' favorite food. It is listed on Etsy here.

Rattie Cupid for Sallie & John

2011-06-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

Sallie, a lovely Facebook friend, was married very recently. She and her husband live in the UK and have a wonderful collection of exotic critters, most notably Oreo Raccoon and Mimi Raccoon. I would love to visit them someday. I did this as a little wedding present.

Rat on a Unicycle ACEO

2011-06-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

This month's theme for the NFAC art contest is "things with wheels." Well a unicycle only has one wheel, but I think it still counts. It has to be a very small vehicle for a rat to reach it with his feet. It doesn't come out in the scan but there is purple glitter on the background. It is listed on eBay here.

Fun Stuff: Rat Lover Pride!

2011-06-19T17:24:00.001-07:00

Today was Family Pride Day in Hudson and on one block they had Chalkfest, where you could register for about a four foot square piece of street, get some colored chalk and make some art. While most people opted to express the sentiments of the weekend, gay pride, equality etc, my friend and I opted to show our pride of being pet rat owners. It was not really possible to get a decent photo because of the bright sun and shadows but you get the idea.

Patriotic Rattie Framed Mini Painting on Etsy

2011-06-13T13:23:00.001-07:00

This is a framed mini painting measuring 2" by 2 & 7/8" in a pretty glass frame, listed on Etsy here. His name is Boysnberry and he is still looking for his forever home at Mainely Rat Rescue. Remember, adopt, don't shop.

Hammy Mellinesquirrel

2011-06-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

Portrait ACEO done as part of a fund raise to help with Hammy's vet bills. You can read about Hammy on Facebook and see some nice items offered at auction to help him.

Prom Portrait

2011-06-10T09:42:00.001-07:00

A friend's pretty daughter. 4"x6".

Rat Artiste 8x10"

2011-06-07T12:44:00.001-07:00

Someone commissioned a big version.

Rainbow Bridge Picture Frame

2011-06-03T10:56:00.001-07:00

Frame is 8 inches square and holds a 3.75" square photo. It can stand or be hung.

Hiro

2011-05-23T13:33:00.001-07:00

3.5"x5" portrait.

Happiness is a Happy Rat! Wood Plaque

2011-05-08T12:11:00.000-07:00

5"x7" hanging plaque. Not for sale.

Etched glass from my art!

2011-05-07T19:55:00.001-07:00

This was created by the incredibly talented Bella Hodges (Bellaratta). Isn't it amazing. You have a chance to own this masterpiece if you come to Florida Rat Camp. It will be auctioned to help raise funds for Rat Science.

Home Squeak Home Wood Plaque on Etsy

2011-05-06T14:48:00.000-07:00

I found these pre-cut wood plaques and thought it might be nice to try doing something with them. This is listed on Etsy here.

UPDATE: it sold about 5 minutes after I posted it. :) I will definitely make more!

Zorro & Winston

2011-05-06T07:46:00.001-07:00

Hvit Rotta and the Sultana Framed Aceo

2011-05-03T12:51:00.000-07:00

While in Damascus, Hvit Rotta fell in love with the Light of the East, the Pearl of the Desert, the Sultana Rata Latifah, known throughout the empire for her gentleness and kindness. She returned his love. Framed aceo listed on Etsy here.

I confess I was having fun. Latifah does in fact mean gentle or kind in Arabic.

St. Francis & the Rats Wood Wall Plaque

2011-05-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

5"x7" acrylic painting on wood plaque. Listed on Etsy here.

If you can find it in your heart to help...

2011-05-01T08:51:00.001-07:00

These are photos of what's left of the Weaver's family home and Cosy Cavy Rescue. To read their story and see what their house looked like before the tragedy go here.

Please go to Sponsor a Guinea Pig and if you are able, help them. Even a dollar counts. You can bid on my painting on eBay--they will get all the money. Please spread the word. Thanks.

Lola & Maverick; HELP A RODENT RESCUE IN NEED!

2011-04-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

By now some of you may have heard about the tragedy that befell the Weaver family and The Cosy Cavy. They lost everything in the devastating tornado that ripped through Alabama this week. More details can be found here: Sponsor a Guinea Pig. In an effort to help, I put a painting up on eBay. 100% of the winning bid will go to the Weavers and I will take care of shipping. Please take a look, and if you like it and have the funds, please bid. If you know any guinea pig lovers, please pass this on.
The painting is listed here.

Gray Cat Mini Portrait

2011-04-28T12:59:00.001-07:00

2.25"x3.25" portrait. Don't have the kitty's name.

Hvit Rotta in the Palace Guard

2011-04-25T14:41:00.001-07:00

Having some fun conjuring more ideas with Hvit Rotta. In one favorite saga, he traveled to Damascus to learn the secret of steel, and worked for the Sultan as a guard for a year in return.
Framed aceo is listed on Etsy here.

Art for Animalkind 3

2011-04-25T11:32:00.001-07:00

5x7" watercolor for Animalkind's fund raising auction. Thanks to Julie D for the use of her photo. I did an aceo from this picture a while ago.

Superhero Bill

2011-04-24T13:08:00.001-07:00

You know who you are! :)

Baby Dumbo aceo on Etsy

2011-04-23T13:17:00.001-07:00

This is actually a recreation of an old aceo as per someone's request.

Chinese Dragon Parade ACEO for NFAC

2011-04-20T13:48:00.001-07:00

So in the end I wanted to do something for NFAC after all. This month's theme is dragons. It will be listed on eBay later tonight.

Adopt a PEW plaque on Etsy

2011-04-19T13:34:00.001-07:00

Decorative wood plaque, 3.5"x 5" listed on Etsy here. White rats are beautiful! Adopt! Don't shop!