I'm Still Alive!

I know I've neglected my blogging, but it doesn't mean I haven't been busy! Here are some custom model horses I've recently completed.

Meet Flower! I added real metal horseshoes to this model.

Meet Rosie! The dappling on her provided a challenge...

Meet Classy and Hottie!

Meet Burly! I had to add a lot of mane and tail to this Belgian.

I am working on many other models this Christmas season and will update you soon. :-) If you are interested in gettign a custom done, I am affordable and can be emailed at kcampbellartist@hotmail.com

Horse Portrait Artist in Northern Virginia

My favorite thing to do as an artist are horse portraits. This handsome guy is an 18 x 24" pastel drawing. I completed this portrait by using over 5 photo sources and references!

Interested in getting your own portrait done? 8 x 10" portraits start at a mere $60!
Email me for more information at kcampbellartist@hotmail.com

Vintage and Antiques at Kelly's Artbox in Occoquan

My little studio in Historic Occoquan also carries alot of vintage & antique pieces! I have shabby chic style furniture and more. Here is just a small sampling of what I have-- click on the photo to purchase, or come by the store!

Sunnyland Ohio Antique Washboard - $24

Antique Baltimore Pepper Box - $30

Rustic Antique Stepping Stool - $22

Romanian Red Enamel Teapot - $26

Custom Breyer Horse: Meet Sonny

Sonny belongs to Katie in New Jersey. He is a beautiful Red Dun!

This is the second model I did for Katie, the last one I did for her was a pretty dapple grey.

This model was airbrushed, I carved out his hooves and ears, sanded his logo and heavy seams, and added boyparts to make him a gelding.

Kelly's Artbox at the PWC Kid's Expo

Kelly's Artbox teamed up with Lisa Julia Photography to participate in the Kid's Expo at the Prince William County fairgrounds. Overall it was a great turnout and alot of hard work premoting! I was used to my craft fair approach and had a hard time adjusting to an expo enviornment, but it will hopefully pay off.

Congratulations to Holly Solenberger for winning the raffle for the free name mural! And thank you to everyone who entered.

Custom Breyer- Meet Ike

Ike is a thoroughbred the belongs to Tiffany in Pasadena, California!

I had so much fun airbrushing this fella. I also added metal horseshoes, and he's got a bit of gold sheen to his coat.

Please check out my previous blog about what goes into my model customs HERE

Train Children's Mural- The Process

As a muralist here in Northern Virginia, one of the most frequent things I hear (Besides, "Oh, you're an artist? I can't even draw a stick figure!") is "Oh, it must be easy doing your job! All you do is paint all day..."
An artist's job only looks easy. We do more work than you think. :-) In this post I will discuss the process of a mural I did today for a little boys train themed room.

1. Meeting with the client to view the space, and discuss exactly what they had in mind for the mural. In this case, I had to work on a dark blue wall and the client wanted a "fun, bubbly" mural that wasn't too cartoony, and not too realistic. She had some prints already hung up that she wanted the mural to match with (below). Sometimes, in order to save the client money and me a trip, the client will email me a photo of the room and tell me the desired length for the mural.


2. Preliminary and final sketches. After talking with the client, I make 3-5 sketches of different ideas for the mural. The client then decides which one they like best, and I draw the final sketch. Most times the final is turned into a transparency and used for the actual mural.
3. The mural is turned into a reality! I used colors found in the decor. The paints I use are high quality, fast drying acrylics. I don't varnish the mural unless the client asks, but acylic itself is a sturdy, color-true paint. I also use paint markers for fine lines and details.

Do you have a child's room or nursery you'd like to spruce up? Or an empty space in your home that you just don't know what to do with? Fill it with a mural! I produce high quality murals for affordable rates. Contact me for more info: http://www.kellycampbellartist.com

I serve: Northern Virginia, some parts of Washington DC and Maryland, ashburn, leesburg, manassas, woodbridge, haymarket, clinton, bristow, fairfax, alexandria, arlington, and more.

Most murals can be done in 4-8 hrs. This one was done in 2 hours.
Don't think that just because it goes quickly that it's "easy"! Preparation and travel take time and money too. :-)

This mural is my own copyrighted original design and work and should not be replicated by any other artist.

Kelly's Artbox Now Taking Consignment Work!

My studio and store, Kelly's Artbox in Occoquan, Virginia will now be taking on consignments from other amazing artists for handcrafted goods. I want to start growing my business and can't do it all by myself! :-) I have plenty of space and am looking for nature-themed items, soaps, bath items etc. If you are interested or know someone who is, please contact me, Kelly, for more information at kcampbellartist@hotmail.com

Some of the items you can expect are gorgeous handmade soaps, lotions, vintage inspired items, and handmade cards.

I look forward to working with you!

Ivans Request Appaloosa Custom Breyer

This handsome gelding belongs to McKayla in North Dakota! He was by far the most challenging custom I have done so far, but also alot of fun!
This fellow was done on the Smarty Jones Breyer mold and was painted in acrylics, had his boy parts removed (to make him a gelding), and was very meticulously spotted.
There is mapping around his spots, and perhaps my favorite part is his pinked and spotted nose.

Interested in owning your own custom of your horse? Prices range from $50-100 (VERY good deal for customized breyers!!) you can view more of my customs on my website at:
http://www.kellycampbellartist.com/

Virginia BEAD SWAP in Occoquan!

Where: Kelly’s Artbox, 304 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA

When: The fun starts at 1PM January 11th, 2009

**RSVP to kcampbellartist@hotmail.com by January 8th please

FREE FOOD, DRINKS, AND FUN! Come expecting to meet some great friends!

How it Works: Bring your unwanted beads and supplies (tools, wire, magazines, strands, totes etc. and a TV tray to display it on to Kelly’s Artbox.

Pay a $2 admission fee to enter and donate 1 item (your choice) for the raffle.

Set up what you’d like to trade or sell, and HAVE FUN! The possibilities are endless on what you could bring home by trading your unwanted beads.

BE FAIR!! Remember, this is a “yard sale” and swap. You will sell/trade more if you’re willing to keep your prices low. Go home with new goodies instead of taking what you brought back home!

NOTHING TO SWAP? No problem! Come with cash and take home some great beads.

Afterwards, take a minute's walk to Occoquan's bead store "Off the Beading Path"!

Green Accessories; Eco Friendly Jewelry

It seems that everywhere I go I see the phrase "go green". So much so, that it has become a trend (let's hope not a fad) in everyday life, art, fashion, and more. I have a few designs in my shop that I wanted to talk about that would be the perfect gift for that "green" person in your life.

My Guitar String Ring is made completely by recycled/repurporsed guitar strings that are sent to me by musicians all over the DC area. Each one has it's own personal musical story. The one's pictured are $13, and they're stackable! To purchase this ring, or a guitar string ring of a different style, please visit: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17722770

My Mod Silver Bird design is one of my most popular. It is made from Artclay, which is a precious metal clay (99.9% silver suspended in a clay binder). Artclay is made from recycled silver from the film industry. Now I've turned it into a cute little bird to adorn your neck.

Necklaces range from $28-34 you can purchase them here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16625647



Don't know what to do with your old broken watch? Turn it into a "timeless" piece of jewelry (sorry I couldn't help myself :-)
Alot of times in my designs I will use objects I've found, old keys, etc. This necklace "Time for Steampunk" features watch gears, hands, etc. and an antique winder. It's one of a kind, $46 and can be purchased here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17810589

My entire Etsy shop (http://www.ofnaturedesigns.etsy.com/) is natured themed and you'll find lots of great eco-friendly accessories there! Hope this inspires you to look good and be green doing it. :-) Happy Shopping!

Handmade Florals and Wreaths

My sister, Shannon makes some gorgeous handmade florals arrangements and wreaths with handmade bows. You can check out some of her items in my shop at:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5290743&section_id=5751984

Turns out I will be doing another craft fair on Decemebr 13th, along with my sister. Details coming soon!