whimsy for your world

Posts tagged ‘whimsical art’

Father’s Day Sale

Boston Red Sox: Funky Fenway Park, by Melissa Fassel Dunn

It’s really hard to shop for Father’s Day.

I have some unique items to offer if your guy is a Red Sox, Bruins, Boston, or Jeep Wrangler fan. I even offer a photo of the fort used in Clint Eastwood’s Hearbreak Ridge, which I shot last February in Vieques, Puerto Rico.

Shop my Fine Art America store, where you can purchase Funky Fenway Park prints, mugs, phone cases, canvases, and many more creative things. Right now, I am offering a 15% off sale on items purchased from Fine Art America. Use coupon code KGYNXX


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Creating Art Makes Me a Better Person

What makes you a better person?

Creating Art Makes me a Better Person, by Melissa Fassel Dunn

Creating Art Makes me a Better Person,” by Melissa Fassel Dunn

Like this print? It’s for sale in my Etsy Shop!

I’ve been able to spend more time painting the past month than I have in the past six months combined.

I’m guessing this is pretty normal for a working mom of three kiddos under six, one of whom isn’t that fond of sleeping through the night. Anyway, mommy issues aside, it’s pretty miraculous that I was actually able to finish a painting! (Hopefully, you’ve checked out my Conway Covered Bridge painting, complete with progress.)

So, the other night, while I was putting the finishing touches on Conway Covered Bridge, I thought to myself, “Creating art makes me a better person.” And probably healthier, too. I’m one of the most Type A people ever – definitely not your typical artist. I have to fight myself to be Zen (an oxymoron, I know). But, when I have time to regularly paint, I’m less bothered by the little things, less aggravated with my husband, and I’m a WAY better mom.

During my six month old’s 2 a.m. feeding that night, I wondered what else made me a better person… coffee, definitely. Working out? Check! Losing 5 lb? Double check! There are so many things that make us feel better on multiple levels. I thought I would branch out of painting and make a digital print of what makes me a better person.

I would love to hear your comments about what makes *you* a better person!

Maybe it’s a long run, a hot bath, or even People magazine. Please share!

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Conway Covered Bridge, progression

Conway Covered Bridge

I don’t paint enough winter scenes. Perhaps, it’s because I love summer. I mean, l kindof live for summer. There’s something so romantic about New England’s covered bridges in the winter, I thought I would paint a small one surrounded by some mountains. At 8×8″, this painting would be a great addition to any room. I will update with my progress!

Original Sketch:

"Conway Covered Bridge," sketch by Melissa Fassel Dunn

“Conway Covered Bridge,” sketch by Melissa Fassel Dunn

Day 1:

Covered Bridge, Progression I by Melissa Fassel Dunn

“Conway Covered Bridge,” Progression I by Melissa Fassel Dunn

Day 2:

Note my daughter’s contribution to the painting… (purple crayon in the window). I guess I left it out for too long!

"Covered Bridge," Progression II by Melissa Fassel Dunn

“Conway Covered Bridge,” Progression II by Melissa Fassel Dunn

Day 3:

"Covered Bridge," Progression IIII by Melissa Fassel Dunn

“Conway Covered Bridge,” Progression IIII by Melissa Fassel Dunn

Day 4:

Listening to Ray Charles Radio on Pandora + Painting = Total Relaxation. I thought I was finished with this, until my husband reminded me that the road doesn’t actually go through the bridge. At that point, it’s the bridge floor. I pointed out that I’m not exactly going for realism, given that my portrayal of the bridge is actually structurally unsound, but at the end of the day, he’s right. Back to the brush!

"Covered Bridge," Progression IV by Melissa Fassel Dunn

“Conway Covered Bridge,” Progression IV by Melissa Fassel Dunn

Day 5

"Conway Covered Bridge," by Melissa Fassel Dunn

“Conway Covered Bridge,” by Melissa Fassel Dunn

Why Conway?

I decided to give the bridge’s sign the name Conway, in reference to the Northern New Hampshire ski town.

"Conway Covered Bridge," by Melissa Fassel Dunn

“Conway Covered Bridge,” by Melissa Fassel Dunn

Check out my super fancy palette!

"Conway Covered Bridge" palette

“Conway Covered Bridge” palette

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Covered Bridge

Covered Bridge

Progress #1

"Red Covered Bridge" by Melissa Fassel Dunn

“Red Covered Bridge” by Melissa Fassel Dunn

I had a whole 30 minutes to myself tonight, so I decided to begin a small 8×8″ painting of a covered bridge. There are many a covered bridge in New England and there is something so romantic about them… they say you must kiss while under the covered bridge. Maybe for good luck? I don’t know, but my husband and I always oblige the covered bridge fairies…!

Stay tuned for the progression of this painting!

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