Dascyllus Pencil Drawing

These little beauties are dascyllus.  They are very shy and love to duck behind coral when the paparazzi are hounding them.  Ellen contacted me because she managed to capture these three on film and asked if I could illustrate them for her.  I worked in 4h and Hb pencil and then scanned them in. I'm almost through with the color, and will post the finished illustration shortly.

Opossum Mama Illustration

When a girlfriend was interested in a possum illustration that would represent her and her four young daughters, I couldn't wait to start. It would do double duty as a Valentine's present.
My husband, the banjo master, loves possums. It's a little late, but it's finished!  

Geoduck Illustration

finished geoduck illustration

I was a little worried about taking on a geoduck commission. They looked like sand monster from Star Wars, or the worms from Tremors. They are huge clams that can survive for a century buried in the sand, their siphon or neck to gather nutrients at the surface. 

geoduck illustration in progress

 You do have to admire their defense system though.  Their shells are too small to adequately protect them, so burrowing into the sand is a very effective way to avoid predators.

geoduck pencil drawing

Next, I may have to give them a try at the seafood counter.  They are supposed to be very tasty.

Poison Dart Frog Illustration

In progress shot on the poison dart frogs I posted a week or so ago:

Some detail shots from the finished illustration:

I was really blown away be the wide array of color these come in.  I was also impressed that my nine year old friend Ana, was able to name most of the color combinations when she came to visit.  I can see why poison dart frogs are such a favorite in all age groups despite their deadly nature.  They've certainly earned my respect.

Even More Hellephants

Reverse Raffle This Week!

Valentine's Day is coming and I need all the love. So I am holding my first facebook reverse raffle this Wednesday night starting at 7:00 p.m. Est.

How to enter: 


1. Go to www.jewelrenee.etsy.com and pick out your favorite print. 


2. Copy the web address of that print and post it on my page,http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jewel-Renee. 


On Wednesday, I'll pull all of your names out of my red fedora. 
Last one out, after I have let down everyone else as gently as I can, WINs their chosen print. 

If you've been eyeing a hellephant or even the anglerfish, this is your chance!
Anyone can enter, but only one entry per person please!

Completed Hellephant Pages Gallery

Hellephant fans have some mad coloring skills!  Here are a few pics: