Christmas Mouse Art Card

"Golden Mouse and Holly"


The cool crisp days, wood smoke scents and leaf littered garden are signs that winter is not far away. Over the past few weeks, I thoroughly enjoyed painting two sweet rat pups. Rodents have been part of our 'family zoo' during the years Kathryn has grown up. Presently we don't have any rodent pets but we do enjoy the antics of the squirrels and chipmunks in the garden.


My most recent ACEO is of a sweet little golden mouse investigating a bit of holly. The holly has an artistic design that gives the painting some movement and softens the thorns on the leaves. (I love swirls and spirals.) This art card is in memory of our first pet mouse - "Apple". He was a beautiful golden color and his name just seemed to fit him perfectly. He became rather round as he aged!

"Golden Mouse and Holly"

Watercolor and ink 2.5" x 3.5" by Colleen K Carrigan (c) 2009

Golden Mouse for Sale

Halloween Baby Rat ACEO SALE

"Sweet Stash"

This week, I enjoyed painting a wee baby rat and her special Halloween stash. Over the years, our family has raised several mice and rats from fuzzies to adults. One of my daughter's favorite subjects to write about in elementary school, was her little female rat - 'Peanut' - a true sweetheart. This painting is dedicated to Peanut's memory.

My sketch for this ACEO includes one of my favorite Halloween treats as a child - candy corn! With the addition of the candy, the name of the painting became 'Oh so clear'. Writing down titles as they come to me helps in the process. Sometimes the most challenging aspect of a painting is giving it a title.




As this miniature progressed, I needed some fall items for the surroundings. Since we have several 100+ year old white oak trees right out side the front door - I did not go far for inspiration. An acorn seemed to be the perfect natural element to add to the little rat's treasure collection. I used a fine golden glitter ink to include a touch of gem quality to the acorn.

The finished painting shows rich autumn colors and the baby rat seems quite content with her 'sweet stash'.

'Sweet Stash' by Colleen K Carrigan (c) 2009 watercolor and ink

SOLD

Visit My Coral2Cove Gallery to view 'Sweet Stash'

This painting is a sweet price - starting at $0.01!!!

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