This was done for a friend at Deviant Art. This is a photo she posted shortly after her daughter died. Her name there is Thelma1. Her daughter unfortunately was involved for a long time with heroin and alcohol, which eventually claimed her life, leaving behind children, and a mother who went through the valley of death. I promised I would eventually do this picture for her in honor of her daughter's new life, beauty after the rain, where I hope that she has found peace, and rest and the knowledge that there is a life in the hereafter, one filled with joy and wholeness...to Thelma, may you find only the good things that life has to offer from now on..http://thelma1.deviantart.com/art/Beauty-after-the-Rain-92211293

this took me 18+ hrs, didn't seem like it, but,I think it was time well spent, in honor of a lady who went through hell and back, and still somehow has managed to pull her life together and move ahead, perhaps stronger than she ever knew she could be and still manages to reach out to others with kindness in the spirit of giving..

This is so beautiful on so many levels, I don't have the words. You have a gift and your gift is going to bring joy and a healing to someone's broken heart. Art transcends and touches. Bravo.

A gift indeed as Suntan says......This is so beautiful on so many levels Starz and I cannot think of anything more calming or relaxing than being at the beach and searching for the shells that wash ashore. In fact, that is one of my daughters most favorite thing to do with me on our beach vacations. Thanks for sharing your talent with all of us.

(Edited on September 21, 2008, 7:53 pm)

Really awesome work Starz. I can't imagine how you even attempted to do this. There are so many textures and colors and shapes and each one you captured to the T. Just gorgeous!

Talk about detail, wow! This is amazing with so many textures and colors, shapes and interest. What beautiful work you've done here. I'm speechless.

Well Starz...you have outdone yourself again. My goodness, where to start. Each and every shell is a masterpiece in and of itself. The texturing and the glossy shells are most impressive. It has so much depth. Colors are so earthing and warm and inviting...my favs BTW!! Amazing Starz. And not to mention the motivation behind this is also matching the greatness of this draw.

You are amazing! Simply amazing in heart, and mind!

:o ---> :O ---> Wow.

Such a beautiful, healing gift for your friend. So sorry for her loss. This just makes me cry, it's so lovely.

I bet this was really fun to do aswell! i dont think 18 hours seems that long with all the sh**t you had to fit in.Great pic im sure the lady you did it for will love it :p drugs............

This is just sooo beautiful....I can't find the right words to say....I just think it's amazing how you did this....and you are an amazing person for doing this for your friend. What a beautiful "masterpiece", and a beautiful tribute to your friend.

Touching. Moving. Emotional. Beautiful. I could not say enough to capture what I feel about both the picture and the reason for doing it. A great tribute to your friend and to her daughter.
Nobody can know what goes on in the mind of somebody taken over by drink and drugs. We can all sit and condemn people who take them but the fact is that once they take over your mind and start to numb and control all logical thought it is very difficult for anyone who cares to talk sense and logic that you would understand. Many are preyed upon by the suppliers, making them dependent upon their next fix. A sad waste of a wonderful life. A poor soul that just could not reach out far enough to get the help to pull through. This filth affects all concerned, the user, the family and the friends.

George, the truth is I was so touched by this woman and her strength that is how we became friends. I was searching through DA's fractals looking for a mentor of sorts, hoping to find someone who could give me a few pointers with my fractal program. Thelma has some unique ones that had caught my eye and I went to her pages to view her work. That is when I has stumbled across a picture that she had posted of her daughter the day she was admitted into the hospital. It was such a shocking and heart wrenching picture, that I had to find out more. The commentary that was left in Thelma's Journal touched me deeply and inspired me to write her and send my prayers and hopes for her daughter. I admired the strength she had to post and to share a very private moment of her life, that undoubtably had torn her very soul.

Through the weeks ahead, she continued to post at DA and share, and always had kind things to do and say for others, putting aside what must have been the biggest life struggle...then came her devestating news about her daughter's passing. My heart broke for her, she has another daughter with children and grandchildren all of whom by her writings are her "heart and soul", so, you can imagine how all of the friends she has made at DA rallied for her. I had just come across her beautiful photo that she had posted, and it seemed so fitting I had told her I wanted to do it for her. That was just about the time I was going through my "I want to draw,but can't seem to..." spell, so when I finally managed to pull myself together, I knew that this drawing was long over due. I dragged my feet thinking I had this time over estimated my abilities, but I think digging down I found that place within me, that wouldn't let me quit, and I believe with the good Lord's grace, I found the place inside me that made this picture possible. So, I in a way owe both Thelma and her daughter for my finding my way back to my art...so thanks very much for your wonderful words...and also to the rest of my "friends" all who draw here and share a part of their lives, thank you, for your friendship and the way you all reach out with kind words and deeds you make life a place where there is "beauty after the rain" remember, to always love the ones around you because you never know what today holds...love ya all!

This is totally amazing. Your patience is unbelievable, very well done!

The story is beautiful. I wish your friend Thelma all good things. Stazshine your talent seems to have no bounds. This is perfect.

AaaAAAAAAGH tell me thats not a drawing.. its a photo isnt it?... please? Unbelievable.

holy cow! this is absoluletly gorgeous! What a touching story to go along with it. There is one rock in there that I'm just in love with, but I'm not even going to try to describe which one it is! :P But you must have the patience of a saint. How many days did this take you to do?

WOW this rocks :)

excellant painting! great details.

Gosh, letting everyone know that I am so thankful for all the wonderful comments! you all are great! Opium, I think this actually took me on and off about 2 days, 15+ hrs. Some of it was down time, ahem, cooking and clearing the kitchen, but not wanting to close down the picture for fear that I wouldn't go back, lol, that way it forced me to continue working on it. thanks again everyone!

I am so impressed with this drawing. The feelings and emotions associated with it just shine and glow. What an amazingly lovely and touching expression of your connection with the woman in your story. This is realism at its finest. The original photograph is beautiful but your drawing has transcended it.

In honor of those who have served our country and made the ulitmate sacrifice...

ref from a photo from an e-mail chain sent to me...

Fantastic and very touching. In honour of those that serve to ensure freedom worldwide.

What a wonderful and moving draw, Terry. A great tribute.

The tears well up in my eyes looking at this. What an incredible piece of art! I can say no more right now, I can't even find the right words.

Very touching Starz....thanks for remembering and for sharing!

What an emotional drawing, wow. I'm speechless.

I actually looked at this photograph today..ran into it on you tube while remembering those who served us well, looking at tributes of the day and giving thanks to many. It's a gut-wrenching image that chokes me up..and you've captured the same emotion. Beautiful job, starz.

Beautiful Starz, we can never forget,there have been so many, too many lives sacrificed, too many families left with loss, too many that couldn't recover mentally or physically.

"WOW"!! I'm speechless "Starzshine"......this picture is just so beautiful, and sad, and inspiring. Your talent never ceases to amaze me.

Stars, I love this one. The sentiment, the lighting, the colors, the back of his neck etc etc etc. This is my favorite of yours , just cannot say enough about it.

Oh wow, this is so touching, beautiful and such a nice tribute to those who serve our country. Your amazing in talent, wow. This is jaw drop'n beautiful with so much meaning to it. Everything about it I love.

Thats great. i especially like the lighting on the neck and chin of the man.

Thanks everyone for the nice comments! I enjoyed doing this one, thought I would challenge myself and hopefully render a piece to remember our veterans...thanks again for all your support!

Amazing and very touching work.

Spectacular work Starz. The little boys face displays so much. Trying to be brave, poised and inside he is a crushed soul. The ravages of war, are so many. It is unspeakable sadness.

How powerful and affecting, gorgeous, he is trying so hard to be brave, so glad you did this one, it brings so much to mind - wonderful!

I think this is very powerful. I really feel sorry for the kid.....

Very touching painting.so much thought and details! Very Nice Work!

finis!

and this is done from a photo done by a photographer by the name of Mrs.Lubner, who graciously allowed me to use the following photo to help with this picture...I did a bit of my own additions especially with the piggy, for interest hope you like http://www.renderosity.com/mod/gallery/index.php?image_id=1513312&member

(Edited on November 5, 2008, 7:08 pm)

Remarkable Starz! I do not know what else is left to finish because it is stunning already. Reminds me of Wilbur from Charlotte's web, a great kids novel. You've done an amazing picture here, a real beauty!

Adorable and so very well done! Nice work..of art!

Gorgeous! Wow, all things bright and beautiful all creatures great and small, the good Lord loves them all..something like that! This reminds me of that, and also, I feel like this could be Wilbur and Fern! Outstanding work, starz! =D

ooH! I see gel thought the same thing! :)

(Edited on November 5, 2008, 8:45 pm)

This picture is really beautiful "Starzshine"......it looks so real....you can tell that she really loves that little piglet that she is holding. What a gorgeous picture!! I love it!! :)

Awwwwwe, I really like the love expression in her face. I can really feel how much she is loving this little one. She holds him so gentle and tenderly. This is so wonderful. What a darling drawing. Love the print on her top, skin tones are beautiful...heck everything, the hands and facial features are so perfectly done. Excellent artwork!

Starz...I have had the same problem on occaision. I have had to reboot the computer or reinstall my tablet and those two things usually fix the problem. This is just lovely. I especially like the dress print and her hair bow. Another Starz masterpiece.

This is wonderful Starz. The piglet is so relaxed and content looking. The little girl loving him is very clear from the facial expression. I viewed your link. It is so much a reflection of the photo. I do ask... what is left to do? Just fabulous work.

This is absolutely stunning - gorgeous! Very inspiring, don't know where I'd begin on what I love best about it...like a combination of Diego Rivera, Georgia O'keefe. I just looked up the photo, which was beautiful - but you have added and crystallized so much here!

Yep, me too, first thought "Wilbur and Fern." Very sweet. Now she can never eat bacon or pork chops.

Mmmmm... bacon. Ooops! Sorry.
This is a lovely pic. Who couldn't love a cute little piggy-wig? Yes its very Charlottes Web. A little girl and her love for her precious pig. Quite lovely.

Such sweetness and love ... this little gal will NEVER eat bacon, Guy! (For the same reason I won't eat veal or lamb; but I do eat cows ... what a hypocrite!) ANYWAY ... your skin tones take my breath away, Terry; not to mention the wonderful expressions on both girl and porker. *sighs*

Beautiful work Starz, really wonderful subject matter and the way you pulled this off is awesome! The textures of her shirt and the pattern, the pig and especially the beautiful little girl. Wow, your talent is awesome!

This is so adorable, you can almost feel the warmth that little piglet is sharing with her, amazing Starz and amazing drawing.

Amazing!!! So realistic right down to her peeling nail varnish. You're an outstanding artist.

So sweet, her expression is beautiful!

Nicely captured moment.

Well it is finished, finally something that is more mine than not! I did use a pic for reference, but changed it to my imagination, I suppose there could be a few touch ups here and there but..well I got a tad bored, oops, did I say that? lol, heheeeheeheeeheee....

Well, for not being finished it sure looks great so far. I must say that face is creepy, but those eyes all blood shot is fabulous. Love it so far.

The glow in this is excellent. Love this one, wonder what she is so intenly looking at. Those warts and teeth....ewwwww. The hair is cool also and the eyes....ahhh yes, very aprapo (sp?)

That eerie glow is just brilliant Starz. I love this. Looks like one of my old teachers, complete with the teeth.

Heyyyyy, now .... fantastic, wonderful, eerie green glow ... and didn't realize you knew my first ex-mother-in-law; you captured her perfectly ;) (kidding ... she was ok)

The Brillo hair is such a hoot; check out those claws! The spooky sky and the bats ... well, it's PERFECT!

Oh ya! Great wire like hair and whadda glow!!! She looks simply evil!!

Amazing details on this one Starz. This is one lovely witch you have created here and I love the green glow she possesses. Creepy!

Oh Starz this is awesome, I love the glow against her flesh and that wicked looking face is so cool!

Positively Gloriously Ghastly! Great job, Starz! Her face is wonderfully done..love it. :D

Extremely great greenish yellow glow not to mention the crystal ball and those creepy black fingernails. But like others here my favorite thing is her hair, her hat a close second. Even that mole on her nose is very fitting for this creepy witch. Cool picture Starz, you do creepy very well.

I love love love the way you frazzled the hair. Nice.

Starz, my grandson Isaiah makes me show him this picture every single morning before he goes to school. He loves it as much as I do. I have thought about printing it out for him to put on the wall for Halloweeen there are quite a few Halloween draws here that I would love to hang for our Party. I really love that Green Glow!

"WOW"!!!!!! I love this one "Starzshine"!!! I love everything about this....the colors, the witch, the globe!!You did a fantastic job with this!! I wish I could use this picture as the background for my new computer's desktop...but I wouldn't do that without your permission. Fantastic job!!! :)

Very Spooky Halloween Witch....! Well Done!

You are so good at this my goodness I bet you draw in your sleep. she is without a doubt a crazy witch,well come to think of it I know a couple of girls that are very much the same.. so well done

=)

Amazing.Everything about this says, "halloween" and sets the mood for a spooky night. Love it.

Of ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties and things that go bump in the night, good Lord deliver us! (old Scottish prayer)

Great effects starz...I love halloween!

Looks like a pumpkin, scarecrow mixture. I really like the use of texturing for this one and just in time for the big day of Halloween! Excellent Starz!

This is wonderful, cheerful and so darn cute. I love how you have the glow on the skin of the pumpkin and the straw hair on it's head. Such a cute hat too. This one makes me smile.

(Edited on October 20, 2008, 10:36 pm)

You recreate light and the effects of light so fantastically well. This looks just great. I guess that as I am trying my pumpkin soup recipe this weekend I shall have to do lantern carving with my boys. Picture to follow if it all works out ok. Seems like I am missing out on all the hallowe'en spookiness.

Nice texturing, lighting, and fog effects STARZ! The glow from inside really grabs the eye too! What a fun piece! =)

I don't see creepy here I see ADORABLE! Colors textures and the glow coming from within, all perfect.

"WOW"!!! I love this one too!! All of your paintings are amazing "starzshine"!!! I love this pumpkin!! :)

Excellant pumpkin....you have made him look so alive !

This was done from a hdr photo by bobbycleod

Thanks everyone for the great comments, I had fun doing this one, but was mad at myself because I forgot to check the animation box and lost my layers, lol, grrrr, I specifically did it in shi so I could have the layers saved, and duh...so it took me a while to get back into this cause it is so hard to work on these when you lose your layers in the save...oh well I have to remember to be more careful.

Such an intense expressive face. Beautiful Starz

KLooks to me like war is taking a toll on this guy. Very well done Starz!! I love the dark tones, for a seemingly dark guy.

"WOW"!!!!!!!!!!!! What a fantastic portrait!! I think his eyes are quite beautiful. Great job!! :)

Great Painting ! Amazing detail work...that must be texture on the face.....Very Nice!

The texture on his skin and that weathered look to his helmet are especially great!

well drawn!

Wow! Starz.
Those eyes just see right into you. A fearsome sight to behold as an attacker. Great drawing.
HDR is such a cool technique.
I would love to work at that sometime but it's time that evades me at the moment. I am just reading up on how to produce an HDR image. So much definition.

Oh my is this every nice. I really love the texture to his face. He really has this intense look to his face, very stern looking. I like the helmet, the coloring and beaded metal on it. Your so talented, my gosh. Your work really stands out. This is another example of your artistic abilities you have. Very nice.

What a gorgeous man! I have always melted looking into asain eyes and this is no exception. The textures that you added are so right for this draw. He is very intese looking, what a masterpiece!

Love his very intensive stare and the pursed lips Starz. The 3-D effect on this one is amazing and the use of texturing is really great! Fantastic job1

(Edited on October 13, 2008, 4:55 pm)

Gosh, I've had a time getting over here to studio 3 to comment on this! I've only seen the thumb until now and whoa! My chin hurts from hitting my desk top! Oh that texture is giving me goosebumps! Fantastic portrait and details!

Fantastic! Such texture and what an expression.... words are failing me here...!

O_O wow! thats fantastic!

Bravo, Starz. You're work is wonderful.

Absolutely wonderful work Starz! Its our loss that you animation isn't on this as we all could learn so much from your technique and style. You captured the look and expression in his eyes perfectly. Really really Excellent work..I would be proud to call this my own for sure :D

GOLDEN GINKGO AWARD for the week ending September 20, 2008. Congratulations!

Wow, thanks for the award! Again I am totally taken aback, not expecting it and I come here to decide what I am going to draw, and I am wondering how this got to be ahead of my last drawing, totally feaking out thinking that I somehow lost the shells and rocks...ya, I know dummy me...thanks again wow.
This is of course from a photo from a gifted photographer from DA who gave me permission to use for a ref. Her name is Ariseandrejoice. I will post the link when I get it again, lol, not prepared as usual.

Here is the link http://ariseandrejoice.deviantart.com/art/blue-morpho-delight-90296127 thanks ariseandrejoice!

*FAINTS* Awe struck. I have no words for your mastery of this medium. You are right up there with the best. This is truly magnificent! Bravo. =D

ps..if we go to DA, I think we can search the name ourselves, no? *faints again hehee*

Incredible does not even begin to describe this marvelous painting. This is simply superb Starz and a great testament to your talent. Love the shimmering blue and all the detail on the butterfly's body and wings.

(Edited on September 14, 2008, 5:19 pm)

Very very awesome starz. I like this one from you very very much. Those veins in bothe the wings and the leaves are amazing me the most. Love your use of the dodge tool for dramatic effect.

Anything I could say would sound hopelessly trite ... there are no words to describe the beauty of this, Starz.

"WOW"!! I agree with "meno"... words can't describe the beauty of this one....I'm kinda speechless! Your talent always amazes me Starzshine.....I never get tired of looking at your artwork. This butterfly is "stunning"!!

Marvelous the whole thing, love love love the silken wings..........!

This is so beautiful and it is painted so perfectly ,with the shades , lights, and those awesome colors!

Starz, this is mouth drop'n gorgeous. The golden colors in the leaves are so beautiful. The wings are so beautiful...I'm speechless.

Such a wonderful reproduction of a lovely photograph! Love the blues and texture you have used...gorgeous lighting throughout. :D

..back for more. So gorgeous. The detail on the insect's head, antenna is eye catching, too..after you get over the zing from those wings!

Oh Wow!!! Stunning work Starz I'm lost for words

Star, your drawings amaze me. You are such a talent. This is absolutely perfect.

Wow, very nicely done, perhaps even better than your usual.

Goodness this is wonderful. The texture on the wings is so well done.The golden light faling on the foliage is excellent too.

Starz Starz Starz The beauty of this defies words. No one can put into words what the eyes see. I am not worthy.

The shimmer on the wings is just amazing! Fabulous colours and I love the texture of the leaves.

Congrats to you....this is so beautiful. The blue wings are amazing with the veins throughout the wings. I really love the golden green leaves. Such detail to all of it and so very beautiful. A well deserved award, congrats once again on this stunning drawing.

Congrats on your GGA. So well deserved. I just love the golden light in this.

Starz, you are incapable of drawing something that isn't a masterpiece ... every one of your paintings is a winner! Congrats!

"Congratulations "Starzshine".....This beautiful picture is so deserving of the "GGA" award. All of your artwork is amazing, and you are an amazing person.

The academy had to give the award to you for this. If not we would have known justice does not exist. You are the bomb SS

I am once again blown away.. this is extraordinary. So many beautiful intricate details and the lighting is fantastic!

so sorry that I don't sometimes get the time to actually respond to everyone who writes the compliments and encouragements and congrats...but, when I do find the time, I want you all to know, that I appreciate you all, and the time that you take to stop and comment, and offer your kind and uplifting words, thank you all so much, and miss Babs, you da bomb! ;-)

GOLDEN GINKGO AWARD for the week ending August 23, 2008. Congratulations!


WOW THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! I WAS JUST CHECKING IN TODAY TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON AND I FOUND THIS NICE SURPRISE, THANK YOU CHRISTINE! YOU BIG SWEETY, HUGS TO YOU ALL! I AM HONORED, AND AGAIN SURPRISED!

Thanks everyone for all the kind words and congrats sent my way! You all rock! lol, at least that is what my grandson says...I think I agree! =D
Screen shot from Soulcalibur IV Darth Vader is taking no prisoners...done for my grandson...

..didn't actually take 18hrs I did let the screen set for quite some time rather than lose my layers when I got tired, I just kept the window open...but, still it was an incredibly long draw..

(Edited on August 25, 2008, 5:00 pm)

FLIPPIN' AWESOME!
Need I say more? I have to show this my kids as they, like me, are mad Star Wars fans.
There is so much work in here, as usual for you. It is fantastic.

Came back to look again. WOW! WOW! WOW!

(Edited on August 22, 2008, 4:24 pm)

LOL I don't thing George likes this. I DO I love Star Wars as well. The saber is powered up. Dillon loves the light sabers...he used to say LIFE SAVERS. LOL

That is flippin awesome! Wowzers *picks jaw up off keyboard and wipes drool*

Well, Terry, I am just beside myself. The detail is just staggering. ZOWIE! I showed it to my husband, who knows nothing whatsoever about art, and even he gasped ... "She's something else!" You said it, brother :D

Outstanding! The shine on the helmet and textures blow me away. All of the detail you've put in this is amazing. Such talent and patience you have. This is really marvelous the way you positioned him and the lighting throughout...geeez it is really good.

OMG!! Starz, just an OUTSTANDING piece of work. Your grandson will be very happy and proud of this and YOU! The details are wonderful! Such meticulous work. I enjoyed every bit of your hours and hours! Well done! :)

Crazy awesome. I love how you got the blurry effect for the background. It makes Vader really standout, and seem more three dimensional. This is a really great rendition of the game.

"Wow"!!! This is absolutely "amazing" "Starzshine"!! I really love it!! Your artwork is just sooo fantastic!!

Awesomeness!!!! Excellent glow on the armour and the perspective with the foreshortening is exceptional! Lovely lovely work!

Thanks for the wonderfully drawn sci-fi art fix! Awww....I needed that!

I showed this my boys today. Sorry but they want every character from Star Wars now. Better get working, my youngest is very VERY demanding. Hehe.

YAYYYYYYYY and WOW ! lol ;) all i can say ;)

Oh Nice painting Starz! So realistic, just like in the movies!Congratulaitons on your award! : )

(Edited on August 29, 2008, 4:22 pm)

WOW, Terry!!!!! You do things with these painting tools that seem almost impossible! This is so much fun to look at....it's wonderful!:D

thanks everyone! I appreciate the great things you all have said! I worked hard on this one, and I am pleased. I just wish the layers would save between working on it. Life would be so much easier doing these complicated drawings...I am planning on doing a couple more screenshots from the game, not sure about starwars though..we shall see..again thanks everyone so much.

This is amazing Terry. I grew up with the old Star Wars movies and they are still some of most favorites all time series. You have really outdone yourself with this one and I have only one word to say....AWESOME!

This blew my socks off. Starz, you are so good. I think you could draw absolutely anything, well I know you could.

WOW starz...that saber is very luminous! Darth is also impecable....well no wonder....it is yours!!

You are something else.....wow, this is just plain perfect!

You are something else.....wow, this is just plain perfect!

brilliant drawing- such a lot going on and so well executed! congratulations!

Such a fabulous draw and so deserving of the award ... congrats, Starz!!

YAY! I always have a little GGA contest running in my head, wondering what will get it this week. I got it right. This is so flippin' fantastic and so worthy of the award. Well done Starz. Good choice CMB. Bet it was agony choosing though huh? Glad I will never have to make these decisions. Hehe.
(I did have one more in my head as a possible, thats my secret though).

A big congrats to you. What a marvelous drawing with so much detail. What a talented artist you are. This drawing is outstanding and the award is so well deserved.

Congradulations a deserved win for sure.

Would have been criminal if you hadn't won this - that's how well deserved it was! & congratulations!!!

Congratulations Starz! This is a scene from my Hubby's favorite movie of all times. We just watched it a few nights ago and your rendition is excellent!

Congrats Starz on a marvelous job!

Congratulations Terry, I really don't know how you have the patience for all the detail. The mask is amazing and all those buttons on his chest plate . . . very well done!

Congrats Starz...very well deserved. This is such an awesome pic.

Congrats !!!! for this that has a 3D style looking :) Bravo ! well deserved !

Crazily brilliant woman!! I agree with all the above and then some..lol My fav' part of this is the foreshortening you have mastered on his arm/hand! I LOVE this Starz..wonderful!! :D

Starz, wake up. We need a new GGA. I know its Labor Day weekend but I'm waiting to see if the choice in my head is the one that will win. Hehe.

Well this is one I had to do. And I loved doing it, I think I am happy, maybe a few touches here and there but...for the most part finis! photo ref here: http://bubble-gum-heart.deviantart.com/art/katia-with-hat-55806341

This is exquisit SS. What a gorgeous face. The hat, lace, shading. The lips, cleft in her chin nose....Everything is perfection!

Oh my, this is so beautiful. The lace and how you've highlighted the stiches of this fine shawl/upper part of her clothing is gorgeous. The lips and hat are to die for. Beautiful the way her eyes show through the sheer portion of this stunning hat. I've always loved hats on women and what a stunning woman she is. Really beautiful work here...I'm enjoying your drawings.

(Edited on August 13, 2008, 7:47 pm)

The texture of the lace and the fabric in the hat; the glow of her skin; the lighting on her lips .... sultry, chic and sexy as hell!

Stunning.
I have missed your work here as I have so many others that seem to have left a while.
Having just started drawing again myself, I see this and wonder if I should bother at all. Hehe.
Of course I know that I will bother because I enjoy it so much. If we were all of this calibre then nobody would admire this work as we do.
There is so much to admire here.

Thanks everyone, I don't know why, but every now and again I get into these moods where I feel as though I am sitting still, and it makes it hard for me to do my art, I want to, but when I pick up the stylus, I stop and go..no, not right now, I just am not feeling it..I have probably gone through countless stages in my life where I have laid aside my art and pursued some other passion with gusto. Many times there have been years and even decades where I couldn't bring myself to sit and draw, even though I knew I could...I was so thankful for sketchfu because it brought art back into my life with out the expense and the mess that art often entails, and suddenly I felt as though I had been reborn again. Then I found other sites and of course here, and again I felt a new stirring..but then I got to feel as though again I am standing still, so I look for other avenues with which to put my creative juices to use. But I realize that I must continue to pursue my drawing or loose a big part of my life that I was luckily gifted to. So, I will force myself because I know in the long run I will be the better for it..so if I am gone at times it is just that pesky bug eating away at me, unrest, and know that I miss you all and appreciate you and the friendship that has been so wonderfully bestowed upon me, and for that I am so grateful. So I know I am not the best with comments,lol, I can draw, but just can't write, know that I look at all the art you do, and I love each and every piece, but am not the best at putting my feelings for them down on paper. You all are so talented and gifted, and it has been a great pleasure to get to know you all, THANKS FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!-TERRY

Amazing work Starz! I hope you continue to share your talent with us, you are truly gifted.

My my, what glorious work this is - I think "time outs" help people piece things together in their heads...very inspiring, Terry!

Oh Terry, this is just divine! You really know how to pick your subjects and you are the master of depicting them. I love the lacy shawl/blouse with its delicate chalkiness. I prefer your crop to the original with the diagonal sweep almost filling the canvas. So glad to have you back with us however infrequently that might be. You are too hard on yourself about the comments – I'm always thrilled to hear from you. I share your feelings about Fu and Ginkgo and the wonderful friends we've made along the way. You will always have a special place in my heart.

Starz... you are amazing, simply amazing! Don't ever sell yourself short, your warm and thoughtful comments have inspired me, so I think, am certain others must feel the same. This gift you have is priceless, your ability is remarkable! What I have always loved best about you is your heart. You are kind, thoughtful and totally without arrogance. Thank you for the art and so much more!

The execution here is astounding. I checked ou the ref and you nailed this to a tee. Your use of textures is wonderful. Those LIPS! On a side note...having read your hearfelt comments about your inconsistant presence are soooooooooo heartfelt and warm and considerate. I commend you for your openness and I agree with everything Aakyra said. You are always so giving of your time to help others also. Broavw Starz....nice to see you back. Your art is so inspiring.

Your work just amazes me. Your detail and life-likeness is stunning. Excellent work Starz!

Hi "Terry"!! This is such an amazingly beautiful "work of art". Your talent never ceases to amaze me. I am so glad to see you back here..drawing again. I also want to thank you for taking the time to comment on my "lighthouse" draw....and for all the advice and suggestions...on what I can do to improve my draws. I'm gonna take your advice, and I'm gonna keep practicing...and see what happens. Thank you soooo much...you are such an amazing artist....I really appreciate your opinions and any suggestions or advice that you can give me is greatly appreciated.

All I can say is ditto to all the comments above. This is above & beyond. You out did yourself!

Absolutely amazing!! Beautiful :) It has a very Grace look to it, I actually thought it was hers when I saw the thumbnail. So pretty!! I always think I have a new favorite of yours and then you blow me away again. Very nice

Excellent Portrait Terry!Amazing textures and lighting!So very nice to always see your work of art!

What a beauty in black and white! Truly amazing detailing wonderful work!

Outstanding work, Starz and very dramatic pose. Congrats on a great piece! :D

awesome ! on everything :) its like you can touch that painting !

She is absolutely breathtaking Starz!

Been busy lately, but dropped by to do a pic...

Have missed you, Ms. Starz! WELL ... he is a beauty. He looks both 3D and lit from within. Amazing!

This is perfection Star. Glad to see you.

Beautifully done Starz. What a lovely coloured bird and those pine needles are great too.

What a beauty! Fabulous color and yet again your eye for detail amazes me.

Lovely Blue Jay and the tree branches...picture perfect!: )

This is beautiful! I love those light feathers on the back of his neck, really pretty and soft. The pine needles and limbs look so realistic. I agree, it does look 3D! I am glad you had time for this painting, I've missed seeing your work!

You detail is beyond belief...I would love to be able to do something this perfect. Best draw I have seen in a very long time! Beautiful!

Gorgeous, Terry....those blues.....!

Wow! My gosh this is outstanding. The branches and pines are so beautiful from the coloring to the crisp sharpness of the pines and then how softly they look in the background..wow. The birds coloring of blues and feather strokes are gorgeous. This is so beautiful, wow.

Beautiful blues Starz! These are my favorite shades of blue and this jay just stands out from the background. Your nature scenes are just awesome!

"Wow"!! This picture is a "masterpiece"....I just sat here and stared at it for awhile....it just "boggles my mind" how you can create such "perfection" with all of your draws.
You are just soooo amazing.....I never get tired of looking at your artwork.

Wow! Beautiful, beautiful! Fabulous, too! He looks like I could touch him. ;)

wow i think all is so well done in that pic ! I like very much the pine colors and branches in the background and that cute lil bird :)

Love this! Right down to that wishbone-shaped broken twig! Super job! I'm making my wish right now.....shhhh....(May all my birdie draws come out half this nice!) ;)