A collaboration with my Brother

So growing up in my family, my brother was always considered the "Artist" and my mom and I dabbed in crafts. After college I got more serious about my crafts and took some decorative painting classes and started doing craft shows. My brother went to the Art Institute in Houston for awhile and studied Graphic Design. He now is very successful and lives in California. He isn't in the art field anymore but his girlfriend has got him dabbling in painting again. So for Christmas I asked him to paint me a picture. I discribed a painting I had see but couldn't afford, and was anxious to see his version of it. The other thing about him you should know, is he loves to torment me. So he comes home with two blank canvas' and some paint. He said he'd get me started, but I'd have to finish it. Arggg, I was frustated. I like to have patterns, instructions, or at least some guidance.

I forgot to take before pics of both of the canvas'. What he left me with is the above pic. It was really pretty but too bold of colors for the room I wanted it in. So these canvas' sat in my Mom's guest bedroom for 5 months until last night when I got brave and jumped in to do my part.

So I started toning it down with some turquoise, my new favorite color.


Then I added some clouds, and the silhouettes of two scissortail swallows sitting on a line. I have a real life pair of these birds that live in tree in my front yard every summer. I love to watch them fly and swoop around after insects. I'm really happy with it, and I'll admit that I'm happy it has a little of him and a little of me.