Blog « Antemortem Arts | Art & Writing by Amy Crook

Cuppa Cheer

Posted on January 4th, 2016

Cuppa Cheer by Amy Crook

Cuppa Cheer, 7″x5″ pen & ink and Copic marker on paper

If you’re on my (admittedly tiny) holiday card list, you’ve already seen this art! I haven’t yet put the gold paint on this image for scanning reasons, but I’d be happy to gild the cup’s golden edges for you if you want some extra sparkle for your home.

This painting would add some cheer to any Christmas-celebrating home. Put it in a frame and pull it out at the holidays every year to celebrate both the season and the value of a good cuppa tea.

What kind of tea do you like best?

Cuppa Cheer, detail, by Amy Crook

Cuppa Cheer, detail, by Amy Crook

Above, you can see the holly decorating the teabag tag on this cheerful cuppa. Below, it’s sitting in a plain frame, though one could easily find a beautiful holiday holder for future display.

Cuppa Cheer, framed art by Amy Crook

Cuppa Cheer, framed art by Amy Crook

Categories: Floating Gallery, Series and Books, Things I'm a Fan Of, Whimsical and Strange
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December Patron Sketches

Posted on December 30th, 2015

My darling patrons over at Patreon get to request sketches when their pledge is $5 or more a month (and color for $10), and I thought I would round up the three little sketches we have from a busy December.

Portrait of the Artist in a Weasley Sweater by Amy Crook

Portrait of the Artist in a Weasley Sweater by Amy Crook

Sam and Dean Winchester at Christmas by Amy Crook

Sam and Dean Winchester at Christmas by Amy Crook

Lestrade Takes Down the Decorations by Amy Crook

Lestrade Takes Down the Decorations by Amy Crook

Categories: Whimsical and Strange
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Best of 2015: 13 Artist’s Picks

Posted on December 28th, 2015

Artist's Choice: Best of 2015 from Amy Crook

It’s the most reflective time of the year, when we all think back on what was shiny and good in the previous year. Since I enjoyed the post so much last year, I thought I’d once again choose a baker’s dozen of favorites, first month by month and finally one art to rule them all. Or something.

Read the rest of this entry »

Categories: Words Words Words
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Ghost

Posted on December 8th, 2015

Ghost by Amy Crook

Ghost by Amy Crook

What haunts you?

The inspiration from this image came from dozens of images of ghosts over many years. The faces pushing through the wall in Frighteners. Photographs of sheets with a vague sense of a human underneath that clearly show there is no one. The classic Halloween costume of a sheet with eye holes.

This ink is a beautiful pale grey with ghostly lavender undertones that worked perfectly to created the subtle shadows in this piece. Is it just a bunch of shapes, or is there really a face? Is that shadows against a wall, or is it really reaching out for you?

Ghost, 5″x7″ ink wash on paper.

Ghost, detail, by Amy Crook

Ghost, detail, by Amy Crook

Above, you can see the detail of his serious, ghostly face. Below, he’s trapped in a frame, just waiting to spook up the right house.

Ghost, framed art by Amy Crook

Ghost, framed art by Amy Crook

Categories: Angels, Cthulhu, and Other Myths, Floating Gallery, People, Figures and Faces, Zombies, Skulls, and Other Morbid Things
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Blowfish

Posted on December 7th, 2015

Blowfish by Amy Crook

Blowfish by Amy Crook

My love affair with colors my scanner hates continues! This lovely creature is painted in two shades of purple ink, with bonus black in the eyes and the same rich teal for irises as the water she’s swimming through.

This ink wash blowfish is just adorable. She only wants to be left alone! I’m sure she’ll calm down and make friends once she knows you’re not out to eat her for dinner.

Those spines would be hard on the gullet, anyway. Ow.

Blowfish, 8″x8″ brush & ink and ink wash on Fluid watercolor paper.

Blowfish, detail, by Amy Crook

Blowfish, detail, by Amy Crook

Above, you can see her cute little ooh-face up close, her shining eyes begging you not to try to have her for lunch. Below, you can see her swimming in her own tank, er, frame, just waiting to be transferred to her new home.

Blowfish, framed art by Amy Crook

Blowfish, framed art by Amy Crook

Categories: Floating Gallery, Sea Creatures and Other Animals, Whimsical and Strange
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Cheshire Catnap

Posted on December 5th, 2015

Cheshire Catnap by Amy Crook

Cheshire Catnap by Amy Crook

Caturday is the perfect day to give yourself a catnap.

This fuzzy Cheshire Cat is just in it for the naps, much like every other cat I’ve ever met. His floof has floof, and one can only imagine the grin on him when he’s awake.

Where do you need a little bit of wonderland in your life? This kitty would be great in a bedroom or nursery, soothing someone to join him in sleep.

Purr.

Cheshire Catnap, 6″x6″ brush & ink and ink wash on Fluid watercolor paper.

Cheshire Catnap, detail, by Amy Crook

Cheshire Catnap, detail, by Amy Crook

Above, you can see this mystical kitty’s sleeping face, soft and bright blues giving its markings some mystery. Below, he’s tucked in a temporary frame, waiting for his forever home.

Cheshire Catnap, framed art by Amy Crook

Cheshire Catnap, framed art by Amy Crook

Categories: Floating Gallery, Sea Creatures and Other Animals
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Distance 2

Posted on December 4th, 2015

Distance 2 by Amy Crook

Distance 2 by Amy Crook

Misty hills ascend into the distance, where a single gold light shines out of a structure atop the farthest reaches.

The night descends in beautiful teal, just a few stars starting to peek out through the twilight.

What draws your imagination out wandering?

Distance 2, 4″x6″ ink wash on watercolor paper.

Distance 2, detail, by Amy Crook

Distance 2, detail, by Amy Crook

Above, you can see the detailed texture of ink and paper, and the tiny pinpoint of golden light beckoning you to the summit. Below, the piece is in a frame like the view out of a tall window, waiting to bring some peace to your hectic desk.

Distance, framed art by Amy Crook

Distance, framed art by Amy Crook

Categories: Abstract and Just Plain Weird, Floating Gallery, Flowers, Trees and Landscapes, Series and Books
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