Today is Bjarnheiður's birthday! She is a dear friend of mine here in Reykjavik, and we are about to head out the door to go celebrate with her. She really liked what I had sketched and really loves this song, so I think it's only right that she receive this piece as a present when I am finished with it. Bea, which is a nickname of hers that is far easier to pronounce, is the kindest person I have ever met. She is so sweet and thoughtful, and she deserves a sweet and thoughtful gift. :)

In the little while I had to work on art today, I sketched the flowers, inked the lettering in gold, and erased out as much of the pencil as I could with my kneadable eraser before putting down some watercolor. I already feel a bit daunted by this piece. I have stared at that bottle wondering just how I am going to put a ship in there. I know it is all part of the process, so I think it'll get there.

I'll be back tomorrow with more. :) I hope you like it so far and are enjoying seeing this progress along the way.

For those of you familiar with the show, I probably don't need to explain that I am a big Parks & Recreation fan. For those of you who aren't familiar with the show, the main character in the show, Leslie Knope, creates a holiday the day before Valentine's Day called Galentine's Day. It is a day for ladies to celebrate ladies. I had some fun the past couple days coming up with these Galentine's Day card designs, and I'm giving them to you for free (Creative Commons license information below). Ladies, let's celebrate the ladies in our lives; the poetic, noble land-mermaids that support us through thick and thin! Click on the links below the images to download printable versions! :)