Deb Donnelly

2012-02-14T06:38:00.000-08:00

yesterday I went and met some lovely folks that get together regularly and go to different places and sketch. the meetup up yesterday took place at the lincoln park conservatory. I did a couple sketches on site but also took some great photos. maybe those photos will turn into journal pages too!

2012-01-30T06:53:00.000-08:00

Recent commission for a retiring judge

Fairy bobble head

2012-01-17T18:23:00.000-08:00

Commissioned

Courtney...a fairy bobble head

Realistic Pet Portraits

2012-01-13T08:31:00.000-08:00

Now offering realistic pet portraits
as well as pet caricatures!
from photos
above recent finished sample close up
you can see progression of this one
on my tailtoons blog here

bobble heads for Christmas

2011-12-16T06:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas Card Art

2011-12-16T06:44:00.001-08:00

and of course the flying pigs

2011-12-16T03:53:00.000-08:00

a little bit of scrimshaw

2011-12-16T03:50:00.001-08:00

the above was just one for fun

above was an order of a child's artwork reproduced in scrimshaw

and a pet Id tag in scrimshaw

doggie caricatures

2011-12-16T03:41:00.001-08:00

who let the dogs out?

Christmastime

2011-12-16T03:30:00.000-08:00

I have done a ton or ornaments this season
last year was mostly people caricatures
this year has been mainly pets
also dog caricatures
here are a few of this years

recent commission

2011-11-15T04:25:00.001-08:00

Grandpa and the boys
these make a really nice gift for someone special on your list!

Christmas is coming

2011-11-15T04:20:00.001-08:00

A Bears Fan Snowman

Ornaments from photos

retirement bobble head

2011-10-25T07:36:00.001-07:00

everyday is saturday!

another bobble head commission

2011-10-25T07:32:00.000-07:00

Karina, Jamie,Lucy, Sylvester& Levi

Make a Difference Day Stuff a Truck Event in Wheaton

2011-10-25T07:26:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to represent Wheaton Drama
at a recent event called Stuff a Truck for the
Make a difference Day in
downtown Wheaton last weekend
here are a couple photos courtesy of Steve Merkel
it turned out to be a gorgeous day
and they had a great turn out
and collected lots of food!

recent gig photos early halloween party

2011-10-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

only a couple of kids were dressed up
the house was full of great decorations!

dog caricatures

2011-10-04T06:55:00.000-07:00

so it seems

2011-10-03T03:15:00.000-07:00

facebook has pretty much killed bloggers

Another Dog Event

2011-10-01T03:36:00.000-07:00

I will be at Two Bostons @ 75th street in naperville today
from 11am-3pm doing dog caricatures...try to take some photos
come on out!

CS Barks Dog Festival

2011-09-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

This little pup has her own facebook page...for real
she is a cutie!

Maggie had a big red flower on her collar

Thanks to everyone that came out in nasty weather
on Sun to the Barks event in Carol Stream.
I drew a lot of pups wish I had taken more pics
was just trying to keep everything dry...wiped off
a little rough in the rain but had a lot of fun!
If anyone whos dog I drew could send me a photo
of your dog and drawing that would be awesome!

Furry Kids...caricatures and gift ideas

2011-09-16T08:59:00.000-07:00

I have a dog event this weekend CS Barks Dog Festival
at Armstrong Park in Carol Stream
I will be doing caricatures of dogs and their pets...uh I mean owners!
Noon until 4 pm Sun. Sept 18 Come on out and get one
custom gift items will be on display as well.

long time no posting

2011-09-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry for such a long time between posts
my last few gigs I could not photograph
here are some of my latest creations
for the upcoming holidays...

All available from me directly or in my Etsy shop
Custom Caricature Ornaments also available
email me at debili@comcast.net

caricatures at sidewalk sale naperville

2011-07-14T13:20:00.001-07:00

this little girl said can you put a bow in my hair?
I always wear a bow
except for today!

nice pose for the photo!

there was a face painter down the block

this was a treat to grandma from herself
she said she had waited for the face painting for 25 mins
and now it was her turn!

freckles, freckles, and more freckles

talk about freckles...so cute!

this little lady was so excited to get her picture drawn
she said she loved it ...she kept giggling
I asked if she like it then...
then she said it was just adorable!!!!

this little one was so sweet
and wanted her FP in the drawing
after her brother got drawn
she came and gave him a big hug and a kiss
it was sooo sweet!

Director of Arranmore Center for the Arts

they made him go first....

International Villages in Schaumburg

2011-07-02T04:54:00.001-07:00

this little girl had hair down past her...
well it was really long LOL

Summer days...
We are having some hot hot days in Chicago
I was actually set up in the shade at this event
Thank goodness! Whew
the great faces were painted by Margi

International Villages Picnic-Lombard

2011-07-02T04:46:00.000-07:00

I missed taking pics
of the first few people that I drew
It was pretty hot at this event
in Lombard but lots of fun!

Jordan's Grad Party

2011-06-27T06:09:00.000-07:00

A bobble head of Jordan
for this awesome grad
Congrats Jordan!

Iona's daughters

Family friends

Iona and Susie

this was her special request

A bird and a fish and volleyball?....ok

she said she is really a cubs fan!

another special request

A first anniversary...

Jordan is an amazing young man
with two fantastic parents
who are my friends
to say that Jordan has come a long way
is an understatement
You can read more about this familys journey
from my links on the right

Rhonda and Rick threw a great party
the food was awesome
and your friends and family
such nice people...
I had a great time
thanks for having me
Congrats again Jordan!

Monas Grad Party for Bobby

2011-06-14T14:36:00.001-07:00

Adam my partner in crime...

Look at this little cutie! love the flower!

We started out with buttons...

but soon they wanted groups
can't fit 3 on a button

onto doubles and triples...
I kind of thought this might happen!

I received a lovely note from Mona today...

Hi Deb,

I cannot thank you enough for the both

of you doing such a fantastic job on Saturday at Bobby’s Graduation Party.

You were both amazing and the characters (caricatures) you drew were really wonderful!!!!

I know it was a long party and it showed that you guys really worked hard. I do appreciate everything you guys did to accommodate our guests.

Thanks again for ALL your hard work.

Sincerely,

Mona

and even a second note...and an invite to do her next grad party!

Thanks again.

You and Adam were both amazing!!! I hope he will consider doing Bonnie’s party too. I know 2013 seems far off now but it will be here before you know it. As soon as I confirm the exact date in June ’13, I will contact your for a contract and get the ball rolling. At that time, we can discuss the details which will include the 3^rd artist.

Thanks again so much Deb and Adam, it’s really a pleasure working with you.

Sincerely,

Mona

Thanks Mona!

My Daily Zoo Books Arrived!

2011-06-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

I have just received two books I ordered

for myself from the amazing
Chris Ayers
The illustrations are awesome,
inspiring, full of life and personality
Check out his blog or new books
here is a link to his blog
http://www.chrisayers.blogspot.com/
With Chris's permission I uploaded the postcards...
Thanks Chris for the great sketches and little extras
what a great gift to myself!

Glenbrook North Over Night Lock In

2011-06-08T10:09:00.001-07:00

Marc and Erics Party

2011-06-08T09:26:00.000-07:00

here is another bobble head caricature gift
I presented to the guest of honor
it was a big hit!!!

This party was lots of fun
really nice folks and they really enjoyed the caricatures
Thanks Marc and Eric!!!

kaylans party

2011-06-08T09:19:00.001-07:00

Above a fairy bobble head caricature of the birthday girl!

More Gift Caricatures

2011-06-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

I am finally able to post
some of my latest commissions
since they have now received their gifts
this one of Tina and Virgil was for their
25th wedding anniversary
it is a bobble head!
They loved it

Gift Caricature

2011-06-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

I just received a nice note from a customer

My husband absolutely loved his picture!!!
Thank you so much.
Did you keep a copy by chance of the drawing
for maybe a tile or a scrimshaw?

Bridget Gleason

day at the farm

2011-05-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

We went to Klein Creek Farm a couple weeks ago I guess it was
and watched the horses plowing the old fashioned way...
we got to pet the foal

little neighbor girl

2011-05-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

they call her Ya Ya
she is quite the character
and wilder than all three of her brothers!

Signage

2011-05-18T08:22:00.001-07:00

Simple signage for Flower Sale

Book Deb to draw at your event!

2011-04-16T07:08:00.000-07:00

I am currently offering a
free bobble head caricature
of the guest of honor
when you book me to entertain
drawing live caricatures
at your party or celebration!
Contact me for availability and pricing

Wedding Couple

2011-04-01T17:32:00.001-07:00

I will be drawing caricatures

at the wedding reception
this image is to be used on cd covers
and possible signature board

NOSC Chicago

2011-03-24T11:35:00.001-07:00

this is for a gentleman who is leaving the Navy
and has been stationed at NOSC Chicago
Great Lakes Base
bobble head

Julianas Birthday

2011-03-22T06:21:00.000-07:00

the birthday day girl...
she also got a bobble head caricature from me!

mom

dad

twins

This was a really cool place to have a birthday celebration
Illinois Benedictine Art Dept.
the kids got a tour of the place
and saw a ton of different types of artwork
great people, great food,
lots of fun!

Fine Arts Festival Lincolnway East

2011-03-22T06:12:00.001-07:00

I have not posted any live work for some time
my last couple of gigs my dear friend Kate
was there helping and taking photos for me
so here are some recent live party style caricatures
Lincolnway East Fine Arts festival

sneakers

2011-03-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

his tail wags and his head bobbles!

Paw Prints Bobble Head Sign

2011-03-16T15:15:00.000-07:00

This is for Joan
who is opening a new pet supply store in Vegas
three layer bobble head

this little piggy

2011-03-14T07:08:00.001-07:00

my new little business card holder

the cop shop

2011-03-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

Kate

For Kate
this is three layers
each piece is laminated
that is the glare in photo

Bobbles

2011-03-14T06:42:00.000-07:00

A Birthday Bobble head for Joslyn!
this is three layers
each piece is laminated!

I call these bobbles
they are becoming quite popular

Another Bobble Head Rhonda

2011-03-09T09:08:00.001-08:00

the photo does not show her chest
but really...it is pretty accurate!
LOL
Happy Birthday Lady!

Clay Caricatures

2011-03-02T15:27:00.001-08:00

Changed her shirt and took off her eye shadow
ahhhh that's better!

a work in progress....
caricatures in clay!

Dimensional and Bobble Head Caricatures Now Available!

2011-02-25T07:43:00.000-08:00

above sets within a regular frame
and can be hung or stand as shown

this bobble head was designed as a clip on
and is one of my new self caricatures too!

twin eagles

2011-02-21T16:50:00.001-08:00

Tony and Gus
at Twin Eagles Bar and Restaurant

new self caricature

2011-02-18T11:16:00.000-08:00

messing around with some new images!
changed my header in here too!

tattoo designs

2011-02-18T11:13:00.000-08:00

for a dear friend!

whoopi

2011-02-16T17:35:00.000-08:00

here is another new one...
whoopi

childrens artwork in scrimshaw

2011-02-08T14:13:00.000-08:00

scrimshawartist

feel loved. . . you are

2011-02-07T10:49:00.001-08:00

I had a dear friend that was given
a devastating diagnosis last summer
she had been battling cancer for several years
after suffering a seizure and being rushed to emergency
she was told that she now had a brain tumor
and was given weeks to months to live
after hearing this she decided that she and her husband would take
a trip to the keys for one final hoo rah...
I wanted to make something for her that was special
something she could hold in her hand
while she sat on the beach
something so she would know
I had a special poem
that I have been holding onto for years
and it seemed perfect
so I made her a scrimshaw pendant
with these words on the front and on the back is the rest of the poem
it goes like this...
breath deep
talk slow
walk soft
let go
give big
take less
dont count
just guess
act fair
think long
laugh loud
sing strong
plan bold
dream far
feel loved....you are

I dont know if she held it on the beach or not...I never got the chance to ask her
and well it just didnt seem to be an important
thing to ask. after returning
from her trip she was pretty much bed ridden until her passing

I had started making a second one to sell but
it was too difficult for me to finish it at the time...
it was not until this last weekend that I could
finish it!
It is for sale
this one only has the words
feel loved you are
inscribed on it
and will come packaged with the poem
this item is for sale in my etsy shop

she was my friend and I miss her!

changed it again

2011-02-01T11:38:00.001-08:00

working on updating some things on website blog etc.

changed some things
this was a montage created
for that purpose
check it out
let me know what you think
www.debdonnelly.com

Inconspicuous?

2011-02-01T11:29:00.000-08:00

Guess I forgot to post these...
not great photos sorry for the glare
I was asked to draw these guests
Inconspicuously...
it was a little difficult
since they had no clue what I was doing
and not my regular set up
where they sit right in front of me to be drawn
I also could not photograph them with their drawings
but all in all they came out fine!
I also did not get the chance to see their reactions
to their caricatures
hope they enjoyed them!

Quinn's 16th birthday party

2011-02-01T11:12:00.001-08:00

This party was at
Molly Malone's Irish Pub on Madison
in Forest Park.
Cool place, we had the whole up stairs,
the kids were lots of fun!

Karla turns 4

2011-01-27T11:31:00.000-08:00

my youngest grandaughter turns 4 today!
she is such the character
happy birthday karla!
she said she wanted chocolate cake

new celebrity caricature-website updated

2011-01-22T07:26:00.000-08:00

here is a new sample and
i have revamped my website
take a look let me know what you think...
www.debdonnelly.com
that is if anyone is looking...LOL

my grand kids

2011-01-20T16:40:00.000-08:00

aliyah

joslyn

Karla and Carlitos
the little monsters!!!

I always have a hard time drawing my kids...
so here's another try

How about a Caricature Couple Coaster

2011-01-09T16:19:00.001-08:00

Another valentines gift idea for you....
or maybe for an anniversary..
or just because.
Caricature Couple Coaster
painted on a tumbled stone tile
ink and watercolor

Valentine Danglers Now Available

2011-01-09T16:13:00.000-08:00

My stars were very popular over the holidays
so here are some
Valentine Caricature Heart Danglers!
these are done from photos
nice little gift for someone special!
these are ink and water color

New Years Eve Day Celebration in Naperville

2011-01-02T13:42:00.000-08:00

Here are a few caricatures from
New Years Eve at Barnes and Noble in Naperville
I had quite a long line of folks
waiting to be drawn.
Thanks Lara and Arranmore Center for the Arts

company holiday card

2010-12-26T06:45:00.001-08:00

group caricature for company
holiday card...this was fun project!

more caricature ornies

2010-12-26T06:42:00.001-08:00

these sure turned out to be
pretty popular this year heres a few more....

vegas caricature

2010-12-23T15:33:00.001-08:00

my last commission of the season...
a Vegas theme caricature

something a little different

2010-12-13T04:04:00.000-08:00

this was a requested commission piece I just finished
for a customer who is giving this as a retirement gift
kind of a career map of this mans working life it was fun
each of the boxes represent some products he worked on
watercolor and ink...

so cute

2010-12-11T10:26:00.001-08:00

these two are the cutest ones I have made all season!

I love snowmen

2010-12-06T05:10:00.000-08:00

Chicago has its first snow of the season
it is freezing here today like 9 degrees...burr!
the only thing I like about
snow is SNOWMEN!

surprise birthday party...lots of fun

2010-12-06T04:57:00.000-08:00

this gig was a surprise party in Tinley Park
lots of folks in from Colorado
it was an awesome party great DJ
best I have heard at a party in a long time
Thanks Therese
really enjoyed your family and friends!

lots of caricature ornaments

2010-12-04T06:04:00.001-08:00

these are turning out to be quite popular for me this year!
these are just a few from last couple days at LBP MFG in Cicero
thanks Mary!

Caricature Ornaments...why not

2010-11-16T13:58:00.001-08:00

I am having fun doing these caricature ornaments!

It is that time again...

2010-11-16T13:50:00.000-08:00

Book Illustration

2010-11-10T12:38:00.000-08:00

for a friend of mine putting together her own little book
the story goes she and her brother were sneaking
around in the dark on Christmas eve
trying to see what they got...
he stepped on the lever of the punching bag
which then punched him in the face!

40th Birthday Gift

2010-10-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

Commission gift Caricature...
whe loved it and he will get this at his party tonite!

A Gift for Peggy

2010-10-22T05:18:00.000-07:00

This is a going away gift for this woman
who is moving to Chicago soon!
I was asked to incorporate all the items in...
pockets on front of her skirt
all the sports logos
Harry Potter book, banana, ugly xmas sweater
shoes, pigeons, the arch the liquor
so this was my final result!

FUNDRAISER TODAY WARRENVILLE VFW

2010-10-03T05:49:00.000-07:00

nOON TO 5PM
volley-for-the-cure-breast-cancer-fundraiser
I will be doing face painitng and caricatures!

Volley for a Cure

2010-09-25T05:28:00.000-07:00

Revised Samples
These are a couple of the coaches
for the upcoming pre-game party
for Susan G Komen
Race for a cure
the kids play to raise money
towards the fight to end breast cancer
this event takes place on Oct. 3 2010
in Warrenville at the VFW
COME ON OUT TODAY AND SEE ME!

Anniversary Caricature

2010-09-25T05:23:00.000-07:00

Clayton and Cat
One year anniversary

Your brain is a masterpiece

2010-09-25T05:18:00.000-07:00

Gift caricature for a retiring
Nuerosurgeon
I love the saying on here.

The Groomsmen

2010-09-25T05:15:00.000-07:00

Recent Commission
Gift Caricatures of
The Groomsmen for
Mike and Becky

Hinsdale Hospital

2010-09-21T04:58:00.001-07:00

Above Barbara Fallon the lady who organized this event...Thanks Barb
the event is to celebrate the beginning of all the new construction
happening at the hospital...the background of the drawings
is how the new area will look and
was incorporated into the caricatures
something a little different

The event ran over three different shifts
noon, 5 pm, and midnight

Joey's First brithday

2010-08-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

above the birthday boy with a friend...missed getting a photo of him

this little gal had missing teeth
and one she was trying to push out with her tongue
and she didnt mind showing them LOL!

this little guy had no smile...no teeth!
or glasses while I was drawing him...

Chicago Gig

2010-08-11T08:18:00.001-07:00

this guy was one of the last I drew,
he was giving everyone a hard time all day
he seemed to like his!

she was so spyched to get a drawing
said she was going to use hers
on her face book page...

this guy was so excited to get his caricature drawn
he was almost jumping up and down...so funny!

this lady was too funny...all these people were so much fun!

Here are a few from my last gig in Chicago
the adults were more excited than the kids
and a real happy bunch of folks
seemed like a great group of people that work together
it always makes it a lot easier to go to work
if you have fun with your co workers!
what a fun bunch!
thanks Dana!

Ali

2010-08-11T08:15:00.001-07:00

This is one of my grand children's cousins...
I did this just from memory of her
not while she was in front of me...

Another Birthday Gift

2010-08-11T08:14:00.000-07:00

Birthday Gift

2010-08-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

Mikes Spiedes

2010-07-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

My brother.in.law makes these great things called
SPIEDES pronounced speedies
I guess they originate in New York
It is marinated pork bites grilled on skewers
you eat them on bread with a vinegar dressing
they are awesome!
anyway he needed a sign
he will be at the car show cooking Spiedes
and will use the sign for future cookouts!

LIVE this Saturday

2010-07-30T04:18:00.000-07:00

I will be at the Wheel in the Woods
Car Show in Sandwich
this Saturday all day
doing LIVE caricatures and
Face Painting
come on out and see me!

another commission piece

2010-07-28T17:43:00.001-07:00

this was done for four sisters
they have started a tradition of family or
sisters reunion this year
one of the sisters put together a scrapbook page
and similar to a family tree
each sister is represented by a season
I really like the way this turned out!

recent commission

2010-07-28T17:25:00.000-07:00

this is a recent commission
I did for a 50th birthday gift
the man has a new brick deck with this open grill
in the center of it
he is also a accountant and does taxes
plays tennis and golf

Taylors Birthday

2010-06-30T06:19:00.000-07:00

Taylors 8th b-day party
they had a petting zoo
with little baby pigs and goats
pony rides
lots of activities for the kids
and me!
great party lots of fun!

Mark...another 50th Birthday

2010-06-22T12:02:00.001-07:00

This is my nieces husband Mark
they had a birthday party for him and a couple
of his friends who also turn 50 this year
So I took him this...I probably have not seen
this guy for like 15 or so years
later in the evening after the brews were flowing pretty good
I did some quick sketch caricatures of the guests sitting around
I have not taken pictures at the last couple of gigs or
from this party it was fun they seemed to enjoy it!

Wedding Gift Commission

2010-06-10T05:32:00.001-07:00

Gift for friends wedding

Grad Night Lock In

2010-06-10T05:16:00.000-07:00

Glenbrook North Grad night lock IN
Congrats to all of you!!!!

moving day

2010-06-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

YUCK!
geez have not posted anything in quite a while
will be back at it soon!
moving is NOT my favorite thing to do
what a bummer!

Markies First Birthday

2010-04-26T05:10:00.000-07:00

This is Maria..on the right...the host of this great party
I missed getting a photo of the last drawing
of Maria and her husband
this party was at Monestero's a great banquet hall
owned by Marias parents
it is in Chicago...
thanks Maria for having me!

Naperville North grad Night Lock In

2010-04-26T04:52:00.000-07:00

two of these young ladies were on crutches
bummer!

these 4 guys were hysterical!

Grad night Lock In at Naperville North HS
this went until 3 am
I missed taking about 4 or 5 photos
this was a lot of fun too!
Thanks Brenda for having me!

alexas birthday

2010-04-26T04:40:00.000-07:00

saturday afternoon
I was drawing caricatures at
alexas birthday celebration...
we started out with black and white drawings
but added in some color toward the
end of the day...
This was a fun party
thanks Georgia for having me!
they also had a face painter
as you can see
then it was on to grad night in Naperville