Blue Bayou Babe says Hello!

Hi There Viewer! Say Hello to 'Blue Bayou Babe', one of my fanciful figure studies created with oil and watercolour pencils on paper by Jude Cowell.

Mrs Cholmondeley of the Clematis Family drops by!

Today Secret Moon Art is happy to Welcome Mrs. Cholmondeley of the Clematis Family for tea! So the question must be, milk or lemon?

And perhaps you know that "Cholmondeley" is actually pronounced, "Chumley"! Well, this and other details concerning this lovely bloomer may be found on the International Clematis Society website!

Kassandra's Myth-Prophecy-Blessings

March 1, 2022

The Prophetic Daughter of King Priam and Queen Hecuba

by Jude Cowell

As Putin's war against Ukraine rages on, I want to publish something with a mythological theme here on Secret Moon Art.

So here are a few words concerning Kassandra (aka, Cassandra), a prophetess in Greek Mythology, plus, my drawing Kassandra's Blessings because everyone across the globe could use a few of those just now, even non-believers. How about you?

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Well, perhaps it isn't the best idea to imply by my drawing that the 'blessings' of Kassandra are a good thing even though it was drawn years ago (pencil on paper). For she is often considered in Greek Mythology to be a tragic figure whose gift of prophecy came from sun god Apollo yet he cursed her so that no one believed her prophecies. That she rebuffed the advances of Apollo is one explanation of Apollo's turn against her but there are other possibilities.

Anyway, Cassandra prophesied that her brother Paris would start a war against the city of Troy and this includes the very famous tale and archetype of the Trojan Horse. Additionally, Cassandra's death links to the fabled death of King Agamemnon of Mycenae.

So if you don't know where your natal asteroid Kassandra is, consider the following list of a few related asteroids and their numbers which can be plugged in (by number) on the Serennu website along with your birth date (or any date you choose) and the Astrological Ephemeris will disclose their Zodiacal positions to you:

Kassandra #114

Agamemnon #911

Apollo #1862

Hecuba #108

Priamus #884

Paris #3317

Troy: Troilus #1208; Troja #3912

Now from far distant days, here's an ancient Pompeii fresco:

Ajax in Troy drags Cassandra from Palladium before the eyes of Priam.

A Pencil Portrait of 'Nedra'

February 2, 2022

Another Fanciful Figure Study by Jude Cowell

Here's my latest effort, a rather colorful Pencil Portrait of 'Nedra' looking more than a little psychedelic!

You're cordially invited to browse more drawings, fanciful, botanical, and otherwise at Jude Cowll Art.

Here's 'Bella Backstage'!

by Jude Cowell

December 11, 2021

Is my pencil portrait of Bella Backstage too scandalous for Secret Moon Art? Well, Bella lost her home when my Cosmic Persona Designs collection had to be shuttered so here she is in the tradition of artists depicting behind the scenes figure studies!

Dear viewer, what's your opinion, is 'Bella' too scandalous? Leave your Yes or No in a comment below if you wish! jc

Botanical illustration of Creosote in Bloom

by Jude Cowell

Tuesday August 10, 2021: Now I know that folks who are familiar with desert climes must also be familiar with the Creosote bush which grows across the Southwestern United States. Knowledgeable sources inform me that cresote (Larrea tridentata) is an evergreen desert shrub that, because of photosynthesis, always faces southwest - and smells like rain!

But unfortunately, drought, lack of water, and massive fires now afflict large parts of the southwestern region of the US so true confession: I have no current information on how creosote bushes are managing such difficult conditions these days.

Therefore, I'm posting my botanical drawing Creosote in Bloom with a hope that the venerable evergreen will come through its trials and bloom freely once again!

And remember, you have a standing invitation to browse my Art Portfolio of drawings 24/7! jc

Illustration: Puppy Dog Destroys Evil Dot!

July 16, 2021: Good News!

Here from 2018 is a symbolic illustration, Puppy Dog Destroys Evil Dot, by Holden, age 6 at the time:

Thank Goodness that evil and menacing dot was destroyed by a very brave Puppy Dog!

~:~

And for those who are fond of Children's Art in general, you may wish to check out the 'ShroomHome of Merri Chimes perpetrated some time ago by yours truly!

New! Mask On Mask

June 4, 2021: For you, here is a freshly perpetrated pencil depiction currently titled, Mask On Mask:

Your Portrait of Aerica!

June 4, 2021: Here's that Portrait of Aerica we talked about:

Just barely visible: her bracelet with Chiron symbol!

Browse 24/7 and maybe purchase a pillow, art print, greeting card, or mug from my Jude Cowell Art Portfolio! Because you know that stranger things have happened...

New for You! Jude's World Art Party 2021!

March 5, 2021: Surprising even myself, I've just created another art slidehow of my favorite pencil portraits mixed with a few recent drawings and fanciful figure studies which, you may agree, have a visionary quality. Enjoy!

'Set List' in order of appearance: Jude's World Art Party 2021!, Secret Gazer, Aerica, Analise, Past Has a Way, Chironia, Hen Party, Gina, Ceres and Persephone, Hermesia, Roxy's Red Room. Do you have a favorite?

Well, guess what? More browsing awaits you in my Fine Art America Portfolio.

Imagine My Surprise When Bebe Dropped By!

February 10, 2021: As I was expecting someone else this evening, a surprise visit from Bebe took me by...well, surprise!

The Return of Hyacinth in Blue!

February 8, 2021: My suspicion is that Hyacinth in Blue has appeared in the Secret Moon Art collection before so if that's the case, then Hyacinth has returned to say, Hello You!

This Prismaclor oil and Rexel Derwent watercolour pencil (dry) 'fanciful figure study' on black paper is brought to you by Jude Cowell Art.

Portrait of Delphine Marie in progress!

January 13, 2021: Look what this morning's Capricorn New Moon inspired - a new pencil portrait was begun, this time of Delphine Marie:

Hope you'll mosey back later on for a view of Delphine's completed portrait!

New! Hermiony's Gaze by Jude Cowell

January 4, 2020: First, Happy New Year to All! Second, over the holidays a drawing has been completed! Here's 'Hermiony's Gaze' and my suspicion is that she's gazing at you, dear viewer!

Art Note: Browsing artwork is good for you...

Portrait of 'Monica Rose' almost completed!

An End-Of-2020 Art Update from pencil artist Jude Cowell

December 26, 2020: If you by chance follow my Instagram feed at all you may have seen the first scan of my Portrait of 'Monica Rose' which, in its in-progress state, shows a whole bunch of black paper, unpenciled as of then (December 22nd). Only the bare basics are committed to paper because you have to start somewhere!

Well, below is the second scan (v2) of my drawing which is quite a bit more completed as of today. Yet as every artist knows, decisions must be made soon concerning 'her' background (if any! or should I leave her 'floating'?), the color/s of her eye shadow, the rest of the mandala behind her, and any other finishing touches which may be required.

Naturally, once such decisions are made and perpetrated, a final v3 version of Monica Rose will be published - either here in this very gallery, or perhaps in my Jude Cowell Art Portfolio at Fine Art America where she might turn up as an art print, a greeting card, or maybe decorating a coffee mug!

But for now, just for you, here is Monica Rose v2, such as she is! How do you like her red gloves?

My preferred pencils: Prismacolor Oils and Rexel Derwent Watercolour Pencils (used dry only).

A 1982 World's Fair Illustration: Music Pop!

In 1982, my family attended the World's Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee. Over 11 million people attended the festive affair and if memory serves, the Chinese Pavilion was the most popular attraction by far. Discovered in 1974, China's famous Terracotta Army was a great hit and was responsible for the longest line we stood in on that very hot day.

Getting the Party Started!

President Ronald Reagan opened the fair with a speech on May 1, 1982 and six months later it closed on October 31, 1982. Now I don't know about Mr. Reagan, but between funnel cakes and our first-ever taste of boxed milk (Parmalat I think it was) our tummies had few if any complaints!

During our visit my children rode the largest ferris wheel any of us had ever seen (or hope to see again if I may say so!) - 165 feet tall - but once they reached the pinnacle Mom (moi) had to be coaxed away to have dinner with friends and thus avoid seeing her (my) kids wa-a-ay up in the sky when the wheel stopped. Because that was the problem -- it was so high they were completely out of sight at the top. Unnerving!

Yet we all survived intact, and once we skedaddled back home to Georgia, my children were inspired to create illustrations of some of the exciting attractions they'd seen.

Here's one now:

So I'm thinking that if you can spare 59 seconds, you might enjoy a vintage 1982 World's Fair Commercial !! It's pretty...1982-ish.

New Art! Bridget's Blossom

A fanciful figure study, Bridget's Blossom<, by Jude Cowell; pencil on paper.

Rita Returns for an Assignation!

Once upon a time this quirky little drawing was called, Rita Remembers.

Then this very day I completed it, retitled it, and now it's simply called, Assignation:

Why not browse more Jude Cowell Art 24/7 in my Fine Art America Portfolio if and as you wish! Browsing Art is good for you, y'know!

New! A Portrait of Tracey

June 19, 2020: Here's a new drawing, little more than a scribble really, A Portrait of Tracey:

The Return of Troubles Can Swim

June 17, 2020: Here's my pencil drawing Troubles Can Swim which I'm publishing here on Secret Moon Art. If memory serves, the drawing's original appearance occurred in my now-shuttered art collection Cosmic Persona Designs. But here it is:

Note that this drawing was conceived and perpetrated as a mild social commentary on demon alcohol!

And if you wish check out my Jude Cowell Art Portfolio where you can browse 24/7.

A Portrait of Gina Relaxing arrives!

Since today is June 1, 2020 a new fanciful figure study seemed a good idea for Secret Moon Art! So freshly completed, here is a close-up from my Portrait of Gina Relaxing:

And non! Pardon but you cannot view the rest of the drawing because you may be way too far on the youngish side!!

For 24/7 art browsing visit my Jude Cowell Art Portfolio.

Cameo of an Unknown Lady!

May 22, 2020: Since her name is lost to memory and I've yet to run across the actual drawing (I have a plethora to search through!) I'm calling this image and post Cameo of an Unknown Lady:

Doodle On White Paper by Jude Cowell

This Doodle on White Paper was probably perpetrated by yours truly way back in the mid-1980s. Just don't ask if she's worn well!

Portrait of a Viking Warrior Portrait

May 21, 2020: In the 1980s when my son was 11 yo he painted a Portrait of a Viking Warrior and I'm glad to say it's still in my files!

Presenting: A Portrait of Vivika

May 20, 2020: Daringly, A Portrait of Vivika is now published to Secret Moon Art which is rather odd since the drawing was begun on December 7, 2003 and only tonight had finishing touches for scanning and sharing! Way back in 2003 I seem to have been in something of a psychedelic phase wth certain drawings and my imprint (my first art imprint online) was Unscene World which I considered a tip of the hat to Saturn for realism combined with Neptune for imaginary.

Why? Because of my Sun Capricorn-Moon Pisces personality blend! And of course, Neptunian creativity must have a Saturnian container to be poured into or it remains only a dream!

Nowadays I tend to call such drawings and sketches fanciful figure studies.

So here's A Portrait of Vivika:

New but Messy! Dawn at Night

April 27, 2020: Here's a newly completed drawing Dawn at Night. A messy fanciful figure study effort but here she is!

Browse more of my pencil drawings in my portfolio at

Jude Cowell Art.

Primula Viallii Blossoming in Moonlight

April 19, 2020: Here's my pencil on paper rendition of Primula Viallii Blossoming in Moonlight and it seems that a flower fairy has shown up!

A Fanciful Figure Study: Penelope Ponders

Here's Penelope. Pondering for mysterious reasons:

Sasha's Place arrives!

Here's a newly completed fanciful figure study, Sasha's Place:

Prismacolor oil and Derwent watercolour pencils on black paper by Jude Cowell.

There's an Eye on the Wall!

Somewhat on the Egyptian side, here's a concoction entitled,

Eye on the Wall:

New! A Portrait of Aubrey

It's A Portrait of Aubrey for you!

'Aubrey' is inspired by past drawings that once filled my now-shuttered art gallery Cosmic Persona Designs. I miss the gallery, its 'Mask Art' and other imprints such as Cosmic Lilith Art, Boudoir Blossoms, and Chiffonery Art by Jude Cowell.

C'est la vie!

~:~

Now Appearing on Neptune's Silver Screen: International Beauty Catherine Deneuve.

Curious Night by Jude Cowell

Here's my first completed drawing of 2020, Curious Night, a Fairy Art concoction of pencil on paper:

(c) Jude Cowell Art 2020

A Rainy Day? Got my 'ShroomBrella!

Back in the late 1990s into the mid-2000s I did quite a few children's illustrations. One such, drawn for a dummy book I never did anything with entitled, Silvery Tree Path (in which fairies appeared unbidden in my drawings for the first time!), is shown below.

And since today (January 2, 2020) and tomorrow in Raleigh NC, "soaking" rain is in the forecast, I'm publishing 'ShroomBrella because it seems that I may be needing one!

If you like, Please Share! And as always, you're cordially welcome to browse other drawings in my Jude Cowell Art Portfolio at Fine Art America!

New! 3 Fanciful Ladies of Fashion!

This quick sketch '3 Fanciful Ladies of Fashion' falls within my Fanciful Figure Studies category!

Browse my Jude Cowell Art Portfolio any time you wish!

Leaves! Close Up a drawing by Jude Cowell

'Leaves! Close Up' a pencil drawing by Jude Cowell:

A Portrait of Muriel Higgins

October 23, 2019: here's a view of a fanciful figure study,

A Portrait of Muriel Higgins:

Pardon! In this scan Muriel looks a bit faded out which is an unfortunate feature of my scanner now placed on a belly-up watch. Any day now it will go belly up and I'll return to an HP printer-scanner, the brand I never should have left!

Available for browsing 24/7: Jude Cowell Art Portfolio.

Favorites around here are Derwent Watercolour Pencils and Prismacolor Oil Pencils on black paper. Note that one or both videos may include an #ad .

Linger at the Mystic Biscuit Tea Room!

The Mystic Biscuit Tea Room! a pencil drawing by Jude Cowell.

Review: Marilyn Hagar's 'Finding the Wild Inside'

Predator at Dusk; pencil on black paper by Jude Cowell

Having received a graciously provided advance copy of Marilyn Kay Hagar's new book Finding the Wild Inside a book review seems in order and what better spot for such a review than Secret Moon Art where I plop many of my drawings, most of which are done on black paper since the mysterious darkness of the paper makes finding and releasing artful wildness more possible! In fact, many scenes depicted in my drawings are actually images from my dreams, images that drift up from the subconscious mind, and so naturally Marilyn's Finding the Wild Inside spoke to me on that and on several other levels.

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For you see, author Marilyn Hagar is a registered expressive arts therapist with years of training and experience and she has written a book that leads readers on a journey to wholeness and healing through honoring the feminine within and listening to our intuition and deepest instincts for these are the valuable things that modern culture has taught us to ignore and neglect. Yet we neglect at our own peril so, for anyone who wishes to reclaim - or perhaps discover for the first time - a sense of wonder and joy, Finding the Wild Inside may be used as a 'road map' or a template that, if followed, leads one to use dreams, art via drawing, painting, or other, plus, a deepening connection to Mother Nature as viable paths toward renewal and a sense of balance.

All through the book are sprinkled Marilyn's own artwork beginning in childhood which I find curiously affecting on an emotional and psychological level as the various stages of life are met, navigated, and explained with Marilyn's deft touch. Childhood, education, marriage, raising children, and caring for aging parents while dealing with siblings are phases of life that most women (and men) face during their life times and all phases have their innate difficulties, some more than others.

Often difficult phases, events, and responsibilities are made harder to navigate by the 'splitting' of our psyches as described by Carl Jung and other psychologists, and the basic need this creates for self-actualization and the process of individuation, so how to successfully deal with this need? One way is to accept Marilyn Hagar's invitation to readers to come along with her on her own journey which she reveals with humor, insight, dream interpretation, and art. For, thanks to modern society, the 'split' between our conscious and unconscious minds has gone too far, become toxic, and has caused many people to feel lost, confused, or simply numb.

Therefore, making our way back to humanity's instinctual connection with Nature is a must and so I highly recommend Finding the Wild Inside for those who could use an experienced guide to smooth a life path and provide encouragement along the way toward healing, wholeness, and a newfound sense of joy!

Finding the Wild Inside release date October 22, 2019; pre-order paperback or Kindle version by following the Amazon link above!

Jude Cowell October 3, 2019

Sneak a peek at a Rain Tree with Fairy!

At last, Rain Tree with Fairy has returned to Secret Moon Art and this may beg the question, does anyone ever know when or where mystical tree fairies might turn up?

Visit Jude Cowell Art Portfolio for your 24/7 art browsing needs!

A fanciful Portrait of a Fool

Here's a somewhat psychedelic example of what can happen when I draw on white paper, Portrait of a Fool:

New! Constellation Orion and the Full Moon

A certain constellation sparkled directly overhead at the moment of my birth and it often turns up prominently or subtly within my cosmic drawings of the night sky. Here's a 'starry night drawing' for you that I'm calling Constellation Orion and the Full Moon:

You're cordially invited to browse a variety of drawings in my fine or not so fine Art Portfolio if you wish by visiting Fine Art America!

Roxy's Red Room returns!

Once upon a time, yours truly maintained an online art gallery full of my pencil-on-paper creations called Cosmic Persona Designs. Then one day google censorship became tiresome and passe so I shuttered the collection of quite innocent yet fanciful figure studies--some with my 'Boudoir Blossoms' imprint, some known as 'Chiffonery Art'--so that now only breezes waft and browse their way through the gallery's empty corridors, its links leading nowhere, its promise unfulfilled.

But today a return of Roxy's Red Room is in progress here at Secret Moon Art and hopefully a vision of Roxy won't ruffle any viewer's sensitive feathers or chide their admirable modesty!

So for those who dare have a peek...here's Roxy's Red Room:

New! A Portrait of Claryssa Owen

May 20, 2019: The recent acquisition of a new drafting table (glass-topped, quite industrial looking) has inspired a new drawing in my fanciful figure studies series!

Introducing A Portrait of Claryssa Owen:

Isle of Ruins at Juniper Pass