Toy - Illustration Friday

This is why they now make stuffing-free dog toys. Although, Lucky has so much fun, I keep buying her the ones with stuffing.

How did I get here?

Inspiration without discipline.

Lately I have been very inspired to begin a new body of work. This is not it. I have very different ideas than this, but when I showed up in my studio I felt too lazy to follow through. I can't explain it.

Doodling

Just the right pen can inspire a doodle. This was drawn with a double pointed calligraphy felt tip that I have had for a long time. Don't know what made me finally pick it up? I also enjoy doodling with a little watercolor brush.

Small Window of Time

Today, despite the fact that we are not yet experiencing spring weather on spring break - the girls and I took the train to the city to do a little of our favorite shopping. Ellie had lots of Christmas money that she has been saving for American Girl Place and the Lego Store. While she opted out of buying anything at American Girl, she wanted to find out if the hospital there would fix a cat's tail. The answer is "no, dolls only." Every time we go I say "I should work for American Girl," because, heck, wouldn't it be fun to design little play sets for dolls or crafty things for girls to do? I wondered today if it would feel like work as play or if play would feel like work? This small window of time was relished as I realized the girls are big enough to walk from the train down that Magnificent Mile (without whining), but they are getting so big that they will not be interested in American Girl much longer. We met with my friend Steve, who we delivered Girl Scout cookies to (the last of the 227 boxes!). He mentioned that they will soon be interested in other shopping sprees as he was happy to show them shoes that cost over $1,000/pr. Yeah, we won't be doing our shoe shopping on the Magnificent Mile.

Stir - Illustration Friday

Here is a very quick doodle for the topic of "stir."

Colored in Photoshop.

What do you expect from a chocolate lover

who also loves to bake?

Tired of Waiting

Forty five degrees is feeling like quite a lovely warm day today. I am so tired of the cold and snow that I snatched up these 4" pots of tulips at the grocery store. I have tucked them into my dining room planter box. They are so pretty they actually look a little fake and tacky.

Recycle Monkey

I have long been thinking of a craft that could re-use yogurt containers. As far as recycling goes, I would prefer to not use single serving consumables that are packaged in plastic, but I just can't avoid yogurt. If each of my family members ate a yogurt each day, we are talking 28 containers in one week! While we don't eat it that consistently, I'm sure we easily consume 14 per week. I originally thought of covering them with felt and decorating with embroidery to make cute little critters of all kinds. This little monkey is made from 100% recycle materials. (Just a yogurt container and 2 different cereal boxes.) I didn't participate in the "Trash to Treasure" show last year. If it is, in fact, happening again this year - I have an idea that includes many, many monkeys.

Sold

At work last week we had another silent auction and bake sale for fellow co-workers. A mother and daughter who both work at the paper suffered a terrible house fire. We have had several fundraisers for similar situations in the past. The last couple times I brought mandalas, but I don't think anyone bid on them except 'becca - and she is no longer working there. I was reluctant to donate art if no one was interested. So I dug through my flat files and matted some of my Illustration Friday illos. Lately I feel I have been giving away quite a lot of work, as if I can't sell any, but there was interest in these pieces. All sold except for the boot. I'll miss that little flower girl, but she was just tucked away in a drawer for 2 years. More people seemed to have like the cup of coffee which is so so simple. I dream of this simplicity, but then go and make things more complicated. This makes me want to get back to participating in Illustration Friday.

Lots Happening.

Spring Blossoms, Acrylic 20x20

I tend to blog about nothing when not much is happening. Then, when there is a lot going on – no time for blogging. This year is off to an exciting start. The opening of my show at South Shore Arts went well last Friday. I can't thank Melissa and Darlene enough for what they've done! I'm most excited about getting friends and family to a gallery reception who wouldn't typically find themselves in that situation. One of my visions is to make art more accessible. I guess I am doing that on a very local level.

Last night, my friend Ish picked up some of my work for a show he is putting together in conjunction with a benefit for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana. I feel honored to be included in this show with 3 other amazing artists: Ish, James Jankowiak, and Tom Torloumke. It will be the first time I stick my big toe into Chicago. Maybe this will lead to getting my feet wet?

In addition to that, since January, I completed the sketchbook project and received 1 notification so far that someone has viewed my sketchbook (while it was in Brooklyn). I guess this means I have made it to NY as well?

I donated a painting to a silent auction to benefit the school where my cousin Barbara teaches. The auction coordinator was so excited about my work, she bought a painting from me. (Thanks, Liz).

I am awaiting a trade with another amazing artist who approached me when he decided his wall needed more than one of my paintings. I may name Eric Tucker as my first collector.

The painting in this post is one I started about a year ago, then set aside. I finished it this weekend to put in my upcoming show. My first paintings of trees and branches were grey and dormant. In Spring Blossoms, the tree is morphing, bursting and vibrant. Both periods of the natural cycles are necessary and appreciated.