living with an illustration addiction
If you know Ava you know- nothing tops a mermaid. They are real and if you find a sea witch to bargain with, you can become one too.
So…idea : )
I wanted to MAKE a special mermaid for her to, of course, love. Out came the fabric and my first mermaid template. We even sat down and designed her together: black hair, shiny green tail, privacy shells and a flower for her hair. Then-
Nothing. The mermaid lost out to a spray bottle and a wash cloth.
I am sure she will be loved soon.
I don’t exactly know where this came from but “unfold” brought on a sketch of a mountain-ish earth woman unfolding the night sky over a valley. My mind is mysterious.
Well, Tobiah Blaise, on to second grade. Loose teeth, chapter books and 8 years here we come. Unbelievable. I wish I had documented every moment of time with him this school year because all of a sudden he is very big. Although I realize that the little bundle bean has turned into a pretty incredible young man. He is full of creative juice, always willing to tell a joke and takes fun VERY seriously. My kinda guy.
Well, I actually did something for this week’s Illustration Friday. I say that, but I do have an IF graveyard of enormous proportions. This week’s topic was intricate and I immediately thought of illustrations I admire of the huge extravagant hats from the turn of the century. I decided to attempt to make my own but with a spring theme…I really wanted to do a color wash at least but I saved this one from certain death and went ahead and posted it!
Well this is the result of some experimenting I have been doing trying to loosen my work up a bit and let planning go for happy accident’s sake. I have a thing for wolves…the story book sort and I find myself doodling them all the time. I love trying to make them as sinister as possible, but remaining lovably evil.
Folks, I need about 20 more hours in my day. Everyone can relate I’m sure. I have been drawing/painting everyday even if I have to force it. I haven’t had time to do any sewing because my focus is on building my portfolio. Here’s a couple of things that are awaiting my attention…I am just not sure either are worth the trouble.
Drum roll please.
Yeah that’s right kids it’s Mo Willems. The genius author/illustrator of such characters as Pigeon, Elephant and Piggy, Leonardo, Knuffle Bunny, Edwina and the most recent addition: Naked Mole Rat. He was right here in St. Louis for a book signing extravaganza. It was a huge turn out but I made sure I got to him before he was worn out. Then I couldn’t even speak to him:(
anticipating Mo’s arrival with a little sketching.
Let me just say, he was extremely funny.
I could have kicked myself for not bringing all our books- I had no idea you were allowed to bring books not purchased at the event.
Someone turned three! Ava was so excited to go to her “princess party” she could hardly stand it. A good fancy time was had by all…
A fan of all things pink, fluffy, adorned and fancy.
pooped.
Wow. This Halloween was second to none- the weather was amazing and we just happened to get chased by a chainsaw toting lunatic…no joke. The kids were hilarious as usual, convincing everyone to give them as much candy as possible. My little pink and purple princess fairy ballerina instantly fell in love with the term “trick or treat” and continues to think that this term can be used at ant time to guarantee some sweets!
I had been playing with this image as a gift for my husband’s uncle and and his new wife. His uncle Richard(Dino) English is in Dark Star Orchestra, an amazing Grateful Dead cover band that plays actual shows from start to finale. If you have not heard of them-seriously take a gander at their site and try to make it to a show. Although we couldn’t make it to the wedding apparently there was an incredible family jam session that took place. I looked at some old dead posters to get some ideas for imagery…I was scared it might look a little morbid but I hope the skeletons ended up charming:)
