Illustration Friday - 'sky'

"Clouds come floating into my life no longer to carry rain or usher storm,

but to add color to my sunset sky." ~ Rabindranath Tagore

handmade journal, mixed media on hot press Arches

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A quick one for IF's word this week, pulled out some paints and splashed some color around. I've been feeling a bit 'out of the loop' as they say, but trying to find inspiration to create & draw/ paint again. Sunsets here have been amazing lately - so glad to see the the trees are trying to keep up as best they can - hopefully a show of riotous color in a few weeks :>!

Don't forget to check out the rest of the talent over at IF, have a fabulous week!

IF 'forward' and Paint Party Friday

A gift from me to you for your personal use: a desktop calendar page.
Click to enlarge, download + enjoy :)

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"If we really think that home is elsewhere and that this life is a 'wandering to find home,' why should we not look forward to the arrival?” - C.S. Lewis

For Illustration Friday's word this week 'forward' and also for everyone over at PPF! My journal page depicts pretty much the colors I viewed outside my studio window today: blue sky, winter-barren trees and not a smidge of snow to be found even though we had a white Christmas - on a side note I changed the color of the grass, it's more 'beige' than green right now.....

Wasn't sure what I'd do for 'forward' but realized I've quite a few things coming up in February & March that I'm looking 'forward' to. One in particular is a special project I'll be working on all month long in February (hint: it's similar to one I did 4 yrs ago for leap year). I also signed up for a watercolor & pastel workshop at our local museum and just over the past weekend, an online journaling class with the talented Ms. Judy Wise - whew, I'll be busy!

What are you looking 'forward' to right now? How about that extra day in February, why not plan an artist's date for yourself? If you can, set up a whole day of creating in your studio - lock the door & tell your family to order a pizza for dinner :>

I hope I've inspired you to do something special to spark your creativity and maybe even stretch your artistic muscles a bit. Don't forget to check back for the start of my project later this week, btw I may just have a giveaway or two planned, xo

IF -'twirl'

For IF's prompt this week, 'twirl'. A rough pencil sketch cleaned up in PS moderately. I say that becuz I find I lose the spontaneity of my hand-drawn organic lines when I go digital - how about you?

Anyhow, this illo was inspired by all things GRIMM. Remember when I mentioned about some books I received for Christmas? This one was a wishlist topper - in a word: LOVE!! I've always been enchanted with the Brothers' classic fairytales like Rapunzel, Cinderella, Hansel & Grethel....and more as you know if you're a fan too!



I hope you're up to something enchanting this weekend <3

Illustration Fri. & Paint Party Fri.

5x8 moleskine: watercolor, pen

My offering for IF's word prompt this week 'grounded' and also for Paint Party Friday -first time submitting over there for me.

Yoga has been on my mind as we started this new year. It's not because I'm one for making resolutions, I like to think of them more as personal goals - and one of them is to dust off my yoga mat and get 'grounded' by practicing it consistently this year. I stopped and started it more than a few times last year, so gonna give it my best shot to stick with it in 2012 (as well as getting more illos & paintings done!)

One of the aspects of yoga that I connect with most is the concept that what happens on the mat is much like training for life. Yoga poses ask your body to find strength, balance, and flexibility all at once - a lot of situations in life also ask for a combination of these qualities. By practicing yoga we're able to approach life with a calmer, more grounded, outlook....

A bit of info I discovered on yoga 'grounding':

Grounding allows Expansion

By simply grounding down, our ability to expand is increased. When we stretch in yoga we get a sense of liberation. Without the fundamental feeling of being grounded, none of the other qualities of the heart can unfold. The qualities of the pose – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual – flow from the foundation. By focusing on the foundation we feel safer, stable, and trusting. When we feel secure we can expand.

I hope I've inspired you to give it a try....namaste.

Happy New Year & Illus. Fri -'highlight'

(click for closer view)


12x12, watercolor, pen, colored pencil

Happy New Year!

We were blessed with mild weather and abundant sunshine today so I was able to finish an illo in our sunroom to submit for Illustration Friday. I received an amazing book for Christmas (among others, which I'll share with you soon) and I absolutely love it! Kudos to artist & author of Personal Geographies - Exploration in Mixed Media Mapmaking, Jill K. Berry for putting this book together! I've always loved anything to do with maps and can't wait to try out more of the projects in the book....

This illo is a combination of reflecting on the past year and IF's word this week 'highlight'. I knew immediately what the theme for my first map would be, to 'highlight' memories of travel, events or just plain everyday life that seemed to be my focus each month last year.

I imagined each month as an island, shaped like the first letter of that month with symbols representing the event or thoughts & feelings I experienced. I had so much fun with this (and actually didn't realize how much I travelled last year!) I highly recommend doing one of your own - what theme would show up on your map?

Because it's a brand new year, I think my next one will focus on wishes, dreams and artistic goals for 2012 - a possibility map - because last year didn't give me much time to devote to my art like I wanted to. How about you, what will you be focusing on in 2012?

May the new year bless us all with happiness, health, grace and abundant creativity! <3

Merry Christmas + Illustration Fri. - 'messenger'

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

My offering for IF's word this week 'messenger', a quick sketch in my moleskine journal. I had a few ideas but with limited time today decided to go with the dove - a 'messenger' and eternal symbol of peace & hope. I was curious to see if there were any other references to doves, with respect to animals as personal totems and found this bit of commentary:

Dove/Pigeon's gifts include - bringer of peace and love, understanding of gentleness, spirit messenger, communication between the two worlds, maternity, femininity, prophecy.

Doves carry the energy of promise. When inner agitation is banished from our thoughts, words and feelings, the goodness awaits us. So we are able to receive the gifts doves present us, healing on all levels - emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually - is of utmost importance.

The Dove represents peace of the deepest kind. It soothes and quiets our worried and troubled thoughts, and enables us to find renewal in the silence of mind. In these moments of stillness we are able to appreciate the simple things in life.

I couldn't have phrased that last line any better, I think I'll add it to my wish/vision board that I put together every New Year.

Wishing you all the blessings, joy & peace of the season - however you celebrate it.

Merry Christmas!

Illustration Fri. - 'vanity'

5x8 moleskine,, graphite, pen, watercolor, colored pencil

For IF's word this week 'vanity' - my redo of a 1914 Vanity Fair magazine cover [original shown below]. I loved the vintage vibe & colors of the original so tried to incorporate that into my interpretation.

I did a bit of research on the cover artist: Anne Harriett Fish (she preferred A. H. Fish) created nearly 30 covers for Vanity Fair between 1914 and 1927. Her style was spare and modern with a viewpoint that was satirical but charming. She also knew how to use line and color to strike just the right balance between too much and not enough.....

Original commentary on this cover:
"December 1, 1914. Against a terra cotta background, a masked harlequin charms a lovely young dancer in a dress of yellow ruffles by slipping a red rose into her hand. The illustration, by A.H. Fish, appeared on the December 1914 cover of Vanity Fair."

Much creativity to you and Happy Thanksgiving if you're celebrating it!

Illustration Fri. - 'silent''

8x10, graphite, pen, colored pencil, charcoal

Under the wire for IF's latest word 'silent'. Have you ever noticed how 'silent' it is in a library?

I've moved recently and finally got to unpack some studio boxes so was inspired to do this quick piece in my kraft paper journal. My love [obsession] with fonts/ lettering, libraries & books and just plain doodling all showed up on the page.

Much creativity to you! <3

Illustration Fri. - 'contraption'

6x8, artist crayons, watercolor, colored pencil, charcoal, ink on cardboard

For IF's word this week, my interpretation: high-wire 'contraption'. It's also the third piece in a circus themed series I started a few weeks ago (you can see previous ones posted individually here & here). I loved the recycling/repurposing aspect of creating these pieces on cardboard....

Check out this contraption in where else - Vegas baby (dang they didn't have this when I was there last year!!)

I hope you're enjoying much creativity & inspiration in your little corner of the world. As always, be well.

Illustration Fri. - 'mesmerizing'

6x8, artist crayons, watercolor, colored pencil, charcoal, ink on cardboard

For IF's word prompt this week 'mesmerizing' - this is the second piece of a small set I'm working on (the first one is here) with all the pieces having a circus based theme.

I've always found everything related to the circus, county fairs or midways 'mesmerizing'. The fun and festivities, colorful costumes, games of chance, thrilling rides (although you won't see me lining up for many of them) & magical atmosphere have always intrigued me. It's so much like life at times, yes? :>

Have a creative week friends + be well.

Illustration Fri. - 'boundaries'

My offering for IF's word prompt this week boundaries. I was a bit stuck at first and really wasn't sure how I could create anything for this challenge that would speak to me. But then I started thinking about personal boundaries - you know like not being able to say no to art projects/ commissioned work, relationships or job ruts that we may find ourselves in, or even people who want us to commit to things we really feel that we don't have time or energy for - although sometimes it's a good idea to have a close friend or loved one push you out of your 'zone' :)

I don't know about you, but lately I've been feeling like life is a big circus, travelling 'round and 'round, giving us all a curtain call when it's time to do our act (lol)


6x8, artist crayons, watercolor, colored pencil, charcoal, ink on cardboard

"Learning how to set boundaries is a necessary step in learning to be a friend to ourselves." - anon

Trying to find balance and stay focused on my hopes & dreams while trying to maintain my personal boundaries is where I'm at right now, so I decided to do an intuitive-based piece. I didn't want to do any guesswork so quickly gessoed up a few pieces of cardboard (I recently purchased some books online and kept the padding inserts) I started laying down some fluid inks, artist crayons, charcoal, pens - whatever was in front of me.



This afternoon I started on the other 2 pieces and to keep the recycle / reuse thing going, I cut up some paper grocery bags to make another one of my beloved paper bag journals...

Have a fabulous week friends!

Illustration Fri. - 'mysterious'

A quick post for IF's challenge this week, the crow painting is actually part of a larger one I did awhile back here but I digitally collaged it (bkgd is a combo of free digi papers & a vintage postcard of mine) and then added some text for interest. I think this would make a fabulous postcard or small print, don't you?

Please get in touch if you're interested in either option, my Etsy store isn't officially open just yet but I have been taking private orders (prints will not have copyright shown here on them but are signed & dated), thank you for your continued support & interest in my work :>

Happy Labor Day if you're celebrating it with us here in the US - wishing you all a happy & safe last weekend of summer!

Illustration Fri. - 'midsummer night''

"[Awaking] What angel wakes me from my flowery bed?" 'Titania, Queen of the Fairies'
A Midsummer Night's Dream, 8x8, pen & ink on bristol

A quick offering for IF's theme this week 'midsummer night' and of course I couldn't resist referencing Shakespeare's play A Midsummer Night's Dream.

As you may know, Titania is punished by Oberon, King of the Fairies. Because of her disobedience in not complying to a request of his, the King calls upon his mischievous court jester, Puck, to help him apply a magical juice from a flower called "love-in-idleness," which when applied to a person's eyelids while sleeping, makes the victim fall in love with the first living thing seen upon awakening. His intent is for her to fall in love with an animal in the forest and because of her shame, give in to his request.....

Originally I had thought that I'd keep at this, add a forest background and maybe a crown /dress etc. but now I'm thinking I may just design an Art Nouveau frame around it with lettering of the play's title...maybe not though - I do love me some details :>

Ahhh, another one to finish, better than not getting any sketches in these long hot summer days & nights - yes?

Have a lovely weekend!

Illustration Fri. - 'swept''

'windswept', 10x8, watercolor & pen on bristol

My offerng for IF's word this week. I thought of a few ideas for this but ended up going with a quick & loose illo depicting [wind]swept hair. And let me tell ya, we've had more than our fair share of winds blowing through here in south Texas the past few months. Unfortunately, they don't offer much in the cooling department once June is upon us....

Is the weather hot where you are right now? Well if it is, I hope you're lucky enough to find a place to cool off. Which reminds me, I've got an icy, cold glass of sweet tea with my name on it somewhere :>

Illustration Fri. - 'shadows''

My offering for Ilustration Friday's word this week. I've had this illo swirling around in my head - much like images in a crystal ball - since visiting this place. I was travelling down an art-filled road with camera in hand when I happened upon a street sign that caught my eye. It spoke to a part of me that has always been a free spirit with a gypsy soul.

I immediately imagined gypsies and maybe a band of pirates meandering up and down the cobblestone road (it was paved, but as I said I was inspired). Of course to complete the scene a ne'er-do-well or two would be lurking in the 'shadows'.


'Gypsy Alley', 9x12, pen & pencil on bristol

I definitely want to explore this sketch further on canvas with acrylics or oils and maybe digital paint, we'll see....

Have a creative week and don't forget to check out all the talent over at IF!

Illustration Fri. - 'asleep''

'asleep', 6x6: pen /digital paint

A quick post for Illustration Friday's word this week: 'asleep', another one for my children's book illo portfolio that I've been working on/struggling with for awhile now. And I'd like to think that life has been getting in the way, but for the most part my inner critic has had her say once too often - until a few months ago when I started working through The Artist's Way with a friend. All I can say is that it has helped me immensely - I've been showing my critic politely but firmly to the door a lot more lately :>

Hope you're all enjoying the long weekend here in the US, if not enjoy the rest of your weekend wherever you happen to be.....

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Also, if you're up for some artistic eye-candy, yesterday I posted about a recent trip of mine here - I hope to have Part Two up tomorrow sometime [and did I mention I have my first ever 'hollywood celebrity & me' photo to share?]

Edit: Part Two can now be viewed here

Illustration Fri. - 'cultivate'

"inspire purple and white" moleskine - watercolor, pen, color pencil

Under the wire [really] for IF's word this week 'cultivate'! This was a last minute-in-between-other-things sketch. I've always loved these flowers and recently bought some here in Texas, they used to just pop up (or 'jump-up' as they're known to do in certain areas of the country) I pressed quite a few when we lived in Michigan - my daughter loved their little faces :> Anyhow the pot in this is totally wonky and the leaves didn't get my full attention but so glad I finally opened up one of the moleskines I got for Christmas.

Which brings me to a quick mention/question: I don't know if any of you moleskine users have noticed recently but this new one didn't take watercolor well at all (in the past it would 'bead' up and be workable for a bit). It's been over a year or so since I've worked in a new moleskine and I haven't changed my brand of w/c, it's still W&N - so wondering if they started cheaping out on the quality or thickness of the paper - just sayin'....

Anyhow, I've been immersed in 'The Artist's Way' that I mentioned in my last post and hope to visit everyone in blogland very soon. Until then, much creativity to you all...

Illustration Fri. - 'swarm'

Busy as a bee this week (sorry couldn't resist) but decided to do a quick post for IF's word this week: 'swarm'. I've got my daughter's upcoming b-day on my plate this week (and no way would I be able to get her into a dress like this for her sweet sixteen, even though the sketch was inspired by her - we're going with a 'preppy-goth' theme for the premiere of the movie "Beastly" this weekend)

Anyhow, a few other projects floating around and still [re]vamping up my studio, so when the dust settles, I'll try to update y'all...

Have a creative week friends!

Illustration Fri. - 'chicken'

For IF's prompt this week 'chicken' and also the last spread in my Sketchbook Project journal 'in flight' - yay! Didn't think I'd get it done but under the wire I pulled it all together after finding out they extended the postmark date to next week (yes you still have time if you think you missed the date!) I'm making a Flickr album for the whole journal and will post a link to it when it's up.

And what does my illo have to do with this week's word? Well when I first heard about the project I was hesitant to sign up thinking I wouldn't be able to give up my journal forever and - yes I'd definitely be too 'chicken' to try this pose even if I could do it (!) I like both my feet on the ground thank you very much :>

Have a great weekend!

Illustration Fri. - 'Deja-vu'

For IF's 'deja-vu' prompt this week. This was originally a pencil sketch I did back in March last year (see the original here ) so definitely a 'deja-vu' adding this to my Sketchbook Project journal: 'in flight'...

Anyhow, I've been scrambling to get my sketchbook finished and sent on its' way for the last two weeks - where the flip did the time go?! More to come on the ALICE side of this (teacups & flowers, vines etc.) as well as the last 3 spreads to complete it, hopefully over the weekend & into early next week ....whew! Good luck to y'all if you're in my shoes :>

Have a fabulous & creatively inspired weekend! Take care and be well.....