New Artwork - Monarchs and Bagpipes

I created some new paintings in gouache recently. I love working out of my own studio, which I now rent from the Fallout Cooperative in Mpls. It is conveniently close to my house and I can keep all my paints out ready to go. I was very inspired to paint more after a wonderful class I took at the Minneapolis College of Art and design; during the class I was encouraged to work larger. I just completed these two pieces on that are both on 18" X 24" watercolor paper. I have had to adapt to work larger, buying new bigger brushes but I find it helps me get into a looser style and have more fun with the texture and still be able to add the details that I like. The first piece is inspired by the Mayday Parade which goes through my neighborhood every year and is filled with huge puppets of all shapes and sizes, stilt walkers and other performers; last year they had a whole troupe of monarch people! The other piece is for a self-written book I am working on about a girl finding her instrument.
(The resolution is low because I just used photos- haven't scanned yet)

New Greeting Card for Easter

Here is my Easter Lily Bunny (on left) done in gouache on paper. And a lovely picture from Easter of Eliza! I realized it's been a year since I last posted! Being a new mom is crazy busy and wonderful!! Now I have my own studio space to work at outside the home at the lovely Fallout Art Cooperative! Very exciting! As such I will be working on my illustrations and posting more in 2014.

Making an Old Stroller New for $5 in 5 Easy Steps!

Being a new mom living in a city who takes the bus frequently, I realized that having a lightweight stroller for public transit is essential. (And I thought pre-baby I would be a one stroller household- hah! How things change...)  We only have a heavy, large stroller for our car-seat that I can barely maneuver down the stairs, let alone lift by myself up bus stairs while carrying an infant. Although it works great for walks around the neighborhood it will not work well for travel. So being a natural thriftster and craftster at heart, on a trip to a thrift store I spotted an older model reclining umbrella stroller for $5 and saw an opportunity. After I had looked up reviews on my smart phone and pushed it around the store and folded it down a few times and was satisfied with its safety, I purchased it and brought it home. I have tons of fabric from previous projects that I have saved, so I pulled out some scraps of the right size and got to work. I made sleeves for the handles, and for the main body, top-stitched the new fabric down folding under the edges. The only problem I had was going through extra thick parts I had to slow down and hand crank my sewing machine. Up above you can see the steps I went through to get to the finished product. Click to enlarge image. I left the directions somewhat vague as I found it was more a trial-and-error project, and that way if you attempt at home you can customize to your specific stroller model. 

Exploring the Depths

Painted in gouache on paper and outlined with pen this illustration was created for Illustration Friday: Swim. I had fun using bright vibrant colors for this whimsical seascape. This little girl explores the depths of the ocean with no fear, reminding us to take delight in life's unexpected discoveries!

A Sheep with Attitude

This illustration was painted for Illustration Friday's topic of the week, "wool". It has a sheep that wants to wear his wool as a wonderfully colorful sweater to stand apart from the flock! It was painted in gouache on paper with pen & ink on top.

Valentines Happy Cupid: "Storm of Love"

This Illustration was painted with a dual purpose in mind, to use as a Valentines Card to send out to family and friends as well as for Illustration Friday's word of the week "Storm".  I painted in gouache paint, using some dry brush techniques to highlight the curves of the body and wings and then finished with a fine point pen doing some outlining and shading. In creating this image of a happy cupid sitting on a cloud, I was inspired by happy Buddha statues from around the world. Taking the word storm and turning it on its head to have a positive meaning, happiness - like a fresh spring rain.









Inspired by a smiling Buddha that is at a temple on Koh Samui Island in Thailand; a beautiful place that I am always inspired by and would love to travel to one day! I wanted to create a cupid that looked posed in a happy gesture, like this Buddha; spreading love throughout the world with his hearts, instead of the iconic cupid aiming an arrow that is commonly seen. It was a very fun project! 

Happy Valentine's everyone ~ Be Happy!

 

Illustration Friday: Wings 

Created for Illustration Friday for "wings" topic. A little boy takes flight from the comfort of his own living room using his imagination and some hand made wings! Illustrated  in gouache and pen and ink. View a larger version or purchase a print or original painting on my website.