It's good to be back. Taking a week off of blogging was rejuvenating without a doubt, but I also discovered how much my days are anchored by creating my posts, buoyed by the interactions I have with you. Beyond Tuesday of last week, I was completely in a time warp. Spring break was amazing. So good, so good. Because many of our friends were out of town, K and I spent the bulk of the week with just each other (M made guest appearances in the late evenings and on weekends, but he works a lot). ... Read more
The Joy of Seeing
I was sketching randomly today (sort of my version of a warm-up for the final phase of book illustrating, which is like a creative workout) and remembered when a friend asked me whether I'm researching other children's book illustrators, and I told her that I purposely avoid it. Instead, I look for inspiration in other forms: traditional museum paintings, clothing designs and colors, old school album art, retail store advertisements, interior design, nature, everything. A lot of it has to do ... Read more
Unusual Creatures
This is a leafy sea dragon. There really is such a thing! I got so excited when I saw it in a book I checked out from the library a few weeks ago - it's the sort of unexpected, delightful and unnecessary information I gobble up. I was pondering this lovely creature in the back of my mind, and then when I was running errands at a bookstore yesterday, I saw the same book in the bargain sales section. I'm not sure why, but I took it as a sign to paint the sea dragon. You can see that I took some ... Read more
Happy Friday + Randomness
Happy Friday! Just a quick tolerations update: March was on the lackluster side. I accomplished the easiest possible tasks such as "Donate bags in car trunk to Goodwill", "Eliminate K's shoes that don't fit" (which were in the bags in the trunk), "Organize pantry" (it's a tiny pantry), "Clear off bedside tables" and "Move yellow art cabinet to basement". I'm down from 75 tolerations to 70. Ah well, progress, right? ********************************* K's take on dreams, which I ... Read more
Happy Friday + Randomness
Happy Friday! I sketched this illustration while thinking about the poem K wrote below. I have it taped above my sewing table, and she also made that "I lov u" note for me using a stencil book. Wondering by K I wonder about the sky I wonder how birds can fly I wonder as I watch the world go bye I wonder about stars and the planet mars I wonder how I last and the wonders of the past Isn't she a wonder? I love that she included that little rhyming aside, "Have a ... Read more