Sketch for Illustration Friday

I've started working on the sketch for Illustration Friday's "artificial."  Aren't you impressed?  It's only Saturday!!  You can check out what I have so far over at Smells Like Crayons!  (Go ahead, we won't bite - promise!!)

Spot of tea

Peter H. Reynold's Teacup project and my love of a cuppa inspired me to create my version of a relaxing cup of tea.  (And yes, the chicken is back!)

A cup of tea bathes the soul in delight.

Dueling Banjo Pigs II - Swain Swine: the Porcine Paramour

These Banjo Pigs are addicting!!  Here is my second contribution...  Swain Swine: the Porcine Paramour

Dueling Banjo Pigs: Old Pig on the Back Porch

What started out with a duel between friends (Guy Francis challenged fellow illustrator, Stacy Curtis, to a duel of banjo playing pigs) has turned into a fantastic blog "Dueling Banjo Pigs" where illustrators from all over the world have offered their own renditions of banjo playing pigs!  
I couldn't help but add mine to the mix!

Stray in India Ink

I've never used India Ink before but I love the look of ink washes, so I thought, why not give it a go.  I was a little heavy handed with the shadow on the little girl, but I like the way her hair turned out.  I'm sure given time, I'll start to get the hang of it.

If anyone has any advice about the application of India Ink washes, I'm all ears!

"Mom, can we keep her? Please!!"

Watercolor Wednesdays - Water Babies

Illustration Friday - Double

Kaylee may technically be my twin, but we're nothing like the double mint commercials everyone expects us to be.  In fact, we couldn't be more different.  And nowhere is it more apparent than in the annoying way she has of waltzing into my room Saturday mornings, singing, or jabbering about who knows what.   It's bad enough getting up early for school, but when the weekend is finally here everyone knows that you're supposed to sleep in!!  Everyone except Kaylee that is.

Here Piggy, Piggy!!

Angry big sister

Misc Sketches

While my mom was here visiting, I didn't find a lot of time to draw; however, occasionally I did manage to get a few sketches in.  Nothing fancy, just wanted to keep pencil in hand.

Smells Like Crayons Artist's Reception

Success!!

The Smells Like Crayons reception this past Saturday at Apotheca in Goffstown went very well!  We had a lovely turn out!  Thanks to everyone who came out to see us!  It was great seeing old friends and new:  Gina Perry (your son is just too adorable for words Gina!!),  Patty Mynczywor (it was so nice seeing you again),  Sarah Pecorino (lovely meeting you),  KyJo and Jean (you know I love you guys)!

You can read and see more pictures from the show on the Smells Like Crayons blog.... so, check it out!

(From L to R: Ann Marie DiVecchia, Nicole Huot, Vita Mechachonis, Jane Grant Tentas, Jennifer Chamberlain, and Me)

The Sketchables

Have you seen The Sketchables?  It's the wonderful group blog of Kelly Light, Joy Steuerwald, Diandre Mae, Priscilla Burris,  and Heather Powers.


To quote their site, sketches always seem so alive.  No matter how beautiful the finish - the sketch is the spark of life in the work.   I couldn't agree more!  I love the sketch stage of the process!


So, stop what you're doing right now, and check them out! (and while you're there *grin* , take a peek at my sketch interview!

Sisters

Just a quick little sketch before we run out again!  I love the hustle and bustle of fun things during the summer!

Vegetarian Cooking

Cartwheels and Chickens

I have been busy drawing today.  I've done several little sketches.  I've enjoyed using just one color for each sketch.  My normal instinct is to not paint beavers and mice purple, or people blue, but I like the way they've turned out.

I'm not really sure why there is a chicken in this illo, but it felt right.  :)

Daydreamer

The story of my life.

Back to school

I know it's still July, but my eldest was thinking about school today, and saying how she missed seeing her teacher.  So, school was on my mind.

Yay SCBWI!

Mooooo

Busy, busy, busy

Put the paints down.  I think I will for now.  Time for a break.  I hear my afternoon tea calling me.

Happy Independence Day!

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness.  You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. 

~Erma Bombeck

Have a lovely and safe Independence Day!!

Illustration Friday - Giant

The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend. 

 ~Henry David Thoreau

More Ripples

So many great things are happening at Ripple.  Money is being raised, animals are being saved.  But there is so much more that still needs to be done.  So, the artwork keeps coming.