Channelling Vera

A current project has dictated the need to depict flowers. Botanicals are a subject I've always wanted to explore, but haven't much, until now. I pretty much stick to little gnarly flowers and weed-like grass when it comes to landscapes of any kind. For inspiration, I've been turning to the work of Vera Neumann, who depicted wonderful loose graphic flowers, mostly on textiles through out the mid 20th century. Here is one I especially love:

And here is a tiny little snippet of a design I'm working on now:

I hope to be able to share the full image later this spring! Until then, many more flowers, washes and doodles must happen.

Thank you Julia for teaching me about Vera! What a valuable resource she's been!

looking closely

Lately I must admit, I've felt as though the walls are closing in on me a little in my teeny apartment. I'm trying to stay motivated and positive amongst the cabin fever tendencies of the winter. I took the (smallest) spin around my place to take pictures of the things that surround me...and to try to appreciate the details of my everyday scenery.

Some dribbles and drabs from a recent painting:

Sharp and dirty things that are my precious tools:

My weird little stovetop that I try to display artwork on. (shows what a cook I am!)

Some discarded doodles of birds:

My pencil cup that a long long time ago once had cookies in it:

Some drawings with intentions:

And my Great-Grandmother's crewel embroidery:

Stay warm everyone!

chill in the air

ouch it is cold out round here! Seems appropriate to share a little sample of a series illustrations I've been working on for a project that won't be released to the public until late 2012.



Happy New Year to all!

Also thrilled to announce that I was able to make a nice donation to the Black Cat Rescue of Boston due to all the purchases made in December of my black cat prints. These prints are still up for sale and the profits will still benefit kitties if you missed them during the holiday rush.

Thanks to all you contributed!