Home is where the heart is

This print was a group effort between myself, Gilda and Liz.
Gilda: The cute houses
Liz: The groovy mom, dad & pets
Me: The patterns, kids, owl, text & sun/moon
I love the quirky style of this piece. It feels very fresh and new to me. The theme we came up with was a modern update to "Home is where the heart is"
I think it turned out quite nice!

Step right up!

OK, so I know so many people think clowns are super CREEPY & I have to admit I kind of do too. But I thought that this theme would be a good challange. I wanted to create a sweet yet not too baby clown print that wouldn’t feel scary.


What got me thinking about clowns was this art my dad made in 1975 & sold in kids toy stores/ boutiques. I remember when I was young & someone had a baby he would cut the child’s name out of the alphabet, mat it & place it in a brightly colored frame. Yes, my Daddy is an artist, it runs in the family. He had his own graphic design studio for 30 years. Our styles are really different his work is very polished & this clown piece he made always cracked me up because it’s so unlike the usual work he did.

So honestly what do you think are clowns creepy? Have I changed any minds???

Folktale friends

Today I thought I’d share a print I made not to long ago. This one combines two of my favorite things animals, and pattern. This was painted with gauche using a medium size brush. That always gives me a more folksy look. I wanted to play with neutrals with pops of really intense color. I think this would be fun as fabric & really terrific to add special touches of embroidery too.

Circus circles

I love the Circus. The animals, the dramatic lighting, the sequenced costumes, the audience, the popcorn, the way it's only in town for a few days & OH, how I really wish it still took place in a tent! I've probably made too many circus theme prints but I just can't help myself. Here's a new one & an old one. Hope your weekend is full of little magic.... Happy Friday!

A tune-up

We’re getting ready for another print show (Direction in NY) in mid- August. I’ve been working away on lots of fun new things. Today I took some time to rework an old print I had. I often revisit things I’ve made a while ago & it’s fun to see the evolution. With just a little time I can revisit my work with fresh enthusiasm. It’s kind of strange but I think of all my art as my children. I always want them to find a good home.
We’ll see where this one is off too.

Pretty Purses

This morning we took a little time to make 2 purses for a special birthday we’ll be attending this weekend. It was a fun project for everybody here at the studio. Our friends had twin girls last year. Their mom is pretty against pink so I did my best to not keep it as a main color but pops of it still snuck in. I can’t help myself! Pretty cute little purses- I think the twins will be pleased!
*special details - each purse lined with a pretty pattern, Pocket on back with embroidered initials and ribbon surprise under handles for an extra detail. ( I think I should make more of these tiny purses)

Calling all Party Animals!

I’m starting to feel festive as my little one will be turning 1 in about a month. I’ve been super excited about the big day. I think it’s more of a celebration for my husband & I - we made it through our first year of parenthood!
My initial thought for a party theme was “calling all PARTY ANIMALS....” I made this piece that I was going to build the invites & the rest of the decor around. Now our son has decided he LOVES dogs. He squeals with excitement each time we see one. So thought I’d share the old idea with you for now & post the dog invite & theme decor soon.
Any suggestions on fun first birthday games/ activities?


*the fruit punch recipe is nostalgic for me it’s the recipe my husband made for me while I was pregnant. After giving up the evening glass of wine this was my new treat.

Off to Chicago

So we’re off again for a long weekend in Chicago. This is not the norm for us but we’re enjoying the time away from home. Friday I’m visiting a client then Saturday we’re checking out the CHA show. Today's post is a bit all over the place all the images are from my sketch book. A few modes of transportation, a painterly floral and why not a gator!

Bikes on Blue

Busy Day here at the studio!
Tonight I think we're off for a family bike ride in the park. That said I provided some suitable art for the occasion. * Is it just me or are bike images popping up everywhere lately? (works for me, they are fun to draw!)

Oceanside

We’re back from a truly lovely trip to the East coast. I think it was just we needed! (some fun with the family & a little R & R) One of the highlights for me was the afternoon in the boat at Newport. It’s just such a beautiful place from the giant blue hydrangeas, to the grand mansions, the sound of the waves & the scent of the sea. I always get excited going over the long bridge into down gazing out the car window at all the sail boats buzzing around below. It’s magical to me. Oh- to be closer to the ocean! I make several nautical theme prints every year as they always sell. Thought I’d share one of my favorites today. Hope you can feel the breeze!

Trip tp Boston

We’ve really been looking forward to the next few days. We’re off to visit my brother & his wife in Boston. (I have 3 brothers, I’m the oldest child and he is the next one) While in the area we’re heading to Providence were I went to school. I have such fond memories of my time at R.I.S.D it seems just like yesterday. (Althought the rude awakening is about to arrive I’m sure it’s totally changed!) My brother & his wife both went to Brown while I was in art school so we’re all looking forward to a trip down memory lane. My parents are coming as well so it’s all around family fun!
I plan to post more this weekend with some pics of the trip.

My favorite things

Today I thought I’d celebrate things I like. Why not? right, that’s the joy of having your own blog! There are so many little things that bring a smile to my face.
Would love to hear a few of your favorite things......

Happy 4th of July!

Wishing you a picnic in the park
a splash in the pool
a bar-b-que with friends
pink shoulders from a day in the sun
and an evening filled of dancing lights!
Enjoy

The Rainy Carnival

Yesterdays post got rained out. We where planing to do a going to the carnival post but mother nature had other ideas. Every year for 4th of July a carnival comes to our little town, so we put the baby in the stroller & were off. I love this carnival because of all it's rides light up at night, the fun house mirrors, the colorful stands of games and food vendors. Much to my disapointment as soon as we got there a severe thunderstorm rolled in. We made it back home totally wet form head to toes. We are going to try again today, the forecast looks better for tonight, so stay tuned....

Patterns!

I think I’m at my happiest painting patterns. My degree is in textile design & since I was a little girl I have loved pattern. I use to insist on dressing myself mixing my dotted tops with striped pants. (I have photo’s of myself looking like a clown) I paint in gauche small 3 to 4 inch squares of patterns in my sketchbook that come to my mind. It’s puts me in a happy trance. Hope you enjoy!