Introducing another new character...

I have to honestly say that my children are my biggest inspiration when it comes to the compositions and characters that I am starting to string together. My I truly have a gerber baby boy and a Shirley Temple baby girl. They are just art waiting to happen! I love my little girl characters that are making their way to the front of the stage. Thanks to my Addie, they are full of cuteness. But Don't you just love baby boys??? Ian is as gerber as they get, and this picture of him depicts (to me) so much of little boys this age. Full of innocence and open wonder. You will be seeing this character soon with my elephants. I can't wait!

Presenting the Sarah Jane

This is the main girl for the illustrations that are still in my head....and coming fast. Sarah Jane with the bunny and the elephant. She will be reaching for bubbles in the air that another child (or animal) will be blowing. I like the idea of putting an existing pattern in the dress...it makes it a little more modern. What do you think? this isn't my pattern, so I don't think that I could use it. But I like it. So....here she is....Sarah Jane.

Take me out to the ball game

Still trying to find my style. This is all digitally painted...can't tell if I like the REAL thing better. But I am learning a lot. I like the idea. We'll see what comes of it!

throwing out some ideas

more sketches

Monty Python - Argument Clinic

somethin's comin...

Here is a first attempt at making a banner. I think I like "sarah jane studios" the best. We'll see.

Mary

Getting used to photoshop, and I think that I am going to like this. I am starting to get a lot of ideas now!

my first photoshop experiment.

I have been wanting to use photoshop and illustrator for months, and I finally have it! This is a whole new world for me, and i am excited to learn! you'll be seeing a lot of artwork soon!!!

I am heading off to St. George for the week, so I am signing off until the weekend. Have a great week everybody!

I have my camera back!!!!

I had DREAMS about using my camera. Two months with no way of documenting my children and their cuteness. Now, I can't stop!! It is thankfully all fixed...but man! I felt naked with out you good ol' pal!

Simple Simon

Simple Simon met a pieman going to the fair
Said Simple Simon to the Pie man, "May I taste your ware?"

This is rough draft, but what do you think? It is "rough" meaning, there are some lines I need to fix, and some painting to touch up. I am liking the composition though. This is the beginning of my nursery rhyme collection.

elephants and rabbits

There are elephants coming out of my brain. More elephants, and they are starting to turn into one. Elephants and Bunnies. I love drawing both. There is an innocence to them that I can't explain, only draw. These are some black and white drawings that I will either leave as is, photoshop with some color, or put into a painting. We'll see where they will go. I like this idea of the adventures of an elephant and bunny...as pals...as best friends. I guess I will have to name them soon. I will have to extract more out of my brain before I get there.

I love Jen Corace.

I discovered her art a few months ago, and she has been a great influence on my art. The compositions are so simple, yet you find your eyes imagining the rest...or looking inside them even more. I love it!

Great Children's toys I wish I could make, but I can't.

These are all posted on Swiss Miss
A windy road rug, an incredible wooden house, helicopter...and my favorite...the wooden toaster.
Wooden Toys are the only way to go. The other stuff just doesn't handle as well, and my kids love the durability and the space it leaves to the imagination. here are some fun finds.



Although, this I can make. Cardboard washer and dryer. Addie and Ian like to help me, but they are too little and it gets hard to lift them up for every piece of clothing. fun idea huh?

21 ways to keep a simple home with kids

By Zen Habits.

Here is this article from this morning's blog. Just what I am trying to do better. Have I told you bytheway, how much I love the Zen Habits blog? I won't repost here...best to just check it out yourself!

A day of firsts...

1. Addie wore underwear ("under-go-wear" she calls them) for the first time today. Key word: Wore. 2 accidents...one in her crib during a time out, and one...well, I am not sure we ever really found it.

2. Ian kissed me on the lips for the first time. His initiation. I love him!

3. First day of my second cleanse. I feel great.

4. Kenneth went back to work today, all day, for the first time since his surgery. (i.e. first time with the kids all day by myself)

some scratched down ideas...

a study for a painting I want to do. I love the idea of the happy elephant in the rain.
This will either be "rain rain go away" or "it's raining it's pouring..."

I am painting again...

I see the Moon, and the moon sees me
God bless the moon, and God bless me.

A draft with acrylic and pen on wood. I am on a Quest to find my style. I have to remember that exploring is fun. I often get too ahead of myself. But creating art for kids is a good reminder. Kids explore, and so can I!

more from the netherlands

some more inspiring rooms from scandinavia land. check out Kid's Factory
the lamps alone are worth the picture. But the colors make me feel like bold can be beautiful!

new favorite artists...

In some ways it is frustrating when I come across an artist with a similar style who has already succeeded in what I want to do. But at the same time, it is exciting to see that they are successful, and know that people really like that style.

I am all over the place when it comes to the styles i like...but the kind that has always been a part of me...and always will are the vintage line and wash drawings...think beatrix potter and the original winnie the poo. But with the vintage colors, it takes me back to my own childhood.

Here are some of "belle and boo" by mandy s. She is a british illustrator with a booming ETSY business. I REALLY need to get photoshop and learn!!! She draws her images, scans them inand does some digital coloring. Man, I want to learn that!!


And here is another artist...Roxanne murphy smith, who paints children's all art. I really want to combine my styles to be able to do what these women do. A mix of traditional art, with a flair of modern, yet easy on the eye and simple.






So, these styles are what I grew up liking and doing. My tastes are changing and broadening, but I think that I will stick to this while i get started again to warm up to what I know. That way I can expand from there.