Take a look....

Thought you might want to take a look at the "Pumpkin Junkin" link to the right. I first heard of Holli Conger one year ago when I picked up a copy of the 2006 Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market. She had written an article titled, "An Illustrator's Journal, Launching a Dream Career Day by Day". She wrote about her efforts to become an illustrator over the course of a year. I found the article very inspiring and sent a quick e-mail to let her know. Much to my delight, she sent a very kind e-mail back. That, along with her creative work, has always impressed me. Take a look at the Pumpkin Junkin link and have some fun.

Halloween Buddies!

I think I have posted a portion of this picture, but not the completed picture. Holidays will be here before we know it and Halloween is always so much fun!

Catching up!

Man oh man, little computer glitch and your stuck! Mine was the infamous "operator error", but I'm up and rolling now. Way overdue is a thank you to Krissy for the great trading card that she sent. My picture doesn't do it justice, I have it hanging in one of my favorite places so its easy to see. (picture #3)

I have been working on some flowerpots also, I think that I'll wait until tomorrow to take them outside for a better picture. (picture #1)

The second picture is of a fountain on Catalina. I really liked the tilework. I just got back from seeing the movie, "Mamma-mia". Its great, go see it.

Someday I'll figure out how to insert pictures and text where I want them.

Vacation is always nice, but its good to be home!

Hello, hello! We are back from a week of traveling and boy was that a good time! I posted a couple of pictures to share. The top picture is of my two boys posed in front of La Bufadora in Ensenada, Mexico. There is a place along the shore that when the tide comes in, causes the spray to shoot up in the air. There is also a open-air market close by. The bottom picture I wanted to post to show Lillian. They had different pictures of Frida on mesh tote bags for only $5! I think they're pretty cool and just right for this time of year.

Okay, share your ideas. The middle picture is an effort to use up supplies that I've had accumulating so I can buy new supplies and not feel guilty! Hence, you see bookmarks in the beginning stages. So, thanks for stopping by and have a good week!

That durn wild west!

Over the Mothers Day Weekend, for the last fifty one years, Sonora Ca, hosts the second largest parade in the state. It is second only of course to the Rose Bowl Parade. It is complete with rodeo and queen. I guess I had the wild west on the mind. I may try and do a 10 page coloring book with these characters, hmm....... I have also listed it as my very first ACEO card in my etsy shop. I really enjoyed working on this, I'm looking forward to doing more! Have a great day, summer is on the way!

Examples for Elladean

Hello Elladean. Thank you for taking the time to check out these samples of my work. Hopefully, this is something that may work for your particular situation. If not, best of luck in your quest.

Back to having creative time....

The last two months have been very busy, but they also have seemed to pass very quickly. My older son has almost completed his track season and tomorrow will be the last day for volleyball. I have spent the last two months coaching a small elementary school's volleyball team. We have a combination team of 6th thru 8th graders. It is always fun to see how much they have all improved throughout the season. However, I'm ready for my free time again too! It has been surprising to me to observe how many adults seem to forget that these teams should be a time for fun. I have been shocked to hear some of the comments coming out of the mouths of grown-ups who by all rights should definitely know better. But in fear of following that path, I'll stop now and share with you this photograph. Tomorrow is a tournament for volleyball to be followed with a "Parents vs. Players" game on Friday. This is a picture of the many sea lions that hang around Pier 39 in San Francisco. I'll just keep these guys envisioned until tomorrow night. The second photo is of cityscape with the help of a color filter, until next time.................say it with me, "Ohm..................................."

Look at what I have at my house.........

The text and pictures on this post dont exactly line up, which proves to me and anyone else reading this, that I am computer challenged.
I had a chance to work with fabric markers over the weekend. I am pretty happy with how the tote bag turned out. I need to find something to protect the design, probably some kind of coating?
I made a set of gift tags for a Mothers Day gift. I decoupaged a couple of my drawings and added some paint. I like how they turned out.
If you're feeling adventurous, keep scrolling.........................the best picture is last!









Dont be shy.....................keep scrolling......








I was lucky to be quick enough at Noodle and Lous last shop update to snag a house! I am very pleased and have to apologize for the bad photograph. I have put it in a spot with some of my favorite things. Thanks Jenn!

Homage - Illustration Friday

Homage to the mountain stream trout! I found a picture in an old National Geographic of three trout arranged next to a mountain stream. It was a great picture and I would love to give credit to the photographer, but the name was torn off the bottom of the picture. Have a good week.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter from me and my cute puppy Buster! Hope you have a great holiday.

Illustration Friday - CHOOSE

CHOOSE A BUNNY! That's right, any favorites poppping out at ya? Its funny sometimes when you are working on seasonal art, you switch seasons before you even have a chance to celebrate the upcoming holiday. I am using this as an Easter card for a teacher. The entire verse reads:

Some bunnies will be doctors,

they'll invent a medicine for when you're sick.

Some bunnies will work with computers,

to get your answers quick.

Some bunnies will write a book,

that you will love to read.

All these bunnies do great things,

because a teacher plants a seed.

Happy Easter!

Have a great week, thanks for looking.

Illustration Friday - Tale of Peter Cottontail

Peter Cottontail has always been a legend in our house. My kids could never figure out how one rabbit could deliver chocolate, hide eggs and bring flowers in one night without a sidekick.

I am planning on using this as an Easter card.

Have a great week and thanks for looking.

I lucked out and found a old book of Valentines, so I scanned a few to use as my header for February. Although they are not intricate drawings, they are in a class of their own, arent they!

Illustration Friday - Plain

I thought that this fit the weeks theme because it is rather plain, not a lot of detail. I have to admit that I've always been a sucker for the thick, black outline. I came up with the idea when looking at Jenns blog at
http://noodleandlou.blogspot.com/,
she has such interesting paintings and is even doing clay dolls now. On one post, she gave a little step by step demo on how her paintings form. I thought I would try it myself and this is what I came up with. Thanks for sharing Jenn!
Have a good week and thanks for looking.

Oh, I almost forgot, the quality of the snapshot wasnt very good, but I'm learning. Any hints Jen?