Illustration Friday - Perennial (Uncolored Version)

{Ink on Paper, 2011}

I did a drawing of flowering plants that are perennials here in Iowa. I have each of these plants in my own garden. Can you guess what plants they are? I will be posting a digitally colored version later this week, as well as identifying what plants they are. Aside from illustration, gardening is one my my most favorite activities and I especially like when illustration is inspired by gardening!

Illustration Friday - Gesture

{Watercolor, Acrylic and Colored Pencil on Paper, 2011}

{Detail, 2011}

This started as a free form watercolor piece working wet into wet. As it was drying I pulled some of the color out where the face was and also added a few watercolor details where the eyes, nose and mouth are. I used a colored pencil to tighten the piece up and some white acrylic to add highlights. I love that this wild child started out as a gestural watercolor! (It sort of fits, considering my lack of planning in lieu of playing.) I wish I could have a crown of wildflowers and insect wings!

Watercolor Class

{Watercolor on Aquaboard, 2011}

I'm in the midst of taking an experimental watercolor class taught by Kathy Glenn at the Des Moines Art Center. We've tried a lot of different types of materials so far and I hope to post more of the projects soon. This is the first thing I have finished but I have several things started that could turn out interesting. I started this painting yesterday, but woke up really wanting to get it done this morning. It's 6"x6".

Look Inside "The Twelve Days of Christmas--In Texas, That Is"!

{Title Page, "The Twelve Days of Christmas-- In Texas, That Is", 2011}

You can now opt to "Look Inside" my new book on Amazon. I like being able to look at a few sample pages of a book so I can get a better feel for what the world inside that story will look like. What are you waiting for? Go check it out!