Illustration Friday - Disguise

{Graphite in Sketchbook, 2011}
Click image to view larger.

A disguise is absolutely necessary if you are going to spend your evening at a masquerade! Don't you think it would be fun to go to a masquerade and dress up in your finest? I love big lacy baroque-style dresses; so over the top!

"Santa's Secret Story" Trailer on YouTube

{Video by Pauline Books and Media, 2011}

I found a trailer for "Santa's Secret Story" on YouTube this morning. I think this video is so cute! (and I love the idea of trailers for books!) Check it out!

By the Sea

{Photography, 2011}

Click image to enlarge!

I spent last week in California visiting a friend. We managed to squeeze Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, Sacramento, and a day by the sea into the week. Nothing calms me or inspires me as much as the ocean. I love all the wildlife, the seashells, the seaweed, the landscape, the smells, the tides going out and coming in; everything!

Preview "Santa's Secret Story"

{Screenshot of Preview, 2011}

Click to view larger.

My second children's book is available for preview here on Issue.com. The release date is September 1st and it will be available from Amazon and Pauline Books and Media.

Included in Publisher's Weekly!

{Click for Larger View, Screenshot, 2011}

Its becoming more real now! My name is listed alongside other authors and illustrators for the fall children's release list in Publisher's Weekly! Yay! I can't wait to hold that book in my hands!

Canoe Explorers

{Graphite on Paper, 2011}

I'm planning on using oils to complete this illustration. It will be used for my portfolio. This piece was inspired by some of the hiking I did with my husband during the summer.

Illustration Friday - Obsession

{Graphite Sketch with Digital Color, 2011}

Mrs. B is obsessed with collecting nectar! You should see the bees in my garden right now! I love watching the bumble bees the most. If they didn't have a stinger, I would love to pet one. For an insect, they look like really cuddly creatures!

Mixed Media Pin Back Buttons

{The New Stash, Mixed Media, 2011}

{Buttons, 2011}

{Some Favorites, 2011}

{More Favorites, 2011}

I spent a good amount of this morning creating mini wearable collages. I have had a button making machine for a few years now and have used it to make several types of buttons. (often featuring my own illustrations.) For this lot of buttons I used found papers, vintage illustrations, vintage texts and magazine clippings. I tried to put together images, words and patterns that spoke to me. I think the chicken buttons are my favorite. I'm really into chickens in general right now! Probably because I consider myself a bit of an urban farmer (but only grow vegetables at the moment) and chickens would be awesome to have!

Perennial Garden

{Digital, 2011}

{Digital with Labels, 2011}

This is the color version of my last post. Our internet has been down at our house for several days so I haven't been able to put it on this blog. (I'm borrowing my neighbor's connection for a few minutes!) The second image has little letters by each plant and the corresponding plant names are listed in order below:

A. Purple Coneflower

B. Daisy

C. Black Eyed Susan

D. Hosta

E. Pasqueflower

F. Forget-me-nots