inspiration monday

Sorry, for the serious lack of posting. Blogging is still something I am getting into the habit of doing, so as soon as I get busy it's one of the first things to go. So more blog consistency is high on my list of things to improve!

Anyway, this week's inspiration monday artist is Oliver Jeffers. His books are full of adventure and wonder, and his illustrations are simple and sweet. But, he also has amazing paintings which are very different from his illustration work. My painting is also quite different from my illustration, so I really like seeing an artist who has found success creating various types of art.

inspiration monday

This week's inspiration comes from Austrian illustrator Lisbeth Zwerger. She's illustrated so many classic books; Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, Swan Lake, The Little Mermaid, The Nutcracker, Aesop's Fables. The list goes on and on. I actually had a lot of trouble deciding on what images to include because they are all so stunning. 

Her work feels both light and heavy, ethereal and dark. Her work is so still and quiet.  And her color is gorgeous, she is so judicious with red. So today, I raise my cup of tea to the exquisite Lisbeth Zwerger.

what a tiny octopus!

I have never been of the opinion that octopuses are cute per se. Actually, if I ever encountered large octopus, I think I would be pretty frightened. But this photo definitely changed my mind about an octopus's capacity for cuteness.

It also directly supports my long held theory that the smaller something is the cuter it is. Is there something that you think is super cute when it's small?

inspiration monday

from Safety Can Be Fun by Monroe Leaf, 1938.

Today's dose of inspiration comes from, Munro Leaf. He is best known for writing the ode to individualism, Ferdinand the Bull, which was illustrated by Robert Lawson and later animated by Disney. 

But it is his book, Grammar Can Be Fun, that really caught my eye and made me appreciate him as an author/illustator. There is a great post with lots of Grammar Can Be Fun illustrations here.  His enitre Can Be Fun series is a hoot and includes such gems as: Arithmetic Can Be Fun, Safety Can Be Fun, Manners Can Be Fun, and Science Can Be Fun.

I feel really nostalgic when I read his books. They make me think of the youth oriented Coronet Instructional Films that were shown in schools in the 40's and 50's. Some amazing examples of these short films can be seen in the Prelinger Archives.

the dentist

A few weeks ago I went to my dentist to address some tooth sensitivity I was having. I thought I would just need to get a filling fixed, but ended up getting a surprise root canal! I was nervous about it since root canals have an awful reputation, but it actually wasn't too bad. Anyway, since I had the root canal I needed to have a crown put on. And so that's where I've been, at the dentist getting a shiny new tooth!

inspiration monday

©1964, renewed 1992 by Evil Eye, LLC. 

Today's inspiration is Shel Silverstein. He always gets it spot on, his illustrations are just detailed enough to tell the story with out feeling fussy or over done. I grew up with his children's books and a little while ago I discovered some of his more adult material. Which is full of truth, and humor, and heartbreak. It's not just the technical aspects of his work I admire, I am also very inspired by the scope of his creative expression. From music, to theater, to children's books, to playboy he's done it all with cleverness and integrity. And with that, I bow my head to you, Mr. Shel Silverstein.

happy weekend

Today I have been super busy working on  the french project I mentioned yesterday. It's left me ready for the weekend.  Lucky for me, it's shaping up to be a fun one. I am going to a baby shower and bbq. And I will get to see some out-of-town friends. Plus, the weather is suppose to be great. Enjoy the weekend!

little beans

It's been a busy couple of days. I finished these two little beans. The print is now available in my shop. And I am also working on a project for all of the french speakers out there; which I hope will be ready early next week. So far, its been a pretty good week!

wedded bliss

Photography by the amazing Connie Grosch.

Last night Mister and I celebrated our wedding anniversary. So naturally,  I have been thinking a lot about our wedding. 

It was important to us that the day feel truly personal, so we committed to making as many things as possible. I did the designing and Mister and I printed, cut, glued and tied our little hearts out! We had a ton of fun, and a few moments of stress, making everything. I thought I would share a few of the things we made.

First up, our programs. It was crazy hot that summer so we decided to make them into fans. I think our guest were pretty glad for it. Next is the cake topper. We chose to do a mound of cookies, shaped like a cake, since Mister is nuts about chocolate chips cookies. And finally, our favors. There was a honey element in our ceremony so we thought it was a nice tie-in to give our guests honey to take home. It was the most beautiful day of my life, and I am so grateful to everyone who was there to be a part of it!

inspiration monday

There's nothing like starting the week off feeling inspired. So, I thought I would share some of what sparks my creativity. And, who knows, with any luck this might become a regular Monday blog occurrence. 

This Monday will be the music of Elizabeth Mitchell. While she is not a visual artist, I find myself listening to her albums over and over again while I am sketching or painting. I relate to the sweetness and simplicity of her songs. Her voice is so pleasing and light. The above illustration is direct result of listening to her album, You Are My Little Bird. And the print is now available in my etsy shop.