Exploring different (quick) animal silhouettes for my upcoming art show. I tend to prefer really fat winter animals, but since it’s spring and all I’m looking for some less-arctic type guys to work with. I know these look extremely juvenile, but they are just quick captures for now.

I’ve felt quite inspired lately. Not that I’m moving quickly on any of my inspirations, but I am quite energized. Hey notice the new header on the site! I have the theory that when I am busy, I am more efficiently creative. That the visual idea formulation happens in moments of downtime whether on the way to or from work, or even at work, and then when I get home I am able to just sit down and just execute the idea. I have less time to explore right there with the pen and paper, but in turn, it makes me really decisive to just lay down what I have seen in my head. This sketch is along the lines of what the next body of work I am going to produce might look like. More painted backgrounds, animals, etc.

Well spring is coming, even if yesterday it was 11 degrees and today it snowed. It is coming. And I do love the Valentine and Easter holiday (from a thematical standpoint!) So! Working on some great valentines cards and spring cards… should have the shop updated this weekend. Also, preparing for an art show next month here in Boston, and I’m really excited!

p.s. thanks print and pattern for the mention!

I have so many ideas for my work in 2008 and I feel really focused this year, with a good sense of what I want my work to include. I think honestly having a website and a flickr site for the past 3 years has been great because I have this visual catalog of what I am most interested in (subject matter, style, technique) and I can easily see where this brings me. I have also become a bit more organized, and started really focusing on moods that I want to come out in my work. Not suprisingly, you can expect 2008 to be full of more animals! This drawing was done by hand and colored digitally. I am still working out some elements… stay tuned!

We collect little trinkets on the beach near our house. I have collected quite the zoo of little plastic animals (probably from the kids down the street who leave them in the sand and then they wash over to the house here) but also nice little chips of ceramic fancy plates, the standard mussel shells and crab claws, driftwood worn smooth by the waves, rocks with holes, one-legged baby dolls, weird gear things that probably fell off of a boat, etc, etc. We recently found an oyster shell, and it stunk really bad but it looks cool. So now these treasures are bottled up yet easily viewed. Yay!

When we adopted Beppo 2 months ago he was a poor little malnourished, mangey 7 month-old orphan dog. (see photo below.) And we thought he was cute even then. Now, he’s gained some weight, grown some really soft lovely fur, and is happier and healthier then ever! We take turns squeezing him (lovingly of course) because he is too adorable to even know how to deal with. If I had to sum up Beppo’s personality in three words they would be; persistant, affectionate, and mischevious. The two dogs are best friends and don’t leave each others side for a second. It makes all those fun and trying (3am-type) puppy-rearing experiences worth it.

Please take a look at my online shop to see the Winter update! I have 7 different archival art prints (all for under $20) as well as a few tee’s, some custom sketchbooks, and a few cards! Valentines is around the corner and maybe you know a friend or loved one who would like a unique item!

Currently painting this sketch with gouache…

Reading and being inspired by these books I got for Christmas from Markie…

Laying out a background of color for a future sketch…

And drawing interlocking shapes because I want the practice and like the effect.

Overall, just currently being really inspired with the new year and starting to design a new season in footwear. I like the holidays, but I love the new year! So fresh and so clean!

Happy New Year! The snow has started to melt. After a few 7 degree days, it’s starting to warm up to the 30’s… yay! But there was a polar bear and elk sighting in the backyard! Just kidding, there are those little plastic toys staged to look real. I think I could do this all year long, stage my little toy animals. I don’t quite have my new years resolutions all written out yet, but I am working on it… Easing into the new year!

p.s. I know we’re all pretty much over the Christmas thing, but here are the two stockings I did for us. I finished mine about 20 minutes before Christmas eve dinner, how’s that for last minute!

And a few shots from snowy Maine, where we were for New Years. Lovely!