I turned my little watercolor leaf paintings into a repeating pattern. Rather than simply making a casual scatter pattern, I decided to assemble some of the leaves so that they form a shape that winds its way through the design and provides a bit of structure. I think this design would look nice on a table runner, placemats, and napkins.
illustration
Waiting Is Hard /
Like this little dude, I’m waiting for a special delivery. Details to come…
Bee Inspired /
The backyard bees have been extra busy this summer. They’ve inspired new artwork! Prints are for sale in my Society6 shop.
Final Art / Take Two /
There are several important and necessary steps I complete before tackling the final “perfect” illustration. Almost always, issues are solved during these preliminary stages. By working through a series of thumbnail sketches, a comprehensive drawing, and perhaps a color sketch, I can approach the final art with confidence. I have a clear vision. Occasionally, despite having laid a good foundation, the building collapses. When I complete a painting that I’m just not happy with, there’s really only one solution; throw it away and start over.
Below, are two versions of the same illustration. The first is… okay. I felt the illustration could be stronger. Can you spot the differences in the second version? The changes are subtle but impactful. For me. the second version is more successful.
Version One
Version Two
A New Character? /
I’m working on a new picture book. There might be a late addition to the cast…
Encountering John Brown /
I created a series of portraits for a traveling exhibit, ENCOUNTERING JOHN BROWN, that examines Brown’s encounters with important Civil War-era figures. Information about the exhibit may be found at, Overland Traveling Exhibits.
Damsels & Dragons Notecards /
So… it’s birds AND bugs, I guess. I do love birds, but I’ve got to tell you, I HAD SO MUCH FUN painting these little aerialists! Damsels & Dragons notecards are for sale in my Etsy shop. The set includes eight cards. Each card features an illustration of a different species of dragonfly or damselfly.
Great Blue Heron /
I’ve long admired these majestic birds, though always from afar, until one day I froze while passing by a window facing the backyard. Standing in our pond (this is a decorative hot tub-sized pond) was a Great Blue Heron! He was there to poach a goldfish or two, I suppose, but must’ve sensed or seen me, for he launched and was gone. The encounter, though brief, made an impression!
Prints of this bird are for sale in my Etsy Shop.