Artsyteapot

Illustration Friday - Stripes

2011-11-04T11:44:00.000-07:00

Here's Streak and Tonga chatting up the latest jungle news. This is my "Stripes" theme for IF which is a painting I've done for my picture book dummy, "Jungle Rescue". It's the first thing I've posted in awhile. Trying to get back on the horse, ONCE AGAIN, and make art!

Illustration Friday - Asleep

2011-05-31T12:18:00.000-07:00

Monk-Monk's asleep! Yikes! He's lost from his family.. will they find him? Read the "The Jungle Rescue" to find out. One little thing, though.. it's not published yet. But one day, hopefully! This is my story with a color illo from the book dummy. I'm (submitting this summer ––come rain or shine! I've been working on it for a looooong time! It's time to let go!

Illustration Friday - Surrender

2011-02-03T10:48:00.000-08:00

After a lot of deep thought I decided to participate in Illustration Friday with this illustration of "Surrender". Two years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer and luckily I am cancer free today. This illustration came from trying to make sense of the diagnosis and deal with it in a way I wouldn't see myself as a victim. Until recently it's not been easy to talk about. Being a sensitive person, I easily could perceive people feeling very awkward and uncomfortable when they found out. The reality of the "Big C" was that I have experienced these "good things" from such a bad thing. I wanted to focus on what is good and what has come about as goodness. My faith has been strengthened to such a degree it wasn't before. Even though I thought I was healthy, after my diagnosis I've ramped up my healthy eating habits, stress management and exercise. I know that I am lucky to be a survivor and I am ever so grateful for these blessings.

Howdy, 2011!!!

2011-01-10T09:13:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone. It's been a while but I wanted to post in this new beginnings of 2011. This is going to be an awesome year! I can feel it. My studio is all spiffed up and organized. I'm posting some pics so I can KEEP it that way! Has everyone made New Year's resolutions or set intentions for this year? I'm still formulating mine but one for sure is to keep my studio neat and organized. It just feels better to be in here and it makes me SMILE. I like setting intentions rather than resolutions. It somehow feels more solid.

This pic above is walking into my studio.

My cozy little nook for reading. I love my papasan chair. All I need is a cute lamp! Notice all of my books, I have a TON of books mostly art related or children's books & illustration. My drawing table and paints. I usually paint at the drawing table now, rather than my easel. Do you like my twinkly string lights?This is my computer, my scanner and Wacom tablet. This is where a lot of my time has been spent last year! The paintings on the walls are ones I've done throughout the years. Some are self-portraits and from classes I've taken.

Holli Conger's Illustration Tips

2010-12-15T20:42:00.000-08:00

Mosey on over to Holli Conger's "A Girl Who Creates" Blog for terrific tips on the illustration biz.. Holli is generously sharing her expertise and her savviness with us everyday during the month of December. I have been a BIG fan of Holli's work for several years and it's been exciting to see how her career has progressed. What an awesome gift to have a new tip every day about illustration! So, check out her blog. Today. Don't wait!

Benjamin Lacombe

2010-08-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

Benjamin Lacombe is another French illustrator I discovered in France. I immediately fell in love with his rich, moody, and vibrant stylized gouache illustrations. When we were in Aix en Provenence, I was thrilled to find his children's picture book, "Les Amants Papillons" ("Butterfly Lovers") in a small book shop. The book is written in French, of which I only know a few words, but the illustrations are a sumptuous blend of color, drama, and design. The book is large, 15½" x 7" which is quite large by picture book standards. This allows for the full intensity of Benjamin's gorgeous illustrations with full spreads on many pages. Since this book is probably difficult to find in the US, here are some other titles he illustrated that are available on Amazon: "Lin Yi's Lantern" and " Cherry and Olive". You can see his work at his very creative website www.BenjaminLacombe.com

Check back for more posts on fantastic illustrators and their work!

Star Gazing - IF

2010-08-19T06:44:00.000-07:00

I did these little star gazing frogs a while back, but I thought it could work for this week's theme. I'm hoping to make time to participate in Illustration Friday again! Check out the IF site, as there's always such great work each week around each theme.

Grayson's Elephant

2010-08-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

Yay!! I finally finished Grayson's elephant painting for his room. I had a great time painting with the Golden Open Acrylics. I really liked how they stayed wet and I was able to work longer in blending colors. Even thought I still love my Winsor Newton oil alkyds, I think I'm hooked on the new acrylics. I bought a whole bunch of colors yesterday at the art supply store and am trying some more "experiments".
I'll post a pic of the painting in Grayson's nursery soon!

Open Acrylics

2010-06-29T16:06:00.001-07:00

I'm trying new paints, Golden's Open Acrylic, which according to Golden's website, are a slow-drying formulation. I only recently heard of these acrylics and have been so excited to try them out. I usually work with Winsor & Newton's Oil Aklyds. They are quick drying oils and I love the colors. I'm working on a painting for my new baby grandson, Grayson's nursery. Here is a pic of what I'll be painting.
This little elephant stuffed toy is the subject of the painting. This should be a fun experiment. I'll post pics when I finish.. hopefully in a couple of days. Has anyone painted with these acrylics? I'd love to hear any comments about them!

Rebecca Dautremer

2010-06-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

I first saw Rébecca Dautremer's illustrations in a small shop in Paris when my husband and I were visiting Paris for the very first time. My husband was attending a conference and I tagged along since I had never been there. While he attended his meetings, I took every opportunity to browse book stores and children's books for French illustrators. Boy, did I find some wonderful illustrators! I fell in love with Rébecca's work and have looked for her books here in the US ever since then.

A few weeks ago I found her illustrations in "The Secret Lives of Princesses" written by Philippe Lechermeier. What a feast of color, design and style flows through this picture book! She creates her beautiful illustrations in gouache and has been illustrating books for over 10 years. Rebecca uses unusual views and every spread has such striking contrast with her color palette. Check out this book if you have a chance.. it is completely captivating. Also check out her website which has many more gorgeous illos.

Back on the road again

2010-05-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

I have had a long absence from my blog, mostly because I haven't been creating any art. I've been involved with art.. student teaching to get my certification to teach art which was pretty awesome, but not creating my own. I plan to teach high school, middle school, or elementary.. any of those.. I will love it!

Above is a collage I did at a party of creative women recently led by Johanna Roffino-Hulsey and the party was organized by Johanna and Karen Weiss. It was very freeing and we weren't trying to make anything "perfect"... we were just playing. That evening was the jumpstart I needed to get my creative engine running again. I've begun work on a painting for my new grandson's nursery and also have a couple of other new ideas for paintings to work on. Below are several of the collages done in the class.

I am SOooo excited to be part of Kelly Rae Roberts e-course, Flying Lessons!! Kelly has been an inspiration to me for a LONG time. I've followed her blog and feel like I know her as she shared her successes and ups and downs on her blog. I bought her book as soon as it was published and ordered her calendars and other items. Check out Kelly's blog and her fabulous work here. I can't wait for the e-course to start. It is going to be so WONDERFUL!

The Art of Dr. Seuss

2009-08-08T16:30:00.001-07:00

"The Art of Dr. Seuss" is a national touring exhibition in recognition of the wonderful creative Theodor Seuss Geisel. My illustrator friends, Robyn Jorde, Nancy Heard, Wandie Ortiz and I visited this fantastic exhibit today. The exhibit was at a new gallery in Dallas, Storyopolis Fine Art which has recently relocated from Los Angeles, CA. Storyopolis is in association with The 4th Wall Gallery at the same location. The exhibition gives a glimpse into the creative and prolific artistic life of Theodor Seuss Geisel. In addition to Dr. Seuss, we saw some wonderful illustrations from Lane Smith, William Joyce, Alison Jay, and Nicoletta Ceccoli to name just a few. The owner, Matthew Abrammowitz, was extremely accommodating in showing us numerous illustrations and answering all of our questions! We are thrilled to have this fantastic gallery in Dallas. The Dr. Seuss exhibit ends today, but Matthew said they have some wonderful exhibitions planned for the future. Check it out!

Some of the fantastic illustrations.

Meet "Mama Monkey"

2009-07-14T06:42:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd show a sneak peek of one of the characters in the picturebook dummy I'm working on. This is a sketch from my dummy which has been in the works for soooooo long. It has been a pure labor of love with lots of revisions to the manuscript AND the illustrations, but it's finally coming together. I finally can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
And, here's the finished painting. I changed a few things.. but I like how it turned out.

Goody Giveaway at Michelle my Belle

2009-07-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

Gallop on over to Michelle my Belle for a super giveaway. Michelle Allen has terrific art pieces (see above) she's giving away on her blog. Check it out to enter the giveaway!

A Workshop in the Fish Bowl

2009-07-01T13:52:00.000-07:00

I started a workshop with Marisa at Creative Thursday almost 2 weeks ago and I'm a little late in getting my blog updated about it. The e-course has started off great with terrific podcasts and videos from Marisa and she is an AMAZING and INSPIRING teacher.It's been inspiring and motivating to hear what other artists have to share, also. So many of the artists are much further along on their path which is fun and exciting to see what they are doing and hear what's working for them.

Art Night

2009-02-03T16:44:00.000-08:00

Fisher Elementary in Frisco asked me to be part of their first Art Night Jan. 26. My daughter, Holly, teaches first grade there. It was a blast! Carly Allen, the art teacher, and Tricia Fay organized the event. I showed examples from my "Saving Emma" and they were available for purchase. My presentation also included the process of illustration and I showed my book dummy for "The Jungle Rescue". I made prompts with my characters and the kids created their own illustration using my characters. It was SO much fun!Here are some pics from the event.

My daughter, Holly Natale, Mrs. Lawson, principal, and me.

One student's illustration with one of my characters.
A student with her dad helping.
Tricia, Holly, me and Carly

It's Here----Finally!!!

2008-11-21T10:52:00.001-08:00

Today's the day! Twilight hits the theaters. I can't wait to see it. Awesome!

21 Day Challenge - Day 21 - YEAH!!!!

2008-11-04T18:56:00.001-08:00

CELEBRATE!!! CELEBRATE!!
I made it to 21 days!! Yippee, woohoo!! Seriously I finished 21 sketches. Granted, I started in August, but through surgery and creative block and whatever else was in THAT I've made it! I was determined to finish with 21 sketches no matter how long it took! AND I did. I'm proud of myself... it has been a real challenge for me. A good one, too. Thanks to Deb for letting me know about it and for Gina Perry for starting it.

Should I start another?? Hmmmmm....

21 Day Challenge - Day 20

2008-11-03T20:52:00.000-08:00

21 Day Challenge - Day 19

2008-11-02T20:55:00.001-08:00

21 Day Challenge - Day 18

2008-11-01T11:31:00.001-07:00

Happy Late Halloween!

21 Day Challenge - Day 17

2008-10-29T20:28:00.001-07:00

MISS KITTY RELAXING!
Miss Kitty is taking a much needed relaxation break on her chaise lounge. She's sipping on a delicious pomegranate daiquiri! Maxember Cat plans to drop by for a late suppah! Hee hee!

21 Day Challenge - Day 16

2008-10-28T19:29:00.001-07:00

21 Day Challenge - Day 15

2008-10-19T14:19:00.001-07:00

21 Day Challenge - Day 14

2008-10-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

I'm posting a painting/collage instead of a sketch today. I bought a terrific book "Taking Flight" by Kelly Rae Roberts I love this book! The other part of the title: "Inspiration & Techniques to give your Creative Spirit Wings" says it all. My collage/painting was inspired from her techniques and work. She has wonderful examples and step-by-step of how she does things. She also has guest artists that she writes about and then creates her own work experimenting with the artist's style. Check out her website AND her blog. She writes with a wonderful voice and speaks from her heart. AND she is so honest. How awesome for an artist to share their ups and downs!

I Love This!

2008-09-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

Isn't this adorable? Feist on Sesame Street!

21 Day Challenge - Day 13

2008-09-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

21 Day Challenge - Day 12

2008-08-27T21:00:00.001-07:00

Rollin' Rollin' Rollin', keep them doggies movin!

I'm keeping these sketches rolling or at least trying to move forward.

21 Day Challenge - Day 11

2008-08-26T08:37:00.001-07:00

I"m Back!!!! I've been recuperating from surgery and out of action for a while. Now I'm back to continue my "21 Day Challenge". I did get some drawing done while healing, but wasn't up to scanning and posting. This little guy, Jake, is floating in the air.. not sure if I should have put some background in or if it works as a spot. I'm hoping to work on some of these and get some color involved. It's good to be back!

21 Day Challenge - Day 10

2008-08-12T21:05:00.000-07:00

Meet Grandma Jane.. I think Grandpa(from Day 3) has an eye for her! I haven't drawn older people much. Good practice for me.

21 Day Challenge - Day 9

2008-08-10T13:56:00.001-07:00

I was going to post this in IF, but I saw that someone else had an illo with the same kind of concept and hers is in color! Maybe I'll do something else to post in IF.

21 Day Challenge - Day 8

2008-08-07T20:50:00.001-07:00

A boy and his dog. I'm starting to really LIKE drawing boys. I still want to get a little more action going, though.

21 Day Challenge - Day 7

2008-08-05T21:27:00.001-07:00

Birthday girl... another girl. I am so DRAWN to drawing girls... hee hee! I will get back to the boys tomorrow.

21 Day Challenge - Day 6

2008-08-04T20:15:00.000-07:00

I thought I would draw some boy faces. I always have such a hard time thinking of other hair styles for boys. Since my kids are grown I'm not around kids all of the time. I need to be on the lookout for different kinds of hair.

21 Day Challenge - Day 5

2008-08-03T11:42:00.001-07:00

RATS! I missed a day--was in a workshop all day yesterday. This little guy is having fun with good old roller skating. Although, here in Texas it is sooooo hot.. don't see many kids outside playing during the day. It's 102 degrees today!

21 Day Challenge - Day 4

2008-08-01T15:46:00.001-07:00

I just had to sneak a girl in, heehee. Running short on drawing time. Have to get ready for BREAKING DAWN!! Maybe I should have drawn Bella OR Bella as a little girl. Too bad Bella and Edward can't have kids! Yikes I'm talking about characters in a book!

Breaking Dawn!!

2008-08-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the NIGHT!! "Breaking Dawn" hits the shelves. I will be attending the event tonight with Holly, Shelby, Britt, and friends. I just hope I'm not the OLDEST fan there. We've read Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse so we're ready for Breaking Dawn. What a phenomenon! It should be fun, fun,... if I can stay awake!

21 Day Challenge - Day 3

2008-07-31T20:32:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure where Grandpa came from, but in addition to drawing more boys, I'm adding the challenge of drawing more men. I'm going to try in the next few days to get some more action going. Hmmmm.. maybe Grandpa dancing?

21 Day Challenge - Day 2

2008-07-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, Day 2 and I drew another boy! Granted, his eyes are closed but it's a boy! He popped into my mind from a doodle... Ricky is his name and he's saying his prayers. He loves airplanes and playing outside. His dog, Skip, sits patiently with him. This challenge is going to be great for me.

21 Day Challenge - Day 1

2008-07-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

I'm joining the 21 Day Challenge even THOUGH I am couple of months late! I was inspired by my friend Deb completing the challenge. Her challenge was inspired by Chickengirl's challenge. Also check out Gina Perry who began the challenge. I'll post a new sketch each day so check back to see my progress. I plan to draw more boys, as I tend to draw girls all the time. Also, I'd like to experiment with some digital sketching plus try my hand at some collage -digital and traditional. I figure this will be a great place to try things out!

HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2008

2008-01-17T15:52:00.000-08:00

One of my intentions this year is to post more frequently to this blog. I've had family things come up, but I'm trying to get back with it now! This illustration is my winter mailing. It did take a while to finish it and because of that I'm now working on some different ways of painting faster. Being from the Deep South, we frequently had marshmallow roasts outside with rather nippy weather... which might seem odd to some, but was very commonplace for me growing up.
I hope everyone had wonderful holidays, didn't eat too much, (but enjoyed yourself!) and have jumped into 2008.

Illustration Friday -Soar

2007-12-29T15:19:00.000-08:00

GIRLS SOAR!!!
Trish and Scooter love flying a few touch-and-goes with her mom on sunny days. What girl wouldn't love to have a pilot mom?

This is my Illustration Friday entry for this week's topic "Soar". It was done a while back but I think it fits the theme. My New Year's Resolution is to work on my speed to get new work out in a shorter amount of time!!
Petal to the medal!

Illustration Friday - Momentum

2007-09-08T09:39:00.000-07:00

As the roller coaster reached the top, the momentum sent it rushing down the track. Ben threw up his hands and yelled "Woohoo". Holly was having fun, too, but was too grown-up to show her excitement.

This is my entry for IF-Momentum. I created this illustration a while back and it was from a photo of my kids on a rollercoaster in New Orleans City Park. We went there on family visits when we traveled from Texas to Louisiana. The park is still recovering from damage, although we haven't been back to the park since Katrina.

Illustration Friday - Visitors

2007-08-30T07:46:00.002-07:00

Will they be welcome? Flower, her mom, and Baby Kimmie visit Great Aunt Virgie for the first time. What will she be like? Will she have toys?

This is an illustration that I painted a while back but have touched up in Photohshop. I'd like to post more often to IF but first I've got to speed up my painting process!

Illustration Friday - My Paradise

2007-06-06T17:36:00.000-07:00

What could be more fun than a sunny day at the beach with your favorite pet? There's nothing like the warm sun on your face and a cool breeze off the Gulf of Mexico. My paradise is inspired by my hometown of Bay St. Louis, MS which was one of the hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina. It's a charming town that is full of people with a strong spirit of rebuilding their homes and community. I'd like to be there relaxing on the beach, visiting their new art galleries and shops. There's nothing like your hometown. Check it out if you are ever down in South Mississippi.