Illustration Friday - Poise

I haven't done one of these for awhile, so here's my shot at this week's Illustration Friday theme, "poise."

Serigraphy

I've been wanting to do screen printing in the worst possible way for the longest time. Last month I finally bit the bullet and decided to try out a beginner's kit that was super discounted. It's been a series of starts and stops to learn the process (including one ruined screen and a really messy bathtub). Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention this stellar video from the nice people at Make magazine that provided some much needed visual cues.

Arpeggios Again

You can transfer prints onto wood, who'd a thought. This video explains the whole process. and I am pretty giddy over the whole thing.

The Rustle of Leaves

Something from a recent sketchbook session. Hoping you all had weekends involving many, many good things. Mine included a long (brisk) walk, pens and donuts, which was pretty nice.

And speaking of nice things, the games at Orisinal are delightful.

Orchard House

Remember last year when I said I wanted to go here? Well, I finally managed.

My sister lives outside of Boston in an area where you can't turn around without running into some historical figure's stomping grounds. Literally. Since she's moving in a few months, we're trying to fit in visiting all these places before she ships out. Topping the list was a visit to Louisa May Alcott's home, Orchard House.


Alcott's home is pretty amazing. The family's progressive lifestyle is evident everywhere (the girls were allowed to draw on the walls, baskets of old theatre costumes are still intact and piles of books rest everywhere). It really is worth a visit if you're in the neighborhood.


These snowdrops were right outside the door. The fact that it was drizzly and 40 something outside was no deterrent to them. I'd like to be that resilient!

Daylight

I'm pulling together some prints for a show right now. If time were no object, I'd like to finish this sketch up for said show. Fingers crossed I can squeeeeeze this one in somewhere between other projects.



Breakfast out Saturday was nice (especially because the bill was footed with a leftover giftcard from Christmas). Fruit tart, no parking tickets and a trip to the bead store (where I found the supplies for the above earrings) rounded out the day nicely.

Now upwards and onwards with the rest of the week.

Protozoa and Perfectionists

Recent sketchbook drawings: a creature of indeterminate lineage and this fellow, who looks a bit high strung.



I've been wearing these fingerless gloves all winter and have really enjoyed them. The pattern was made up on the fly, so the thumbs are wonky. But, they do the trick and make things like fishing for meter change and dialing phone numbers so much easier. Fine motor skills while protecting digits from the elements? Nice.

Maybe Yes, Maybe No, Maybe Maybe

"Maybe Yes, Maybe No, Maybe Maybe" by Susan Patron and with illustrations by yours truly, is in a bookstore near you! I spotted a few copies at my local Barnes & Noble Friday night.

And while you're at it, "Lucky Breaks," the sequel to "The Higher Power of Lucky" is out too and looks like a darn good read.

Illustration Friday - Breezy

My take on this week's Illustration Friday theme.

Staying the Course

Plugging away, working, shoveling and day-dreaming about 70 degree (with zero humidity) days. Also sketching here and there, with a whole lot of inspiration from a recent over-abundance of folk/alt-country/appalachian tune listening. Oh, and waterproof pens? Um, I'm not so sure about that claim...

In Like A Lion

That reminds me, I need to get a replacement needle for the record player. I wish CD's had that scratchy sound. You can't listen to "Meet The Beatles" on anything but a turntable.



The sun was out yesterday and I'm pretty sure winter's days are numbered, even if there is a nor'easter raging outside right now.