SUNFLOWER PATTERN

Sometimes, it's as simple as looking up in the sky to send me back into my studio.

SKY+DAISY+SUNFLOWER= NEW DESIGN

NEW DESIGN, THE PROCESS

This Japanese temple was painted from a trip to the Orient in the 70's.

Peacock pattern came from an illustration that I painted in  my college days.

Apple blossom branch was painted in the 90's

This little wren was on my deck this week

This new design spans 35 years of painting!

Botanical Inspiration on a grey Monday

I love botanical for its own sake. This little white Ranunculus from last week is the inspiration for a little brainstorming on the computer this Monday.

Different elements are layer onto the little painting to create a new design. These 2  butterflies are on separate layers. As seperate layers, I'm able to freely play with the arrangement & position of them in my composition... till I found a combination that works.

working up some hand lettering

Some mornings, I can work up an entire new collection. Other mornings, I can't make anything happen on the computer.

Typical winter scene of the Catskill Mountain

Each season brings its own beauty & inspirations. Familiar winter view from my studio. A typical snowy scene of the Catskill Mountain.

The cardinal & reindeer are elements of the Holiday Season. With a few basic Photoshop tricks...

I have another new design to add to my Winter Collection.

Horse Sanctuary

My training in illustration gives me the skill to paint anything in a realistic way, in the comfort of my studio.

I also enjoy my detours into artistic investigation with landscapes. With each canvas, one sought to capture one glorious inspirational moment.

en plein air from my garden

My horse reference came from my visits to ROSEMARY FARM, a local horse sanctuary that's in my backyard.

The best part of photoshop is that I can combine my fine art onto my illustrations. I can create as many new designs as I want from a few vignettes. Click HERE, to see more equestrian designs from one painted horse.

New Design for License

Much has been written about the process of creativity. For me, it's time on my bike that's the most creative. Ideas kind of flow together. Putting different elements together is a big part of creating an illustration. This design is a perfect example: my rep always sends over a wish list on what's trending. 

Cloud was on the list recently. I have tons of cloudscape in my archive. They are all fine art paintings, not exactly commercial art.

There's also this dreamscape, it's too muted to be license for anything. It has been in the closet for years. For whatever reason, combining these 2 paintings just came to me while I was biking.

With the magic of photoshop, I created a new design for license, by combining 3 paintings.

SPRING COLORS

apple blossoms have the loveliest pink

Soft & cheerful blooms from the garden, this week.

small gems

green & purple color combo

WILDLIFE DESIGN

charcoal sketch

From sketch to a finish design...

appreciation for the precious & quietly beautiful  things surrounding me…from what's outside my window to my little watercolor brush!

Deer with Hearts

POPPY SEASON

one subject, many inspiration

The poppy in my garden tend to self seed. Dazzling & carefree, it's always a surprise to see what & where the poppies will show up. These enchanting blossoms only last a few short days. But it last long enough for me to make some hand painted card to add to my collection on ETSY. Spend a few dollars to make someone's day!

just a gold marker

from my garden

5x7 original artcard

NATURE INSPIRED

We have a day of snow on the first day of spring, last weekend. A deer wander into my view. ..

I kind of like my little sketch of the deer.

Wind up spending the day doodling with swirls & winter vines. This might be my last winter design for awhile.

SAME SEX VALENTINE

With a little time & focus, a new design can happen pretty fast … it's officially a same sex holiday greeting on GCU!  

VALENTINE GREETING

old fashion watercolor & a little digital help

I could use fonts from PS, but hand written calligraphy makes anything special… tried many variations before I scan it into PS.

a little manipulation with my calligraphy