La Mia Casa

Today I share with you, my humble abode - my live and work space in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.

Above, is where I work on my computer and store most of my paintings and paper products.

My living room, where I store my giant cat.

Yes, Lena has been overeating. I'm under there, somewhere.

That is a Stereo/CD player and I still use it!

My kitchen/studio is one of my favorite spaces. 

It gets plenty of sunshine, which makes me quite happy.

Progress Pic Alert -

Gustavo Dog Gondolier and his pal, Mick in Venice, Italy.

Below, is the 2nd version of a crustacean inspired, crabby plate design I made for 

last month's MATS bootcamp. You can see the ones I submitted in the gallery.

I like the top version, particularly as a possible fabric pattern. I think I'll start creating more 

multiples, a minimal version along with the more colorful painterly versions, I typically make.

And oh yea, there are still a few of these flower pouches left in my etsy shop - Blip Blop Shop

I've added some new work to my website and rearranged a few things.

Feel free to take a look. I welcome your feedback.

Thanks for stopping by! I always appreciate it.

Lena, looking a little less bloated ;)

Enjoy the rest of your week!

xo, A

Sketches to Finished Art : Brooklyn to Breezy Painting

Last week, I shared a custom painting I made for a lovely little girl,

From Brooklyn to Breezy and back (also known as Willow's World)

This week, I thought I'd share some of my process with you.

If you're considering or know someone who would like a custom piece, it's 

a great way to make a room special and it's a simpler process than you might think.

These are the sketches I made after discussing ideas for this latest project.

I had an overall idea in mind, aiming for a dream-like quality with elements taken 

from a just-turned 6 year old's life to tell a story. It's her world, hopefully illustrated in a 

bright charming way that encourages delightful contemplation.

:::

Generally, after meeting with someone, speaking on the phone or emailing 

back & forth about ideas, I email my sketches along with some finished work

(as a reminder of my overall style) 

We take it from there. 

Sometimes I go back to the drawing board, so to speak, and sometimes,

like this time, I got the OK to just get started!

I did a washy under painting, using several colors, to sort of block

in where each scenario would end up.

For this, on pre-primed canvas, I sketched out everything in charcoal 1st. 

It can be easily wiped off and allows for a light hand. 

I always appreciate the loose quality of a sketch. The energy and 

movement can so easily be lost once you begin painting.

Next, I go over the lines with watered down acrylic paint.

I took lots of photos this time around, not only because I love using my iPad,

but I wanted to keep track of how each stage looked.

I really wanted to maintain a light touch with this one.

In these detail shots, you can see the early steps that lead to the final. 

I made only minor changes and additions as I went along.

This was mostly about adding color without losing all of the line work.

I did make the fox a touch happier and the raccoon looks more anxious in the finished one.

Here is the full 76" x 41" painting tacked up and sketched out in my studio.

Here is the finished painting on the floor, right before we began hanging it.

You can see how it was installed and some fine little details in my previous post- 

 From Brooklyn to Breezy 

Thanks for taking a look!

:::

You can see my illustration for kids, art licensing and custom murals

on my website, AllynHoward.com

Better yet, follow me on Facebook at Artwork by Allyn

I'd love to have ya!

xo, A

Back to School in Brooklyn

Weeeeeeeeeee! 

"I'm King of the World!"

These guys are on their way back to PS58 here in Carroll Gardens.

You're probably surprised by how many animals attend school,

but that's Brooklyn for you ;)

Oops, there goes lunch. Good thing it's all wrapped up,

most of it at least.

:: Full Painting ::

You looking at me?

Pizza Louie and Betty Cinna-bun wave good-bye and wish them luck!

"I hope it's not too hard."

:::

This is my seasonal painting on the front door of

If I Were A Toy store, on the corner of Court and Carroll Street.

I hope the kids have a terrific start back, this week for some

and next week in my neighborhood.

:::

Hope you enjoyed your Labor Day weekend!

Thanks for stopping by.

xo, A