Process, Flowers and Self Promotion Monday :)

We all start somewhere. 

I thought I'd share some process pics of a painting I made this weekend.

I like to start by drawing everything out loosely with charcoal, 

but I sometimes use pencil or just start painting. 

For my latest series of flower themed art, I've been working on canvas again.

Most of my animal illustrations are currently painted on gesso board or wood.

Pre-primed canvas provides a smooth surface for acrylic paint. 

Filling in the background with color is really relaxing to me. 

I guess because it requires only light focus and skill.

Painting each flower is the most fun, but the moment comes when you gotta decide just

 how far to go. I considered keeping this loose and painterly, 

but decided to add lines for definition and to keep it similar in style to the 

last couple of patterns I made. Below, is a detail before I went lighter.

I tried a softer look, by making the background pink, plus I worked a little more on it overall.

And then, I went back to a bolder background using Photoshop, which you can see below. 

Of course, with tools like Photoshop, you can alter almost anything. 

I can get lost in all the color options, alone!

In general, I prefer to do as much with paint before scanning or photographing a piece.

I currently use my iPad to photograph work that's too big to scan, 

like this, which is about 40" x 40" I think it's time to consider buying a large flatbed 

scanner or investing in a better camera or even using my old camera again.

I would love to license work like this to fabric companies, furniture and home accessory

manufacturers. I will begin researching places I can send samples to once I have a few more 

in the series. I'll probably have some printed using Spoonflower, plus create 

some pieces in my Society 6 shop to see how they look on products.

Speaking of samples, nice segue, huh - 

Here are my little square business cards being printed by Moo as we speak :)

Below is the back with a list of select social media platforms & my website, of course.

I'm doing a variety of square cards, here are a few -

and I want to start promoting my custom work again.

I used to paint murals more regularly and I miss it. 

I also live in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, a mini-mecca for newborns!

Below, are postcards of my latest custom painting, which I like a lot.

I decided to print detail shots bc I think it shows the work off better 

than the full image on a postcard size. 

I may print some larger samples or some flyers also.

Thanks for taking a look and indulging me on this self promotion Monday!

Finally, I will leave you with something sweet -

* TAFFY *

Have a great week!

xo, A

Painting Valentines

With Valentine's Day a little over two weeks away, it was time 

for me to paint If I Were A Toy store's door.

This year I decided to reference the Valentines of my youth.

How many of you remember those sweet perforated Valentines?

The cards came in packs, so you had plenty to share.

I liked that we gave them out to all of our friends!

Do they still make those or something like it?

I hope mine have some of that vintage appeal.

It was fun to do something a little different.

Whomever has captured your heart this year, there's still time to find that perfect surprise!

Like a fish ;)

:::

To each his own.

Thanks for stopping by.

xo, A

Twas the Saturday before Halloween

Have Fun! Stay Safe! Collect Candy!

ps be nice to black cats

xo, A

! BUNNIES !

Snowball

Today, I celebrate the bunny rabbit

and indulge in a little self promotion!

Here are some of the bunnies I've painted over the years, 

on paper, wood, walls & glass...

Casey

Rocky

Yoga Bun

Bun

Little Brown

Sadie

Bunnies show up in many of my illustrations for kids, 

here are a few in the details...

Flippin' Flop

Isabel

Blippy

Toby

Banjo Bun

Bunny

Disco Bun

Penelope

Yoga Bun

Super Bun

Clyde

Easter Bun

Lakeside Bun

These are buns on wall murals for nurseries and a toy store.

The flying bunnies are all based on two pet rabbits I used to own,

Rocky & Lilo = :o)

I've included bunnies in several of the glass door 

paintings I paint for If I were A Toy store,

here in Carroll Gardens, Bklyn.

and  Easter themes, of course...

it's only a week away!

Hope you're ready to decorate some eggs and hide those baskets. 

I know the Easter Bun appreciates the help :)

Enjoy your Sunday

xo, A