More round paintings - yay!

I made 6 more round paintings in the last few days.

We only have to submit one for Lilla Rogers' Bootcamp class,

but my love for painting on wood has been reawakened.

Rudy Rides! Bike Chase on Boardwalk

I like chase scenes.

I found an image of clotheslines on Pinterest that I liked, then later stumbled 

upon a panda toy hanging out to dry, soooo I couldn't resist.

I wanted to include another face with decorative flowers in the series

and thought it would be nice to paint a younger girl in springy fresh colors.

Peacock with babies and daisies

 A peacock seemed perfect for the round format.

Flirtatious Lion, in touch with feminine side ;)

Hope you've enjoyed seeing these as much as I've enjoyed painting them.

I have to decide which to submit by our deadline this Sunday 2-22. 

I think I have a favorite, but will see which lasts in my mind :)

Which one would you choose?

Thanks for stopping by!

Stay warm East Coasters!!

xo, A

MATS Bootcamp Gallery January 2015 is Up!

A follow up to Saturday's post - MATS Bootcamp gallery

view Edwardian inspired journal designs 

Above are just a handful of my favorites - I'm on page 5

Top: Julie Wilson, Katie Wilson, Melissa Iwai,

Middle: Rebecca Silus, *Allyn Howard, Julie Cossette,

Bottom: Andrea Muller, Erin Balzer, Gabriela Larios

Take a look at close to 500 pieces of art :)

Don't worry, it's quick & simple to scroll through!

:: Enjoy the rest of your week ::

xo, A

new & noteworthy

Happy Saturday! 

It snowed here in NYC last night :)

I spent time finishing up my journal cover for Lilla Rogers Bootcamp 2015

I got a late start on sketching, but I really enjoyed this one.

Our mini assignment was to sketch Edwardian brooches.

I got a little off track when I spotted a baby bear and tree on Pinterest, 

while looking at images.

For those of you who don't know, Lilla is a licensing agent who has paired up with

Beth Kempton, Do What You Love, in the UK to offer online classes 

that help hone your skills and gain a better understanding of the business.

I took her intensive 5 week class, Make Art That Sells 3A last spring. 

I learned a lot and gained more confidence.

Melissa Iwai convinced me that Bootcamp was just as helpful, with deadlines

end of each month rather than weekly, encompassing 5 months and for less $

The only drawback is that you don't have a chance to have your work reviewed 

by Lilla, herself, but finished pieces are displayed in the Bootcamp Galleries. 

You can view last year's projects here.

Our final assignment was to create a journal cover. You could incorporate your sketches

and reference in any way you like. I'm not the only artist who chose to frame animals

and I almost resisted the urge, but I take do what you love pretty seriously! 

It's funny, because I often sketch frames and animals in frames, "hanging" salon style.

Some of mine took on more of a Mexican folk look, with the bright color and flowers, 

but I'm happy with the mix. Lilla stresses to make what you would buy for yourself.

So I try! and hope that others share my taste in art and products :)

:::

Thanks for stopping by!

Lena is taking a snow day ... Zzzzzz

xo, A

Few Crafty Crafters

The 5th Annual Renegade Craft Fair was last weekend at McCarren Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I went on Sunday with no intention of blogging about it, but I have to mention 3 crafters whose work I found particularly cute or charming!

The 1st is Zooguu handmade plush toys. I met Jen Gubicza, the owner and creator of these adorable round puffy animals. She began selling her stuffed toys on Etsy in 2006 under the name Sweetestpea. Her husband, Brian Gubicza, a freelance illustrator, is involved with developing character ideas & some of production.




Love this hedgehog! I noticed hedgehogs are giving birds, owls & cupcakes a run for their money ;) Actually, they may have already taken over as most popular character this year!

I find the roundness of these animals to be extremely appealing :D Take a look at Zooguu to see so much more, plus free downloads, games & more! Jen and Brian currently live & work in Brooklyn. She is also a freelance designer for Big Blue Dot specializing in "design & strategy for companies that care about kids."

Below is a sweet necklace by The Intuitive Garden Every piece is made by Candace, who I did not have a chance to talk to since she was quite busy with her customers. You can see her profile and read a fun interview with Candace on her Etsy shop. I was drawn to her jewelry for the color and careful, yet casual line work on pieces like this one called "Space Garden". I also like her photographic pieces. They are all wearable art!

Space Garden Necklace

Spring Fling Ring

Little Bloom Pendant

Tangled Bliss Pendant

Red Fiesta Earrings

Vibrant Pendant-- I love this pendant! It's quietly festive & fun!! Candace lives & works in Northern Massachusettes and you can view a full line of her jewelry at The Intuitive Garden shop on Etsy.


Astulabee is Nicole Licht, she stiches unique limited edition and one-of-a-kind soft sculptures. I found these animals incredibly charming and sweet. Wish I had purchased the bunny I saw. Luckily she sells her pieces on Etsy , but make sure to browse her gallery on Astulabee and also view press, interviews & awards she has received.

Sweetheart Pony (reduced price through Thursday 6/11 midnight)

Mr. Golden Cape Woodlander (reduced price)

Custom Pony

Wintry White Woodsy Ghost (reduced price through Thursday 6/11 midnight)

Nicole lives & works in Brooklyn, NY. Her handsewn creations are carefully crafted and sturdy, too!

This building below is off of McCarren Park and I love the design, even though I usually prefer old townhouses & brownstones. The windows, alone, on this are fantastic! Can easily imagine painting masterpieces in one of these well lit rooms ;)

Can't pass up a cute little doggie!

Full trash cans are a good indicator the fair was popular. Hope it was all successfully cleaned up!

Visit the Renegade Craft website for upcoming shows. There are several coming up-- one in Los Angeles, San Francisco & Chicago, where it originated.

*ps I neglected to mention that I attended the fair with my wonderfully talented friend, Kristine Lombardi known for her colorful whimsical style and splendid hand lettering. I will be profiling her work here at a later date, but feel free to check out her fabulous illustrations on her website anytime :)