Spring is Here

well, almost...

I went up to Warwick, NY last week with a 

few other scenic painters for a job.

I rarely have a chance to leave Brooklyn or Queens for work, so

it was a treat.

We were in a beautiful location, plus there was a bowling alley nearby.

I bowl about once every ten years, but I have to say,

it sure is fun when you hit some strikes!

Above, my boss, bowling with style...

In town, a charming little canal runs behind the 

quaint row shops and restaurants on Main Street. 

Jake Scharbach, artist and fellow scenic, makes a friend :)

Pondering one's life choices...

not so bad with coffee in hand on a sunny day.

One of the best signs I've ever seen.

Not only a great message, but the execution, so bad it's good!

Happy Birthday to the lovely Leslie Wolf.

Last night was the 1st time I've had dinner at

Raoul's despite it's being located across the street from 

Cafe Borgia 2 where I was a waitress for several years

(a lifetime ago ;) 

The food was delicious and I love their dim pink lighting.

Our only misstep was ordering Chartreuse. 

"Chartreuse is an herbal liquer produced by Carthusian monks

in the French Alps. With almost 400 years of history, Chartreuse is

one of the oldest and most mysterious spirits still available."

Definitely mysterious

The aroma and flavor is what I would guess

a fushion of gasoline/bathroom disinfectant would taste like,

but that's just me.

The Champagne and sparkling Rose much better :)

:::

Also, this week...

Badgley badger is off to auction!

He looks forward to raising some money for 

public schools and settling in to a nice new home.

Good Luck little guy!

:::

Have a great week ahead

xo, A

Ava & Coco in Paris

Today I finished painting this scene for a lovely little girl named Ava.

Here she is walking her dog, Coco down a charming street in Paris.

Every little (and big) girl's dream :)

Her patisserie is based on the beautiful iconic,

Laduree. Their macaroons are all over boards on Pinterest,

for obvious reasons.

The painting is 24" x 36" and will fit perfectly in a spot above her bed.

I tried to keep it loose and painterly and I just had to include other dogs,

a couple of birds and kitty cats :)

While looking through my own photos and reference pics online, for which there is no

shortage, I had to finally stop. Paris is so exquisitely beautiful and full of

charm, that even illustrating it for a child's room becomes a daunting task.

I hope that Ava will get to experience this wonderful city one day.

For now, I hope this painting encourages sweet dreams.

Have a swell midweek!

xo,

A

ti amo!

Valentine's Day is on the way!  I've added some new cards to my website and revamped a few as you can see here! All cards are printed on premium quality archival fine art cardstock by Hahnemuhle with a lustre finish. Visit my site for more details.

Love these handbag templates, so I'm working on some playful designs for these.

Above is a new art print available on my shop page. It's one of my favorite new pieces! You can customize the text if you'd like. I think it will make a nice Father's day card, too.

Thanks for stopping by and letting me indulge in some self promotion. Check back next week for my profile on photographer & friend, Melissa Zexter :)