Come Sail Away

This week I painted the summer theme for If I Were A Toy store

here in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.

:::

Pirate Bear is on the lookout for hidden treasure. He is a pirate after all.

He knows it's out there somewhere!

His friends are along for the ride and they spot a curious creature.

Bear sees gold! Beautiful, shiny, yellow 

and  feathery ?

: Hello Bear :

These guys aim for speed and excitement on the water!

Skippy sees no reason to hurry.

This guy just wants back on board.

Water sports are not for everyone, but sailing, 

that's something we can all enjoy.

:::

Have a great weekend! 

Hope it doesn't sail by too quickly ;)

xo, A

A Venice Valentine!

Here's my latest painting for If I Were A Toy store's ever changing door 

in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. 

A Venice Valentine may be my favorite so far!

I love Venice! 

I thought with Valentine's Day on the way, what better background 

than Venice for some cute animals to share their Valentines, 

in a gondola no less :)

Nothing like it :)

Have a lovely Sunday!

xo

-A

Hello Sunshine!

Here's my June door painting for If I Were A Toy store, Fun at Sea! It includes some usuals like Yoga Bun and Bitty, the owners' tiny dog, who is actually much smaller than this painted version. I enjoy painting on the smooth surface of glass and it's cool to see how the other side looks when you're done.

Snorkel Dog loves turtles and clown fish!

I've added Maraca Mouse and Yoga Bun onesies to my shop on Cafepress and I hope to have some small runs printed to sell on my site soon.

 Yoga Bun prints can be purchased from my website, AllynHoward.com :')

((5x7 image with 8x10 cream mat))

The opening reception for my friend, Melissa Zexter's work was last weekend at Carrie Haddad Photographs in Hudson, NY. It was great to see her pieces displayed in the front gallery. I had a terrific time meeting new people, dining on Mexican twice in one night and roasting marshmallows for breakfast the next day :) 

The gallery is located on charming Warren Street. Here, the artist poses with her work.

Odille is following in her mom's footsteps, taking more pictures than any of us. This dog made quite an impression on her.

I should have taken some photos earlier when the gallery was abuzz with activity. I took mine as most of us were winding down, though Mirabelle was just getting revved up ;) 
Below, Zexter poses with her kids and Anne McInnis next to a piece with their mutual friend, Alice as the model. Anne owns a wonderful shop called 12 specializing in modern antiquities at 345 Warren Street. We enjoyed a little more wine and chatted in her shop after the show. She's one of those people you feel like you've known for years. Her store also carries some beautiful gold jewelry designed by Rosanne Pugliese :)

Leslie's friend from college, Peter Aaron currently lives around the corner from the gallery. Here he poses with her and Zex outside. Peter is the music editor for Hudson Valley's Chronogram Magazine and was in the band The Chrome Cranks :D

Lance had to get down to business at their place in Tannersville. Sawing down ferns is a man's job ;D
Melissa's show will be up until July 3rd. 
Have a lovely Sunday!  ~A

Blipadee Celebrates Independence Day!

If I Were A Toy... This month's store door-- A NYC bear family is celebrating the 4th out on the water and enjoying the fireworks!!

I painted several murals in the kids' store, If I Were A Toy... last winter and each month I return to paint a different theme for their door. I always enjoy stopping by, especially now that they're serving ices!

Today, sitting outside to paint, I heard a young boy say to his mom "If I Were A Toy, then I'd Play with Myself!" I don't think his mom gave a reply :)

Have a Fun 4th!!! Enjoy the Fireworks!