paint paint paint pictures

:: Happy Monday ::

Here are some new paintings to start your day off right.

I loved painting these little abstractions with animals!

This piece, above, is a few years old. I've decided I like it again.

It's funny how you can tire of something, then look at it again in a new light.

I think because I want to maintain a painterly feel in my work, it's appeals to me.

However, I love lines, too. and animals in frames ;)

I revised this one a little. It's also a few years old. Bailey bear overindulged 

at an Italian eatery and bun would like to taste those left overs!

See more work by me at AllynHoward.com - 

illustration, custom paintings, murals, product designs and process pics.

Hope you have a splendid week ahead.

xo, A

:::

*PS - Kristine Lombardi's 1st picture book, Lovey Bunny, debuts this week! 

Perhaps I can score an interview with her this month :D

She'll be reading and signing books at Books of Wonder this Sunday

March 8th from 2-4pm

I'll be there. Maybe I'll see you!

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