Hi there! Crabs, seashells and flowers for you :)

I recently ran into a friend on the street wearing mustard colored pants.

I came home and immediately made some paintings with it as a background. Above, is my favorite.

The assignment this month for Lilla Rogers' MATS Bootcamp was to create 

1-3 plate designs : crustaceans + pattern

The blue crab, above, probably got a bit too painterly for a plate, 

but I cleaned it up some for the final submission, which is at the bottom of post.

Meanwhile, I keep painting flowers. I think once I learned that florals tend to stay in style, 

as far as licensing and art goes, that I've given myself free rein to keep going.

Below, my set of summer plates. Click here if you'd like to see the class gallery.

June is the last month for bootcamp. 

I look forward to finding out what our final project will be next week. 

I recommend the class for anyone who wants

deadlines and a supportive group of artists with whom you can

 share opinions, resources and encouragement, if and when you need it. 

If you'd like to view any of the class galleries, showcasing assignments from

previous classes 2014 - 2015 - Click Here :)

And finally, Thank You Chris Dunbar of Konduit Set Makers, LI City

for giving (and cutting) some nice squares of birch plywood for me.

I should have taken more!

Enjoy the rest of your week!

xo, A

Making a Poster! Make Art that Sells :)

This month in MATS Bootcamp, our assignment was to design a poster for 

Lilla Rogers' Global Art Gathering event in Brighton UK this summer.

We were encouraged to participate in a contest where the winner is paid and

has their design produced and used as the official poster and postcards for the event.

Here's the April Gallery if you'd like to see all the submissions! I'm on page 4 :)

I made some loose sketches and then just went for it, since I had some other 

projects to finish last week.

I stuck to my painterly, kid-centric style, which could limit my chance of winning.

The event is about creating commercially viable art, not solely for the kids' market.

but, you know ...

I've Gotta Be Me - Sammy Davis Jr

I Am What I Am - Shirley Bassey

I Yam What I Yam - Popeye  :D

I still look forward to trying some Skillshare classes to make more 

elegant, funky and/or fanciful lettering, but I think mine worked for 

the overall feel of my illustration. I wanted the Make Art that Sells to appear

as if it was drawn in the sand, but kinda tricky to do. 

Our brief included a color palette, dimensions and the essential information. 

I made my image too long and had to resize it in photoshop.

In the end, I think it actually helped to shorten it, but it sure is annoying 

when you realize your mistake.

Brighton - ice cream man in waders - photo by George W. Hales 1939

Of course, I went to Pinterest to see what Brighton is all about.

I really wish I could attend this event. I'm sure it will be fun and informative.

Plus, Brighton looks delightful!

Below - some of the reference I used for my piece. 

I love vintage travel posters, beach umbrellas and amusement park images.

My dog pays homage to this guy ;)

Pesaro would make a nice trip, too!

Have a great week!

xo, A

Shop Allyn Howard- Society 6

I recently added some new things to my Society 6 shop.

Above, Lotta Buns in blue on orange background, inspired by fellow scenic, Will Valentin.

Certain designs are easy to customize and sometimes come out better than the original! 

Admiring Frederick Douglass, w/bunny bag, at the NY Historical Society

Well, I like both the pink and orange and I added some bunnies on green, too :)

Browse prints, pillows, bags and more in my Shop - Society6.com/AllynHoward

Salon style animal portraits are new to my shop, too!

Most of you Blipadee followers have probably seen baby Birds, they remain a favorite of mine :)

These two were just added today - Bunny Seascape and below, Bear moves on ...

Originals painted with acrylics on unprimed wood.

Drum roll, please ...

photo courtesy Melissa Zexter, decoration by me

Come see my lovey friend, Kristine Lombardi, read her new book Lovey Bunny

at my neighborhood bookstore, Book Court - Saturday April 4th 11am

I can't wait!

and just in time for Easter! 

detail - it's almost here! Easter illustration 

Have a lovely weekend!

xo, A

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

Leap of faith

Hi!

I've been pretty busy lately painting sets on the TV show The Following, 

so I haven't had much time to post here.

I'm working with a great fun crew which makes all the difference. 

It's nice to occasionally see Kevin Bacon on set when they're shooting nearby, 

but I'm still waiting to catch a glimpse of James Purefoy.

I loved him as Mark Antony in HBO's series Rome

Maybe tomorrow ;)

I do have a couple of new little paintings to share. 

Above is a quickie dog portrait, happy terrier!

Below, is my Manifesto for Lilla Rogers MATS Bootcamp class.

We have until the end of each month to complete our

regular assignments. This was an optional project,

incorporating Lilla's teaching philosophy, with an opportunity 

to have your piece showcased in coming months.

 I didn't have a chance to create anything until Sunday 

(with little time to spare before deadline) but I decided to give it a go.

I'm not thrilled with the lettering, but overall it's pretty cute I think.

I've always embraced play, but taking a leap of faith, 

by showing work to agents, publishers and product manufacturers ... 

is something that's taken me a long time to do!

It's a good night for tea (16 degrees and falling fast here on the East Coast, brrrrr

Thanks for taking a look. Stay warm!

xo, A