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

Daydreaming

Lena loves her cozy new bedroom, but she's not sure about this painting of mine. 

I had to move it in from the hallway. It's a favorite, but a bit snug in these surroundings. If anyone out there has some extra wall space ~ Big Beach Octy is one from my dimensional Blip Blop series. It's 6' x 9' / (3) 3' x 6' panels. In the open areas you can see the little gesturally drawn people out on their beach towels :)

The full title is Big Beach Octy Looms Large Over Tiny People Tanning. Just contact me if you'd like to make a studio visit, see more pics on my site. 


I wasn't able to cover the National Stationery Show 2011 last week, but I've been able to catch up with some of my favorite designers on Oh So Beautiful Paper Take a look to see Nole Garey's thorough overview (9 parts, so far) and beautiful detailed photographs :)
Happy midweek ~Allyn

A Random Thursday Art Update

What would You do? is my book idea where kids follow two dogs, Ruben and Cooper, as they make decisions day to day. A variety of situations are set up for kids to view (with a dog's point of view) then choose from a selection of possibilities. Turn the page and find out what Ruben & Cooper did. Whether they encounter a UFO, spot a bank robber, or simply choose from their favorite ice cream flavors, count on surprises ahead :D

I asked fans on my Facebook page, Artwork by Allyn, to guess what they are looking at and enjoyed reading answers like "Me", an "Ice Cream truck", "New Puppies", "My Hat!" and "Floats in the Macy's Day Parade". Below, a couple of sketches where they find themselves having to wash a boat.

This is Proud Ma Hedgehog strolling her baby through NYC's Central Park. I took advantage of my facebook page again to ask people to vote on the best shoes for her. A friend suggested she needed some stylish low pumps for walking on the cobblestones. 

Red Boots were the overwhelming favorite!

Can't get enough of birds. I love 'em!

Think this unusual squirrel below may have been knocked on the head ;)

Bunnies need grooming, too. 

Sharing Lakeside Bunny again, Easter is only a month away! I enjoy working in charcoal and I'm trying to do some pieces in black & white and with limited or muted color palettes as an exercise.

Painting on unprimed wood seems to be gaining in popularity, so just thought I'd try it for myself :)

A friend in need is a friend indeed! 
Thanks for stopping by today! I'd love to hear your feedback, whether you have fun ideas for Ruben & Coop, have fashion tips for Ma H or simply want to share your faves or not so much comments ;D
More work @ AllynHoward.com ~ Happy almost weekend!! -A

My Year of Painting One Door

St. Patrick's Day is on the way and here is my latest door at If I Were A Toy to celebrate! This March marks one full year of painting the toy store's door each month. I decided to share them all with you here. After painting murals in the shop and adjoining kids' hair salon, Joanna came up with the idea to change the lower section each month to suit the season or holiday. They've become much easier to paint and a bit more complex since my first one last March 2010.

This month is Hip Hip Hooray We're Rich Irish Animals! 
It takes some time to feel natural painting on one side knowing it will be seen more often from the other. It always looks much smoother from the outside.

Above, painting the Valentine door, Skunk Luv Dance Party, my friend happened to walk by and take a couple photos. Kids often stop to watch and ask questions, which makes it more enjoyable for me. It's also fun to hear conversations in the shop, especially children explaining to parents or a nanny why they need a particular toy or activity/game :)

Holiday Paradise on Ice, this Christmas door was one of my favorites. I only recently started creating some distance and making the scenes more full. You may have noticed we skipped January, this was just too good for only one month ;D

Below, I like a lot, too. Thomasina blows outta Brooklyn. Gotta be tough for the poor turkeys when it dawns on them they won't be at the table, but on it!

The color looks warmer on the inside, below. Chase bank's bright sign on the street, often makes it's way into my photos.

At Halloween, I was still keeping them pretty simple.

September had to be a Back to School theme. This was the 1st time I tried to indicate space/background with some shelves, an easel and chalkboard.

I like the shot below because it leads into store with my Space Mouse painting :)

Celebrating Independence Day, Bear Family Enjoys Fireworks from their boat. I love these two blues together, think I could have gone more nuts with fireworks, but it's a sweet scene.

Below, was last year's Father's Day door. Dad rooster is impressed by the flying pig and his chicks are impressed by him! as is the other little piggie :)

Mother's Day door ~ these ducklings have a special gift and flowers for their mom!

Surprise! chickie pops out of fresh painted egg ~ Easter door :)

And finally, my first painted door ~ a Pot of Gold at the end of the rainbow. It is very simple and a lone little mouse finds this big treasure.

I made a few sketches before I went to paint, but the one below is on a tiny piece of notebook paper and it holds a sentimental spot in my heart...

Happy Anniversary to Me! Happy Saint Patrick's Day to You!
Thanks for taking a look today :') -A