Picture that!

Gustavo gondolier and his pal, Mick.

The past few months have been busy for me, painting sets on a TV show

and finishing up March on a big La-Z-Boy commercial. 

and YES, their spokesperson, Brook Shields 

still looks gorgeous!

vintage doll head, part of set decoration - The Following

This was a nice quiet weekend. I caught up on some of my own work,

tidied up my apt and got back to a CKO class. 

I did get out and enjoy the sunshine a little, too :)

I'm so happy spring is here (is that too hopeful?) The temps look

like they will stay on the mild side. I really hope so. 

This was a tough winter, although some say it was no worse than last year. 

Somehow it just seemed to go on & on & on.

Last Easter weekend, Kristine was here reading Lovey Bunny at Book Court.  

It was the 1st time I've heard Lovey read aloud :)

I have no idea why there was such a large podium 

with decorative fabric for a reading to mostly children.

For a minute I thought she was about to give a commencement speech.

Afterwards, a few of us went for lunch and did some browsing at Yesterday's News down near me.

I almost bought these little cats! but sometimes a picture is enough. I guess.

Yuko liked this Holland sign. It's pretty great, walks a thin line between cute and creepy ;D

Love this car.

I always enjoy eating at Frankies, especially with Kristine, Yuko & Melissa Zexter 

who met us later, thus taking the place of Melissa Iwai who had to go home.

 As I always say, there must be at least one Melissa in the group ;) 

Thom left us for another dinner date. 

Unfortunately, no Tom, Dick or Harry to take his spot.

I never remember the name of this Sangiovese blend, but it's a current favorite.

Sunday, we all met up for the 1st day of Smorgasburg down at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

I also learned that Melissa Iwai lives on this charming street with one of my favorite houses (above).

M. Zexter, me, M. Iwai and Yuko - photo by Kristine

Just a great doorway in Brooklyn Heights :)

I made it to MOMA this week to meet up with my college friend, Wendy 

who brought her 15 year old daughter, Lucy for her 1st visit to NYC. 

Wendy's lovely mom, Rhetta (I haven't seen in about 20 years) came, too!

This shot is about as much as we saw of the Bjork show.

The museum was packed and I don't think any of us had the patience to get through it.

Instead, we hit the Design, Photography and Painting floors.

This Gauguin is a sentimental fave! I always love seeing it.

Wendy, me & Rhetta - in front of Rock Ctr Anthro window - photo by Lucy

I think Lucy was just as happy to visit Anthropologie and Free People, despite

having the same stores down in Richmond. It's hard to understand, 

but they are terrific shops and it's fun when everything looks great on you :)

:::

The topic of stealing ideas came up in my MATS Bootcamp class this week, 

in our private Facebook group. Each month we receive an assignment and most

of us share sketches and initial ideas with each other for feedback and sometimes for

encouragement. It's a great group, but this is something to think about. I doubt anyone is intentionally, "stealing" concepts, but it opened up a conversation. 

I love renowned ad man, Paul Arden's book -

"It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be" great pieces of advice and philosophy.

and finally ... more Artwork by Allyn ...

and Lena

If you enjoy my work and have an interest in seeing sketches, progress shots and a variety 

of photos I take for inspiration and plain old fun, visit me on Instagram.

Have a great week!

xo, A

My Comrades, an Exhibition and Lovey Bunny!

Shane Ingersoll, me and Michael Nirenberg (Ajamu "red cap" Kojo)  -   photo by Anne Harmon

Just another day in the studio - working the barre with my fellow scenic painters

preparing for our dance debut.

It's not as easy as we make it look ;)

Anne Harmon took the stage at Reverend Ike's United Palace. 

We're still doing work on The Following, filming there for a day or two.

We didn't have too much to do inside, just a little additional plug to paint, 

masking out some signs, things like that. 

I've worked there before, it's simply stunning! I wish I had pictures of the lobby.

photo by Jessie Walker, stand-by camera scenic

Here is part of the crew I've been working with since January. 

Left to right is Shane Ingersoll, Anne Harmon (behind me), Ajamu Kojo (biting my head), 

Michael Nirenberg, Dieter Council and in front, our leader, Travis Child. 

Sadly, this photo is missing William Valentin and Tim Daly, 

who regularly work on Travis' jobs. 

This mansion upstate was quite beautiful, yet much of it is dilapidated and 

there were some safety hazards that came up as we worked. I'm glad I'm in a union, 

that's all I can say.

Thursday night was the opening of a children's book illustration show with my good

friend, Yuko Katakawa and a few other CBIG members. 

I'm so happy for her! 

The opening had to be rescheduled because of snow last week and 

it was a nice mild night this Thursday, thus a good turnout :)

She has about 15 pieces in the show and sold 4!!

photo by Nina Edwards

From left- Melissa Iwai, Yuko, Kristine Lombardi, me, Monica Wellington 

(our lovely teacher from SVA's Continuing Education dept, where I met Yuko a few years ago)

Ruth Chan (also in the show) and Nina Edwards' cute & funny daughter.

I like that they asked each artist this.

photo by Kristine Lombardi

Here, just a small sampling of Yuko's work on view. 

The exhibit is at The Interchurch Center, near Columbia, and it's a large space with lots of light.

It's up until March 31st. Take a look if you're up that way.

Ruth and Barbara are also terrific illustrators and part of CBIG

I loved this piece by Violet Paek, she had a few water tower pieces on display.

Daniel Kirk listens intently as Kristine reads - photo by Melissa Iwai

Onto Kristine Lombardi's Big Event at Books of Wonder last Sunday.

Lovey Bunny made her debut March 3rd and Kristine was part of a panel reading. 

 This has been her dream for so many years. I felt terrible that I couldn't be there. 

I rarely have to work on Sundays, but I was working on a commercial that day.

Luckily, friends shared photos and I got to see video of her reading.

I knew she'd be great and she was! Kristine is super charming and funny.

I could not be happier that this is happening for her. 

She's a great friend and one of the hardest workers I know. 

Below, you can see where she'll be next.

I'm thrilled she'll be doing a signing at my local bookstore, 

Book Court on April 4th! I'll keep you updated.

:: Lovey at home ::

photo by Ajamu Kojo

Just giving a little more direction to performers, tying up loose ends...

It's almost there ;)

Have a swell weekend!

xo, A

Sketch, Dream and Drive

It's a beautiful day and Gustavo Gondolier is taking a little nap. Hope he doesn't tip!

These are rough sketches for my story about a young dog 

who dreams of becoming a gondolier in Venice and learning just what it takes!

Above, Gustavo in the arms of his mom taking his very 1st ride.

Sketch of his wave goodnight to Signor Caputo's gondola,

docked outside his window.

I'm happy to announce that Venice Animals and Subway Animals

were both accepted in 440 Gallery's upcoming show-

:: From Mice to Monsters: Illustrations for Children ::

:: Opening Thurs. June 28th, 2012 :: 6-9pm ::

440 Gallery : 440 6th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11215

Hope to see you at the Opening! I'll send out a reminder :)

my promotional card

I attended my 1st Book Expo at the Javitz Center this week. 

It was bustling, which must be a good sign for publishing!

I stayed in the children's book section for the most part. Still, it was

a little overwhelming.

Fortunately, Monica Wellington, published author/illustrator, 

graciously met with several of us on Tuesday, opening day.

I'm currently in her wildly popular class at SVA,

you got it, Creating Children's Books 

Overall, it was a very good experience. I had a book signed by Marla Frazee, 

attended a seminar on new technology and the future of kids' books 

and took notes on some of the smaller publishing houses for which I was unaware.

As much as I like to talk, 

I'm pretty shy when it comes to introducing myself to people in the booths.

It's important to try, because there is always a chance you can talk with an editor or 

leave your card with an art director. I was able to attend the final day and I gathered 

some courage to talk to a few publishers, all of whom could not have been nicer. 

Admittedly, I handed out more cards when I walked the floor with Anna, from my class.

She showed Yuko (also from class) & me, how it's done. I would love to have her

chutzpah, because I believe it's true what they say, 

Fortune Favors the Bold!

Thank you Monica! and you, too Anna!

I look forward to learning more and more ...

Have a great weekend!

xo, A

Monday Mini Post

It's Things I Like Monday!

This 5 legged dog logo/business card from Gosblau a fun shop in Barcelona.

Just some of my friendly plush toys, includes Toast by My Paper Crane

Anthropologie pillow, sugar bowl & egg cup below. Mix well with older ceramics...

This charming setting for Margaret's dinner at Machi's on Breezy Shores...

and her picture perfect pale pink bedroom. I've always loved the little painting of girl on wall.

Line of Miso Pretty packaging illustrated by Fiona Hewitt

Bags by Blue Q ...

Doggie Bag by Robert Zwiebel :)

Springtime Skunk bag !

The Lisa and Gaspard books by Anne Gutman and illustrated by Georg Hallensleben *love his other books, too with painterly scenes & endearing characters.

These miniature French children's books by Antoon Krings I bought these as gifts, then couldn't part with them... did have alternative presents ;o)

Adorable Spanish bear board books by Cliff Wright

Wish I had bought this sooner on my visit to Barcelona. Great card/maps with specific walks through various areas and neighborhoods. Cute & very easy to follow by one of my favorite publishers, Chronicle Books

Look forward to sharing more on my last trip to Spain, pics of my friend, Margaret's bungalow on Breezy Shores, and listing more of my favorite illustrators this month. Enjoy your week ahead!!