Process, Flowers and Self Promotion Monday :)

We all start somewhere. 

I thought I'd share some process pics of a painting I made this weekend.

I like to start by drawing everything out loosely with charcoal, 

but I sometimes use pencil or just start painting. 

For my latest series of flower themed art, I've been working on canvas again.

Most of my animal illustrations are currently painted on gesso board or wood.

Pre-primed canvas provides a smooth surface for acrylic paint. 

Filling in the background with color is really relaxing to me. 

I guess because it requires only light focus and skill.

Painting each flower is the most fun, but the moment comes when you gotta decide just

 how far to go. I considered keeping this loose and painterly, 

but decided to add lines for definition and to keep it similar in style to the 

last couple of patterns I made. Below, is a detail before I went lighter.

I tried a softer look, by making the background pink, plus I worked a little more on it overall.

And then, I went back to a bolder background using Photoshop, which you can see below. 

Of course, with tools like Photoshop, you can alter almost anything. 

I can get lost in all the color options, alone!

In general, I prefer to do as much with paint before scanning or photographing a piece.

I currently use my iPad to photograph work that's too big to scan, 

like this, which is about 40" x 40" I think it's time to consider buying a large flatbed 

scanner or investing in a better camera or even using my old camera again.

I would love to license work like this to fabric companies, furniture and home accessory

manufacturers. I will begin researching places I can send samples to once I have a few more 

in the series. I'll probably have some printed using Spoonflower, plus create 

some pieces in my Society 6 shop to see how they look on products.

Speaking of samples, nice segue, huh - 

Here are my little square business cards being printed by Moo as we speak :)

Below is the back with a list of select social media platforms & my website, of course.

I'm doing a variety of square cards, here are a few -

and I want to start promoting my custom work again.

I used to paint murals more regularly and I miss it. 

I also live in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, a mini-mecca for newborns!

Below, are postcards of my latest custom painting, which I like a lot.

I decided to print detail shots bc I think it shows the work off better 

than the full image on a postcard size. 

I may print some larger samples or some flyers also.

Thanks for taking a look and indulging me on this self promotion Monday!

Finally, I will leave you with something sweet -

* TAFFY *

Have a great week!

xo, A

S'mores aren't everything

What's better than roasting marshmallows over a campfire with friends?

Making S'mores and more :) 

Still, they can't solve all your problems, it's just a start!

"It's time to rehearse. Who's the new guy?"

Practice is very important.

Lately, I've been practicing a slightly different way of painting background

scenes by muting the colors or simply keeping that part monochrome. 

I think it's helping the characters to stand out and compete less with the backgrounds.

It's something I'll continue working on.

Bear was trying out his new costume in Central Park when he heard a tiny voice from below.

"Help, my friend needs a hand!"

Gee, I sure hope Bear knows what to do.

:::

Rush Hour, below, is an example of characters getting lost in the mix. 

It's a shame because each animal has personality. I tried to make some pop more

using Photoshop and I think it helped somewhat. 

Subway Series is one of my favorite groups of illustrations. If only things could stay 

as simple as initial sketches. 

Anyway, I decided to pluck certain characters from Rush Hour, give them some space 

and consider which to use in a story.

I shared Capybara and pals and others taken from this

crowded train in last week's post.

I liked these guys enough to have some postcards printed. 

I used Moo for the 1st time and they look great!

I had some printed using "Classic" paper stock. I was surprised Moo uses the shiny side for the 

backside. I don't mind, just unusual I think. I also had some printed using "Luxe"stock. 

I couldn't be more happy with the quality of both sets. I could be hooked!

I also have some coming from Zazzle who I've depended on for years.

I'll have to see what people think. I've only heard good things about Moo, so had to try them.

May these guys, at least, make it onto the bulletin board of a brilliant art director, 

editor and/or agent out there! for safe keeping and maybe more. 

Kitty reading about birds is also new, although cats reading books, 

shows up in  a couple of my paintings. 

I was charmed by this simple quote from Garrison Keillor.

In other news, I bought a Karlstad love seat from Ikea that I put together myself.

The price was right, but I can still smell the particle board from which it's built. Oh well.

I styled this photo with my lovely pillows.

Yes, they are available in my Society6 shop - Allyn Howard :)

Lena the cat loves it!

View from Ikea showroom

And now for some random neighborhood pics. 

I've always liked this old building on Clinton Street, looks like it's getting a make-over.

I passed by it on my way to the public library. That's right, the library - been a long time!

I love this summery window display at One Girl Cookies in Cobble Hill.

These cool wood paneled houses are across the street. You may have noticed them in the reflection.

 Cute Italjet in Greenpoint. 

My favorite outfit of the summer, so far, worn by the one and only Michael Taranov.

He's a fellow local 829 scenic painter and I was happy to see that he changed into

paint clothes before we got started. 

This is the giant house we were working in that day. 

Ditmas Park is a fantastic neighborhood in Brooklyn. Mansions abound in a suburban 

setting with city streets within walking distance, kind of a perfect mix.

Back to my neighborhood, I like the way St Mary's Star of the Sea looks

at sunset. It's very close to my home, so I'm always happy to pass by and take notice.

The Gowanus canal is less lovely in summer.

I have to say, G.H. Cretors is my latest addiction (besides ice cream :)

It is sooooooooo tasty! like 2 bags a day, tasty. forget dinner, tasty.

The end. 

xo, Lena and me