I've decided to focus solely on landscape quilts in the year 2017, in hopes I can build a portfolio of quilts that will grant me another National Park Artist In Residence program for 2018. I drew a little sketch of my next big landscape quilt project- 10 coyotes running in the snow in Montana. I will start this week!
Dogwoods finished!
I finished these guys up just in time to submit to "Small Works IV" a show being put on by the organization Webster Arts, near my home. The guidelines were 2D Media less than 16" square. I will find out March 22 if I am accepted. I am very happy with this little project!
Getting there!
I quilted the flowers down in pink, and added some quilting in black to the inside of the flower. I think the contrast really help make it pop. I'll use clear thread to quilt the leaves and the branches next time.
I also picked out some backing fabric that was left over from my Hot Springs Quilt. It's coming together! The entire quilt was made from scraps.
Dogwood progress!
Progress- I got the middle of the flowers added, as well as the border! I used the same fabric for the border that I did for the flowers. I really am loving the mix of textures with the batik I used for the leaves and tree bark with the floral I used for the pedals.
Starting some dogwood quilt squares
I am making these quilt squares to enter a show in Webster Groves called "Small works", where everything has to be 16" square or less. I hope these mini quilts will get accepted! If they don't, Ill just make them into a wall hanging or maybe some pillows. Fun either way!
Another landscape quilt!
Alright, long story short:
When I got back from my residency in Arkansas, I thought I just had a few finishing touches for my landscape quilt that I would finish up and send back in the mail. But the more I looked at it, the more I knew I had to remake it. It just wasn't as technically correct as I knew it could be. I had my deceased grandmother in my ear silently judging me for not giving them my best work. So I remade the quilt. The new quilt is one that I am proud will hang in their beautiful museum at the Ozark Bathhouse among many other incredible works of art in their collection. I am so happy to finally have this finished!
I lava you.
Since we saw a lot of volcanoes in Hawaii I thought I'd make my hunny a volcano card for Valentine's Day.
Other projects
Over January I worked on some flowers for a logo for a radical nursery and garden center in St. Charles, MO. I offered a lot of options so the owner and the graphic designer could chose what they liked. The bee was already drawn in, I just added the flowers. You can see the first two are the blank logos and the rest are what I drew up to add. It was a very fun project! Cant wait to see the final product on a huge sign! I will be sure to update ya'll on which flower design she chooses!
Vacation time!
You haven't seen an update lately because I've been on vacation in Hawaii! Here's a quick plein air sketch I did on Maui. Mahalo!
Back at it!
I gave myself two weeks of rest off of commissions for the holidays but I'm back at it! This is Chiquita and Milly! Couple of snuggle bunnies.
Stray with his new family.
This guy passed away earlier this year, and the portrait was a gift to his dad. My client (Stray's dad's ladyfriend) said he loved it. <3
Gratitutious installation shot
Here's those pink dogwoods I did for a nursery. Looks perfect with their chic decor!
My babies in the wild!
I love seeing pictures of my paintings all framed up and ready to be given as gifts! I did SO MANY commissions and sales for the holidays. I was exhausted. Seeing them framed up makes it all worth it!
And a ringing endorsement!
Pink dogwood flowers
I had prints made of my dogwood drawing! I watercolored this one and got it framed up as a gift. Turned out pretty cute!
Props!
Using props in pet portraits really let more personality show! I hope i get more commissions with props.
The Done Department!
Look at these great scans! Having nice images for my website is the ultimate luxury.
For all my printing needs I go to The Done Dept. on Hampton Ave. in St. Louis. My girl, Cat, always does a quick and speedy job scanning and making prints for my clients. I wish I could get scans of every painting, because they just look SO MUCH better than the iPhone snap shots I usually take!
Gemma and Lewis
A client commissioned these little cuties for a Christmas Gift. I hope their mom is surprised!
All framed up.
A client sent me these photos yesterday. It's so nice to see my little forest park lunch time plein air paintings all framed up!
Cabin!
More Christmas commissions! Here's a little cabin I finished this weekend. My client's inlaws own this adorable cabin in Innsbrook, MO. It's being sold this year, so she thought a picture would make a nice gift. She loved it so much she decided to order three prints! I love getting that kind of reaction.
Dottie!
Its not secret I have the most love for old dogs. Their grey faces melt my heart. This lady is named Dottie, after the little black Dot on the top of her head. She was rescued about 2 years ago and has been the center of her dad's life since then.
