Stork Sketches

Chicago-again...Shedd Aquarium Visit

2011-11-10T12:56:00.000-05:00

I took another trip to Chicago this past weekend, and I really enjoyed visiting the Shedd Aquarium. I hadn't been there since I was in grade school with my girl scout troop. I sketched a good deal, and some of the creatures were easier to capture than others, so there are quite a few from the tanks that are not represented in my pages. Sometimes after I draw for a bit, I just like to look and take it in. So, besides these critters, I also saw (and loved) jellyfish, otters, a sea lion, dolphins, beluga whales, and a rehabilitated sea turtle to name a few. Besides the jellies and the turtle, these guys were in a section based on the climate and environment of the Pacific NW. Just another reminder of how wonderful Seattle is...I used to see sea lions on a regular basis, just chilling in the Puget Sound. Kinda wish the guy in the Shedd was also that free...I'm not sure if he had a specific need that made him appropriate for captivity. I'm always torn when I visit zoos and aquariums because I love to see and draw the animals, but a big part of me is sad for them.

Kensington Farm Center

2011-10-25T16:12:00.000-04:00

I love Kensington Metro Park! I walk there a few times a week on their nature trails. I decided to visit a different part of the park yesterday. I hadn't been to the Farm Center since maybe High School, so I packed up my sketchbook and my Ipod and walked around, trying to avoid the screaming children that scared away my drawing subjects ;)

Here are two of my faves from the visit.

Chicago

2011-10-23T15:40:00.001-04:00

Recently I took a trip to Chicago. I had a job interview for a textile artist position, and I'm pretty positive I didn't get the job because I never heard back from the interviewer after my follow up email. However, the trip was not a complete loss because I stayed for almost a week in my cousin's apartment in the South Loop and did plenty of exploring around the city.

I had been to Chicago countless times before; my hometown is only about 5 hours away. I have also been to the Art Institute of Chicago countless times, but I always see something new when I visit. This time, they were featuring a show called Windows on the War, a collection of Soviet war posters by Soviet Union’s news agency, TASS. Since I recently finished an MFA program in illustration, the posters were right up my alley. Mainly satirical, they featured anthropomorphic images of Hitler as several different animals, ie. a rat, dog. They were meant to bolster support for the WWII Soviet war effort and many featured symbols of the Allies working together against Hitler. The metaphors used were biting and clever, and the culled collection of posters showed how art was successfully used as a weapon. The work was such influential propaganda that FDR called for similar work to be advertised in the US.

Here is one picture I took with my phone:

I loved the graphic quality, the simple color use, and the way the artist took liberties with the portraits, but they are still recognizable likenesses of Mussolini and Hitler.

See more of the posters at this link: /http://tass-posters.tumblr.com/

Also while I was there, I visited the Museum of Contemporary Art. The collection was small, though there were some nice Albers' Homages hanging. I walked around, trying to drop off my postcards to art directors, and I stopped into a cool Jazz record store and a used bookstore. I also sketched. Here is a sketch of Millenium Park.

Canning Jams, Sauces, and Salsas

2011-09-22T15:56:00.001-04:00

Recently, I was "up north"-as it is commonly referred to by Michiganders-at my cottage in Wolverine, MI. I enjoyed the end of summer by biking along Lake Michigan, visiting Tahquamenon Falls in the Upper Peninsula, then seeing Lake Superior, and doing lots of canning with my mom and family friends. We made marinara sauce, different kinds of salsas, pickles, dilly beans, and peach and blackberry jam (from blackberries on our property). I decided to sketch a still life of our accomplishments.

Arts Du Jour/Arts, Beats, & Eats

2011-09-02T15:09:00.000-04:00

Happy Labor Day Weekend! Last Thursday, I attended "Arts Du Jour" in Royal Oak. It was a preview of this weekend's Arts, Beats & Eats festival, but the ticket proceeds went towards a charity of your choice. Basically, Arts Du Jour consisted of two large tents filled with tapas from local restaurants, with bands and circus jugglers in the background. This sketch was of one of the main bands.

Tonight I will attend Arts, Beats, & Eats, also in Royal Oak, with some friends. Similarly to its preview, there will be lots of food, drink, and music, but there will also be artist booths.

Tomorrow is Michigan's first football game of the season against Western Michigan. I am so excited to be inside the big house and see our new scoreboards and our new coach at work! GO BLUE! It's gonna be a great weekend :)

Illo Donation for Buster Bash Fundraiser

2011-08-16T15:07:00.000-04:00

This is an illustration I just finished for the Buster Bash, an event in SE Michigan to benefit the Buster Foundation, a pit bull rescue and education center. I am normally a cat lady, but my cousin is the parent of an adoptee from the foundation, and he is a sweetie. For more info on the event or the foundation, visit: www.busterdogs.com

Summer festivals

2011-08-16T12:50:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, I attended two arts/music festivals near my hometown on Friday and Saturday. This was sketched in the Beer Tent of Milford Memories, an annual summer festival in Milford, MI. The second festival I attended was in my hometown of Brighton, MI. It was much smaller and the live music had not started while I was there, so I didn't sketch any there but I saw a lot of familiar faces walking around. It rained on and off all weekend, but I still had a great time with my friends.

Band sketches from OBX

2011-08-08T16:15:00.000-04:00

I drew these in June during my trip to the Outer Banks, but I'm only now posting them. They were drawn at bars on Ocracoke Island. I love getting a little buzz on while drawing in a new place-especially by myself. No one really distracts you except for the occasional question from the waiter/bartender.

Another sketch of Jose :)

2011-08-01T21:13:00.000-04:00

Jose fell asleep while we were watching Rango...what a great movie that referenced one of my favorites-author/doctor/Sheriff/crazy-man, Hunter S Thompson, on his drug-addled way from Barstow to Vegas.

Graduation Card

2011-07-05T15:20:00.000-04:00

The past few days I have been making customized cards. It's fun and easy, and I hope to have an excuse to make more. This image was on one for a family friend of mine who just graduated from high school and is attending Ringling College of Art and Design in the Fall, which is a great art school. Thus, I added a paintbrush and pencil to her grad cap tassels.

Wedding Card

2011-07-02T14:19:00.000-04:00

I just spent an amazing week in the Outer Banks, NC for my dear friend Katie Dauka's wedding. She and her husband Eric and I and about 20 other people shared an incredible mansion on the beach called the Hemingway.
Tonight, I am going to Greenfield Village in Dearborn, MI for my other great friend and former Michigan roommate, Kristin Buckless' wedding.

I whipped this card up pretty quickly in two different colors for the weddings. Both couples love to run together, so I thought it would be relevant for them.

Post SCAD fashion show/Rapture night at Hangfire

2011-05-22T17:19:00.000-04:00

I went out last night to try to shmooze with some fashionistas that were in town for the annual SCAD fashion show. I sat near the editor from Elle magazine at Circa. Then we went to Hangfire and I drew this quick sketch. Not only were lots of kids out after the fashion show, but many were celebrating the fact that the end of the world did not happen :) Not that I was worried that it would.

Jose this Sunday

2011-05-15T22:34:00.000-04:00

My boy chilling on the windowsill today

Ginsy on a bookshelf

2011-05-11T01:50:00.000-04:00

I did this sketch a while ago, but I've been thinking a lot about Seattle and my dear friend, Brittany. This is her cat, Ginsberg.

Illustration in Motion panel tonight

2011-05-09T21:41:00.000-04:00

Tonight at SCAD: featured illustrator/animators Richard Borge, David Cowles, and Ed Binkley, as well as SCAD's new Motion Media chair John Colette (seated from left) gave a talk about the role of illustration in animation

Couple on Bench, Monterey Square Savannah

2011-05-09T21:33:00.000-04:00

I'm on Illustration Mundo!

2011-05-08T23:37:00.000-04:00

www.illustrationmundo.com

Fashion Model Sketch

2011-03-28T19:05:00.000-04:00

Great Weekend

2011-01-23T22:34:00.001-05:00

I had a really fun weekend, and I just came across this lino cut print I made last year. I thought it would be nice to share because it represents the great nights I've had with my fellow SCAD graduate friends, and shows that I am usually sketching them when we're hanging out together. Pictured here are Mike and Dan playing some Wii video game.

Tom watching TV

2011-01-07T17:35:00.001-05:00

Critz Tybee Island Marathon T-Shirt Contest

2011-01-06T15:27:00.001-05:00

http://www.critztybeerun.com/
I didn't win, :( but my pelican design is up on the website if you click this link. Too bad they didn't give runner-up prize money.

Atlanta Magazine..."Why Kids Need Recess"

2011-01-06T15:18:00.001-05:00

http://www.atlantamagazine.com/PhotoPages/Photos.aspx?AlbumID=109806

This link features a collection of editorial illustrations created by my classmates and I for the article, "Why Kids Need Recess" for Atlanta Magazine. Mine is shown above.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/designethos/49282371

2011-01-05T23:53:00.001-05:00

Christmas Commission

2010-12-21T17:59:00.000-05:00

I painted this for my friend's husband for Christmas. It's based off of a screensaver that he really likes. I also framed it and "antiqued" the frame with Rub N' Buff, but I don't have a picture of it framed yet.

Jeff at the Rocks-Bohemian Rooftop

2010-11-13T17:02:00.000-05:00

Jacqueline Mair Presentation

2010-11-08T13:13:00.000-05:00

This morning, British fine artist, illustrator, and professor Jacqueline Mair spoke to some of us SCAD illustration students during her presentation/interview as a candidate for a professorial position next year. (I made her look older in the face than she really is :( But she had a really cool scarf on that was nice to draw.
Professors Mohamed Danawi and Daniel Powers look on as she presents.

PBR

2010-11-07T19:07:00.001-05:00

Brandon, Lis, and people at the Rooftop tavern

2010-11-03T18:50:00.000-04:00

Circa 1875 Savannah

2010-10-16T14:40:00.000-04:00

I had a glass of French Pinor Noir and one of a Spanish Grenache while sketching this. The Grenache was better.

Brass Giraffe and Percussion Gator

2010-10-12T14:46:00.000-04:00

These guys are hoping to make it into Colonel Windpipe's Musical Brigade: http://colonelwindpipe.blogspot.com/

Savannah Street Sketches

2010-09-28T18:34:00.000-04:00

I recorded different streets in downtown Savannah for a project for Chesapeake Family Magazine out of Annapolis MD. They wanted us to create an "Anytown USA Main Street" scene. I used these sketches to create a believable setting for the sketch.

Sketches from TV and movies

2010-09-15T01:45:00.000-04:00

Some sketches I've made from television and movies for composition practice and practice with the "notan" design method-using black, white and middle grey to create good design and contrast.

Self Portrait

2010-09-14T22:36:00.000-04:00

Another Tybee Sketch

2010-08-18T17:31:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I finally went kayaking on the Ogeechee River and went to North Beach on Tybee Island. This house was near the lighthouse on Tybee.

Zoo sketches

2010-07-31T01:23:00.000-04:00

These are some of the sketches I did at the Jacksonville, FLA Zoo last weekend. The orangutan is an old sketch I did about a year ago at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, WA.

Man eating a bucket of crawfish at the Oyster Bar

2010-07-21T20:35:00.000-04:00

The Happy Hour is good at the Oyster Bar on River St.,

but the service at the bar was terrible last time I went.

Life Drawing at the Co-Labratory

2010-06-10T00:05:00.000-04:00

Tonight was the 1st life drawing session at the Co-Labratory on Broad. The model was great, the atmosphere was casual, and the music playing included Iggy Pop and Devendra Banhart. I will definitely go back-they only asked for $3, and it's BYOB if you want.

Little reminder notes

2010-06-09T00:45:00.000-04:00

I'm leaving these with my boyfriend when I leave for Seattle. He wouldn't forget about the cats, but once I started making the plant note, I couldn't help making more.

Savannah Sketches

2010-06-08T01:27:00.000-04:00

Another Tybee drawing and one of a house right off Forsyth Park.

North Tybee Beach

2010-06-06T23:09:00.000-04:00

The wind made everything very sandy today but the water was amazingly warm.

Sketches

2010-05-25T14:51:00.000-04:00

This shack was on the intercoastal in Jupiter, FL and the cow was painted at the Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah.

Watercolor sketches

2010-05-10T12:38:00.000-04:00

It was very nice and pretty hot this weekend, and I painted these at Screamin' Mimi's and Forsyth Park, respectively.

speed painting in class

2010-05-07T01:51:00.000-04:00

i had no reference photo or sketch, and it was a really fun exercise

I will try to post a sketch a day...I have lots and lots of sketchbooks

2010-03-29T15:27:00.000-04:00

My lemon trees

2010-03-28T14:52:00.000-04:00

Cut Paper Pieces

2010-03-02T01:12:00.000-05:00

I'm removing these from my website until I create a proper gallery for them. Until then they will live on my blog.

Sketches for class

2009-10-22T14:25:00.000-04:00

I need to start posting current work more frequently...I am making a good deal of it, but not posting anything. I'm trying to keep up.
Now to update my website.

Sketching after class

2009-09-15T20:29:00.000-04:00

New Sketches Added to My Website

2009-08-11T19:51:00.000-04:00

I am really loving these frogmouths, a type of Aussie owl. I am currently painting some furniture and decorating it with these awesome birds. Photos of the furniture as it progresses.

Wines to buy and not to buy from Trader Joe's

2009-08-07T17:01:00.000-04:00

I came across this article on the Paupered Chef website while searching for places to buy Vihno Verde, a Portuguese table wine that is slightly effervescent and usually citrusy. The writer seems knowledgable and is funny.
here is the site:
http://thepauperedchef.com/2006/07/the_wines_you_s.html
image of wines courtesy of (I'm assuming,) the author, Jesse Kupferman

Best of Bop Street Band Photo Preview

2009-08-05T14:18:00.000-04:00

This is one of two pages of "records" of the bands that will (eventually-once the CD is mastered) be featured in the Best of Bop Street compilation CD.
I created all of the artwork and design for this compilation and am excited to see it in print.

2009-06-24T23:36:00.000-04:00

Attend the Drift show!

2009-05-13T12:01:00.000-04:00

I have just moved away from Seattle and will be back in my hometown of Brighton, Mi and working in the great Ann Arbor for the summer until I move to Savannah, GA in the Fall to start a graduate program at SCAD.
I am sorry to have just missed this informal art show of my (former) artist collective, the Friends of the Nib. Here is the announcement for the show.

Happy Easter

2009-04-13T02:30:00.000-04:00

Ork Posters

2009-03-12T00:37:00.000-04:00

Have you seen these things? We are selling them at Annie's Art and Frame, where I work. The Chicago designer does it all by herself. The design is so simple and effective.
They have been selling out weekly. I hear they are extremely hot in Brooklyn as well. I love the Great Lakes, being a Michigander (living in Seattle) and all. She just added two new screenprint color options. I've added a few images here. See more at www.orkposters.com.

Bop Street Compilation CD

2009-02-26T02:42:00.000-05:00

I've been more likely not to do anything social lately as I have been working for some time on the art and layout of a CD compilation for Bop Street Records. More to come as far as images and information.
It should be really something.

Screenprints!

2009-01-14T13:46:00.000-05:00

I now have screenprints of one of my recent illustrations. They are for sale on Etsy or via contacting me. This green and black one was off of the original design, and is part of an edition of 58. These go for 20 bucks plus shipping. There is also a special edition with gold seen below. The gold and black ones are $25.

Limited Edition of 16...

2009-01-14T13:44:00.000-05:00

2008-12-25T15:09:00.000-05:00

My New Poster for Decembery Bands

2008-12-02T23:53:00.000-05:00

Check out these free live shows if you are in Ballard in December. Please support the best record store in the U.S.A.!

I have framed art for sale on Etsy!

2008-11-12T00:45:00.000-05:00

Click the lion and he will take you to my Etsy gallery.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T02:41:00.000-04:00

A friend sent me this photo where I look stupid or stoned at last week's Friends of the Nib Halloween show opening.

Cat's Out of the Bag

2008-10-17T22:29:00.001-04:00

I just got back from a trip to Vegas to visit my brother, and when I unpacked my bag today, I found a surprise.

First ever "Life in Hell" comic strip

2008-10-06T00:15:00.000-04:00

Here's my contribution to the Monocle volume 2, a Halloween themed promotional newspaper for the Friends of the Nib Halloween art show. It will be at the infamous Cafe Racer, which is getting a great makeover and expansion and should be unveiled in time for the show. Details to follow on the date of the show.

Look for the Monocle no. 2 coming to a local business near you, packed with monsters, games, comics and more.

Now see here

2008-10-02T03:47:00.000-04:00

Here's the list of banned books (copy, paste into browser, enjoy):

http://www.randomhouse.com/teens/firstamendment/books.html

My new art show at Souped Up Cafe in Greenlake

2008-09-21T23:43:00.000-04:00

This space is very nice; stop by after your next walk around Greenlake. Below are some photos of the show.

2008-09-21T23:40:00.000-04:00

2008-09-21T23:39:00.000-04:00

Let's Dance

2008-09-15T01:15:00.000-04:00

Here's a work in progress for a gift certificate design I'm working on for Ballard's very own Bop Street Records. There's great free music there on Fridays and Saturdays.

Jose and Braque hate fleas, and so do I

2008-09-01T03:00:00.000-04:00

I just had to give my kitties baths to get fleas off them-the topical squeeze on crap seems to be taking forever. They are now wet, cold, and confused. Not a good start to Labor Day. Later, I'll be working, go figure.

I love crayons

2008-09-01T01:37:00.000-04:00

September band lineup at Bop Street Records Ballard

2008-08-28T03:24:00.000-04:00

This is a poster I created and will hopefully soon be plastered all over the city of Seattle.

Yosemite Sunset

2008-08-26T16:34:00.000-04:00

I recently got back from Yosemite National Park. Here's a view of the sunset on the first night out during my backwoods camping trip.

Album cover art found at Bop Street Records

2008-08-12T02:52:00.000-04:00

Credit is due to Tom Dougherty, who pulled out this album cover from the Bop Street children's section. I found no record inside, so I was given the beautiful cover for free. The album is entitled A Child's Introduction to Jazz featuring Bob Keeshan (Captain Kangaroo) and the Honeydreamers. I cannot find an artist credit on the cover. Any ideas?

My show at the Chai House is up

2008-08-03T03:33:00.000-04:00

The opening will be part of Ballard's second Saturday artwalk. Please come. This is one of the only places that will have booze as wine has been banned from the regular artwalk rotation unless it is held at a bar/restaurant.

Here is a sketch of my friend Richard Penner that I was coloring and forgot about for a while. Enjoy its unfinishedness, and I hope to see you at Mr. Spot's Chai House for Ballard artwalk next Saturday.

Chai House show

2008-07-31T14:12:00.000-04:00

I will be hanging art within the next day or two at Mr. Spots Chai House in lovely Ballard. Artwalk is every second Saturday, so come have a look then.

Have you seen this?? I wouldn't plug any cartoon I didn't love

2008-07-20T23:56:00.001-04:00

In the words of David Cross: Totally cool, totally cool, totally cool.

Summertime is Golden Gardens Time

2008-07-19T15:42:00.000-04:00

Paige and I enjoying the beautiful Golden Gardens.

2008-07-16T13:37:00.000-04:00

Happy Hump Day

This Wednesday night!! Animal Benefit Closing Party at Cafe Racer

2008-07-06T21:35:00.001-04:00

Again, all proceeds go to Animal Talk shelter. Prices will come down (at least on my work) for the final night! This beautiful drawing can be yours.

In mural news: Almost every panel has been stolen, and KOMO 4 covered it on the evening news

2008-07-05T18:31:00.001-04:00

See the news clip here: http://www.komonews.com/news/23965359.html

Good work teaming up with the Problem Solvers, Bob.

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-04T15:32:00.000-04:00

Here's a random sketch book image of Laura, who had whooping cough.

Get Back Cretins

2008-07-02T13:58:00.000-04:00

Jim Woodring has spoken with the city and they will now post these signs that he made around the mural. I guess they will also replace Bob Rini's panel, shown below.

This just in! The notice couldn't go up fast enough. Jim has just received this message from Barbara Luecke at Sound Transit:
"I just received a call from a young reporter from the Capitol Hill Times who would like to do a story about the artist working on Broadway. You previously said you would prefer to be the artists of mystery. Do you still feel that way?
We learned this morning that parts of two more murals were taken early afternoon yesterday. Howdy Doody and seated animals."

They were taken midday? Surely someone out there is a witness.

Bob Rini's stolen panel

2008-07-02T13:35:00.000-04:00

A peek of Mt. Rainier from Cal Anderson park

2008-06-29T23:47:00.000-04:00

Seattle weather has finally turned sunny and HOT. I took this photo while I was visiting the mural this weekend, which is a block from Cal Anderson park.

This Nib-nailed hand will get you for stealing

2008-06-29T23:35:00.000-04:00

Well, the entire mural was up. And then a panel created by Bob Rini was stolen sometime shortly after. Read this: http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/06/calling_all_snitches
-It's a link to the Stranger's blog discussing the catastrophe.
Some of the photos below are some close ups of the mural.

2008-06-29T23:32:00.001-04:00

This close up of the Broadway/Denny mural includes my work. They are the portraits of ladies with wine glasses.

2008-06-29T23:28:00.000-04:00

2008-06-28T15:03:00.000-04:00

Parts of FOTN mural finally up!

2008-06-19T21:10:00.000-04:00

This is a side of the former Jack-in-the-Box at Broadway and Denny, where my Friends of the Nib-sters have a patched together mural on vinyl panels. I don't think all panels are in place yet, but I've heard that the ones present may be tempting some punks into larceny. Not cool.

This is a photo taken by Ellen Forney's camera phone. I'll post some close ups as soon as I can get onto the Hill to see it myself.

Laura and the Leopard

2008-06-16T13:42:00.000-04:00

This is the finished version of the drawing below. This was inked and painted with watercolor and gouache. Laura told me after seeing this finished that she had a run-in with a cougar in Bellingham, WA, a year or two ago while hiking. She shooed it away by saying, "No, Bad Kitty!"
So be careful hikers, maybe bring a guitar with you and serenade the beasts.

Musical experiment

2008-06-10T02:52:00.000-04:00

This is my friend Laura. I colored and tweaked this in Photoshop...the original sketch is up on my website. I'm working on a redo of her with watercolor and gouache and a leopard in the scene.

Cat Scratch Fever

2008-06-10T01:27:00.001-04:00

This is a piece that will be in the Animal Talk benefit show this Friday. Please come and buy animal art! All proceeds go towards this caring shelter. See the official show poster a few postings back.

AWW

2008-06-10T01:20:00.000-04:00

I found my kitties like this the other night. It's like they posed.

This is the announcement flyer (created by Mr. Jim Woodring) for a show I'll be in next week

2008-06-06T18:26:00.000-04:00

Next FOTN show to benefit the kitties at Animal Talk...(where my babies Jose and Braque were adopted :)

Sketch of naptime

2008-05-20T23:40:00.000-04:00

I've started posting on Etsy...Here's my cat Jose when he likes to cover himself with the kitchen rug

2008-05-20T23:04:00.000-04:00

Here's the line up for our Broadway/Denny mural

2008-04-25T01:43:00.000-04:00

Friends of the Nib are hanging vinyl panels of our artwork on the abandoned Jack-n-the-Box on Denny and Broadway in Capitol Hill soon- come see

2008-04-17T14:16:00.000-04:00

I should also have prints up for sale on Etsy very soon

2008-04-17T14:12:00.000-04:00