It has been a while since I posted..... so many blogs start out with those words. The reality is, it's been a while since I created and illustration for IF or for anything Children's Lit related.
On the other hand, I have been exploring and creating both to figure stuff out for my students and to figure stuff out for me. I asked my husband if he thought it seemed as if I had quit or given up. He said he didn't think so. I agree. It seems though that I have changed directions.
With that change, I want to come back to the blog and use it a bit differently...
I've been playing with circles and patterns. I'm not sure if I'm doing this just as preliminary work for students. I get too much out of it myself.


Splash!Watercolor
I think duck can ride dog's wave all the way across the lake.
Happy creating, all.
Watercolor/Ink
This doggy is one that I've been working on for Watercolor Wednesdays.
Happy Creating, all.
Gouache/Color Pencil
Sometimes we're focused inwardly. This work is in progress for a poem written by J.R. Poulter. For me, my focus on creating,drawing and painting seems renewed.
Happy creating, all!
Trick or Treat! - Marker/Digital
I decided to be really FAST I would use an image that was already created. Here's to getting lots of treats without the tricks.
Happy Creating, All



It has been way too long since my last post. I took a new High School job which includes teaching an Art History class that I've been creating from scratch.
Anyway, things are starting to level out and I am beginning to work on illustrations again. These pieces were created this summer at a class for teaching AP Art Studio.
I am drawing quite a bit in the classroom. But that's not the same for me. Here's to having some new stuff up soon.
Happy creating all!
Blacksheep - WatercolorWith this unfounded unfolding, this little guy may not want to be "Infold."
Happy creating, all.
Lunch a la Boys - WatercolorI'm still revisiting some of my older work. The boys are craving a pb + j. Mom is craving a house keeper.
Happy creating, all.

Promise - WatercolorThe parade of animals from the ark would have been spectacular.
Happy creating, all
Pride: CollageThis was an experiment from 4-5 years ago. I was going through some old art and found it. The scanner I had at the time simply couldn't deal w/greens and yellows. Now the color is more accurate but my style and goals have changed so much. Still, it's got its interesting points.
Happy creating, all.

I am so excited and honored to be chosen April's winner on Watercolor Wednesdays. I'm even more excited about the inspiration and motivation I receive from my new friends there. A gigantic "Thanks" to them.
Rainy Day - WatercolorIt's impossible to get out there and play on a day like this. I created this for Watercolor Wednesdays a couple of weeks ago. Hope the sun is shining where ever you are.
Happy creating, all

Easter - Marker
I hope everyone has an awesome holiday!
Happy creating, all.
and Happy Easter :)
Dream Mist - GouacheI think that this piece is appropriate for the theme. I created this to illustrate a poem-poster for Jennifer Poulter. I found out this morning that it is published at Sharing Books. You can check it out at sharing-books.com. Thanks to Jennifer for providing the inspiration w/her wonderful poem.
Happy creating, all!
Chameleons/Goauche + PrismacolorI did this piece a couple of years ago with markers. Then last year sometime I reworked it with paint. Not only are the chameleons similar to each other, but the piece is similar to the original as well. Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays. Hope everyone here is experiencing peace and joy in SPITE of the economy and other challenges we face. Be like the chameleon and keep an eye out:)
Happy creating all....
Climb - Prismacolor Pencils
I guess it was flawed thinking that I would get this done in time for last week when I started it so late. Lately, I've let school and other commitments crowd out my draw time. The truth is that if I take time to scratch this itch, I perform better at those other tasks. So, here we are again. Never give up. Besides, what would I do with all my art stuff?
Happy creating, all!

Play? Ink/Goauche
Is it play or instinct? Glad I scanned and saved the drawing. Think I might practice a bit w/photoshop when I get a chance. I have just LOADS of time:)
Happy creating, all

Breezy - Colored Pencil
This is out of my last sketchbook. The greens in the yellow leaf and the blues on the swirls are washed out. Having trouble w/settings on this scanner. (same w/last week's)
I have a couple of ideas for this topic but time is so short these days. We'll see if I can work it out and post again.
Meanwhile - Happy creating, all

Pliars + Pliars II - Prismacolor PencilsI was in a wonderful gathering of art teachers from our region yesterday. I was reminded of these during a conversation with them. I worked on these as AP Studio students were working on their concentrations. It was a time when I began to realize that I needed to be creating more than just rich lessons for my students. I began to work on an illustration portfolio as a result. Here's hoping that we all feel inspired this week.
Happy creating, all


Pot O'Gold - Marker/C.Pencil/Gel Pens
Is this merely a legend? I'm still hoping to find mine. Happy St. Patrick's Day everybody.
Happy creating, all.
PS. Wow. What a difference the scanner makes. The original upload was this lower, more yellow image. I seem to be having issues w/color quality on it. So, I carried my illo to school to use my old scanner. (Top Image) Much truer. The kicker? The newer one has nearly 3X the resolution capabilities.
Break In / PastelsThis is one way to subtract from the budget funds.
Happy creating, all!
Yours is also a beautiful monochromatic! I love the detailed pattern. Thanks for your comment :)
Really nice contrast in these drawings. I like the circle format. Many thanks for your kind comment on my entry.