Life is changing and so is my studio. I'm back in the basement (with I hope more improvements to come, like paint on the ugly faux wood-panel walls and rearranging of paintings and boards). Things are a bit squishier now, as the room doubles as my spare room. Still, I'm happy down here because it's really nice and cool.

It's just occurred to me that I don't think I've made the official announcement that I'm expecting my second child this November (hence the reason for the studio move from the sunny little space upstairs). I'm over the half-way point in my pregnancy which means I'm in the glorious 2nd trimester, where my nausea only comes and goes when I'm really hungry or tired and my bump isn't big enough to get me stuck in-between narrow doorways. I hope to one day pursue the noble art of doula work, on top of my illustration work, when my kids have grown up a little (a doula is someone who supports a woman during pregnancy and more importantly, labour). I'd also like to offer belly casting and of course, painting of said belly cast after it sets. I'm so fascinated by birth, pregnancy and general immediate post-partum that I feel this will eventually be a great thing for me. Just not now.

Pictured below is my current studio, with the "doodle-bugs" easel in the corner and a very cluttered work space. I think I may have to get rid of the inspiration board, it's a horrible mess... but I do like having pictures up that chance on a sometimes weekly basis while I work. So, who knows. The spare bed is right behind my computer, so if I really wanted, I suppose I could "draw"... or snooze a little until I find good ideas. ha ha! Leppard, my sweet mixed mutt, is finally brave enough to join me downstairs. The first few years we had her she wouldn't go down stairs even if there was a fully roasted chicken two steps down with her name on it. I suspect some sort of trauma involving stairs happened to her when before we adopted her.

Here is the doodle-bug, listening to the baby. He also took the time to drive little cars on the belly.

What I'm currently working on:

Princess artwork for a potential client via my lovely agent, Elaine at Cypress Fine Art Licensing. Hopefully this will eventually become a die-cut puzzle. More to come as I get feedback from Elaine, and I think I'd like to try something with a castle in the background too.