Poppies

I got so much work done yesterday, that I treated myself to making some cut paper artwork.

I can't get enough of this medium.  But, I do need to start working larger.  This piece is only 5x7.  I thought it might be a card I could sell at the gallery, but I spent too much time on it.  So, maybe I'll frame it and sell it in the gallery.  I'll have to think about it.

Have a nice weekend everyone!

This reminds me a little of the artwork of one of my heros, Lois Ehlert.  She makes lovely cut paper illustrations.  Really lovely.

A Work in Progress

Here is a little sketch from the book I'm working on with author Gretchen Leary called The Quiet Bear.
Just a few more sketches and I can start painting!

What I did this Weekend.

Well, I had a very nice weekend.  My daughter and son in law came home for a visit. They live in Yakima WA. My son was home as well. He lives in the same town as us.  On Saturday morning most of us went out and decorated the graves of beloved family members.  This is a long standing family tradition starting back when I was about 3 years old.  I would go out the my Grandma Babcock and put flowers on my Grandpa's grave along with other family members.
Anyway, I still carry on the tradition.
Then on Sunday, after church my kids took me to the zoo.  This was my Mothers Day gift since I was at the beach in South Carolina on Mothers Day.  I was hoping to see my friend Packy but he was not out and about.  Maybe next time.  I did get to see baby lions playing and the new baby elephant Lily.  She is darling.  The Oregon Zoo is a very nice zoo if you are ever in Oregon and want to see beautiful animals in lovely habitat areas.  I know the zoo is not everyone's cup of tea.  But, I love Packy so much that I need to see him a least once a year.  Oh, by the way, Packy is an elephant.  I have known him all my life.  Well, it seems like my whole life.  He is very special, and if I could bring him home to live with me, I would.
I couldn't get a very good picture of Lily but, I did get a nice photo of a relaxing black bear.

Just sitting around, enjoying his day.

Here are the Lions.  Dad was very impressive.  Mother Lion was watching the cubs.

So, it was a fun day at the zoo.  I can't wait to go back.

On Monday, the kids went home and I put together a fairy garden in my back yard. This took a good part of the day, for me.  I don't know why.  It is growing in my Grandmothers old wheelbarrow.  I'm very pleased with it.  Can't seem to stop going out and messing around with it. I even have some shells from Edisto Island in South Carolina, resting in my garden.  Now, I just have to hope that a fairy or two will move in.

Isn't it cute?  I love it.  I think a children's book illustrator should have a fairy garden in her yard.  It only seems fitting.

The Quiet Bear

My model for the book I'm working on with author Gretchen Leary.
This is my 80 year old Dad's old teddy bear.  "Ted"  He's seen a lot of love, I think.

Gretchen has written a sweet, sensitive children's book, called "The Quiet Bear"  I'm busy working on sketches at the moment.  I'll keep you updated.

Back to work!

Fun with Paper

Here are a couple more card designs in cut paper...my new obsession.

 Don't know what's in that watering can, that robin looks like he's about to fall off his perch.
Maybe robin is just keeping his eye on that cat.

Sunshine

Well, the sun came out today!  Hollyhocks can't be far behind!
Here is a little cut paper design I was playing with this past weekend.  Seems too nice to sell as a card.  I think I might put it in a frame and hall it down to the gallery.

Now, back to sketching for the book I'm working on.  I will tell you more about this project when it's finished.

But, for now....Hollyhocks!

Photo op with Lois

Trying to get a good photo of myself and my good friend Lois.  Not the easiest thing to do.

I do not enjoy having my picture taken nor taking my own picture but it did seem like it was time to update my profile picture.  So..... i tried.

I now have dog hair from one end of me to the other.  Maybe I'll try again another day.

Here are the only photos that half turned out okay.

 Lois had had enough by the third try.  So, just me.  At least my cute dimple in my cheek shows.