New Illustration to Celebrate Spring!

 Hanging Basket of Flowers

Finally got time to play and create a new illustration.

Spring and Summer flowers always feel so uplifting, and what better way to chase away the gray skies that remind us of Winter.

Was inspired by seeing so many hanging basket of flowers appearing at the garden centers.

Hope to uplift viewers with this newest illustration.

Latest Illustrations

 Morning Visitor

Above is an illustration I did earlier this month to escape the gray days of winter.

Thought it would be nice to have a different view of summer weather out the window.

What is Done in Love

The above illustration was inspired by an older illustration I did years ago with the same quote and subject matter.

The beauty of designing digitally is being able to create different versions and looks.

Below is the older illustration:

When reviewing the older illustration, I first thought to make the cup less busy and then proceeded to make more changes, like the bird, background color, many of the flowers, etc.

I remember seeing many paintings an artist would illustrate of similar subject matter with changes of perspective, color, etc. But before the ability of being to illustrate digitally, the artist had to start from scratch and it was much more difficult to make changes once one started. 

Designing and illustrating digitally is far more forgiving and makes if fun to create various variations.

Looking Forward to Spring!

 Mixed Flowers in Blue and White Vase

Winter has been holding on and so to chase the winter blues away I have started to work on some floral illustrations. 

Here is my latest in anticipation of Spring!

Check it out on Fine Art America!

It makes a great pillow to freshen up one's decor!

Or a fun Summer tote bag!

Here is hoping Spring arrives soon!

Capturing Flowers at Summer's End

 Mixed Flowers on Black

I have been slow to post new work this month, but here is one of my newest illustrations as I continue to hang on to what is left of summer. 

The older I get, the more I appreciate flowers and the simple joy they bring. I never tire of illustrating them.

These flowers also bring a bit of flower drama to a coffee mug.

 You can find this illustration as well as others on my Fine Art America link.

R is for Rose and Robin

R is for Rose and Robin

One of the things about working in greeting card world for several decades was learning to change art and repackage it for the better.

Initially the above piece was just R is for Rose, no robin, nor raspberries for that matter. 

So after staring at it over the spring and summer I thought to warm it up a bit tying into more R words. 

It gives it a new life like a new hairdo or dress. It needed a little more live interest and whimsy.

And it makes for a more interesting T-shirt you can find on my Fine Art America Link.

       R is for Rose and Robbin as monogram T-shirt.

Revisit, Revise, Make a New!

Flowers in Watering Can

One of the things that happens when participating in art festivals, is doing a lot of sitting and observing while customers come in to view the my art on the walls of my tent. As I watch them, I become my own worst critic. The blessing is that I work digital.

Below is one that fell under my critical eye that I changed as you see above design for an updated look.

It is subjective, but as I sat there in my chair, I decided that it could be better. It was as if I was in a hurry with the first attempt with the one with the yellow plaid background. 

I am glad I took a second look.

Country Sunflower

Country Sunflower

Summer is definitely here! 

Here is my newest illustration inspired by the summer. 

Pillow link: Sunflower Pillow

V is for Violets

V is for Violets

Although my name starts with a V, doing a letter V that has a tie in is not so easy. I mean who wants a V that is a Vulture. While doing a show a woman asked if I did a V for Violets because Violet is her first name. So I finally got to it and illustrated one.

Here is to all who love Violets, the letter V and perhaps are named Violet.

Review and Update

Ranunculus in Blue and White Vase

There are many times I look at something I did from years ago and decide to redo it. Such is the case as the new and improved one above as compared to the original below.

I wanted to make it look more dynamic and add some pop. Glad I decided to redo it. It is an artist's prerogative. 

  

Chasing Away the Gray Days of Winter

Do All Things with Love

Here is a new piece to brighten up the gray skies of winter.

I brought back my blue bird from the recent letter design: B is for Bird and Birdcage to set him free so to speak with his pals. This time he is surrounded with flowers while perched on a tea cup. 

Now it is just counting the days till spring!

For the Love of Flowers

Summer Bouquet

Finally it is feeling like spring!

The old I get, the more I love flowers and look forward to them growing in my garden as well as filling the empty vases that have been barren all winter. 

Of course I can always fill my walls with flowers as well! 

Hope this one will brighten someone's wall as well as my own. 

You can purchase a print here at Fine Art America.

 

On the Bright Side

 On the Bright Side

The blue skies of summer are quickly passing. Because I have a birthday during the summer, this time of year is a reminder of getting yet another year older.

In youth, I could not wait till I became an adult. Youth gives one the promise of the wondrous journey ahead. Age gives you the lens of time to see what you have learned along the way. 

Now that I have seen 64 summers, I have come to appreciate the miracles in my life and have come to know and appreciate what God has tried to teach us through so many people over time. What few commandments that God has given us while honoring his gift of free agency, I have come to find to be protections out of His love for us, rather than restrictions.

 

The Letter V for Vase of Verious Flowers

The Letter V for Vase of Various Flowers

Here is a new addition to my Alphabet Soup of Illustrated Letters

with a new Version of the Letter V. 

I kind of thought that the letter V would make a Very Vibrant Visual of a Vase.

Of course one will need Various Vibrant Flowers to fill it!

Looking for Spring

Looking for Spring

The "polar vortex" has kept my yard pretty much covered in snow this winter. Usually there is a spring tease somewhere in February, but alas, this has not happened. The only relief from the winter doldrums is that the days are getting longer and we have had a few days of blue skies to accompany the sunshine. 

Here is a little something to brighten up the last dregs of winter. I am keeping and eye out for my robin buddies.

Looking for Spring

Sweet Spring!

Yes, I am tired of the Polar Vortex! 

Tired of snow! 

Tired of freezing cold temperatures! 

Tired of gray skies! 

Tired of boots, gloves, and heavy overcoats!

I know the ground hog said six more weeks of winter, but my thoughts are flying toward SPRING!

Keeping it Positive

Promise

I am always amazed what a difference a day can make. 

 Here is hoping for a beautiful September!

floral posters

I've Got a Letter!

I've Got a Letter!

While coming up with another idea, I thought of how long it has been since I got a letter.  Email, Twitter, Facebook, and texting has sort of made letters a thing of the past. Not that they don't happen, but they are rare. They were always the bright spots among the bills and advertisements. Occasionally there is a greeting card for a birthday or holiday with a written message, but their numbers are in the decline as well. So getting a real handwritten note from a friend is a special event. 

So this is dedicated to all those who still like to pick up a pen and write. It is an art that is still appreciated.

Ranunculus Inspiration

Ranunculus on Blue

After playing with pansies, I felt like I wanted to do more flowers. Ranunculus with it many petals caught my interest. Although stylized here, they make a bold statement. So here is a pop of color to brighten any gray day.

Consider the Lily

With all the whites and grays of winter I think I needed something bright and cheerful.

Here is a lily that I did with a new background.

Check out society6.com for all kinds of goodies where this lily appears.

http://society6.com/PictureBookDiary/Orange-Lily-yO0_Print

You can get a tote bag, or a cover for you lap top or cell phone. Even a throw pillow!

Anything that will take away the dull colors of winter.