Tuesday Tea Time

According to the dictionary, the word "and" connects -- as in: along or together with; as well as; in addition to; besides; also; moreover. Tea connects too -- as in: sip to sip; thought to thought; person to person. Today's cup ponders the word "and" in the form of a steaming ampersand. So I suggest having a cup of tea, together or along with someone else, and in addition to conversation, besides connecting, you might also enjoy some company, moreover a pleasant interlude...and who knows what else.
"& Cup", digital illustration

Tuesday Tea Time

Today's cup is a continuation of my geometric cup series. The color combination of purple and green is always a favorite of mine.
"Purple & Green Striped Cup", digital illustration

Love & Nature

I recently designed a wedding invitation package for a dear friend and client. She said she envisioned a sort of yin yang symbol with a bird and fish since they enjoy the outdoors. A garden party celebration is in store. It was a delightful project to work on and they loved the outcome. I wish them the best tomorrow and always!

Tuesday Tea Time

A busy schedule has me a little under water...so today's cup is just a sketch on some cardboard with colored pencils. I do like it though...more later.

Breathing in Renewal

It has been a whirlwind of deadlines lately which is wonderful! I love having good work to do. Pushing creativity is interesting--I'm used to creating under the pressure of a deadline within reason--but sometimes you have to step back and refill "the well" of inspiration. Sometimes you need space for the mind to still, to relax and release. My painting above, which now hangs in a dear friend's home, reflects what I need a little of at the moment. Just a few deep breaths and some peaceful silence to recharge my energy for the next round. Ahh...that was nice...now I'm ready to dive back in.
"Meditation", gouache, 12 x 9 inches

Tuesday Tea Time

I have been illustrating a lot of food these past few months and it's showing up in my tea cup series. Today's cup features some cheery cherries. I love eating cherries and am reminded of a delicious three cherry tart I made using dried, fresh and brandied cherries. But they're also just a fresh sweet treat at tea time, plain and simple like my image above.
"Cup Pot & Cherries", digital illustration

Hungry For A Peek?

I can't wait to show you the illustrations I am creating for the cookbook "Cook the Part" coming out this Fall. I thought I'd snap a photo of my computer screen with a detail from one of them (with a couple of the others showing behind it). I am illustrating the chapter openers for the eight chapters and the cover (which I posted on the blog recently). First I sketch my idea, then refine the drawing, after that I scan it into the computer and add the color and texture. Painting digitally is just as gratifying to me as painting with paint. This is the kind of design and illustration project that thoroughly satisfies me!