Boundaries, Illustration Friday

Everybody get back in line- School is now in session!

Disguise, Illustration Friday

No, this isn't one of those "Monster a Day" posts, but is inspired by a little sea creature who comes naturally equipped with its own disguise. Seadragons are relatives of the pipefishes. They can be found fluttering about, propelled by their leafy appendages, perfectly camouflaged in the kelp beds off western and southern Australia.
Don't tell this guy, but I doubt he'll need to shop for a Halloween costume anytime soon!

Influence, Illustration Friday

"In the beginning you must subject yourself to the influence of nature. You must be able to walk firmly on the ground before you start walking on a tightrope." ~ Henri Matisse

Today was spent quietly at my desk, alone with my watercolors and few distractions. As I watched my intentions float across the page suspended in pigmented puddles, it was clear that my hands rarely pick up a paintbrush without feeling the influence of all the artists whose work I have or will become familiar with.

Swell, illustration Friday

When summer really starts to heat up, the kernels swell and pop right off the cob...

A Ray of Sunshine

A good sunshiney day to you! A while back, Linda Hensley stopped by with a cheerful greeting and a sunshine award for me...I have been slowly getting around to making this announcement, but here it is.
Linda's an illustrator and designer who's a whiz at creating art that's not only visually and technically stunning, but her accompanying posts are always a kick to read as well. She creates straight from the heart, spicing things up with personal experiences which are always informative and thought provoking. I'm glad to have met her through blogging and appreciate the award she shared with me. Stop by her blog and say "Hello!"

The rules for receiving the award:
- Thank the person who gave you the award.
- Write a post about it.
- Answer the questions below.
- Pass it on to 10 bloggers who you think really deserve it and send them a message to let them know.

My unofficial answers to
The questions:
01. My favorite color: Green
02. My favorite animal: Dogs!
03. My favorite number: #8, round yet balanced
04. My favorite non-alcoholic drink: Water
05. Facebook or Twitter? Neither, yet
06. My passion: Peace, baby!
07. Getting or giving presents? Giving
08. My favorite pattern: Florals, even though vertical stripes are friendlier ;o)
09. My favorite day of the week: Sunday, a fresh start
10. My favorite flower: Wildflowers and Tropicals

Do you know these Sunshine Award winners? They're all creative, talented and inspiring in their individual crafts. I hope you enjoy visiting them!

10 Favorite Bloggers:
Rose Hill Designs
Leen Christens Illustrations
My Creative Day
From Jen's Pen
Vicki Smith Art
Ms. Moffatt
ValGal Art
Janets dibby dabby.com illustrator journey
Forest & Sea
Superpo Adventures

Obsession, Illustration Friday

On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off...

Sometimes you are, sometimes you aren't. And sometimes it's OK not to be either.

Perennial, Illustration Friday

A good scientist is a person in whom the childhood quality of perennial curiosity lingers on. Once he gets an answer, he has other questions.” ~ Frederick Seitz

It figures that Illustration Friday and Mike would come up with a really challenging word this week, "Perennial," while I'm experiencing a case of the summer doldrums. Actually, it's been a period of "what should I do next?" but those activities have been unrelated to painting.
While walking the pups one quiet morning, it occurred to me that these native old oaks that live along the creek fit the bill. I often marvel at how these sturdy trees plant themselves near a source of water, maintain their stances for decades among competing plant life and only give in when disease, intermittent drought, flooding or landscaping crews come along to clear the way for "improvements."
After this quick sketch for IF, I'm heading over to see how Mike interpreted his own suggestion. I might even have a question for him, like "How did you come up with this one?"
Wishing everybody a curiously creative week!