Speakeasy Swing

When Spoonflower announced a

Prohibition Cocktails

themed challenge a few weeks back, I knew I had to give the subject matter a go. Phonographs! G&T's! The Charleston! So here's my take on the subject matter. And for giggles, what the above pictured dame and dandy would look like covering an armchair, as seen below.

The Birds

I've been listening to an adaptation of

The Birds

on

Radio 4 Extra

this week, so couldn't resist having a go at illustrating such a wonderfully terrifying story.

Painting and Pondering

It's been forever, but I'm finally planning a shop update! Next Tuesday, September 27, I'll have some small original watercolor paintings, a couple tea towels and an embroidery available.

As far as prints, I've been testing new papers in an attempt to find a paper that offers both a good color range and some extra heft (hence the hold up). I think I've found the answer to my dilemma, so will have prints back at the end of October.

And happy weekend!

River Flowers

I took the dog for a walk by the river and came back with a bouquet of Lady's Thumb, Goldenrod, Beach Pea and Fireweed. Here's a pattern with those last bits of summer.

And I've forgotten to mention, on the sidebar I've added a sign up for my monthly newsletter. If that's your jam, I'll be sending out shop updates, new work, local event information and subscriber downloads.

Happy Weekend!

The Longest Days

I'm slowly admitting that summer is beginning to fade away. Here's a few snaps of the end of the season. It's been a full couple of months and I'm ready for the dependable rhythm that autumn brings. That said, I'm glad the season included outdoor tea with friends, camping with family and the chance to get out the paints again.

* If you're in or around midcoast Maine, Atlantic Baking Company is terrific.

* I've been having fun drawing in Draw Every Day, Draw Every Way.

* Stranger Things has sucked me in, like 99.9% of the population. Justice for Barb!

Gatsby on the Isles

This past weekend was Gatsby on the Isles -- here's the poster I illustrated.

Anchors aweigh!

Eight

As of this month, I've been working full-time as an illustrator for eight years. I went back today and read what I'd written about freelancing five years ago. I think it still holds up as advice, especially for newer illustrators.

The only thing I'd add is the vital importance of stepping back to assess what you want in life and in turn, your work. I'm learning (albeit, slowly) that it's okay to catch your breath and get your bearings, that it's not always necessary to be scrambling pell-mell towards the Next Thing. Dreams are good, but burnout isn't.

Also, I still stand behind the advice to eat ice cream when the job calls for it. Or donuts. Your choice.