been busy!

Here is another piece I have finished for Fadenrot! I will be doing more work for this client of which I am happy to do!

The other night I went to Portfolios with Josh and Mei to meet up with our co-worker Rodney and we had a little drawing sessions. We talked about Star Wars and art and war and history... :o

I think we may end up doing this every month... I like meeting up to draw. Its nice to get out of the house once in a while, too. Josh and I used to walk all over downtown Long Beach when we were first dating, too, and because of this, both love Long Beach. So its nice to get out on the town once in a while.

Anyway, I will now get to other projects!

I got my copies of Polka-dot Fixes Kindergarten (written by Catherine Urdahl) in the mail as well!!

;0

Yay! Its always nice to have the hardback in your hands and to re-look at your artwork in print. Sweet!

They look awesome!! :)

More work

Well, I am just having a blast working for Fadenrot! It's amazing when you get to work with someone with great ideas and also someone who gives you so much creative freedom!!!

I am however, totally exhausted, so I will make this short!!!

This is another image pending approval... more to come!

;)

Good night!!!

Some work in progress

More work for Fadenrot... still pending approval!

I have two more to paint following these and more projects to come! I am super happy with this work!

♥ :)

The boy is reminiscent of earlier painting I did of a boy with a goldfish in a pond.

I painted these while Josh was editing a new BIPT podcast. It's actually pretty rad because I get a preview of the podcast before it's up. It's also funny because I get to hear all the "outtakes." Stutters, badwords, etc. HAHA. This week's topic sounds pretty interesting, too. I think so many illustrators have their own experiences and opinions when it comes to the "High Art World/Gallery Culture" vs "Commercial Artists" quote on quote. At least, I've had some experiences in college and just visiting different galleries. Anyway, it's interesting topic to listen people talk about.

Well, I better try and hit the hay as I still have 8 hours of day job tomorrow followed by more paintings!! :)

Which isn't a complaint!

Good night!

PS: thanks for all the comments everyone- I truly appreciate it!

;)

More work...;)

I was working on my sketches for another job... :) Mostly having fun coming up with different ways to go with a theme... maritime boys and marine girls... I love it! I also love having the creative freedom to do these.

I also need to do some paintings for the CSLA posters... I used some images I already have, but I would like to do one using Polka-dot and Shelby, too.

Cheers!!
:)

Final Image... ♥

So here is the final image for the job I just completed for Fadenrot- a small fashion label in Germany.

:)

Please check 'em out!! ;)

I love watercolor...

So this is a snippet of my illustration for a clothing designer... I am really hoping that this does lead to more projects because its been a blast working on this... She's really nice about having the artist be creative and there seems to be a narrative to a lot of her ideas. :)

Anyway, its the budding beginning of working with her so I hope all goes well.

On a different note, I've been keeping up with the news regarding Japan and praying for them all.

I plan on donating to the Red Cross just as soon as I receive my next paycheck.

Yay!

Josh is playing a computer game where he is a cactus man shooting people on a moving train - with a very silly western soundtrack. He is a green man with a red cape and black hat. It's very funny... Who came up with this idea? I want to shake their hand.

I guess he's been playing a round as little breaks between work. My breaks are usually only interrupted by my dogs needing to go out. If I manage to someday be freelance fulltime, I wonder what I should do as a break? What do you do? I have a feeling it would be mostly watching videos of Miyavi or the GazettE on YouTube. :P

I am going to try and remain positive and work hard! Ganbare!!! (Japanese for "Be strong!").

Trying to paint again...

So this is a painting that I was working on in the midst of another project I posted about earlier...

It isn't finished, but I thought I'd post what I've been doing. I haven't been as productive as I should be... but I did do some tonight.

It was a bit hard to focus at painting to be honest. I've been feeling very aloof and sort of bummed out. But I have to jump back in and keep going!

Japan

Sad news to see my mother's country in rubble and disarray. I am praying for Japan's quick recovery but know that it will not be quick. I will donate what I can to the Red Cross to help... but I wish I could fly over there and help right now.

This was a sudden frightening event... I am very affected by it. The homes I see smashed to pieces look like my aunt's and I see the pictures of people trying to "hold it together." I am glad that their leaders seem to be optimistic and sound proud of how calm people have been.

I think this year has really been a hard one.

I hope you are all safe.

Wow

This is hilarious.... I sometimes get emails from Guru.com

The last post I saw for a job was this (I have edited out the name, etc):

"Budget: Under $250
Category: Illustration & Art
Description: Hello, 90 illustrations, same style as the attached samples, target group is 4 year old children, the illustrations should be fresh and cheerful. Its simple Illustration so my budget is Less than 1$ per illustration and time frame is within 1 week this is initial job and We have quite a few more illustrations, if I satisfy with your quality i'll give more illustration with good price in future. **** Please provide samples of your previous illustration work related to my project. Thanks"

Free Shipping!

(this is not my own image but an image of an art print)

Society6 is doing Free Shipping on their mini & small art prints!

Pretty cool... ;)

Stars and Coins

I have a new project that I am working on... which I don't know if I should post yet... but I wanted to post some drawings I did. It involves a very poor but giving little girl who is then rewarded for her charitable actions.

Its very sweet.

:)

I am also busy working on an idea for a poster for a campaign to save Libraries in schools...

The sale (which ends this months) for my original paintings seems to be going alright although I wish I could sell more! :) New images to come though!

Facebook & This Weekend

I created a Facebook page for just my illustration work...(please find me and we can be friends, if you would want to). I am still sort of figuring it out since I have a personal Facebook page as well and would like to keep these separate.

Well, anyway, to sum up this weekend, I am SORE and TIRED. :) I did end up going to help my friend paint her house which was fun... despite the sore muscles and the tired body. It was really hard to get up this morning and this afternoon I reeeaaally wanted to take a nap. But it was good to see her and her new puppy, Bean. He was an adorable little red-dappled mini dachshund. CK and Dozer were also happy to meet him and run around in their rather large backyard. I remembered a number of years ago helping my mom do some work on her house and how exhausting it was. After a while you just want it done and yet it never really feels finished.

I also managed to upload more images on Etsy, sell three more paintings, and go through my copy of this year's CWIM some more in hopes that I can contact more Art Directors. I also submit bids on guru every once in a while and there were a few projects that I hope I get.

So while I am done and tired this weekend, I now feel like I can paint some more and create more images. I have some ideas and a really cool brush I am falling in love with.. ♥

Hope all is well.

Now to return to Fresh Air. :)

Design By Humans Artist of the Week!

Josh is the DesignByHumans Featured Artist of the Week!

Isn't that cool?

Its a Mad Month

I hope I can keep up this month!

Aside from TAXES (ugh) and all the new changes to the site and adding a couple venues to buy my Art, and blogging... this month has proved to be a bit of a B*tch... har har.

It's raining outside and will probably be drizzling tomorrow as well which puts a bit of a damper on plans to help a friend paint the inside of her new house. I think its usually best to paint when its sunny and warm... but I suppose we really don't have time to postpone anyway. I am excited for her and her man as they have been super patient about getting this place all spruced up to live in. Lucky me its only 15 minutes from my home and she's my best bud.

On the work front at ASW things are going nutty as our store has grown and is now booming. I think we are all needing some help now although we are all equally excited for the store. I can't wait for things to settle down again and see all our hard work pay-off... hopefully it will be in time for our big Three-Day Sale Arty Gras! Hee hee. :)

Lately I've been coming home and sitting in front of my computer and my desk between taking breaks and watching episodes of Bored To Death with Josh... I will have to wake up early to try and make up some time that I will be missing when I go help my friend... I still have to try and send out more promos and email potential clients!

Eek!!

I am genuinely exhausted and yet happy to do all the work.

How are you all?

I sure wish we could talk sometimes.

:)

New Mini Art Prints & Etsy (finally!)

Society 6 has added two new sizes to their line of Art Prints- Minis!! I'm very glad as I think I'm instantly attracted to tiny things (I don't know why, but they always look more "cute" and "precious" ???).

I also have opened an Etsy site to sell my originals as well...

here is my shop.

Big Blow Out Sale until end of March!

I am selling original work for $100 flat (smaller pieces for $50). Anything on my website (save for a few that have already sold or some interior pages for my books- a few are set aside for people already).

If any interest you, please shoot me an email asap.

So far these are sold:

1. girl falling through the puddle

2. the boy reading a book eating an apple

3. the girl in the library in the green dress

4. the girl in the sky with the parasol

5. Lisa Nguyen in London

6. two faeries with the squirrel

7. the Peter Pan themed painting

8. Nightsweeper interiors

9. I'm so Not Wearing a Dress interiors are spoken for..

I am also doing commissions for $200 flat for this month... (of course, this is subject to change if the painting is super detailed or large).

So! Let me know if you are interested.

On a previous note, BIPT seems to be making a nice comeback! The Twitter scene has been going nuts with the #illoparty at the end of tweets... it's really nice. I'm glad because it means to me that BIPT is genuinely kicking butt and keeping illustrators happy. I listened to the episode and was laughing that Kevin kept the part where I cut in...(oops!).

I'm also trying to set up a Facebook page for just my illustration work- under Mai Kemble Illustrations... seems like a great way to keep in touch and really keep the buzz going!

I wish that the internet wasn't so hazy when it came to ...well, is anyone out there??? Are we all really connecting??? I read so many blogs and try to comment when I can... but ultimately, we don't all really know each other. But it's still so nice to read these blogs and hear about life and other artists and their experiences... for instance, John Shelley is just ... well, he's a sweet heart from what I read... and another example is Paige Keiser and Cassia Thomas... to say even just a few words... oh, and of course, Mishaps and Misadventures (Chad Beckerman- Abrams awesome book designer)... or Cinnamon Rabbit (Julia Denos)... I don't know... I just really love reading these blogs.

I am a nerd is what it comes down to... but I go to my Day Job and I LOVE my Art Supply Warehouse... I seriously LOVE my job... (YaY, ASW!!!) and I come home and I love Josh and we work together and struggle to do art and live and we have our pugs... and there's this weird juggle of the internet world and all that we do in this virtual place and then the day-to-day... its like being far apart... and not far at all? Knowing people...and not knowing people??? Its so bizarre. Josh and I are super proud of the few friends we have... that we talk to almost every day and hang out with and who truly know us and all we go through... and then there's the other world... where we are trying... almost to get through some crazy maze... where you hear people on the other side of the wall and you're talking but you can't ever meet...

???

does that make sense??

but I love both worlds. Hard to really explain... and I feel like I am not the best writer and often times my posts are sort of vague and not very well thought out.

:p

Oh well...

Anyway, I will go back to it all again.

Keep in touch however we all can.

:)

Makes me want to watch You've Got Mail. hee hee.

Big Illustration Party Episode 45!

As promised, it looks like the new episode of BIPT is finally up! Check out their new site! I actually was in the room while they were recording... pretty cool. :)

For anyone who doesn't know, my fiance and his co-host/fellow cartoonist/freelance illustrator Kevin Cross, are the two guys giving tips and advice, personal experience, and a lot of humor to what it's reeeeeaaally like freelancing on this Podcast. They talk about their work-week and answer questions from listeners. It's pretty fun to listen to because they also add some funny jokes and have a really unique way of looking at freelance that's kind of "punk rock" and "in your face." Meaning, they don't sugar-coat it... which I think, is why people loved the show so much. I'm not where they are as far as making my living solely on freelance, but living with Josh I get the sense that it truly is a love-hate kind of job. In any case, listening to the show can be pretty inspiring and also just a nice way to know "you're not alone." :)

I also know that there are a number of other shows that talk about similar subjects but I think -aside from the fact that Josh co-hosts- BIPT is unique because I think they are the most candid. So check 'em out and judge for yourself if you like. :) It's all in good fun.

On another sort of related note, Josh and I have been listening to The Adventures of Philip Marlowe on ITunes. We are fans of these stories and just the character himself. When you can't find a lot of time to read, listening to stories is almost as great. The sound effects and voice acting is just so awesome... I love it! :)

I'm sure we'll have to find more like it when we've heard them all... I wonder if they have any Twilight Zones like this... hee hee.

Ok, I'd better try to paint something.

♥

Sketches and Art Prints!

I finally added a Shop section to my site... it's also linked on my blog under Society6. I have most of the images from my portfolio now in different size prints that you can purchase on the site. :) I also created a little poster image for Mai Kemble Illustrations. Thanks for any support! ;)

I also wanted to post some new sketches I worked on the other night. I met up with my sister and some of our co-workers from ASW and drew over at a local coffee shop called Sipology. Its a really lovely coffee shop that overlooks downtown Long Beach- it is a two story building! Our co-worker Rodney Sellars as well as friend Chris Kawagiwa have their artwork up in the gallerie there as well. We all ended up drawing and chatting over coffee... I drew some ideas involving Victorian shoes and tea sets!

Meanwhile, Josh and Kevin Cross have re-kindled their love for podcasting and plan to re-launch the ever-wonderful podcast, Big Illustration Party Time! YAY! They re-vamped their old blog into a site and have posted some pictures and will be posting a new episode soon! It's really great that they got back in-touch... I'm sure we've all missed the BIPT♥.

Valentine

Well most people around me have been saying they don't like Valentines Day... but I love it. And I don't mean that it's a day I expect romance and flowers and crazy dinners but I do think its lovely that people set aside a day to celebrate their loved one. How many days in the year do we set aside time to think about that? Or to just tell them how you feel? I hear too often people saying "they don't need a day" or a "special day" to say these things...but I also know too well that most people don't say it enough! :) So why not?

Besides, we hear so many sad stories that it is nice to hear "Happy whatever Day!" as often as we can.

Makes me happy to think about...

I think that even if there isn't a lover to spend the day with, maybe the point can really be about remembering Love. Maybe it isn't about what you're missing, but what you have already? Or maybe what you had? A time to reflect, to muse over, or to smile a bit and laugh at yourself...

In any case, I am glad that I do have Josh and my family and friends. Despite some overwhelming losses this year I also am glad to set aside a special day for Love.

Sorry to be so cheesey but I just watched Sabrina and it makes me think about Audrey Hepburn and how lovely she was... and about Josh... how young she was! And how childish her crush was at the beginning of the movie! Do you remember your first crush? I am so happy to remember all the crazy childish and funny ways we were and how happy we still are!

I also wish that we still made movies like this... Josh and I agreed that Billy Wilder was amazing. And we love these movies more than any other kind. For some reason we always have. I feel like the stories weren't over the top or needing crazy special effects... just real people and situations.. and wit and a sense of humor mixed with real meaning.

:)

Although I admit I am a bit excited to about the new Red Riding Hood!

Anyway I had better get to bed.

Polka-Dot Saves Kindergarten!

Well, as I was busy trying to set up a banner with all my titles, I saw that Barnes & Noble had images of my latest book with Charlesbridge!

Polka-dot Saves Kindergarten by Catherine Urdahl!

I was very excited to see that... I wonder if that means a copy for me is in the mail???

I also would like to announce that I *may* be attending the Children's Book Week (May 2nd to 8th) this year at The Children's Book World store in Los Angeles, CA.

I definitely look forward to this event! What a great idea? A Whole Week to celebrate and basque in Children's Books!

Josh is sitting next to me as I type this looking at pictures he has saved on his computer... There are some of my nephew dressed up as Naruto when he was four. So cute!

And also some of our old pug, Holden. :) We thought we had lost all of those when Josh had his bag stolen and it had his external hard drive in it...

We were searching for some nice pictures to use as a profile pic on my website... but we are finding more silly photos than "nice" ones... I doubt anyone knows but I have a habit of sticking my tongue out in pics...

(At our friend, Chris Kawagiwa's art show this year...)

(Josh's sister, Lavender, and her husband, Nick- who shares my sense of humor)

(Josh's sister, Fawn, and me at Disneyland..)

... but I suppose you gotta have a sense of humor, eh?

:)

More painting to come!

And soon... prints to buy!!!

Obviously...

(Josh & I on the "It's A Small World" ride at Disneyland a few months ago).

Well, obviously I have changed my blog... but I've also redone my website...

It isn't perfect... and there are definitely more things I want to do with it, but I decided to go ahead and publish what I had finished.

Like I posted before, I want to make it possible to sell prints, postcards, and also provide some downloadable things for teachers and parents related to my published books.

But!

I am not quite there yet!

That's the next step.

In the meanwhile, I hope that everyone likes the new changes... it's been a long time coming.

On a totally different note, I got my Valentine's Day gift all set up to give to Josh!! He'll be away this weekend on a Threadless outing up in Solvang, CA. I guess they do some wine-tasting... ;) I encouraged him to go with his BFF because I do not drink alcohol at all.

Hopefully he'll come back happily relaxed with funny tales!

Right now he's pulling consecutive all-nighters week after week... he's been slammed with work!! Which is nice, but it sure does get you a bit sleep-deprived!

Speaking of sleep... zzzZZZZZZ

A Late Night Brings Good Beginnings?

I was up until 1-2am last night working on the *new* website... and it's looking very promising!
I am also going to set up something with Society6 to sell prints of my work as well.

I don't know if anyone is aware, but I also have a ton of originals from books that I would be willing to sell, too! :)
Although, I have promised some already...

It's really nice to get the ball rolling and feel that creative juice flow!
It is also a real benefit to have a designer/illustrator you can turn to and ask for advice- thank you, Josh!
:)

Everyone have their Valentines' Day gifts picked out?? I am thinking of creating some downloadable card images for Holidays as well!
;)

See you soon!

A Good Day

I have mailed out my promo cards today. After work is more work with re-vamping my website... a total re-make! Hee hee.
Looking forward to that!

The benefit show for Lisa Nguyen (Leader of the Pack) was a success!! Looks like everyone raised more than $1200... :) I hope that my piece was purchased... but I still don't know. It was held at our college campus, CSULB, and there were more than 100 people there, easy. All the artwork was very moving and so different. The music was also just perfect for Lisa and made me smile.

In any case, it was a good night.

Anyway, I've got to get to work, but maybe I'll try and post some process pics soon.
:)
Please take care of yourself...

For Lisa

This is a painting for Lisa Nguyen!

She had been wanting to live in London for a very long time so I decided to put her there in the painting.

:)

I will post a picture of her, too.

Miss you girl.

Dustless Baby Powder by BabyMagic

Part of the illustraton I did for BabyMagic© is up on their website...

which is exciting because I hope that the larger part of the image is soon up as well.

That job was really cute... I had some pretty neat sketches (if I may say so myself) before creating the final artwork. I can post a few here... but the product itself is actually really amazing too! Click on the title of this post for a link to the website if you are interested.

I've seen videos that show an artist's technique when painting/drawing but not a whole lot that document the start to finish of an actual hired job. I suppose there is a lot of secrecy to some work when in the preliminary stages... I know with children's books you can't necessarily show anything until the book is actually released. Seeing these sketches makes me wish I had documented it... I still have a folder full of all my notes and thumbnails... my color roughs and scans.... I have these for almost every book I've done as well. It's kind of fun to keep and look through once in a while. :)

Almost as fun as the actual book!

Pink!

I can't wait for spring to come... and I live in California!

I've been feeling bad for the East Coast and their winter storms... :(

But the sun's been out and staying out longer lately which I am totally grateful for... the weather in Portland really affected me badly when I lived there I think. I never thought it would, but particularly November's "Gray Days."

But I drew some in a pink Prismacolor Pencil in hopes that it will encourage some Spring feelings of warmth and new life! .... I like to sketch in colored pencils... :) Especially Prismacolor because of the waxy thickness.

This weekend will be filled with postcards and promotions! I only have to purchase my postcard stamps and then I will be mailing out my "calling card."

This weekend I will also be going to a birthday party as well as painting for a possible entry in an art show in honor of a friend... It will be involving vespas, polka-dot tights, and pugs in... London!!

:)

I put some links on my website that are related to some of the books I've done. I'm So Not Wearing A Dress has a scene where the main character Shelby is making mudpies with her friend, Nate... so I thought to put a link for people to make "mud-like" desserts! Yum!

They also make keychain-size Converse that can be used as a project... Shelby likes to write her name on her "super speedy" sneakers! Seemed like a fun idea.

I recently did some line-work for the characters in an upcoming title for use as paper-puppets... so once that book comes out, I can upload a file that can be downloaded for that as well.

Which reminds me, I was pretty thrilled to see a couple copies of I'm So Not Wearing A Dress at my local Borders. :)

On a totally different note, the previous post is a lovely story... seriously... listen to it! It will make you glad... :)

Ok, back to work!

(Pugs are snoozing away on their little bed we have set up in our studio. I think its almost bed time?)

Finding Emilie... by Radiolab (click here to visit Radiolab.org)

So I am listening to one of the most touching stories I ever heard...

"In this segment, we take an emotional left turn to a story of a very different kind of lost and found. We begin with a college student, Alan Lundgard, who fell in love with a fellow art student, Emilie Gossiaux. Emilie's mom, Susan Gossiaux, describes her daughter, and the terrible phone call she recieved from Alan nine months after he became Emilie's boyfriend. Together, Susan and Alan tell Jad and Robert about the devastating fork in the road that left Emilie lost in a netherworld, and how Alan found her again."

It's very amazing to me that he didn't give up and ended up saving her life.

:)

Pug Shakers!

Yesterday Josh & I came across these pug shakers and had to buy them!

Aren't they sweet?

Apparently there are whole bunch of different types... if you google them and look at the images there are devil/angel, peppers, black and white...etc etc.

Very cute.

They really made my day!

We had gone to Venice Beach to eat lunch with his family for our Brother-in-Law's Birthday and then ended up going further up to 3rd Street Promenade and hanging around there.

They re-did the mall that was at the end of the street and re-designed the entire building/stores, etc. Now there is a beautiful view of the ocean from the top with a fireplace and lounge area next to a very large eatery and courtyard. Nice... ;>

Anyway, back at the ranch I am now seeing that for the first time in a while, waking up at noon can be kind of freaky when you realize half the day is gone!! But the sun is out and there is always something to do.

So, find something small that can make you smile and go out there!

:)

A New Year a Little Late...

The new year started with a bang and I had a slow start... so nevertheless, here I am.

I only have on hand a file of a little pattern I did...

but I did make a few minor changes to my website.

I can't wait for the book to be released so I can put up some interior pages and the storyboards I did.

:)

Maybe even a video on my process??? hee hee.

Today is a mixture of sunlight and trajedy but I hope to keep my chin up.

And while things were a bit hard at first with some personal things going on, I plan on going forward with things with a new appreciation for life and people.

Let's all be a little more nice than we might usually be?

And maybe a bit more pleasant to strangers?

We have to share this space for as long as we can...

make the most of it!

:)

Boxcar Artshow

So I am promoting my threadless design which only has 2 days left to score/vote.
And!
working on a couple 6x6 paintings for an artshow here at Art Supply Warehouse's gallery space Catalyst.
The show is on Dec. 4th.... :)
I will have to post images when I have more to show.
So far, the pencils for at least three are finished.

:)



I am also trying to plan a wedding... its insane... I thought I had my date picked out, but my Pappi is in China and my sister is in Utah... and my Grandpa and Grandma are in New Mexico!

:<

So, trying to work dates in with them all in mind... my nieces and nephews all have school too.

Sigh.

But I think this is where we will have it:

The Harbor View Clubhouse in Huntington Beach...

???

:D

Up for scoring- Hitch cock & my shirt

This is exciting!
My shirt is up for scoring for the next week.
I wonder whether people will like it... If you like this, and you want to vote you can click on the title of this blog for a link or click below.

Here is a link:

Thanks for your time!

I am also in the midst of trying to plan a wedding (finally!) and will be checking out some places this weekend.

OH! and also going to enter some 6x6 paintings at our store's Artspace called Catalyst. :)

More on that later (it's not 'til the end of November or beginning of February)!! I better get brainstorming on ideas.

So far: ideas of hippos, bicycles, monkeys, top hats!

hmmm...

ALSO,

Josh's super fun shirt design:

just click here even just to giggle a bit... although I hope you vote!

;)

cheers, have a good night!!

Threadless Shirt Design by Yours Truly ;)

I made my first submission to Threadless! :)
It was created using watercolor... but I had a lot of fun trying to think of something that is still ME and would be a great shirt.
Let me know what you think? Thanks!



Josh has been submitting to this site for a long time and he loves it. He has been constantly telling me to give it a go... They have a new simulated process printing that I guess is able to capture more painterly designs so I thought the time must be right.

I now have to turn around and help promote my mom and sister's Etsy dolls! ;) ( see previous post).

Iki-Iki Dolls

Well, my sister and my mom finally got their Etsy site up and running! They handmade a ton of soft, plush, adorable sock dolls...

They are simply adorable and hard to resist!!!

Here is one of my favorites:

Please feel free to check them out!

a promise

Well, I did promise to post this painting when I was finished and here it is!

I also finally updated my website with some images from the children's books and my rep did the same. I also managed to visit some sites I haven't in a while ...such as Flickr... I also made a DeviantArt account. Surprisingly, this site seems to get a LOT of traffic.... the only thing is that it is much more fast-paced than I am used to ... and almost impossible to navigate! :/ but I do hope that it will encourage more interaction somehow.

Anyway, how was Halloween? Me? Well, Friday we dressed as zombies at work... which was fun. :) We wore torn up clothes and fake blood and took photos.

Then, Saturday, Josh and I drove up to the Antelope Valley with my twin, Mei, to his mum's annual Hallow's Eve Party. We carved pumpkins, had a costume contest, and ate chili! It was a blast. I felt bad for Mei because she had a cold, but I think on the whole, it was lots of fun. Awesome costumes, too. Josh's sister dressed as Elizabeth Bennett, but Lizzie fighting Zombies-style Elizabeth Bennett. (there is a whole book series about Lizzie and her family fighting zombies). See picture. I've never read the book... but her costume was perfect!

His mum was a rooster. She was so adorable... hehehehe....

Sunday, the actual Halloween Day, we went with my sisters to take Keegan (my 6 year old nephew) to Trick-Or-Treat. :) It was awesome. He met his friend and the two of them (both dressed as Ninjas) ran from house to house screaming "Trick or Treat!" "Charge!" "Happy Halloween!!" and also "I got more candy than you!"

(All of this is reminding me that I need to go to the dentist... I had my wisdom teeth out last year and I was supposed to follow that by having some cavaties filled... crap. I never remember at the right time....)

Anyway, Halloween is over... the week is about half-way over, I have a paycheck coming to me this week from my Day Job and I finished my painting and can move on to the next.

:D YAY!

I better go to bed...

I admit I already have another idea stewing... and I think I need to read 10,000 Leagues Under the Sea because Around the World in 80 Days is one of my favorite novels...and I've never read it.... I am so random... but forgive me... I am a bit tired. :) You know, I am glad to be back in California... I truly am. I think Portland is beautiful... but I am glad to be back with people I know and know me. I love the sunshine. I love the city of Long Beach. I love seeing my family and friends more than once a year. Its almost been a year since I got sick last November...and there was a lot of upheave in my life. I feel like it is slowly becoming the past.

I am so glad to be with Josh, too. He has been a huge comfort.

Anyway, Christmas is around the corner (although I don't suggest we forget Thanksgiving!! YUM)... then New Year. I hope that January brings more work!

:)

Well, goodnight everyone!

thanks for reading ;)

Finally...

I have begun a new painting last night... after having it sitting on my desk for a number of days.
I took a couple of pictures on my cellphone of the work in progress... thought it might be interesting. The first picture here shows the painting with some liquid frisket and an underpainting or wash of red and purples to get the light and dark areas mapped out.

I fill in the background colors (in general washes)...

Then I build up the detail in the background some more...

Last, I keep working in more detail and remove the frisket to put color into the characters.


Still not done, but I will post it when I am finished.
:)

Busy Beaver Buttons

My sister's button for Busy Beaver is featured on their blog!

Check it out!

:)

Finish!

I mailed all the original paintings off to Charlesbridge... I am so relieved and happy to be done!

I am still waiting to hear back on a different project and about to start a new one... but this weekend will all be about moving!

So in the meanwhile, here is some art for the book... the title and all of the details are still not to be announced, but at least I can give you some eye candy! Muahahaha!

I am brain-dead at the moment... wish I had something more prolific or ... just funny to write but I really don't. I just wanted to brag that I was done!

I told my mom and asked her for a high-five and she said "Oh, that's nice!" but... well, my fam's always been pretty low-key... It's like pulling teeth for an "Awesome!" with even one exclamation-mark. Har har. But I did get the high-five. Hehehehe.

Thus, the online bragging!
Well goodnight... onto the next.
And I hope all is well with you. And I give you all high-fives and Awesomes!!!!!! with many exclamation marks.
;)

A good night.

Well, I can't say what this is for, nor is it the entire image, but this is a snippet of a project I wrapped up tonight and am in the process of emailing to my client.

I am really happy with it... as this is the second version of the final. :) I usually don't really paint like this... so it was difficult getting it to feel right for the project.

I adore clients who can tell you very bluntly and straight-forward what they like and don't like, what works and what doesn't, while still retaining a professional attitude and positive words...
I know that I am spoiled so far in that everyone I have worked with thus far has been this and also been interesting, fun, unique... I am very happy... but I've heard some things from Josh that aren't such a nice picture of freelance... but let's not go that way.

I am happy to say that I like this project.

I am going to be spending the weekend making my interior pages for a book finalized before sending those off as well... I can't wait!!!!

Wow, finishing up projects, moving back into an apartment with Josh, etc etc... love love love!
I always think it's nice to be able to report good news.
Hope all is well with you, too....

A New Home...

We will be picking up the keys to our new apartment on the 28th! A two bedroom in a safe, pretty area of Long Beach, CA for a super low price! We are excited! And we think our management are a couple of dears! I love nice people... especially when they are so sweet on animals. :)

After a crazy day of calling and driving and weeping... and sweating!!! we were very, very, very relieved to have landed such a deal. Not to mention, in ONE day!! We were pretty lucky with that! I know that this tends to take quite a bit longer... but we were very, very determined to make the most of the time that we were able to look because of our busy schedules... so I am glad that it didn't take too long.

I really want to take some pictures of the place to show it off! A before and after.... ;)

I am now going to sign off and get busy on re-vamping my project for a client that didn't quite hit the mark... so happy painting (or whatever it is you love to do!) and I hope to have pictures soon... hee hee hee.

a long day

Well, Josh and I spent all day (from about 8 am to 5 pm) looking for apartments... Once the week begins, I will then commence the revisions!! Hehe... I heard back on some fixes on the interior pages... I also have another project in the works that I must also get to a client.

However, I am crossing my fingers on a VERY promising apartment.

So, wish us luck!

:)

Miss you guys...

Back to the drawing board ASAP.

Can't wait to show images~!

boo!

Well, this is what I am currently working on... although it doesn't quite look like this and I've blurred the title on purpose...

I keep thinking how no one ever really realizes how much work is actually put into things... I'm sure. Even the pen that we use to jot down a note someone designed, promoted, created, and distributed... it's crazy! But I'm sure as people pick up books, they forget that there are a million hours and hands that go into it even being there to hold. :) Kind of amazing, eh?

Well, I am one of those pairs of hands and I am busy painting away!
I really can't wait to be finished, one for my poor publisher's sake(who is waiting very patiently), and also so I can get going on the next thing that is also pending at the moment... eek!

I also have a slew of personal paintings I'd like to do along with developing them into some promotional material...
then there's the apartment thing.

I think I repeat myself... a lot. Sheesh.

:)

My sister Mei has been hand-sewing these little dolls, too! And may just end up selling them. So next time, I'll have to photo them and put them up.

Bleeeeehhhhhh.... ok! Enough, time to work... :D

feeling low...

I am listening to the music for Twilight/New Moon (which is actually really good if you don't like the books/movies)... and I put this song on repeat... it isn't live but I guess it can kind of put to light how I've been feeling.

It doesn't matter what time of day this song makes me think of EVERYTHING and that's not always good. However, I am kind of an eternal optimist and therefore am undaunted by even the most depressing of moods... I will move along and think that no matter what happens, no regrets, right?

This is Iron and Wine singing flightless bird/american mouth Live.

Sneak Peek

Well, here is a sneak peek at one of the interior pages for a children's book I've been working on for Charlesbridge. I just sent a PDF of the book for approval... very nerve-wrecking. Have you ever been staring at something for so long, all you can see is blurry??? Well, that's sort of how I feel. I don't really think I'll relax until I see the actual printed book, too.
There is still the cover in the works and I am sure there are other little elements as well as revisions!
:)
Still, it's always nice to reach this point!
I had my first two hours off in a long time this morning while the pages were being scanned... HAHA.

Now I am waiting on approval on a couple projects and also the hunt for the apartment should now commence!!
Keeping busy... can't wait to have our apartment set up... I have lots of updating to do!!!!
:)

Happy Sunday peeps!