Kitty Genius

HELLO February

Here it is!! And of course you can find HELLO February in the shop.

This month's charity is Rolling Dog Ranch.

"The Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary in Montana rescues and shelters disabled animals. Every animal who arrives at the sanctuary gets another chance to have a safe and loving home. Our residents include blind dogs, blind horses, deaf dogs, blind cats, and others with medical issues like muscular dystrophy."

And as far as  HELLO January with your help I am writing a check for $100 to Family Care International. Thank you! Thank you!

And thank you so much for all the encouraging sweet comments from the last post. I plan to show some pages of my sketch book more often. Most of the time there's nothing much worth seeing in it, but I certainly like to see anyone's process who will share it so I guess I should share my own :) I am really lacking in my email skills these last few days and I apologize. I have been plagued with technological problems, office space problems, and today when I was taking my 30+ packages to the post office my car battery was dead. Not that big of deal except in the annoying factor. Lucky for me AAA battery service truck came out and replaced it while I sat in my apartment. The walk to the post office was FREEZING but honestly really short.

And today nine more paintings of mine went up for sale at Velocity. You can see them here. And within the first few hours six of them already sold!!! So if you are interested I guess hurry is my advice :) But I promise more on the way as soon as I possibly can. Busy Busy and happy February!!

What Do You Do When It's 10 Degrees?

You go to a thrift store and find an amazing book.

Then you come home and find on your steps a WONDERFUL package from the best black apple around

Thank you thank you thank you Emily! postcards! A FANTASTIC handmade tote!!!! Japanese magazine! That plate!?! And those buttons kill me. Kill me.

Get some coffee and take a a sketch book (I have recently tried to grow out of my self imposed rule of no drawing in public) I feel so cheesy. And I honest to goodness HATE people looking at my stuff in that sort of context. But if you're there how can you avoid it? I mean you're sort of asking for it, right (I can't believe I just just the term "asking for it")? But really, I just need to be out and about but still need to feel productive. So sketchbook.

If these are too tiny you can click on them to see em bigger.

And reading this. I was surprised and excited to see interviews with Susie Ghahremani and Craig Thompson. I have always always always wanted to make illustrations for magazines. In fact, I assumed any artwork I would ever make would end up more in the commercial arena than fine art. Well, that's not entirely true. As a small child I of course wanted to be an artist. Draw pictures all day? Sold. Then I came to understand very unlikely. And I had a few years where drawing just wasn't as much my thing. I couldn't really make a career out of it. But every time I was at a book store magazines would (and still do) make my heart beat faster. My mom's boyfriend was a graphic artist. His loft, his lifestyle, his apparent HUGE budget for books and magazines really solidified things for me.

That was when I was about 12 but over the years from then and now I was back and forth, back and forth. Not knowing quite what, but knowing at the end of everyday I wouldn't feel fulfilled unless I created a tangible something. A drawing, a piece of jewelry, a sketch of a product. Something.

And last but not least, a few years ago this picture changed my life.

This illustration by Julie Verhoeven appeared as a small thumbnail in I believe Harper's Bazaar. But to me, it meant it was possible. And I honestly can say since that day (4 years ago about) I have seen illustration back in magazines stronger and more exciting then ever I can remember seeing in my lifetime. I know that there is a true resurgence for illustration and I am much more aware of illustration in general.

For our first Valentine's day Drew actually bought me Julie Verhoeven's book Fat Bottomed Girls. I can't find a picture of it online. It was a limited edition book and I feel LUCKY to have it. Which reminds me I haven't looked at it in a few years and really should.

And a quick note, we are thinking New York Seltzer was bought by a new company and is now being redistributed. There is no more foamy label. I know a lot of you were really excited. So if I can find someone at the store to ask about it I will :)

Seltzer and Canvases!?! Two good finds.

'I Thought I Heard Something Behind Me'

10 x 10 x.75

'I'm Running Off To Join The Circus'

6 x 6 x .75

New Paintings that are off to Velocity

And below is my piece 'A Good Idea' (6 x 6 x .75) for Susan's Lovely Heart Charity Exhibition

And for those painters out there. I don't know if you know but Dick Blick is having an AMAZING sale on canvases. They had the same sale in September and I this one goes through February. I believe it is also being offered online but I purchased them at the store. Any combination or style (in september I think you had to buy all the EXACT SAME canvas for the sale) is buy 9 or under save 50% off List price, buy 10 or more save 60% and buy 20 or more (which I did) and save 70% of list price. After leaving yesterday I feel like I stole from the store I had that many bags. The only thing that annoys me is that according to the flier the sale began January 4th an believe you me I have purchased several canvases after then and before yesterday but hmm..no discount then. I plan to more than make up for it now. The only thing that sucks is that there are A LOT of students and artists that are in the know waaaaay before me and all the square canvases sell out. So if you have to purchase online I suggest doing so. So look here.

And in things that are tasty news we were at the grocery store yesterday and drew was excited that they had New York Seltzer

which he thought was discontinued (and according to the internet it is) All I know is that we bought the black cherry and it was sooooooo good. I love soda (I can't help it) Now I drink diet but except for diet root beer I still don't like it so it's usually not worth drinking. But this? It's magic. So I think I may be resolved to going to the one grocery store here that carries it. Oh, and it has like 10 calories in the bottle :)

Today that's all I know. I am working so that hopefully I can do a shop update this week. I will certainly let everyone know when those are coming.

Happy Sunday

These just arrived in the shop . The first one is already gone but you can find the other two here and here.

And mmmm...making soup stock.

It's Been Far Too Long

We're in the middle of shaking things up around here especially in terms of our production. I going to remain vague but I always like thinking of taking things to the next level and figuring out exactly what that next level is. And sometimes it may not even be noticeable to anyone but me.

So for me the last week has been mostly filled with research. Endless google searches and calling random (and VERY kind) people and companies to pump information out of them. And believe me nothing is too earth shattering. I like to research by nature. I think it's important to be informed not because that gives you all the answers but because then you can ask more informed questions. I hate the feeling that I am being bullshitted but not having the knowledge to prove it. I hate that feeling, "I wish I knew more."

And then there was painting!

These are all Velocity-bound along with several other paintings from previous posts.

I know everyone LOVES looking through Flickr, and I certainly do too. But I have to say I love just looking on google images for particular things and inspiration. Forest, tree, lightning, tornado, twilight, one room school house are some of my searches from the last few days. And some of the images are extraordinary. That is one of my "treats" when I need a break from another part of my day.

Speaking of treats, I am currently enjoying a skim latte with an extra shot of espresso. DELICIOUS. I use rice milk or soy milk for every aspect of my life except coffee.

Okay, okay and last week Dawn tagged me to list 6 weird things about myself (only six!?!). So here it goes.

1. I LOVE the smell of gasoline. I know it's a love or hate thing for most people and for me I am in the former group. I could kill brain cells all day smelling that stuff.
2. I have a crippling case of "no sense of direction" and have yet to be able to figure out how to read a map. And in an ironic twist, my best friend works for AAA.
3. I have been vegetarian for basically my whole life. Neither of my parents were. I just refused to eat any animal product, from fried chicken to chicken broth to hamburgers, and by four my mom just concluded I was vegetarian. And I've never looked back. When I started babysitting at 11 I had a really hard time touching the turkey slices they had to make the little girl a sandwich. The first couple times I had to use a paper towel.
4. I watch "Days Of Our Lives" as often as I can. It is what it is and I've accepted it :)
5. When I type I use only the "caps lock" key for ALL capitalization. Yup. Caps lock on, type the letter, caps lock off. I'm not down with "shift" key and forget it, Drew, I've tried and I'm not changing.
6. My right eye is squishy when I touch it. As in it makes a high-pitched juicy (disgusting, I know) squeak when I press on it ever so lightly. And it's loud. I have grossed out dozens, perhaps one day even hundreds, with the little party trick.

And I will try not to leave you hanging for so long without announcing a bit of a blog break. But sometimes the days just escape from me. Have you ever noticed there is that one time of the day where after that just BLAM the day moves twice the speed from then on? For me it's in between 2–3 pm. Before you know it it's 5 and then 9.

One Of Those Days

Hola! 8x8

Where everything feels blah. It's nice that on those days that I need to be alone (and there are a lot of those days) I can be. Drew will be gone until about 9 tonight. So I worked out, showered, made coffee and oatmeal. Now I plan to spend this bitter cold day working in a nice clean space (for once). Painting, drawing, ipod listening, tv show watching. And I am going to make a mock chicken stock and then matzo ball soup from this Moosewood Cookbook.

sounds like a plan.

On a positive note, I actually like the painting but it's a shame some of my favorites don't photograph as well. This is much better in real life.

Spend The Weekend With Me, Won't You?

It was a very typical weekend, but this time we had a camera… so I thought I would share just a bit. Actually, this is the slowest-paced weekend I have had since October, so it was very, very nice to be lazy. And tomorrow, more of the same.

Saturday began with the post office:

As far as post office, this one is pretty nice. It has a mural inside but no automated postal center :(

Then to get our down comforter cleaned:

Why here? This is where I got Drew's anniversary gift. LAUNDRY SERVICE! I hate laundry and can barely do my own. I wash his stuff when I can but, you know… I HATE LAUNDRY. But love having clean stuff. Drew has to get his work stuff dry cleaned so I thought it would be fun for him not to have to think about other laundry for awhile either. It comes back all folded and nice. I will continue to use the end of a broom to get the wonky washing machine in the basement to start.

errands and breakfast where Drew makes secret movies:

At home there is this:

and this:

A view from my lap. We are watching season 2 of The Wire. It's a problem. We're addicted.

I did finish this:

And there was even a thrift store! Where I found two ridiculous things:

This necklace. Yes, it is kind of horrid, but a special kind of horrid that I had to spend my money on. I probably won't even wear it again. Well, maybe. I honestly don't know why I like the things I do about a third of the time.

And this:

as modeled by Drew. A vintage space age oven mitt. Which—buying a used oven mitt from a thrift store is kind of gross when you think about it, but that's why I'm not gonna think about it.

More painting, more of The Wire, and then maybe drinks with friends? That's my weekend. How was yours?

Tea Party!

I may be a cofeeholic but today it's all about tea! The lovely and clever Risa is having an online tea party today! It's a great opportunity to meet some new friends and see some old ones! See all the instructions here! It's just my guess but I can imagine this will be the first of many...

Here is me with one of my favorite mugs thinking "...oh, wow that's really interesting. I wonder if anyone minds that I'm in my bathrobe?"

And to bring to the tea party...

who doesn't enjoy one or three clementines?

Hope to see you there!!

Paintings, Pens, And Presents

"I Huffed And I Puffed" 8×8×½

"If It Were A Clear Day" 10×10×½

Two new paintings. I have to do everything assembly line style. I spend one day covering canvases with paper and waiting for them to dry. It's kind of nice I can save that task for those days I am feeling not very inspired. The other day I did 8. Then I can go back and gesso them. Then go back and do the second layer of gesso. Then I get to reward myself (my life is built around the reward system) with mindlessly choosing and painting the first background color. And then the fun of exploring and choosing colors to build the background up.

I have always treated art supplies as if they were the most precious commodity on the planet. To the point that I was always afraid of wasting or ruining them. And truth be told, I still abuse my brushes. But that is why I am not allowed to have very nice brushes. I buy things that do the job well but I am not afraid if I destroy. Years ago I received a very nice gift of the giant box of prismacolor colored pencils. Still so many of them are unsharpened because I am so afraid of them. Now the goofy part is individually I LOVE buying prismacolor colored pencils. I was at Dick Blick last week and they had this little display of the most amazing subtle rich colors that I bought 16 of and immediately sharpened and have been loving ever since. There is green ochre, scarlet lake, pale sage, chocolate, muted turquoise, pale vermilion... oh I love them all. I love anything by Copic. Yes, they are pricey and worth it. I will spend $5 on one of their pens but that is why I only have three. And the markers when they are half off at Hobby Lobby they are the best deal around. The only catch is that they have a really limited selection there. And my personal favorite favorite only black pen I use is Millennium. I guess it's advertised as a scrap booking pen (as the link implies) but it's the best. After trial and error, 03 is the size for me, with 01 and 05 close by. I know everyone loves Micron, and I use their colored pens, but for me I buy the black Millennium pens everywhere I see them. They are strewn about my house, in my purse, on tables, under the couch, on my nightstand, and even some where they are supposed to live in my pen case. I enjoy the Faber-Castell shades of grey pen set and the sepia pen set. I know this is all common knowledge to many of you. But for me I guess I missed the memo about what pens and markers and paper to buy and it's just sort of been a discovery process. It both makes me wish I had attended A LOT more school (one day one day) but also it makes me appreciate even more taking community college classes (taught by some amazing instructors) who were passionate, ridiculously talented, and very aware that there students were on a budget.

Oh and this eraser is another of my FAVORITE things. And it's $2.

In unrelated favorite stuff news. Check this out!

The wonderful delightful talented Jessica a.k.a. Shiny Squirrel sent me this for our holiday trade. Lets just say there was a whole lot of squealing going on when I opened this. Jessica's blog is one of my absolute favorites. Her eye for fashion, fashion photography, art, and overall uniqueness and beauty is amazing. I scroll through a ton of of blogs on my blog feed and I love them all, but sometimes things get to feeling the the same ole same ole. I see things on her blog that I rarely if ever come across on any others and always feel "how did I not know about this before?".

Okay, I have not been to a thrift store in well over a month. I think I am experiencing withdrawal so today or tomorrow that, movies, painting, packaging is happening.

Houses And Quotes

I'm working on another big batch of paintings. I'm trying to make January another big push month.

And in keeping with the house theme the illustrations below will all be in my shop this evening. I am shooting for 5 p.m. central.

in order:

"Love You, That Is (2)"

"You And Me (1)"

"Love You, That Is (1)"

"You Me Us (1)"

These were definitely created with Valentine's Day in mind. I feel like there are so many people trying to say "I love you" or "I appreciate you" to so many other people, and not just significant others. So drawing a couple just didn't seem right. Valentine's Day for me in the past has always been about family, not romantic love. It's my mom's FAVORITE FAVORITE holiday. So we exchange gifts and it seems like the unofficial welcoming of spring. Yes, real spring is quite far off, but that color palette change alone gives me an invigorated feeling. Pastels!?! I never love them any other time of the year as much as I do in February and March.

They are ink on 8.5" x 5.5" heavy watercolor paper. I plan to list more.

Speaking of love, the outpouring of kindness from you was another completely unexpected anniversary gift. I have spent so long thinking it is very rare for a person to happy for someone else and I love love love being proven so completely wrong. I am astounded. Thank you. You amaze me.

And if you happen by a bookstore, find the February issue of Dwell.

Then turn to page 100

The issue is dedicated to craft and there is an article about Etsy, and I'm quoted!

They contacted me a few months ago and I have been waiting for this issue since. Fun. Fun. And it's a really great issue in general.

I hope everyone has a nice relaxing Sunday. I am doing some new year reorganizing today, some drawing, some painting, and some coffee drinking. Sounds like Sunday to me.