Kitty Genius

Wacom Fun

Last night I had fun with our new Wacom tablet. I don't know why I've been so resistant to it over the years. For the last four years every time we're about to buy one I chicken out. So Drew just took it upon himself to order one, and I think I'm in love (imagine stars in my eyes).

I'll spend a good long while just getting to know this little guy.

In other news: raise your hand if you're completely and utterly ready for fall. It's this close to September and last night I totally had a back to school dream. It always involves biology or me not remembering where my classes are.

Pumpkins, soup, cider, crunchy leaves, scarves, and the smell of fire… I'm ready!

A Very Very Very Fine House

Photo courtesy of Schmancy.

This is my contribution to this year's Plush You at Schmancy.

"A Very Very Very Fine House" measures approx. 10" × 6.5".

The house is painted canvas, which is something I have wanted to do for a long time with a plush creation. And well… Plush You seemed like the perfect time.

If you're interested in the house you can send an email right here. : )

The apartment is fairly clean, the dishes and laundry are washed, mailing is done for the day, Drew is out with his dad, and I am thoroughly enjoying some alone time.

I have a stack of vintage children's books on loan, so I am going to take them, my computer, and sketchbook all to the bedroom so I can peruse books and the internet from my favorite place… my bed.

Sightseeing Weekend

Sorry for the absence of posts but Drew's dad is in town and we've done some sightseeing. Everyone forgot their camera. :( But we did have Drew's iPhone.

Some of the places we visited were:

• Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
• The Japanese Garden—here is a spectacular photo of the Garden's bridge.
• The Rose Garden

We also went to the Zine Symposium where I met one Kate Bingaman-Burt. It's safe to say I'm obsessed with Obsessive Consumption. We left with lots of goodies that we haven't photographed.

OK, I am off to cook dinner.

Let's Stay Home

"Let's Stay Home" is now in the shop.

That's a phrase I find myself saying or thinking quite often.

Drew's dad is coming in town tomorrow and the visits prompted another round of apartment improvements. Today I finally hemmed, ironed, and hung the bedroom curtains (much nicer than having to stare at mini blinds).

I'd like to hang my two awesome and goofy paint-by-numbers horses.

I would like to find different frames for them but I'm not in the biggest hurry. The paintings are just so wonderfully messed up.

Show at Doe

Owly at Night

My show at Doe is now up in person and online.

We're gearing up for a big storm here. There was one yesterday morning that left us powerless of a few hours in the morning.

The coffee's brewed, a movie is ready, There are books, blankets, candles, a flashlight and a tiny cat.

Sometimes I secretly hope for the power to go out :)

The Coast was Calling

By Saturday night we realized it was just too warm to stay in town, so early Sunday we went off to the coast. We began with an art fair and market but it just couldn't compare to sea lion watching (they're so loud!).

Next we drove a bit to spend the rest of the day exploring a state park and its beaches.

When we got back to town it was a bit cooler and I was ready for a nap and some Olympics.

I love the beaches and their cool greyness, but despite my bold boasting it was waaay to cold to swim. I need to find some nice semi-local places for good old fashioned swimming.

Looking for an Artist's Rep or Art Directors

Everyone has a vision for herself, personally and professionally. Some shout it from the rooftops and others keep their cards a bit closer.

I suppose I am of the "keep their cards a bit closer" camp—not intentionally, but I feel uncomfortable announcing plans until I have taken some sort of significant action towards reaching a goal. I suppose I believe I have to earn the right to talk about something.

Here is a perfect example: over the last year I have really fallen off the workout wagon. Now I am proudly back on. I made a deal with myself that to get back on track I am going to work out 7 days a week (normally I'm a 5-day-a-week girl) for at least 90 days. If I miss a day, the workout must be made up for the following day (a big incentive just to work out). Currently, I am on day 32. But I wasn't going to say anything until I reached the promise I made to myself: 90 days.

It's just who I am.

Which brings me to the next point. I want to share part of my professional vision. I Love (with a capital "L") what I do, and I am also looking towards the future. I want that future to include editorial illustration, licensing, and product design.

Therefore, I am currently looking for an artist's rep, and I am turning to you, wonderful blog community, for suggestions. Do you know someone in the field? Are you an artist who is happy with your representation? Are you a publication that needs illustrations? So many possibilities…

Feel free to e-mail me directly here. I encourage you to visit my portfolio on Ashley G and Drew.com.

The Neighborhood

"The Neighborhood" is now in the shop! One of my favorite things has is to take walks around a neighborhood. A little blustery, around dusk is the perfect time for neighborhood-walking in my opinion. If a cup of coffee accompanies me on the walk, all the better. I may love right after dawn even more (less people to run into, which translates into more peaceful) but I am usually sound asleep.

Since moving I've spent many a late afternoon walking out of my front door and zigzagging around different residential streets petting cats, walking by schools, coveting homes with overgrown yards, tripping because I was so busy staring at a tree, and needing to touch foliage.

I love it when I can time it so it starts raining as soon as I get home.

I am going to skip the late afternoon walk today because it is hot and I am going out with two of the finest ladies around, Emily and Lisa.

Tuesday!

Mmmmm… french toast. Drew did the cooking and I whipped up a cream cheese spread. Just cream cheese, brown sugar, and slivered almonds. Add a little syrup… it's so rich but so good.

Here are a few pieces framed for the show:

When the show launches I'll let you know but if there is something you see that you like I encourage you to e-mail Doe at service@doe-sf.com or call (415) 558-8588.

It's so difficult to photograph framed pieces (thank you Drew!) but here are a few more:

Both prints are 11¾ × 15¾.

Have a great day!

Houses for All

More work for my upcoming show. The first two prints are large prints (about 12 × 16) and I'm so pleased with the final prints. Again the colors came out exactly as they looked on screen. Drew and I spent a great deal of time with our fingers crossed over coloring and frequently making tweaks and adjustments to get that perfect shade.

The bottom print is a much smaller print. I love the black background with a black frame. The image just floats. Can you tell how torn I am between summer and the impending fall? August is the month for that.

There is some kind of circus-type practice in the park across the street yet again so I think I may have to take a peek at that. I'm loving the folks that are really good with the giant hula hoops. We did not have the circus trend in St. Louis that seems to be sweeping Portland. So far I have met it with a great deal of skepticism. But hula-hooping to music… yeah, I'm into that.