St. Xenia

The Trio... and Put a Bird on it

Watercolor sketches from a few years back

I guess it [was] Christmas?

This was the illustration I did for our Christmas card this year. Acrylic and tempera paints with colored pencil detail, on watercolor paper. A different style than last year's pen and ink , but I'm amazed I sent anything out this year, with our mid-winter move and everything. We've had no break from the chaos since we've moved... HENCE, the reason for this Christmas-themed post coming nearly 7 weeks overdue.

As far as art goes, lately I've just been doing doodles or working on volunteer-related projects for church and Vasi's school. Oh, and of course drawing with Vasi, who has been coloring and drawing NONSTOP since she received her own set of markers for Christmas. Not that she didn't have a bajillion markers before... *shrug*

Boy does she love to draw. It's nice to "bond" with her over a fairy coloring book and a rainbow of Faber Castel felt-tip pens. Looks like we have a little artist on our hands!

Art Minute: Sucie Stevenson

My husband loves to take the girls to the library down the street. Since moving here just two months ago, I still haven't made it there myself, but Job tells me the selection is incredible.

The girls have fallen in love with the Henry and Mudge books, much to my approval! My little brother used to read these books, and I even liked them myself (when I wasn't reading Goosebumps). The stories are entertaining, and the illustrations are absolutely charming!

As an artist with aspirations to illustrate, I've often struggled with the concept of style. Namely, what kind of style REALLY appeals to kids? I remember when my mom would bring home picture books from the library. Many were filled with gorgeous, glossy illustrations that were realistic and rich. I think most parents are drawn toward and impressed by illustrations painted in the realist style, and understandably so-- they are beautiful after all. In the long run, though, do they limit the imagination? IT probably depends on the story.

But now that I have children of my own, and a sizable book collection too, it's interesting to see what my kids gravitate towards over and over again.

Children's illustrations require a lot of skill, but they should also evoke a sense of fun and spontaniety. That's what I like about the Sucie Stevenson's illustrations for Henry and Mudge. The stories are endearingly written by Cynthia Rylant, and both author and illustrator imbue their work with a great sense of humor.

I love how Stevenson's work is loose and whimsical, yet colorful and highly detailed at the same time. It's not overwhelming, and yet you seem to notice something new about the pictures each time. Overall, the illustrations are so very sweet. Even my "non-artist" husband is charmed!

There are no other books on earth that actually make me WANT a 182 pound bull mastiff! And as an artist, I find Sucie Stevenson's artwork very inspiring and spot-on when it comes to what kids (of every age!) like.

Baby Boy Announcements

Announcement time for our family! What a joy to design, to make, to mail with love. In the age of "electronic" everything, it's nice to work on something tangible to send via regular mail, to those we know and love, and who know and love our little boy, too.


Some drawings I did for my sweet little boy's birthy announcements. Heavily inspired by Richard Scarry and Art Seiden. I ended up chosing the one, right above, "Boy Oh Boy!", and you can see the finished piece at the very top. As always, a fun and happy project to work on!

Engagement Portrait

Earlier this year I was contacted by Deborah, a wonderful bride-to-be who was interested in having a portrait done of her and her fiance, Carlos. It was great to break out the watercolors and get sketching! Thankfully, Deborah was very patient, as I simultaneously juggled a new baby and adjusting to life as an artist AND a mother to three.

I've never met Deborah and Carlos, as they live on the East Coast! But Deborah was great to work with, via e-mail communication, and it was a true delight to paint their portrait for them.

Congratulations you two! Thank you for the opportunity to do this commission for you, it was a lot of fun. All my best to you as you prepare for your wedding next month!

Art Minute: Edward Hopper

Edward Hopper. I don't know much about his personal life. Well... I probably did a report on him or something back in high school... but that, my friends, was a long time ago.

But his work invigorates me. Inspires me so, so much. I haven't painted with acrylic and canvas since college (a good five years ago). I haven't been very inspired, and let's face it, canvas takes up a lot of room.

However, I "googled" Edward Hopper a few weeks ago and, in turn, became reacquainted with his work. Sparse interiors and landscapes, lonely individuals, quiet settings depicted in bold, clear strokes, each painting overflowing with suspense and/ or secrets. This is one of his most recognizable/ popular paintings.



You may have seen it parodied before. Just google "The Nighthawks Parodies" and you'll be astounded. The subjects in the paintings have been replaced by everyone and everything from the cast of X-Files to the Simpsons to Lego reproductions.




I love his bold use of color and high contrast. The strong light and the dark shadows tell a story. His work embraces architecture, the human form and landscape, all the while conveying and mastering human relationships and emotion. Seriously, what can't this guy do?

It's been cool to revisit his work and gaze, gaze, gaze for a bit. My hands are aching, for the first time in 5 years, to pick up a canvas again and (attempt, at least to) tell a story.