Saturday, October 13, 2007

IF : Life's Extremes


What a fitting word for my 1 year Illo Friday anniversary! It's also been a year since I moved into my studio. I went from trying to find time to create art to having my own space not only to create art, but to display it at monthly art walks and open studio events. That's a huge extreme from painting at my kitchen table!

The other extreme has been becoming a blogger and joining the Illustration Friday community. Not being much of a computer person other than doing a little research and sending emails, I think I've settled in quite nicely with the weekly challenges. It's just what I needed to jump-start my brain and my drawing hand again. As a matter of fact, Fridays have become my favorite day.

And finally, the other extreme is how I went from doubting my abilities to gaining a little self-esteem encouraging me to keep at it. It's all because of the support I get from you. Thanks for helping me grow and stretch and to keep on doing what I do even when I draw or paint something crappy . It's all about the process and doing what we love.

Last night was the opening of my "Wallflowers" and "Best of Illustration Friday" show at studio lolo. It was a smash hit despite my anxiety. ( Sorry, due to a camera malfunction there are no pictures.) I just added pictures of the gallery above, just before the opening :)
Happy Anniversary to me!
Watercolor on Canson Tinted paper, rubber stamped wings, micron pens.
Click to enlarge the pencil lines I didn't erase
This was done for Illustration Fridays "Extremes"

35 comments:

  1. Wow! This illustration is so beautiful. So delicate, and so moving. I too, look forward to The weekly challenge.

    ReplyDelete
  2. congrats on your first aniversary! it's extremely great that now you have your own studio and gallery...oh boy! that's really great! it gives me hopes to keep it up...maybe, one day, i'll be that lucky ; )
    MY BEST WISHES!!! HOPE YOU KEEP IT UP...YOUR ART IS GREAT!
    i love this illo tooo...amazing!
    -just miss the photos of the gallery -

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is just hilarioius!! And beautiful at the same time.

    Happy anniversary.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I like this a lot!!! The bird is especially cool.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Congratulations on the anniversary, and for the painting which is delicate and beautiful. I particularly like the feathers.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Yeah! Congratulations, your show was bound to be a hit, you are a fine artist. You really put all of yourself into your work and it shows and people connect with that. I am so happy that you sold art!! Moon was one of my favorite pieces you ever did, and the person that bought it should be honored. Isn't it kind of sad to see some of the work leave? It's like letting go of someone you love. Anyway, blah blah blah, I am just so excited that your show was a success!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh yeah,and happy anniversary and and... this painting is too funny! Only in that Cat's fondest dreams!

    ReplyDelete
  8. oh, don't give up, this piece is absolutely beautiful! New studio and gallery, all the way up is the only way.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Congratulations on your anniversary! That would certainly make life hard on birds, hence the look of disbelief and intrigue on the birds face! :) Keep up the great job...I'm glad to hear your self-esteem has grown too, it's well deserved!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Congrats on beating the "self doubt" monster. Good luck with your show!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Happy Anniversary to you and Congratulations on your show! Your talent and positive action will manifest all of your dreams!!! Love your piece for Extremes too!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love this illustration! Very funny and well-executed.

    ReplyDelete
  13. The raven is particularly well rendered. Nice work.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Congratulations !! What a wonderful event....you describe many of the feelings I've had about starting out in the art field and the support found through IF....it's a great thing !! Your piece here is quite nice....very soft and light.

    ReplyDelete
  15. CONGRATS ON YOUR ANIVERSARY AND ON THE SUCCESS OF YOUR OPEN HOUSE.

    SLIM JIM

    ReplyDelete
  16. Laurel, you are an inspiration to all of us! Your dedication to your creativity is evident and it's been fun watching you "grow" as an artist. After reading your commentary, I really took time to look at your painting and it cracked me up! What a whimsical piece.

    Happy Monday ;)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Happy first bloggiversary!! Keep up the good work-- and great take on the theme!
    :D

    ReplyDelete
  18. I just love this Laurel! The colors and the composition and the beautiful flying cat and the bird -all wonderful!
    Huge congratulations on your successful show!

    ReplyDelete
  19. very, very nice! you've created an entire world!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Yes indeed - congratulations on your first anniversary!

    I love this illustration, too - so delicate and sensitively handled. Delightful!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Such a gorgeous piece. Its definitely very inspiring.

    Congrats on the show!!! IT looks great and I am so happy you had a great time.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Mucho congratulations to you Laurel!
    Love this piece! Tells a interesting story- maybe a fable- would be great for a book cover. Very funny how they're both looking at we the surprised viewers and seem to be nonchalantly saying- "hello"- and "hey- um, can I help you?"

    ReplyDelete
  23. Happy Anniversary to you! I always enjoy my visits here - your art is beautiful and touching, and your stories are very entertaining. It's great that you're showing your work so muc, too! Brava!

    ReplyDelete
  24. congrats to you and keep up your good work!I love the flying cat

    ReplyDelete
  25. Congratulations! And I like the composition and the treatment of the colour, really nice!

    ReplyDelete
  26. wow the line work is great lov the bird and the wings on the cat: michael dailey

    ReplyDelete
  27. so so beautiful. i love the crow's expression, and the detail of his feathers. magnificent illustration!!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Happy anniversary!
    Nice picture - I like the delicate cat's wings (that sounds a bit extreme ;))and the way you made the crow's feathers shine.

    ReplyDelete
  29. this is great Laurel.(graceful, whimsical, loving the soft hues) .and congrats on your anniverary... from one canuck to another.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Congratulations on your one year anniversary, and I'm drinking a toast to you, you just can't see me. and I'm so happy the opening went so well, wow!
    The idea is so much fun in this "extreme", and the bird is beautiful artwork, especially when enlarged. Wonderful Laurel!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Don't know how I missed this, love your painting and congratulations on your exhibition :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. Oh! I just love this!! Congrats too.

    ReplyDelete