IF: Camouflaged Pals

Domino and Greyling get tired of living their lives in black and white, so as often as they can they slip away into the colorful country. They love blending in with the birch trees so as not to scare the butterflies. The falling leaves and the flitting wings makes for such a relaxing, mesmerizing day!

Years ago I painted a Dalmation against a stand of birch trees all in blue tones. I don't have a picture of it anymore, but that's what inspired this digital collage. I wish I had time to paint something for this week, but alas, I must get the huge commission done so I can pay my bills :)

I hope this works well enough!

IF: Rejection

I love making cards! I have a line of these collage cards that I keep adding to. There are so many copyright free image sources out there waiting to be made into something. Anyway, these funny cards fly out of my studio and help me pay the rent so I have a place to do my art. I love it when that happens :)

Jello anyone?

IF: Well Suited Pets

Emma, my dog, is the ultimate Queen of hearts. She was one of seven neglected dogs in someone's backyard. She has many fears and anxieties that stem from her past life, but she's got so much heart that all she wants to do is to love us and smother us with kisses. I tell everyone that "she can't hold her licker!"

Slick, my King of hearts is one of the best cats I've ever had. He never complained about anything, not even when it was time to let him go. He was grateful for everything. If someone stepped on his foot, he'd head-butt them to let them know it was okay because he knows they didn't mean it. Gosh, I miss that boy.

I guess I played my cards right when I rescued them. We suit each other just fine.

Acrylic, Prismacolor, and Sharpie on Bristol. Click to play my hand.

IF: Dreams of Paradise

I've always longed for a home of my own, specifically an old New England farmhouse with a few outbuildings and a large barn. I'd have as many rescued animals as I wanted without a landlord's interference. A big part of this fantasy would be to turn the barn into art studios and a gallery, but...every summer I'd have underpriveleged children taking part in a free art camp. Some kids can't even afford a box of crayons. This is so sad to me. I'd have volunteer art teachers and myself ready to open up a whole new world to these kids. Oh, I can just see their little faces light up! And at the end of summer we'd have a huge art show of all the kid's work with the proceeds to go into the 'Hearts for Art Camp' kitty. (That's after buying pizza and ice cream for all of the young artists!)

So, that's my idea of paradise. A happy home of my own to share with animals and young, budding artists!

watercolor, micron pens and acrylic paint on Canson paper. Click to enlarge.

IF: Dogs and Cars

What is it with dogs and cars? Some hate them because they get car sick, or perhaps the only time they ride in the car is to go to the vet. Other dogs just have to hear the slightest jingle of keys and they're off like a shot waiting in the car for you, smoking a cigarette, elbow propped on the window and that "what took ya so long" look on their faces.

My dog Emma knows that a car ride most likely means going to the beach. She sits in her little booster seat (so she can see out the window), safely strapped in riding shotgun with Mum while hubby is relegated to the back seat. My husband thinks I have my priorities mixed up. Emma thinks life is good as long as we're together. That's my girl!

watercolor, pen and ink. Wasn't loving the topic, but hope I rose to the challenge :)

IF: Signs of Stillness

I love marshes. There's something calming and serene about them. They're uncluttered by man-no signs sticking up out of the grasses telling us who to vote for or what to buy. The only signs of life are the birds that reside there like Egrets, Herons, Peregrine Falcons and Redwing Blackbirds. There are frogs, of course, and in some areas, otters.

You can sense the stillness of the water reflecting the twilight sky. The ever so gentle "hush" of the grasses when an errant breeze passes through. Perhaps the song of a cricket or two. And all is right with the world.

"Stillness" First in a series of marshes painted last week in the studio. Acrylic on canvas 24"x36" . (I've been hoping for a word to use this for.) Click to enlarge.

Wallflower 4

What a slow day at the gallery today! It's Mother's day, for one. People just aren't out browsing open art studios. So I took advantage of the time and painted another Wallflower for my series. My goal is to have eight, so I'm halfway there! Obviously I didn't make the May deadline I imposed on myself, so now I'm shooting for June sometime. I was browsing in my latest issue of Somerset Studios Magazine and was inspired by one of the illos in it. It was done by using gel medium and doing transfers, etc. I don't know how to do any of that, soI just painted mine and hoped for the best. No gel medium or anything else except for this awesome piece of paper that came in the magazine and had the word "Flower" all over it. What a sign! I stamped over some of the letters in paint and incorporated them into the design.

So, here she is. Again, I'd like to know from you what you think her story is! This one was a lot of fun to do, keeping it all in blues and greens with just her lips and bracelet in persimmon. The flowers on the edges are shapes cut from magazines, just the colors I needed. Thanks for your feedback. You're all the best!! And Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there :)

acrylic and colored pencil on printed scrapbooking paper

IF: Citrus Memories

I'm so grateful for simple things. Fresh flowers, my old cat , Slick, on the table, the smell of citrus mixed with sunshine streaming in the window. I managed to capture this image in a snapshot many years ago. The day was perfect and Slick was sill fairly young.

I'm grateful for the fifteen years he gave me, and for the smile that sweeps across my face every time my heart remembers him.

I had to pull one from the archives today, sorry. I think it fits for the theme, however. Big art opening at the gallery tonight and tons to do!

IF: Friends and Neighbors

It baffles me that some people never get to know their neighbors. Some folks just don't want to bother. There are some neighbors of mine who act that way. I wonder what they're afraid of. I don't think we need to become best friends with them, but just be there to watch out for one another. Say"Hello, how's it going?" Some people just never will though. That's okay, their loss in the long run.

I think this bird and this cat have the right mind set. They've weathered the storm together and are happy to be here to talk about it. Nobody feels threatened. Nobody feels they have to impress the other one. They're just hanging back, enjoying life, enjoying being good neighbors.

Not my best illo, but I can't miss a post. Tough week, but this too shall pass.

Acrylic on canvas, very hurried!!

IF: Remember ' Little Girl '

One of my friend's cats passed away a few days ago. She was one of the sweetest cats I've ever known. After eight long days in intensive care, Little Girl lost her battle to kidney failure. Sadly, she was a victim of the melamine poisoning recently found in some brands of pet foods.

I remember Little Girl had huge sea glass green eyes.
She liked to sleep in late.
She insisted on drinking from the bathtub faucet several times a day.
When she chased her little foam rubber balls she looked like she needed a front-end alignment. It was hilarious!
She snored.
She had a delicate 'meow.'
She was kind and gentle.
I never got to say goodbye and I miss her.

Her dear brother Sammy was poisoned by the same food. He's home from the hospital now and is doing much better. I visit him daily to administer fluids to help keep his kidneys flushed. We're all hoping Sammy wins this fight.
I have a feeling Little Girl is right by his side, encouraging him every step of the way.

(For Judy and Carlos, with love....Auntie Laurel)

Watercolor, acrylic washes and many layers of glazing to make Little Girl seem "spirit like."

IF : Polar Fleecing

Olaf and Olga are very concerned about the changes in their homeland. It seems too many people don't believe that global warming is actually happening, and those that do know it to be true can't do enough, although every little change you make gets you incrementally closer to a better place. Some things can't be reversed. However, we can stop it from getting worse. It's a known fact that Polar Bears swim from ice flow to ice flow, diving for food in between them. The ice is melting at such a steady clip, The National Geographic Society has documented Polar Bears drifting in the water as far away as sixty miles. For the first time, the drowning of Polar Bears is a frequent occurence instead of a fluke you'd hear about every couple of years.

Olga and Olaf are expecting their first cub soon. I just pray it will have a place to call home.

For Earth Day, April 22, 2007

Watercolor and pen and ink on Fabriano paper. (click to enlarge the small iceberg)

IF: Reversal of Fortune

There's an old, old raven that resides in a Cypress grove high on a craggy cliff by the sea. Legend has it he used to be a man who owned a jewelry store and was fatally shot during a robbery. The thief got away with several rare Aquamarines worth a fortune. The jeweler's widow lived in poverty after his passing because they had no life insurance. The Aquamarines were what they were going to cash in for retirement, but with them stolen and the jeweler deceased there was nothing left.

Old man Raven made it his life's mission to stalk that thief and get every one of the gems back. Each year or special occasion he would deliver one of the reclaimed gems to his widow which afforded her a very comfortable life. However, the jeweler's widow would gladly give up her fortune if only to have her husband back. Something tells her he's still with her, even now. She just feels it. How fortunate to know that kind of love!

Acrylic, colored pencils, faux gem on patterned mat board . Click to enlarge. (The jewel didn't reproduce well)

IF: Spring Green

I love the newness and promises of hope that spring holds. The air comes alive with bird song and the smell of the first cut grass. The bulbs bloom and buds on the trees burst open as if overnight after waiting through winter. The birds start building their nests with care and anticipation of a new brood. What was bleakness all around us not so long ago is now green with new life, new energy. No wonder so many of us feel alive during this season of renewal!

Happy spring everyone!

(For some reason this thumbnail wouldn't upload on IF. After a zillion trys, I just uploaded a bunch of stems from my vase of orchids. Hey...it got you here!)

acrylic on canvas...click to enlarge

Wallflower 3

I worked all day in the studio today trying to finish up another Wallflower for the series. I'd love to have a show of them in May, so that means I should have at least 8 finished soon in order to have enough to call a "show." They take a lot of time to do, so in that respect I doubt I'll have enough time to get them all done. It's funny how their personalities change as I paint them. This one started out as a demure redhead, but the more I worked on her the more I knew she had to have blue-black hair. The tatoos came an hour later, like she asked for them or something! She reminds me of a very soft woman trying to show a hard edge, either to be 'hip' or just to protect herself. I don't know. Anyway, I'd love your comments and feedback. Tell me her story!

For newbies to my blog, the other Wallflowers are my "Lady in Red" post and my "Sprout" post. I can just imagine the energy in the room with all of them hanging out together!

Thanks for inspiring me to continue, and also for your wonderful feedback.

Acrylic on patterned card stock...click to enlarge

IF : Snap-on-ears, etc.

Okay...what's up with people who feel the need to dress up their dogs? I'm not talking about sweaters to keep the delicate little breeds warm, or maybe even a tasteful bandana. I'm talking bunny ears and antlers, fairies and bumblebees and pirates and ballerinas.
My friend's daughter had her adorable Shih Tzu in a full pink party dress last week. People, people, people. That's just wrong! Ever ask yourself why there are pet therapists on this planet? These guys need therapy and heavy drugs after being paraded around in polyester with sequins and headbands with ears. No wonder most of them SNAP!!
I will say this though. Some of those get-ups have made my head SNAP in their direction. Especially if it's an outfit I wish I had.

(This post is in memory of, and apologies to Mooshi and Joni who I did put Santa hats on.)

graphite, watercolor and colored pencil on a grocery bag from Trader Joes. Click to make the doggy big and scary.

"A Slice of Life" at studio lolo

Well, the big show I've been planning is finally here! I asked several artists to paint a 12" x 36" canvas, vertical format with the theme "A Slice of Life." Even though my space is mainly my working studio, I do have two other rooms to display art. I can't keep them filled myself so I put the word out there about this show (which will give me time to get some paintings done while it's up!) The response was fantastic!

Some of the paintings represent struggles, childhood memories... both good and bitter, landscapes and seascapes, fantasies and whimsey. So many wonderful works of art! I took these pictures to show how the rooms look, and also a close-up of one of my entries titled "The Sea Nourishes Me." If you look closely you can see the spirit of the woman in the water. Her hair is the breaking wave.

Thanks for visiting the show. I just had to share it!

4/7/07 Well, the opening reception was last night and it was phenomenal! There were over 300 people who came through my little place. It was truly overwhelming, but flattering! Lots of compliments and one sale! Whew! :)

IF : I Spy

I Spy with my cat eyes

Eight fat birds high in the sky

If I should wake before I die

Please, oh please put them in my pie!

Not my usual 'sweetness and light.' I'm feeling melancholy today. I can't put my finger on why, but today doesn't feel good. Tomorrow is another day, thank goodness!

acrylic and colored pencil on patterned scrapbook paper, collaged birds from an ad, and awesome letter sticker dots! Click to enlarge the scary cat.

IF : Total Magic

This is a painting I did for my nephew in New Hampshire. He's a total, undying fan of mine as well as being a very lost soul. I painted this for him because he told me I always drew with him as a kid and I was the one who got him interested in wizards. I totally love that he cherishes that memory.

I've also included the legend I made up to go with the painting. I researched the names and chose ones that I felt fit the painted characters. And if you have a spare moment, please send a "shout out' or a prayer to my nephew who seems to be on a crash and burn collision course. If only these mythical, mystical creatures could guide him.

The Legend of “Jamie’s Wish”

Meet the sorcerer, Earnan, (pronounced Eer-nun) In Scottish, his name means “one of knowledge.”
The white wolf’s name is Mungo, which in Scottish means “my wolf.” The white tiger’s name is Finlay, which in Scottish means “white warrior.”
I chose Scottish names because my Great Grandfather (your Great, Great Grandfather), and my Grandfather (your Great Grandfather) were both wonderful artists and they were born in Scotland. I always honor them because I feel this is where I inherited my talent.

I hope you enjoy this painting for many, many years. I painted it with only you in mind. I first paint the eyes and then I let the images guide me from there. On the next page is an explanation of what the painting portrays.

Lots of love….

Auntie Laurel


Earnan, the sorcerer, holds many powers. He only spreads good and he is totally connected to the “magic in all things.” He is all knowing and believes strongly in the power of the Universe. He carries a scepter with a full moon globe. The moon is a symbol for psychic energy, or the unconscious that holds the secrets of knowledge and wisdom. He connects with the raven tattoo on his palm because he has chosen Raven as his totem guide. In Native American lore, Raven medicine represents self-knowledge, introspection, wise in oracles and omens, mystery, other-worldly travel, trickster, and a need to make changes in the way you perceive things.
He has chosen two companions, a young white tiger named Finlay, and a young white wolf named Mungo. Tiger medicine represents passion/sensuality, silent solitary power, heightened sense of touch, and valor. Wolf medicine represents pathfinder for the human spirit, knowledge, teaching skill, helping in finding the life-path, loyalty, cooperation, free spirited, mating for life, facing death with dignity, perseverance, fighting only when necessary, and taking advantage of change.
Earnan, Finlay and Mungo believe in the magic. They are the magic. Let them be your guides in the areas of life they represent and you will believe in the magic too.

acrylic on canvas....click to bring the magic closer to you!

IF: Wired...and unwired

About a year and a half ago my husband and I rescued a terrified Chihuahua/Rat Terrier mix. Like most of us, she had issues-none of which we were warned about. We would have adopted her anyway, but knowing something about their background is usually helpful. We knew she was one of seven dogs of different sizes and breeds who were left in a yard for a year or more, pretty much unattended and left to fend for themselves whenever food was tossed their way. A neighbor reported them to the local humane society, thank goodness, and the owners surrendered six of the seven.( I pray every day for dog number seven who stayed with them.)

She was in the very last run at the shelter, just quaking in her boots with her back right up against the wall. She barked and yelped at me, knocking her food over in the process. I opened the door to her run, sat down on the floor and spoke softly, telling her I had all day. After about a half hour or so she crawled onto my lap. The rest, as they say, was history!! The shelter had given her the name of "Sadie" which she didn't respond to. After having her home for a day I renamed her "Sweet Emma." Now that time has passed we realize she's only sweet with us...oops! And she also has epilepsy-but because she's so special (to me) I just tell her she has "Emma-lepsy :) Her seizures are infrequent and small so no medication is needed at this point. Good thing her mom is a retired vet tech. Another family might have returned her.

So...being the nervous or wired type she can sometimes be, here's my rendition of her when she's amped up as well as a photo of her the day I brought her home. I'm in LOVE! Can you blame me? ( Click to enlarge...it looks better!)

Watercolor on Canson, cut out and glued onto scrapbooking paper and embellished with colored pencils and micron pens.

IF : Hide...the berries!

Every evening the Night Mice come out and scurry around the deep, dark roots of the Balbo Tree. It's a tangle of twigs, like woody fingerlings all snarled together to form the most magical place to hide their delicious berries. It's a lot of work making sure the berries are in the nooks and crannies in just the right way so as to not squish the delicious gems, but also making sure they're well hidden so the greedy Jays and Ravens don't raid their stash. The mice are compulsive little creatures, working all night if they have to. The payoff is that 'to die for' berry wine when fermentation takes place, usually during the sixth full moon of the year. They often allow Possum and Raccoon to partake in the juice, but only because at that point they're usually a bit 'in their cups' themselves. Besides, it's no fun to drink alone!

So cheers, my Illustration Friday friends! Drinks are on me.

Done for IF "HIDE"...acrylic on canvas. Click to enlarge