"The Three Things"

Working on the book, folks! It's going well. Here's a peak at the story boards, much of which are finished. Another sitting to go, then I'll start working on larger sketches, then paintings. So excited!

After working on a couple of books, other author's books, I've realized that it's important to still show your own work around to people, get some ideas, work off each other, because if you do not, you'll be your only critic, and the product will suffer. I had a dear friend come over to draw with me today, it I threw a few ideas at her, she gave me great advice, great suggestions, and I can already tell the story board is moving well!

In other news, still painting, playing music, etc. Going to Colorado to play some gigs and see some friends. Bought a rad new sketchbook that just makes me want to sketch every day in it. How awesome is that?

"Through you nature becomes aware of itself. Nature has been waiting for you, as it were, for millions of years." -Eckhart Tolle

Love,

A

More Paintings

I haven't posted for a few weeks, but I HAVE been painting. It's in me now, and I can't stop! I've started more pieces for some future shows, and also a study for a children's book, as well as a painting for a friend (the Buddah). It's been fun seeing how different each painting turns out, and I will continue to just "let it happen". Sometimes it is more cartoony, sometimes more decorative, sometimes neither.

There's some great illustrator-ish events coming up. The O.C. Shmooze on August 13th, and the OC Kid's Book Fair October 2nd. I went to that event last year and had a blast. Great authors, illustrators, tons of books to buy and have signed by the authors. I'm just thankful I have these events accessible and close by. Until then, more painting, and more children's books. Love to all!

A study for a friend's story called, "Around the Block". He's signed a contract, so it'll be published and it's an absolutely lovely piece of work! I might not do the illustrations, but I love that I'll have this painting sketch with a little bit of his story to show around or just hang up in my room.
Painting for a dear friend. He's been a spiritual guide and pal so he deserves a little something. It's the least I can do!
One of a series of 4-5 quote pieces. But these are on the smaller side. About 4" x 4". Ruby slippers being painted as we speak!
Regular 10" x 10", like the rest. This is my favorite thrift store cat statue. A more decorative piece, but still includes a quote sure to inspire you each day.

Gallery 212: Success!

Hello, everyone. What a couple weeks it's been, getting ready for the show, finishing up my paintings. I really enjoyed doing this series, and there will be many more to come because.... look! The wall is bare! That's right, folks--- I sold every one of my paintings at the art show. I was so pleased and excited to see the response, so I'll be starting a bunch more, and continuing to show them at Gallery 212 and possibly some other venues in Orange county. There are so many more amazing quotes out there, I can't wait to start!

Love to everyone. Thanks to the beautiful people that came out to support. It was so nice, and I am so gracious. I have the best friends and family!

Here's to many more paintings and many more art shows!

Farmer Ted

I drew this dude while the preschoolers were napping today. I just wanted to remind myself how much I like to draw. And I did.

New Paintings, what?

Yes, I've done it! I've started painting again ---with a new vigor, too! I have an art show July 8th in Costa Mesa (Back Bay Center & the Offices at Back Bay 2675 Irvine Ave.) I hope to do more of these shows, since I feel like I have something to say in my art for the first time in a long time. I know things like these go in waves; sometimes my song writing is just nonexistent, but what matters is I share it when it IS there.

I'm going to show about 6 pieces, all for sale, all affordable, all just fun. I hope you enjoy. Here's a look at two of the pieces. They're 10" x 10".

Love to everyone, and may you create, too! It's the best!

On a quick note, I will perform at this little art show. I'm so excited to combine my music and art. I've also been hesitant to do so, afraid people might not separate me from other artists, or not take me seriously, but I've been getting a great response, and I've always been torn by the two arts, why shouldn't they be combined? They're both art after all? So here goes to a new outlook! Pursue, pursue!

P.S. Thanks, Mom, Dad, Aunts, Uncles, Oma, Opa, Sisters. I love you all, and you've been a catalyst to this new excitement for art and life. :)

A Festival to Remember...

What a day! A warm 75 degrees, fresh cut grass, and the smell of barbeque. Besides those bright and beautiful conditions, there were tables upon tables of art and crafts, and lots of great musicians. I had such a great time, that when I left, I was surprised six hours had flown by!

I sat at a table a drew portraits all day. Half of them were of people's dogs from a photo on their i-phones. I actually had a great time doing that, and a few of the kids I drew were just fun to talk to, besides being so much fun to draw. I'll be looking to do more events like this soon. Laguna, LA, Orange--- here I come!

Sweet Haley, posing with her portrait!

Jamie, and me. Enjoying the festival.

"T" the pup.

One of the book marks I made.

More bookmarks. I had so much fun, and I thought it was a sweet idea to give away a few hand-drawn items.

My table. Where the magic happens.

Side Works

Here's some work that I've been meaning to put up:

The first is a Disney sketch practice. I use to draw mermaids and princesses all the time when I was a kid, and I still have the worst time drawing Disney! It's so iconic, so recognizable.

The second is a little painting I've had penciled, sitting on my desk for the longest time. It's fun, whimsical. I should have taken more time--- but I will do that the next chance I have to work on another ditty.

Love to all!

Annie