Fruit Patterns

A fabric company is interested in producing my fruit designs. I put them into repeats to show them how they might look and wanted to share them with you too! They have a subtle country vibe with some crafty touches too such as the stitched linework. Id love to see them all produced in a variety of color ways.

First Dog, Bo Obama

I was approached to do a sample painting of the "first dog" Bo Obama for a possible children's book project. I wanted him to be sitting at an official looking desk with some of his favorite things around him. Not sure what the story will be as of yet and if I will get the project. There are probably several other artists doing samples for it as well.

Tote Bags

A tote bag manufacturer approached me recently to take a few of my existing designs that they liked and redesign them to fit onto their bags. It was a quick little project, but I always enjoy seeing how a design can be utilized onto different kinds of products. I am still waiting to hear whether they will be licensing them, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Finally, Kitchen Nirvana!

The journey was long and filled with plenty of bumps along the way, but we now have a kitchen we can both work in together and enjoy for years to come! We went from an '80's outdated builder's grade space full of bad planning and poor use of space to an open and airy room that flows nicely into the living and dining rooms with a slightly modern esthetic. And, "Hello counterspace!" Don't get me started on the beautiful new restaurant quality stainless steel sink and the faucet with the pull-out spray (probably something the rest of you take for granted.) The before and after pictures really help to show just how different it really is. The before pics were taken when we first bought the house almost four years ago. I just love before and after pics, don't you?

We love the rippled waves in our backsplash tile.

The quartz countertop is shiny and smooth unlike our old cracked and chipped tile counters.

The handblown glass pendant lights add light and definition to the counter area.

We added the open display shelves where a built-in cabinet was prior. It's a great place to display old pottery.

We tiled the area under the bar and the new stools fit snugly under the counter so they are out of the way.

This new stainless steel sink is deep and roomy. I love the new faucet!

It's easy to have organized drawers when they are so roomy!

Spice heaven!!

We want to fill these with something.

I love the angles in this picture.

The dreaded post we had to make room for in the design.

This peninsula makes for a great place to prepare food.

I love the large stainless handles we used for the cabinets.

I hope you enjoyed the tour of our new kitchen. I think this weekend would be a great time to make some Barefoot Contessa Coconut Cupcakes. Actually, if you like cupcakes you should check out my friend Jimmy's blog here. He is dreaming up some amazing flavors and they are so amazingly beautiful too!

More Pet Portraits

I have enjoyed painting portraits of my own dogs as well as some family and friends' pets over the last year or so. Capturing the uniqueness and personality of each one is so gratifying. If you would like to commission a portrait of your little four legged friend, just let me know and I will give you all the details.

Ruby and Olive

I painted this portrait of our dogs, Ruby and Olive, for my partner's birthday last year. I used a photo taken at the beach as my reference. They love going to the beach, although they are not big swimmers at all. They just enjoy playing with all of their other four legged friends who are there and Olive enjoys the smelly stuff that washes ashore. That's what dogs do.

Mom

Today my Mom is having surgery. I am sending lots of love and happy thoughts her way for a smooth recovery. She is an amazing person and the earth is a much better place with her in it.

Just Flowers or Flowers With Hearts?

I did this design recently for a Valentine card project. I've also decided to put it in my Etsy shop for sale as an art print. I just can't decide whether to keep the hearts in the design. Hmmm... not sure which is more appealing. Any thoughts?

Birds in Love

This design is, of course, all about love. I like to think birds love each other as much as we humans do. The weekend is here, so enjoy!

Roosters!

I am continuing my quest of reinterpreting country americana in an updated style with this little rooster collection. Roosters are such funny birds in the way they move as well as their showy feathers. It's no wonder they are such a popular icon in the decorative arts.

It's owl time again!

Just finished up this new owl for my Etsy shop, Pictorialboom. He is both stylish and wise. I am thinking of offering it in different color ways. Check out the print here.

Dogs in Winter Coats, Oh My!

Just finished up this illustration for the cover of a kid's magazine. It is for the December issue (as if you couldn't tell, huh.) I am pleased with the little birds eating all of the treats that are falling out of the bag one of the dogs is holding. Funny, right?

Fresh herbs

These herb designs are a couple of years old, but herbs are timeless, right? I explored several color directions and never could decide which one I prefered. Seeing the basil makes me want to go have some Thai food for lunch!

From the Sea

I did this artwork a year or so ago and just came across it again today.  Nautical styles are a mainstay in the giftware industry, so I am always working on how to do them in a trendy but classic way.  I am thinking of embarking on a new collection of these ocean icons soon, so stay tuned!

Summertime Fruit Designs!

In honor of the arrival of summer, here are some fresh looking citrus designs by yours truly.  The flavors of lemon and orange are just about my favorites.  Anything that has lemon in it is ok by me, especially sweets!  Now go enjoy some summer sun.