bluehour studio

Today's inspiration...

2012-02-09T21:19:00.000-08:00

Need a bit of inspiration? Well, here is a little bit of eye candy that I found over at the Quite Continental blog today. You just need to mix in a bit of Coffee, London and in the 50's and some incredible bursts of color.

It's Time for the February Meetup!

2012-02-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

Silent actress Theda Bera looks to her future

I must say, it's been a pretty good start of the year. I still can't believe January is over. But my month was pretty successful, I've created a lot of new work (and even got some Valentines illustrations up)and I've become excited about making new things in my shop and hopeful plans towards the upcoming year...

Here's are some of my business plans for the upcoming month...

Keep adding work to Etsy. I would love to get at least one new piece up a week.
Make a few samples for custom portraits on Etsy. I sold my first custom illustrations last week and am excited to do more.
Get new business cards done and printed. This is a must!
Design mailers for sending off to potential clients.
Start experimenting with my new illustrated jewelry.
Sign up for a local art fair.
Get a more stable schedule at New Bohemia Signs & practice my lettering weekly.
Take a little break away and enjoy my Anniversary with my lovely husband.
Work on getting myself out there on blogs and websites.
Work on updating my blog design. I would love to add many spots of some hand written type.

That seems pretty good amount for the next month. Super busy is good, right? Here's to getting it all done. Hope you all have a successful, creative and love-filled February!

What is the Meetup thing, you ask? It is a group of creatives that encourage each other each month to make and complete their goals. Join us...it is an amazing to watch the progress of others and yourself...
Contact Liz for more info here.

Custom Portraits

2012-01-31T14:03:00.000-08:00

Last week I was surprised to be asked in my Etsy shop if I did Custom Portraits. Truthfully, I hadn't thought about it much. I have been so busy trying to fill my shop with prints I couldn't see an obvious thing. So, when the custom illustration was suggested, it didn't take much for me to say yes and just to go for it. I ended up creating a portrait for a "Save the Date" card for a Texas couple's upcoming wedding.

Here's is the final:

You know what? It was really fun. The couple already loved my Victorian Portraits and knew exactly what they wanted. They sent a few good reference photos and we were able hash out all the extra details (I've gotten pretty good at asking many, many questions through email). I sent them some sketches, made a some changes, waited for their OK and got down to the final. It worked out pretty smoothly. And I felt pretty confident with the whole process.

So what did I learn? I really like doing this custom illustration thing. I think I will be doing it more. So as of today, bluehour studio is offering custom portrait illustrations! Woo Hoo...

(Of course, the prices will depend on the size, complexity and details of the illustration but I'm thinking a basic range of $100 -$350 for a custom portrait. So, if you are interested...let's talk.)

Sendak on Cobert

2012-01-26T19:05:00.000-08:00

I've been busy working away on new stuff for the shop but saw the Maurice Sendak was on the Colbert Report this week and thought I'd share...

Enjoy!

I'll be posting some new work very soon.

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Grim Colberty Tales with Maurice Sendak Pt. 1

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog

Video Archive

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Grim Colberty Tales with Maurice Sendak Pt. 2

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog

Video Archive

New Work...Victorians in Love

2012-01-20T13:25:00.000-08:00

I've been inspired by the upcoming Valentine holiday and I have created a couple of new illustrations of Victorians in Love. I've been imagining them as a successful past clients from my "Ladies & Gents Victorian Dating Service" and have a great time painting them. They went looking for love and they were the lucky ones that found it...

Introducing Mrs. & Mr. Martin Hughes


A bit of a closeup- view of the happy couple...

This is the very improper Mr. & Mrs. Thaddeus Smith

Is that a certain gleam in his eye?

I hope you like them...

Also...They will be available as 6in x 8in prints in the shop!

By the way, it is pretty interesting trying to capture love between Victorians. For my research, I look at a lot of old daguerreotypes and tintypes and the people have almost no expression at all. They are very stiff and emotionless. But that was what a a proper photography sitting required. It was a serious...but once in a while a little sense of joy would peek out.

Sweet Victorian couple via How to be a Retronaut

Pretty cute, huh? Have a wonderful and love filled weekend everyone!

Join the Protest!

2012-01-18T00:19:00.000-08:00

Bluehour Studio is joining in on the SOPA/PIPA protest and will be offline (no blogging, Twitter, Facebook or Tumblr) January 18th...here's more info on the Protest...

It's a little thing but perhaps with all us going offline or blacking out our sites we can stop this thing from passing.. The U.S. government will realize what a terrible idea these proposal are. We live in a world of creative people that love to inspire each other. Please don't shut us down.

PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.

A Winter's Sleep...The Season's Series...

2012-01-05T16:35:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to give you a look at my newest illustration, A Winter's Sleep. It is the first illustration in my new "Season's" series and I am really excited about it. As you all know, I am a huge fan of folk tales and this series celebrates that. It also celebrates the friendship between the adventurous Lilly and Bruce the curious bear.

A Winter's Sleep is about taking quiet getaways refreshers in your life...and taking time with friends.

Lily & Bruce take a nap...

Ready for their closeup...

This will be a really fun series series to do. I already have so many ideas dancing in my brain...now just to get them on paper.

Oh...and this illustration is available in my shop too...

Here's to 2012! (January Meetup Goals)

2012-01-01T15:47:00.000-08:00


Finding my balance...Tightrope Walker from Life Magazine

2011...What a year! This last few weeks have giving me time to really think about my goals, where I am and where I want to go with bluehour studio in the future. It has been an huge eye opening experience. Here is a bit of what I've learned...

To start off, it was a good year and I am pretty proud myself. I accomplished a lot. I started my Etsy shop. I think I found my creative voice and I made more art work in a year than I ever have since art school. Most importantly, I have found my passion for illustration again (it was blocked by fear for a long time). All in all, I'm pretty happy about where I am heading as an artist but I still have a lot to learn.

So what is ahead for 2012? This is not a list of resolutions but more of a list of what I will be focusing on in the next year.

Etsy...oh... Etsy you amaze me. There are so many possibilities within your pages. Honestly, I thought that it would be easier to make a living with it. I thought that once I opened my shop it would be like magic and the sales would just happen. This is not reality... Now my shop is open but I don't always understand how to get views. I need to figure out how to make sales. I have heard that the magic number of shop items is about 100. I have 30, there needs to be a lot more...and I need to create a bit of diversity in artwork. I need to create different sizes, subjects, stationary, and some illustrated jewelry...It is going to be a very busy year.
And yes, although Etsy is great, I really want to focus on doing editorial work for non-profits, books and magazines. That will be the ideal. That is the dream...I hope I can make it happen this year. There will be a whole new learning curve about how to send my artwork to companies and publishers. But I am ready for it...
Kick the last bit of fear to the curb. I need to start talking about my artwork more. I can't afford to be shy anymore. I want to get out there. That means bringing my artwork to local shows and galleries. I joined the SFEtsy team and they are opening my eyes to so many new opportunities. I'll probably start small but I would love to do about 3 or 4 shows this year. Anyone know of goods ones to start off with?
Deal with money (and learn the ins and outs of running a successful business)...I know this is a boring subject but it is something I need to face as an artist. How do you truly support yourself? I need get myself out there in the world. I need to learn to advertise, facebook, twitter and blog more. Listen to all the marketing guru's. I need to get over the starving artist thing once and for all. Work a solid part time job too.
And the key to most of this...better time management. I need to get a good plan. Write daily to-do lists and finish them. So simple, yet so hard to do...Learn to see the big picture with my business.
On a personal level, I need to journal more. Write out my thoughts and fears. I need to get out of the house more. Read some really good fiction and keep my imagination going always. Go for walks, make plans with friends and plan more mini vacations. Plan for a big vacation with my hubby in the next couple of years. Keep my exercise programs going (Damon & I are currently doing P90X, yikes what a workout). Oh...yeah meditate a bit daily.

So that's will be my 2012. It is going to be a really interesting year. I'm sure it will be an intense year. All the crazy politics around the world might get really serious. I'm trying to remain positive about the world around me. And keep looking at all the amazing things people are creating and get inspired by them.

How about you? What is the biggest thing you hope to accomplishing in 2012? What are you most afraid of? What are you most excited about? I'd love to hear about it.

Well, here's to a amazing 2012. It's going to be a hell of a year...

Here's to you and success in the new year!

What is the Meetup thing, you ask? It is a group of creatives that encourage each other each month to make and complete their goals. Join us...it is an amazing to watch the progress of others and yourself...
Contact Liz for more info here.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T23:29:00.000-08:00

Dorothy Lamour from 1937 via Valentino Vamp

Getting ready to ring in New Year! Wishing you all a fabulous 2012!

Finishing up 2011...

2011-12-28T13:36:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to drop a little update of what I've been up to. I am evaluating what I did and didn't accomplish in 2011, and figuring out how to make some improvements in the future. This year I accomplished many things but most importantly 2011 taught me I have a lot to more to learn.

Right now, I am working on a bunch of new pieces to be posted ASAP and I'm trying to figure out what the grand plans of 2012 will be. I am pretty excited about next year and will be working on getting my work in magazine and books. I'll be focusing more on editorial illustration and storytelling...but more on that later.

So, until my grand New Years resolution post...here is a lovely new video by Featherbeard & Lavender Lee. Isn't it fun? I love all the creativity(and happy darkness) that went into making it. It is kind of inspiring to me for the new year.

What are you doing to finish off your year? Are you excited as I am about having a clean slate? Here's to whatever is next!

Feeling relieved...

2011-12-23T17:53:00.000-08:00

I'm finally done with all the getting ready for Christmas craziness. And feels so good. My shopping is done. Everything has been shipped off. Fun plans plans are about to be had. My yearly Christmas depression/worries are pretty much over. (Anybody else out there get that?) Now, there is nothing much more to do....yay!

So, I say it is time to slow down, stop for a bit, relax (have a large glass of wine) and do nothing except enjoy the holidays. Maybe, sit back and try to remember why we have these crazy holidays in the first place. Sound like a good idea? I hope you are able to do the same...

Addams Family via Charles Addams

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas. And I hope your holidays are filled with joy and laughter.

Santa is here...well almost.

2011-12-21T18:00:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to give you all a peek at the Santa Claus illustration I've been working on. He is a little bit Victorian(of course). Hopefully he will be done and made into a card ASAP. I still need to work on adding some type. But I think the portrait is pretty much done. Hope you like him...

Illustration Friday - Separated

2011-12-14T15:40:00.000-08:00

There are some words on Illustration Friday that bring an instant image to my mind. This was one of them. The word challenge, "Separation", instantly made me think of the recent local news story of conjoined twin girls who had an operation to be separated.

Separated by bluehour studio

Detail

The story is pretty scary story one. If you happen to give birth to conjoined twins, you basically have two choices. One, you take the big risk of deciding to separate the girls and hope they both survive. Or two, you keep them together and hope they don't have too difficult a life together. This family decided to go forward with the operation and hope for the best.

Luckily, this story happens to have a happy ending, and both girls, Angelica and Angelina, are doing great. I wonder if they are happy now or they miss being so...so...close?

Hope you like it!

Mid-Week Music and A Work in Progress

2011-12-13T17:43:00.000-08:00

I'm working on a bunch of new art work now and have been in a kind of dark mood lately. Don't worry though, my dark moods can be a huge source of my inspiration. So I wanted to post a little bit of music I've been listening to. I had only heard of Agnes Obel really recently, isn't her music lovely?

Oh, here is what I am currently working on...This is my work in progress for Illustration Friday. This weeks word is "Separated". I'll post it again when it is finished.

I better get painting....

A Good Thought...

2011-12-07T17:38:00.001-08:00

I am loving this wonderful poster by Jon Contino. I makes the world seem a little lighter doesn't it?

Well, it also explains exactly where my brain is today...I'm trying to envision(and to make it reality) using my illustration to help people around the world...


Good Deeds Poster via helpink.org

FYI, This lovely poster is featured on the amazingly good charity/art collaboration site helpink.org.

Here's a little bit about Help Ink:

Help Ink is a collaborative project, using the sale of premium and exclusive art to help charities in an exciting way. With each purchase you’ll be doing your part to help charitable organizations and individuals around the world.

Pretty cool, huh?

Monday Inspiration: Maurice Sendak on Illustration

2011-12-05T17:59:00.001-08:00

I love this video. Maurice Sendak is so honest about the nature of being an illustrator. How does it all work? He doesn't know...

Basically, as an illustrator, you just want to tell a good story with your drawings. Yep, that's about it. He makes it seem so simple...It suppose he has the experience, he has been illustrating for over 60 years...amazing!

Here's a few of Sendak's wonderful illustrations...

An illustration from "In Grandpa's House" (1985) via The New York Times


An Ilustration from, "Where The Wild Things Are" (1963) via DailyArtFixx.com

An Illustration from, "In The Night Kitchen" (1970) via loveardently.com

Yay for Maurice and all his curmudgeonly ways...

What is your favorite Maurice Sendak book?

Introducing...some new Victorian Portraits

2011-11-28T17:35:00.001-08:00

Here are a few new portraits for my Ladies & Gents series...I have been having a wonderful time creating all of these portraits. There is so much I want to experiment with. I would love to create some jewelry with them. (I've been planning on making lockets) and I am thinking of putting them all in a book. I have a few more to do, I plan on doing 30 all together, so far I have 26. And I need to figure out get these lovelorn people to meet. The story possibilities are endless...

Miss Amelia, 26, Ladies Maid

Benjamin, 29, Gentleman

Miss Charlotte, 23, Upper-House Made

Maude, 27, Stage Actress

Jasper, 31, Apothecary

Ambrose, 36, Photographer

I hope you like the newest portraits...If you are interested, they are available for purchase in my shop.

Do you have a favorite?

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

Marilyn and her Turkey via VintageGal.tumblr.com

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday with family & friends...I'll see you next few days with a bunch of new illustrations!

Chronicle Books: Happy Haul-idays

2011-11-22T14:12:00.000-08:00

I have to start off by saying. I love Chronicle Books. I am so happy that they grace my city with their presence...Now it is time for a Chronicle Books Contest!!! I had so much fun with this contest last year, I'd thought I would do it again. Here's the deal...I choose $500 worth of fabulous books from Chronicle. You check them out...and love/want them. And you LEAVE A COMMENT. And Bam you are entered to win. Then if my blog is chosen by Chronicle, we both with copies of the books I chose! Yay, what can be easier?

Here's this years list!

more info: Decorate by Holly Becker $35.00

More info: Graphic Design Thinking by Ellen Lupton $24.95

More info: Graphic Design for non-designers by Tony Seddon $22.95

More Info: Design Diaries...$40.00


More Info: Fresh Dialogue 7...$16.95

More info: Little Book of Screen Printing by Casper Williamson $24.95

More info: How to Design Websites by Alan Pipes $29.95


More info: Typography Sketchbooks $55.00

More Info: The Art of Instruction by Katrien Van der Schueren $35.00

More Info: The Book as Art...$34.95

More Info: DIY Furniture by Christopher Stuart $24.95

More Info: Same Place, More Space...$24.95


More Info: Botanicals Stationary Set by Rifle Paper Co. $14.95

More Info: I am Yours, 30 Postcards by Joseph Park...$9.95

More Info: Drawing Nature, A Journal by Jill Bliss...$16.95

More Info: Brother Sun, Sister Moon...$17.99

More Info: More Things Like This...$35.00

More Info: Paper & Craft...$19.95

More Info: Land + Air + Water, A Tripdych Journal Collection by Susie Ghahremani...$14.95

So that's my list...It was pretty difficult to choose. Which one was your favorite? Chronicle Books makes so many amazing books. Let's cross our fingers and hope we win. Remember, just add your comment below to enter.

BTW, if we win, $500 worth of books goes to a charity. I would love to help build the library of San Francisco Center for the Book. They teach old school book making classes and letterpress classes and many other book arts that seem to be dying. I has also been a wonderful place to volunteer and I think they a really positive place for learning amazing new skills. Here is there website if you want to learn more...http://sfcb.org/

Happy Friday...

2011-11-18T18:37:00.001-08:00

Just a little reminder of the wonderfulness of simple things...

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

Art Hero: Alphonse Mucha

2011-11-15T09:50:00.000-08:00

Alphonse Mucha (1860- 1939) is one of my all time favorite artists. I love his style and his incredible ability to capture so much emotion in each person he draws. His work is such an inspiration to me. I love that his work is mostly illustration. It amazes me how incredibly beautiful he makes the most simple things. There is a sort of comfort in his work and a beauty that will ever go out of style.

I've seen a lot of people that try to imitate his work but it never seems to quite get it right. It must be something about the colors he chose or the movement of his backgrounds. The characters he drew had the incredible fluidity which really shows off his talent.

In a ideal world, companies would be trying to create works of art with their packaging. There is some amazing package design being created today but I doesn't always seem to always reach my grocery shelves, but wouldn't you buy more stuff it was packaged like this?

Poster for Amants, Theatre de la Renaissance

Poster for Chocolat Ideal, 1897

Poster for Chocolat Masson, 1897

Poster for Flirt Biscuits, 1899

Moravian Teachers Choir, 1911

Poster for Moet & Chandon Champagne, 1899

Nestle's Food for Infants, 1897

Poster for Bagnolet Soap Factory, 1897

Here are a few the amazing (and very large) paintings he created as part of The Slav Epic Series...the details are so incredible.

Master Jan Hus Preaching at the Bethlehem Chapel-1916

Defense of Sziget Against the Turks 1914

Holy Mount Athos-1926

Here is Alphonse in his studio working on The Slav Epic

Here is the lovely photo of man himself, he had a pretty interesting an sad life. He died of pneumonia after being arrested by the gestapo after being denounced as a 'reactionary' for his views... I recommend the book Alphonse Maria Mucha: His Life and Art by Jiri Mucha (written by Alphonses' son) to learn more.

Hope you enjoyed the work of one of my illustration & art heroes!

Doing some good...

2011-11-07T18:49:00.000-08:00

I have always wondered what, as an artist, am I supposed to do with my life. Can I make some sort of difference in the world? Can I help anyone...even just one person? Maybe I can help people get their message out by creating a visually inspiring illustration or poster? I'm not sure but I am going to try. There must be real ways for artists to make an impact on the world.

What made me start thinking about this? I went to a amazing spiritual conference this weekend. It was encouraging the participants to not only work on their spiritual selves but also get out there in the world and become an activist. Truthfully, I have always yearned in my heart to help people and I dream of doing these incredible pieces of art, but I get scared. I sometimes feel like I don't have a voice. I'm afraid to get political because I might frighten people away. I might offend people. It is not good for my "career". I have a hard time speaking up, I get tongue-tied...but that all needs to change. I need to grow up. I need to find my voice. And you know what? My voice is my artwork...and I don't it to be want to be quiet anymore.

Do you think artists can make any impact in the world? Is it passe' thing to do? Have you ever wanted to use your artwork for "good". Did you do it or did something stop you?

In the next year or so I plan to get more involved with the world. I will learn about charities and non-profits around the world. I will help someone somehow, and use my creative gifts to do something good. There is so much to do...where should I start?

Do you want to do some good? What are you excited to help out with?

Do any of you know of organizations to get involved with that you love? Do you have any recommendations of charities that tug at your heart? I'd love to hear about them.

BTW, the poet in the video, Drew Dellinger, was one of the speakers at the conference I went to. You can find out more about him and his work here.

It's Time for the November Meetup!

2011-11-02T13:28:00.000-07:00

12 year old strong girl via howtobearetronaut

I don't believe that October is over. Yikes...it must be time to crack the whip again. I decided that this month is going to be all about art. I know that sounds silly because all of my time should be about art, but it seems like days go by without me actually doing anything art like. I need to work on that.

Last month I was very happy to get my Etsy shop up. I added 4 new pieces am a slowly figuring out how the Etsy world works. You can check out my shop here.

I also sold my first piece on Etsy...Thank you, Paul!

Here is my November Plan:

Get 10 more pieces done for Ladies & Gents series.
Add these prints to Etsy
Rework website...add banner and a link page.
Rework blog...add handwritten bits & buttons, add more illustration.
Start Nursery series... A Victorian inspired children's series. I would love at least 10 pieces done this month...if possible.
Work on large illustrations for website/portfolio.
Buy extra supplies for Holidays.
Get business cards done. I would love to include one with each purchase.
Research charities to get involved with. Does anyone know of any websites or organizations that connect artists to doing good things?
Create a holiday card for family & friends.
Research and experiment making necklaces/lockets with my artwork. Find suppliers.
Start getting my Christmas shopping done(I don't want to panic this year)
Remember to exercise!
Get a better work schedule at the shop.
Find time to help Ashley at Glob Paints.
Research holiday fairs. Am I ready? or should I wait?
Get involved with the SFEtsy.
Remember to draw daily!

So that's my month. WooHoo! Hopefully I will get a lot done. I am looking forward to the holiday season. This is the first year I have anything to sell. I better get drawing. I hope you all have a successful and inspiring November!

I almost forgot. Since I am now on Etsy, do any of you have a shop you would like to share? I would love to see them. Just leave a link to your shop in the comments. Thank you!

What is the Meetup thing, you ask? It is a group of creatives that encourage each other each month to make and complete their goals. Join us...it is an amazing to watch the progress of others and yourself...
Contact Liz for more info here.

Haunted Buster Keaton

2011-10-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a cute little video of the incredible Buster Keaton with some lovely haunted house bits, add to this, the bonus soundtrack by one of my favorite spooky bands, Dead Man's Bones...Enjoy!

New Illustration - Into the Woods

2011-10-25T19:32:00.000-07:00

As many of you may know, I have a deep passion for all things dark. Illustrating fairy tales is a great way to get some of this "Grimm" creativity unleashed. I just love painting a world of darkness. I like strong heroines that will usually survive the harshness that come their way. This is the case with my new illustration, "Into the Woods". The young girl is set out on her own as a punishment and she must face her deepest fears...and all the creepy harmful beings in the woods. Will she survive? Well, I'm creating her as a fighter...but only the next illustration will tell.

"Into the Woods" by Debra Styer is 6x8, painted with Watercolor and Gouache.

A closer look....

What is your favorite Fairy Tale? Do you like your stories spooky or sweet?
Oh yeah...a print of this lovely illustration is available in my shop!

whole lotta shaking going on...

2011-10-20T22:37:00.000-07:00

It's late and I can't concentrate because we had two different strong earthquakes today in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was very nerve racking and felt very strong. My whole house shook. There is no damage that I've heard of yet, but even that little bit of fear gets to you. Man, I need a drink. Oh...did I mention our local bay area crazy person, Harold Camping, has predicted tomorrow as the day the world ends...

So why all this shaking going on? Who knows it must be...

Ok...I know that I can just ring this up as another weird day in earthquake country. I hope I get some sleep tonight.

How do you calm your nerves? Anyone have any secrets?

Haunted Places

2011-10-17T20:01:00.000-07:00

I thought I share this amazing haunted house I walked by the other day in Alameda, CA. I love when people have such passion for these things. It really made my day. My friend told that the folks behind this amazingness are set designers and, man you really can see that they do this for a living. Great job!

Here is a peek at their transformed house...

Donner Hotel "All You Can Eat Buffet" ha..ha..

Mister Bones

DOA Corral

So fun...I must make it there when it is dark out.

The Black Cat and The White Mouse.

2011-10-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share my newest illustration of a black cat vs a white mouse. It was really rewarding to paint. I love trying to get the expressions of my subjects just right and the mouth on the kitty was a fun challenge.

I hope you like it...

Merrrroooowwww....Look into his eyes...

The print of this illustration is 5 x 7 inches and was created with Watercolor and Gouache.

And he is available in my Etsy shop too.

Creepy Vintage Halloween Masks are here!

2011-10-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again. The time to look back at all the scary covered faces of yesteryear. I love these things. The more handmade the better. There is just something so right about all the awkwardness of these costumes. They feel real. They feel genuine. They feel good.

I did include some pretty ones too. I always attempt a really pretty mask/costume every year but they seem to end up being more of a wabi sabi finish. But that is OK right? It is just Halloween. So get out there, make what you can and have tons of fun.

Little wicked Witch via tissueclouds

Clara Bow and a scary clown mask via Carbonated

Love the laughing girl via izismile.com

Ok so this not a vintage one but isn't this Owl mask from Martha Stewart perfect?

Love this Bird make via Costumerism

Creepy kids via Shorpy

Which animal is this? via thanatosdotnet

Black or white circa 1911 via shorpy

Amazing Victorian Mask/Hat via VintageGal

Classic Skeleton...done extra creepy style...via Carbonated

What will you be this year?

Raise Your Hand for...The Girl Effect

2011-10-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

Writing about The Girl Effect really makes me appreciate my freedom. As a middle class, educated, white woman from a nice small town I had all the advantages in my life. I went to a good public school, took art classes, was in show choir and chorus. I left home and moved to the big city to go to art school. I learned, I laughed and I tried my hand at love. The world was open to me and I could choose to be anyone I wanted (well, at least to a certain degree).

When I look around at the world I know some girls just are not as lucky as I am. They don't get the freedom to enjoy their lives as others do. They are forced into the role of mother and wife as soon as their body allows it. Some of these girls are as young as 12 when they are married off to men they didn't choose. And I wonder how can they be happy?

So what makes these girls different from you and me? Not much, except the place and the circumstances in which they were born. Do they not want something more from their lives? Well, of course they do. But society and tradition has told their parents girls aren't worth educating. They have too much work to do to waste on anything as silly as education for girls. This need to change.

Allowing these girls to become educated young women before they are mothers would make a huge difference in the world and the town they live in. Imagine a world were woman were strong and they could take care of themselves and each other. They wouldn't be stuck in their lives as they are now. They could work outside the home and have careers. They could have the seemingly simple freedom to live the normal dramatic teenage life without the worrying if their children are safe at every moment.

These girls not only need a change, they need a revolution. The Revolution is not only for the girls themselves but the whole world. People need to know that these injustices are still going on. We bloggers are trying to change that, we are trying to get the word out about the reality of the others' lives. We need to show some humanity and some humility in pointing out how others live and trying to do something about it. And we have to do it with respect to all those involved with the changes or it won't work! Most importantly, we must remember to ask these girls themselves, "What do you want?" "How can we help YOU?", because it might be different from what we imagine.

So what can you? First you can learn the truth about the struggles of these girls. Talk about it, write about it. Give some money if you can.

What am I doing? I created this illustration. I am listing it in my Etsy shop and 25% of the proceeds will go directly to The Girl Effect. It may be a little thing but to me, if everyone does just one thing...it will add up. And we can make a difference.

Raising Hands by bluehour studio

So what will you do?

To get a my Raising Hands (for The Girl Effect) Print click here.

This post is part of a week long Girl Effect Blogging Campaign. It was started by the wonderful Tara Sophia Mohr after she learned about The Girl Effect last year. She simply asked other bloggers to spread the word. Check out what other bloggers have written about the girl effect here. If you are moved. Write something in your blog and keep the movement going.

It's time for the October Meetup!

2011-10-03T12:41:00.000-07:00

Trying to keep some balance...via How To Be A Retronaut

I don't believe that it is October already...Where the hell did the time go? Yikes...Well, it has been a crazy couple of months...but I did manage to complete a few things...

I'm on Etsy! It has only been a couple of weeks but I'm am so happy to get this going. I still have a few weeks to make but I am excited with the possibilities. Here is my shop!
I'm got on Illustration Mundo! Ok I'm a nerd...but I am happy to be official part of this amazing illustration site. Here's me.
I started my own Tumblr site. It has been so fun just to play around with the things that inspire me. It is called, Little Penny Dreadful and I hope you like it.

So what's up for October?

Get more of my art on my Etsy site. I would like to get 2 new pieces a week done. I've never done a holiday season before so I am a bit nervous, but I am part of the "Holiday Bootcamp" and am learning a lot.
Blog 3 or more times a week. I need to keep a good schedule going and I would love to add more artwork to my blog.
Keep adding more work to the portfolio page on my website.
I need to start thinking about the Big Picture and start introducing myself to magazines and websites.
Make a Halloween costume for Virginia City...I'm thinking of being a silent film star...
Illustration Friday...2x a month.
Keep working on my Ladies & Gents series. Create a few more portraits...write their stories.
Keep fighting off my procrastinating by making better daily schedules and sticking to them.
Keep a solid schedule at New Bohemia Signs (10 to 15 hours a week)and practice my lettering every week.
Keep up with my homework, meditation and exercise for my Integral class.
Find balance...Is this is possible?
Research possible new income streams...

So busy, busy, busy...I think it will be a good month. I'm looking forward to the big challenge is ahead. But I think I am ready for it.

I hope you all have a great month ahead, full of accomplishments and goals made. October seems like the make it or break it month for the holiday season...so let's all kick a bit of ass this month.

What is the Meetup thing, you ask? It is a group of creatives that encourage each other each month to make and complete their goals. Join us...it is an amazing to watch the progress of others and yourself...
Contact Liz for more info here.

Happy October!

2011-10-01T13:43:00.000-07:00

Here is a little film with some very devilish bits. It is a old film from 1899 by the cinematic genius George Melies. I love the crazy sets. Check out the wonderful large monster cat head in the middle of the story...

Spooky Victorian Spirit Photography...

2011-09-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

I can't think of a better way to start off my Halloween Season than having a showcase of Victorian Spirit photography. I love these things. Generally, I think most of these photographs are pretty hilarious but there are a few are downright creepy...

I suppose the awful truth about these photographs is the fact there was so much death surrounding the lives of the Victorians. In some way, maybe these photographers helped the subjects cope with the loss of their loved ones. With the invention of this new technology and a little bit of trickery, the photographers were able to create things never seen before. Perhaps these photographers could now capture something that only existed in one's own mind. Maybe that is why I am so attracted to them.

Get ready for some spookiness...

ManReading with Female Spirit Behind by Phillip Bros...via photographymuseum

Spirit photo by William Hope via moolf

"Woman with Two Boys"...and a ghost by Willian Hope via GuardianUK

Spirit and Medium by Frederick Hudson

A Medium and the Emission by Albert Von Schrenck-Notzing


"The Ghost of Bernadette Soubirous", by Anonymous via...dieselpunks

"11", by Reeves, 1872

Seance by John Beattie via Dark in the dark

Mrs. French of Boston with her Spirit Son, by William Mumler circa 1868 via Photography Museum

Eugene Thiebault, "Publicity Photograph: Henri Robin and a Specter" 1863

If you are interested, here is a wonderful post I found from the blog, "The Haunted Museum". It will give you a really good history of Victorian Spirit Photography and some more wonderful photographs, as well. Enjoy!

Have spooky evening, Everyone...

Mid-week music

2011-09-21T17:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a little something to get your feet tapping this evening...

Louise Attaque - Du monde tout autour from ChezEddy on Vimeo.

Oh...and I am working on my new Etsy page...just click on the link to the right to check it out.

Falling into Fall

2011-09-16T13:18:00.000-07:00

I love fall it is my favorite time of year. I love gearing up towards Halloween and getting ready to share in some spookiness. I love seeing the colors of the leaves change. I will admit, I do miss seeing the wonderful yellows, oranges and reds now that I live on the west coast. It is here but it is not quite as vibrant. But still, there is that wonderful crispness in the air that I love. I feel more alive with it. And for some reason, it seems to propel me to do a lot work. Which is a very good thing, and I have been in the dream mode of creating all sorts of new art lately. Now to just get it down on paper.

Here are some lovely paintings & photographs that get me into a creative Autumn mood:

Alphonse Mucha, Fruit

Can't you smell the crispness of the air here? Autochrome via George Eastman House

Amy Hughes by Charles Lutwidge Dodge(Aka Lewis Caroll)

Another wonderful one by Alphonse Mucha, "Autumn" from the Four Seasons

Autumn Gold by John Atkinson Grimshaw, 1880

"I Wait" by Julia Margaret Cameron

Autumn by Giuseppe Arcimboldo

I'm quite excited about these season of changes. It will be a very busy one full of work, mini-trips (Virginia City & Tahoe) and fun. San Francisco's summer seems to happen in the fall. I better get into my Halloween mode soon too. What will I be this year? I better get planning...

What are you getting excited for in the next few months?

Hope you enjoy the fall!

Happy Monday!

2011-09-12T15:29:00.000-07:00

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I sure did. It is going to be a very busy week for me. I am trying to get my Etsy shop open for business. Here's to loads of productivity!

I did allow myself a bit of a break though, where I found this lovely and creepily wonderful animation I found by Rodrigo Blaas. Hope you enjoy it.

Alma from Rodrigo Blaas on Vimeo.

Nursery Paintings

2011-09-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

I love giving little paintings to all the new babies in my life. Here's the latest: A Squirrel for Thomas.

Hope he likes him...Congratulations again, Angela & Aaron!

A few thoughts on Norman...

2011-09-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

I've been inspired and reminded of my love of Norman Rockwell this week. I am quite proud of President Obama for displaying one of my favorite and heart/mind stirring pieces in the White House. I must admit, I am a little bit shocked by the controversy.

Rockwell's work was one of the reasons I became an illustrator. It was his strength not his sentimentality that drew me to his work. I am happy that the people in art world are now seeing him as an "artist" not just an "illustrator" of sugary sweet American life.

"The Problem We All Live With" by Norman Rockwell

Here is a wonderful video of Norman working...

Hope you have a amazing weekend, Everyone!

Magic posters...

2011-08-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite family legends is that my great grandmother used to raise doves for Harry Houdini. I like to imagine what it must have been like to be around in the heyday of mentalists, magicians and "spiritualists". It must have been pretty amazing to be a kid back in the 1920's before there were so many people were exposing the tricks of the trade. My imagination would have run wild. I've always been facinated by magic tricks and remember being pretty freaked out as a kid watching the magicians do their tricks on TV( I still don't get that sawing people in half thing).

But alas, as for the modern magicians...well they are a bit too cheesy for me. I just can't do it. The style is just not right. (I'm talking about you, Criss Angel.) The "magic" is gone for me.

So, I must return to a time when the magician was king...Check out the incredible design of these vintage magic posters. I love the style and drama of each one of them. There is such beauty in the type and a kind of beautiful strangeness throughout each design. Some of them are pretty pulp in their imagery, and maybe even a bit erotic, which is always fun. I love how the artists used bits of the surreal world by drawing all the spirits and devilish imps in the air. It's all pretty fantastic, don't you agree?

Handy Randy 1927, via flickr


Howard Thurston...Lovely bit of spiritualism via Shorpy

Alexander via icollector.com

Harry Houdini circa 1895, via The Library of Congress

Little devils....The Great Carter

Lovely Harry Kellar poster from 1894

Another wonderful Keller Poster via Library of Congress

J.J. De Coligni and his assistant via Flickr

Hermann the Great

Most of these posters were made in the heyday of Vaudeville(about 18880's to 1930's). I would love to truly credit the illustrators if these designs, but that information seems a bit scarce. Does anyone know who did the artwork for these posters? Thanks!

For more vaudeville/circus imagery of this time, check out this amazing website, www.circusmuseum.nl

Happy Friday!

2011-08-26T14:02:00.000-07:00

"MCCALL MAGAZINE COVER, GIRL IN RAIN" 1943 via George Eastman House

I hope all the crazy storms on the East Coast pass you by. Stay safe everyone...and try to have a fabulous weekend whatever the weather!

Making love happen...

2011-08-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Couple? Via The George Eastman House


These Lovelies are here via Lisby. BTW, Don't you think this is guy is the spitting image of actor, John Hawkes?

This couple via the George Eastman House

Just a little update...I am working on the little dating cards that will come with each "Ladies & sGents" portraits today. It is really fun to figure out what each character is looking for in their future love. As an inspiration...check out more of these wonderful husband and wife photo's from the lovely "How to Be a Retronaut" blog.. Some of these couples look made for each other, these others...not so much.

On a side note, this is really fun to make these profiles...my husband and I met online. I do believe love can be found in alternative ways...

Favorite Places & Spaces...

2011-08-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

I walked around my neighborhood today and visited one of my favorite stores...Gypsy Honeymoon.

I want to own everything inside...

Fragile'

Madonna & the Metals

Faces hidden in the case

Fabulous frames

Vintage Shampoo Ad

Two girls and some stamped metal

Antique polka-dots dress

Fabrique a'la Gare

Beautiful carved head

Couldn't you just live in this store?

Ladies & Gents, Part 2

2011-08-15T18:09:00.000-07:00

I just finished the second 10 illustrations for my "Ladies & Gents" series. Each character will be taking part in a little bit of a Victorian Dating Service. I have to wonder, who will be right for each other, who will be wrong? All of the possibilities are floating around in my head. Here are all the new Victorians...I hope you like them.

Abiel, Age 28, Soldier

Albert, Age 38, Store Manager

Becky, Age 19, Student

Harland, Age 36, Scientist

Hortence, Age 41, Mother of 8, Widower

James, Age 27, Gambler

Lydia, Age 32, Performer

Mordecai, Age 41, Magician

Natalie, Age 20, Cook

Theodosia, Age 42, Widow &amp; Caregiver

I'm really excited about creating stories for each of these drawings. I'n the end there will be 20 different characters. I may do more but I would love to get these turned into prints ASAP. I can imagine people creating their own couples and putting their lost relatives on their walls. Here's to giving new couples a chance at love...

Anyone have a favorite?

Music for a Monday

2011-08-08T17:16:00.000-07:00

I really love Pandora radio! Today I've been listening to my Kate Bush station and just loving it. There are such amazing talented people coming out of this set. Such incredible soulful singers. I know it is all older stuff but I feel such a connection.

Do you ever listen to such incredible music your heart aches? I thought I would share some of favorites with you today...

The world seems a to bit harder and stranger today. I'm thinking of you all in London...and hoping for the craziness to stop soon.

Words of wisdom...

2011-08-06T17:39:00.000-07:00

Just found this lovely little chalkboard sentiment by Mandy from the Dear Musketeer blog. I've been feeling a little bit off lately and need to refocus. Sometimes, I think you have to have find the courage within you to dream that big picture before you can really focus on all the little steps you need to take to get there. I realize I better give myself the opportunity to dream more. I need to create a bigger dream than I think is currently possible.

Do you ever get so fixated on tiny ideas/thoughts, you forget to dream big?

It's time for the August Meetup!

2011-08-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

Looking a little closer at things...via The Smithsonian Institution

Wow, July just flew by, didn't it? I am ready to be pushing myself hard this month. Pushing past the rality of my 40th birthday on the 25th. Yikes....So, I've got a lot to do. But I'm pretty excited about the possibilies of it all.

So what did I accomplish in July? Not as much as I wanted but I did manage to create 10 more illustrations for my Ladies & Gents Series. I started reworking my blog. How do you like the new header so far? (there still a bit of work to be done but I'm happy with it so far.) and I worked on creating a better system for working. Yay, for better time management and making schedules...I'm doing better at finding balance with all my different projects I've been working on. And believe me, it is a very good thing.

My plans/goals for August:

Get all prints up on Etsy. I'm hoping to have have at least 25 prints for sale.
Start blogging for The Center for the Book.
Keep schedule at New Bohemia Signs. 10 -15 hours a week. Create a solid project list.
Paint a new Nursery Painting for Angela.
Create a Blogging schedule and stick to it.
Create at least one painting a month for Illustration Friday.
Get my profile up on Illustration Mundo.
Take more pictures...
Draw everyday.
Start getting ready to market myself as a freelancer. Anyone have any tips? I need to get more business minded.
Take a mini vacation and enjoy my birthday...
Get my work out to at least one new blog or website.
Find a good exercise and mediation routine.
Start creating ideas for the "Ladies & Gents" series as a book possibility.
Bring some focus to working in Editorial Illustration.
Practice my lettering for the sign shop 2x a week.

It should be a pretty interesting month. Wish me luck...

What is the Meetup thing, you ask? It is a group of creatives that encourage each other each month to make and complete their goals. Join us...it is an amazing to watch the progress of others and yourself...
Contact Liz for more info here.

Shaking things up...

2011-07-31T14:23:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone. I'll be working on a few changes here at the bluehour studio blog. I'm trying to create a similar feeling throughout all my online world. I hope you like the changes so far. I've got a lot of work ahead of me but I'm feeling pretty good about it so far. Check back to see more changes. I'm hoping to get it all done in the next few weeks...

So close...

2011-07-29T15:35:00.000-07:00

Looking over the edge of a cliff at Sea Ranch

Man, I don't believe that August is almost here. I've gotten a lot of work but I still keep falling a bit short before it is finished. I've made 10 more drawings for the "Ladies & Gents" series and very close to finishing what I need to do. This morning I woke up with a stiff neck and shoulder. I figured I must have slept weird or pulled something last night but can't figure it out. But alas, I'm not feeling like working. I'm giving myself the excuse of being hurt to not work.

What the hell? Why do I give myself such excuses? This procrastination/fear thing is really ridiculous! I'll be so happy to be finished and go on to the next thing. Why would I stop? I swear my body is in cahoots with my mind in the fear of success battle. It is pretty funny what ailments I seem to get whenever I am on the precipice of finishing something.

Does anyone else have this problem with finishing things? What do you do?

Ok,It is time to take some more ibuprofen and some more neck stretches and get to work...I'll show you all my new work in a few days.

In Progress...

2011-07-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

What have I been up to lately, you ask? Well, I have been work on some new portraits for my "Ladies & Gents" series. I am trying to get all 20 illustrations done by the end of the week. And get them made available for prints ASAP. Wish me luck!

Here is a sneak peek at the lonely and loveless crew...

First, the Gentlemen:

Albert, James & Abiel

and, The Ladies:

Natalie, Lydia, Hortence

Next, I'll finish the drawings of the last 4. After that, I will add the watercolor and gouache.

I better get back to work!

Art Hero: Lucian Freud

2011-07-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

As you all may know, Lucian Freud died on Wednesday at the age of 88. I've only discovered his work fairly recently (about 5 years ago) and I would love the opportunity to dig a deeper into his work. Freud paintings really amaze me. To me, his work is very illustrative. Each portrait he paints tells a seemingly sad story. I could look at his work for hours and discover incredible new aspects each time. As an artist, I would love to thank him for bringing back respect and passion for figurative work to the overly abstract and conceptual art world.

Lucian had such a talent for capturing quiet emotion and really gorgeous flesh. Here are some of my favorite Freud paintings:

Large Interier W. 11, 1981-1983

"The painter makes real to others his innermost feelings about what he cares for. A secret becomes known to everyone who views the picture through the intensity with which it is felt."

Lucian Freud

Hotel Bedroom, 1954

Ib and her Husband, 1992

"The aura given out by a person or object is as much a part of them as their flesh. The effect that they make in space is as bound up with them as might be their colour or smell ... Therefore the painter must be as concerned with the air surrounding his subject as with the subject itself. It is through observation and perception of atmosphere that he can register the feeling that he wishes his painting to give out."
Lucian Freud


Girl with White Dog, 1952

Girl with a Kitten, 1947

"The longer you look at an object, the more abstract it becomes, and, ironically, the more real."
Lucian Freud

Self Portrait, 1985

Benefits Supervisor Sleeping, 1995

Rest in Peace, Lucian...Thank you so much for the inspiration.

Ode to the Heat...

2011-07-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

I found myself humming this cheesy song lately. San Francisco hasn't been hit by the heatwave (yet) so I find myself yearning a bit to have some carefree summer fun...Thanks Serge for being the soundtrack for my day!

Do you have a favorite summer song?

Art Hero: Max Ernst

2011-07-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

I love a really good surrealist illustration. Some of my favorites are the weird haunting images of Max Ernst, especially the colleges he did for his 5 volume book, "Une Semaine De Bonte" (A Week of Kindness) in 1934. The collages are a bit of a mystery, they have no titles, and there is no text. What do you think he met to evoke by these strange collages? They are all just plain creepy to me. And as you all know, I love me some creepyiness.

Here's some of my favorite images from the book:

Here's a interesting piece that goes a bit deeper into his works. In the video they show the original pieces, in which you can actually see that it is a collage built with the different colored papers and drawing styles. I would love to see these pieces in person.

Looking at lovely pieces from Ernst, I can really see an influence on Edward Gorey's work. Here's one from "A Glorious Nose Bleed":

Can you see the beautiful similarities? I wonder if they were fans of each other? Or were they enemies?
Who knows? But I glad they both exist in my little art world....

Happy Friday Everyone! Hope you all get out and enjoy some sunshine.

I've got news!

2011-07-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

One of my illustrations from, "The Seven Ravens" by the Brothers' Grimm

Last week I received an email from a exhibit designer in Germany. They are working on an exhibit honoring the Brothers Grimm on their 200th Anniversary of their first publication. Woo Hoo! I love Grimm's Fairy Tales. We'll that's not the best part...I was asked if I wanted to participate in the exhibition! Double Woo Hoo! I already sent my images to them and it is a go. The images will be blown up and placed on part of the exhibition framework.

Amazingly enough, they found my illustrations for "The Seven Ravens" on my blog and really liked them. At first I was a bit skeptical (thinking this might be spam?)but I'm happy I went ahead answered the email. The exhibit will start off at the Goethe Institute in December and then do some world traveling. I'm so excited about this. It is kind of like a dream for me. I'll tell you more news when I get it.

I guess this really pushes me to finish my mini-book...I would love to get it done before the exhibition starts. One more piece to go...

Happy Friday!

2011-07-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

tiny camping spot...by josefnovak33

Going camping this weekend. I can't wait to lie amongst the trees and under the stars. I'm bringing my camera along and hope to be inspired. Hope you all have a lovely weekend too.

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

Do go postcard via Riptheskull

I've been listening to the fireworks around my crazy neighborhood all weekend and hoping my kitty isn't too freaked out. This cute vintage postcard from 1906 looks rather innocent doesn't it? I guess boys will be boys no matter what century they're in.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend with family & friends this weekend. I know I will. Happy Fourth of July!

It's time for the July Meetup!

2011-07-01T19:46:00.000-07:00

Girl Playing Via Nationaal Archief

Hey Everybody, hope you are enjoying your summer so far. Wow...I don't believe that it is already July. It has been a crazy month for me and I really need to refocus on my artwork. And find time for a little bit of fun too, no?

As you may know, I have been working at New Bohemia Signs for the last few months and and am very thankful for the work(mostly administrative stuff but I'm also learning some lettering). It's been great to be surrounded by such amazing and inspiring artists and I have been loving watching them finally get the recognition they deserve. Way to go everybody!

Now that the craziness of me working full time at the sign shop and our gallery show almost over, it is time for me to get back to it my illustration work.

So what's a the Bluehour Studio plate for July?

Redo the Blog! I need to get a new look that matches well with my website.
Finish up the new website...It is not 100% done yet but I'm pretty happy with the results so far. You can take a peek here.
Add artwork to my Etsy page. I have work to go up. I just need to figure out the descriptions for each of the pieces. I need to get this going already. Why am I so nervous about this? Damn you fear.
Redo my business cards. I've never been totally happy with them, so a new design is in order. And I need to get in the habit of carrying them with me wherever I go. I need to really focus on becoming more business oriented.
Create a mailing list and postcards to send out to potential clients.
Get back to drawing everyday.
Restart Morning Pages.
Add more work to my portfolio section of my website.
Actively search for new illustration jobs.
Get back to blogging more( at least 3x a week), updating Twitter and Facebook(both pages) and updating my other art sites more often ( Society 6 and Design Related)
Bi-Monthly Illustration Friday drawings. This weeks topic, " Remedy". I love doing these because it gets you used to doing deadlines.
Lose 10 pounds by my 40th birthday. This is coming up at the end of August. I'm pretty freaked out about it and I want to look my best.
Get on a better exercise routine.
Add more paintings to the "Ladies & Gents" series
Create painting for my Nursery Series AKA super cute birds and animal prints to sell on Etsy.
Take as many mini-vacations as humanly possible...it is summer after all.

OK that's it for July. Hopefully I can get many of these things done this month.

Oh, yeah and it seems this is also my one year anniversary as a business. I've grown so much in the last 12 months. It has been exciting and difficult but I'm ready rearrange a few things, learn some new strategies and push forward...Here's to all of that!

What is the Meetup thing, you ask? It is a group of creatives that encourage each other each month to make and complete their goals. Join us...it is an amazing to watch the progress of others and yourself...
Contact Liz for more info here.

Practicing letters...

2011-06-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

Practice makes perfect, right? Well, I have started my weekly lettering practice at the the sign shop recently and am really respecting all those who do this for a living. It is very difficult to do well. Right now I am basically tracing with my paint & brush each stroke of the letters. I'm trying to learn a kind of perfection with each stroke and a quickness of painting which I can someday be able to join the New Bohemia Signs artists in working on real signs instead of paper.

I love idea of 10,000 practice hours to mastery. Here is Malcolm Gladwell speaking about it with Anderson Cooper.

Here's a peek at some of my practice sheets. Damon created the original "well loved" letters in red. I painted over them in blue One Shot Poster paint. I have a lot more practice to go and many more hours of painting to feel like I am ready for the real stuff. But I suppose you have to start somewhere. Here's to new beginnings!

It will be great to watch my own progress over the next year or so...I only have about 9,997 hours to go...

What has been the newest creative adventure you started? Were you scared to start?

Illustration Friday...Swept.

2011-06-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am one day late...again. But here is my illustration for this/last weeks Illustration Friday challenge, The word was "Swept" and I immediately thought of the 19th Century romantic notion of being swept out sea. Of course, it is only romantic if you are somehow looking for a lost love and dying to be reunited, which this young lady indeed is.

Hope you like her.

Scenes from a Art Opening...

2011-06-14T00:13:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my favorite shots from last weekends New Bohemia Signs/Jeff Canham & Steve Powers art show at the Guerrero Gallery in San Francisco. It was definitely an amazing event and I was very happy such a huge crowd came out to see it. A I am glad to report that a lovely time was had by all and I feel super proud to be part of it. Take a look...

Damon hand painting the gallery intro.

Damon & Kerry being silly.

Ain't we cute?

Jimmy the Saint, Caitlyn, Candice & Heather (AKA meeting of sign painters)

A Crowd shot...

Candice and her "Paper Moon"

Steve Powers, Damon Styer & Ken Davis

Melissa, Scott & their wee one...

Caitlyn and her signs.

Setting up the show...

(top)Help Your Self (to Alleppey Timber Lorries)
(below)Help Your Self (to 19th c. French Colonial “Specimens Typographies”, much as they helped themselves to their colonies)
by Damon Styer

By Stephen Powers

Pre-Vinylite Society by Josh Luke

Help Your Self (to Stephen Powers) by Damon Styer

Signs by Ken Davis

A Quart Jar of Oil...by Jeff Canham

More fabulousness

A sleepy Damon...

Here is the link to the whole flickr set if you are interested...

Hope you enjoyed checking out the show.

New Bohemia Signs at the Guerrero Gallery

2011-06-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a bit of a sneak peek...signs reflecting in gold leaf

I just wanted to tell you about the upcoming gallery show coming up this Saturday. My husband Damon and his fellow sign shop artists are having a art show at the Guerrero Gallery in San Francisco's Mission District. They have been working so hard and creating such incredible artwork. If you don't already know, I've started working at the shop this month. This has given me a kind of exclusive access to all these artists their preparation to this show. It has been pretty damn inspiring. And I must say, I've been blow away by what they have all created.

So...If you are in San Francisco, come out and see the show. It will be amazing.

Here's the show flyer...

The show is not only featuring New Bohemia Signs but also Jeff Canham and Steve Powers...

Guerrero Gallery
2700 19th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

The opening is Saturday, June 11th at 7pm. Hope to see you there!

And I will be there with camera in hand to take plenty of pictures. I'll be posting the ASAP!

The Art of the Autochrome

2011-06-05T00:33:00.000-07:00

As you all know, I have a deep love for vintage photography. It transports me through time. I truly love the surreal darkened colors of a Autochrome. Although the early color technique invented by the Lumiere Bros. was only around for about 20 years, I love what has survived. Each photo looks like a strange dusty painting. A place lost somewhere between color and black & white.

I would love to study more of these autochrome colors. The pinks and blues are incredible. Don't you think they would make a lovely painting palette.

Sitting with mom in brilliant blue...via the George Eastman House

Girls with a pink umbrella via Lisby

Stuffed Birds, 1915 via How to be a Retronaut

Pretty lady in satin holding mirror via George Eastman House

These two gentleman via Lisby

Another gorgeous one via The George Eastman House

Listening to Music by Jean-Baptiste Tournassoud? via cinemalane

Ballerina by Gervais Courtellemont

Modesty by Alfonse Van Besten 1912

Skulls by Paul Sano 1912

Not enough? Want to see more?

Click on this link to the awesome site of Autochrome collector Florent Van Hoot.

Illustration Friday...Asleep

2011-06-01T22:58:00.000-07:00

Here is a little painting I did for this weeks topic, "Asleep" for the Illustration Friday blog. I the love sweetness of sleeping animals and this little squirrel just seemed like a especially cute one to draw. I'll will admit, I can't do super cute without throwing in a splash of darkness. In my mind cute always ends up a little bit creepy...

I hope you all like him.

Happy unoffical start to summer...

2011-05-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

Click photo to watch it shimmy....Coney Island 1904 via thoiphene_guy

I don't believe it is almost summer. This year flew by. I'm so ready to get out in the sunshine, jump around in some cool water and just PLAY! Try to remember what is was like to a kid(I don't believe I'm going to be 40 in August...crap). Sometimes I forget the importance of getting away from myself and just take a day off or two to do nothing and feel absolutely no guilt about it. It's pretty hard isn't it?

Well Ok, maybe I can't exactly take time off right now...but sometime this summer I will take some time and refresh. Rejuvenate my mind and body. Yes, it will be a very good thing.

Anyone going off to somewhere amazing this summer?

Me, I've got a few camping trips planned, maybe a drive to LA and hopefully, a trip back to Massachusetts to rest by a pretty little pond and see my lovely family.

I'm hoping you are all are planning exciting fabulous summers. I can't wait to get into summer mode...summer bikini mode, well that is a whole other thing...

Just add water...Vintage Seed Packets

2011-05-22T22:40:00.000-07:00

I'm currently working on rebranding bluehour studio. This is everything from my creating my professional website, redoing my blog banner, making business cards and pretty much trying to rethink anything and everything business wise.

Basically, I've been looking at a lot of vintage stuff. And I've been getting really inspired by the beauty of Victorian ephemera. It is (mostly) hand drawn and has the most amazing printing techniques. The colors are incredible and very rich and lively. I just adore the way the simplest of things were so thought out and so beautifully illustrated. The typography blows me away. It is mostly hand drawn and never boring...Here are some amazing examples I found of fully illustrated seed packets.


!9th Century Seeda via Creative Country Mom Blog

Mr. Carrot via VoxBox

Radish packet via HeyBambini blog

Lovely Delphiniums via Vintage Indie

Packets on Packets via Artenzie

I love the strangeness of this one...via free scrapbooking supplies blog

Oddly odd Goards...via BoingBoing

Lovely guide via Some like it Pretty

Another pretty guide with a warranty from the queen...via Jamaica Byles

Lovely, don't you think?

Just a little note...

2011-05-18T23:37:00.000-07:00

Sweetness=Flowers from Little City Gardens & a picture from my grams house

I'm still here...I'm alive....I just wanted to say sorry for my lack of posts lately. I've started working full time at the sign shop and readjusting to a new schedule. It may take a bit but I vow to keep the drawings and posts coming...I'll be back to it this weekend...

More Ladies & Gents...

2011-05-06T19:19:00.000-07:00

I just finished a few more portraits for my "Ladies & Gents" series. It has been really wonderful developing each one of them and creating different characters. The next step is writing each of their profiles and getting them photographed and put up on Etsy. So far there are 10 people in the series, but I would love to create many more...

Edwin, 33, rich boy with very low self esteem

Laura, 37, school teacher...hoping for love.

Ezra, 18, quiet, mill worker

Rowena, 29, reluctant rich girl...into all things political

Fredrick, 31, writer & investigator


Lucuan, 26, a bit of a drifter...

Hope you like them.The more I look at them the closer I feel to them. I think they are all very old souls, wanting to live again.

It's time for the May Meetup!

2011-05-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for a fabulously fun and work filled May. Thank you Nationaal Archief for this pic.

It's already May? Oh, my, another page flipped on the calendar. Well Hum...April was a another busy month. I didn't quite make the 30 drawings in 30 day challenge but I did manage to make 16 paintings. So with that, I am happy. It was a good month. And I managed to go on 2 lovely camping trips and have very busy holiday. I started a painting series that I love and am ready to keep pushing forward with bluehour studio. Woo Hoo!

I also started working part time for my husband at his design shop, and am learning to be a sign painter. I'm so excited, I love the artists that work for him already and will be delighted to have hand painted sign skills on my resume. I will also be going full time for a bit while his manager goes on paternity leave. Hopefully I will be able to continue getting all my illustration work done in May. Fingers crossed...

I was also happy to get my website started in Wordpress.org. I have a way to go but am happy the most confusing bit has been worked through.

Also started work on my Etsy page. I'm not ready to show it yet but an truly excited to get it going.

So what's on the agenda for MAY?

Finish the website. It is a pretty simple portfolio site but hopefully it will be very strong showcase for my work.
Finish the Etsy site and go LIVE with it.
Restart the 30 in 30 day challenge. Ok maybe it is not possible with my busy schedule but I really like how many pieces I finished this month. So my challenge is to keep pushing at the same pace.
Keep up the Blog try for a solid 3x a week or more.
I would love to get involved with more Blog Hops.
Keep pace with Twitter and Facebook (I have a facebook page for bluehour studio now, check it here)
Start researching better ways to get the word out about my work.
Finish first 10 pieces of "Ladies & Gents" series. Start next 10 pieces.
Write " Ladies & Gents" dating cards.
Do a piece for Illustration Friday 2x a month.
Get new website up on Illustration Mundo.
Working on building a stronger artistic community. Looking forward finding and being inspiration.

I am coming upon my one year business anniversary in July. I will be so happy to have all of this done. I has been having a wonderful/amazing/frustrating as hell year. I am ready to improve my focus and really start showing my work to the world. I know that it does take time to get a business going and I am looking forward to finishing up all the loose ends.

All I can say is this month or so is going to be crazy. I haven't worked full time (for someone else) in almost a year. Let's hope I can keep focus on getting all I need to get done. Wish me luck!

I hope that you all have a super productive and creatively magnificent May too! Here's to us all.

What is the Meetup thing, you ask? It is a group of creatives that encourage each other each month to make and complete their goals. Join us...it is an amazing to watch the progress of others and yourself...
Contact Liz for more info here.

On Art and Depth.

2011-04-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of meeting the spiritual teacher Thomas Hubl in my Integral Awaking Group here in San Francisco. I learned so much and felt a strong connection to his teachings and wanted to share a bit with you all. In the video below, I love what Thomas says about opening up to not knowing what comes next in life. Stop planning so much and let your self change and learn again, and go really deep into whatever you do in your life, including your art.

For the last year and a half I have been learning about finding my Soul Purpose and what I am supposed to be doing with my life. It has been a really interesting time in trying to figure out why I am here. I do have some clues, I know am supposed to be doing something with my art, but what? How deep can I go? How do I get there? I wonder how artists go really, really deep with their art. How do they make it substantial enough to provide meaning for others. How do you create connection beyond just making lovely drawings?

In order to go deep you need to access all the dark things in your life. This is really difficult in a society that we try to avoid facing pain and heaviness at all costs. You need to be open to everything. You can't allow yourself to be numb anymore. This is a very scary thought. Numbness is protection.

So I have a few questions for you... What does it mean to you to be an artist or creative person? Do you feel you connect to a higher source when you make your art? Would you allow yourself to make a positive change in the world if you could using your art? Are you afraid of making a difference? I know I am...what a responsibility that would be. Would I be strong and wise enough to handle this new sense of self? These are questions that keep rolling around in my head.

I always loved creating...so much at times throughout my life I couldn't relax enough and actually do the work(damn, you perfectionism). But now that is all changing and I am creating more work than I have ever done. I still wonder, on a spiritual level, if a person can possibly stop distractions, focus, and just do the work, would somehow the universe will find some way to take care of them? (Of course, you would have to work very hard but the energy you create would make it all worth it.)

How do you make your creative purpose a priority in your life? I've asked this to many teachers and the simple yet not so simple answer is that you just have to do it. There is no easy way. You need to create new habits and stick to them.(Which is still something I struggle with daily). Next, I think you have to find communities to share your work with and create massive amounts of positive energy amongst yourselves.

You know, we are so lucky, we are living in an incredible time where your community can truly be the world. We just need to open up our eyes to see it. Then we can say we are truly awake, and in that awakeness is where the "magic" seems to happen. This world would be a pretty amazing place to be, don't you think?

Happy Easter!

2011-04-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter weekend. May it be filled with friends, family, many good things to eat and much joy!

Hope you have a reason to wear your Sunday Best, image via The George Eastman House

See you back here on Monday!

Introducing...Ladies & Gents

2011-04-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more Victorian Portraits for my Ladies & Gents series. I'm still working on creating more in depth stories but hopefully you will get the idea the little bio's I put up. I will be finishing up a few more illustrations this weekend and posting them ASAP. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Agnes...age 19, shop girl

Silas...Age 35, Accountant for underground

Nettie...Age 20, Nanny...working her way up from the downstairs of the house.

Hope you like them...

random graffiti pic...

2011-04-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

Walking around my hood the other day and saw this...I couldn't help but laugh. If you look in the bottom right corner it's signed, "your mom". HA

Miss Abigale

2011-04-18T17:29:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the absence. I had my first camping trip of the year this weekend on beautiful Angel Island in the San Francisco Bay. I had a wonderful relaxing time but now it is time to get back to work...Here is what I've been working on.

This is one of the first illustrations from my "Ladies & Gents" series: Her name is Miss Abigale. She has such a story of loss to tell. Her husband and young daughter were lost at sea. She waited years for them to return. But it never happened. She doesn't want to move on but she must. She is so lonely...Now it is time for her to look for love once again.

I have more of these Victorian Portraits in the works and I'll post them soon and tell you all about my ideas for this series.

I hope you like her.

Blog Hop...What do you love? And why?

2011-04-12T23:03:00.000-07:00

This is what a good story can do. "Children at a Puppet Theatre", Paris 1963 by Alfred Eisenstaedt

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage."
Anais Nin

When I heard about "The Courage to Fly" blog hop from Stephey Baker of the Marked by the Muse blog, I really connected to it. I love the idea of giving willing participants(there are 37 of us)the opportunity to sit with a big question and answer it on our blogs. For my question, I chose a seemingly simple one, "What do you love? and why?" I will admit, it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be to answer, but I am going to give it a try.

This past year has been kind of a spiritual quest for me. Last summer, I quit my dead-end job and I started my new illustration business. It's been a pretty scary endeavor for me but I think I've been preparing my whole life for it. And guess what? I'm doing it. I'm living my dream. And I feel like a completely different artist from who I was a year ago. I've finally allowed myself the time to truly sit down with myself and figure out who I am as an illustrator. Believe me, this has been one of the most rewarding and difficult years of my life. And I realize how much I really still need to learn.

So what have I learned? I learned enough to answer the question, What do I love? So, here are the basics.... I really love dark stories. The spookier the better. I suppose it is because in most of these tales there is always a hero that must rise and save the world. The hero finds hope within the darkness, and he/she always seems to find hidden strength within themselves. There is something really romantic in that to me.

What else do I love? I really love learning about history. It really fascinates me. I can get pretty geeky about it, but I don't care. I love doing research for the illustrations I do. I love creating characters and imagining what their lives would of been like. What did they look like? What kind clothes did they wear? Where did they live? What did they believe in? How did they live their lives? It's all totally amazing to me, just like jumping in a time machine. I love sharing all the cool things I've find with friends. The research is almost like finding a treasure chest if you dig deep enough.

What is biggest thing I learned this year? Just how much I love creating things. It still amazes me how many emotions you can create with a few simple lines drawn on paper...I always wanted to be an artist and storyteller. And now I am. I just need to learn to go even deeper with it. I need to learn how to conquer all of those demons that stop me from sharing all the stories I have buried within me. Slowly, it's happening, I'm so happy to be finally dealing with those fears.

And lastly, I have one more big thing I love. The fact that my life is good and I am surrounded by love. I have to thank the universe for sending all of these amazing people in my life(especially my husband, Damon). I feel very lucky that I can do what I do. And perhaps with a tiny smidgen of extra luck, maybe by next year I can figure out a way to make a living...Now that would be something I could really love!

So...What makes your heart soar?

Taking Steps...Making Motion

2011-04-12T15:07:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody!

As you may know, I have been part of The Creative Empire for almost a year now and I'm still loving it. I have learned so much from being part of the forum. So, when one of its founders, Tara Gentile of Scoutie Girl, has something new to bring to the world, I'm all for it.

I am proud to be part of the affiliate program for her new e-book,"Making Motion: 7 Steps for Doing More with Your Creative Life". There is so much great information in this ebook, I truly love her heartfelt advice about believing in yourself and taking the steps to earn what you need. As with most creative people, I have had a hard time in my life finding my creative worth. Tara really has a way of challenging that silly notion of the starving artist. We don't always need to be in survival mode, we can actually learn to thrive in the world as creative people.

Here's how Tara sums it up:

Making Motion: 7 Steps for Doing More with Your Creative Life is my digital kick in the pants. It’s a short but power-packed ebook for helping you find your “first steps” & the momentum you’ll need to reach your objectives.

This is the strategy, mechanics, and philosophy I’ve used to build a thriving creative business & pursue my hobbies at the same time. It’s helped me to become an unconventional role model and sole provider for my family of 3. I may not have it all – but I have more than I dreamed was possible.

This kind of life isn’t a lazy one and it’s not for the faint of heart (that’s not you, anyhow!). It’s one filled with deliberate action, continual steps forward, and thoughtful rest. I love this life and I’m happy to share it with you.

Click here to view more details

Check it out...there is 67 pages of great info here...all for $8!!

30 in 30 update...

2011-04-11T20:53:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to give you all a peak at what I am working on. I am creating a series of Victorian portraits. They are amazingly fun to create. I love all the strange haircuts and the fabulous clothing. I decided to work on a bunch of them together to make sure they would work well as a series. I would love to make them into prints and finally get that Etsy shop going. I'm working on creating stories about each character and make them kind of a mix and match dating thing...

Each one of these will be painted with watercolor paints and pen & ink...The green tape will be removed when they are all painted. It helps create a nice, crisp border in all paintings.

Happy Weekend!

2011-04-08T17:31:00.000-07:00

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend and a fun, fun, fun Friday. I'm off to a bunch of stuff this weekend but will be back on Monday with some more drawings for my, "30 in 30 Challenge". If that's not enough, I'm also going to be part of "The Courage to Fly" blog hop on Wednesday 13th. I'm a little nervous about participating in it but hopefully it will be a fun and rewarding experience for both writer and reader.

So make sure you stop by next week to see all that is happening here at bluehour studio.

Here's my kitty, Pierre. He could teach me a thing or two about relaxing and enjoying life. Just look at that sweet expression on his face. He is definitely a master is being cool, calm and collected. Cute isn't he?

The Challenge continues...

2011-04-06T18:36:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody! It's been another lovely yet busy day of making art. I just finished a nursery painting for my friend Scott who has a baby girl on the way. I hope she likes her little birdy...

Scott's baby bluebird...

I don't care what people say(damn you, Portlandia)...I still love painting birds. They have such wonderful colors and always have such a sense of whimsy. They always make me happy when ever they're around.

And if any of you are counting...this is drawing/painting #5!

Numbers 2, 3 & 4, in Progress...

2011-04-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

Here are a few things I've been working on for my "30 Drawings in 30 Days Challenge." I still have a lot of work to do on each of them, but they are started. I'm really enjoying just playing around with ideas at this point but I could really get used to this...

I'm calling him Ashby...

Sea Tea?

Mr. Fox...

More tomorrow.

Day One...

2011-04-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

Here we go. Day one of the 30 in 30 days Drawing Challenge...

Here is a portrait of a lovely Victorian Lady...Miss Eugenia.

I can see her as some sort of nanny, who has lead a bit of a tragic life. She is pretty quiet, until she isn't.

The 30 in 30 days challenge...

2011-03-31T23:38:00.000-07:00

via U.S. National Archives

They say that it takes about 3 weeks to start a new habit. And changing habits can change a life. So...I am going to try something new, something big. And it could get kinda scary.

I'm giving myself this challenge:

For the month of April I am going to create at least one drawing a day. It may be something small or the start of a larger project but I will be putting pen to paper, brush to canvas and making something from nothing. And of course I will be posting each project on this here blog. Sound good?

If you had one month to change your life and take yourself more seriously what would you do? How would you start. Tomorrow is April 1st, will it be a new beginning? Only time will tell. Wish me luck...

Who wants to join me?

It must be spring...Nursery Paintings

2011-03-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but all my friends seem to be having babies. It is pretty wonderful to watch all of the life changes and crazy body transformations in the works. So I have made it my thing to create a little painting for each and every tiny baby about to be welcomed into my world.

Here are the ones I created this week for my friend Amber who is having twins(a boy and girl) and my friend Danielle, who is having a boy.

I think they are pretty cute...I hope you do too.

Here's to all the new babies about to be born! May they all be healthy and happy...

Note: If you are interested in having me create a special animal illustration for your kiddo, just ask...all paintings are done on stretched canvas in acrylic paint. The biggest question, which animal will you choose?

mid-week music break...Kate Bush

2011-03-23T13:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, here is the song that I would love shout from my rooftop. What a voice she possesses. Listening to it always makes me feel powerful for some reason. It's like she figured out her whole world now she is off to conquer it.

It's is a oldie but goodie...

What songs make you feel powerful?

Spring has sprung!

2011-03-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

The lady and the lamb via George Eastman House

Today is the first official day of spring! Hope you can dust off the darkness of winter and wake up to the lightness of today. Although we have a week of rain to look forward to here in San Francisco, I hope we can see a little bit of sunshine today.

I'm hoping to get back to positive thinking from the fear and uncertainty of last week( still thinking of you Japan) and push forward with some painting today. What will you be doing this week?

What a week...

2011-03-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of updates this week. I'm sure all of you understand. The world seems to be falling apart right in front of our eyes doesn't it? I feel like I need to just take a break and search for my importance again. Things seem very trite these days but I suppose we have to keep pushing on. I need to take a deep breath and thank God I didn't lose anyone I know in Japan and pray for those who did.

So let's hope for a better week next week...and enjoy this bit of video from Hayao Miyazaki.

Japan...

2011-03-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

A young photographer in old Japan...via Okinawa Soba

The last few days have been horrific and I can't seem to stop watching the news about the earthquake & tsunami in Japan...If that wasn't scary enough, now they have to worry about the meltdown of their nuclear plants. It is truly terrifying. What will happen next? I don't think anyone really knows at this point. I suppose we can pray, send loving thoughts and donate some money.

Here is an quick and easy way to help.

"Those who want to help can go to www.redcross.org and donate to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami. People can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific."

Here are more ways to help here.

One more...This one is started by my friend Yukino Pang and Dice Tsutsumi who were behind the Totoro Forest Project....

For up to date news, I've been getting some of the best information from the Huffington Post and Boing Boing, I highly recommend checking them out. Twitter has also been incredible in hearing real time news directly from Japan.

Thank you.

mid-week music...

2011-03-10T21:10:00.000-08:00

I randomly found this video on line and it just floored me. It is done by the incredibly talented duo Alasdair Brotherston and Jock Mooney. I love all the drawings and layers of so many things going on at once. It must have been so hard to get this going just right. I imagine many takes, and a lot of frustration. But it is beautifully. Good work guys.

Check out more of their work at AlasdairandJock.com.

Tom Fun Orchestra - Throw Me To The Rats from Alasdair & Jock on Vimeo.

ok...here is another really cute one.

Clinic - Bubblegum from Alasdair & Jock on Vimeo.

Ain't they fun?

To do & still do...what if?

2011-03-07T18:08:00.000-08:00

via Smithsonian

Via Madebysean

What if....you never showed anyone your work...you never made any money selling it...you never felt you were good enough. Would you feel wrong if you suddenly stopped working? Probably...maybe...Perhaps we artists and creatives are strange in that way. I think it is an automatic feeling when you see something beautiful you want to capture it some way. You could paint it, draw it, write about or photograph it, it doesn't really matter.

I truly feel a sense of loss when I have nothing to record something I connect with. Even many years later, I still have memories of shots not taken or film not developing right. There is such a sense loss there. And the more your artsy self grows the harder it gets to give it up.

So I ask you, would you still create if no one cared?

I would...it is the sort addiction that I am Ok with. But what about you?

What creative part of your life could you not live without? And are you willing to go even deeper into the depths of your creativity even if you are embarrassed of the outcome? I say go for it! Be willing to make an ass out of your self. Take a chance and I bet someone will care about what you do.

I'm may be a weirdo...

2011-03-06T20:53:00.000-08:00

But I love finding random stuff like this. Thank you Tumbler...Strangely enough, here is a photo of a dead guy's grave from my small town of Dudley, MA. Kind of gives you shivers doesn't it. The photo is from about 1855. I wonder who Cha' (Charles?) Carpenter was and why he died so young...

Gravediggers via Fuckyeahvictorians

It's March Meetup Time!

2011-03-01T12:31:00.000-08:00

What an inspiration...Camille Claudel via Turn of the Century

Happy March, Everyone! I don't believe it is already the 3rd month of the year...yeesh...Sorry that I've been a bit absent the last month or so but I have been working hard trying to do what I do. So what have I been up to?

In the last few months I have succeed in getting more artwork done. Which is wonderful and I have put that artwork everwhere:

design:related
Society6
Illustration Friday
Illustration Mundo(still needs website to be official)

I finally have a bluehour studio facebook page. I still have some work to do on it but it is up! Check it out! I'm still need a bunch more followers for it to be working, what do you need 25? I'm not sure how that works...

Still getting stuff together for website but am having a friend put it together for me. This must get done ASAP.

All in all, I'm doing Ok but I need to still keep pushing forward full force:

Here is my March to-do list:

Get an Etsy page set up. (I laugh at myself that through all of this work, I've neglected to sell anything...what a fool I've been)
Do prints for Etsy page: I'm starting out with about 10 to launch site: my brain is all a spin in ideas...
Get the website up!
Banners done for Etsy
Banner redone for blog(needs more illustration)
Banner for website!
Illustration Friday 2x a month
Keep adding more artwork to Society6/Design:Related and other sites...
Be more awake and contribute more to social networking sites...find my community!
Contribute more to The Creative Empire...it is a wonderful community I'm not using enough.
Deep thinking...I'm taking The Declaration of You! It has only been a week but it is wonderful so far.
Figuring out my issues with the money thing, I need to create a sense of abundance.
Continue to expand my artistic world...take another letterpress class at the San Francisco Center for the Book.
Keep pushing forward with my blog, and find ways to create more of a community there. Don't be afraid to take risks and include more illustration inspiration...
Get published! I'm working on a few things in the next couple of months...

This will prove to be a very interesting month. My husband is moving his sign shop to a much bigger space so I will be helping out a lot with that. I am so happy to work at at the shop and will be learning some sign painting skills too. How exciting!

Hopefully I will get most of this work done. I like March, it is the beginning of spring and there is a lot of growth and excitement in the air. My word for the month: ACCOMPLISHMENT!

Hope you are all doing well and I look forward to checking out all your sites and blogs. Good Luck with the upcoming month.

What is the Meetup thing, you ask? It is a group of creatives that encourage each other each month to make and complete their goals. Join us...it is an amazing to watch the progress of others and yourself...
Contact Liz for more info here.

I'm back!

2011-02-28T13:03:00.000-08:00

Sorry I've been gone for a while...I was off happily celebrating my 3rd wedding anniversary with my husband in Sea Ranch, California. It was good to get away, have a little time to think, unplug, take wonderful walks and stare at the stars and the sea. I feel rejuvenated and am ready to take on March! Here is a few of the beautiful things I saw during my mini-break...

trees along the sea...

Succulent plants everywhere...

Playful shadows

These wonderful sheep are being used to mow the meadows...

along the shore

nested in the tide pools...

seals relaxing in the sun

more amazingly camouflaged seals...

my ode to kelp

A beautiful sea anemone

Starfish in love...

mussels and sea urchins

Pathway through the trees...

If you ever have the opportunity, I highly recommend staying at Sea Ranch. It is one of my favorite places to visit. We've gone up there about 6 times already and stayed at different houses and never be disappointed. It is a good place to clear your mind or hang out with a bunch of friends in a hot tub.

Which places in the world refresh you?

Illustration Friday...the sweater.

2011-02-18T17:24:00.000-08:00

Here is the first Illustration Friday post I've done in a while. It is such a fun site. I really, really should do it more. How does it work? Each week you get a new word to draw. Post it on their site and they will link back to your site. Give it a shot. Anyone can participate...This week the word was, "sweater" next week, "layer".

I am a day behind, but you won't tell will you? Here is my piece, I hope you like it.

I had a sweater just like this when I was a kid, I loved to roll myself up into a small ball...I tended to make myself very,very tiny...