Kitchen Dance Sketch
The quote below made me laugh so I had to sketch the scene…
“Sometimes the only cure for what ails you is a 3AM dance party in the kitchen, preferably with hats.”
Nicola Taylor, Tales from the Moors Country
Bee-Bear Study: Teasers
If you’re gonna be a bug… be a honey wielding bee and have a bit o’ fun teasing a black bristly bear.
Illustration Friday—Lush
“She’s back, our lovely ‘lush‘ Lucretia!” grumbled the mischief of mice. “When we were discussing our print preferences she was lounging luxuriously on a plush duvet downing Drambuie and Scotch mumbling something about satisfaction and ‘Donald Sutherland’…”
Illustration Friday—Rescue
Sometimes even “Super Mouse” needs a hand of “rescue.”
Illustration Friday—Power
Bear. Bee. Power.
Sweet Sirens—beautiful, dangerous, powerful Muses of the world below—I will call them Parthenope, Ligeia and Lucretia,” declared the young bear. “I have ‘power’ over their luring song simply by silencing their buzz with their very own wax place firmly in my fuzzy ears… Alas, not a buzz do I hear but songs of silence. The only evidence they buzz aloft… sweet honey.”
Illustration Friday—Jump
The Kentucky Derby, where man pushes beast to “jump” hooves through hoops, is upon us. I’m not a fan for so many reasons, but Friday is the Oaks, which is a race only for fillies and spectators are encouraged to wear pink to save the ta-tas. This one’s for the girls both horse and rider because fast girls do it in pink, wearing heels, donning hats, shrouded in flowers.
And go Oaks Lily—At 50 to 1 with silks of pink, you’re my girl! Stay safe!
Illustration Friday—Puzzled
Eenie and Meenie seemed “puzzled.” How on earth did Miny catch that kitty by the tail without the help of Moe? Hmmm, Hickory, Dickory, Dock…
“Eenie, Meenie, & Miney caught a kitty” is a class assignment where we had to create a digital painting in photoshop. I used the Wacom Cintiq 12WX. I tried it a year ago and just didn’t feel the love. This time, yikes. Loved it! For me, this assignment was like eating chocolate cake, simply yummy.
Illustration Friday—Yield
“It happens every year,” exclaimed Zorra Zebra. “We watch Zoe ‘yield’ to that gosh darn giraffe Joey. He convinces her stripes are out, dots are in, then shamelessly proceeds to unravel her and applique his vision of perfection on her butt. It’s sabotage! She loses her identity and it always takes us weeks to weave her back into the herd.”
Click image to enlarge.
Illustration Friday—Popularity
Otis, the loyal, hard-working oxpecker screeched into Riggly rhino’s ear, “Oh, please, stop flattering yourself. We’re all here for dinner, not a “popularity” contest!”
And a huge thanks goes out to Jen for making my day! You rock! And all, check out her amazing talent on her most fun, humorous blog From Jen’s Pen.
D is for Dumbo
I’m hoping to put pencil to paper today and get back into a bit of the urgent habit of posting, but in the meantime, I’m adding one more from class. It’s similar to yesterday’s post: Make an illustration with type, but this time it’s not limited to one letter or typefaces… It’s an ol’ favorite story — a baby elephant, a loyal mouse and an angry mama — It’s Dumbo.
D is for Elephant
It’s been forever! Yikes, almost forgot how to post. I took a great typography course this fall—loved the class especially everyone from fellow students to the professor—but it was time consuming and I didn’t have much time to draw. This elephant was a preliminary sketch for an assignment: illustrate something using one letter in one typeface. I chose “D” and, of course, the heffalump (sans woozle).
Ferocious III
The last one in the “Ferocious” series.
This one-eye-open-crazed zebra was the most fun to paint of the three. The other two “ferociouses” were gentle and calm, this one, not so much. I think I like his teeth best…glowing yellow on this scan, but big, and ready to chomp off an enormous chunk from any lurking kitty cats.
Mysterious I (Ferocious Series II)
Color version of “Mysterious I”…
Sorry for the empty blog these days. Really busy and not creating what I love. But stay tuned, stuff’s a brewin’ and hopefully I can get something on paper soon.
IF’s topic this week: “Hibernate” …. hmmm, not sure what I’ll do.
Illustration Friday—Ferocious
Ferocious? Ok, a curious zebra might be a stretch, but what you don’t see here is what happens in the next few seconds… Think approaching lion, zebra turns to run, but wait… Boom! It’s a hoof to the head for the lion or a bite on the butt for the zebra. My money’s on the “ferocious” zebras.
Boundaries II
Color version of “Boundaries” with the addition of a tortoise and a hare… I’m not thrilled with this version, sometimes, oftentimes, a sketch works so much better than a finished piece.
Click image to enlarge.
Illustration Friday—Boundaries
For “boundaries” it’s a doodle I did while in a meeting last week…The idea is stolen/borrowed from Rubin Pingk’s skineart post with his kids walking the fish. It made me laugh, so as I sat in this meeting listening and doodling, I scribbled an angry, eccentric man walking his critters—Koi, penguin and a seagull. Water, land, air, talk about “boundaries.”
I may try to do more with this one, so check back in a day or so… And thanks, Rubin! I hope you don’t mind! Check out his blog, too.
Illustration Friday—Mysterious III
All my musings over the “mysterious” zebra-horse-stripes connection, lead to another question: what happens when the two shall cross? Well, that’s not so “mysterious,” it’s a zorse, of course. And I’m guessing “Mama Nature” wasn’t part of that experiment—it’s got the hand of meddling man all over it. So, it’s with the fear of DNA distinctions, the loss of stripes, and the unraveling of a secret that I leave you pondering… and probably begging me to stop this thread.
Part three of three. Click on image to enlarge.
Illustration Friday—Mysterious II
And then there’s always the other age old question: which came first the zebra or the horse? A “mysterious” question that only “Mama Nature” knows truly. But as Linda astutely observed, the horse came first. Where else would Mama paint her stripes? Which again takes us to unraveling the facts. Are the stripes black or white? And as Leah pointed out, if ontogeny accurately recapitulates phylogeny, we’ll then of course the stripes are white… Hmmmm.
And it’s here I send out thanks, many thanks to all those who weigh in on all my posts especially the last one: Illustration Friday—Mysterious I. Not to sound all gushy, but you guys rock! Thank you!
Part two of three. Click on image to enlarge.
Illustration Friday—Mysterious I
Oh, but don’t you think the zebra defines “mysterious”?
Think about it. A horse with circumscribed stripes… At what point did “Mama Nature” orchestrate such a manifestation? Which came first: a horse of white with dark stripes or the other way around? A Gestalt secret solved only by unraveling then puzzling together the pieces. “Mama Nature” is giggling and only she, along with the zebra, knows what it all means.
Part one of three… Click on image to enlarge.
Illustration Friday—Disguise
“When pigs fly…”
When I see those crazy pigs flying, I know they’re angels in “disguise“… Adorable pink piglets swimming in a sea of blue, sporting striped bathing trunks, soaring on soft-feathered wings, and looking through eye-protective goggles simply watching over all creatures great and small.
Click image to enlarge.
Illustration Friday—Influence
Meet Lucy, veterinarian in training, no doubt, the wonderful “influence” of her mom Hilary (veterinarian extraordinaire!). Bella, Lucy’s most faithful Rhodesian Ridgeback, is a dream. She lies patiently as Lucy pokes and prods, but true to her lion-hunting breed, she’s ready to pounce at background-lurking felines Smarty Jones or George, but never the random bunny…
Hilary, you rock! A gazillion thanks for all your support and advice!
Hugs!
Illustration Friday—Swell
With over 113 years of weather, fire and a few too many Dark ‘n’ Stormies, not to mention sea levels rising and a constant “swell” of mighty waters, this ol’ yacht club is wobbling, slipping off her foundation. Elephants to the rescue—they’re strong, loyal and don’t mind getting their feet wet.
Watercolor sketch for a fundraising campaign to help this ol’ girl once again balance on sticks and stones.
Illustration Friday—Imperfect
She whispered to herself, “I’m ‘imperfect’ with these black stripes.” But Mama’s big ears and even bigger heart missed nothing. In her soft voice, she soothed, “Life’s simple. It’s all about space.”
Bewildered, Zurura—who had lost her herd had been adopted by this elephant family—felt the soft touch of many trunks and heard her adopted Mama explain. “No, never ‘imperfect.’ Simply add space (and an apostrophe) and change it to ‘I’m perfect’ and forget the rest.”
Illustration Friday—obsession
Meet Andre, a great green sea turtle. I watched a video featuring Andre and the efforts of many to save him. He’d been severely injured after being struck twice by boats. His shell was torn, his lung had collapsed, but he remained strong willed. After a year of dedicated medical care, he was released back to open waters. Go Andre!
I dedicate this post to all those with an “obsession” to rescue, love, and let go.
Thank you!
Illustration Friday—Perennial
The Sleep Fairy. She’s been with us since the beginning of time and will remain until the end, the epitome of “perennial.” She’s rather tired and easily confused and, for the unlucky, her usual rounds of sweet lullabies and warm milk have been replaced with raspy complaints and hot coffee, repelling coveted slumber.
For all you deadline-daunted and sleep deprived, may The Sleep Fairy wake up and fly right tonight.
Click image to enlarge.
One-year Anniversary
Today marks a year of blogging.
Thank you all for your continued visits and wonderful support. It means so much knowing folks are stopping by and looking. You keep me drawing.
Illustration Friday—Gesture
It was a “gesture” of love for both…
Sally so loved her Maggie dog and so wanted to share her joy of water and bubbles with her best pal. Maggie, however, hated water and bubbles, but she so loved Sally and would do anything to please her including endure a shower. But, oh, how Maggie silently pleaded for a reprieve from this one “gesture” of love.
Click image to enlarge.
Illustration Friday—Remedy (late)
Last week’s IF topic was “remedy” and I’m late. My apologies.
Ellie Mae’s a dog who enjoys the hunt and her “remedy” to summer’s scorchers is fishing the quarry. Those fish hover, taunting her like the Sirens who sang to Odysseus. But unlike the Greek adventurer, there is no wax in our hound’s ears and she indeed succumbs to seductive fish calls, mesmerized for hours. I can only imagine the conversation dog and fish have when I’m not watching.
Illustration Friday—Midsummer Night (II)
Another attempt at “midsummer night” because such evenings are upon us and too soon they will be gone… but for now, like moths to a flame, we surrender to the light.
“How, like a moth, the simple maid
Still plays about the flame!”
~John Gay
Click image to enlarge.
Illustration Friday—Midsummer Night
Under the light of lanterns and inky darkness spreading around them like autumn fog, this “midsummer night” inspired melodic bays and the clicking-clatter of paws dancing with joy beyond words.
Happy Summer!
Click on image to enlarge.
Illustration Friday—Launch
I know why the wiry mosquito buzzes…to torture.
With a wet May, the message went out to Mosquito Scourges everywhere: Go, Reproduce and Torture. Their goal: “launch” an attack on all—Buzz, Bite and Berate—make people insane. They are succeeding. I’ve tried “launching” my own attacks, but after 30 million years of evolution they’re winning. Though I wouldn’t call them meek, they shall inherit the earth.
Click image to enlarge.
Illustration Friday—Swept
For some reason I couldn’t get a grasp on this week’s topic “swept,” so I sat on it all week…. It’s Thursday night and still nothing, so pencil turns to my old-faithful standbys: African critters. They’re always ready to step in and help when I’m in a jam.
…As a pride of lions silently paddled on soft-padded paws across the savanna, their tails “swept” across the dusty road in contented boredom.
Illustration Friday—Shadows
Illustration Friday—Safari
When you’re on “safari” you never know when you might be confronted with a big ol’ “Crash of Rhinos.”
Original: 12″ x 12″ linocut.
Illustration Friday—Beginner
Make no mistake, I’m not a fan of horse racing (I cry every time there’s a start and I don’t relax until I’m certain the track is ambulances free), but I am a huge fan of horse and rider. So when I heard that Rose Napravnik would ride “Pants on Fire” in the 137th Kentucky Derby I had to smile. “Go Rosie, but take care of that fancy pants under you!” I thought. Imagine Rosie as a “beginner” pushing the envelope on her rocking horse winner…
Illustration Friday—Lesson
My first thought for “lesson” was to show mama bird pushing her babes out the nest, but then I figured Mama’s got a whole clutch of wee ones and forcing out all her loved chicks unsupervised was just too heart wrenching. So, here’s Mama conducting a group flying “lesson” while clutching three terrified, thrilled and traumatized tweeters.
Illustration Friday—Journey
With will to stop the madness and fly away, Mary goes round leading an uprising of hooves, horns, tusks and tails! Imagine the “journey” they’re going to have.
Click image to enlarge.
B: A Bale of Turtles
Second drawing illustrating collective nouns for animal groups for the “A to Z April Challenge” from the blog “Tossing It Out.” It’s challenging stacking a bunch of turtles, especially the upside down guys.
Click image to enlarge and see details.
A: An Ambush of Tigers
A friend of mine, Lisa at “Life with Flowers,” is doing this A to Z April challenge at the blog “Tossing It Out.” Since I’m always looking for inspiration, figured I’d begin a series for A to Z using my favorites: collective nouns for animal groups. As you can see, my first one is for A: “An Ambush of Tigers.” Big cats surprising a “school of fish”…
IllustrationFriday—Bottled
Animals are a passion and, though they all tug my heart, elephants, with their enormous size, soulful eyes, and ethereal spirit make me weep. I love supporting organizations that protect and care for these big lugs so we always give to The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The folks at this organization have dedicated their lives to caring for the orphans with food (bottled milk), shelter, and most importantly love.
Nothing Worth Stealing 
