The Art of Cyn Narcisi

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY: GROUNDED

2012-01-11T08:43:00.000-08:00

Why I love Yoga, in a nutshell: It keeps my ego in check. It keeps me free of unnecessary stress. It shows me there's other ways to looks at life. It teaches me to be compassionate towards myself, and towards others. It challenges my courage, in a supportive way. It makes me laugh at myself. It makes me feel rather unstoppable at times. It shows me when I have to stop at times. It teaches

FREE Greedo Mandala

2012-01-09T12:15:00.000-08:00

Please enjoy this freeb Star Wars mandala! Just click, print, and color Greedo! If you send me a scan of your finished art, I'll post it on my blog. Here's some suggestions on how to color: • Use colored pencils over a light watercolor wash • Nothing wrong with shades of gray! • Throw in a little glitter (or use glitter gel pens) • Color it digitally! • Scan the print out, resize

FREE Star Wars Ewok Mandala

2012-01-07T08:52:00.000-08:00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE drawing mandalas and decided to create another with a Star Wars character, perfect for your kids (or YOU) to color! Just click the image and print. It measures 8"x8" and is 300dpi, so it'll print nice and clear. You can also print and color my Yoda and Vader mandalas (just click!). Please leave your comments and suggestions for other mandalas in the comment box. If you color

Combining Art and Yoga

2012-01-05T11:26:00.000-08:00

Just like yoga, my art has always been a therapeutic, meditative process. These days I'm combining my love for both. These cuties are small works of art known as ACEO's. If you're not familiar with the term, ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions, and Originals. Art Cards are original works of art, that the artist sells or trades with other artists or to collectors. Sometimes, artists will turn

My Mandala Coloring Book

2012-01-04T09:04:00.001-08:00

I've illustrated a collection of 12 beautiful, original mandalas that you or your kids can color! The book is currently available as a PDF document which means you can print it right from your home or office computer. And for a limited time, it's only $1.99! The images are high res, so you'll have a nice, clean print out. I drew these using Adobe Illustrator CS3. Below are some free samples for

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY: Messenger

2011-12-29T09:31:00.000-08:00

I haven't been keeping up with Illustration Friday as I would like, so I decided to pull out this old(ish) piece for this weeks theme, Messenger. The original art was sold long ago (2007), and this one is still a favorite of mine. It was an ACEO, drawn with Copics. It's called "Into The Post".

Yoga Flash Cards

2011-12-28T13:21:00.000-08:00

I've created printable flash cards as an aid for teachers who want to help their little Yogi's and Yogini's have fun learning yoga. The artwork is drawn as line art so kids can have fun coloring too! Just print the file from your office or home computer. The asana is shown on the front side of the card. The English/Sanskrit names are on tabs that you simply fold and adhere to the back side.

Elephant Meditation - Art For Sale

2011-12-17T10:26:00.000-08:00

I drew this last week, just an H pencil on Bristol paper. It's matted and measures 5"x7". The art is 2.5"x3.5". I LOVE working in pencil. Working in pencil becomes a meditation and I feel more connected with it than any other medium. This original sketch is for sale. PayPal accepted. Click to view a larger image. Please email me if interested. E: cynnaricisi@gmail.com

Star Wars: Galaxy VII Sketch Cards

2011-11-27T07:44:00.001-08:00

Back in 2004, I worked on my first set of Star Wars sketch cards for Topps and Lucasfilm. Since then I've worked on one or two sets a year and have really enjoyed this work. If you're not familiar with sketch cards, they are one of a kind works of art found in hobby boxes (hobby boxes are purchased direct through Topps and contain several packs of cards, one of which contains a randomly inserted

2011-11-25T08:38:00.001-08:00

I love elephants and I love mandalas. So here you go, an elephant mandala created with Adobe Illustrator. You have permission to print and color this artwork from your home computer (the image is 8 inches). You do not have permission to reprint or sell this art, or any art on my blog for that matter, for commercial purposes. I love to share my art and hope many people get much joy from it, so

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY - SCATTERED

2011-10-17T11:38:00.000-07:00

Hello again,and let me say it's good to be back! I'm feeling refreshed, renewed and energized from after a much-needed hiatus from art. If you don't know, aside from being an artist, I'm also a yoga freak. I practice like crazy because frankly, it feels amazing and it does wonders to leave me a lot less mentally SCATTERED. And it's not surprise that yoga has crept into my art. It was

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY: Imperfect

2011-08-05T10:42:00.000-07:00

I drew these cuties for fun earlier this week and thought it would be a great fit for this weeks IF them, Imperfect. After all, yoga teaches us that it's perfectly ok to be imperfect. If we could teach this to our young kids, especially girls, imagine how pressure it would take off them. Imagine.

Star Wars Mandalas

2011-06-23T12:26:00.000-07:00

Please enjoy these free Star Wars mandalas! Give them to your kids. Just click and print. I'm creating more of these so please check back again shortly. They'll be uploaded soon. Have suggestions for a favorite character? Please let me know! Also, if you don't know what mandalas are, you can learn about them here.

Welcome, Summer (at last)

2011-06-03T06:55:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I chatted with my neighbor while she planted more summer annuals. She seemed so natural at it, the way she knelt in the flower bed, so connected with nature and spirit. The urge to join in couldn't be resisted and I helped her plant impatiens and marigolds. There's something about digging in the dirt that makes all the troubles of life just float away.

Where Have I Been, Part II?

2011-03-09T09:11:00.000-08:00

February came and went without a single post from me. Honestly, I loved turning my attention elsewhere and giving the blogging (and sketching) a much-needed rest. Here's what I did instead: I taught a ton of Yoga classes. I helped a family member get through surgery and recovery. I meditated (a lot). I attended a wonderful Chakra meditation workshop. I worked on my asana

Where Have I Been?

2011-01-30T17:54:00.000-08:00

You might wondering. Well, the weekend of January 19th-23rd, I went to Ohio for a beautiful meditation and yoga workshop. I came home happy, peaceful, excited for the next adventure, but also exhausted. Unfortunately, on the 24th I developed the dreaded, nearly unavoidable sore throat which lingered for a few days before turning into a rotten head cold. Thankfully I didn't suffer with

Illustration Friday- CHICKEN

2011-01-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

In Yoga, there's no Chicken Pose and that's probably a good thing! I drew this series of Piggy in various asana's (Yoga postures) for a new set of Yoga Flash Cards to help kids learn Sanskrit to English translations of the asana's. The set will be available on my Yoga blog, The Inquisitive Yogini as a high-res PDF file that you can print. The file will be available today, payable through PayPal.

I Have Created A New Yoga Blog!

2011-01-02T08:25:00.000-08:00

If you've been following this blog for a while, you probably know I'm a bit of a Yogaholic as of late. I've been happily merging my art and Yoga as you can see here at this blog. But I also felt there's a lot about Yoga that I want to talk about, but which might not be fitting for this blog. So that being said, I created a new separate blog called "The Inquisitive Yogini". You might consider it

Illustration Friday -MAIL

2010-12-22T16:16:00.000-08:00

I sent out this e-holiday card instead of sending in the mail this year. Bet you've never seen a meditating snowman before!

Star Wars Galaxy 6 Trading Cards

2010-12-17T12:46:00.000-08:00

I was invited by Topps to contribute to their latest trading card set, Star Wars: Galaxy 6. Aside from base cards, the set also includes sketch cards (original sketches on the actual blank card). Above is a selection of my 25 pack-inserted cards (pencil, above). The two Yoda watercolor illustrations are my Artist Returns (for sale).I've been illustrating cards for Topps and Lucasfilm for 6 years.

Sketch Book Give Away- Whatcha Grateful For?

2010-11-29T11:56:00.000-08:00

Ok you guys, let's have it. What are you grateful for? You're cat's miraculous disinterest in shredding your furniture. Your short commute to work. Your local gym having awesome kickboxing classes. Your ability to draw or dance or sing. Your parents. Your kids. Gratitude is the key to living a peaceful existence. It keeps us from wishing things were different or thinking that they should be a

My Hand-Made Sketch Book

2010-11-26T17:06:00.000-08:00

I made this 4"x6" sketchbook today. Ok,let's face it, I'm no bookmaker. But I've been feeling a bit crafty (blame it on the holidays) and I had some bookbinding thread and paper left over from when I learned how to make a picture book dummy in Laura Montenegro's class a couple years ago. I used black mat board for the cover and glued some purple paper I found in a scrap pile at the art store. I

Illustration Friday -BURNING

2010-11-15T19:15:00.000-08:00

My apologies to the dozens of ants who suffered at my hands when I was a bored 9 year old with a magnifying glass. I'd like to think that in another lifetime, I'll understand the beauty of each of those tiny little lives and take a different choice as she has.This was drawn in 1.5 hours with an H pencil in my sketch book.

A Meditation for Creativity

2010-11-15T14:01:00.000-08:00

I often feel a huge amount of pressure as an artist. Whether it's to add something new to my portfolio, work on technique, or complete an assignment, at times I just can't seem to relax into being creative. And when the pressure mounts, I disconnect from Source, that place from which creativity flows without limit, without judgement, without interruption, without worry. When this happens, I walk

Illustration Friday - SPENT

2010-11-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

Update: Color version posted on 11/08/10Water color and graphiteThey spent much time learning from one another and loved each other very very much. I quickly sketched this one out for IF - Spent. Again, I just sat quietly and asked for an image to come through to me and this cute elephant appeared. Of course, elephants have been turning up quite often in my art lately, but I don't question it.

Illustration Friday - RACING

2010-10-25T14:57:00.000-07:00

She heard a strange thump and her heart started racing.Finished! I added washes of color over the blue, and used an HB pencil and some colored pencil for linework/detail, and to give it some atmosphere. I loved working quickly at this size! I finished in less than 6 hours. Hope you like! Step 4. The piece starts to come alive with a blue underpainting. As you can see, I'm working small (5"x5"),

How To Be An Artist

2010-10-13T11:39:00.000-07:00

Illustration Friday - TRANSPORTATION

2010-10-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

The other day I stopped and just marveled at all the leaves knowing exactly when to release from their branches, one by one by one, perfectly letting go. And sometimes, they carry beautiful little passengers to the Earth.

Illustration Friday - BENEATH

2010-10-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

Scribbled while sitting in a coffee shop this afternoon. This is for today's Illustration Friday prompt- Beneath.

New Sketches- Yoga Girls!

2010-09-29T08:12:00.001-07:00

Something new I drew this afternoon. Doing Yoga is how I practice staying present, and in drawing these, I found myself very present. It was an active meditation. Perhaps I'll draw some boys in various asana's as well.

Picture Book Writing/Illustrating Class in Chicago

2010-09-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

If you live in the Chicago area and are interested in learning how to write and illustrate a picture book, this is the class for you! I took this class with artist/author Laura Montenegro a couple years ago and am so glad I did. Laura is nurturing, very giving, and filled with passion for her craft and for teaching. She taught us how to hand stitch a book dummy using booking binding tape and

Get That Spring In Your Step With Ivan Campuzano!

2010-09-19T10:58:00.000-07:00

I first got to Ivan Campuzano's extraordinary blog viaTwitter some time ago. I'm always browsing through blogs of this nature (self-development), but his really stood out from the myriad of others on the same subject. It was obvious to me that this is someone who is writing from a deeply experiential place with wisdom, kindness, and passion. In a word, Ivan is authentic, the real deal. So I was

Moments From A Road Trip

2010-09-16T18:19:00.000-07:00

I entered 80 stories into the earth in Carlsbad, NM.Had an alien encounter in Roswell. Planted a Tree where there wasn't one (White Sands, NM).Hitched a ride with Saguaro (Saguaro Nat'l Monument, AZ)Said a prayer of thanks in Sedona, AZ.Took a nice long stretch at the Grand Canyon (North Rim).And faced some fears here too.I stood on unsolid ground at Pink Corral Sands, Utah.And celebrated

Children's Illustrator Agents

2010-09-01T05:42:00.000-07:00

Over the last year or so I've gathered a growing list of agents for the children's illustrators market and wanted to share. If you're a children's illustrator and in search of an agent, just click the link to read their submissions info. I'll update the list in the future so check back. If you have any you'd like to add, do so in the comment box. And let me know if you

Ian's New Recording!

2010-08-30T07:13:00.000-07:00

Ian has been busy writing new music all year, and it's been so awesome watching and hearing his process and progress. More than anything, I'm just so glad that he does what makes him happy (his music!). He's devoted to it. I've noticed all aspects of his music growing in leaps and bounds, as he has continued evolving artistically in such a mature, beautiful, pure way! He is an a true artist! I

Moleskin Sketches...Compassion

2010-08-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

Just let compassion fill your whole being, even for those who carry animosity towards you. Any ill will you harbor will just make you physically, emotionally sick and will accumulate as Karma. That's what I believe. You might not. That's cool:)

Notice the Tiny Things

2010-08-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

I was out walking this morning with my husband when I looked down and saw the most marvelous thing. This tiny dew-covered leaf was sparkling in the sunlight. I picked it to have a closer look. It was one of those moments when your mind shuts off and all your attention and focus goes to an object so much so that some of the other senses shut off. For example, looking back, as I was holding this

20 Things That Went Really Well Today

2010-08-24T21:12:00.000-07:00

1. I was able to sub last minute this morning for an instructor who took ill. Thank you, fellow yoga teacher. 2. People showed up to class and I was able to teach! Thank you, students! 3. The sound system wouldn't work. That's ok. Thank you, sound system, for working the other day. 4. I wanted coffee, but turns out, didn't have my wallet. The guy at Panera gave me a free one. Thank you, coffee

My Moleskin Sketches -8/24/10

2010-08-24T08:49:00.000-07:00

Illustration Friday - DOUBLE

2010-07-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

Just a quick sketch for this weeks Illustration Friday prompt, Double. Her determination to keep dancing was now double what it was!

Yoga With Yoda- How To Do Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II)

2010-07-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Teachers, parents, and Yoga enthusiasts, please download this activity for kids! In this lesson, kids can learn how to do Warrior II pose with Yoda. Click here to download a PDF document!

What I Did On My Summer Vacation

2010-07-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

A lot of this:) Relaxing in nature. And summer's not even over yet!

Sketches from a Coffee Shop

2010-07-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

I finally brought a sketch book with me to the coffee shop instead of a book to read and ended catching a few interesting characters. I used an HB on the top portrait, and switched to an H for the bottom two (why they're not as contrasty). I haven't done any life drawing in quite a while, and felt rusty, which shows. That's ok! I'm back at it and who cares about a little of rust. In this case, it

Another Sketch To Make You Smile

2010-07-19T16:56:00.000-07:00

I started this one a week or so ago and it was slow going for a number of unimportant reasons. But no matter, it's done and here it is! When I was in India, I witnessed many beautiful deities being worshipped and decorated and came away with a need to express in my drawings the joy and peace I felt in watching various ceremonies. It's amazing how travel always, always, without fail, greatly

Stuff To Ponder- The Four Agreements

2010-07-10T15:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm going off the art track here to post these Four Agreements from a book by Don Miguel Ruiz called (what else?) The Four Agreements. These guidelines struck a chord with me, so I wanted to share. 1. BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD - Speak with integrity. Say what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction

Find The Space Between Your Thoughts

2010-06-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

I once heard it once described that our thoughts are like streams of bubbles in a fish tank. At first it looks as though the bubbles are one continuous, connected stream. But look closely, and you'll see that there is space between each bubble. Our thoughts also appear to be connected. They flow in and out of our mind continuously, one seemingly interwoven with the next. They seem to overlap, and

Be Inspired. Mindfully.

2010-06-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

"When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bounds. Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you every dreamed yourself to be."-

Stubborn Bunny

2010-06-28T17:54:00.000-07:00

Looks like stubborn bunny doesn't want to listen (again). Listening is indeed an art form, a science even. Sometimes we're so caught up in preparing what were going to say next that we really don't listen to the other person with whom we are having a conversation. No wonder we sometimes find ourselves in a communication breakdown. Check out this excellent article on being a good listener by Ivan

The Tranquility of Pencil

2010-06-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

I don't often work in pencil anymore for finished sketches, but when I do, I'm reminded of how beautiful a medium it is. I get lost in the serenity of each stroke, the wispy sound it makes on the paper, the subtle scent it has. I love the pencil shavings that speckle my desk, and the way my fingers and side of my right hand will get smudged with the stuff. Such a simple tool, seemingly. I love

My ACEO for the Oil Soaked Critters- SOLD

2010-06-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

Donate $10 to The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies or The International Bird Rescue Research Center and get an ACEO! This is an original work of art, not a print. It was hand-drawn by me with pencil and watercolor.Title: GuardiansSize: 2.5"x3.5" (shown bigger here)Medium: Pencil and watercolorI imagine Kelly will be posting it on the blog shortly, but in the meantime, here it is on my blog.

A New Illustration, Long Over Due

2010-06-21T14:53:00.001-07:00

I sketched this one out about a year ago or so and it's just been calling my name all this time. And I have to say, I'm glad I finished it. If only for the sake of finishing it;) It's watercolor and titled "Do Not Feed The What?"

Doing Yoga And Loving It!

2010-06-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I took a 3 day workshop with Manju Jois, son of Patthabi Jois. In my opinion, a once in a lifetime experience! We focused on the Primary Series (Ashtanga Yoga) and I can definitely say I learned a lot about how to connect to my breath in each asana and the chanting at the end of class was beautiful. I decided to then sign up for an additional 5 days of Teachers Training with Manju. I

I Heart SCBWI

2010-06-08T17:41:00.001-07:00

Yes, I do!

Printable Yoga Activity for Kids!

2010-05-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

I wanted to put together this fun, printable activity for anyone who practices Yoga and wants to introduce kids to it. Teachers, parents, aunts & uncles, this can keep your child occupied while you spend some time destressing in your favorite practice. Click on the PDF file to download the activity. Page 2 includes the answers to the word games. Ready, set, Ommmmm.......Download your PDF file

Illustration Friday - FEARLESS

2010-05-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

I fell behind on my Illustration Friday sketches, so I wanted to at least whip up something from the previous prompt, which was "Fearless". Dorothy came to mind. And Toto too.

Children's Book Review- Miltons Secret by Eckhart Tolle

2010-05-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

After seeing this book on the shelves for a couple of years, I finally decided to give it a read today. Having read The Power of Now and A New Earth, I'm familiar with and very much appreciate Eckhart Tolle's teachings. But I was disappointed by how the message of living in the Now was delivered in this picture book.First let me start by saying I'm not sure what age group this is book is

My Artsy Fartsy Weekend

2010-05-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be a weekend without much time for art but thankfully, I was wrong. This lovely little sketch evolved out of who-knows-where when I wasn't really looking. I plan to paint it with watercolor and colored pencils. I also continued writing a new story for an exciting collaborative project which I can't reveal yet. Very happily I critiqued/edited a couple of short stories from

Book Recommendation - Mistress Shakespeare by Karen Harper

2010-04-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine recommended this book to me last Sunday. I have been unable to put it down. For the past few months I've been quite preoccupied with required reading for my Yoga Teachers Training course. But I needed a change of pace, and Mistress Shakespeare by Karen Harper was just what the apothecary ordered! I was lucky enough to stay in London for two months back in 2006, which seems

My Empire Strikes Back Sketch Cards Are Away!

2010-04-20T16:18:00.000-07:00

It's not a bad day when the assignment is "Draw Star Wars". Life is good. I did 50 cards for this release, which will be available in May. I think finally lost count of how many sets of Star Wars cards I've worked on since the Star Wars: Heritage set back in '04. Wow, time flies. You can visit the official Topps web site for details. www.topps.com

Illustration Friday - DETECTIVE

2010-04-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

Inked it by hand and colored with Photoshop. I'm fond of this one!

Why Are Artist Drawn To Yoga?

2010-04-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

The other day in Yoga teachers training, I was asked why I feel yoga appeals to creative people. The answers seemed simple enough. Yoga is like a well-choreographed dance that leaves you feeling pretty good inside. A good work of art has flow, just like Yoga has flow. Yoga is an art form into and of itself (as well as a science) which is obvious if you’ve ever seen a

Yoga and Art: An Exciting New Path!

2010-04-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

As many an artist has said, I've been drawing since I could hold a crayon. Art school was an inevitability for me, as was becoming one of the lucky few who get paid to draw for a living. For the past twenty, I've been doing just that. And I've gone down many different artistic paths along the way, getting paid for all types of creative work from logo design to illustrating Star Wars trading cards

Happy Cats From A Happy Cat Owner

2010-04-07T07:19:00.000-07:00

I have three cats. On any given day, at any given moment, these little critters make me laugh like crazy. Except when they leave little presents all around. Yak, as I call it, otherwise known as fur balls. Tucker, aka T-Bone, happens to be Top Paw. He's the oldest. He found me one day in Oak Park, IL. Just showed up on our doorstep and decided we were going to take care of him, which we

A Quick Yoga Sequence for Busy Artists

2010-04-04T16:30:00.003-07:00

Yoga is a great way to stretch out the body after a long day of sitting at the drawing desk or computer. I do one hour of Ashtanga yoga every day, and feel so much less achy when I sit for hours at the drawing table or computer. In the past, I could only draw for about 2 hours pain-free, and then inevitably, my neck will ache, or my low back. This is a short yoga sequence that I put together for

Where Have You Traveled? Tell Me All About It!

2010-04-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

My passport is feeling neglected after only 4 months of non-use. My last trip overseas was to India in December and it already feels like it was ages ago. In September, my husband and I roadtripped from Chicago to Yellowstone, stopping in Boulder/Denver on the way there, and the Black Hills on the way home. Last May, we also snuck in a short trip to NY city. I'm feeling the travel bug itchin'

Thank You to Robert For Coloring Ms. Mouse!

2010-03-31T06:01:00.000-07:00

A HUGE thank you to 7 year old Robert B. of Ontario, Canada for doing such a fine job of coloring Ms. Mouse! Your beautiful shining sun makes the whole picture sparkle! Parents, please download your copy of Ms. Mouse below and send me a scan of your child's masterpiece! I'll post each one here!

Something for the Kiddies!

2010-03-24T06:44:00.000-07:00

Put this down in front of your kiddie, let 'em go to town with some crayons, then send me a scan of their masterpiece and I'll show it off here on my blog! I remember when I was little, and my Mom and Grandma lovingly displayed all my artwork on the kitchen wall. Talk about feeling loved and having great childhood memories! It really made a difference for me and I'm grateful that my family

Hugs For Everyone! A Saturday illustration.

2010-03-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

It's a very windy and snowy Saturday afternoon in Chicago. It's one of those cozy days that makes you want to just stay in doors and be creative (one of the reasons I love Chicago - days like this beg for creativity to shine if the sun won't). I haven't used my Copics in quite a while, and felt like doing a quick illustration with my markers. This took me about 3 hours from start to finish. I

A New Print for the Class Room!

2010-03-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

I want to do a series of posters that teachers can print and hang in their classrooms. This is the first in my series. I plan to do one for math, science, and art. If you're a teacher and would like one for your classroom, I'm giving high res copies to print and display. The first 10 teachers who respond will receive a copy. Leave a comment and include your email (so I can send you the file) and

Artists, Get Rolling!

2010-03-14T07:13:00.001-07:00

If you're an artist, chances are you sit quite a lot. Probably too much. We sit at our drawing tables sketching and painting for hours on end. We also spend an incredible amount of time sitting at our computers creating art, checking emails, sending invoices, networking...the list goes on and on. All of this sitting has become the norm for us, but our bodies were not necessarily designed to

Illustration Friday - Perspective

2010-03-03T16:34:00.000-08:00

Humpty Dumpty saw things from a new perspective, albeit momentarily.It's been a busy week. I had a Mac disaster which last three days. Fortunately, my oh so skilled husband not only saved all my files, he replaced the harddrive! Amazing:) We attended a wake last night. And my cat had minor surgery today. Looks like things are going to calm down tonight. But I only had a short while in which to

Great Sites for Picture Book Illustrators

2010-02-27T07:18:00.000-08:00

If you're interested in illustrating children's books, there are lots of great sites out there that will provide you with helpful information about the industry. There's a lot to know about illustrating picture books and even more to know about writing them. These sites will provide you with lots of helpful information as well as provide exposure to agents and ADs. Start by joining the Society of

The Empire Strikes...Again!

2010-02-23T06:34:00.000-08:00

I am pleased once more to have the opportunity to illustrate sketch cards for the next big Star Wars trading card set from Topps. I'll be illustrating 50 cards for this set, which is due out in May. For more info, visit www.Topps.com.

Digital Illustrations - My First Attempts!

2010-02-18T09:51:00.001-08:00

I decided to spend some time coloring a few illustrations in Photoshop. These were drawn with pencil by hand and inked with Micron Fine Liners. I'm thinking of doing a series to add to my portfolio, so that my portfolio has samples of digital work. I'm not focusing on storytelling at this point. Just experimenting with Photoshop since I rarely, if ever, use PS for illustrating but I think it's

Five Easy Ways To Help Someone Today

2010-02-15T06:05:00.001-08:00

It feels really good to help someone out and you'll be making a difference in some else's day, not just yours. So find at least three ways to lend a hand, be of service, or show some support. Here's a few easy ways to do it, and boy, will you feel good afterwards.1. When you're at Starbucks today, pay for the drink for the person in line next to you. We've all tossed extra change into the parking

Crank Old Guy:One More Revision!

2010-02-12T17:43:00.000-08:00

I decided to try something different with his pose. Something about the way he was holding the newspaper didn't feel very natural to me. So I decided to have switch it to the other hand, so the squirrel could be trying to grab it from him. I thought the pose of the squirrel was better here in relation to the newspaper as well. I do think I'm ready to paint this puppy! Thank you to everyone who

Crank Old Guy: The First Revision!

2010-02-12T15:11:00.000-08:00

I worked on the revisions of Cranky Old Guy (my working title for this one;). I traced the first image on my lightbox and adjusted a few things. Here's what's different:• The angle of his left foot (our right). The angle of it felt a little stiff in the first sketch. Better?• The squirrel on the bench wasn't as pesky as I wanted him to be. In this draft, he's definitely planning to steal the

New Sketch: Cranky Old Guy Vs. Pigeon.

2010-02-11T14:52:00.001-08:00

This sketch evolved last night from a doodle, as sketches do (stop the presses). I didn't have a story in mind when it started developing. It sort of developed on it's own. Here's what's going on. The little girl is the granddaughter come to tell grampa that it's time to go home. Notice the park bench dedication on the ground. It's for his wife who he misses. Is this too heavy a concept for a

One Of My Favorite Sketches You've (Probably) Never Seen

2010-02-11T07:13:00.000-08:00

I did this sketch back in the summer of 2006, which seems like a million years ago, because I was at such a different place in my life back then. It was one of those 'going through lots of changes' kind of years. Well, every year is like that to varying degrees (thankfully), but this was a particularly rough one albeit with many beautiful outcomes! I wasn't too focused on my art that year, not in

Booger & Lil, I've Ignored You. I'm Sorry.

2010-02-09T14:45:00.000-08:00

One year ago, I created a story about a little girl and her imaginary friend called Booger & Lil. I had envisioned turning it into a graphic novel or a picture book and maybe even a web comic. Then about a million other things got in the way, so I tucked Booger & Lil into bed, said 'night, night' and promised we'd meet again. But ... Booger & Lil have been tucked snuggly away since then and I'm

Illustration Friday - MUDDY

2010-02-08T07:52:00.000-08:00

It's Saturday. Move Away From the Computer.

2010-02-06T06:53:00.000-08:00

It's the weekend, Saturday morning to be exact. But here I am, sitting at the computer again. I realize I'm feeling frustrated, slightly irritable, a bit grumpy. And I know why. I am tempted to work when what I REALLY want to do is play. We are so good at work. We've mastered it. Some of us have even convinced ourselves that if we aren't working around the clock, we aren't dedicated to our craft

May The Crayons Be With You

2010-02-04T05:48:00.000-08:00

I illustrated this cute Yoda coloring page for Valentine's Day one year ago, and here it is again in case you (or your kids) missed it! You can print this image or go to Star Wars.com to download it there!

Illustration Friday - FOCUS

2010-02-03T20:20:00.000-08:00

It takes a lot of practice and focus to skate this good! This lovely skater will be colored in a few days, which will also require a bit of focus on MY part, as I'm suddenly quite scattered with work and other projects. And THAT is a a very good thing:)

Sitting A Lot, Bad. Moving Your Butt, Good.

2010-02-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

Thank you to artist Leah Mangue for sending this article about how we have become more sedentary than ever thanks to computers. It might seem obvious that we sit more than we ever did, but what might not be so obvious are the health risks in this type of lifestyle. Food for thought. I hope you check it out. http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/sedentary-lifestyle-hazardsAnd I recommend you go

Yoga is Good For Artists (And Jedi Masters Too)

2010-01-28T05:19:00.000-08:00

After my trip to India in December, I decided to enroll in Yoga Teachers Training. I've practiced Yoga off and on for 15 years and I like the 'on' better than 'off'. I'm looking forward to teaching it here in my community eventually, maybe even a class just for artists. As an artist (duh), one thing I always noticed is that I become incredibly creative after Yoga class and feel about a thousand

Five ArtFire Sellers Who Rock!

2010-01-27T05:46:00.000-08:00

I started using Artfire.com recently as a place to sell my original illustrations, prints, trading cards, and other assorted handmade goodies. I really love it so far. It's easy to use, buyers don't have to log in to purchase, and it's a really supportive community of artists and crafters. Here are five I think you should know about. I hope you take a look at their amazing creations (and maybe

Trading Card Trade!

2010-01-26T12:46:00.000-08:00

Recently I was fortunate enough to nab this adorable trading card from artist Bob Ostrom. In exchange, he chose one of my piggy cards. If you haven't seen Bob's art, definitely go check it out. Quite a talent, and super nice guy as well! BOB'S STUDIO (CLICK HERE!)I'm always up for a trade and will be posting some cards for trade soon! If you're interested in a trade, send me an email or leave a

Daily Sketch 01/25/10

2010-01-25T19:45:00.000-08:00

I have a growing interest in those goofy things called Chakras. Once again, thank you India! Today, early in the morning before I headed off to 6 hours of Yoga teachers training, I just HAD to get in a quick sketch. This took me all of about 20 minutes, and I enjoyed every minute. And it inspired the concept for my next print based on the seven main chakras which I will reveal soon! It's going to

Illustration Friday - WILDERNESS (& Daily Sketch for 1/18)

2010-01-18T19:56:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: 1/20/10 Ok, here's the final color art for Illustration Friday- Wilderness! Woohoo! Finished! This was one of the first paintings I've done in a while wherein I felt completely grounded, centered, focused. Albeit there were a few minor distractions, both necessary and unintentional, but for the most part, I felt very peaceful painting this. In India, the challenge was put to me to

Sketch Victims In A Starbucks

2010-01-15T16:44:00.001-08:00

Remember the other day when I talked about needing to get to the nearest coffee shop just for the sound of a human voice? Well, today I found myself at a Starbucks saying "With whip, please." It was the best peppermint hot chocolate I may have had all year, which can really only be attributed to the fact that I was sipping and sketching. I carefully selected my unknowing sketch victims and

6 Things To Do When You Feel Like Doing Nothing

2010-01-14T14:29:00.000-08:00

Every now and again while you're trying to draw (or write or make music, whatever you do) that ugly little monster called Zero Motivation sneaks up on you. It's always when you're not expecting it. It strikes without warning. Thankfully, with a little encouragement, we can send it away. Here's how.1. Write it a letter. Something like this:Dear Zero,Just wanted to say so long. It's been great.

Daily Sketch 01/13/10

2010-01-13T13:56:00.000-08:00

Ok, so this isn't a sketch as much as a finished painting, but who said I had to follow my rules? And one other thing I realized tonight. It seems as though my colors are getting much brighter and have a more energized feel or quality. I wonder if this could be the influence of my December trip to India seeping into my work. I always tend to show influences of my travels in my art. Not only has

Daily Sketch 01/11/10

2010-01-11T17:09:00.001-08:00

Daily Sketch 01/10/10

2010-01-10T12:49:00.000-08:00

Today I give you "Happy Yoda"! Enjoy!Also, here's my Daily Sketch from yesterday...And oops - from Friday!

Quite Possibly The Creepiest Critter On Earth - Star Nosed Mole

2010-01-10T07:38:00.000-08:00

This HAS to be one of the most intriguing little critters currently inhabiting planet Earth! I am utterly fascinated by him/her/it. It's called a Star-Nosed mole. Who the heck knew they made 'em this creepy? Check out the video below and watch him action! I kind of love this ugly little fellow!

Daily Sketch 01/07/10

2010-01-07T19:04:00.000-08:00

"Look What I Drew!"She's quite proud of herself. All it was took was a piece of sidewalk chalk! Life should always be this simple:) Enjoy!

Daily Sketch 01/06/10 - Just Bee

2010-01-06T13:17:00.001-08:00

There's something I really enjoy about these quick doodles, especially doing the ink washes. She's a cutie, isn't she. I'm not sure why I decided to draw this little lady in a Bee costume but I went with it. Then I heard a little whisper, and it made sense. "Just bee."

Daily Sketch 01/05/09- The Happy Couple

2010-01-05T15:44:00.000-08:00

One simply cannot be crabby, pouty, or poopy when drawing these silly grins every day!I decided to turn this daily sketch into an ACEO. If you'd like to purchase the original, it's in my Artfire.com store here.

10 Reasons You Should Be An Artist (If You Aren't One Already)

2010-01-05T08:27:00.001-08:00

1. The longer you wait to scratch the itch, the worse the rash will get! You've wanted to be an artist since you were a little kid. Parents or teachers or both said no way, it's not feasible, you won't make a living, don't do it. Unfortunately, you might've believed them. Hog wash! You're a grown up now. That desire to scribble, doodle, and paint ain't going away, is it. One way or another, it'll