This is a new painting. I doubt I'll have time to use it as a card this year, but maybe as an email greeting and cheers to the holidays! I think it's sweet and a little funny, though not for the trees.
Here are some more holiday themed paintings. I use liquid acrylic and sometimes aim for a looser, light touch. I'm currently crazy about patterns and although these are not repeat, I think they could work well as repeats for gift wrap and fabric. One of the things I learned from Lilla Rogers Mats courses, is to create lots of icons. I'm enjoying using these and incorporating them into scenes, as well. The more you make, the more variations you can have.
Above, is Snow-Mom :) an example of a winter scene that I think could also work as a repeat. We'll see, I've yet to take the numerous pattern classes I'm signed up for on Skillshare and now I'm contemplating Jessica Swift's Pattern Camp. Let me know if any of you have taken it. That brings me to my next endeavor, taking on an Accountability Partner. I know, it sounds kind of "life coach-y" and it's definitely unlike me, but I need a push for 2016! If you haven't heard of this, take a look at Jessica Swift's blog post from last week. It sure can't hurt. Her career and personal life, both seem to be soaring! Anyway, my partner & I are making our list of what we want to happen in the next year career-wise and plan to check up on each other week to week or project to project, depending.
I had the chance to meet two influential Jennifers this week, Jennifer Nelson of Jennifer Nelson Artists and Jennifer Orkin Lewis aka August Wren. If you are here reading my bog, then no doubt, you know who Jennifer Orkin Lewis is. She's had a whirlwind year and her sketchbooks became extraordinarily popular on Instagram. I'm particularly happy to see a painter do so well in the world of art licensing.
A few weeks ago I had a Skype consulting session with Jennifer Nelson. I highly recommend this to any artist feeling a little stuck or overwhelmed, like myself. When it comes to what steps to take next and time management, I definitely needed some advice. I also wanted someone to look at my website and social media to offer some feedback. She is down to earth, straight forward and encouraging. I know she can also help with more specific issues like understanding a contract or figuring out what to charge for a particular project.
Below, a shot of Melissa Iwai and myself with our portraits by Jennifer Orkin Lewis. I think mine makes me look quite scholarly :)
The Jennifers were exhibiting at Blue Print, a smaller show than Printsource or Surtex, but I think a growing one for the trade. (I like saying 'for the trade' ;)
I also met Rachel Place, a super nice person that Melissa had met at Surtex. She only recently started licensing her cute designs, after more than a decade working 9-5 for Dell. You never know what can happen if you really put your mind to something. She's talented and very personable, so I'm not all that surprised she's doing well. Rachel's represented by Lucky Day Studio.
Ok, back to the holidays ... I thought this was pretty clever, putting little mouse and Santa in Burberry!
Happy Hanukkah!! I realize I mostly have a Christmas theme going on here. I will add Jewish iconography to my To Do list ;)
Thanks for stopping by! xo, A