Friday, May 31, 2013

A New Studio!

A New Studio!
After almost two wonderful year in my current studio
shared with my dear friends, Wanda and Kevin, 
I'm moving my studio into this tiny little cottage just down the road. 
The cottage belongs to our church and sits on the edge of the campus, 
just behind the Upperville Library and the house that is now the thrift shop. 
It was probably a summer kitchen for the larger house, for as tiny as it is, 
it has the most enormous fireplace, most certainly used for cooking at one time. 
It is truly a little doll house with two rooms, a tiny kitchenette under the stairs and 
a proper loo too, though there is a privy behind the cottage, 
which has thankfully been replaced by modern plumbing. 
Moving day is tomorrow. I can't wait! 
Happy Friday all!

Monday, May 27, 2013

A Closer Look | Magicicada

Magicicada
Magicicada Brood II
The seventeen year old magicicadas are emerging in our area! 
I spotted this one in my garden a few days ago. 
You can read more about them here. It's quite fascinating!

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Studio | Wildlife-Friendly

I know it seems like new paintings have been scarce in the last couple of months.
In fact, I've been busier than ever. Quiety working on illustrating my first book project!
The Wildlife-Friendly Vegetable Gardener will be filled with over fifty illustrations by moi,
featuring all of the critters and creatures, flora and fauna you would expect to find in the garden.
I'm so pleased with how it's coming together. You can pre-order the book here
It is due out in December! I can't wait!

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

A Closer Look | Sphinx Moths

sphinx moths II
sphinx moths
sphinx moths III
I recently traveled to Sedona, AZ and these sphinx moths were there to greet me! 
There were at least fifteen of them outside my door one morning. 
I love their striped markings and the hint of pink on their wings.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Words | Moldy Potential

Words to live by. Two quotes on our kitchen chalkboard
The first is Tim Gunn's mantra from Project Runway.
The latter I stumbled across on Phil McAndrew's blog, Phil in the Blanks.
I nearly fell off my chair laughing. I love his sense of humor.

Friday, May 10, 2013

A Closer Look | Shrew

 My neighbor found this little shrew on the side of the road 
and lucky for me we both like to draw from nature.

 I probably would have mistaken him for a mouse and kept walking. He's so tiny. 
It's the little details that stand out for me. His long snout, his feet, his teeth.
***
Andi Teran from The Fox Is Black wrote a super nice post
about my work. I'm so glad that she finds beauty within my more macabre scenes!

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

On My Desk


All six topiary prints together on my desk this morning! 

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Golly Bard Editions | Topiary






For those who love whimsical garden plans and the combination of nature and artifice.
A selection of knot and parterre garden prints are now available in my Etsy shop!
You can also find My Topiary Collection fabric, wallpaper and gift wrap on Spoonflower.



Thursday, May 2, 2013

Always

always
Words to live by.
"Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder."
E. B. White