Along Came May

Happy May, friends! My allergies are in full bloom. If you saw me you’d think I’d been crying but no— it’s just pollen ruining my life.

I’ve been in the studio working on stuff for fly.io, but I also have made progress on my B. Tull story (more on that soon) and I even did a little spring study today. I plan to do more larger studies, and post them up for sale in my web-store.

Here’s what I did:

I drew four rectangles, and reflected on things I’ve loved about this Spring so far. Orange blossoms, Abby’s raspberry birthday cake, making lemonade with my son, and bouquets of garden flowers. I made quick painting sketches of three of them…still need to finish the orange blossoms. Then I did a larger study of Abby’s cake, adding in more detail and fixing the composition. I like who it turned out, but I think I’ll use hot press water color paper next, so that I have less texture.

Small studies in my sketchbook

A larger study of raspberry cake. mmmmmmm.

The title got weird when I painted it, so I cut some paper and redid the lettering. I used gouache and watercolor, then pencil to finish the details. It was fun, simple, and had been a WHILE since I sat down to play so it didn’t feel second-nature. But that’s ok! It feels good to not know what I’m doing sometimes and just make art for art’s sake.

I’ve also been working on some art for fly.io. Here’s a new hero image for the website:

Part of me wants to go even more psychedelic, but we’re not doing a full rebrand right now, so we need to stay consistent with the current style. We’re getting a new designer soon, so I’m anticipating changes and some fun collaborations in my future.

The garden is lush and the veggies are in the ground. The kids and I have been playing a lot outside and enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. My husband is happy and we’re all just trucking right now. I feel very thankful for that. The ebbs and flows of life bring so many things, and sometimes, once in a while…it’s peace and quiet ;)

……

If you’re in the Napa area this Thursday, May 8th, I’m doing an event with Chad McComber to talk about his latest book, CamShaft10 that I got to illustrate. The Napa Bookmine is a fabulous bookstore, so please come and check it out. Event starts at 6:00pm.

Wishing you lots of wildflowers and sunshine,

Annie

February

Winter always gets me. Even when I try my hardest to work with this slower, colder season, I feel like I'm born again out of a dark hole when the end of February arrives. My body finally wakes up, my heart opens, and I'm ready to take on the days ahead. Not the case in Winter. All I want to do is sleep and hunker down under ten blankets. Maybe I'm part bear??

February has been a great month, though. I wrapped up the final watercolors on my newest picture book. I'm so happy with how they turned out! I reflected recently on my first book, "The Three Things"- did a little post about it on Instagram and sold some copies. That was delightful, knowing my story would be read to some new children. I still LOVE this book with all my heart, and there aren't many copies left. I'm a bit bummed that I won't really be able to promo it anymore. But I'll always have a few copies on hand to do a reading!

Because I have renewed energy, I want to start making things again. Things that nourish me, things that require time and some ingredients; things that require a process. My first attempt at sourdough in a while is going well. I have yet to bake a loaf but the starter is lookin' alive! I'll let you know how it goes. I've had back luck in the past but I'm optimistic this time!

I'm also finishing up some custom art pieces for the platinum kickstarter folks of The Spacious Tarot. I've been sharing the progress on Instagram and talking about why I chose certain colors. Some are for stylistic reason, and some are to convey perspective or distance.

Lots of love, everyone. Spend time with the people you love and doing some things that bring you joy.

-Annie

My Dad, me, and my twin sister at a local farm.

Working on your thing

It's a constant challenge, but that's because all practices are about balance. Our art practice is no different, but it's worth the time regardless of the frustration that ensues. In fact, I'm getting use to this idea of struggle. Life is no cruise, ok? Sometimes we get to board a pretty ship and eat the breakfast buffet, other times we have to work in the kitchen and wait tables. I think it's good for us to have healthy dose of both.

Dr. Jordan Peterson- a brilliant mind- said, "Responsibility gives us purpose, and purpose gives us meaning." Ok, I'm paraphrasing this a bit, but the guts are in that notion. When I focus on the fact that my work is done in order to contribute to my peers, to children, and even support other's persuits, then I have more gumption and energy to do the work well. I am so grateful I even have the opportunity to dink around with paints and photoshop and make things! How cool is that?

And when it comes to our personal art practice, we won't have ALL the time, but we have some time, and usually some time is enough time. And sharing our own ideas is such a gift to everyone around us. It's a way of sharing our story, or true selves, and it empowers others to see parts of themselves they hadn't before.

Here's what I'm working on: The picture book is moving along and wowzas I am happy with where it's landing.

New revised spread for “Sometimes it’s Bright”.

The middle grade novel is in its final editing stages before I submit it to my agent. I am LOVING working in black and white. That is all.

Concept art for “Dream Walker”.

On another note, 2019 is the year I do scary things. One of those things was performing in a sketch show at Upright Citizen's Brigade, Lod Angeles, last weekend. The sketches were hilarious! Yes, I was nervous, but in the end, I did my best, and it was really about supporting the ensemble. Their skills helped me play my part, and my efforts and energy fed them.

What's next? Not exactly sure, but I'm thinking a writing class?!

-Annie