still at it

 I am still at it,  sketching new shops, homes, places, pets and keeping things humming along.  This happens to be store no. 68 for a client.  I have a few deadlines that need my full attention so in case you wonder why things are a bit quiet, I am needing some "stillness" in order to focus my full attention on getting some work completed.   Firstly, I rough in the sketch in pencil and then work over with micron pen and a water color wash.  Everyone asks how long does a sketch take me to do.
More on that for another post.  There are so many variables that go into each work.

Time to get to work.  As always - thanks so much for your comments and your support.

Chestnut Hill

Chestnuts seem to be all around me and this J.McLaughlin shop that just opened is located in Chestnut Hill, PA.  I have to admit, I really got into all the detail of this store sketch.  Now I just want to sing "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire."  It t'is the season for all things Chestnuts.

October good and evil

 October is a month full of goodness.  

Good warm things to eat and share with family and friends.

As we spend more time inside, we find the time to enjoy slow roasted stews, soups and roasted meats.

hmm. hmm. good.

 Then there is the mean and evil bad part of October that very often is just girls being mean and excluding one girl.  It always seems to be around Halloween.  It might even have something to do with the entire costume scene of one person feeling excluded.

I have a 13 year old daughter so I feel like an authority on mean girls.

It is not only the evil that comes out in girls, boys can turn on their devilish charm too.  Imagine a young man invited to a wedding just bringing along eight uninvited guests to a wedding party without notice, and think they were just being good.  It sounds familiar, right?

Is it me or does October bring out the good and the evil near you?

all illustrations created for Sheridan Road Magazine

guys and grills

During the summer months we love to take advantage of our grill.  This evening, I plan to grill shrimp.

Do you grill during the summer or is it purely a "guy" thing to man the grill?

pve design illustration for sheridan road magazine.

in the works

I thought I would share an illustration and shop that is "in the works" - as you can see, I have not yet applied water color to the building since I needed information as to the colors of the awning and the door.  Often I like to do a loose rendering to get the perspective working and from left to right.  I will be back after this one is completed and show you the final artwork.

on park avenue

If you have a chance to stroll on Park Avenue, the tulips and blossoms this spring are just stunning.  Although the forecast this week calls for rain, one can hale a NY sunny yellow taxi!

Happy Monday!

illustration by pve design for A.Tierney

the quipsters

"Holly regretted not sporting the matching ric-rac jacket to loan to the naked statue."

"Madge felt the stare of the statue gaze upon her wherever she went."

"Shirley had forgotten to wear her watch and she wondered if her friend was fashionably late for the
5 o'clock rendez-vous at the atrium cafe.  Her stomach growled, as she had forgotten to have a proper lunch."


The series of gals were done for a client and never purchased nor used and I found them in a file and thought that they might bring you a smile.  I had great fun creating these gals and the witty remarks, so this shall be a series of what I am naming "the quipsters."

Please feel free to inspire me with any flattery, scene or verbal equivocations for this series.  I must admit that I often love to eaves drop and gather future fodder.

artful arrangements

Artwork of an artful arrangement from a wedding.

 How about wrapping a vase with some rustic burlap for the holidays.
An elegant arrangement with a rustic twist.

Setting the table with linen and an assortment of votives creates a lovely ambiance.

Will you be arranging anything artful for your tables during the holidays?

tweed tailgate

This weekend, we look forward to going to our son's tailgate at Union College. 

My tweed Jacket is ready along with a plaid blanket and umbrellas.

 I am preparing some treats to bring along, black bean dip, some fresh cheese, breads, fruit and a thermos of hot apple cider.  What sort of treats would you bring to a tail gate?

rock the weekend

This weekend officially marks the start of Summer. Block Parties, Parades, Ice cream socials, picnics, movies and concerts in the park. The seasons always are full of good things to keep us all rockin! Rock the weekend people.

The winner of the sea star necklace from Julie Lorusso goes to Ellen, check out her fun blog here where she recreates photos of retirement life. Thanks for your comments and as always your support.

news bureau

I really love bureaus that hold lots of treasures tucked inside.

Especially ones that include my illustrations!

J.McLaughlin has added these collages to the revamped web site.

Garment racks full of fun

Does your bureau or business use photography or illustration to spread good news?

On campus

A lovely client came to me with a request for a work of art to give to her Father. How wonderful to have a special memory on campus. Timely for me since I have twin sons who are high school seniors and will be off to college in the Fall.
This week as many students are waiting to receive envelopes or e-mails as to which schools will accept them for the coming Fall, including my twin sons. It is an exciting and somewhat anxiety driven time for students and parents.

If you attended a University, what were some of your favorite memories of being on campus?

Wishing all of the students all over the world much success and happiness on and off campus.

last resort

There is nothing more exciting than traveling to a warm and sunny climate during the winter. Glossy magazines with glamorous spreads of resorts tempt me this time of year.

I imagine myself peerfectly packed and landing happily in a spot full of sun, along with a fun and fabulous itinerary. What is the last resort you visited? Was it wonderful? Love to hear about your latest travels?

Anyone game for a little virtual escape?

tech talk

The collection of sketches were illustrated for "Sheridan Rd" magazine - vol.4 no.5 2010.

The article, written by the Editorial Director, "Kate Ancell" - titled "Tech Talk" is all about etiquette for the use of social media.

Everyone seems to be on a line of some sort where ever I go.

My inspiration for this article was right out my window, birds on a line.

Long ago....the opera glasses were for pure entertainment and viewing pleasure, however now, the computer seems that it is a stage full of pictures embedded without any sort of concern over one's privacy.

Do you remember talking on the phone with the cord? Now the home phone seems to be purely for telemarketers and a barren wasteland for recorded messages. Texting seems to be the way we talk now.

How reachable are you? Is your blackberry your "plus one" and always at your side? Are you hopelessly devoted to tech talk? Are you?

in the window

These darling dogs wait in the window for the master of the house to return. Can you imagine feeling the love, seeing "Summer" and "Max" ready to welcome you home. Not all the money in the world could buy that kind of unconditional love.

What is in the window at your house?

summer down

Happy July.

The entire notion that one can spend time living life devoted to the verb of

"summering"

fascinates me to no end.

The added day-light, open windows, screen doors, porches, verandas, riding bikes, weekend blitz's of summer fests, the guilt ridden mondays, only to obsess all year long

is truly the cat's meow.

Proof that Blondes do have more fun.

Visual overload for me as an artist to capture it all on paper would take a lifetime or a book!

Add -"Summer is a verb" frame by MRR Design. Marnie and I met before her blog. She came to me in pursuit of art for her snappy frames.

We connected on so many levels, Moms, fabric and ribbon junkies, monogram mavens, art lovers, tart lovers, avid readers, frugalistas, knitters and our love for sisters and Summertime, bonded our friendship.

The quintessential white bikini, basket on the pink bike, the coveted Hermes towel and not to mention kitty out for a spin. I really wonder if and when that beach babe has time to "summer down" between all the work-outs between the shopping escapades, the ups deliveries and the five-o-clock pit-stops.

Summer never looked so good on the first day of July.

little dippers

The Beach Boys

pve design illustration, little dipper, the surfer girl

There is something synonymous about Spring Break and some sort of surf. That first plunge or "dip" into the water is so luxurious. As Spring Break approaches, my mind is full of images of little dippers running towards the sandy beaches with boogie boards or surf boards to ride the wave and watch the stars.

What are your plans for your Spring Break?

couples

Couples fascinate me. I admire couples who have what it takes to compliment one another and to live a life full of love and respect for one another. I did this illustration for a faithful reader who has left so many kind comments to me. I thought she would appreciate one of her folks. Do you have couples around you that you look up to. What do you think it takes to make a couple stay a couple?

smiling places

Do you have a favorite landmark building, or site that you love to go to, it could be a shop or a quaint spot to go to that might need a sketch.  Take a look at this site with a new launch. Click around and see my illustrations sprinkled about. 

 The bulk of those illustrations were done over many years as stores opened.  I take great delight in knowing that my work has longevity and continues to smile on.  

 

My illustration and design services are available for commissions.  Let me know if you are a small business or a home in need of commemorating?  Times may pose challenges, but we all need to look for happy smiling places.

 

Nothing like a little shameless self promotion to spread a little cheer!

heavenly muse

Spring 1907 - Carl Larsson

From time to time, my readers send me wonderful snippets, share art and point out details. They tell me that I and or my work reminds them of someone.  I have been honored to have been told many times that my work reminds them of the artist Carl Larsson. 

(I am fascinated with his work, the detail, the pretty, the light, the color.)

 

They tell me that I am Karin, "muse" of Carl, wife, mother of 8 and artist. 

 

While Karin lit the home-fires, raised the children, she also provided great counsel for her husband.  He looked to her for her expertise, her critique and her light.  She inspired his artwork,  she was his muse.

I can only imagine living in darkness for so much of the year that when the light finally did shine, it must be a magical time.  A time to reflect and feel the glow of the sun.  A moment to get your "muse" on.

Light provides color, and the ability to see and to sew, to produce and to be actively doing until dark.  I always embrace Spring, and the lighter days.  I try to take advantage of the light and sew more often.  

Karin loved textiles.

She sewed many things for her family, as well as designed amazing textiles.  (You may see those on the site)

Growing up one of seven, we each needed to help with the chores, preparation of the beans, peeling the potatoes all while our Mother created a home full of amusement.  This weekend, celebrate Mother's who amuse and fill our hearts and our homes with so much.  

Take a moment and honor the heavenly muse, your Mother or a woman who has given you life.

Are you a "muse" to anyone?  

(all artwork posted is that of Carl Larsson)