hello and thank-you

A little Hello and Thanks to J.McLaughlin and the new shop in Southport, CT.  I did this illustration about a week and a half ago and love this announcement and the gratitude expressed as well.  How often do you say Hello and Thank-you?  Stop by, tell them PVE sent you.

table lamps

monaco vignette I - pve design illustration

monaco vignette II - pve design illustration

As I was going through some of my sketchbooks, I noticed that I had a series of table lamps.  I love how time can very often bring our attention to the light.  Do you have a favorite table lamp?

old school

Funny to think that I sketched this new J.McLaughlin shop where my alma mater is located.  I went to University of Cincinnati, Ohio - long ago.  Don't you think this shop has a "old school" attitude?
Speaking of school, my kids will be back in school in just a few weeks, two back to college and an eighth grader so my posting will be sporadic at best.   Thanks as always for coming to PvE and giving the "old college try."  It is Monday and I know some students are already back to school.  Has school started in your area?

mapping it out

I did this map or legend for J.McLaughlin in 2004 to mark the stores that they had at that time.  See the litte orange umbrellas serving as a legend for shop locations.  Currently, they have over 40 stores which means that they have literally doubled the number of stores since then.  How wonderful to see a company spread out by opening shops across America.  Rumor has it they plan to be on the West coast one day.

summer salon

I wanted to share with you some artwork that I created for a lovely client who is about to launch her blog.  This is just one of the illustrations that I did.  She has not yet launched her blog but when she is ready, I will make the introduction.

Most women can appreciate the need to book an appointment at a salon but what about a few women meeting over the summer in a salon setting to meet, read, share a cup of tea or perhaps a glass of chilled wine.  How many of you are in a book group that takes the summer off or do you continue to meet?
Love to know what you are reading now?

more mclaughlin

 Just a few more stores coming soon for J.McLaughlin to open,

Sarasota, FL.

 Wilmington, NC.

 another perspective

Wilmington, NC

Chenoweth Square in Louisville, KY.

What's that quote, "It's not how far you've come, it's where you started."

I was born and raised in Louisville.

All roads do have a way of connecting and leading us back to where we started, in this case, make it more stores to connect us all.
More sketches for me, pve.

make way

Make way for  the newly expanded Boston J.McLaughlin shop.  

Look carefully when you cross the street, the shop is not only on the corner but runs down the street.

I can't wait to make way for a visit the next time I am in Boston - make way J.McLaughlin

homework

Just last night as my daughter was doing her homework, she quipped - "I mean what is the point of all this homework because it just gets tossed in the trash later!"  As any good Mother would reply, "Why dear, it is elementary!"  All apart of learning, just like exercise, we have to go through the repetition to learn or to benefit from the homework.

A dear friend asked when I had the most "homework" and I had to stop and think.   What she really meant was when I am the busiest with commissions.  I have never done an official study because it seems that I always have a steady stream of "homework" or artwork to be done.  I guess one is never too old to learn or to do one's homework.  The above artwork of this home was sent last week to a client to give as a gift.

Thank-you to each of you for supplying me with more homework for which I shall never complain.
I am grateful for more work and with each and every work, I continue to learn and to grow as an artist.

party animals

Animals need to have a little fun too and these three were the life of the invite for a New Year's day party.

The pets partied on the front of the invite and the house was on the back.

I can only imagine the fun had by all who attended this bow wow meow party!

holiday tips

 T'is the season and now is the time to give to certain folks who help us all year long.  You know who those various helpers are.  Think of them as elves in your life to make your world run a little smoother.
Money or gift cards always are appreciated no matter the nationality.  Think of your cleaning person, Gardener, Banker, Dry Cleaner, Doorman, Dog walker, Postman, Barista, Baker, Candlestick maker...well you get the idea.  If you happen to be all those people, then tip yourself with something nice!

 Fill a nice jar with a fun spoon, a package or two of hot cocoa some marshmallows and tie with a ribbon.  Last week on NPR I heard that drinking cocoa has many benefits to improve the circulation.

I stopped in a local spot when I was out running errands and while I was sitting enjoying my hot cocoa, a lady popped in to give the owner the prettiest amaryllis.  Certain plants always add cheer during the holidays.

There are many wonderful gifts to give to remember those who are part of our daily grind.  Just think of all those who may be need a little cheer this time of year.  Care to share any holiday tips?