Big pig wears a wig, dances a jig with a a twig

A silly sketch for Illustration Friday---topic, WIG

Saying good-bye today to summer vacation, which ends tomorrow, as I head back to work for my 34th year of teaching art at the same school. It's been a very hot and humid summer, and next week looks like more of the same. Expecting highs in the 90s and sticky conditions. Looking forward to a little more fall-like weather!

"crown" Illustration Friday

Just a little sketch for Illustration Friday, "crown"

Illustration Friday "Olympics"

New topic for IF --Olympics

Here's a peak below of the mermaid print that I'm working on!

Hand printing with Akua inks and Easy Cut block

Illustration Friday "mythology"

Just a quick sketch for Illustration Friday. This week's word prompt is "mythology". Norse mythology came to mind, so I tried out this concept of kids in a play.

I'm home early today because of a snowstorm. We got to leave at noon, as the forecast calls for 6-10 inches overnight. There have been a lot of storms this winter so far---looking forward to Spring already!

Illustration Friday "The letter A"

This week's theme for Illustration Friday is "The Letter A". I haven't been posting on IF consistently, but it is the NEW YEAR, so I'll try to get back on track.

                                                     A is for Avocado

The Eastern USA has been going through a long, terrible frigid weather spell. The temperature has been in the teens with below zero wind chill. Today it was 4 degrees F when I got up to go to my Saturday morning yoga class. Surprisingly, the class was packed! I imagine everyone is getting cabin fever, and can't stand being inside for one more day. On Thursday, there was a nor'easter that dropped a foot of new snow in most of New England. Lots of flooding on the coast, and anything that wasn't cleared away in now encased in frozen ice and snow. We are pretty tough here, but I'm looking forward to the milder weather forecasted for later next week. Weather in the 30s and 40s sounds pretty balmy at this point!

We love to feed and watch the birds that come to our yard. A partial list of birds include, blue jays, chickadees, juncos, cardinals, gold finches, white-throated sparrows, yellow-bellied sapsuckers, red bellied woodpeckers, downy and hairy woodpeckers, mockingbirds, crows, Carolina wrens, and mourning doves. Of course the squirrels are in the mix too.

This is a red-bellied woodpecker. You would think it would be called a red-headed woodpecker, but that name was already taken, and this guy has a bit of light red on the lower belly.

Hope everyone is staying warm and cozy!

Illustration Friday "Safety"

Just a little sketch for this week's IF prompt, "safety"

Illustration Friday "Mail"

Something new for Illustration Friday.

Mail

Does anyone get real mail anymore?

Wiley is hanging out with me while I'm working on a new print!

Illustration Friday "neighbors"

Just finished my illustration for this week's Illustration Friday prompt, "neighbors."

                  " Neighbors"        

                                          Black Prismacolor pencil, watercolor

Sailor Mouse

Here is a quick sketch for this week's Illustration Friday topic, "sailor." I'm planning on adding watercolor to the drawing, but would like to meet the deadline for posting on the IF site.

"sailor" black Prismacolor   7" x 10"

"Skate" Illustration Friday

It's been a busy time as the current school year winds down. Final exams and major room cleaning have kept me occupied this week! I managed to squeeze in a little time to draw a piece for this week's Illustration Friday prompt, "skate." I used to enjoy roller skating when I was a child. We had strap-on skates that didn't allow for the smoothest ride, but were fun to cruising up and down the street, although we didn't wear helmets back in the day! Fortunately I survived without major damage!

Illustration Friday, "Mother"

This is the card I made for my mom on Mother's Day. This is also the theme for this week's Illustration Friday drawing.

After weeks of dreary weather, there is finally a row of suns on the 10 day forecast. Today was beautiful with nice May temperatures in the 70s. It may even hit 90 on Thursday, which is a little much, but no complaints after all the rain of the last month.

Including a photo of Wiley, just because she is so cute!

Illustration Friday "Resist"

Here is my image for this week's Illustration Friday theme.

"Resist"

It's May and all the flowering trees are in bloom! The daffodils and tulips are out, as well as the lilacs. We've had a cool wet Spring so far, but everything is green, and the drought is over!

Beach Girl

I haven't been able to keep up with Illustration Friday lately--too many other projects! This drawing was for last week's topic "hot."

The last time I posted here on April 1st, we had just had a big snowstorm. Yesterday the high temperature was 87 degrees. Everyone was running around in shorts and flip flops celebrating the "summer" weather. A little more seasonable today, but still nice!

Illustration Friday "Internet"

A quick sketch for Illustration Friday, "internet"

I admit, I often catch myself overly plugged-in with multiple devices!

Illustration Friday post "Tape"

This week's IF post is inspired by all the crazy advertising for Christmas! I haven't wrapped anything yet, but I know I'd better stock up on the tape.

I wonder what is in the package?

"Steam" for Illustration Friday

A new drawing for Illustration Friday "steam"

Illustration Friday "Stripes"

     
                        A new piece for Illustration Friday

Summertime...

Here is my Illustration Friday idea for this week's prompt, "stomach." I remember that I was advised many years ago, to give my babies "stomach time" so they could strengthen their arms and neck muscles. I think we could all use a little of that, especially in the summer!

Along with a bit of relaxation, I'm getting ready for the "Uncommon Art on the Common" Art Event on August 6th in Goffstown. I'm busy matting and packaging my work in preparation for the show. 

It's always a fun event, with a wide variety of different artists and media. Pop on over if you are in the area!

Illustration Friday "Teeth"

A post for Illustration Friday--"teeth"

It was a busy night for the Tooth Fairy!

I've been enjoying another sunny summer week, with a day at a lake, and a day at the ocean. The lake's water temperature was fine for swimming, but I only managed to go up to my knees in the ocean. It was still very cold! Usually by the end of August the ocean water is finally warm enough for some extended swimming time. Lots of kids didn't seem to mind, and were having fun riding the waves on their "boogie boards," while paddle boarders and surf boarders (in wet suits) were also taking advantage of the fine conditions.

Illustration Friday "Tornado"

Tornado

I couldn't think of a humorous take on this week's Illustration Friday's prompt, but I could envision the hope of finding what can't be replaced.