Autumn in New England

The colors of fall have been beautiful this year! I wondered how the summer drought would affect the foliage, but it seems as if the variety and intensity of the hues were not affected in any negative way. While enjoying time outdoors, I've been taking pictures of the leaves and other plants that have been catching my eye. (photos were taken on my iPhone 6)

Isn't nature amazing!

Harvest

I'm posting a new illustration that I've been working on for Illustration Friday. I haven't had enough time this week (again) to add the color yet, but I'd like get it on here before the deadline.

Harvest

This is truly a bumper crop year for acorns!

IF "Ice"

Started creating a new illustration last night for Illustration Friday's prompt "ice". I'm posting the sketch before I add any color.

I'm not looking forward ice and snow! Last night we had the first frost of the season. Fortunately, the day turned out beautiful, and I was able to get out for a walk with a friend after work. The foliage is almost at peak, and even after a drought this summer, the colors are still brilliant.

                    A little sketch for Illustration Friday, "Rain"

Our area is in the middle of an extreme drought. There's been very little rain this year, on top of very little snow last winter. We had 2+ inches over the past weekend, but need more consistent days of drenching rain to make a dent.

Settling into my 'back to school" routine after summer vacation. It took a a week or so to readjust to the early morning alarm, and having to put together an outfit that didn't include shorts or yoga pants. The other challenge is having to talk all day long again! 

Happy Fall!

Illustration Friday--Traffic

Just a little something for Illustration Friday! Inspired by last Saturday's day on the beach.

Maine Coon Cat Print (finished)

This is the finished reduction block print that I've been working on. I posted the earlier steps in the last post to show the process. The final layer of darker brown/black brings it all together!

Summer vacation is swiftly coming to a close, as I'm back to work next week. It has been a great couple of months, with trips to Virginia, Washington DC, and Maine in the mix. I always miss the flexibility of free days to work on my own art, but the structure of another school year is inevitable, and makes summer such a treat! One more day at the beach this weekend, and I'll be ready (I think).

Maine Coon Cat Print

I have been working on a commissioned print recently, and have almost finished it. There will be one more step to separate the cat from the couch's color and increase the contrast.

The sketch is transferred to the block

First layer 

                                                           More details in this layer

                                        Almost done! It's a very fluffy cat! The block is mostly carved away!

I used a soft-cut block, Rives Lightweight paper, Akua inks, and pins and tabs for accurate registration.