Four from the Imagination

I realized that I did four paintings in a row that were from my imagination, with little or no photo or real-life reference. Of course, nothing is really entirely without reference, because we as artists are always drawing on something we've seen or felt or dreamed of. More precisely, then, these four pieces are sourced out of my crazy, disorganized brain.

EDM 168 - 171

EDM 171 - Some Ice Cream

We've been in a record-breaking cold snap this week, so eating or thinking about ice cream is not that appealing right now. So, I decided to paint something non-traditional for ice cream. Shocking, I know!

I've been reading on Facebook how some friends are making ice cream from snow. That's fine. Actually eating it is another matter. I'm not brave enough. But, putting a cone hat on a snowman? Yep. I'd do that!

Choose your hat wisely, Mr. Snowman. You might not want to look too yummy!

EDM 171 - Some Ice Cream; 3x3" watercolor

EDM 170 - A Zipper

For the movie, "You've Got Mail," I made a sign for the fictional Zipper Man on Amsterdam Avenue. "You never have to buy new luggage!" I decided The Zipper Man's selling point would be that he fixes your gaps. (I realize I'm never gonna make it in the real marketing world.)

Three illustrators who have greatly influenced me as an artist are Charles Wysocki (no longer living), Jan Brett (still living and illustrating), and Mary Engelbreit (still cranking out delightfully cute illustrations). All three manage to communicate lightheartedness, while obsessively sweating every little detail. For doing so well something that I always strive to do, they are my heroes.

This piece pays homage to Wysocki, the master of invented signs for his wonderful folk towns; to Engelbreit, who works entirely with markers and colored pencils because she says she does not know how to paint (I did this piece with my hodge podge collection of markers.); and to Brett, who is notorious for hiding things, even entire sub plots, in her illustrations (This is #170 from the EDM list, and I used the number in The Zipper Man's address.)

EDM 170 - A Zipper; 3x3" markers

EDM 169 - A Piece of Cake

It was here a minute ago! Promise. I don't think I've ever let cake get stale. I barely let it get completely cool. I LOVE cake. Too much.

EDM 169 - Piece of Cake; 3x3" watercolor

EDM 168 - My Daily Newspaper

We only receive the Sunday paper, and then it's only for my husband. I never touch it. Ick, newspaper! I'm ever so slightly obsessive about keeping my hands clean.

Anyway...the only way the newspaper gets "read" around me is when it's used to catch drips under a can of red paint. Get it? Read. Red.

Anyway...I'm out of sorts today. I'm in the middle of relocating my studio, and I could not handle getting the watercolor paints and brushes set up. Hence, the hastily done ink and colored pencil drawing. Someone needs to buy a new red pencil. And, someone should go find her pencil sharpener. And, someone should hush and post this.

EDM 168 - Daily Newspaper; 3x3" ink & colored pencil

EDM 167 - Something That Needs Fixing

The porcelain dish is not the button keeper. I am the button keeper. I catch all "fallen" buttons and keep them safe forever. I hate sewing them back on! These three are from ONE coat. I hope I can get the buttons back on the coat before winter is over.

EDM 167 - Needs Fixing; 3x3" watercolor

Drawing in Church

Drawing in church; painting some time later.

Drawing in Church; Moleskine watercolor journal