(Inside A Black Apple)

Best Method of Transit

I do not think you can beat travel by bird (unless it is travel by bear, for which I have a personal fondness.)

A preliminary sketch (and clue) regarding the forthcoming picture book I mentioned in my last post. I love this project so much, and it's a good thing 'cause there is so much (exciting!) work ahead. Making a book is like going somewhere else completely, and you live there and you think about the other people that live there and your mind and heart do little else other than fret every moment trying to improve the place and make it as close to perfect as your brain and fingers can possibly muster.

It's like a vacation, except you work your fingers to the bone and stay up way too late and drink too much coffee and tea and watch questionable television and try with everything you have to make it the best it can possibly be, and do absolutely nothing vacation-like at all.

But truly, there's no place I'd rather be.

Peach Geums & Chocolate Chips

A Thursday list of happy-making things:

- I mail-ordered a new variation of my favorite flowers and planted it last fall without seeing the blooms. The flowers are coming in now and they're the prettiest melange of peach and papaya! I love the way flowers surprise you

- Saints be praised, there are now large Moleskine sketchbooks! Having made do with the medium size for years, it makes me disproportionately happy every time I sit down to this new, sturdy, roomy one.

- I baked up a batch of petite chocolate chip & walnut cookies last night from my go-to all time favorite recipe and they turned out unusually photogenic. The stars were right.

- I'm re-reading Geek Love and finding even more to knock me down dead this time. I think the first time I read it (six years ago?), I was mostly swooning over its terrible, nervy beauty. This time, I'm bowled over by those things, but I'm also struck by the things it has to say about childhood, siblings, universal things that extend beyond the sideshow.

- And I'm hard at work on a new children's book! It's a picture book scheduled for release next year. I might share a sketch peek here soon - I'm living in the sketches right now. I want to crawl inside them all.

See you soon!

Spitalfields Silks

I've picked up a few of the V&A pattern books (be warned, the V&A website is a rabbit hole - from old mechanical toys to beautiful wallpaper galleries, there's a lot to make a person picture-drunk.) 

 
Copyright © Victoria and Albert Museum, London / V&A Images -- All rights reserved.

I think my favorite of the books, so far, is the Spitalfields Silks volume. In it, beautiful woven silks rub elbows with gridded, painted designs - a nice juxtaposition, and a testament to how lovely the planning stage can be.

Each book comes with a cd for personal use - if you run low on stationery, I think some of the patterns would make beautiful print-at-home cards. The books in the series are all nice, I'd love a little row of them on my shelves!

Voted Least Likely to Love Working Out

I've been thinking about this post for a while, and after lots of percolation, I find myself in the year 2012 writing about an extremely unlikely topic: Exercise.

*Note this is not an accurate depiction of Miette as my personal trainer - anyone who knows my cat knows he would be driving a fully automated child-sized car. He would never be caught expending so much effort on riding a bike.

Like lots of pale bookish types, I always thought I just wasn't cut out to be An Exerciser. It's not so much a lack of motivation to jump around and sweat and then fall down, out of breath (although that's part of it). For me, it was always:

1.) The trappings of exercise: the gym, the clothes, the equipment, the shoes.

I'm not sociable enough to go to a gym, and I don't want a ton of equipment and accoutrement filling up my house.

Keep reading after the jump!

Wolf Hearted & Rabbit Hearted Originals

The original paintings were just listed for sale in my shop!

As much as I love them apart, when I see them together like this, I really love them fiercely.

Visit the shop!

Wolf Hearted

Here is the companion piece for Rabbit Hearted - a foe? A friend?

Wolf Hearted     11"x14"x2"    Acrylic on wood

A few of you mentioned the differences in these paintings from what you might expect. I think what you're sensing, the secret explanation, is that about six months ago, I started making some new work privately that is even more unlike what one might expect from me (fitting, because I created them using a pseudonym.) I'm still not sure if or when I'll share those - if I do, it'll probably be in a new, separate place. Whatever I do, I've sworn myself an oath that I'm not going to fret about the work that I make.

I don't personally think, on the surface, that these are a huge departure from my usual. But I do think these new paintings come from many things mingling together: that secret work, my desire to always move forward, the growing spectrum of things I'd like to say. I have a whole post in mind about what the process of making things is like for me. I'm not sure it's universal, but I do think I'd like to talk about it a bit. It would be a nice conversation to have.
Maybe soon?

In the meantime, happy weekend to you!

Rabbit Hearted

A new painting -
She also has a companion piece that I'll be sharing later this week.

Rabbit Hearted    11"x14"x2    Acrylic on wood

These paintings will be available for sale soon, I'll post when they're properly photographed, etc!

I've got so many projects in various stages, and in between everything else, it's nice to be making stand-alone or few-of-a-kind paintings.

I hope the Spring (or Fall, for those in other hemispheres) is treating you well, wherever you may be. Here in Portland, we stole Spring for a few sunny, lovely days, and then it was promptly snatched back from us. So I'm back in my natural habitat...writing, painting, and planning with a grey wool sky outside and the patter of rain sounding.

The Country Bunny

Yesterday, before my Powell's storytime, I was chatting with two (lovely) children's book room ladies about gathering a few picture books in case the littles wanted more stories after my Oddfellow's reading. "Maybe something Spring-y? Something Easter-y?" they suggested. "Or just a book you really love..."

And immediately, The Country Bunny came to mind, because it's all of those things.

I first happened on this book at Books of Wonder a handful of years ago, and lured by the candy-colored cover, I snapped it off the shelf. A few days later, I found myself at the end of a New York visit, sitting at the gate of Newark airport, reading it near-breathlessly. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, aglow in Easter egg colors grounded by inky blues and blacks. And the story, about a brave bunny who is both an extremely good mother and has her own dreams and ambitions, is enchanting and emboldening.

As I wound through the pages (it's quite wordy by today's picture book standards) I found myself, cross-legged on the airport carpet, with tears slipping down my face. This book, about something as whimsical as the plight of a would-be lady Easter bunny, reminds me of everything good and real and true. Of the different kinds of hopes we carry around, and how those hopes don't need to cancel each other out. Of how many things a book can be, and a person can be. It reminds me of my own mama.

This interesting little New Yorker piece gives a brief history, if you're interested.

And I didn't end up reading it at Powell's yesterday, simply because of the length. But today's the perfect day to read it, anyway (preferably with a side of Cadbury eggs.)

Powell's Storytime Saturday April 7

FRED STEIN  Children Reading Newspaper, Paris 1936

I am reading from Oddfellow's at Powell's Burnside on Saturday at 11 o'clock a.m. for their children's storytime, and I would very much like to see you there. I will have the official signing stamp in tow, and free nick-nacks as well.

I cannot promise I will as engrossing as the Parisian newspaper above, but I'll give it my best shot!

Virginia Wolf

I originally thought I'd post about this book in a round-up with other picture books, but Virginia Wolf, by author Kyo Maclear and illustrator Isabelle Arsenault really deserves its own post.

Loosely based on the relationship between the sisters who grew up to be painter Vanessa Bell & writer Virginia Woolf, this unusual (and unusually lovely) picture book imagines a day in which Virginia "wakes up feeling wolfish", and Vanessa tries with all her might to surround her sister with beauty.

Virginia Wolf, copyright 2012 Kyo Maclear / illustrations copyright 2012 Isabelle Arsenault 
Published by Kids Can Press

Vanessa makes her a garden, full of real and imagined flowers, pink-eyed rabbits, and good things to eat.

This book went straight to my heart for a few reasons: I went through the throes of a serious Virginia Woolf phase in college and I have been prone to pretty profound bouts of the blues at times. How could I imagine the likelihood of a picture book book about either, let alone both? And stitched above the rather serious underpinnings of the story, there is a lively, adorable little book : "The Wolfish" Virginia is perfect, with her little snoot and ears, and the fresh, bright colors mingle with sooty black lines and crisp white so nicely.

For further reading, this interview with Kyo Maclear talks about the beginnings of the book (I love hearing about book beginnings!)

There is also this extremely endearing book trailer, if you'd like a little sound & movement with your preview of Virginia & Vanessa's tale:

Just perfect.
One of those things that makes a person hopeful - about the continued delight and ingenuity of illustrated books, but in the bigger, larger sense, too.

Floral Dept.

Bits of blooms around the kitchen.
Clockwise from left :

1. Thrifted vintage plates from occupied Japan. I love the big bunches of delicate flowers and the decorative edges. I don't know know the name of the motif(s), but I have found three variations so far.
2. Scratched, but all the better for it, red floral-printed tin tray.
3. Our kitchen curtains
4. Sweet little thrifted saucer. I use saucers more than anyone I know. I think we eat nearly all our snacks and treats from saucers, not to mention they are champion spoon-rests.

Thanks so much for the kind words about the new painting!
&
Happy weekend to you

The Banjo Recital

I finished this painting recently, after I got a bee in my bonnet about a girl playing the banjo in the middle of the woods.

The Banjo Recital    11"x14"x2"    Acrylic on cradled wood panel

The whole time I was working on it, I kept thinking she was singing/playing them this song. I feel almost certain that's what she's playing, there among the animals and the lily-of-the-valley.

I just listed the painting here, in my shop for sale.

I've been making some paintings lately that aren't part of a larger series or story. I realized that I've hardly made any drawings or paintings that weren't part of something bigger for the last few years, so it's a nice change to make some stand-alone images and smaller series. I have several big, involved projects on the horizon, so I'm working on whatever I fancy now, before I get wrapped up in those.

Liking Lately

A little list of things that have struck my fancy in the past few weeks:

- Beautiful Australian children's style magazine Papier Mache - similar to Milk, but blessedly with English text so I can read it and not just look at the pretty pictures. It's unbelievably beautiful, and I was happy to spy Misako Mimoko and some other favorites peppering the pages.

- Black Books on Netflix instant. This British series from the early 2000's is silly and (I think) wonderful. It might not be everyone's cup of tea (or swig of wine) but cantankerous bookseller Bernard Black, marry me please. I'm forlorn to be out of episodes.

- A magic beauty potion. This was spritzed on my friend's pretty face by a Sephora lady on our last visit. We couldn't get our mitts on our own personal bottles quick enough. It sets your makeup and just feels very lovely. It might be a placebo, but what a nice placebo it is.

- Le Petit Ecolier chocolate cookies. I found them at our supermarket and one or two is so nice for dessert or with tea.

- The Tattooed Lady: A History - I had been wanting this badly for a while, and I finally took it home from Powell's a few weeks back. It is exactly as it sounds and as specialized as it is wonderful.

- Lynch Creek Dahlias (for the flower ladies.) Located only a little while away in Washington, this family farm's website has tons of beautiful Dahlias - from the small pom-pom kind to the dinnerplate variety. I'm awaiting about a half-dozen different kinds...I'm so excited to have some late-Summer/Fall flowers this year.

If that isn't a motley list, I don't know what is - but a true portrayal of the things I get excited about from day to day.

I've got a few new paintings I've been working on to share soon. In the meantime, we have oddball lists!

Happy Friday!

The Oddfellow's Website is up!

This project was keeping me busy for a good little minute, and I'm so happy that it's finally out there. 

The official Oddfellow's Orphanage website is now up and running!

With a character portrait gallery (featuring the new portraits, naturally), a reader art gallery, sketches, downloads and more, I think it's a nice place to hop around for a bit.

If anyone you know (little or otherwise) creates any Oddfellow's inspired art, feel free to email or snail-mail it to me and I'll post it in the reader art gallery.

 

Oh! And I mentioned a new set of paper dolls a few days back...and they're freebies! 

Don't miss the Delia & Ollie paper doll download in the Diversions section. You should be able to download the high-res file straight from the page.

Whew! So happy to share all of this finally!

O.O. Portraits Added

All available paintings can be found here in the originals part of my shop!

2012 Oddfellow's Portraits : Oddfellow Bluebeard

Oddfellow Bluebeard   8"x10" (10"x12" framed)   Acrylic on canvas in carved, golden wood frame

And finally, dum-da-dum! The founder of the feast, Headmaster Bluebeard himself.

All thirteen original portraits will be posted in my shop Friday at 12 pm West coast / 3 pm East coast!

2012 Oddfellow's Portraits : Delia

Delia   8"x10" (10"x12" framed)   Acrylic on canvas in carved, golden wood frame

It's through Delia's eyes that you first meet Oddfellow's Orphanage, so I wanted to save this silent little miss for almost-last.

Tomorrow is the founder of the feast: Oddfellow Bluebeard himself, and the portrait update as well!

2012 Oddfellow's Portraits : Hank

Hank   8"x10" (10"x12" framed)   Acrylic on canvas in carved, golden wood frame

Aw, Hank, that's quite a nice pocket square you've got there!

Hank's occupation? Bear-keeper and general handyman of the house (he also keeps his eye out for varmints and intruders on the grounds.)

Only two portraits remain after Hank, and then all the portraits will be added to the shop Friday. Whew!

Who's left?
Delia & Headmaster Bluebeard, most fittingly.

2012 Oddfellow's Portraits : Imogen

Imogen  8"x10" (10"x12" framed)   Acrylic on canvas in carved, golden wood frame

Today we have the inky-armed Imogen. Even though she is a smaller character in the book, I have a real soft spot for her. 

She'll be up in the shop with the other portraits on Friday!

2012 Oddfellow's Portraits : Daniel

Daniel  8"x10" (10"x12" framed)   Acrylic on canvas in carved, golden wood frame

Today we have Daniel, pickpocket-er of pickpockets and all 'round stand-up little guy. He sports ribbons awarded for his various good deeds and collected through his time at Oddfellow's.

Four more portraits left to preview!

2012 Oddfellow's Portraits : Ava

Ava   8"x10" (10"x12" framed)   Acrylic on canvas in carved, golden wood frame

I think we're almost two-thirds of the way through the portraits!

For Friday, we have sailor-collared, open-hearted Ava and a trio of the little birds that love her so.

Happy weekend & see you soon!

Paper Dollishness

I was getting a little posting-hypnosis from all the portrait posts, so I thought I'd share a little in-progress snip of new paper dolls I'm working on.

I think the new Oddfellow's portraits will go up for sale next Friday, March 9. I'll post the exact time soon and make one of those "sticky posts" that will stay at the top of the blog as a reminder.

I'm working almost non-stop on finishing up a project that's been in the works for a while - I can't wait to share it here!

Happy Thursday to you!

 

2012 Oddfellow's Portraits : Professor Stella

Professor Stella   8"x10" (10"x12" framed)   Acrylic on canvas in carved, golden wood frame

And here we have the resident Astronomy teacher, the demure but lovely Professor Stella. I thought it was only fitting to preview this portrait after Professor Silas, because they are sweethearts of sorts.

2012 Oddfellow's Portraits : Professor Silas

Professor Silas   8"x10" (10"x12" framed)   Acrylic on canvas in carved, golden wood frame

It's kind of an open secret that I have a little crush on Professor Silas. I actually based Oddfellow's resident cryptozoologist loosely on the dashing John Hodgman - don't know if many people know that fun fact?

More portraits forthcoming!