Happy Valentine's Day

This one is very interesting, you don't see many kids valentines with cigarettes anymore.

The heart and little girls hand move.

This little girls head pops up to reveal a long neck.

Her arms move up and down to rock the baby.

Her hand pops the lid off to reveal a little heart in the pan.

This little guy's head moves side way to steal a kiss.

His eyes move up and down along with his tail.

His eyes, guitar and puppy move on this one.

Her little suit case has a silky fabric pocket to put a coin or a piece of candy into.

His arm and eyes move up and down.

All the arms, legs and tail move on this little guy.

Neck and racquet move up and down.

I think if a little boy gave this one to my daughter I might be a little worried.

Hope everyone enjoys this special Valentine's Day. I thought I would share a few vintage Valentine's from my collection. I love the art on every single one of them. They sure don't make them like they used to. Hugs to all.

Whole lotta workin' going on

These are just a few paintings by Chris.

The "work in progress" sketches.

I know, I am a little obsessed with smiling suns.

Had a chance to talk with an old friend from art school. Chris Ryniak his wife Trisha and two darling kids live in Ohio. They are some of the kindest nicest people you will ever meet. Chris also happens to be quite an amazing artist. I was fortunate enough while in art school to always be surrounded by friends that were the funnest and most talented artists. There were many sketch nights over at Shawn and Kevin's apartment. I was lucky enough to always be invited. So much talent. It was fun to be in school surrounded by the frenzy of constant creativity. Sometimes I wish I still had a group of artist friends I could meet with once or twice a month to have sketch nights and allow for constructive criticism of current works of art. Life just gets so busy when you have family and little ones. I still keep in touch with a few of my old friends from art school and have recently come back into contact with a few I had lost touch with. All are doing exceptionally well in there artistic fields. It keeps me moving forward. I have so far to go when it comes to my art, but everyday I do something artistic I am one step closer to attaining my goal of becoming a better artist.

I am leaving you with a few of the sketches I will be working on for the next few days. Can't wait to show the finished pieces this weekend.

Swine Lake, finally

Here it is Eliza, and you'll never guess what time of night the title hit me. Almost one in the AM. The question can stop haunting me now..........I have a huge smile on my face while I am typing this mind you.

Friends old and new

Kathe with the girls.

Kathe showing off the rock, all 1.5 carrots of it.

Sloanie reading to Zoe.

Today was one of those teaser days. The weather was beautiful and I dressed myself and the girls in long sleeve shirts and it was warm enough that no one needed a coat. I felt so alive and well rested. A very odd thing for me to feel, considering I am almost always sleep deprived these days. The school morning routine was smooth and filled with laughter and fun. I know I am not the only one who felt the hint of spring in the air. After the girls went down for a nap, I started a sketch for my next piece. I am going to do another paper illustration of three little animals, with the saying "great friends". I also have an idea for an alligator with three little birds riding on his back, and a cup cake illustration I would like to do. Cup cakes are pretty big these days. I have always loved the idea of giving human characteristics to inanimate objects. What would be more fun than a cup cake that has a cut little smile?

I were also blessed with the company of my dear friend Kathe. She is my official eyebrow wax er. Doing a better job than anyone in the profession that you would pay almost $40 to do the same job. She has always been so kind to my little Sloan and my family, and has earned herself the nickname "Auntie Kathe". She was responsible for altering my perfect wedding dress that I found to fit my bulging pregnant belly. She threw me baby showers and has helped out with my little ones while I was in labor. She has made birthday cakes for Sloan. She is a true friend. I am so blessed to have her in my family. On a recent trip to Cancun, her boyfriend of two years proposed to her. She is delighted. I am excited for her happiness. They will be married on Halloween. I already know what I am making for her wedding gift. We had a lovely visit and the girls had fun telling her all the new things they are doing.

I am heading to bed now, but tomorrow I will add some pictures to this post and hopefully add the finished art work that I started on today.

Awesome artist highlight

I was doing my weekly search for interesting and inspiring artists. The site's I would like to highlight this week are Sarah Jane Studios, and Bloesem Kids.

Sarah is a super talented illustrator. I love the gentleness of her art. You can purchase her works for a very reasonable price on her itsy site. It would be a perfect addition to any little girls room. Her blog is worth taking a look at.
Bloesem Kids has tons of unique items for your little tot. If you don't have a little tot, these items would be an excellent choice for a friends baby shower, or a child's birthday.