Sketch for this year's Christmas Card

It wasn't supposed to be this complicated.

Points of inspiration:

Ella's wall. (see below)

Trip to Germany and the popularity this year of the moose.

My mom's love of Cardinals.

The red-capped, white polka dotted mushrooms I love.

Tree Mural for Ella

This was painted in September. My friend Erica was pregnant at the time and wanted something unique in her child's room. So she asked me if I would be willing to paint a tree. I jumped at the chance.

This was long before we would know the sex of the baby, for Ella was modest in the womb.

The sketches:

Close ups:

Into the woods...

I spent much time in the woods as a child. Mostly catching pretend fish made of wide swaths of moss from the stream. In the spring the forest floor would have a purple carpet of violets, I have never since seen anything like it in my life.

Here is a forest sketch, I have yet to figure out what colors are going into my palette or what medium I am going to use.

A long time ago, in a galaxy...

It's been awhile since I posted, but I feel the need to post this little bit of cuteness.

This is an illustration made for a job at work, it has a 1950's sort of feeling which was intentional.

The One that Got Away

Another piece for the dating series. This one was drawn around 4 years ago and I finally got around to painting it. 

Finished!

Flirting is the gentle art of making a man feel pleased with himself. — Helen Rowland

Now with monor changes

It was suggested by my art teacher friend that the penguin didn't have enough expression. This is the solution I came up with.