Spring Fever

After last week's arctic blast, I am so tired of cold and dark weather.  I'm ready for Spring and am so happy to see signs of a little more daylight on both ends of the day.  This little mixed media piece is my way of dreaming of spring.  It has a gouache underpainting with pastel pencils and soft pastel on top painted on hot-press watercolor paper.  Tulips always make me happy.

Staying Warm. Staying Focused.

B-r-r-r-r.  The Pacific Northwest is getting the big chill this year.  Fighting the urge to hibernate is at the top of my to-do list.  Remembering that spring is only a few weeks away helps.  With spring comes the Farmer's Market and the need for new card designs for my loyal patrons.  In between long winter naps, I've checked off a couple of winter to-do items:
I've combed through my painting idea piles and prioritized the card projects that strike me as ones that will resonate with more than just me.  
I've gotten my new-to-me Epson printer up and running to create archival prints.
I've completed several Christmas designs for next year, since I never seem to get them done in time for Christmas if I wait until the holiday season to start them. 

Well, time to go feed the squirrels and birds.

Love and Hate

I have a love-hate relationship with my computer when I use it to create artwork.  Sometimes I do it, but there's a teeny, tiny voice inside my head that says "You're cheating, you know."  Then why do I love seeing what fun new thing "Hal" comes up with using my artwork?  I'll have to think about that.