A New Studio!

After almost two wonderful year in my current studio, 

shared with my dear friends, Wanda and Kevin, 

I'm moving my studio into this tiny little cottage just down the road. 

The cottage belongs to our church and sits on the edge of the campus, 

just behind the Upperville Library and the house that is now the thrift shop. 

It was probably a summer kitchen for the larger house, for as tiny as it is, 

it has the most enormous fireplace, most certainly used for cooking at one time. 

It is truly a little doll house with two rooms, a tiny kitchenette under the stairs and 

a proper loo too, though there is a privy behind the cottage, 

which has thankfully been replaced by modern plumbing. 

Moving day is tomorrow. I can't wait! 

Happy Friday all!

A Closer Look | Magicicada

The seventeen year old magicicadas are emerging in our area! 

I spotted this one in my garden a few days ago. 

You can read more about them here. It's quite fascinating!

Studio | Wildlife-Friendly

I know it seems like new paintings have been scarce in the last couple of months.

In fact, I've been busier than ever. Quiety working on illustrating my first book project!

The Wildlife-Friendly Vegetable Gardener will be filled with over fifty illustrations by moi,

featuring all of the critters and creatures, flora and fauna you would expect to find in the garden.

I'm so pleased with how it's coming together. You can pre-order the book here. 

It is due out in December! I can't wait!

A Closer Look | Sphinx Moths

I recently traveled to Sedona, AZ and these sphinx moths were there to greet me! 

There were at least fifteen of them outside my door one morning. 

I love their striped markings and the hint of pink on their wings.

Words | Moldy Potential

Words to live by. Two quotes on our kitchen chalkboard. 

The first is Tim Gunn's mantra from Project Runway.

The latter I stumbled across on Phil McAndrew's blog, Phil in the Blanks.

I nearly fell off my chair laughing. I love his sense of humor.

A Closer Look | Shrew

 My neighbor found this little shrew on the side of the road 

and lucky for me we both like to draw from nature.

 I probably would have mistaken him for a mouse and kept walking. He's so tiny. 

It's the little details that stand out for me. His long snout, his feet, his teeth.
***
Andi Teran from The Fox Is Black wrote a super nice post
about my work. I'm so glad that she finds beauty within my more macabre scenes!

On My Desk

All six topiary prints together on my desk this morning! 

Golly Bard Editions | Topiary

Topiary Collection Prints

For those who love whimsical garden plans and the combination of nature and artifice.

A selection of knot and parterre garden prints are now available in my Etsy shop!
You can also find My Topiary Collection fabric, wallpaper and gift wrap on Spoonflower.

Always

Words to live by.

"Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder."

E. B. White