20 Years Ago Today

I am sharing this post as a reminder to myself (and anyone else that might need to hear it) that dreaming big and not being afraid to go for it can lead to some pretty amazing adventures.

Today marks the 20 year anniversary of that time this mural (and my friend & business partner, Zoë, and I) were on the Oprah show after a whirlwind trip to Racine Wisconsin (and Chicago!) to paint a surprise mural for one of Oprah’s angels, Julia Burney (now Witherspoon).

In April 2001, our mural and decorative painting business was still just a fledgling company... I was a young, wide-eyed dreamer who was only a few months away from getting married. When Zoë and I saw Julia’s inspiring (and close to our hearts) story, I had no doubts about what I wanted to to. I wanted to volunteer to paint a mural for her new reading center, so I immediately emailed Oprah... No second guessing, no hesitation, no questioning whether or not it was a crazy idea.

Looking back, there is a lot that I can learn from my younger self. So, to celebrate this special day, I thought it would be fun to share some of the things that I knew then (without even realizing it!!), but need a reminder of now:

1. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. So, you might as well PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE.

2. POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS, if you...

3. DREAM BIG, WORK HARD, and GO FOR IT!

4. It’s okay to be nervous... Feel the fear, but DO IT ANYWAY! And, finally...

5. FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD.

If you’re interested in reading more about my time on Oprah, you can find the whole story on my website HERE.

I would love to hear about what big dreams YOU are dreaming today!

(Please share them with me in the comments!)

2018: 42/365

More animal mash-up fun...

His name is Ozzie.

2018: 2/365

Sometimes you just need to see things with fresh frozen eyes...

Yesterday, my uncle sent me a link to an article in The Washington Post about how spectacular Niagara Falls looks right now.
I have lived a short car ride away from the falls my entire life, and like many things that are in our own backyard, I have come to take the magnificence of this natural wonder for granted.  Reading a national news article about it was just the wake-up call I needed.  So, late yesterday afternoon the boys and I bundled up and headed north...

Now, I think I need to express how intensely I dislike cold weather... So much so, that when I asked Bob if we could go check out the frozen falls he said, "Who are you?!?"  But, there is something about the start of a new year that makes me want to shake things up and get out of my comfort zone.  
And, I'm so glad I did... The view was breathtaking!  
(Literally.  Record low temperatures combined with mist that freezes in the air and turns to mini-ice-daggers-that-stab-at-your-face will actually take your breath away!  Hahaha!)

It turns out that once I got past the extreme cold,
I was left with some pretty remarkable inspiration...
Today I played with textures based on yesterday's view.

Things I experimented with:
- Scratching into the paper before applying a watercolor wash
- Using a glue stick, and white crayon as a resist (to keep white areas) before applying a watercolor wash
- Torn paper as relief
- Using torn paper edges as a "stencil" for pastel application
- Applying paint with plastic wrap
- Layering all of the different techniques

2018: 1/365

Happy New Year, Friends!

Whaaat? The subject line from an email I received today. (My name is not Jeff.) Hahaha!

It is probably no surprise that I've been doing some reflection the past few days.  I love beginnings (especially the start of a new year)... but, as a recovering perfectionist I also have a tendency to put a lot of pressure on myself.  This year, I've decided to approach 2018 a little differently...

My (very well-timed) fortune!

The new year is usually about putting your best foot forward and trying to fix imperfections...  But now I'm wondering what if...

I decide to accept that life doesn't have to be perfect to be good?
I find a way to accept the wonky bits & maybe even enjoy them?
I share more?  (Even the not-so-pretty stuff.)

Pulling back the curtain...

This is scary for me, folks.  In a carefully curated internet world, it can appear that you're the only one who doesn't have it all together.  As I write this and commit myself to sharing more, I feel nervous.  But... I'm hoping that you can relate to my desire for authenticity, and that you'll join me as I journey into 2018 (messy parts, and all)!

p.s.  I have decided to *try* and share something about what I'm up to every day (Creative Every Day style).  In order to take some of the pressure off and set myself up for success, I've decided to keep my post titles simple to reduce "decision fatigue".

p.p.s.  You can click here for an article I found very interesting about "decision fatigue" and "the science of simplicity" 

My Illustration Process: From Start to Finish!

Since I love seeing how other artists create, 
I thought it would be fun to share my illustration process 
from start to finish...

My process always begins with sketching.  At this stage, I'm trying to get a feel for the character(s), the movement, and the expressions.  I also like to try and develop a rough plan for the layout of the page(s).

Next, I create more finished drawings based on my original sketches, but making adjustments as needed.  I create these drawings on plain old copy paper (but in the size the final artwork will be in).

After my my layout is set and my drawings are complete, I use my light box to trace my drawings onto 140lb. watercolor paper.  When my original drawings have been transferred, I use a dark brown prismacolor pencil to lay in my underlying values.  (I want to get a base down so that I can see where darks, lights, shadows, and highlights will go.)

When I finish my colored pencil layer, I cover the images with clear gesso and let that dry.  Then, I put on a wash of burnt sienna fluid acrylic.  This layer adds warmth and depth to the final painting that would be difficult to achieve if I left those areas white.

Now the fun really begins... I start adding color (using acrylic paint).  I start by painting the areas that would be furthest away (in the background), then moving to areas that are closer to the viewer (in the foreground).  
I build up my paint in layers, starting with darker values and gradually lightening them.  Not only does this allow for smooth blending, it gives the final painting more depth.

(It was at this point that I accidentally dipped my sleeve into my palette and smeared it across the page as I was working. 
I don't recommend that!  Hahaha!)

When I'm adding color, I try to avoid using paint straight from the tube.  I use a porcelain enamel butcher's tray palette and mix my paints directly on the smooth surface.  Once I've mixed my colors, I transfer them to folded damp paper towels.  (This keeps them workable for a long time.)  If I spritz my paints with water and cover my palette with plastic wrap, I can use the paints I've mixed for days.  (Also, the porcelain surface is great for easy clean-up!)

I keep building on previous layers, moving around the painting (avoiding working on any one particular area for too long).  The final step is to add the last little details and the whitest whites.

(Actually, the final step for this painting was fixing my "oops" paint smear digitally!)

I hope you've found this start to finish look at my illustration process helpful...
See you in 2017!

Around Here Lately...

I'm not sure what it is, but there is something about Spring that makes me want to clean up and organize everything!

my new website!

This year, that also means sprucing up my website, 
and de-cluttering & simplifying things here on the blog.

I still have artwork to sort and upload to the website, but I am very happy to have created a new "Freebies & Kindness" section (where you can download my well-traveled "Take What You Need" poster) , and a special spot for my collaborations with Tyler.  I have also dedicated a space specifically for all things silly & random that I can't wait to fill with all sorts of ridiculousness!

In addition to all of that, my first Life Book lesson goes live on Monday!!!  I had so much fun creating the lesson, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what everyone makes!  
(You can still sign up here if you'd like to join in on the fun!)

I'm baaaaack!!!

For reasons I will not bore you with in this post, I am officially beginning my new year right now!  Yes, I am a month late, I have no resolutions, and I have no word of the year...

But... What I do have is fresh perspective, a whole lot of enthusiasm, and a motto for the year to come... Let's Dudish!

So, what does "Let's Dudish!" mean?
For me, it's a reminder to:

Stay true to myself, my goals, and the things that make me feel alive.

Say "Yes!" to opportunities that make my heart sing, and politely decline ones that don't speak to my soul or that just don't feel right.

Take better care of myself physically, emotionally, and mentally... 
And, be kind and gentle with myself along the way.

Leave plenty of time for play.

and...

Have fun!

I'm really excited to (finally) be leaping into the new year...
I've missed blogging and YOU!

I would love to hear what your plans are for 2016!
(If you wrote a New Year's post, 
leave me the link in the comments so I can catch up!)