chicago bliss

I am leaving today, on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again...now that does sound really nice, but I am headed to Chicago to work, to"illustrate" a wedding! My heart is already 2 sizes larger with excitement to see a couple I have never even met, and then to illustrate that love on paper. I also will have the pleasure of meeting for dinner with a wonderful fellow blogger.

I know that the wedding details will be incredible and that I will be in heaven trying to capture it all right then and there. There is something tingly about doing this sort of work "live." I am praying for divine intervention, but then I know my blog fans will want to see what I see in the form of illustrations, right!

What sorts of illustrations would you have liked to have had or have of your wedding to hang in your home to remind you of that special day?

skipper

Put a little skip in your summer with some nautical touches. I have often thought that it would be fun to find some bright outdoor patio furniture upholstered in a sailcloth and some high gloss all weather furniture.  Does summer put a skip in your step?  

(Today is "Creative Thursday" and I am enjoying the on-line pod casts which I will post about next week!  Marisa's voice and words always put a skip in my step!)

easy care

pve design - summer shore usa

Summer is a time when life slows down and cares should be easy.  I have always loved the shore at summer, where one finds canvas totes, terry towels, lots of navy and white and just being out near the ocean. Thick head bands, easy-care cottons, perky prints, striped swimsuits, sandals, sunscreen, seagulls soaring and the sound of sails flapping, buoys buoying and the laughter of children playing in the waves without a care in the world, except catching the next wave or ice cream truck.

I do indeed hope that you are having an easy-care summer day, sand and all.

easy rider

There is something easy about riding a horse. If you have never had the pleasure of riding, then I encourage you to give it a try. If you are nervous or tense, the horse automatically senses your emotions. Being around animals always soothes me. I associate many terrific books from my childhood with animals, Black Beauty, Charlotte's Web, and the list goes on and on. I grew up in Kentucky, near a riding stable and still love going to see the horses there and listening to the organ music of the horse shows.  I always found the riders to have a certain elegance, and the exquisite ribbons to be just glorious in color.
When this request came in to illustrate this beautiful horse, "Dewey" - I could hardly wait to capture his gentle demeanor. Here he is feeling so proud, hanging out by the barn, waiting for some carrots after an easy ride. Do you ride? If so, what are some steps you take to ensure an easy ride?

take it easy

You know the type of person who just effortlessly seems to do everything with ease.
Well one person that I know who manages to make it look easy lives here. She is a mother of four, has a wonderful business, is up all hours of the wee night, always seems to have some small words that pack a big wallop.

I sent her this illustration as a gentle reminder to take it easy. Life can present challenges in many ways, and having a sense of humor and painting as an outlet can be life-savers for making it look easy. This is a gentle reminder for each of you, "take it easy!"

Feel free to share how you "take it easy" in one small word. Does anyone around you need a reminder to "take it easy?"

easy does it

There is always something appealing about a home that has an "easy does it" sort of look. This lovely and easy on the eyes home belongs to this fine and patriotic gentleman. I am always impressed with the ease and the elegance of the life that this blogger is dedicated to living. When he is not creating an elegant dinner for company, or popping champagne with a saber, he is somehow concocting lively and sporty ensembles for a sultry Summer day. When he posted his cool "Manse" - somehow I could hardly resist in an "easy does it" sort of illustration. I am working on making things easier on me. Somehow there is something altogether elegant about just giving into an agreeable and easy life.
How about you, what are you doing to give yourself an "easy does it" Élan?

happy fourth

Wishing each of you a Happy 4th of July. May your weekend be full of fireworks, family, friends, flowers, floppy hats, flirty sundresses, flip-flops and fireflies. Be back Monday!

happy sneaky sketch

happy sneaky sketch artist at work

While I was at the sketch night, I was fascinated by those around me, lost, deep in their thought, or the act of capturing the live model. I turned to my left and there was this young man looking so determined to sketch, to get it all down on paper. It was his bright taxi cab yellow tee-shirt and red hi-tops that caught my eye - and the slouch of his body gave off a casual air.
I snuck this sketch in which made me happy today. Do you enjoy observing those around you and getting a sneaky peak?

happy sketch night

pve design sketches from sketch night at the SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS
I went here last night. My sketch book needed to get happy.
Three hours of sketching, live music and models.
If my sketchbook were any happier, it would scream.
Thanks to this artful gal for giving me the heads up.
How do you make time for happy hours for you?

happy as a clam

How happy as a clam would you be to spend an evening here, sharing New England Clam Chowder and happy conversation? I have always loved homes that are the perfect shade of buttery yellow. What color makes your home happy as a clam?