The Bookwood Blog

2011-12-23T22:40:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a blessed Christmas season celebrating the birth of Salvation himself.

It occurred to me last Sunday how seldom I stop to consider the real life aspect of the story of Jesus’ arrival. We read the story and it is so compact. Recorded by men who wanted to cover the major events and spread the good news, not write a novel. Reading between the lines I am drawn to consider the relative upheaval Mary’s life must have gone through as she carried the child of God. What unnerving questions, what moments of doubt and restless waiting must have occurred. It says she pondered the angel’s words in her heat, but I am sure there were also questions of life and living. Between the supernatural events there was the everyday workings of life. The business of surviving and getting along. (As most women know, this isn’t always easy when pregnant!)

Then I thought about the people who came to visit Mary and Joseph at that vulnerable time right after Jesus’ birth. Shepherds. Not only strangers, but most likely smelly strangers. Using my imagination I suppose they were excited and a little crazy eyed on top of it all after the grandiose display the angels gave them. I think back to my own experience, having my boys in the warmth and quiet of my own home. How I wanted to keep those warm moment with my baby and my family to myself. Perhaps close friends could come visit after we were good and rested from the ordeal of birth. But strangers? No way!

How can I compare my own experience with the birth of Christ? Jesus was different. Surely Mary knew that. Jesus was not just a baby to be cuddled and enjoyed. He was the Savior. Destined for great and trying things which would tear at her heart. He was a man of sorrows, aquainted with grief, born to die for the sake of us all. But Mary, she was human. She was a woman, a mother, just like me. Before he saved the world, she had to feed him, change his diapers (or cultural equivalent thereof) and burp him. There were the years of watching him grow…what must it all have been like? Did she understand what was happening when he began his ministry? When he died? When he rose from the dead? How did she reconcile who he was, God incarnate, with the tender moments of motherhood that must have been nestled in her heart?

There is so much between the lines, so much that came before and that came after. As I sat and thought about all this I found myself dissatisfied with quaint little depictions of the nativity that is so popular this time of year. Contending that it did not show enough. It was too clean. Too cute. Too quaint. It seemed to me to encourage us to forget the reality of Christ.

Notwithstanding, not a week after all these thoughts I found myself making this very image as I tried to come up with a good Christmas card for a friend. Why? I ask myself. Especially when I thought so lowly of it just days before!

I’ll tell you what I think.

We like to clean things up. Make them more beautiful, more presentable than they are. To bring joy and cheer to ourselves and those around us. Life is dirty, stressful and full of trials. So we decorate, rearrange and find images of hope and beauty with which to surround ourselves. This part of us. The part of us that longs for something more, something better, though we’re not sure what it may be. This is the part of us that testifies of our need for salvation. We are trapped in our own humanity, our own messes and the messes of those around us. Jesus came to redeem us from all that. To clense us from the dirt of this world and our own sinful natures. He came to give us hope. He came to give us a future. The one we all dream of. Where we will not have to clean things up to hide reality, because reality itself with be unhindered beauty and perfection. We will not have to paste a smile on when we see people and pretend everything is okay. Everything will be okay. Every child of God will be reconciled to Him, to each other and to themselves. Peace will be on earth.

So, yes, the quaint little nativity doesn’t tell the whole story. But it can remind us. Remind me. That Jesus came to bring us the perfection we all crave.

Hairy Fisherman

2011-12-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

Beards are so in right now.

Star(wars)bucks

2011-11-26T11:51:00.000-08:00

Lately I've had a hankerin' to watch the old Star Wars trilogy, and I'm always in the mood for coffee. These are just doodles. Ballpoint pen on the back of the church bulletin. But I've been daydreaming about making up a whole scene of these guys, you know, hanging at the local coffee house.

AKA: Java the Hut.

So there you have it. The geek in me, really and truly shining through.

Monster Haircut

2011-11-25T15:58:00.000-08:00

Edward has been watching a lot of Pixar lately. That, combined with a recent Wookie/Star Wars drawing kick (evidence to come)....well. It's a weird little painting (Mike Wizowskie's hairy cousin?)
But I think I like it.

Art Installation : Oak Harbor Library

2011-11-12T20:25:00.000-08:00

As many of you know I have been working on a large art installation for the Oak Harbor Library. Over the last several months I've shared bits and pieces of it with you. Teasing you. Showing you pieces of this giant jigsaw. Well, here is the payoff: The install!

This was the largest work I've ever done, and the most complex. We had to create each individual piece of the installation off site based on measurements and drawings we made of the space. Even with all our measuring and planning there were the inevitable hiccups. Thankfully Seth is a master problem solver and we were able to get everything in without much difficulty. I really can't express how grateful I am to have such an amazing husband!

My Dad also came along to help. We really couldn't have done it without him. (Thank you Daddy! I love you!)

Everything was constructed from 1/2" plywood. I drew the designs and Seth cut them out sanded them down and joined the pieces for me. Then I painted the illustrations using first acrylic for the outlines and much of the background. Then I switched to oil paint for the color and details on the animals and letters. Much of the painting was done in an untraditional translucent style of application. I am partial to this style especially when painting on wood because it allows the wood texture to show through and adds character to the images. Finally, Seth finished the lower parts with a varnish to prevent tiny fingers from damaging the paintings.

The transparent mesh that hangs between the foliage and in the middle of the installation is actually just window screen. I bought a few rolls of the stuff, cut it out and spray painted it. I thought it would look kinda cool to have transparent pieces where light and shapes could overlap. It also helped with the transition from the woodland side of the entryway to the sea and shore side.

I'm not gonna lie, it was a little heartbreaking, at first, watching Seth shoot little brads and pin nails into my paintings.

I eventually got over it though (you can hardly see the holes, anyway). I even got brave enough to use the brad nailer myself on a few of the little critters. It was actually quite fun.

The whole installation process took about 8 hours from start to finish.

In the end, it's still hard to capture the entire piece with just a camera. I'm not that great of a photographer and it's made to be viewed up close, in person. This is a permanent installation though, so you are welcome to go and view it in person anytime during library hours.

There will be a ribbon cutting reception on December 2nd at 4:30 for those who want to come.

I'll try follow up with another post of detail shots and photos of people interacting with the art after the reception for those of you who cannot make it out.

Woodland Update

2011-10-11T10:26:00.001-07:00

Here are a few more images of the woodland creatures I’ve been working on the last few months. Many of these critters are fairly close to life size and all of them are local to Whidbey island. Which is fun. I’ve had a lot of help from local wildlife experts and the wonderful librarians at the Oak Harbor library. I feel so blessed to get to work with these people! We’ve set the install date for Nov. 11. I can’t wait to see how it all looks put together. I have a feeling it will be like the thrill of completing a rather large jigsaw puzzle.

Edward is pretty keen on the Eagle.

Mr. Mole here is one of the exception to the whole "life size" bit. I think I just got in the groove of drawing him and forgot to take measurements so he's about double his actual size...but I suppose that's okay. Seth (the husb.) argued that he could be from Narnia. This seems probable since he wears glasses and can read.

The library has scheduled a ribbon cutting / grand opening type event for December 2 at 4 p.m. It is open to the public.

Oak Harbor Library
1000 Southeast Regatta Drive
Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Its hard to see the woods for the...animals?

2011-09-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

It's kind of hard to explain what I've been working on. Right now it looks a mess. Animals and letters strewn about. Some just looking cute, others learning to read. I'm really enjoying myself when I get a chance to paint long enough to get in the groove of things. Really working at keeping a consistent hand on the line quality and style of it all. We'll see in a month and a half how it all fits together. Lord willing.

And, when I say "Lord willing" it truly is by his grace that I have the time or energy to work on this. Oil painting isn't exactly easy when you have a toddler and an infant on your hands. I praise God for my husband, my family and for reasonably well behaved children. It's all Him. My Jesus. He created these beautiful creatures. He gives me the ability and the provisions for it all, and I am simply thankful.

Woodland Literacy

2011-07-26T13:55:00.001-07:00

Just a little preview of a project I've been working on. It's a rather large piece which will serve as the entrance to the children's area in the Oak Harbor Library. I've been working on it since March. It's been a lot of research and sketching up to this point, but I'm finally getting to the fun part. Shooting for an Oct/Nov install - Lord willing. There's still a lot of work ahead of me but I can't wait to share the finished work with the people at Oak Harbor. The librarians there have been so helpful and supportive during the research period of this project. I am so grateful.

Public Art

2011-06-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

I am currently in the beginning stages of creating a public art installation for a Library. It's much larger than I've ever worked, but I'm really excited. The husband and I will be collaborating on this project, and I must say, I am so blessed to have such wonderful, supportive husband who can do just about anything!

I don't want to give away the project before it's complete, but here are a few preliminary detail sketches. Enjoy!

High Tech Puppy

2011-06-13T17:25:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day Gift

2011-05-17T09:02:00.000-07:00

I made this cup for my mother in law this mother's day. I waited to post it because I mailed it to her and didn't want to ruin the surprise. :)

You've bees in your tea.

2011-05-09T15:45:00.000-07:00

I painted these silly little cups for a friend of mine.

One honey bee and one bumble bee. Each painted pretty much to scale.

The Bookwood on Etsy!

2011-04-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

I've finally set up a shop on Etsy. I've only listed 5 items so far but there's more to come! Check it out! http://www.etsy.com/shop/thebookwood?ref=si_shop

Alistair: 3 months

2011-04-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

I can't believe he's nearly 3 months old! Yesterday we put him in the little round play seat at my parent's house and he seemed to really dig it. Thanks to ma and Janice for holding him while I finished this little portrait. :)

Social Implications

2011-04-12T07:23:00.001-07:00

Craft Bazaar!

2011-04-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

This Saturday I will be participating in a Craft Bazaar along with about 30 other talented crafters and artists. It will be at Emmanuel Baptist Church: 2727 Lake Ave. Snohomish, WA 98290. From 10-4. Come on out, bring your friends!

collaborative works:

2011-04-06T18:05:00.001-07:00

Painted with Edward today. Actually, it was more a matter of me painting, while he swept the five brushes he had in each fist over and over across my work. Here is a few images of what remained.

Resurrection Sunday Breakfast

2011-03-31T17:17:00.000-07:00

This is something I just finished up for my Church. I really enjoyed doing the lettering. Especially the display caps with flowers inside.

China Painting

2011-03-04T12:19:00.000-08:00

Every Thursday I go to my Grandma's to paint. Sometimes we watercolor, but lately we've been china painting. It's kind of a dying art as far as I can tell. Grandma got into it...well, before I was born. She paints anniversary plates for her children, and piggie banks and tea cups for her grandchildren. She has shared her art with us grandkids with great generosity over the years, not only making us sweet little delicately hand painted pieces over the years, but also allowing us to try our hand at it from a surprisingly young age. When other kids were given finger paints and play-dough at grandma's house, we were given a rabbit hair paintbrush and a teacup. I think I painted my first hot plate when I was maybe seven or eight. It's an orchid, and is rather ugly (my mom still has it). Thankfully, a few years, and bit of art training has improved my painting skills a bit. My content, however, has become rather more...childish.

I'll be posting more projects as I finish them.

Drawing with my boys

2011-02-21T22:11:00.001-08:00

Initially I drew the boys without hats, but Edward, who is rather obsessed with his hat at the moment, insisted I add hats to the drawing.

Facebook

2011-02-16T13:04:00.000-08:00

One of the perks (or perils, depending on how you look at it) of Facebook is that you can become "friends" with all sorts of people. You can engage on an elementary level with social circles you may never have been allowed to breech prior to the age of the social network.

Take Adam, for instance. He is a prime example. He is my brother, Caleb's friend. I've met him a handful of times. Played Catan with him. But if not for the wonder of Facebook I would not have been exposed to the sheer teenage brillianceand this magnificent drawing would never have come into existence.

Thank you Facebook.

Celebrating Love, a day late.

2011-02-15T12:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day.

Newest Addition

2011-02-15T12:03:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm finally feeling rested up enough to make my way back into the blogging world.

What kept me away?

Well, as of the 25th of January I am the mother of two darling little boys. Alistair joined us at 10:10 in the evening, after 30 some odd hours of labor. He was born at home, as planned, with the help of my wonderful husband, our midwife, Charlotte, and her two assistants, Michelle and Ronna.

What a deal!

2011-01-21T22:58:00.000-08:00

Today I sent off the very final final edit of Erik's and my new book "The Kid with the Red Juice Mustache."
With one week til my official due date (Baker boy #2!) I am quite happy to have it really and truly done and off to the print shop. With all the hiccups that inevitably assault any optimistic deadline, our new release date falls sometime mid February. You can still pre-order your copy for $10 (as opposed to the 14.95 retail price you'll pay once it's out and on amazon and such). Just contact Erik at piecemealpublishing.com and he'll hook you up.

Laundry Adventure

2011-01-19T08:42:00.000-08:00

Some friends came to stay with us for a week over the new year. A few items remained behind when they left....this is their story.

My New Book: The Kid with the Red Juice Mustache

2011-01-05T17:32:00.000-08:00

Coming Soon!

It's a brand new book! The Kid with the Red Juice Mustache! Full of great poems about life as a kid, ice cream trucks, haircuts and mischief making of every kind! Written by Erik Korhel and illustrated by Celia Marie Baker. The same creative team that brought you My Tooth Fell in My Soup! Published by Piecemeal Publishing. Due to be released at the end of January. You can pre-order your copy for $10 through Erik at piecemealpublishing.com.

Gloves

2010-11-18T08:36:00.000-08:00

Got my craft on last night and finished a pair of gloves I've been working on for the 'Dward. I stitched "L" and "R" on them instead of his initials so they are nicely hand-me-down-able as well as educational. :)

He thought they were great for waving "bu-bye".

Rickshaw Theatre

2010-11-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

This is an image I made for Hunter Barnes of Imagine the Word. He is starting up an awesome ministry. The world's first Rickshaw Theatre! He will be working with a young group of actors spreading the Word of God through theatre! You can learn more about this awesome ministry at: imaginetheword.com or imaginetheword.blogspot.com

Chicken

2010-10-04T12:51:00.001-07:00

One of Edward's first words after Mama, Dada and Cat was "Chicken" it comes out more like "Chi-en" or "Chi-ee" but we can forgive his 17 month old enunciation. This is a little painting of a chicken I did yesterday. It's graphite and guache in my moleskin sketchbook. It's kinda silly, but I like it, and so does Edward. :)

Little Erik and his Dad

2010-09-30T12:37:00.000-07:00

The one down side to working on a large project that is to be published is that it's not kosher to publish the illustrations on your blog until the project is complete and in print.

I am currently working on a second book of poems by the infamous Erik Korhel. Local artist and author of My Tooth Fell in My Soup. It's been really fun so far and I am excited about how things are turning out. We hope to have it ready to print by January 2011.

In the mean time, I apologise for the lack of new work. As a peace offering I am posting this lovely little sketch of little Erik and his Dad.

Enjoy!

Olivia

2010-09-16T10:46:00.002-07:00

This past weekend was spent visiting some family in Idaho. One member of which is my three-year old niece, Olivia. A sweet little hurricane. I had the chance to do a little caricature of her before we left. She didn't hold still for even a moment of the 15-20 minutes I worked on this, but I think it may have captured a little something of her personality if not entirely her likeness.

Edward's First Watercolor

2010-09-07T16:15:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I let my son Edward try his hand at watercolor painting for the first time.

He's 16 months old.

Barnes and Noble Bookfair

2010-09-07T16:01:00.000-07:00

Just letting you know about an upcoming book event at the Downtown Seattle Barnes and Noble. Saturday, September 25th at 4p.m. Featuring a local dance troup's performance of "My Tooth Fell in My Soup and other poems" by Erik Korhel. The books will also be on sale, illustrated by none other than myself, Celia Baker! :) Erik will be there to personally sign your copy. So come on out, it should be fun!

More lovelies from painting class...

2010-08-12T14:21:00.000-07:00

Having a busy little 15 month old doesn't leave much time to just sit and paint. So the two day painting class I took last weekend was a marvelous opportunity for me to really immerse myself in something. Sadly, I didn't finish either of the two large paintings I started during our two 5 hour sessions. But here are a few little things I did while waiting for one thing or another, paint drying, project lecture, coffee break, etc.
This is our teacher,
Jacqueline DeGavia

I also did a quick little portrait of her daughter, Anne.

Finally, I did a portrait of my Grandma, who hosted the class.

I’m really very pleased with it. Perhaps not so much how it looks aesthetically, (although I am rather pleased with that as well) but more because of what it means to me as a record of a place and time and a relationship. As long as I can remember, I have memories of painting with my Grandma. She has always been generous with her time and creativity. She taught me how to sew, china paint, make dolls and even let me try my hand at making lamp shades, finishing my shade after I lost interest halfway through. She has encouraged me in every artistic endeavor I have ever taken on. To me, this portrait reminds me of the hundreds of hours spent with grandma, painting, eating, listening to music and talking about life, God and art, and to me, that is a precious thing. I love you Grandma.

Happy Little Trees

2010-08-12T10:50:00.001-07:00

I can't paint imaginary trees without thinking of good old Bob. I'm not really an advocate of formulaic landscape paining. But every so often it can be kinda nice to embrace the inner Bob Ross and paint a couple happy little trees.

Let me count the reasons why....

2010-08-09T15:27:00.000-07:00

I love watercolor. I love it’s simplicity. I love it’s transparent luminosity. It’s just so beautiful and mysterious.

When mixing colors, especially if one or more of the pigments are made from natural substances (as opposed to synthetic dyes), the colors will partially separate as the binding medium sinks into the paper and evaporates. You can’t control a lot of this process. By experimentation you can have a good idea what the colors will do when mixed and applied in a certain way, but it’s like a chemical reaction. You wind it up, let it go, and the end result is a splendid surprise!

Over the weekend I took a watercolor class, below are a few selected swatches that I found particularly pleasing and exemplary of what I’m talking about. You’ll see a lot of cerulean blue, yellow and violets (made by mixing cad red or crimson with the cerulean), I think I was just in a mood and loving those colors together. Enjoy!

Memory Walk Spaghetti Feed!

2010-07-27T16:34:00.001-07:00

Spaghetti Feed!
Benefitting the 2010 Memory Walk

Friday, August 20th 2010 @ 6p.m.

If you would like to receive an official invitation please e-mail me with your address and we'll get one out to you!

thebookwood@gmail.com

Memory Walk 2010

2010-07-22T20:00:00.001-07:00

Once again little Edward and I are going to be walking to support the fight against Alzheimer's disease. My Grandpa, Edward's Great Grandpa, is currently living with this horrible disease and everyone in our family is feeling the effects.

I am writing this note to ask for your support. I know that in this time of economic stress it may not be possible to donate to the cause. If you cannot give, or even if you can, I hope that you will remember us in your prayers.

As a part of our fund raising mission this year, our team "Memory to the Max"(current members, my mom, Edward and I) will be putting on a spaghetti feed in late August. If you would like to be invited to this event please respond with your address so that I can send you an invitation! If you know my mom, you KNOW the food will be good! Hope to see you there! :)

Thank you so much for your time and generosity, and thank you especially to those who gave and prayed for us last year!

You can follow this link to donate: http://memorywalk.kintera.org/northsound/celiabaker

Below are a few pictures of Mom, Edward and I at last year's walk.

Party Animals

2010-07-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

A few years ago for Christmas I had made a set of magnets for my family, but just recently my brother's magnet from that original set was discovered by a particularly naughty puppy. So for his birthday this year I decided to make him a set all his own.

"Starbuck"

2010-07-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

I did this silly little illustration for a community blog I am involved in with a few of my fellow Cornish alumni buddies. You can view our illustrative endeavors at http://illustrationology.blogspot.com/

Cheech and Chewbaka

2010-06-23T20:22:00.000-07:00

I did this sweet little commission piece this past week. I had a lot of fun on it.

Sparrow

2010-06-05T09:16:00.001-07:00

Happy June!

2010-06-03T08:20:00.001-07:00

New Skills

2010-05-31T16:50:00.000-07:00

Last week I learned a new skill: recovering furniture. Sadly, I didn't have the foresight to take "before" pictures, but here are the "after". :)

My Cats Thank You!

2010-05-31T16:05:00.000-07:00

Just got home from a week away. A friend of ours fed our cats.

Becoming

2010-05-31T16:00:00.001-07:00

Watched the first half of Becoming Jane the other day. The good half.

Dragon

2010-05-22T18:33:00.000-07:00

Grand

2010-05-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

I saw this old woman at the Dr.'s office when I took my son in for his check-up the other day. I wanted to ask to draw her on the spot, or give her my card so I could meet and draw her later. But I just couldn't bring myself to it. For one, the other two ladies she was with were speaking Russian (I think) and I was afraid that she didn't speak English. For two, well, let's face it, I'm a chicken. So I studied her on the sly and painted her from memory.

Isn't she grand!?

The Runaway

2010-05-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

I drew this after making a complete fool of myself by opening my mouth when I shouldn't have.

Proverbs 21:23
Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

It's a pattern..

2010-05-18T12:49:00.001-07:00

I recently did this letter K as a commission piece for someone who couldn't wait for my current show to come down in June. I really had a lot of fun with it and am quite pleased with how it turned out.

So pleased in fact that I decided to use the same pattern for the background on a portrait I was working on of my son.

Yes, I realize this picture is beyond a little creepy. The idea to continue the pattern over the portrait happened in the recesses of my mind and my brush just sorta followed through. I was thinking about how my little man is just beginning to develop, and yet, there is so much already in him that is obscured. I find myself wondering what sort of person he is, what he will be. At a year old he is a puzzle to me. A frighteningly beautiful puzzle. I love him for who he is and who he will be. I am so eager to get to know him, to help him grow into the best he can be, by God's grace.

I am not sure if the painting is done. I don't really care for the current degree of creepiness. I am entertaining the idea of fleshing out the portrait a little more, refining it... but I don't know. For now I'm "letting it cool" which is the best remedy for a painting that I feel stuck on.

New Paintings on display!

2010-05-03T17:59:00.001-07:00

A collection of my oil paintings are currently on display at the 5th Ave. Anthropologie in Seattle. The show will remain up through June, hope you can drop by to take a gander.
Here are my two newest pieces.
The thistle painting was done from one of the photos I took while Seth and I were hiking in Switzerland in 2008. I don't usually do botanical illustrations, so this was kinda an experiment. I really enjoyed it and wouldn't mind doing a few more.
The lion painting was partly inspired by my trip to the zoo a while back and partly by my desire to do alphabet illustrations. Hence, L is for lion. :)

Alora

2010-04-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

My little sister likes cats. This is her birthday card this year.

A Belated Happy Easter!

2010-04-27T19:33:00.001-07:00

As featured in the April/May edition of Pet Connection Magazine.

Birthday card

2010-04-03T12:04:00.000-07:00

Little Boo Boutique

2010-03-20T11:45:00.001-07:00

This is a little logo I did recently for Little Boo Boutique. I don't do a whole lot of graphic design, but I really enjoy the chances I get. Thank you Caila!

Biggest Loser

2010-03-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

I'm kinda into the show. Just a little. Okay. I'll admit it. Sometimes it makes me cry. But lately I've just been annoyed. Especially at the what's his face who recently split the teams black and blue, completely stacked in his favor. Trying to win the show by game play. Lame. Captain Lamepants! I'm sure he's a nice guy. But man, what a stinker thing to do!

Newport, Oregon: Sealions

2010-03-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

Zoo Trip

2010-03-17T13:16:00.001-07:00

Cousins

2010-03-11T11:47:00.001-08:00

Edward: January 2010

2010-03-11T11:38:00.001-08:00

My little man.

Portraits on the sly

2010-03-10T22:01:00.001-08:00

Here are a few portrait sketches I did in my moleskin over the past few months.

My Beardy Valentine

2010-02-18T10:41:00.001-08:00

A woman in my church was once asked what she thought of her husband's fresh crop of whiskers. "Have you ever kissed a broom?" She asked.
I would have to contest that kissing a bearded husband is much more pleasant than that. Granted, the beginning stages are rather bristly, but give it a month and you'll never go back!

I vote yes for beards!

Have a Sweet Valentines Day

2010-02-12T10:46:00.000-08:00

As featured in the February/March edition of Pet Connection Magazine.

Upcoming Show!

2010-02-02T11:53:00.000-08:00

I will be participating in the Greenwood Art Walk this month, Friday, February 12th from 6-10 p.m. My work will be showing in the Naked City Brewery and Taphouse Feb.12th-Mar.12th. Come on out, take a gander, say hello and have a beer!

Thank You

2010-01-28T16:13:00.001-08:00

I have been finding myself very thankful for the wonderful people God has put in my life. People who call. People who feed cats. People who make yummy food. You know the ones. The ones you hope to repay, somehow, even though you know they don't expect anything in return.

More sketchbook stuff from the holidays

2010-01-25T19:14:00.000-08:00

Ed

2010-01-22T17:14:00.001-08:00

A friend of the family. Watercolor sketch done over the holidays.

Seasons Greetings!

2009-12-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a fantastic season full of love and cheer!

Every time you give or receive a gift this season, may you remember to praise God for all the He's given us! Most importantly His Son, Jesus who came to give Himself for us. Have a blessed and safe Christmas!

A few new paintings...

2009-12-02T23:08:00.001-08:00

These and several others are for sale and on display at the downtown Mode Organic Salon through January 30th.

Happy No Shave November!

2009-11-05T10:51:00.001-08:00

Apparently, this is the month to begin not shaving.

The boys in College called it "No Shave November" and used it as an excuse to look like a backwoodsman.

On a recent visit to Bend a friend's husband convinced my husband to participate with him in this years "Whiskerino."

A four month long beard growing contest. http://whiskerino.org/2009/

Also, not shaving, or should I say, selectively shaving this month is one of my Illustrator Heroes, Adam Rex. Who is currently growing a mustache for charity.

You can read all about it on his blog.

So, since I am unable to grow any facial hair for this month, I thought I would make this little contribution.

Cheers!

Work in Progress II

2009-10-28T16:18:00.000-07:00

I finally got my oil paints out again this past week and began working on this portrait of the husband again. I posted an earlier version of it a few months ago. I still have a bit more to do before it's done.

"Mountains of love and happiness."

2009-10-27T15:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know. I'm cheesy and ridiculous.

Silly Creatures for sale!

2009-10-23T23:12:00.001-07:00

Okay, here's the scoop: Some of my latest handiworks will be up for Silent Auction at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Snohomish, Washington on Saturday November 14th. All proceeds are going to benefit the Nepal Baptist Theological College. This college is training Nepal pastors and church leaders in doctrine, ministry and spiritual leadership. Since Christians have been threatened and warned to leave the country, these students are the future of the church in Nepal. Auction begins at 6 p.m. There will also be a bake sale and as I am not the only crafty individual at my church, I am sure there will be plenty of other fantastic hand made items to bid on! Hope you can make it!

It's the latest craze

2009-10-16T12:39:00.001-07:00

I picked up my crochet hook about two weeks ago. Today I decided to photograph the results.

A few of these silly toys will be up for public auction sometime in November. I will post more about this event soon.

Book Signing

2009-10-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

Erik Korhel and I will be at the Alderwood Barnes & Noble tonight from 5-7:30 to sign our book "My Tooth Fell in My Soup" Hope you can make it!
Also, for all you Facebookers out there, don't forget to become a fan!

Dino Birthday Card

2009-09-21T13:14:00.001-07:00

Mike and Heidi

2009-09-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

Pet Connection

2009-09-01T14:40:00.001-07:00

This is the first in a series of comics I will be doing for Pet Connection Magazine over the next few months.

hairy birthday

2009-08-28T12:38:00.001-07:00

Blue Bunny

2009-08-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

Oh the husband

2009-08-25T11:51:00.001-07:00

While you were sleeping

2009-08-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

Ella

2009-08-07T10:48:00.001-07:00

Read it

2009-08-07T10:05:00.001-07:00

A color page I created for a local book store.

Open Air Aspen Painting

2009-08-04T12:04:00.001-07:00

Went for a hike in the mountains of Idaho with the family last week. The Aspen groves along the trail were simply glorious!

The Duchesnebles

2009-08-03T22:39:00.001-07:00

Ugly Dog

2009-07-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

Scripturedoodles

2009-07-18T11:47:00.000-07:00

Gabriel

2009-07-14T12:27:00.001-07:00

Some friends of ours had a little guy born just two days before Edward, they named him Gabriel. There were multiple meanings for the name, I just picked the one that was most fun to illustrate.

Painting Thursdays

2009-07-07T11:02:00.001-07:00

Now that I have a little on on my hands, it's not as easy to find time just to paint and have fun. So every Thursday I go and spend time with my Grandma and paint. Sometimes my little sisters come and paint with us. This is my little sister Rhodessa.

Angry Walrus

2009-07-07T11:01:00.001-07:00

Work in Progress

2009-07-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

This is a painting I started in April, before Edward was born. I still want to finish it but I thought I'd document it at this stage since it looks kinda cool.

Ender...sorta

2009-07-07T10:54:00.001-07:00

The husband read Ender's Game to me a while back, and while I know that the battles in that book were serious, I couldn't get the image of little kids in pjs pretend fighting with waterguns out of my head.

large.

2009-07-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

It's always fun to be thankful

2009-07-03T11:17:00.001-07:00

Girlie doodle

2009-06-30T16:18:00.000-07:00

Edward

2009-06-30T16:16:00.001-07:00

What's been keeping me so busy lately...

2009-06-24T15:02:00.000-07:00

The two people I love the most in the world. My wonderful husband and my darling baby boy.

Our little family. Father's Day trip to Deception Pass.

Brothers

2009-06-21T21:03:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-20T09:42:00.000-07:00

I come from a big family that on occasion will unofficially adopt other people's children.