Illustration Friday - Time

It's time for LOVE... and wine, and chocolate and strawberries!!
On second thought, I've always got time for those. I've been doing more of what I call 'scratch paintings' where I use up scraps, paint, glue various papers and scribble in pencil. They come out kind of random but when scanned they make quick backgrounds for my illustrations.

Preschool Valentines

My nearly 4 year old daughter and I worked on her cards this week for her party at school. She wrote the word "Love" and drew the flower. I made the heart and we printed out on white label paper. We both painted the hearts with acrylic paint and stuck them on some ripped music sheets that were mounted on printed cardstock. She signed her name on the back and now they are ready for giving.

We had lots of fun and she's super excited to hand them out.

Batik Bird Cards

I wanted to make a set of note cards for my daughter's teachers for holiday gifts. I was inspired by these nice ladies and the colorful bird imagery resulted. I gave two of each design for a total of six.

I'm Back!

After a brief hiatus, Pickadoo Design is back online with a whole new look. I took some time to re-tool, re-group and play with our new puppy, Bodie. I'm looking forward to posting my latest card designs as well as IF. See you back here.

Illustration Friday- Memories

The memories clung to the walls like layers of old paint.

Recently, my grandmother-in-law gave me several old photos that didn't quite make it into her photo album. Ironically, she gave me the picture of the little girl (at the bottom) because she didn't remember the girl's relationship to the family- a child of some acquaintance. The back of the picture is labeled "Alma's youngest daughter Janice 1917."

I kept wanting to add more and more to this image and finally I had to tell myself- enough, it was getting too crowded. Somehow it still seemed appropriate because some memories are like that.

Illustration Friday - Sail

I did this awhile ago for a card design. I make my own cards for family and friends. As you can see, I love working with color. One of these days I'll have to do something in monochrome or black and white..... Nah! :)

Illustration Friday- Poof!

With a wave of the wand and a poof, the magician disappeared. He was as astonished as anyone but the crowd loved the trick.

I busted this one out really fast and am hoping to get back to work on it some more. I found this vintage magic trick book online. It had great visuals and so I sketched on top of it.

Illustration Friday- Canned

I had a tough time coming up with something for canned... canned laughter, canned ham, tuna can, canning jars? Finally I settled on sardines all lined up in a can, looking all the same. But what if there was one special one?

Illustration Friday- Enough

How do the bees know when they've made the right amount of honey? They just keeping working, diligently and harmoniously to make sure that there's always enough.

Illustration Friday - Foggy

The starfish began to get worried... not only was it a frosty, foggy morn- but the good captain was blind in that eye as well.

After I did this, I was reminded of the water in "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak which I've read to the kids over and over. I don't love the story as much as I love the illustrations. It's funny how visuals can influence you and then get re-imagined.

Illustration Friday - Fierce

I tried doing some fashion-type sketches to pay homage to Christian Siriano (the winner of Project Runway who said everything was 'fierce') but they didn't turn out at all so I had to go back to Plan B - some fierce strappy, red heels! :)