Illustrations – Paper Opera

I completed the “Family Life Illustration” series using Inktense pencils, Micron ink pens, and Canson Illustration 11×14″ 150lb art pad. There are 15 illustrations in the series (that is how many pieces of paper were in the art pad) of my current family life and inspirations for 2016-2017.

This work is narrative in content and uses color in a monochromatic way accentuating one part of each drawing. These fun and quirky illustrations are a reflection of the current joy and activities I was able to experience through starting a family with a newborn through toddler. Each piece has its own story, blog post, and details.

“Getting Ready”

“Family Time in Bed”

“Walking at Two Rivers”

“Sunday Morning at St. Andrews”

“Book Babies at Terry Library”

“Easter Picnic at St. Andrews”

“Playroom: Key of G”

“The Damsels in Distress Cakewalk”

“Finding Nemo with Friends”

“First Birthday Buzz”

“Costume Parade at the Library Center”

“Watching the Larpers at Phelps Grove Park”

“Bonfire at Sequiota Bike Shop”

“Christmas at Bass Pro”

“Exploring the Japanese Stroll Garden”

Tea and Bar and Bites is an amazing place. It’s this little cafe on Pickwick that we like to walk to and enjoy a pastry at every now and again.

There is always an array of eclectic art by local artists on display. I asked if I could show some work, and after sending the usual website/portfolio/resume, I was invited to show for the month of June. I recently completed a series called “15 Illustrations,” which I have now renamed “Family Life Illustrations” and that is what I wanted to use for this show at Tea Bar and Bites.

I went and photographed and measured the space months before the show. The space is limited, so I had to make a decision. Either I could hang about 10 of the pieces or I could make small art prints and hang all of the work. I decided to go with the latter decision because I think not only should the entire series be displayed together, but by putting up the smaller prints I could charge way less – should anyone want to leave with some of my art. I also created some cards, art prints, and musical magnets to sell.

I ended up taking my kid with me to hang the show, so I wasn’t sure how that would go, but it ended up working out! Tea Bar and Bites gave me a cup of tea “on the house” – a Georgia Peach – while I set up the show.

I had three walls to work with. I set up the pieces first to see where everything should go.

Once I set up the pieces, I realized that one of the plaster walls wouldn’t take any more holes, so I had to improvise and ended up using extra spaces I found.