Hibatchi story

Summer = barbecues! I have a fear of lighting Webers. This is because of my first experience, when I doused the coals with too much lighter fluid. As I recall, it was a little portable hibatchi. When I lit the coals, a burst of flame shot so high up it almost touched the ceiling of my wooden balcony. Then, I looked down and saw that all the excess lighter fluid had trickled down the leg of the hibatchi and puddled onto the floor. The flame was traveling down the trail of lighter fluid to the wooden floor, just like in an old James Bond movie, where the end result is an explosion or a massive fire.

Having watched way too many Bond movies, I knew exactly what to do.

I picked up the flaming hibachi and threw it over the balcony! Like a shooting star, it lit up the night. It crashed onto the sidewalk and glowing coals bounced all over the yard like drunken fire flies. Was I an idiot or WHAT! I was so lucky that no one was walking below my balcony because it would have been the last walk they ever took!

So now I have my guests light the barbecue for me while I tell the story.

Madonna Doggy

TIME FOR ANOTHER PET PORTRAIT!

This portrait of my darling Suzi-Q was taken by my out-of-town friend Marilyn while she was visiting me last week. On their journey here, she and her daughter Genna had to pull over and huddle in their car while a tornado passed overhead (seriously, I kid you not). Then, on the evening before they drove back to Chicago, we had to run to the basement for cover while sirens sounded for yet another tornado and stormy night! In between we had a fun week of shopping, eating, swimming, drinking and running amok.

Suzi Q is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Pug, which according to Marilyn, makes her a "Chuggle". We did not pose her, this is how she likes to sleep - under the covers in her doggie bed.

Illustration Friday - "Giant"

The hummingbird is the world's smallest bird, but in a series of paintings I did years ago, I made them giant-sized. The canvases were 4 feet square, and each little bird filled the frame completely. I wanted them to dominate the scene (see those tiny tract houses?) to signify their victory in having escaped the endangered species list, even though their habitat has been destroyed by civilization.

Here's the irony - the reason they have managed to survive is because they have survived in part by depending on backyard feeders, set out and maintained by the very suburbanites who took over their territory. I'm sure there is a moral here, but I don't know what it is!

The rest of the series can be seen on my website: www.andreetracey.com.

Health Care Reform Magazine Cover

This was a big step for me. I've been wanted to incorporate textures and drawing into my illustration in a more prominent way, and this is the first time I've been able to mix them all together. It was challenging for me, but I loved the process and can't wait to continue along this road. All the elements are on separate layers in Photoshop, so Janna the super wonderful designer at Minnesota Medicine Magazine will be able to use them for spot illustrations throughout the publication. The arms of Uncle Sam and Minnesota make a respectable handshake when used without the rest of the illustration.

Dancing Doggies and Looming Deadlines

This was not a good weekend! First of all, we had a huge storm and the power went out. Suzi (she looks just like this little dancing doggie) and I were in the dark from Friday at dinnertime until Sunday noon. This meant that I had no computer, and couldn't work on my illustration assignment, since much of it is computer-generated, and it was due on Monday.

When the electricity was restored on Sunday, I hopped to work, sketching and scanning away. Suzi came in to see me, and whenever she comes into my office and puts her paws on my lap, I know she has something on her mind. Food, a walk, Frisbee, etc. Well, this time she lead me to my bedroom to show me that she had rummaged through my purse and found 3 Dark Chocolate Hersheys tidbits. (doesn't everybody carry chocolate in their purse?) She had carefully peeled away the tin foil, and consumed the chocolate. I wasn't too concerned, but I decided to call the emergency vet anyway. Good thing I did, they told me that the little amount she had consumed was poisonous to a dog her size, and that I should bring her right in because they needed to induce vomiting. So off we went. I'm thinking, is there anything else that can go wrong this weekend? She was shaking like a leaf because she hates to ride in the car and I was shaking because I was afraid I was going to lose her!

She's fine now. Whew! And I finished my job that night. We are dancing in celebration!

Preliminary designs

A new assignment for Minnesota Medicine Magazine, folks is in the works, yay! Only this time, it is a cover for a supplement that will go out next month with the magazine. The supplement's theme is health care reform, with the general focus on Minnesota leading the nation in working with the federal government to examine changes in the health care system.

I submitted these two sketches, one being a collage treatment, and the other a more painterly approach. The art director selected the magnifying glass sketch. Here's something I learned - I drew the wrong icon for the medical industry. Initially, I looked it up for reference in various websites, and most of the reference sites got it wrong! The two snakes entwined around the staff (which as you can see is what I drew) is called the "caduceus", whereas what I should have drawn is the "asclepius", the single snake entwined around a staff. Caduceus is the symbol of Hermes, the ancient Roman messenger of commerce, and Aclepius was a Greek god who whose specialty was his healing powers. So you can see how these descriptions can make quite a different impression in regard to the medical profession! The snake shedding its skin symbolizes renewal and vigor, the aim of medicine. Now aren't you glad you learned something new today?

Post Weekend

Did you have a nice Father's Day weekend? This is me, hosting a party, serving a casserole in my favorite flouncy skirt and high heels.

Actually, it was quite the opposite. I was rooting around on my hands and knees in the garden and hot sun. While I was swatting mosquitoes and wiping the sweat off my brow with muddy hands, Dad and Suzi-the-dog were supervising from the chaise lounge.

It was a lovely day!

Illustration Friday - "Paisley"

When I read the theme for this week's entry for Illustration Friday, this image that I created several years ago immediately came to mind!

Little Cowboy

Today would have been my brother's 59th birthday. We spent so many years together, from the time this photo was taken, it's hard to believe that I can't call him up and wish him Happy Birthday. You're in our hearts and thoughts, Paulie, on this your special day and every other.

Bad Hair Day

I just can't do a thing with it. It has rained every day for the last week, and my hair turns into a frizzy icky mop, no matter what I do. My hair stylist's solution to any problem is, "more product". MY solution is to move to a humid-free climate, wherever that may be.

Book logos

I was putting away files and ran across a class assignment that was so much fun - a logo that had to be created for a fictitious book store, done in both a color version and black/white. This reminds me - summer is a great time to curl up with a good book!

Lolling Around

I had the flu over the weekend. Although I hated being sick, I just loved staying in bed. I slept all day Sunday and I thought it was the height of luxury, to be lolling around in my bed in the middle of the day. Fortunately, or unfortunately, my lolling days are over, because it was only the 24 hour variety of flu.

Thanks!

For all those who came to my studio this weekend, THANKS! And for all those who didn't even know I was participating in the annual open studios event, don't worry, I didn't advertise this year! I wasn't sure that I was going to be able to open my doors until the very last minute.

It was fun, it was fab, and it will happen again in November - and I'll let you know ahead of time!

Garden Goddess

I dunno. It's supposed to be spring. Yesterday it was 53 degrees with a cold biting wind, and today is the same, with rain dumping on my parade. SHOW ME THE FLOWERS!

Giraffes and other Wonders

"Graphitegirl"


"Paper Acorn"

My "Air Show" print (available in my Etsy shop, Graphitegirl, ahem ahem) was included in Paper Acorn's post today, featuring handmade works involving that lovable creature, the giraffe. Check out the blog for the many fascinating artistic interpretations at paper acorn. And if you'd like to visit the the Paper Acorn Etsy shop, you will find some amazing handcrafted paper designs such as wedding decorations and luminaries.

Thanks, Jessica!

The Buckley Sisters

I just LOVE these ladies! Look at them, smiling (well, sort of) in their fancy scarves and ties. I've been saving this postcard until now, when I am finally ready to make a painting/collage to honor them. Their names were Mabel, May and Myrtle. They were known throughout Montana as the "Red Yearlings" because of their red-blond hair and horsemanship. They were so accomplished that they were sought for hire by the Wild West shows, which they declined. I wanna be a cowgirl.

YEE HAW!

Spring finally

I know I know, yet another photo of flowers on the internet. I can't help it - my crab apple trees knock my socks off every spring, and every spring I take the same photograph! It only lasts a week, so it makes the viewing even more special.

Pasta Princess

Part of series entitled "Culinary Cuties", little Pasta Princess has adorned t-shirts, bowls, book marks and aprons. Now she is making her appearance on 8" x 10" prints - if you would like to purchase one, hop on over to my online shop GraphiteGirl.

Who knew a colander could be so fashionable?

Birdie Love

I've noticed a lot of birds courting in my yard. Which means soon there will nests with baby birds and doting mamas, not with party hats on their heads, but worms in their beaks. It's spring - bring it on!

Illustration Friday - "Rescue"

It's been a while since I posted something for Illustration Friday, and when I saw the theme for this week, I thought of this image that I created for a fabric design. Will the Princess rescue the Prince from his froggie prison? Or will the Frog Prince rescue the Princess from her loneliness? We all need a rescue of some sort at some time or another!

Transitions

My sweet brother Paul has passed from this life, unexpectedly and without explanation. He was the kindest soul ever, it was the one thing everyone always said about Paul. And to the end, he kept true to his nature. He lived alone and apparently was gravely ill and told no one, seeking to spare us worry, and died (they speculate) of a heart attack in his apartment. Since he lived in another state, and canceled the last two visits he was planning to make here, no one knew he was ill.


He loved to play golf with Dad when he would come to visit. Paul would drive the cart and hit the ball around (he wasn't really an avid golfer) and Dad would be the "navigator", enjoying the scenery and chocolate bar that was a standard accessory to the trip. They went because they loved to be out in the fresh air and communing with nature in the disguise of a golf game.

Dad is now transitioning into an assisted living quarters with a high level of care. He moves in on Tuesday of this week. He has been in and out of the hospital so much the last month that he has lost all his strength, and now needs help to do most everything. Unfortunately, he cannot continue to live with me because I am unable to be at his side 24//7 to provide this care. Even in-home aides were not a viable solution. Oh, it breaks my heart to see him move out. But we do what have to do, given our situations and our options.

My one and only hope is that after the shock of being in a new home, he will find his days more lively with the companionship of other residents and the activities that are offered in the home. Dad is Mr. Social, and living with just me and the dog can be pretty monotonous.

It's a pretty lame hope, but it's all I can come up with at the moment.

Playboy Bunny Munny

I'm participating in Illo:Minn, a biennial exhibition of Minnesota illustrators, at the College of Visual Arts in St. Paul later this month. As part of the exhibition, all the illustrators were given munny dolls to paint for an auction to benefit the Scholarship Fund for the college.

I had no idea what a "munny doll" was (shows you how "out of the loop" I am, since they are very popular!) and I wasn't too keen on painting a doll, but reluctantly agreed to this plan.

Within days of agreeing to be in the show, the doll arrived - completely white and odd looking. It sat on my desk unpainted for several weeks, and I was totally uninspired. The turn-around came when I went to Michael's Craft Store for some paint, and I saw the Easter Bunny toys - those ears! It was then that I had my answer - a Playboy Bunny Munny! I had so much fun painting her and beheading a hapless Easter bunny for his ears, heh heh.

If you come to the show (more details here), you can bid on her and contribute to the school's scholarship fund. Plus, with all those illustrators' published pieces paired with the original artwork, it should be a very interesting show!

Life is a Short Dock

Having my almost-97 year old dad living with me has been quite an education in the process of aging. It's really difficult to be old, in ways that I never dreamed of until I my dad moved in. Every winter the last few years he has gotten a major illness, and I call 911 and we go to the emergency room and we sit there for hours and hours and hours. He eventually comes home after a stay in the hospital in which his behavior deteriorates in direct correlation with the improvement of his health, until the end where he is well enough to go home, he is a bellowing ranting and raving old man (with nurses threatening to put him in restraints) yelling "Let's get outta this place, they don't know what they are doing!" This is a good thing, to see all this energy and independence, but very hard on my nerves.

Last week was our annual 911 call, a bout with pneumonia. He was in the hospital for 5 days, trying to climb out of bed the whole time. He recovered, came home for 2 days, relapsed with a major infection, so back we went.

So you have to think, is this the end? I never know. I DO know that he has the strongest constitution of anyone I know, and comes from a long-lived family. Good genes. And sure enough, in only one day they managed to get his infection controlled and he's back home again today.

Life is short, but for my dad, it's been longer than most and an education for me. Tips for a comfortable old age: good health, a positive attitude, enough money, Medicare, and a doting child to be your advocate!

Post Christmas

Just one more Christmas illustration, OK?

Reindeer

I know that Christmas is past, but I came across this illustration and thought I would post it anyway. It was part of a series of sketches submitted for stationery consideration and while other sketches were chosen, this was not. At least, not for this particular project. I have a "thing" for reindeer. I think they are cute. ??!

Illustration Friday - "Confined"

Here's what happens when you keep your kids inside on a snowy day. A lonnnnnnnggggg snowy day! (It's also what happens when you put them in new clothes for the first time.)

Flowers in WInter

It's so gloomy lately, I'm craving color!

Peace on Earth

Detail

Here's my Christmas card, which I created too late to send to my friends. Ah well, there's always next year. I just love these guys!

Happiest of Holidays!

I came across this old photo where I am watching my brother's glee as he discovers that Santa has granted his wish for a real space helmet, and my mother is enjoying the home-made Christmas card that I had labored over the previous day.

May your holidays be filled with the joys of family and friends and a granted wish or two!

It's Here!

As the weatherman said last night, it's here. Everyone has gotten a big blizzard and now we have our share, too. It looks so beautiful, like a holiday card. I had to stop shoveling to take some pics. It was overcast and snowing so the photos are on the gray side.... I decided to shovel half way through the storm, since I will never be able to manage the 20 inches we're supposed to get if I wait until the end!



The birdbath is there somewhere.



My neighbor's house seen through my old crab apple tree.




Snowy treetops over my lawn.



Sorel boots are synonymous with Minnesota. They are warm, tall and rugged (no, this is not an online dating ad) and built to last. When I moved here 19 years ago, the first thing everyone told me was, "Buy a pair of Sorels". So I did and here they are. (there's another one tagging along)

Illustration Friday - "Undone"

If you want a bed to become undone, if you yourself want to become undone, just put three monkeys to bed, in the same bed. This was an illustration that was part of a fabric design that I did several years ago. It ended up on the the cutest pajamas under the Frankie and Johnny label, sold on the Sleepyheads.com website.

My Illustrator Class has Ended

and I am glad and sad at the same time! I learned so much, but it was so difficult to find the time to do the homework. Here's my final project. The assignment was to create a cover for Daedalus Books, using the text you see here. I tried to use a lot of the techniques that we covered, such as gradations, clipping masks, transformations and so on. It was fun!

Illustration Friday - "Crunchy"

Nothing says "crunchy" like a bag of kettle corn! This illustration was originally created as part of a fabric design for a online company, "Sleepyheads.com". They make the cutest, most cozy pajamas,
check them out here.

My Kind of Car

Tis the season to shop shop shop. I love drawing cars because I don't know how to draw them, so therefore they become truly imaginary creations!

It's Not Over Until

It's over. Thanksgiving has come and gone and once again, I ate too much. I'm still finishing off the pecan pie, which is tied with pumpkin pie as the best dessert in the entire universe. I will never ever eat this much again. I wish I could believe this, but somehow, I think I am fooling myself.

Illustration Friday - "Entangled"

Thanksgiving meal is over, the kids are tucked away sleeping soundly in their beds. Or are they? Oh, well, let's have another piece of pumpkin pie and we can bounce around until midnight!

Thanksgiving Countdown

It's two days before Thanksgiving, and I have wild turkeys asking to come into my backyard. I was told that turkeys are very smart birds. This is not smart! They might as well just ask if they can hop into my oven. Go away you crazy birds, play hard to get, will ya?



I look out to the garden, and there are three more!



And a final glance shows me the whole gang is here. How can I eat these beautiful big guys? I'm changing the menu to macaroni and cheese. Perhaps that was their plan. Perhaps they're not as dumb as I thought!