woodland

pura vida

2011-07-11T13:43:00.002-05:00

The Regal Moth, a gift for a friend in costa rica

3x5ish graphite drawing

The Mother of Pearl Butterfly, a gift for a friend in costa rica

3x5ish graphite drawing

of the tropics/subtropics

2011-06-07T21:31:00.005-05:00

For the next two weeks I will be in Golfo Dulce of Costa Rica participating in volunteer conservation research on poison dart frogs, hump back whales, and spotted bottlenose dolphins. Perhaps this means some unique species sketches from first hand specimens are to come!

a little red fruit bat

2011-06-01T14:44:00.004-05:00

a little 3x5ish drawing for a friend

colored pencil, graphite on moleskine paper

(the austrailian flying fox)

the product of a little more time on my hands and having lovely penpals

snip

2011-05-11T20:20:00.000-05:00

A self portrait (well, two) , in the bedroom, after my 23" long mane was reduced by 14" (i donated it).

agaricus muscarius

2011-05-01T20:03:00.002-05:00

a doodle for a friend's birthday

i need to buy a scanner

recent sketches I

2011-04-02T10:27:00.002-05:00

Pencil sketches, above: a ram skull and vulture, below: a not so lonely little antler

Sadly this is all I have had time for recently. School takes up most of my time and I have a few tattoo requests that I will be working on as well. Also, collaboration pieces with miss Cassie to come. Thankfully the weather is slowly becoming warmer.

fox tails

2011-01-28T11:17:00.001-06:00

not quite complete, yet to be so soon

a sketch

2011-01-13T19:14:00.001-06:00

sleepy sleepy red pandas.

a quick drawing

2011-01-12T20:34:00.002-06:00

happy holidays!

2010-12-25T12:04:00.002-06:00

Selasphorus platycercus and Lamprocapnos spectabilis

(the broad-tailed humming bird and bleeding hearts)

the lord jellyfish

2010-12-03T21:21:00.004-06:00

Lord Jellyfish, for a friend.

I hope she doesn't read this on a regular basis.

Graphite, paper.

The product of procrastination and a break from school.

2010-11-20T19:07:00.006-06:00

Well it looks as though this autumn has been significantly more academic than artistic. But thats alright. On top of this I got a job at a local pet store and have also been volunteering in the wildlife rehabilitation center at the wisconsin humane society. Last week the kids of the pre-vet club and I went on a trip to a local veterinary clinic to perform necropsies on wildlife that had died. I would post photographs of those (they're quite beautiful) but I'll only post the mediocre gnarly ones-many of them are quite gory. If you're interested in seeing them, let me know, perhaps I will post some of the more gnarly ones. Anyway, this absence of consistent physical creativity will most likely be continuous until winter break.

So I've slowly been working on that sweater for my brother (the one I'm sure I've mentioned a few times by now) and will eventually start a sweater for Austin, a sweater vest for my father, a blanket for my mother and maybe (maybe) even something for myself. Yeah!

Yet until then we have this little snaily sketch done this past Thursday at a cafe when I was supposed to be reading genetics:

I do have a few more sketches/small drawings to post but I will spread them out so I have a few things to post over the next month or so.

Good day.

long days

2010-09-30T20:11:00.005-05:00

These photographs are of a shirt I recently knitted a lovely friend. Its a bit hard doing commissioned pieces with very little time and very long days at school but its wonderful when the purchaser understand time constraints. You're the best Gabbie. I'll hopefully have another friend purchase a stocking hat soon but other than that I'm behind on presents for the season and of course behind with school work. But enjoying life nonetheless. Cassie, the lady that I'm doing collaborations with, is currently working on the pieces with the tiger and the skull (previously posted). I'm unbelievably excited to see the changes made to the pieces. Below is a sneak peek to her addition (taken from her tumblr). Our styles are so different, stylistically, flow, method, etc. wise, it will be quite the rockingly unique combination.

a sneak

2010-09-05T21:56:00.004-05:00

I've been busy with many a travel to many a family. I haven't had time to complete much or even make decent progress but I've been working on a few collaboration pieces with a friend. So below is my contribution-though probably a bit awkward for now. The first is my half of one and the second is a close up of a part of the other piece (simply because I lack a full photograph currently. I will post another eventually). Feel free to critique and/or comment. Gabbie is also purchasing a shirt from me so I am knitting that as well!

2010-08-15T21:51:00.005-05:00

Well good evening,

As I do not have much time nor much complete work to post quite yet, this is just a reminder that there are a few prints available on my etsy (of which the link is to the right). The prints available are shown below. Since I did not have many produced and some have sold, if there are any that are sold out, please let me know and I would love to obtain more.

Anyways, I've simply been busy with school work and attempting to enjoy the little things in life. I will have progress up soon.

vite vite vite

2010-08-09T15:48:00.007-05:00

Working on a few drawings for collaborations with miss Cass.

Excuse the lack of posting but I have been very busy with school and catching up on certain projects! As mentioned above, Cassie and I are working on a few small pieces together ( I recently finished one and am working on a second-both to be shipped off soon. I should be receiving a few of her firsts soon as well). On top of that I'm knitting a sweater for my younger brother and will be beginning a cardigan for Austin, a shirt for Gabbie, a sweater vest for my father, a wood burning for my little sister Zoe, and perhaps something for myself. I'll be keeping a sketchbook and continuing to paint or draw and knit as much as possible during autumn classes and I will post them or about them as much as possible. Au revoir.

2010-07-16T22:07:00.004-05:00

(the above photograph is the only photograph so far in which the shirt has been blocked)

I knit a shirt "Coquette Lace"

Lion Brand Cotton Ease - 50% cotton, 50% acrylic

knitting needles size 5 and 7

(in all displayed photographs the shirt is unblocked, blocked photographs will be posted soon)

Next: a men's cardigan, a men's pullover sweater, a men's sweater vest, a side slip cloche

Beta the Hutt

2010-07-11T11:35:00.002-05:00

Beta the Hutt

tea stained paper, oil, colored pencil, graphite

(a better photograph will be posted soon)

A piece for open fridays at the 345 flat iron studio, Chicago

Sold.

beaches

2010-06-24T10:39:00.003-05:00

As of late, life has consisted of trips to a cabin in a prairie, bicycle rides in the sun, late night bonfires and movies on the porch. Though summer school begins soon, summer time will not be lost.

I may post more (frequency and quantity) due to nights in for early classes and more time to paint or knit. I've been getting quite into knitting lately and finished my first sweater. Its nothing special or overly intricate but for what it is, it went quite smoothly and looks comfortable yet adorable. The sweater is a birthday present for my mother. I've also begun a new painting, of which the sketch is below (and of bad quality-perhaps click for a better look [it hasn't been working]) along with a photograph of the sweater for my mother. Its incomplete still-its currently being blocked and I will have to add some black ribbon to the neckline perhaps. Today has been declared beach day and I will be knitting and swimming in the lake with Edmund and Austin. To come: a simple pair of glove-mittens, a summer lace top, perhaps progress on a men's summer vest, and a painting.

Also, I've been missing long lost friends.

My desk, a mess.

I guess I'm floating

2010-06-15T18:25:00.002-05:00

Finally, it has been framed!

A thank you goes to Kelly for the beautiful framing.

another sneak

2010-06-10T16:15:00.001-05:00

part of the piece below, to be finished by tonight

sneak

2010-05-31T18:38:00.001-05:00

A preview

2010-05-31T11:19:00.002-05:00

I'm currently working on a little piece for a kitty-theme show, Pussie Galore, in Chicago on June 25th.

There will be a sneak preview within the next few days.

Blame my absence here on school! I will be adding more shortly.

nevermore

2010-04-25T14:49:00.007-05:00

Sleepless.

graphite, paper in a moleskine sketch book

(click for a larger image)

For you, academia.

dear

2010-03-23T19:32:00.005-05:00

a bird of paradise

graphite, paper in a moleskine sketch book

(click for a larger image)

The project of a day in the park.

Accipiter striatus

2010-03-17T14:23:00.004-05:00

The Sharp-Shinned Hawk

oil, wood burning

This was done last summer but I never shared it.

I performed a necropsy on a sharp-shinned hawk at a nearby exotic veterinary clinic about two weeks ago, it was brilliant. The poor chap hit a window. We also were able to perform necropsies on a rabbit, crow, cooper's hawk, and a red-tail hawk. Next time, perhaps an eagle.

Rangifer tarandus

2010-03-07T02:12:00.006-06:00

(sketchbook) paper, graphite

quick preparatory sketch

I need to set a time limit on my caffeine intake.

Amorphophalls titanum

2010-02-28T11:40:00.003-06:00

Amorphophallus titanum

The Corpse Flower

graphite, colored pencil, in moleskine sketchbook

(it has been very slightly touched up but not enough to take another photograph)

Don't forget a few prints (shown below) are now available on my Etsy! The link is to the right.

a few prints

2010-02-26T18:03:00.004-06:00

The pieces below are now available as prints on my etsy! Please take a look.

There are very few for now but more can be ordered if you wish, simply contact me at the e-mail listed here or through etsy.

A link to my etsy is displayed on the right. Enjoy.

Octopus dofleini

2010-02-14T09:48:00.005-06:00

Austin's Giant Pacific Octopus, Octopus dofleini

oils, turpenoid, linseed oil, graphite, colored pencil, ink

A gift of Valentine's Day.

(you must click for a higher resolution! the difference is significant)

This one took me quite some time to complete. School has depleted most of my free time, about what I expected I guess. So things will be very slow here most likely. I feel very disappointed about it but it will balance itself out of course and I will have plenty of time to create soon enough. Summer time. It needs to come quickly.

On a positive note, the managing director of Xerox and his wife have commissioned me to create a few pieces for them, I'm very much excited. And somewhat nervous. I only really know what one of them is to be so far, I have to meet with them first and then we'll decide on details. I've been pretty lucky with people appreciating my work and wanting custom or commissioned pieces lately. I really hope this becomes a constant.

a self portrait

2010-02-11T14:48:00.008-06:00

Something new will be up soon. A drawing, a painting, a sculpture? Perhaps. Its a gift. Shh.

-

2010-02-05T16:23:00.005-06:00

Returned have the months that I dream of paint.

fauna

2010-01-26T18:02:00.006-06:00

Untitled.

paper, colored pencil, graphite

Excuse the low quality photograph, I will have a better detailed one up tomorrow.

(The dark floral pattern near the rooster is supposed to be black. As is much of the outline on the rooster. Thank you graphite sheen.)

A hopeful screen printed shirt opportunity.

The cause of a sore hand.

evening

2010-01-25T18:05:00.003-06:00

And above is my first hat. A stocking hat.

lion's brand wool and Aki's stashed yarn, size US 8 needles

The result of time.

strings

2010-01-18T14:20:00.008-06:00

In progress- an update

(click for a larger image)

Above are photographs of my first mittens (combination gloves), a tenth birthday present to my little sister. She is quite the animal fanatic, much like myself, so I thought it fitting to make the buttons of that theme. This is just the right glove, the left glove will have a little sea turtle button instead of the octopus. Thankfully our hands are about the same size so it was easy to make sure they would fit her without asking her size. I believe I am now addicted to knitting (as is Austin). And it does not help that someone is knitting at all times within the house (as all five people who currently live here have all learned as well).

Both the painting and the gloves will be done by this weekend.

home

2010-01-12T09:51:00.008-06:00

home.

12x14 canvas, oil paint

The product of inspiration from two friends.

A gift to Mark and Aki.

The first completed piece of the year.

and now I'm excited to start more landscape paintings.

(excuse the bad photograph quality, the camera is broken,

colors and detail are slightly off)

the third of January

2010-01-03T20:25:00.008-06:00

the gaboon viper and zamia fern - in progress (to be painted as well)

wood burning, wood panel, (oil paints)

and here we go with a bit of detail below:

I created my first knitted piece this past week: a massive bundle scarf.

Lion's Brand heavy weight yarn, 9mm needles

(excuse the awkward arm posture)

Edmund has been enjoying the snow. Very, very much.

I truly don't know what trouble I would be in if winter break did not exist.

Bitis gabonica

2009-12-29T19:17:00.005-06:00

Sketch (to be used for a wood burning/painting)

The reaction to a month of winter leisure.

And with more to follow..

Including:

.. a belated christmas present to Mark and Aki, a canvas landscape painting

.. a bundle of wood burnings (including the one above)

... here and there, a tea-stained paper painting

a mountain, climbing

2009-12-06T11:21:00.004-06:00

For Bethany - custom painting

tea stained paper, oil, colored pencil

The legacy of a new friend.

My full month break from academic responsibilities is drawing near. I'm growing quite anxious. Yet it will be here soon, I can wait a few weeks more. Then the month of reading, painting, drawing, wood burning, playing with the snow puppy, and relaxing ensues.

These past few weeks have been very busy. The above painting, which has yet to be titled, took me much longer than I thought it would due to school work, the holidays, and a bundle of other events. Which brings me to the next photograph of the baklava I made for thanksgiving dessert. Mm. It did not last long.

I will have plenty of artwork to post come January, stay tuned. Until then.

a likening to wild beasts

2009-11-07T21:39:00.017-06:00

To begin, hm, would you (those who may read this) buy a print if I began to sell them? I'm thinking of getting pricing estimates and figuring out costs, etc. but I'm unsure if they would actually sell, and I do not necessarily have a means to purchase them and allow them gather dust.

Votes are being taken.

I would most likely have prints of "I guess I'm Floating"(the polar bear painting), "Ursus" (the woman and bear painting), and the untitled woodburning/painting of the woman with blue jays in her hair. For now!

Onward,

Sadly I have made very little progress lately (as you can see according to the photograph above in comparison with the photograph below, note the dates). On anything artistically involved. Being ill four major times in the past month has taken its toll on my studies and therefore allowing me absolutely no time to paint. Which makes my heart wither and die. Mostly. Thankfully I have the entire month of January off school in which I plan to finish my unfinished paintings as well as start a few more. The only thing I'll be able to get done before then however will probably be a birthday present for a friend, which I will post here as well. A theme of polar bears (and bears in general) seem to be making its way to my heart. Or rather, the drawing habituations of my hands.

I recently proposed a display of some of my work to a cafe called The Roast near school so I'm hoping to be involved with them soon! We will see what comes of that. You will be informed.

Anyways, winter approaches.

mimosa

2009-10-18T21:03:00.005-05:00

Untitled so far (crab and flower)

graphite, oil

A birthday present to myself- time to paint.

The photographs above show a painting I started on yesterday. The crab, if you cannot see, has just encountered a flower that fell into the water. Below that is a photograph of three frames that I found at antique stores nearby, all of which will be cleaned and hopefully used soon. "I guess I'm floating" (the polar bear and luna moth painting somewhere below) will be placed in the white frame.

My birthday weekend went wonderfully. And all thanks to the brilliant people I know. Thursday night at the bar with Austin was the perfect way to start it off. Not to mention, Animal Planet played on the television the entire time we were there. What a combination. Friday night was a night of sushi, Klondike shots (which were delicious and free), and Where the Wild Things Are. Also, Miki made me a beautifully illustrated card with a little owl, which I will post when my camera is up and running again. Last night, Andrew Bird played a stunning show as always, though sadly I could not meet him- slim miss though! This may or may not have been an embarrassing event due to possibly making a fool of myself. Lastly, today involved delicious food, time with friends, painting, and relaxing. I'm a cheerful lady.

Now for a long week of coffee, biology, french, and calculus. But then more painting and maybe an old friend.

alas

2009-10-15T17:56:00.006-05:00

Sea Creatures of the World.

old wood plank, wood burning (pyrography)

The product of many a hand ache.

At last.

Sadly this did not make it to the Shedd donation auction, as much as I would have loved it to. Thank you to those at a certain wood working place who apparently did not take me seriously. Pity. At least I get to keep it with me for a while and possibly use it for display in the future. One day it will make it out of the house.

Cnidaria scyphozoa

2009-10-13T18:53:00.003-05:00

Cnidaria scyphozoa

ink

The beginning of a gray and blustery early morning.

My little corner.

Well, sadly I may not be able to donate the sea creatures piece to the aquarium. It was sent to be cut on Thursday evening and was supposed to be done by Sunday or Monday, though this person did not get around to doing it and has yet to do so. Immediately after class tomorrow I have to speed to pick it up, speed to the post office to try to have it sent out over night. If I cannot (which is possible due to that specific time period being in the dense heart of rush hour), then it will be lounging in my home once again. Maybe another opportunity will arise. Until tomorrow.

On another (and more positive) note, sir Mitch Anderson is currently working on a simple website for me in order to display my art work. I will post it here once it is available!

fields

2009-10-07T18:24:00.010-05:00

Yet to be titled

In progress

The product of procrastination.

Yet to be titled

Nearly complete (needs to be cut)

At last, I found the perfect place for the wood burning above. I was lost as to what exactly I wanted to do with it once I complete the wood work and such. Little did I know, the Shedd aquarium is taking art work donations as a means of gathering money for the animals and the facility. Perfect. The event, Art Sharks, will consist of an art auction to be held Friday, November 13th, with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres served before hand. The money paid for the pieces of work will be donated to the aquarium. If you happen to have art work and would like to donate a piece to the event, or rather just go, the website is below. You can find the contribution form in the artist section.

http://www.sheddaquarium.org/2980.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thewoodland/

2009-10-04T22:44:00.003-05:00

Alright. I apologize for all the flying around.

So that I have a means of categorizing and organizing my work online in a style in which I can display logically, I'm going to start posting my artwork on flickr instead of here.

That way no one has to flip pages and pages back (including myself) just to view a specific work.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thewoodland/

Please continue to check that for updates! Thank you very much.

I will still continue to post on this with updates in general (mostly art related probably), the other journal will be deleted.

Actias luna

2009-10-03T02:21:00.005-05:00

I guess I'm floating

oil, ink, graphite

The product of going blind.

Progress!

(click, its larger)

Ursus

2009-09-26T15:40:00.012-05:00

Mother black bear. (complete)

oil, ink, water color, paper

(The colors are very dull due to the camera. Click, its larger!).

The product of an afternoon of illness.

In progress: polar bears, luna moths.

The product of procrastination, more illness, and admiration.

retouche

2009-09-18T20:53:00.004-05:00

The twisted tree forest.

In progress, canvas and oil.

A partial product of too much coffee.

Mother black bear.

In progress, paper, pencil, ink, oil.

A product of expanding imagination.

havenwoods

2009-09-14T21:53:00.008-05:00

This photograph will be painted soon.

During the time of winter in which I wish this was all I could see.

Cyanocitta cristata

2009-09-13T08:56:00.006-05:00

The colors of the photograph are slightly too warm in hue. Inspired by a wonderful sunday morning canoe race that we did not bother racing through. The blue jay that followed us made our initially disappointing choice of path much more worth while.