Abstract in black and white and gray, originally uploaded by yodraws.

This seen was on my desk yesterday. I plan on using parts of these patterns in some illustrations I’m doing for the Grand Rapids Community Foundation newsletter. I also think they might make nice wall hangings in white frames. Multi-use art is what I like to do best.

new samples, originally uploaded by yodraws.

As summer is coming to and end, I’m thinking about blogging more. The studio has been quiet all season. Once the kids are at school, I’ll have more time to create work, visit galleries and go to art openings. I’m sad summer is ending, but will embrace change and look forward to Autumn.

On my bulletin board, hangs a few Opera Grand Rapids marketing materials for this coming season.

poster artist car, originally uploaded by yodraws.

All I have to say is I LOVE PARADES. Now, I LOVE BEING IN PARADES.

with this. prrrrr!

burning the midnight oil, originally uploaded by yodraws.

I feel like I’m getting back to my roots whenever I pull out my gouache palettes and watercolor boards. I’ve been doing many large paintings lately stepping a bit outside of my box. It has been a great learning experience as I explored patterns and new color combinations. I noticed when I started working on these smaller illustrations for Opera Grand Rapids my paint style was looser, more spontaneous. So here is the lesson of the day: When your work begins to feel tired, mediocre and dull why not try something new? Basket weaving, any one?

primetime with yodraws, originally uploaded by yodraws.

oh, and this is behind the scenes of the said interview.

Sadly, at 1 AM I’m way too wiggly eyed to post a video. So, here I provide a link to a video. It is the Tulip Time poster interview I did for WOODTV Connecting with Community. Thanks to expert editing I sound pretty good. No stuttering or incomplete sentences. But, what is up with my hair? 

Crafting, internationally, originally uploaded by yodraws.

I love getting mail from far places. Today, from Hong Kong, I received this book. My DIY painting of a thrifted box is featured nicely. Thank you very much.