Some Holiday Magic...

is being sent your way. Happy holidays!

IF - Similar

Here is my submission for Illustration Friday's "similar." A painting from a couple of years ago, but I think it works for the topic. Don't we look for ways that we are similar to those we meet?

Recurring Elements

For the past few years, I have been making my own holiday cards. This was from 2007. When I looked at it today, I realized my dog was a pancake in this image! I love finding recurring themes in my artwork.

Sometimes abstract elements such as colors or shapes appear over and over. Sometimes narrative images appear. For example, one recurring image is a girl or woman looking into a mirror.
These sketches were done pretty spontaneously and on separate days within the past month.

Here is a drawing from a sketchbook that is a couple of years old:

It's always interesting for me to make these discoveries of repeated elements.
What are your thoughts on this? What are the recurring elements in your work?

In the meantime, I'd better get moving on my holiday card for '08!

IF - Balloon Sketch

They were surprised to see the snowman float away like a balloon.

Again I only had time this week for a sketch. Well, this is a good time to get feedback...at the sketch phase. So your critique is welcome.

Wise Painting

Here is the finished painting of the sketch I posted last time. I tried experimenting with gouache on colored Rives BFK paper. However, I defeated the purpose as I painted everything in!