pencil study

a recent sketch from my book... just wanted to share a little something today.
Have a good week. =)

Poster Design

One of my favorite things about the upcoming holiday season is seeing the Nutcracker performed. I just love this timeless, whimsical story as well as the music of Tchaikovsky - pure magic! It should remind us all that there should always be room for dancing, laughter and most importantly, boundless imagination in our lives.

This project was a joy. I discussed my concept with the creative director/owner of the dance company and conducted the shoot with some of the dancers. Back to the studio where I worked the images into this dreamy landscape.

Still keeping quite busy - the design work is rolling in while I manage to work sketches for (2) children's stories. I would love to have some pencil drafts soon... or at least sneak peaks, with the clients approval. I hope everyone is well, and plan on doing some "visiting" over my morning coffee tomorrow. Have a great night.

Happy Halloween

I hope you all have a festive, fun and just plain wonderful Halloween!!!

jewelry

As the weather grows cooler here in New England, I become more focused on the approaching holidays. While Halloween is always a wonderful time, I do find my thoughts wondering more and more to Christmas... the behemoth of holidays! Since Christmas just happens to be my favorite holiday and knowing how busy I will be during December (those holiday cookies and candies don't just make themselves), I do my very best to begin working on presents early. Last year, I was neck deep in scarves, this year it has been (wait for it).... jewelry! I must admit that during my down-time, all I want to do is grab my round nose pliers and dig into my stash of gemstones, metals and freshwater pearls! Isn't it fun to be creative, no matter what the medium?

Enjoy, thanks for stopping by to visit and have a wonderful afternoon. =)

October KRU is out!

Ta dah! Here is the latest issue of Kidz Rule USA, which is the monthly family magazine that I work on. I am extra proud of this issue because one of my photographs was selected for the cover! Still busy wrapping up design projects and sketching, sketching, sketching for the children's book AND trying to get a jump on some of my Christmas presents. Yes, I did say Christmas presents - I have been "creatively crazy" knitting and wire wrapping some jewelry and embellishing journals.

This is the time of year that I feel there isn't even a spare moment to come up for air. And from visiting many of my other creative blog buddies, I can tell that I am not alone in this matter.

Happy Wednesday and thanks for checking in with me today. =)

pumpkin

I spent a little time today sitting on my sun porch and sketching. This was one of the completed items, a small decorative pumpkin with a lovely stem. Sometimes it is nice just to give the mind and hands a bit of creative workout - for no reason other than to play with color, shape and form. It felt good to sit in the sun and draw and take "time out of life".
Have a wonderful, creative weekend - especially Vanessa who is celebrating a birthday. =)

perspective

I love those moments when something special occurs to my mindset. Usually prompted by a person, event, discussion or or even a good read and then click, things just seem to fall into place. Like a fog has lifted and my perspective on life clears. When I stop asking - am I doing the right thing, am I on the right path?
I had a moment like that last night when I read an essay that my daughter wrote at school which not only made me smile, but brought tears to my eyes. I was blessed with a wonderful feeling that yes, I am doing things right. That all the long nights, stressed out moments, mom guilt and constant balancing act between family and work has been worth it and will still be worth it. =)

"MOM" by A.G.
My mom is very creative, helpful and clever. She is creative because she makes me jewelry like necklaces, bracelets, hats and scarves. She helps me with my homework and she tests me on my spelling words. Mom is clever because she makes very good food. She drives me to places all the time. I want to be like my mom.

Thanks for stopping by today and have a wonderful weekend.

Mini painting

Good Morning All! I know it has been too long since my last post - but I am back and ready to keep everyone more up to date on my creative happenings. Lately, I have been very busy working on design and photography assignments, and in the coming months I will be working on a childrens book! The past few months have been busy, there were some wonderful creative developments and a few disappointments too, but I am in the studio with renewed vigor/inspiration and have truly missed you guys. Can't wait to catch up on all you have been doing ~ plan on my stopping by over my cup of coffee this week. =)
I leave you today with a little mini painting that I worked on from my sun porch. I just love the birch trees in our backyard - so striking and regal against any seasonal backdrop.
Have a great day~
Lisa

LA Times

I was very excited to see my illustration in the LA Times! This story was written by a very talented and creative author and it was a joy to illustrate. It makes me even more happy knowing that the story is going to be shared with so many.
Have a great weekend-
Lisa

Helpful (and fun) creative sites

Happy Monday! I thought this little photo would be a cheerful way to begin the week. I also wanted to share with you all, a few creative sites that I have found to be rather useful. The first is Scarletbits.com. Lots of fun goodies here, especially if you use Photoshop. I have downloaded some wonderful brushes and backgrounds. Lots of news and tips too, so it's really worth a visit. The other site is Designmoo.com - another jam-packed website loaded with goodies, tips, info, tutorials and more. I like to check in with these sites weekly over a cup of am coffee... it is a relaxing way to begin the day, and I often find something fun or learn something new in the process. Thanks for stopping by today. =)