Monday, May 6, 2013

This and That...Simple Everydays ~

Hello There  ~

So nice to be back to my blog today.
I've been extra busy planning my art schedule lately.

With 20 illustrations and a book cover due before August AND a commission piece AND a watercolor due and framed by May 18th, my mind has been in the studio.

Unfortunately, my inspiration has taken a vacation ~ 


This is precisely what my watercolor looks like right now.
But, no worries.  I know I'll get it done before deadline.  Something will spark my inspiration eventually.

I've had my nose in this book for a couple of weeks now ~ 



"Talking Pictures" by Ransom Riggs.  

I had the opportunity to chat with Mr. Riggs at a recent author event called "Spring Into The Future" in San Diego.  My daughter was the designated book blogger for the event so I went along to help with her equipment.  Mr. Riggs and I both share a love for vintage photos and discovered that we both purchase from some of the same Southern California photo vendors.  Who knew?

So...I've been picking this book up on and off everyday when I probably should be painting!  

I've been spending time outside too.  Hoping to find something that makes my spirit cry to get back to the studio.  

I found this instead ~


But alas ~ I am not inspired by grasshoppers.  

And, look how pretty...
I discovered this "Tylwyth Teg" daylily while researching Tylwyth Teg (Welsh Faeries) for the book I'm illustrating.  Isn't it pretty?  



I've been picking a few boysenberries as they are ripening so early this year ~ 


It won't be long until summer pie is on the menu ~ 


Warm weather has helped my roses to bloom.
Which makes me very happy ~ 


Ohhh, and my puppies got a hold of a 123 year old, mint condition photo of mine.  Before I could get it from them, they did this... 
Which doesn't make me happy ~ 


But, I still love them!  :-)

I am hoping to find my way, artfully, very soon, because everyday that passes is one day less before my deadlines.  Eeekkk....

Until then, I am staying hopeful and appreciating the perfect blue of a springtime sky ~ 


OH..and you guys, if you love Mexican Rice, head over to my friend, Vanessa Valencia's blog.  She's sharing an amazing recipe for Mexican Rice...and get this, you make it in the microwave.  I made it this weekend and it's amazing.  

Hope you have a fantastic week and are finding your inspiration, if only little by little.  

Until Next Time:
Kim
Gerushia's New World

8 comments:

Bobbypin Bandit said...

Kim! How exciting to have such exciting projects in the works! I am sort of in the same situation as you, but with writing. I can't seem to find the words, but I know I will... eventually.

Your garden looks lovely! I am so jealous that you get berries to bake with! I am waiting patiently for the lemons on my meyer lemon tree to ripen... mmmm... lemonade will be on the menu!

Can't believe your dogs ripped that picture... My Douglas can be a little naughty like that, too.

Sending you all my best!

Gerushia's New World said...

Hi Bobbypin!

I guess the term "artist's slump" originated because it happens to so many artists! Isn't it frustrating when you can't find the words or inspiration to create? I'm just sooo frustrated!

Yes...my puppies were very naughty. Has Douglas ever torn up anything of yours that had meaning or sentimental value?

Yum! Meyer lemons. I had a Meyer lemon tree several years ago, but something happened and it died. Poof...just like that. It just didn't thrive. I use lemons a lot. I think I need to plant a new tree.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I always love hearing from you.

xoxo
Kim

http://afancifultwist.typepad.com said...

Kim, the slump will go for a walk soon, I know it ;)

Having to do something is what makes inspiration fizzle, but then, when time gets less, the brain just explodes and everything gets done in the nick of time - for me at least.

I have total faith you will get it done.

Your white roses are sooo pretty, and with that fountain, awesome!

Also- boysenberries, HELLO!?

Awesome.

Those lil old photo rascals eaters!

My old neighbor came over the other day, and she said her two dogs broke a frame with her great grandfather's photo, 8x10, and then one of them ate it swallowing every piece. She is gutted, her only photo of him, and the only family owned photo.

Ugh.

Life looks more than swell in your neck of the woods!!


Love, V

http://afancifultwist.typepad.com said...

ps: Your daughter seriously rocks!

Gerushia's New World said...

Vanessa! Thank you! She's doing some amazing stuff with her book blog. I'm really excited for her to get her own books published. Her stories are amazing!

xoxo
Kim

Laura Irrgang said...

I second the AvaIsAwesome comment. Hey--I'm so curious (and nosy)-what are the illustrations for? A commission? Do they go along with the book? You probably already told us and I had mommy brain. Is it a secret? I want to KNOW!

Gerushia's New World said...

Hi Laura!

I think my daughter's fairly awesome myself! :-)

Heheehee...no, no secrets. The illustrations are for a book about Welsh Faeries. I work with a small indie publishing company called "A Raven Above Press" and they are re-publishing a 1911 text that has been out of print for years. I'm doing the cover and 20 illustrations. If we can get it done on time, it will be released at the 2013 Cardiff, Wales Comic-Con.

I'm kookoo for fairy tales! Most of my art portrays the characters from a fairy tale I'm writing called "Gerushia's New World."

xoxo
Kim

http://afancifultwist.typepad.com said...

How are the projects coming along???? xoxo