In Honor of The 2013 Mad Tea Party ~

First and foremost...

Heartfelt thanks go out to the lovely and amazing Vanessa Valencia of A Fanciful Twist for creating and breathing life into this yearly party.  The heart and soul that she shares with us is unending and I am ever so grateful for her. 

So....

A lovely day upon us,

A party full of cheer.

With lots of tea (or spirits),

And a tiny little deer (can you see the deer?)

You see, I prepared my tea cups, 

and baked some cakes...

and a pie...

I even sent my green balloon adrift into the sky.

The guests have been invited,

Alice is on her way.

The children, in their finest,

are scheduled to arrive today.

Imagine my excitement,

When I heard the greatest news.

The March Hare will be joining us,

and bringing his brother, too.

Please, won't you join us,

in this glorious day of Tea?

Rest assured we're all mad here,

and crazy as can be! 

xoxo

Kim

Gerushia's New World

Please note:  In honor of Vanessa's amazing Mad Tea Party, I am offering 40% off every single item in my Etsy Shop that depicts a rabbit.  (Believe me, there are a lot of rabbits in my shop)!!!  This includes prints and originals.

Simply use coupon code MADTEAPARTY at check out to receive your 40% savings.  ♥♥

P.S.  Just so you know...I actually drink coffee more often than tea.  Although I LOVE tea, especially mint tea.  I am a drinker of coffee...in a Jack O'Lantern cup.

xoxo

Kim

Gerushia's New World

Lovely Spring Days, Good Stuff and Art, Art Art ~

Do you love Spring?

I love Spring.

This is the time of year when the Morning Glories are the happiest ~ 

Pinks and purples are best friends ~ 

and baby squash announce their own arrival ~ 

Uh-oh...the puppies have discovered the boysenberries ~ 

Springtime has a way of opening secrets.

This Praying Mantis egg sac has been attached to my eaves since last Fall.

Finally, the babies are appearing ~ 

Just the size of a grain of rice ~ 

Soon, they will grow to be mighty protectors of my garden ~ 

Spring evenings call me into my studio.

I created a "Little Red Riding Hood" inspired piece for a local art show ~ 

My daughter modeled as "Little Red"...

We just happened to have the perfect costume on hand ~ 

This piece is called "Be Still My Little Red Heart" ~ 

It's a companion piece to last year's piece entitled:

"Mi Corazon por Alicia"

The show I entered is the only local show I do and it's really fun.

My friend, Shell, and I participate in this show together every year ~ 

So much fun.

Good memories.

Free wine!  ;-)

Last week, my son was honored for his achievements in college ~ 

Game Student Spring Showcase ~ 

He's an amazing artist and has dreamed of working in the video game industry since he was old enough to hold his first Game Boy ~ 

Now...he's making those dreams come true ~ 

These pieces were created for his "Materials and Lighting" class ~ 

"Pirate Still Life"

"Environment"

"Photo Realism - Ibanez Guitar Angle 1"

"Photo Realism - Ibanez Guitar Angle 2"

This kid just blows me away.

So talented and went into school self-taught.

Now, he's learning how to refine that talent and making connections in the gaming industry.

So proud!

Spring can sometimes lead me to the kitchen.

Busy days lead to late night suppers.

Grapes, cheddar and homemade French Bread.
(This bread recipe is to die for.  I got it from the always lovely Vanessa from A Fanciful Twist.  Delicious and simple.  Only 5 ingredients).

The perfect Spring meal ~ 

I have a busy art schedule this Spring and Summer.

While working on 20 illustrations and a book cover for an upcoming book about "Tylwyth Teg" (Welsh Faeries), I am also working on illustrations for my own book.

This work in progress depicts "Odessa."  She grows up to be the songstress in the fairy tale I'm writing called "Gerushia's New World" ~ 

Here is the first illustration that shows "Odessa" at a little older age ~ 

Spring is a busy time in the garden, the kitchen and the studio.

My favorite time of year.

I'm having a little Springtime sale in my Etsy Shop right now!

Springtime is the best time to have a sale, don't you think?

I need to make room in my studio for all the new work to come.

This sale includes every single item in my shop, originals, prints and, well....everything!

Just use coupon code SUNNYDAY to save 30%.

Gosh, I love my little studio.

I never get tired of this simple view ~ 

Thank you for sharing a little Springtime with me.

I hope you're enjoying this lovely time of year.

Before I know it, summer will be upon me and it will be hotter than Fred's Flame in my neck of the woods.

Until Next Time:

Kim

Gerushia's New World

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

Huge Art Project On The Horizon And A Super Fun Anna Carey Author Event ~

Well ~

It's been a crazy couple of days.

I've taken on a huge art project.  I can't give you much detail other than I have 4 months to create 21 pieces of art.

I am desperately in need of new art supplies to get me started on this journey, soooo...

I think a sale is in order.  Don't you?

This sale is in my Zibbet Shop instead of Etsy.

Mainly because Zibbet doesn't require a coupon code.

You can get 33.33% off all my original pieces and the prices are already marked down for you.  So easy to use Zibbet!

There are 15 original pieces, including my newest art.  Would you like to have a look?  If so, just click Right Here.

I am over the moon excited about this new project.

It will require a lot of research but I'm ready to go!

I had to offer up a new bio photo for the project ~

I'm also knee deep in composing cover letters for children's book art agents.

These are the kinds of things that make me nervous and crazy.  The business end of art is not my strong point!

Along with my arty stuff last week, I also had fun author stuff to attend as well.

I went with my daughter to the release party for Anna Carey's new book  called "Rise" ~ Anna is such a sweetheart.  Funny, witty and gorgeous!

(Anna reading from her book)

The signing was held at an amazing indie bookstore in Hollywood called Book Soup.

As usual, the local Young Adult fiction authors came out in support for Anna.

left to right: 

Jennifer Bosworth, Gretchen McNeil, Ransom Riggs, Lauren Kate and the always amazing Josephine Angelini ~

My daughter (a book blogger and future published author) knows all these spectacular authors, I'm just the mom!  :-)

Ohhh...and, we discovered that one of my puppies has double canines! ~ 

So...all in all, I've been busy.

I absolutely have to buckle down and get started on this new project.

As soon as I get the green light, I'll give you all the details.  

Until then, I desperately need new art supplies to get me started.  I need 21 canvases, a lot of new paint, countless ink cartridges and a ton of cardstock!

My hopes are that I can sell a few originals to at least get a good start on the first 5 pieces this week.

Any and all purchases made will help me immensely.  No matter how big or small, any purchase will be greatly appreciated!

I'll be back super soon with more news and some springtime photos!

Until Next Time:

Kim

Gerushia's New World