Lisa Graves Design

another sketchbook entry

2012-01-22T10:47:00.000-08:00

another spread in my sketchbook for the 2012 Sketchbook Tour.

Wallis Simpson- the Duchess of Windsor (but not "Her Royal Highness".)
I really hope I can finish this sketchbook before Jan 31st. It's getting a little tight.

click the image for a larger view.

ooh La La!!

2012-01-20T07:53:00.000-08:00

Nate and Salli are up to their usual tricks, they just launched a new map illustration competition.
Check it out HERE.

My head is going to be spinning until I figure out exactly what I want to do. Methinks a historical map might be a mistake for this particular contest.... I REALLY want the Pentel prize!!

Join in the fun!!

Product Development

2012-01-15T07:03:00.000-08:00

Product Development is done SO far in advance, I never know when I can show pictures- stumbled across some photos of gifts I designed last year.

Sketchbook 2012

2012-01-12T16:15:00.000-08:00

Working on my sketchbook for the 2012 "Sketchbook Project". For more info- click HERE.
My theme this year is "Time Traveler". So, of course, I'm drawing some of my favorite historical figures. Here's a sample of a spread on Katharine of Aragon. Tragic, but fascinating tale. Google her.

Click the image for a large view.

Recipe for TDAC

2012-01-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

Just sent this over to Nate & Salli at TDAC. My husband and I tried so hard to get our son to like green veggies, but this is the ONLY one he will eat. Finicky Finn the Picky Pickleberry.

New family member!!

2012-01-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

We adopted a beautiful boy from the Baypath Animal Shelter in Hopkinton, MA. His name is Henry Thomas- he'll be 2 in March, and we couldn't be happier about his arrival today. He's got his own little space next to my drawing table!!

everything- right down to the pillows.

2011-12-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

Yours truly designed all the installation art, interior design, furniture design... CD'd the Media, etc. (didn't do the entry signage.)

Hmm... 4 of those look familiar!

2011-12-11T13:47:00.000-08:00

15 Awesome Illustrated Recipes!

wall update

2011-12-09T13:59:00.000-08:00

photos from the "great wall of illustrations". Each illustration was hand-inked and pieced together digitally. It was printed as wallpaper and put up on a wall within a corporate headquarters. The illustrations are divided into 4 quadrants- each quadrant represents 1 aspect of the company's philosophy. SO FUN.

Top 30!

2011-12-08T12:49:00.000-08:00

My Holiday Recipe illustration made it into the top 30 for the "Eat Pretty Holiday Recipe Illustration Contest." You can vote for my recipe HERE.

Click the image for a larger view.

Christmas Stocking Charity Competition

2011-11-29T12:30:00.000-08:00

Sweet Salli Sue Swindell got me into this fabulous competition: design a Christmas stocking, with no restrictions. How fun is that? Visitors to the Grey Colt in Hudson, Ohio will get to purchase raffle tickets for their favorite stocking. All proceeds go to Mackline's Miracle.

I designed a "Marie Antoinette" stocking with detachable ornaments. With some sewing help from my friend Ann- this is what I'm sending. Wish me luck!

Click the photo for a larger view.

awww nuts.

2011-11-17T07:02:00.000-08:00

Here is my entry for the TDAC "Eat Pretty" contest. To read more about it- click HERE.
For a larger view- just click the image.

more smories!

2011-11-08T14:36:00.000-08:00

Another one of my children's stories was filmed and posted to smories.com.

To view "Nose Toes" click the link:

http://www.smories.com/watch/nose-toes/

Jazz Hands

2011-11-06T15:41:00.000-08:00

I've been dying to submit an illustration for JAZZ & DRAW and finally did it. My song is "I Put A Spell on You" by Nina Simone. My partner in crime, Erin Crawford, suggested this particular song and I was immediately inspired.

To take part in Jazz & Draw click HERE.

Click the image for a larger view.

To listen, click below.
You may want to hit "pause" on my blog tunes at the very bottom.

To hear the song, click this

more exposure thanks to TDAC!

2011-11-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

Check out this editorial spread in Reader's Digest Asia! That's my recipe for Corn Chowdahhhh featured in the header. Whoop whoop!!!!

To be part of the Fab World of Super Salli and Nate the Great click one of these...

They Draw and Cook

They Draw and Travel

Click the image for a larger view.

Illustration Friday: Scary

2011-10-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

The word for this week on Illustration Friday is SCARY. Did you know that you can actually stay at the Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, MA? It's a B&B. I've been trying to talk a few friends into going- but haven't had any takers- yet. You can check out the Inn HERE.

Click the image to see a larger view.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!!!

Sneak Peek

2011-10-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

Got very very lucky--- was assigned to do Patio Furniture design for a very good client. 24 sets of furniture designs for a very well known retail client. Stay tuned. I'm just psyched I can add "Furniture Designer" to my repertoire.

Halloween is Magic

2011-10-27T05:44:00.000-07:00

I'm a self-proclaimed scaredy-cat, but after years of designing Halloween Gift Product- Halloween has become my favorite holiday and I think New England is the best place to be!!

Although I'm not wearing a costume this year, I'm definitely wearing my giant spider headband.

Happy Haunting!

Illustration Friday: Scattered

2011-10-16T16:08:00.000-07:00

Say hello to the very unfortunate Lady Jane Grey- the Nine Days Queen. During her short reign, Jane lived in the Tower of London. She was imprisoned there when the Privy Council proclaimed Mary as Queen in 1553. Jane was convicted of high treason and eventually beheaded at the age of 17 for her (falsified) crimes. She is regarded as a Political Victim and Martyr.

Her body was buried at the Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula alongside Anne Boleyn- neither had a coffin and due to construction and relocation issues their bones lie scattered and mingled under a wall to the left of the alter. There is a plaque nearby on the floor noting the relocation of the bones.

Click the image for a larger view.

color wonder.

2011-09-26T15:30:00.000-07:00

Sneak peek at something I'm working on. I find it very relaxing to ink all the intricate details.
Stay tuned.

Click the image for a larger view.

The Great Wall of Illustrations

2011-09-20T07:20:00.000-07:00

Working on a big installation piece for a client- it involves 80+ hand-inked illustrations, all of which represent 4 words (4 words that represent their company philosophy.) Here is a sample of two sections- can you guess which words these 2 blocks of illustrations represent? More to come once it is installed- stay tuned.

sad day.

2011-09-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

had to let my beautiful dog "Josh" go last night. I adopted him in 1998 from a no-kill shelter in Elmsford, NY. He was the one constant in my life for all these years- all he ever wanted was love. I'm so so so sad today. My handsome boy is much more comfortable now. I will miss him.

Kids Cook Contest

2011-09-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

Super Salli and Nate the Great are at it again- they've launched another illustrated recipe contest focused on recipes for kids. To see more information on the contest, click HERE. Deadline is September 12- so get cookin'.

My illustration is dedicated to my little 4-year-old Princess- who likes to make big messes in my small kitchen.

Click the image to see a larger view.

Food Truck: I'm gonna Shuck you sucka.

2011-08-19T05:42:00.000-07:00

My dream food truck design. I would like this truck parked in my driveway all summer long- right next to the beer truck and the mobile casino. Heaven.

Click the image for a larger view... or not.

100 illustrations

2011-08-07T16:35:00.000-07:00

the lovely Diana Evans has published an annual of illustrators... very happy to be in her first publication and I can't wait to get my hands on this. Soooo fun. Order your copy- only $20 and participate in the next project!

click HERE to view and order the book.
click HERE to participate in her next adventure.

Summer 2011

2011-08-07T15:01:00.000-07:00

We're having so much fun this summer, I decided we needed some proof! I want to remember everything. These are being printed on Canvas at 16 x 20. I can't wait to hang them up.

Click the image for a larger view.

Illustration Friday: Obsession

2011-08-01T15:06:00.000-07:00

I've been told recently that my illustrations are too feminine, so I'm trying something a little different. This week's word over at Illustration Friday is "Obsession." Well, if you know anything about Mr. Rasputin, you'd know that the beautiful Tsarina Alexandra of Russia became so obsessed with his (fake) healing powers, that all of her children wore a necklace with his picture and a prayer around their necks.

Click the image for a larger view.

“Not all those who wander are lost.” – J. R. R. Tolkien

2011-07-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

I'm so grateful for my friends at TDAT. Be sure to check out their blog for the Map Illustration contest winners. Proud to say I got an Honorable Mention for my Mary Queen of Scots Map. Hooray!!!! That was truly a labor of love. And because of the exposure I'm getting at TDAT one of my maps is being used on a fab travel blog!!

All good things. Have a wonderful weekend.

TDAT Honorable Mention---- CLICK HERE.

FAB Travel Blog----- CLICK HERE.

And here's a strange sketch I did while half-asleep. I really want to do something with this... any suggestions? meh... I think I'll move on to my interpretation of Rasputin. Mwahahaha.

Diversity in the Dining Room.

2011-07-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

I work off my dining room table- hence the name of this post. It is smack dab in the middle of the house- amidst all the chaos, barbies, transformers, and tv show anthems blaring (I can't tell you how many conference calls I've been on when someone says "what's that noise?" and it's Dora the Explorer or Dinosaur Dan.)

This past week and the next few weeks have been chock full of really cool assignments. I couldn't ask for a better plate of projects. Here's a tiny montage of what I'm working on. This doesn't include the dozens of personal projects that lay half-done on my kitchen counter and bedroom floor (one of which is a map for TDAT of a bar in Westchester- "the best route to get a beer if you're a girl"- I really need to finish that.)

We've made the decision to establish a real office off the dining room- I don't have high hopes this will be done before 2015. ugh. I need to get my wand working.

Traveling Sketch Book

2011-07-13T19:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.arthousecoop.com/library/3743#

So I sent my Sketchbook in for the tour with Arthouse Co-op and they posted a digital version for viewing. I loved working on this- it forced me to doodle almost everyday so that I could complete it by the deadline. I've got my 2012 sketchbook at the ready.

Take a peek HERE.

The Path of Most Resistance: The Life & Imprisonment of Mary Queen of Scots

2011-06-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

This is my most recent submission for They Draw And Travel. I've been obsessing over this illustration for about 3 weeks. Extensive research, maps, lineage charts, sketches upon sketches... I truly know everything there is to know about this woman, her 3 husbands, her staff, her dogs, etc. I think I may do something with Vlad the Impaler/Romania next. Ha!

Click the image for a larger view.

Illustration Friday: Swept

2011-06-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

I really loved working on this illustration. I've always been fascinated with Elizabeth I. She was known as The Virgin Queen, but that wasn't because she lacked suitors. There was Philip of Spain, King Eric XIV of Sweden, and The Duke of Anjou (who she loving called "her frog"). However, it was Robert Dudley that swept her off her feet.

Robert, the first Earl of Leicester never married the Queen due to a series of unfortunate events. When his first wife, Amy Robsart, fell down a flight of stairs and died, he was free to marry the Queen. However, the rumors that he arranged for Amy's death caused too much of a scandal and ruined his chances. For 18 years he did not remarry for Queen Elizabeth's sake and when he finally did, his new wife, Lettice Knollys, was permanently banished from the court.

Double click for a larger view.

Visit Illustration Friday HERE.

best mail day ever.

2011-05-31T11:23:00.000-07:00

This reminds me of when I was in college- my grandfather would write letters and in every envelope was a $50 bill. I would do a "I love my grandpa" dance when I saw his writing on the return address. When I got to my very full mailbox this afternoon- I did a similar dance.

- signed/doodled book by Mattais Adolffson (OMG- Go get it NOW!!!! holy awesomeness!)
- signed/personalized book from Dr. Lois Frankel (one of my fav clients)
- sketchbook 2012 tour t-shirt.

Seriously--- the only thing that could have been better is if there were some freelance checks and an 8-pack of Guinness.

Editorial Illustration

2011-05-19T05:33:00.000-07:00

Fun editorial illo for a very sweet girls magazine. The story is called "The Scarf"

Installation Art

2011-05-14T07:47:00.000-07:00

Worked on some installation art that is currently being put up in some amazing office space in NYC. Here's a sneak peek of the actual installation.

Welcome to Crazytown, I'm your captain... Captain Crazypants.

2011-04-26T06:13:00.000-07:00

This is my 3rd map for "They Draw & Travel." I think I was trying to hard on the first two- this one is more "me." If you haven't looked at the blog--- GO. CLICK HERE.

double-click the image to enlarge... if you dare mwahahahahaha.
(I don't get out much.)

Interview with TDAC

2011-04-15T05:42:00.000-07:00

So my favorite chef-illustrators interviewed yours truly for the Artist Du Jour column on their blog. I am beside myself with glee! Check out their two creative babies here:

They Draw and Cook
They Draw and Travel

Check out my interview:
They Draw and Cook Blog

Here's a photo of my workspace that I submitted with the interview- click to get a larger view!

They Draw & Travel

2011-04-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun new project from Nate Padavick and Salli Swindell (the creators of They Draw and Cook). It's called They Draw and Travel - Maps Illustrated by Artists from Around the World! They have an open call to artists worldwide to illustrate a map of their hometown or favorite place and send it in. They're hoping the maps will celebrate places that are "off the beaten path" and focus on sweet and personal things you won't find in just any guidebook, like a secret swimming hole or the best bench to watch a sunset. Click here to see the maps that have been submitted so far!

Here are my first 2 entries- Salem, MA and Dutchess County, NY
(double click the image for a larger view.)

Illustration Friday: Bottled

2011-04-11T17:40:00.000-07:00

Took a hiatus from my usual history lesson submissions and did a bit of a self portrait. I like to call this one "Any Given Sunday."

It's been a long winter and I'm feeling a bit confined to say the least. Spring needs to come quickly or I may drown in my wine rack.

Illustration Friday: Toy.

2011-03-28T06:28:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh.... Georgiana Cavendish. She was FABULOUS. Unfortunately, she didn't have what one would call a "happy" marriage. Ridiculed and abused for not producing a male heir - Georgiana found love with Charles Grey in a well-known affair. Their affair produced a daughter, Eliza. Sadly, she was sent into exile to have the baby and then was forced to give her to Grey's family. "G" was told she would never see her other children again if she were to keep the girl. Eliza grew up not knowing why her "parents" resented and disapproved of her (Charles' Aunt and Uncle.) Georgianna visited her frequently in secret and always brought toys (which were never given to her as a child by anyone but Georgiana.) It wasn't until the Duchess passed away that Eliza was told who her real mother was.

Eliza named her first daughter Georgiana.

They Draw and Eat Figs

2011-03-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

Super Salli and Nate the Great have launched a contest for a Fig Recipe Illustration. For more information click HERE. This is my submission for that contest. Boy oh boy- this was a fun one. Click the image to see it larger. Happy Friday everyone.

Illustration Friday: Stir

2011-03-15T06:50:00.000-07:00

Madame du Barry was the last Maîtresse-en-titre of Louis XV of France and one of the victims of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. She liked to stir things up from the very beginning- as she started her long and profitable career as a courtesan in a brothel-casino. Her remarkable beauty caught the attention of Jean-Baptiste du Barry, a high-class pimp/procurer - who eventually arranged for her to have a title and falsified birth documents to make it seem as if she came from nobler descent. I personally, picture her life in the castle as the white trash girlfriend at an expensive restaurant.

Years after Louis' death, Madame du Barry was accused of treason and sentenced to death. On the way to the guillotine, she collapsed in the tumbrel and cried "You are going to hurt me! Why?!" Terrified, she screamed for mercy and accused the crowd. Her last words to the executioner were: "One moment more, Mr. Executioner,
I beg you!"

Illustration Friday: Warning

2011-03-07T05:11:00.000-08:00

It's safe to say that Jane Seymour (1509-1537, NOT Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman) had sufficient warning that her husband was a narcissistic sell-out. She married him only hours after he had his second wife, Anne Boleyn, beheaded. Granted, it was a fancy sword and not a "commoners" axe that removed her head. Some believe Jane was strategically placed in Henry VIII's presence specifically to draw him away from Anne.

For years she led such a passive existence that there is no record of her even speaking until she did what the first two wives could not--- deliver a male heir. Her marital servitude did not get her far. Jane died a few days after giving birth due to an infection. When asked if whether they should save the mother or the child, Henry said "let the child live, for other wives are easily found."

Although he married 3 more women in his time, Henry is buried next to only woman that gave him a son, Jane.

Good Vs. Evil

2011-03-06T13:41:00.000-08:00

got to meet my heroes this past Friday night. I could listen to Ripert's accent all night long (he also had the most fabulous suit I've ever seen)--- I'm on a mission to try each one of his recipes. As for Bourdain, I just can't tell you how much I LOVE him, smart AND sexy.

Joanna the Mad

2011-03-02T16:03:00.000-08:00

I had to create a character illustration for a book collage- so I chose Joanna the Mad. One of the most fabulous facts about this Cuckoo Queen of Castile is that she was married to "Philip I the Handsome". I think I will just start calling my husband "Brian the Brawny". Yes, yes, I think that's a fine idea.

burn out.

2011-02-28T05:46:00.000-08:00

So what does everyone do to get rid of that "burnt out" feeling? I usually start sketching crazy royals and force them into an illustration friday theme... but I don't have any time to do that! CALGON!!!!

Been working at an unhealthy pace and hope to slow down very soon. But as all freelancers know- it's feast or famine so you have to make hay while the sun is shining. I'm not complaining about having work, I'm more fearful there will be nothing tomorrow. Catch 22. Can I work in any more clichés into this post?

One of the more interesting projects- (design-wise, it is limiting- but high score in coolness) signs for a historical inn and tavern in upstate New York that a friend just finished remodeling. I grew up in the sign business, which accounts for my addiction to fonts.

Pattern Power

2011-02-08T07:50:00.000-08:00

I've always been jealous of those artists who get to make patterns (especially like the amazing Helen Dardik) and then I got the assignment... 12-20 patterns- no boundaries or limitations. OH.MY.DOG. The potential- HUGE. (granted, it is focused around gardening) I can't tell you what these are for--- yet.
But I will tell you this... I'm not jealous anymore- this was extremely difficult. Fun, but difficult.

For Hadley

2011-02-01T07:48:00.000-08:00

In celebration of a beautiful girl...
A friend asked me to read Hadley's story and design a print for her mother. No child should have to endure what this girl went through. She is most definitely dancing in heaven.

Illustration Friday: Dusty

2011-01-24T11:51:00.000-08:00

The word for the week at illustration friday is DUSTY. Likely composed in the 1580's, Philip Sidney's Astrophel and Stella is an English sonnet sequence containing 108 sonnets and 11 songs. The name derives from the two Greek words, 'aster' (star) and 'phil' (lover), and the Latin word 'stella' meaning star. Astrophel is the star lover and Stella is his star.

Some have suggested that the love represented here may be a literal one - Astrophel is Sidney and Stella is Penelope Rich, the very attractive wife of a courtier. She was considered one of the beauties of Elizabeth's court. She was golden-haired with dark eyes, a gifted singer and dancer, fluent in French, Italian, and Spanish.

Details of their relationship are sketchy. Where does the word 'dusty' come in? Read the sonnet.

More Sketchbook shots

2011-01-22T07:45:00.000-08:00

These are the final pages of my book for The Sketchbook Project. I'm having separation anxiety as this book became part of my daily life. There were so many themes to choose from- I chose "Make Mine A Double" so I thought it fitting to have me and my gal pal Cha Cha (clearly a nickname) sipping a Scorpion bowl-ish beverage. Double trouble.

More Dell Movies

2011-01-17T05:33:00.000-08:00

Due to a Blizzard here in the Northeast, I was unable to fly out to Chicago for filming this- soooo, all my illustrations but not my hand doing the demo this time (still my hand in the Bethenny and Jenn D movies though!) Still very fun to be a part of this. So check out all 4 celebrity movies (Kathy Buckworth, Sheldon Williams, Bethenny, and Jenn D.)

Click the image below and it will bring you to the site.

Illustration Friday: Déjà vu

2011-01-09T15:19:00.000-08:00

I'm guessing Queen Victoria had a lot of those "gee, I feel like this has happened before" moments. She had 9 children and 42 grandchildren (despite the fact that she hated being pregnant and was repulsed by breast-feeding.) And in her extremely long reign as queen (longer than any woman in history) there were 7 assassination attempts on her life. One odd little fact about Victoria- she had "Bishopophobia."

The Sketchbook Project

2011-01-07T11:43:00.000-08:00

So it looks like all my fellow participants are having similar panic attacks about finishing their sketchbooks. Like I said to Deborah Mori... Shoemakers have the worst shoes. Here's a peak at the current state of my sketchbook - for more information about this project, visit the website HERE.

Illustration Friday: Resolutions

2011-01-05T12:21:00.000-08:00

The word for the week at Illustration Friday is "Resolutions." My new year's resolution is to wear a lot of black with strands of pearls and follow the words of Coco Chanel.

Random People

2010-12-31T11:08:00.000-08:00

Been working my butt off. Here's a sneak peek at various components of a recent project. Stay tuned for details!

Illustration Friday: Phenomenon

2010-12-16T16:04:00.000-08:00

This week's word for Illustration Friday is Phenomenon. I have been enthralled with the story of Anastasia since I was a little girl. I still am. Anastasia Romanov was the most mischievous of Nicholas' daughters. Their family was murdered in 1918 by forces of the Bolshevik secret police. It was believed that Anastasia and Alexei escaped the slaughter because their bodies were not found with the family- sparking a worldwide phenomenon of various loons pretending to be the heir to the throne. It was only in 2009, thanks to DNA, they were finally accounted for- they did, in fact, die with the family but were buried in a separate grave. So tragic.

I've overlapped a hint of Ravel's Pavane Pour Une Infante Défunte (Pavane for a Dead Princess.) I love playing that one on the piano- some of the most beautiful music ever written.

Happy Holidays

2010-12-07T11:29:00.001-08:00

Our Christmas Card for 2010! Happy Holidays to all my blog friends.

Illustration Friday: Prehistoric

2010-12-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

Boy, I hope she had a good personality. The Venus of Willendorf, also known as the Woman of Willendorf, is a 4.3" statuette estimated to have been made between 22,000 B.C.E. and 21,000 B.C.E out of oolitic limestone. She was discovered in 1908 near a village in lower Austria. Her name is kind of funny because she predates the mythological figure of Venus by millennia. The original has no face, so I took the liberty of adding one. I imagine if ol' V of W could speak- she's say something like "get me more ribs".

Big news... HUGE.

2010-11-30T05:22:00.000-08:00

I got one of the greatest freelance jobs ever...
This is a viral demo/promo/sweeptstakes for Dell computers. I was responsible for all illustrations- and that is my only photogenic body part (my left arm) demonstrating the software. What an amazing experience.

Illustration Friday: Savour

2010-11-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

The most prolific female serial killer of all time... we think. Elizabeth Bathory liked to play with her food before she ate it. What began with severe beatings to her servants led to a very dark road into the occult and human sacrifice. She would seek out torture devices in Venice that allowed her to extract the most blood possible from a body in her lust to drink and bathe in it. Savouring every drip. Torture methods included starvation, mutilation, star-kicking, the iron maiden, and skin peeling.

Stories passed on through the generations claimed that she tortured and killed exactly 650 female victims. This was all written down in a book- but that book was never found.

I think it's safe to say, Bathory was a sociopath.

Illustration Friday: Sneaky

2010-11-25T13:03:00.000-08:00

Sarah Hussey was born rich, so of course- poor-ish nobles were lining up for her hand in marriage. She ended up marrying George Carpenter- the Earl of Tyrconnel. He had already been married, but quickly swept that under the carpet. Sarah was quite bored with her old husband and began partying and boyfriend-hunting. She hit the jackpot in 1788 when she began an affair with Prince Frederick, Duke of York. The press had a field day and like an 18th century version of the Lohans... Sarah's father and brother were quite proud of the attention she was getting(creepy.) Frederick broke off the affair a year later, much to the dismay of the Hussey men.

Sarah moved on, and had another affair with John, Earl of Strathmore. Once again, satirical prints loved the little Countess' affair and publicized it mercilessly. But this time- it was different- Sarah was in love. She packed up, left poor George and ran away with John to live in sin. Pretty sneaky aye? She died at the age of 37 from a very bad cold. She is buried in Westminster Abbey.

They Draw & Cook Holiday Recipe Contest.

2010-11-25T09:37:00.000-08:00

Here is my submission for the holiday contest at They Draw And Cook. There's money to be had- so if you haven't checked it out--- GO FOR IT. Anyone can enter.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Forgot to add this...

2010-11-21T15:37:00.000-08:00

Just got back from my Chicago trip- can't wait to post a link for what I was working on--- an interactive, fully illustrated story for a Dell Computer Commercial- they filmed me drawing! Strange and wonderful.

Anyhoo... Forgot to mention that the lovely and talented Salli S. Swindell brought me a much treasured autograph from another one of my favorite illustrators... Mr. Michael Robertson.
I shall treasure it always... :) I Love all my blog friends.

Blog Family Ties.

2010-11-17T20:13:00.000-08:00

I had the amazing pleasure of meeting a couple of our blog family's royalty tonight...
I've been saying all week that the stars are aligned above Chicago- and they truly are. I flew in Monday and it just so happens that Super Salli and Nate the Great were here too.

Good times, many many laughs... I wish I brought a camera.

I'm flattered to be a part of They Draw and Cook- so meeting them was like meeting a couple of rock stars.
And just for the record- Salli has AMAZING jewelry. Just Sayin'

Deborah Mori's name came up quite a bit. I think Salli & Deborah might have been cut from the same mold. Were your ears ringing???

I can't wait to meet more of you...

-Lisa

Illustration Friday: Afterwards

2010-11-07T12:26:00.000-08:00

Anne of Brittany led a very sad life... she gave birth 14 times, but only 2 survived childhood. She died of a kidney stone attack at the Chateau of Blois in the winter of 1514. AFTERWARDS- they mourned the queen for 40 days (inspiring all future French royal funerals until the 18th century) and per her will- Anne's heart was placed in a raised enamel gold reliquary. It is currently in the Dobrée Museum in Nantes.

Although she had many admirable qualities as a patron of the arts and Queen... I find the fact that she wore white to her 3rd wedding the most impressive.

"I'm not drinking any f'ing Merlot"

2010-11-07T08:59:00.000-08:00

Holy Mixed Media! Watercolor, ink, colored pencil, digital overlays, and grapes OH MY!

Trick or Treat

2010-10-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

These designs were rejected or revised- so I think its ok to peek. Gives you an idea of the fun things I get to work on. Have a great weekend everyone.

23 Illustrations in 2 days with 2 kids.

2010-10-21T07:11:00.000-07:00

One of my clients gave me a very specific list of 15 editorial illustrations... i.e "girl in hospital bed", "setting the table", etc. Unfortunately I had to put it off until the last minute - and - HORROR - had to ask for a 1 day deadline extension. In the same 2 days, I worked on 8 new product designs (which I cannot show yet) so all in all, a very productive week. I am really REALLY really looking forward to our vacation. Whew. Now I have to move on to Motorcycle Shop postcards, a cheese shop logo and a Border Patrol shirt. Hmph.

busy busy busy.

2010-10-13T05:45:00.000-07:00

My 5 top clients all gave me projects at the same time with the same deadline and then a rush project (less than 24 hours) plopped on my plate a day later. I'm so happy to be busy- but in desperate need of a real vacation. It's been 6 years.

An illo that's still in progress for one of my favorite clients.

Illustration Friday: Old Fashioned

2010-09-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

What can I say... I just can't resist sketching royalty. An old-fashioned case of "Poor Little Rich Girl". An unhappy princess unless she was traveling- Sisi was also known as the Wandering Empress or the White Lady.

Great Story

2010-09-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

I was asked to do an illustration to accompany a story for December's issue of Sparkle Magazine. You'll have to read the article to appreciate this sweet story about a little girl and her grandmother. To learn more about Sparkle, visit their website HERE.

Illustration Friday: PROVERB

2010-09-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

I'm on a roll with the controversial historical figures... this week's word for Illustration Friday is Proverb.

Illustration Friday: DESSERT

2010-09-06T06:05:00.000-07:00

This is my concept for this week's word: dessert. I immediately thought of Marie Antoinette and had so much fun drawing her. Sofia Coppola's take on this queen is excellent. Click HERE to learn more about the movie. Click HERE to get to illustration Friday.

Smories!!! Hooray!

2010-08-31T16:33:00.000-07:00

One of my little stories was selected for filming on the smories site. Please go to this LINK to view "The Queen of Tarts vs. The Queen of Farts". The most viewed Smory wins a prize! Watch, send to friends... help a girl out! Mama needs some new shoes! You can also click the photo to go straight to my smory.
Thanks!

Editorial illustration

2010-08-27T06:29:00.000-07:00

Working on an editorial illo for a girls magazine. The red team is not prepared for a hike.
Adding some little illos to go with the piece- a map, flashlight, backpack, etc.

Dance Dance Dance

2010-08-20T05:51:00.000-07:00

these are DVD covers for one of my favorite clients. View her website here. We get to work together on all the fun stuff: ballerinas, tap dancers, recital pages, etc.

Among other things...

2010-08-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

I wear many hats. Doing so is a like going on a first day every day, however, product development/gift design is my first and true love. Halloween and Garden are my favorite. I love creating the shape, format, and concept for a new gift as well as generating illustrations, setting type, and choosing colors that will help it jump off the gift shop shelves. The industry took a hit with the bad economy, but I think it's back on track now.

I've been around the world... and I always come back to it. ahhhhh.

Logos on the fly...

2010-08-03T13:10:00.000-07:00

Worked on some logo ops for a new friend. Great name and I always thought it would be fun to work on a bakery logo. This was my first round of quick concepts. Which one do you like?

Illustration Friday: Artificial

2010-07-31T15:08:00.001-07:00

Had a little fun with this one- went outside the usual kid-friendly stuff.
To view other entries for this word, visit the illustration friday blog HERE.

It's here!

2010-07-31T09:53:00.000-07:00

I joined the Sketchbook project. Very exciting stuff. I received my moleskin sketchbook in the mail on Friday and I've begun the process of transforming this little book into something I think is worth going on a nationwide tour. I've started by covering it with an ivory and black textured paper- where it goes from here, I do not know.

I chose the theme "Make mine a double" which sets me up for some witchy magic. Stay tuned.

Kids Draw and Cook

2010-07-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

My little Buzz was the first entry at Salli & Nate's new blog Kids Draw & Cook. They were kind enough to send us this amazing cookbook illustrated by Salli along with some excellent mini cooking tools. Someone was very happy to get a package in the mail (Finn too!) Thank you Salli!

Illustration Friday: DOUBLE

2010-07-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

This week's theme for Illustration Friday is "Double". The moment I decided to work on an entry, my 3-year-old daughter went from playing nicely with her princess costumes to a screaming witch in a matter of seconds. I would complain, but she got it from her mother.

This is the first time in months that I haven't digitally colored an illustration. This was done with watercolors, colored pencils, and a lovely new pen that I bought this morning.

They Draw & Cook new entry

2010-07-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

I did this for Nate and Salli's recipe blog (which is amazing- if you haven't checked it out, you should be ashamed of yourself!). This is a bastardized version of my mother's recipe... or should I say "baconized" version. The more fat, the merrier is what I always say.

Illustration Friday: BREAKFAST

2010-07-19T12:58:00.001-07:00

This was just a quick, silly illustration. I decided to give myself a one hour break from a brain-drain project to come up with something for this week's theme.

Keep your eyes peeled...

2010-07-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

Would you believe its almost time for Halloween product to hit the shelves??? OutRAGEous! I love it. Halloween has become my favorite holiday for so many reasons. I can't help but run to the store to purchase Martha Stewart's October issue of Living every year!

I know its early- but keep your eyes peeled for some of my new designs coming out this fall. I'll be the weirdo beaming in the corner of the store like a slightly damaged light bulb.

The line includes wine glasses, snack trays, appetizer plates, plaques, aprons, dishcloths, cards, charms, and more.

out and about.

2010-07-15T15:08:00.000-07:00

I was shopping with my mom in a little boutique on Cape Cod when I spotted Diane Duda's work from across the store! I was so excited- this one came home with us. Congrats Diane! the line looks amazing.

Visit her blog HERE.

Illustration Friday: DIARY

2010-07-10T07:12:00.000-07:00

I've always kept journals/diaries. I remember one journal being completely dedicated to the notion that I should be the next "Annie" with all the lyrics to every song carefully written out- with special emphasis on "Maybe". Ahhh... a tortured (ahem... dramatic) soul even at the age of 9.

Happy Birthday

2010-07-08T17:31:00.000-07:00

My first-born son is 13 years old today. Which I think makes him about 74 in dog years. I picked him out at a shelter- 500 dogs to choose from back then. He looked like a pint of Guinness - so there was an immediate love! lol. He's been with me through thick and thin, good times, bad times, at least 3 fiancés, dozens of boyfriends, city life, country life, marriage, kids... New York City, Westchester, Upstate NY, and now Massachusetts. He also came very close to being a New Zealand citizen.

He goes by Josh, Sir Josh-A-Lot, Joshmeister General, Josh-wosh-oo-wah, Joshy, Joshonater, Snoop Doggy Josh and Shnookems. He protects my children- and he's never destroyed anything- not a single shoe, toy, clothes, etc. Nothing. He is truly the best friend I've ever had.

Happy Birthday Josh.

Lobstahhhhh.

2010-07-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

Did this for a great client. If the party were here in Massachusetts, I might have gone in the direction of "serving up wicked pissah lobstahhh... fresh from Cape Cawd."

Illustration Friday: GIANT

2010-07-05T14:13:00.000-07:00

Yup. At a party--- found out too late that my dress was tucked in to my underwear. GIANT MORON. This situation could have been much worse. Luckily, I just made a bunch of people laugh. Good times. Good times.

Recent work.

2010-06-30T14:10:00.000-07:00

Some projects I've been working on. Branding information has been removed- but you get the idea. Fun stuff.

Illustration Friday: SATELLITE.

2010-06-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

My oh-so-dreamy satellite office location...

Advertising hat.

2010-06-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

This was presented to a national brand for possible use on a mural, along with 10+ other illustrations. *Fingers crossed*

Bears in space...

2010-06-16T04:13:00.000-07:00

this was recently rejected from a client- but I think I still want to go forward with this as a portfolio piece. Every time I look at it, I think of the muppets "pigs in space" clips and start laughing.

little girls, little girls, everywhere I look I see little girls...

2010-06-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

Gotta love Mrs. Hannigan. :) Just did these this week for a client.

Reunions

2010-06-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

Did this as part of the new biz... www.olivitgroup.net
Fun stuff.

Graphic Design Hat

2010-06-08T09:02:00.000-07:00

In a strange twist of events involving a high school football star, a man that I will refer to as "Hans", a font named "Baka" and the Rambler... I have been frantically designing promo items for the World Cup. AWESOMENESS!!! GO USA!! (although I now have a HUGE crush on Ronaldo.)

Be sure to watch what I like to call "best-marketing-of-all-time-video".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idLG6jh23yE

Inspiration-Application

2010-06-03T07:19:00.000-07:00

I'm beside myself right now over a new assignment from an amazing client. She's asked the design team to take inspiration from nature to design a line of products. Although I can't disclose the who's and what's, I can show you the pics from my own yard that I took as part of this cool project.

sneak peek.

2010-06-02T06:16:00.000-07:00

So I have a full length children's book being printed this summer. I'm merely the illustrator, so I can't say much until it's release. I think it will be available by the end of June. More to come.

awesomest book ever.

2010-06-01T12:44:00.000-07:00

I'm currently obsessed with the illustrations and overall concept of this book. This illustrator, Rebecca Dautremer, is unbelievable (aren't all the European illustrators?) Check out her site- it will take your breath away.

http://secretlivesofprincesses.com/About.aspx