Westminster Abbey

This was a true labor of love. I've always wanted to learn more about Westminster Abbey, and this was a great way to do it. Next step--- a visit!! I need to plan a trip for next year. I think I would be completely speechless walking through this much history.

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Elisabeth of Austria

Elisabeth was first married by proxy on October 22, 1570. After long celebrations, she left Austria accompanied by high-ranking German nobles. Once in French territory, the roads were impassable thanks to the constant rain. This caused the decision that the wedding was to be celebrated in a small border town far from Paris. The King, curious about his future wife, dressed himself as a soldier and observed her incognito, and was very happy with what he saw. Alas... it was, unfortunately, a loveless marriage and Elisabeth busied herself with embroidery.

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FB Fan Page

Follow me on Facebook- just started a fan/business page here: http://www.facebook.com/LisaGravesDesign

Thank you for the support!

Studio Shot

Quick pick of two hams in my very messy studio.
If you look very closely you can see my Lord of the Rings Pez set, my "40" tiara, and a copy of TDAC.

Queen Charlotte

Queen Charlotte (1744-1818) was the wife of George III. They had 15 children during their marriage (13 survived into adulthood) and were fairly happy (aside from the extremely meddling mother-in-law.) 


Charlotte developed a close friendship with Marie Antoinette and the two, having never met face to face, wrote to each other quite frequently. Upon the outbreak of the French Revolution, Charlotte prepared apartments for the refugee royal family of France- but they never came. 


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Mood/Trend Boards

I've been doing a lot of mood and trend boards lately- it's INSANELY fun. I love it as much as I love illustrating or product development. I have the pleasure of putting together 10 trend boards for 2013/2014 home and garden gift- this assignment has inspired me to start rethinking my own house. A decor overhaul is in the works!

One of my clients asked me to put together some mood boards for their office redesign. Here are 3 options that were presented. Which do you like?
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Getting from point A to point B.

I've sent this "map" in to They Draw and Travel- but I'm a little worried that I used the term "map"way too loosely... lol. It was fun to do, and got my mind off my ridiculously high tax bill.

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Kraft Illustration

Here is my entry for the Kraft Illustration Competition put on by my friends Nate and Salli at They Draw & Cook. Peachy Keen Panini. Yummo.
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Music to my ears...

The lovely and talented Ms. Jennifer Tefft asked me to interpret her song "Breathe." It was so cool to sketch to her voice- the words that come to mind are: hypnotic temptress!!! Needless to say- this was really really fun to work on and a much needed escape.

I cannot, for the life of me, figure out how to let blogger let me post the mp3, so for now- click HERE to hear her beautiful song that goes with this pic.

Newport Cliff Walk

Just submitted this to the TDAT You-Topia Map competition. For more info click HERE.
Click the image for a larger view. Have a lovely day.

Racing against the clock

The Sketchbook has to be postmarked for tomorrow and I still have 2 spreads to fill. Yikes.
Here's a quick illo of Sunny von Bülow. Poor Sunny. Also did a rendering of Edith Wharton today... not quite finished with it yet.

another sketchbook entry

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.

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ooh La La!!

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

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.