Beautiful Journey - Painting

Beautiful Journey, Gouache & Ink on Wood, 2011

Here is a fun commission I did a couple months back. It was for a group called Nature Explore whose goal is to provide comprehensive resources that folks can use to help young children connect more deeply with the world around them.

One of the resources they help develop are nature explore classrooms around the country.  I visited one when I was in Nebraska City a couple years back. It was really cool and the kids (and adults) were really enjoying it. There were logs and wood blocks and all sorts of fun things to explore. 

One of the main themes in the piece I created was to "look closer" and there is always more to discover. It was really great learning more about the Nature Explore program and meeting the people involved. Thanks!   

Yea for Treehouses!

Ultimate Treehouse, 5x7, Gouache & Ink, 2010

Here is a commission I did recently - the client requested a tree house! Her family had a treehouse in the backyard when they were kids, and I had one in my backyard growing up too! The one I painted is a little more fancy than my own treehouse in the old crab apple tree, but any treehouse is guaranteed hours of fun! (I feel like I should start an official treehouse club with secret handshakes and fancy badges!)

Dad and I in the treehouse in our backyard.

Happy New Year!

Between the snow, the holiday traveling and more snow, I took a mini break from my blog. But have no fear...there's lots more art in the New Year!

Library, 20 x 28, Gouache & Ink on paper, 2009

To kick it off here's a commission I finished up just in time for Christmas. Requested was a library painting to go in their new home library. I love library's so it was quite a pleasure.

Doing this piece I was thinking about my connections to books. So far I've worked at the Hastings College Perkins Library, worked in-house design for Nebraska Book Company, and seem to pick up a new book whenever I go out. Perhaps sometime soon I can add my own illustrated book to the mix.

Sehnert's Bakery & Bieroc Cafe

Sehnert Bakery, 20"x16", Gouache & Ink on paper, 2008.

I was going through some of my projects from 2008, and thought I would share this one with you. It was commissioned by a friend of the bakery as a gift to celebrate this landmark in McCook, Nebraska. This family business is a local gathering spot for music, friends, and great food. If you're in McCook be sure to stop at the Sehnert's Bakery & Bieroc Cafe and have some delicious pastries!

Cyclamen, Jade and Cat

Here's a commission I did back in January. The top image shows the full piece and the other two show details of the Jade house and Cat. This painting encouraged me to start painting on wood again after having an October show all on paper. The couple that this painting is for requested three things - Cyclamen plant (white flowers), Jade plant, and their black cat with white paws. Other than that it was pretty much free reign. I liked this project because it helped me incorporate new elements (something other than rabbits) with some of my more familiar imagery.

I'm working on another commission right now, but when it's a little closer to summer I'll be ready to take on some more projects. If your interested send me an email!