Some of my products will now be carried in Running With Scissors Creative Collective in downtown Springfield, Ohio. It's a lovely gallery featuring work of Ohio artists, excellently curated by the owners. Stop by for some local art, and some neat architecture in the downtown area of Springfield.
(*These are Paint-Your-Own Paper Doll Kits with everything you need to create your own Audrey and Company. Some will also be available soon in my Etsy shop.)
Leftovers from a little project I've been working on with a good friend....
The bright freesia on my desk were a treat and took me back about 20 years to the same desk, in a childhood room in London. My dad would stop at the flower stand on his way home from work to get a bouquet for Mom, and freesia for me. The vase he bought at an Irish pottery shop on the high street just down from where we lived. The freesia have a distinct and intense scent, and reminded me of life then, as only smells can.
ETA: I wrote this post over three years ago, and, two children later......we visited the IMA again. Always such a pleasure.
Sewing, by Louis Ritman (1889-1963)
Sunlit Window
We went to the Indianapolis Museum of Art last weekend with Little Guy, and I have found my new favorite artist, a little known American painter, Louis Ritman. The picture above, Sunlit Window is in the IMA's permanent collection, and is a beautiful study of patterns and light. The coloring of this image does not do it justice. Nearly every area of the painting, from her skirt, to the tablecloth, to the plant leaves, Ritman has treated as a kind of stylized pattern. It's wonderful to see in person!
And his painting, Sewing...! It is my perfect painting, from the subject matter, to the clashing colors and background patterns....I love it. Why have I never seen his work before? I believe these colors will be influencing my spring and summer wardrobe plans...
The Little Guy enjoyed his art too, particularly the paintings of babies and their mothers. It's so sweet to hear him squeal as he recognizes other little beings like himself!
What are some of your favorite little known artists?
Discovered this treasure last weekend in the $1 retro cookbook pile at the local antique shop. Lois Lenski, one of my most favorite children's authors, especially for the Mr. Small books. and a native Ohio-an!
Ice Cream Is Good was written and illustrated for the National Dairy Council, as a martketing tool, one would imagine. The illustrations are utterly charming, as all Lenski's pictures are, and the three color printing gets me as usual. Love this page with the subtle hints about slow and glutton-less eating:)
This sweet book is probably pretty hard to find, but keep a look out for more Lenski books in your thrifting, especially if you're located in the Midwest. She also illustrated the Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace, which, if you are a Minnesota native you must be familiar with. Can't wait to start on those with my girls!
Next Friday I have a perfect gem to share, the sweetest, cleverest, rhyming gardening story-book for children!
Please add any charming classic kids reads you have found in the comments!
We colored Easter ornaments in art group to decorate our Easter trees. Find more inspiration and the printables here!
New work in process....more to share on this soon!
Wishing everyone a very blessed Easter tomorrow!
Here is a little freebie to add some sweetness to an Easter basket: Audrey's Easter outfit (find the free PDF download in the sidebar) (For personal use only please). You can find the Audrey paper doll here in my Etsy shop. Print and enjoy!
I found this great copy of Daniel Boone, by Esther Averill on Amazon. Esther Averill was the author of the popular (and still popular), Jenny and the Cat Club books. But she also wrote a number of works on American history, including this treasure about Daniel Boone. This is another great kid read that is delightful for parents too. Plus, of course, the illustrations...
I really love the closing paragraph describing Daniel's love of the frontier.
Once again, please leave any great vintage reads you would like to share below in the comments!
Wishing you a joyous Easter weekend!
Wife, Mommy, Artist. Inspired by all things vintage, I design nostalgic paper and home goods with watercolor illustration to bring the warmth of the past to modern life.
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