Illustration Friday: pattern

My submission for Illustration Friday's "pattern" theme is a painting that will be used on a wine label for Cornell Winery. This is an amazing little area and the buildings are quaint and old timey. The person that made this building employed many different materials, which in turn has created an array of many "patterns". I will be painting another building in this area as well. I embellished the vineyard aspect in this painting for the owner of the winery because in fact a beautiful park is there called Peter Strauss Ranch against a mountain backdrop. This was the perfect angle of the building for me as it highlights this unique steeple. It is a historical landmark area and I am quite taken with the place. Quite a few vineyards and wine tasting establishments have sprung up in the canyons of Malibu in the last few years. I enjoy creating wine labels and when the printing is finished I will repost.

Last night I posted a giveaway here and one of my readers will win 250 full colour greeting cards courtesy of Uprinting. Please read the details and enter to win some free greeting cards that you can put your art or photos on for the holidays!
click here for CornellWinery.com

click here for Greeting card Giveaway

My backyard is State Park so these critters are coming close to our home because it is very, very hot the last few days. I put some water out for them :) copyright 2009 Valerie Walsh

Illustration Friday "inifite"

The shape of the butterfly is very close to the shape of the infinity symbol. In some old cultures, butterflies also symbolize rebirth into a new life after being inside a cocoon for a period of time.The Ancient Greek word for "butterfly" is ψυχή (psȳchē), which primarily means "soul", "mind". Both possessing infinite qualities and possibilities. My submission for Illustration Friday's "infinite" theme is another stationary card for Monday Artday ATC's stationary group. This is called "Housefly". When I look at butterflies, I see flying houses, don't you?
We get to take care of the magnificent Mr. Tar for 2 whole weeks while his family goes to Italy. Felicita Strada or Happy Trails Meghan,Billy and Sullivan! I love Italy


copyright 2009 valerie walsh

Illustration Friday: Welcome

A welcome port in the storm. My submission for Illustration Friday's "Welcome" theme is Bumbershoot House stationary cards for a Monday Artday ATC group. I have been away for a week. I flew to Washington and me, my Mom and sister drove to Sandpoint Idaho to visit my brother. It was the perfect weather for a roadtrip and as you can see very lovely! Here's a picture of my Mom, brother and sister.

copyright 2009 valerie walsh

Illustration Friday: Strong

My submission for Illustration Friday's "Strong" theme is an illustration from the book "Return of the Matador" by Astrid Ryterband. This is a story of how the aging Matador has his last bullfight and very soon after has an accident, wakes up and discovers he has become the bull. His son, an acclaimed bullfighter in his own right ends up facing his own father in the ring. It is a wonderful story and I am not sure of the publishing date yet but I will post the book and provide links to it when it is available. On another note the new book "Good Day Mail" is out and available on Amazon.com. If you love getting good mail and I know you do this book celebrates giving and receiving mail. Valgal has the love letter to Rat captured on page 116 . Wonderful artist Emma Kid is in it as well and you might know her from her blog "Ben Conservato". The authors Jennie Hinchcliff and Carolee Gilligan Wheeler are based in San Francisco and they give good book! Check it out :)

copyright 2009 valerie walsh