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

Illustration Friday: Magnify

A postcard and stationary card for Illustration Friday's "Magnify" theme. I'm a little behind this week and will be around to catch up with everyone soon. I have included a picture of my little friend Tar who came to visit me. He loves to sit on my deck and he also enjoys a little snack.
copyright 2009 Valerie Walsh

Illustration Friday: Caution

Caution to all who enter! My submission for Illustration Friday's "Caution" theme is a dimensional painting I did in the 80's titled "Bats". Throw caution to the wind this weekend

copyright 1985 valerie walsh

Illustration Friday: wrapped

Now this is a good word! My logo and avatar are all about being wrapped up in a bow.

But my submission for Illustration Friday's " wrapped" theme was inspired by Georgina Matich of Argentina and the lovely ATC she made for me in 2007. It is titled "Silla" and I adore it! So when the ArtHouse 10,000 project sent me the word "chair" I asked Georgina if we could collaborate on this and she graciously allowed her image to be repurposed for this show. I have been working all summer on book illustrations, a large houscape and a wine label and now summer is almost gone... it has been nice, creative and quiet. I just wrapped the silla/chair image for the September 1st deadline and I hope you like it Georgina and Thank you so much for your kindness, talent and cooperation.

Georgina Matich's Blog

valeriewalsh 2009

Illustration Friday: impatience

Instead of complaining about "impatience" the word that is chosen for Illustration Friday's theme today, I have decided to take the plunge. I know it sounds rather drastic but for some reason "impatience" pushed me over the edge. Farewell my friends, it has been grand.


3"x3" canvas for ArtHouse Canvas Project

Valerie Walsh 2009

Illustration Friday: modify

Charlie was worried when he heard his family's plans to modify his dog house, but when he saw the results he was quite pleased. My submission for Illustration Friday's "modify" theme is a 3" x 3" painting for the ArtHouse Canvas Project which starts today at the Atlanta Airport Atrium Gallery through Sept. 4th. Below are a few more views.

Illustration Friday: idle

It has been a bleak week as my pal Louie passed away. He is my mom and sister's dog. Louie and I spent 6 day's together just me and him in June. I'm so glad I did and we had 3 glorious walks a day, slept a lot, ate good food and watched movies together. He was never idle except for dog naps because he is a border collie and lived for the walks. He was sensitive and sweet and I am so glad that my Mom took him to Lakemont for his last walk because he really loved that place. Louie was a herder and therefore never idle. We will miss you forever sweet Louie.
My submission for Illustration Friday's "idle" theme is a birthday card I made for my sister Dee Dee and it features Louie. It is paper and ink.
Valerie Walsh 2009

Illustration Friday: Tango

Have you heard of the TownHouse Tango? It could become the latest dance craze... Have I gone over the edge, probably but life is a complicated dance, no? My submission for Illustration Friday's "Tango" theme.

copyright 2009 Valerie Walsh

Illustration Friday: hollow

My submission for Illustration Friday's "hollow" is not an illustration but rather a clay pot that is comprised of 4 clay slabs that make 4 separate buildings and a hollow interior. It really isn't hollow but filled with the sky and stars. This vase is owned by a longtime collector of my art and I only made a few of them as they are large and can break and indeed one broke during an earthquake and one got broken that was in transit. Considering all the time and work it left me with a hollow feeling :(

copyright 1995 Valerie Walsh

Illustration Friday: shaky

Sometimes it can feel like you are living on shaky ground, especially in California. Here is my silly little submission for Illustration Friday's "shaky" theme. I have another pressing deadline right now so that's why this is minimal at best. It reminds me of the many earthquakes I have experienced in my life, falling debris, shaky buildings and usually your utilities get shut off for a few days while they restore power and water. As long as no one gets hurt they are a unique experience but every once in a while people talk about the Big one coming...

A bit of SHAKY trivia regarding music icon Neil Young, Neil has directed 5 movies, including 2008 critically acclaimed feature length documentary CSNY/Deja Vu. His nom de cine as a filmmaker is Bernard Shakey, the mythical founder of Shakey pictures.

copyright 2009 Valerie Walsh

Illustration Friday: worn

My submission for Illustration Friday's "worn" is a 3" x 3" mini canvas for the Art House Canvas Project 2 . The word for this image is "Nocturne" and you can see my little friend Tar the cat is worn out from chasing the fireflies.

I know a few artists here in LA that did paintings for Michael Jackson. He was a great lover of art and really admired excellent craftsmanship, artistry, intricacy and deeply detailed works. He was a big supporter of art and artists. The Jackson clan moved to Encino in the early 70's so his family's home is very close to Topanga. I hope he is dancing and singing in peace.

copyright 2009 Valerie Walsh Photo of Topanga Tar in Tree

Illustration Friday: Drifting

My submission for Illustration Friday's "Drifting" is one of my Marisol Hidden Treasure greeting cards. It has a gift certificate inviting the recipient to dinner. So after you drift, you have dinner, how perfect.

copyright 1994 Valerie Walsh/Marisol

Illustration Friday: unfold

My submission for Illustration Friday's "unfold" theme is a diecut valgal card that celebrates love. The message is clear but the card is a little unique in the design. I love making cuts and folds, it makes the card a bit more special. I have included a few views here: 1.the original illustration and a copy of the card 2. closeups of the image 3. card folds and unfold.

copyright 2004 Valerie Walsh

Illustration Friday: craving

My submission for Illustration Friday's "craving" is "Soda Shoppe" an illustration that is an interior , yes, but it is a room for a building in my ValerieGallerie site that is used to house my greeting card section. This is a slightly different version that shows what Babs the cat is craving. A wonderful guy named Brian Coughlin helped me make my site and I will never forget his patience, kindness and generosity. He is a member of the band "Kinch" and a very multi-talented young man.

I was in Washington for 7 days and I hung with my pal Louie and we took many beautiful walks together.

copyright 2004 Valerie Walsh

Illustration Friday: adapt

My submission for Illustration Friday's "adapt" theme is a colour study (prismacolor on Arches) called "Cat House". This is a piece I made in 1989 and a guy that collected my art had to have it so this is a scan of a 35 milimeter slide and this accounts for the quality of the image...

We all need to embrace our differences and adapt to our surroundings.

copyright 1989 Valerie Walsh

Illustration Friday: cracked

Sidewalks are cracked. My submission for Illustration Friday's "cracked" theme is one of my valgal business cards. Cracked sidewalks remind me of skating, biking and childhood fun. Hopscotch anyone?

I hope everyone has a nice Memorial weekend. Topanga is a fun place to share in the festivities because we have Topanga Days Fair a 3-day celebration with bands, games, food, sellers and dancing. It is a long standing tradition to attend the parade on Monday and all the kids, dogs, and adults enjoy themselves and the main boulevard is closed to traffic so all the floats and even our Firetruck 69 can attend. If you click on this link and go to the tab marked Topanga Days you can see the fair in 1979 and in 1999. A 20 year span and it seems the same :)

http://www.anastasiafite.com/

Illustration Friday: contagious

My submission for Illustration Friday's "contagious" is a small illustration titled "Home Sick". This little house has the chicken pox and is very contagious so don't just pop over or you might catch some.

copyright 2009 Valerie Walsh

Illustration Friday: parade

This parade was for the ladies. As the first Gondolier made his way towards the town you could feel the excitement build. I made this painting in 1993 and in 1994 John and I drove to Washington and delivered this and 6 more paintings and ceramics to the Chase family home. They have a beautiful, modern home decorated in all of my colours and everything looked amazing!!! We helped them hang all the paintings and this one was hung above their bed. Only one piece broke on the trip but I brought an extra painting and it all worked out. My submission for Illustration Friday's "parade" is titled "Gondoleer".

copyright 1993 Valerie Walsh

Illustration Friday: hierarchy

Because of her place in the hierarchy, the King awarded the Princess her own castle. This layered dimensional painting was done for the Walker family in Washington. They commissioned 2 paintings, one for each daughter and this was for Amira. She loves lambs, butterflies, hearts, flowers, birds, etc. Also they wanted an image to represent the meaning of her name.
The girl's name Amira \a-mi-ra\ is pronounced ah-MEER-ah. It is of Arabic and Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "princess. Feminine form of Amir. My submission for Illustration Friday's "hierarchy" theme.

copyright 1994 Valerie Walsh

Illustration Friday: Theater

Another blast from my past and from the show I had called "Five Easy Pieces"in 1987. This dimensional painting is called "Vanity" and suits today's Illustration Friday theme "Theater". I wish I had more pictures of it but it sold long ago and was way before I had a digital camera. There are many little details like a compact with mirror and a tube of lipstick on the vanity, ashtray with a burning cigarette and a small hand mirror. copyright 1987 Valerie Walsh