— Wendell Berry
For me, the expanse of sorrow and optimism in this short phrase is far too weighty to summarize in a post. I hope against hope that this year will bring substantial progress towards slowing climate change, more empathy and care for one another, and the humble recognition that we are all in this together - our shared and only home - on this pale blue dot.
Folk art block print-style Easter illustration for American Greetings.
©AGC
A cheerful design I hand-lettered and illustrated, available in Target stores now!
©AGC
©AGC
Here’s a sympathy design I created for American Greetings. One of my dearest friends had just lost her dad as I was painting this, so I think of her family whenever I see this piece. That star twinkles brightest whenever someone is playing Celtic music. ✨
I really enjoyed creating this mixed media painting for a tropical workshop at American Greetings.
©AGC
If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or text HOME to 741-741 for free, 24-hour support from the Crisis Text Line. Outside the U.S., visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention.
I'm in the process of moving my previous art blog over here to this one, but it's a slow process. I'm working backwards, so I'm starting with the oldest posts first. Meanwhile, I'm still sharing my shiniest, newest projects on Blogger, so if you'd like to keep up with my most recent work, please visit me here! I'm looking forward to eventually having everything in one place.
You can also follow me on Tumblr.
Please excuse the multiple websites!
A series of simple character studies, 2007.
Another collection of early card samples, circa 2007. ©AGC
Three tiny paintings; acrylic on canvas, 2006.
Ten oil paintings from 2007.
Each piece was originally a graphite drawing in my sketchbook. I affixed the paper to thick illustration board, cut them out with a utility knife, shaped the edges with sandpaper, and painted them with oil.
In 2005 I began working as an illustrator at American Greetings World Headquarters. Looking back at the work I was producing early on in my career as a greeting card artist, I'm surprised that they didn't fire me. I had a lot to learn, and I'm amazed at how much I've grown since then.
Here are some of my very first card designs produced by American Greetings (©AGC). Some have nice touches, others are cringeworthy, but they're all mine!
Interestingly, ten years later, I'm still seeing some of these same patterns and decorative details popping up in new AG designs.
