Lavender Cats and Cloud Grey Ink

I have fallen deeply and irretrievably in love with something French.  I've been experimenting and searching for what seems like forever for the perfect drawing inks: those with enough depth to draw the eye, enough translucency to add lightness, a clean, even flow, and colours that delight my soul.  I've finally found them in J. Herbin inks.  J. Herbin inks have been in Paris since the Sun King danced in high heels at Versailles.  The inks also have stunning and beautifully-named colours.  I used Gris Nuage (Grey Cloud) for the portrait of a friend's luscious grey cat.  Her coat has a hint of lavender in it, as does the ink, so it was a perfect choice.

And for the icing on the gateau, (sorry, unsure how to add French accents), the inks come in beautiful packaging with great graphic design, and each ink bottle has in an indentation in the top in which to rest your pen!      J. Herbin Inks

I've also finally found the nib that is my heart's delight: the No. 102 crow quill nib.  It's tiny, strong, can produce superfine or fine lines, and holds ink forever.  Now I just have to find a paper that doesn't shred and clump as it becomes dank with ink.

I've come across an amazing photo of my grandmother, and her siblings and cousins from I think about 1918.  I especially love this photo because it's not posed and formal, it's just a bunch of kids being goofy and having fun a hundred years ago.  Things really haven't changed all that much.

Turbochargers Engaged

Ah, a brand new year, and a lovely number: 2013 (I love 13).  So much to do, so many challenges, so much fun!  So many self-inflicted wounds!  Have signed up for a marathon and multiple triathlons.  Have bandied the "H-I" thing about recklessly.  H-I is, of course, a Half-Ironman.  And you know what happens after you do one of those...things really get stupid.  I hereby declare myself exempt from any obligation to any commitments mentioned here in the event that I should break a leg, break my head, crash, drown, slip and fall on ice or goose poop (or icy goose poop) while running, expel body fluids from any orifice in my body at a rate that causes delirium and/or unconsciousness, as well as any other unforeseen and woefully unfortunate circumstances during preparation and training towards these said commitments.

Fortunately, illustration-wise, other than accidental pen & ink tattoos, brutal paper cuts, and sticking a toxic cadmium yellow paintbrush in my mouth instead of a carrot stick, I should remain at least physically safe.  Website has been updated and upgraded; feeling as though things are all pulling together.  So much work to do, so little time!

Have been rediscovering wonderful vintage family photos; will start popping up an occasional pic for perusal!  Try and guess the year.

I fear Aunt Mae may have been a little walleyed.

Two shops to take a peek at: one in Hamilton and one in Oakville.  One just opened to rave reviews and one is hugely anticipated.  Can't stop shopping in the first one and can't wait to shop in the second one!  A couple of great guys are responsible for Branch Design on King West in Hamilton and fellow illustrator and Sheridan Grad cutie-pie Darcy Allan is responsible for Tea With Gladys opening in February on Lakeshore in Oakville.  Come to think of it...these two businesses complement each other beautifully!

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