Deer(e)

Here's a sketch of an idea that I've been kicking around for a little while. It's a deer taking a joyride on an old John Deere tractor. Silly, I know, but I couldn't help myself! It will most likely be the next fully colored and illustrated card that I produce. 

A couple of sketches

Milk and eggs

Framed

I just got the 2010 Tunbridge Fair poster (illustrated by me) back from the frame shop. I'm thrilled with how it came out! Rob Jenisch, owner of the Gilded Edge Custom Framing & Art Gallery in Hanover, NH did a beautiful job. When I brought it in, he immediately recommended that it be done with a custom frame from Vermont Hardwoods, a great company in Chester, VT that provides hand crafted custom framing and hardwood products.

When I do a signing of the posters at the World's Fair in Sept, I will have this framed poster there, so everyone can see the quality of the wood, the matting and framing. If you like how this looks and want one done by the Gilded Edge with a custom Vermont Hardwood frame, I can get you all the info.

Some sheep from the sketchbook

Happy Ground Hog Day

The Grind

Here's a new illustration called 'The Grind'. Being the end of January, it's not exactly apple season here in Vermont, but this is an idea I wanted to illustrate. The image is intentionally rough and there's a distinct lack of color, as I wanted the focus on those delicious apples.

Adventures in printing

My fourth printing of New England Illustrated cards went to press yesterday. Going forward, I've chosen to give my business to a different local printer. Leahy Press in Montpelier, VT.  They have been a Vermont fixture since 1930. I've had the pleasure of using them many, many times over the years for other design work. The sales team, pre-press dept, and press operators are all dedicated to very high standards, and the work shows. The cards will be printed offset on FSC certified stock. I'm very excited to get these out there.

I will not disparage my old printer, other than to say there were some very obvious quality issues they would not make right. My feeling is, I put many hours into these illustrations, I want them to be presented in the best possible light to the public!