New England Illustrated

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!

Town Meeting final art

Town Meeting

Here's an idea that I've had for quite some time. It's called 'Town Meeting'. The bird houses are made to look like a small town church, covered bridge and school house. I'm nearly done the final color image, but here's a pen sketch. The birds that will be portrayed are Chickadees, a Robin, Bluejay, Hermit Thrush and a Barn Swallow. Also, on the far right on the schoolhouse porch, a tiny chimpmunk!

Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays (aka Christmas)

For quite a few years since 1998 I've been asked to illustrate newspaper supplement covers for the Valley News, a daily that serves a portion of Vermont and New Hampshire. They are usually printed a few days before 'Black Friday'. There's always two covers with a holiday theme, and they have to tie into each other. As I was going through some of my archives, I realized that somewhere along the way that the word 'Christmas' was dropped. I think it was right after the first year that I did them.

These covers are from this year.