MardiArt

Monday, April 30, 2012

IF … Jump

while we were playing, Peet became so euphoric
   that he suddenly burst into a series of perfectly executed binkies.
   One right after another … the bunny hop, a triple axel, then several
   double salchows preceded an astonishing half loop finale.
   I was riveted by Peet's athletic prowess … and adrift
     with thoughts of Cirque du Soleil.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

IF … Heights

Today my Peet turned me into an animal balloon.

We had the funnest fun ever.

Sometimes Peet was jumpy, and I soared even higher.

This must be how angels feel.

_____________
detail …

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

IF … Puzzle


©2012 Mardi Speth • All Rights Reserved

hmmmmm .....

Peet's not the only one in a quandry.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

IF … Vocal

HONK … HONK … purrrrr … HONK … HONK … squeak … HONK … HONK … purrrrr …

HONK … HONK … purrrrr … HONK … HONK … squeak … HONK … HONK … purrrrr …

Peet, like most buns, 'honks' when he's content.
So what makes him happy? Four things are certain …
    He honks when he's eating.
    He honks when if you give him a special treat.
    He honks when he gets attention.
    And he honks especially loud when he snuggles.

Buttercup's happy noises are mostly outside the range for human ears,
however, she never lost her ability to purr after she grew up.

If you get REALLY close, you just may be able to hear what they're saying.
Go ahead, put your ear up against the monitor. They're really quite noisy.

_______________
Earlier this week …
While Peet & Buttercup warm up their voices, let me entertain you with a look at the past. Here is a cover for a music book I illustrated almost 7 years ago. Wow! Time flies – whether you're having fun or not!

There were nine music books produced, each corresponding to a cycle of prayer in the Roman Catholic church. A release is planned, but currently on hold.

Happy Easter!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

IF … Return

BUTTERCUP!
Hand it over.

But Peet, you weren't using it.

I was too.

Then what was it doing in the carrot patch?

(sigh)

Just gimme my fluff.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Lin gave me The Liebster Award!

I was very surprised to find that I was given an award for my blog from Linda Calverley of England, who is an amazingly talented fabric and mixed media artist. Her work encompasses a full range of delights - embroidery, printing, beading, photography, painting, drawing, altered books, quilting, applique, collage, and repeat patterns for fabrics or wrapping paper. Check out her blog for a plethora of visual delights!

My apologies for the delay in participating. I'm really tickled, and finally have the opportunity to do my part. The last week or so has been overwhelming, so my Illustration Friday endeavors dropped off. I'll get back on track soon enough!
______________

What is it?

This award is given to bloggers who inspire you and have less than 200 followers. The Liebster Award takes its name from the German word meaning ‘Beloved, Dearest or Favorite’ so I am honored to receive this award.

Here are the rules:
The tradition with this award is that it is passed along to five bloggers who have motivated and inspired. To accept the award, you must ~
* Link back to the person who gave it to you, and thank them
* Post the award to your blog
* Give the award to 5 blogs with fewer than 200 followers each
that you appreciate and value
* Leave a comment on those 5 blogs to let them know
they've been offered this award.

Below are the blogs to which I give the Liebster Blog Award. Every one of them is a master! The first three are my close blogging buddies, we see each other practically every week since we teach at the same school. We all began blogging at the same time – thanks to Richard's prodding – and we enjoy the support, personal growth and comraderie that Illustration Friday has brought.

Alice Andrieni's (almost) Daily Paintings What inspiration! In just under a year, Alice's artwork has expanded in what seems like a log-rythmic progression ... from tentative baby steps to a true tour de force. Beautiful brushstrokes, compositions and her ability to create art (almost) every day makes her the envy of all.

Richard Ewing's Visual Cogitations I just don't know ANYONE who can push and pull a figure to the extend that this maestro can. His compositions always hit me at a physical level, where I can feel the tensions present in his characters. He kindly prods me along with my efforts, and is downright hilarious in an understated way.

Bill Jaynes Mind Wanderings Light-hearted and whimsical watercolour and ink paintings adorn Bill's blog. His fun and often decorative style always depicts a fresh and inventive approach to the weekly word challenge. His art contains a spontaneity that reminds me that art is supposed to be fun, and not to take things so seriously. Seriously!

Greg Newbold's Life Needs Art Greg is a former classmate and phenomenally talented illustrator who's published an army of children's books, teaches university level art courses, and has his beautiful oil paintings in acclaimed art galleries. He's equally dexterous in oils, acrylic and digital media, and he's a really, really nice guy!

Elizabeth Rose Stanton's Penpaper Studio offers a weekly giggle at wacky animals rendered in a simple, colorful style. Then suddenly, she'll pop in a 'serious' rendering just to keep her viewer's guessing. No matter, the inner soul in all her creations shines through (and keeps me coming back for more)!

Monday, March 12, 2012

IF …Yield

Make way!

Make way for the princess!

Make way, I say!

Hey, bub. WHO ME? Yeah, you … GET-OUTTA-DA-WAY!

Show some respect for your princess, you lowly lagomorph.