Santa's back!

If you're feeling a little crazed like our friend Claus, no need to worry! Here is a crafty little project to help get you in the joyful Christmas spirit. A paper box ornament. Just print, cut, fold and glue. I created this Frazzled Santa last year and thought he was so fun, so I had to share him again this year. Click on the image, then right click to download. Enjoy!

Exodus

I'm currently working on a new picture book for EKS publishing, and it has been loads of fun! Lots of research, and lots of drawing neat old time periods. This is a spread from the book (which should be available early 2012), depicting the Exodus from Egypt by the Israelites. I am really happy with how it turned out, and just wanted to share. A little taste to whet your appetite!

Long Time, No Post

Wow, things have been so busy I didn't realize how long it's been since I last posted on the old Pachy! Here are a few things I've been up to:

Advent Calendar - I've been wanting to do one of these for a long time, and this year I finally did. It's a 25-day Advent calendar, and each day you place a new sticker until Christmas when the image is completed. Fun for the family! Check it out here at Crafty Cat Press and get your copy! They make great gifts too.


Here is a list of the shows I have for the next couple months as well:

Studio Gallery - I have 4 pieces in "tiny" at this awesome gallery in SF. Through December 23

Gallery Annex - Downtown Redwood City, I have several paintings on view and a reception Saturday night, Nov. 5 from 6-9pm.

Hometown Holiday Children's Boutique - I will be selling books, cards, paintings and prints at this fun festival in downtown Redwood City on Saturday December 3.

Creative Framing and Gallery - This cute frame shop/gallery will be showing smaller works of art and cards during December and hosting 2 receptions. Come by and get some great fine art and handmade gifts! Through December, receptions on December 10 and 17, from 6-9pm each day.

Holiday Open Studio - 1420 James Ave., Redwood City. Join me and 2 other artists for a holiday showing of our works, and sweet treats! November 12-13 from 12-5pm each day.

Asleep

Somewhere in a dream.

Happy Lost Sock Day!

Here's hoping you find both socks of a pair in your laundry, but if not... know they are living it up somewhere in the single sock retirement community! May 9th is "Lost Sock Memorial Day". I'm going barefoot today.

Art + Coffee = Satisfaction!

Not children's book related, but art related! For the month of May I'll be showing my landscape paintings at two coffee shops and one gallery here in the bay area.

The first is in San Jose, at Red Berry Coffee Bar on Santa Clara St. (near 6th, across from City Hall). Very cool cafe with some really great single origin locally roasted coffees (De La Paz, Barefoot, Ritual, etc.). Go check them out if you're in the south bay!

Second, I'll have some larger work up at 3 Bee's Coffee in downtown San Mateo, on 3rd St. Cool coffee place with tasty snacks and a great atmosphere.

Lastly, I have some work in the "Terrain" show at STUDIO Gallery in San Francisco during May. They are located on Polk St. near Washington, and they always have an awesome selection of amazing art. Definitely check them out if you are in SF!

So that's all for now folks, VERY busy month for me! 3 chances to check out some of my new work and get some great coffee. What more is there to life, art + coffee...?

The journey

Sometimes the journey is exciting and fun,
all signs say go...
Sometimes the road is long, winding,
and very slow...
Then there are the times,
When you wonder,
"I don't really know,
maybe I shouldn't be here...
Let's go!"

Cultivate

Spring is so close,
I can smell the flowers,
the fruits
and rich soil.
Don't forget to cultivate
your garden,
keep it rich
with your hard toil.

"Warning" ..or.. "How I lost my lunch, and my grandmother"

A little girl with a red hoodie went to visit her granny. You know the rest.

Pied Piper

A man with a tune that sounded so lovely, swarms of rats would follow him through town. The kids enjoyed the music too...

Layers

Can you have too many layers? Definitely not!

Tradition

Who, day and night, must scramble for a living,
Feed a wife and children, say his daily prayers?

The papa, the papa! Tradition!

Holding Hands

Two lovers in love,
Just because, that's why!
Two jellyfish learning,
how love makes you fly.

Lucky Little Sailor

This is Lucky little sailor. Charting his course for adventure at high sea!

More new paintings

Into The Garden - 32x29.5

Front Porch Roses - 16x20

A couple new paintings. I know these aren't really in the style of mine you're used to, but I'm trying this out. I'd love to hear what you think! This weekend I'm going on a 'painting trip', so hopefully I'll have a bunch of new cool stuff in another week or two! Anyway, a couple garden scenes from Ardenwood Farm in Fremont.

New paintings

New year, new paintings.
Taking a break for a minute,
from whimsy,
and smelling some fresh flowers.

"Paperwhites and Pattern" - 16x20