Sketchbook blog

While we waited out Hurricane Florence, I tried to pour my nervous energy into painting a tea towel design for the Spoonflower challenge called "It's a Punderful Life." Spoonflower wants designers to enter themes that are plays on words and have original  hand lettering. I came up with a vibrant green and yellow color scheme for A-V-O-C-A-T-O.   I also added "purrr-fectly yum yum," to add another little pun.   It's a whole lot better to paint than worry about the hurricane damage in North Carolina. Voting begins September 20 and ends September 25 at 3 pm EDT.  You can vote here  when you choose "Punderful life" challenge.  Be sure to activate the checkmark, not just click the heart.  I appreciate your support!

 grateful that I belong to a network of artists who make beautiful work.  I have called on artist friends  Melanie Troutman Williams  and  Allison Stoner  recently to create some personalized gifts for special friends. Melanie Troutman  Melanie Troutman Williams  works out of her studio in downtown Winston-Salem.  It's a fun visit to see her because you can check out the  Art-o-mat  machine and lovely artwork at  Delurk Gallery  and grab a bite to eat at  6th and Vine restaurant . Melanie painted a Golden Retriever named Charlie for my friend, Denise.   Charlie was a very happy and sweet dog who lived a great life.   This painting honors Denise's memories of Charlie and keeps him with her every day. Earlier this year, Melanie also painted  Benji  (from the movie) for my best friend Julie's birthday. I remember watching Benji when I was a kid.   I wonder if Benji will ever come to Netflix or Amazon Prime. Allison Sto