Hooray for Fall!....and a Giveaway! (until Oct. 31)

Something cheerful, I promised! I also decided to update my blog header as I just LOVE this time of year...here's to a lovely Fall out here in the states, and to all of my friends from afar, here's to a wonderful season where you are too!

I am very grateful to all of you who visit and leave comments as this community is very important to me. I feel that sharing my art with fellow artists and creative people has been extremely valuable to me as a person and in my creative work. The warmth of thought, and sense of community I feel as I visit blogs and sites throughout the year, as well as the creations I see - from designers, letterers, illustrators, painters, crafts-persons, poets, authors, writers, jewelry-makers, and artisans working in all kinds of mediums constantly impress and inspire me. I am continually learning and growing, and this blog has been a portal to all of you..so thank you!

I'm giving away three prints of "Well, hello!." Harry (the Hare) is the main character in a personal project I am working on with my littlest one..hope you like him. : )

 (click to enlarge)

Please leave a comment here, perhaps sharing a tip or trick to fellow artists, an inspirational thought, a recipe or a "must-do" in the fall idea, or perhaps the title of a favorite children's book! You have until 12 midnight, October 31st PST. I'll pick three winners and ship them out to you pronto.

Wishing you well as we enjoy the smells, the sights, and the warmth that Fall brings.~ Shirley

Hibernate, and rest in peace, Mr. Steve Jobs...

Like many, I am so saddened by the passing of Mr. Steve Jobs. I was reflecting upon why this hits so close to home with my little brother last night and it makes some sense..we are children of the Bay Area, born and raised in the Silicon Valley before it was the Silicon Valley, just orchards, track houses and families. I'll never forget the first time I saw the big Apple building from the freeway, and the classic Mac that dad proudly brought home for us to figure out..floppies and all. I'll never forget trying to work on Adobe Illustrator 8.0 for the first time and not having to order up galleys of type anymore, nor use T-squares or rubber cement for paste-ups thanks to the magic of the Mac. His passing of pancreatic cancer saddens me as my Aunt had passed 2 years ago from the same disease..a very, very difficult and horrible disease.

I painted these this morning..it's a stretch for hibernate but it's all I could think about as I was sketching a hibernating bear..perhaps this is just an end of one chapter, and the beginning of a new one for Apple. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family at this difficult time.

Promise to post a happier post soon..and I hope you are all well!
Shirley

Happy October!

Wishing you a great month ahead..I love the feel of October - cool nights, dark and mysterious skies..and staying in at night cozy and warm with a good meal (well, when I get to cooking that is!). I'll have to share a pretty simple Butternut Squash soup recipe soon..and I'll need to make it too!
Our recent post at www.welovetoillustrate.com features some free downloadable cupcake-topper/stickers! Check out the great illustrations the ladies came up with to celebrate October!

And Monsieur Olivet has finally arrived at his destination...(finally!).