Enough

Here's my Illustration Friday topic of the week: enough. I was actually working on this illustration before I received the IF topic in my inbox today. When I did get the word, I couldn't help but think what a topic-perfect illustration it was.

This happy couple will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in a couple of weeks. I'm honored to have been asked to design the invitation for the grand event. This collage will grace the cover.

It is said quite often, but 50 years speaks louder..."I take you to be my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward. In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live."

Now if that isn't "enough" I couldn't tell you what is.

Houston, we have a show

WOW. what a weekend. I'm settling back into reality after a really, really cool couple of Houston days even though the temp was somewhere around 100 degrees. Red Bull's Art of Can exhibition opened with a VIP bash of more than 1000 at the Houston Galleria. My piece "Night Owl" (pictured above) was lucky enough to be one of 47 pieces selected to be in a show that drew over 500 registrations.

I loved the little artist name badges that matched our pieces. So easy to meet the artist that went with the art. And what a friendly crowd! I had a blast chatting with all of the diverse types this event brought out.

Did you vote? Voting kiosks were at the party and will be around for the run of the show or you can always vote online.

My Chicago friend Asta poses with her fun piece entitled "Houston, We Have a Problem...No Red Bull".

My other Chicago-Art-of-Can-but-lives-in-Austin friend Kathy Beale created the impeccably crafted frog (Riley) who happens to be "Fly Fishing."

I think when the judges kept saying that this was the best AOC yet, they really meant it. I had so many favorites that I couldn't possibly post them all here. Geez...this is tough competition.

Speaking of tough competition, Dale Busta captured second place (again) for "Sojourn". And Dale, if by any chance you're reading, I anxiously await my bee.

Asta and me hanging out with the grand prize winner's piece "Unbridled".

I LOVE the love letter.

Artists after too much red bull or maybe it was this...or how about that photographer?!

The art work moved on up the day after the opening party to this custom designed space in the Houston Galleria (yes a shopping mall). The show runs until July 25th. Any misgivings I ever had about a show in a mall vs. a gallery have been put to rest. This is a first class production all the way. If you're in the area check it out. Otherwise beg Red Bull to keep the exhibitions coming. It's an unbelievable cornucopia of art that undeniably promotes, but better yet recycles while enabling one to expand their vision and appreciation of art.

sour rain, sweet country

I created this piece for Illustration Friday's topic of the week: sour. It seemed appropriate due to yesterday's rain on our 4th of July celebrations. Picnics and parades were "soured" with thunderstorms and steady rain. Later, the day brought breaks in the weather so we tried to sneak in grilled burgers on the deck. However, I was quickly informed by all three of my children that the not-quite-dry patio furniture made their behinds wet. This quickly led to giggles and back side comparisons.

Regardless of this 4th of July's rain, we are still very thankful for the freedoms we enjoy and the country we love. Obviously, every day will not live up to our ideal, but when the sun does shine it is a beautiful day indeed.

A brief appearance

After a long blog hiatus I'm back for a moment. Really just to say I'm still here, but busy. Maybe busy isn't strong enough...overwhelmed? Overwhelmed in a good way. It's summer's fault. There were too many projects saved and plans made back when summer seemed endless...a blank of warm, lazy days. July already? Hard to believe.

Above is another piece of mine in the group show "Out of the Blue" featuring local artists at Red Tree Gallery. Funny, the last time I posted this show was opening. Now, the close is this Friday. More proof that summer has that way of flying by.