7.25.2013

SWINGING OUTSIDE MY BOUNDS

A few months ago I heard about Lilla Rogers Studio - an illustration agency that represents artists internationally. Lilla helps match up artists' amazing work with companies that need it for products (fabrics, paper goods, totes, toys and anything else you can imagine). I initially bookmarked her website because I was enamored with her site graphics (you must really take a look...so much fun).

Since then I've learned so much about the artists she represents and the wonderful things they create. I even took a step outside my bounds and entered her Global Talent Search. Our first assignment was to create a journal cover with a playground theme. I thought you might enjoy seeing it...and I couldn't resist placing a garden twist on it too (shouldn't gardens be a playground?).

A QUICK UPDATE 8/1/13:  I learned that over 1,500 artists from over 30 countries entered this contest and they had to whittle it down to only 50! Mine was not one of them, but the final illustrations are amazing if you'd like to take a peek at Lilla Roger's site.  This was such a fun experience that I hope to participate again in the future.

7.23.2013

MAKE YOUR GARDEN POP WITH TEXTURE

Planting design is a science and an art. The science takes into consideration what your plants need to thrive, while the art is about composition. The latter is challenging for most and often hinders many to experiment in the garden initially.

The good news is that there are some planting design guidelines to help us along. Three things to consider when arranging your plants are form, texture and color. These should be considered in the same order...form first, texture, then finally color.  Form is the most consistent, while color is the most fleeting.
I'd like to jump right into texture, since this seems to be the most confusing, yet can be so powerful. Texture in plants is typically the size of the leaf. The collection of a plant's leaves or even the size of the stems can also weigh into texture, but for simplicity's sake, let's just focus on the leaves.


Course texture is a larger leaf, while fine texture is a smaller one. It is the combination of different textures that makes a planting design have contrast and, thus more punch.  If you have too much of one texture, your overall composition will be dull.  I often see too much fine texture (like the combination of ornamental grasses and daylilies).  Think about how you can mix in more course (large) leaves in with your fine (small) leaves.

This same concept is true in other areas of design too, such as architecture, interior design and even textile design. I often mix pattern textures in fabric. It can be as simple as mixing a large-scale pattern with a small one.  Yes, you can pair patterns in your wardrobe as long as you mix fine (small scale) with course (large scale)...just as you would with plants.


Illustrations are nice, but real plant combinations can show the true power of mixing textures correctly. Take a look at how the different scale of leaves complement each other below. Each plant pops more because of it's partner. The amazing thing is that we often focus on color when planning our gardens, but if you have a great combination of textures, color plays a secondary role. Your garden will always look good whether it's blooming or not. Note how there are few colors in the images below, yet there is strong contrast.


Next time you're at a nursery choosing plants, bring the containers together and make sure they complement each other with different textures. If you're missing a course texture, keeping looking for the right plant. Even after you've planted them in your garden don't be afraid to continually tweak your design each season. I am constantly moving plants around and adding new ones to get the right texture combinations.

Texture is an amazing way to add contrast and spark to your garden. I encourage you to start looking at the size of leaves and pairing them in different ways.  Experiment and see what happens.
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7.19.2013

ANOTHER SET OF VEGETABLES

My last bit of diving into the past...my tagged vegetables (back in 2012).  I love the idea of scrapbooking, but never have the time to do it, so this is my attempt to add those cute little doo-dads on something.


These illustrations are also available on cards in my Etsy Shop. You can take a peek here.

Thanks for reminiscing with me!

7.17.2013

A SET OF BERRIES

In early 2012 I created this set of berry illustrations. I must have been dreaming of sweetness in the midst of winter.

I've included these on a set of cards in my Etsy Shop too. You can take a peek here.

7.15.2013

A SET OF HERBS

Here are some more illustrations from the past...a set of herbs that I eventually made into a poster. These are just a few from that collection back in 2011.




7.13.2013

A SET OF VEGETABLES

I'll be away for a bit so decided to share some past artwork with you over the next few posts. Since we're in the bounty of summer these will focus on on vegetables, herbs and berries.

Below are a set of paintings I created on playing cards and vintage thesis paper back in 2011.



For those living in central Iowa, please visit me at the Garden Art Fair tomorrow (Sunday, July 14).  I'd love to see you! You can visit my Facebook page to grab a 1/2 off coupon too.

I also wanted to let you know that I've posted my free theme garden tutorial.  You can find out more about it here. Enjoy your weekend!

7.08.2013

CORN DOG

I love corn dogs. I especially love the ease of eating them when given to my four-year-old. If I could only grow these in the garden and ramp up the health benefits.

You can find my state fair cards here.

7.04.2013

PORK CHOP ON A STICK

I've been wanting to create a new set of state fair cards, so asked my friends on Facebook for suggestions. There was an overwhelming response of foods on sticks, so over the next few days I'll highlight four of those.


I was compelled to start with pork chop on a stick since I just passed a food booth at our local fourth of July celebration selling these delicacies.

Oh, and happy Independence Day!

You can find my state fair cards here.

7.01.2013

FREEZING THE GARDEN

I am thrilled to finally have our gardens popping with lots to eat! Our first harvests include strawberries, spinach, broccoli and lettuce. The first three are perfect for freezing to savor this winter. Each day I tuck a little more away in our big basement freezer.

FREEZING STRAWBERRIES
These are so simple. I just clean them, remove the greens, slice in half (or keep them whole), pop into a freezer bag, then into the freezer for winter. That's it! If you love strawberries and have a small space, I encourage you to grow a few plants. They do like to spread though, so make sure you contain them well.


FREEZING SPINACH
Pick leaves, clean them, and remove the stems. You can blanch spinach or simply place leaves and a little bit of water into a blender, then freeze in ice cube trays. I like to pop one spinach ice cube into a smoothie. You really don't taste it, but it adds lots of vitamins.


FREEZING BROCCOLI
Pick broccoli heads, clean and chop as desired. Soak them in a bowl of salted water for 30 minutes to remove any insects.  Blanch by placing in boiling water for three minutes, then directly place them in cold water.  Now you can pack them into freezer bags and place them into the freezer.


You can learn more about freezing and blanching foods at the National Center for Food Preservation. Enjoy!