An illustration by Marco on writers and their dogs. So evocative.

The watertower top is rising! What a gift to Albuquerque. You see how the imagery must read from those vast southwestern distances? Thanks to all of you following this series of Lisa’s art for the watertower for Mesa del Sol in Albuquerque.

One of my favorite stylists is Brett of Lula’s Pantry, Rockport, Massachusetts. I want to show you his amazing color sense. This is a great way to get inspired for color for your artwork.

Look at this wall display. Ceridian, celadon, cobalt, French blue. Stunning. Doing warm and cool monochromes is a very thrilling thing to do.

A closer look:

Check out the amazing ocean view.

Give Brett a visit and tell him Lilla sent you.

I love her colors, her thick, opaque paint, and her ltty bitty people in the background.

Helen Dardik hand-sews these creatures out of pleather. This is the kind of personal work that is so great to do for your art career. Out of this, you attract the kind of work you want. How can anybody know what you’re capable of doing unless you can show them? I always say show the kind of work you want to get. It’s kind of a take on what goes around comes around. So from this, we were able to get Helen a book on embroidery where she is actually writing, creating projects for, and designing the entire book! Stay tuned.

Yes, these are holiday ornaments.

Bonnie emailed me this charming piece that she completed recently and she tells us, “This piece was for an article in the LA Times about how people decorate their houses with Buddha but completely miss the spiritual message behind what Buddha actually represents.”

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Lisa says, “I explored some new designs here that are based off of work I did for Mesa del Sol. I love this series and want to continue to explore this when I have time.”

One of the best ways to get inspired and advance your career is through research, meaning that you look and discover and explore and follow your passions down to the minutiae.

Mike emailed me these delightful images and he says, “Here are some pages from my Anorak Magazine Quarterly story. Don’t worry about that sad paper boat, it works out for him in the end. Trust me.”

Maps, maps, maps. Why maps? Because they are one thing that only illustration can do that photography can’t. This is why I recommend that artists have maps in their portfolios. Lettering is key, too.

Jon Cannell:

Janell Genovese:

Marco Marella:

Sarajo Frieden:

Mike Lowery:

Rebecca Bradley:

Susy Pilgrim Waters:

Bonnie Dain:

Trina Dalziel:

My garden’s bounty this week. I hope to show you more as the season goes on. I’m partial to vivid colors, particularly hot reds and yellowy greens. Let this be color inspiration for you.

Sweet william and pink cornflower and spearmint. Notice the Chilewich mat.

Spent magenta peonies

Hydrangea and party girl rose

Sidalcea and I forget what the yellow thing is: