My Favorite Satellite

Illustration Friday
(theme: "Satellite")

satellite n. Astronomy: A celestial body that orbits a planet; a moon

Craftsmanship

I'm thinking about my dad today, who has been gone for 10 years now...

The best gift I ever received was a wooden oven that my dad (a carpenter) hand-crafted for my 4th birthday. It had knobs that really turned, burners made out of coffee can lids, and a door that would open and close so I could put Bingo the Cat inside to "cook" him a little (hey, I was only 4!). It was a thing of beauty and I loved touching the wood--sanded to silken smoothness, with every corner and edge rounded to perfection. And thus began my appreciation for fine craftsmanship and artistry... Thanks Dad!

Many years later the tradition would continue when he hand-crafted this exquisite Sam Maloof-inspired child-size rocking chair for my son Chris who was 1-1/2 years old at the time (he's 23 now!). Some of the wood in this chair is from an old Chinese elm tree from our family home that was cut down when I was 11!

I have the pleasure of being the keeper of the chair until Chris has a place of his own where he can display it. It is a thing of beauty and I love touching the wood--sanded to silken smoothness, with every corner and edge rounded to perfection.

Thanks Dad!

On The Trail...Morning at Mosaic Canyon

Illustration Friday
(theme: "TRAIL")

Another one from the files...

This watercolor was painted a few years back after a trip to Death Valley with Dave. This scene is from a morning hike up Mosaic Canyon. If you look closely, you can see a bit of the trail winding up this exquisitely sculptured, colorful canyon; but you will have to imagine the rest of it as it winds up from the valley floor in the hazy distance...

Thanks for visiting!

Lizards are Lovely

Illustration Friday
(theme: "SLITHER")

I've always been fascinated by lizards, especially the part where they would lose their tails when said tail was grabbed by a cat. With lots of lizards and cats in the neighborhood while growing up in Southern California, there were always plenty of tailless lizards slithering around...!

This watercolor painting is from the files and is called "Twig Lizard"--he was quite certain that I couldn't see him as he held very still and blended in so beautifully with the surrounding twigs.

My fondness for lizards grew considerably when my then-16-year-old son acquired a Bearded Dragon lizard named Ziggy. I was surprised by how lovely it was to hold a lizard in ones hands.

Here is a favorite photo of a tiny baby alligator lizard that was found sunning itself on my car tire, just as sweet as he/she could be!

Thanks for visiting!

Enjoy The View

Illustration Friday
(theme: "brave")


Having suffered from acrophobia (from the Greek: ἄκρον, ákron , meaning "peak, summit, edge" and φόβος, phóbos, "fear") for most of his young life, Rudy Raccoon felt very brave to have climbed to the highest branch possible to enjoy the view on this fine day.

Thanks for visiting!


This tree-hugging raccoon is available on a variety of great camping t-shirts, note cards,mugs, totes, and more in my Cafepress shop:
ENJOY THE VIEW

Farmer's Market Poster Wins Honors

Exciting news on the local front! Several springs ago I was commissioned to paint the artwork for the McMinnville Farmer's Market poster. Recently, the Oregon Farmer's Market Association held a state-wide contest for the best farmer's market poster. McMinnville chose to send in mine for their entry. Guess what? Mine won first place!

The prize money went to the McMinnville Downtown Association (they DID commission and produce the poster, after all), but I get to bask in the glory and rest on my laurels!


The poster is no longer available for sale, however, you will find THE ARTWORK ON Aa large selection of giftware and apparel that features this artwork in my Cafepress online shop, available with or without text:

FARM FRESH ROOSTER

GARDEN ROOSTER

Introducing WILD IRIS Gifts and Apparel

In anticipation of Spring, I'm excited to announce a brand new line of apparel and gift items featuring my "Wild Iris" watercolor art! Here is a small sampling of the items included in this collection:

Most items are available with either the caption "Garden Goddess" or with just the artwork only.


GARDEN GODDESS TOTE or BOOK BAG

Our 100% cotton canvas tote bags have plenty of room to carry everything you need when you are on the go. They include a bottom gusset and extra long handles for easy carrying.

• 10 oz heavyweight natural canvas fabric
• Full side and bottom gusset
• 22" reinforced self-fabric handles
• Machine washable
• Measures 15" x 18" x 6"

BEACH TOTE

This rugged beach tote is the perfect bag for trips to the surf, soccer game or picnic. Roomy, it features side panels for extra support and an inside lining for water resistance and simple cleaning. With durable straps (and pockets on the outside and inside), it's the only bag you'll need for that fun-filled day trip.

• 100% cotton (14 oz.) canvas
• Dimensions: 12" x 16" x 5¾"
• Outside pocket with Velcro® closure
• Inside pocket with flap
• Available in 3 colors

CERAMIC TILE COASTER

Liven up any room with these ceramic tile coasters, measuring 4.25” x 4.25” and 1/6-inch thick. Four felt pads protect your furniture from scratches. Dishwasher safe. Not for use with abrasive cups and mugs.










WOMEN'S CAP SLEEVE RAGLAN

Looks great on the go or in the garden. Made of 100% combed ring-spun cotton that gets even softer with each washing.

• 6.1 oz 100% combed ring-spun cotton 1x1 rib
• Shaped fit, side seamed
• Contrast color cap sleeves and single-needle bound collar

GARDEN GODDESS ORGANIC FITTED TEE

This women's organic t-shirt is earth-friendly and fashion conscious. This form flattering American Apparel fitted tee has a soft and smooth silhouette that keeps you stylish and reduces your carbon footprint.

• 100% organic cotton jersey
• 4.3 oz. 100% ultra-fine combed organic ring-spun jersey
• Fitted for a fashionable look
• Made in the USA, by American Apparel
• Size-up for a looser fit

GARDEN LOVER CERAMIC MUG

The perfect size for your favorite morning beverage or late night brew. Large, easy-grip handle. Treat yourself or give as a gift to someone special.

• Measures 3.75" tall, 3" diameter
• Dishwasher and microwave safe

GARDEN JOURNAL or BLANK BOOK

This Wire-O bound, 160-page journal has your choice of papers and measures 5" x 8", a handy on-the-go size to fit in your backpack. Get creative and let the muse flow.

• Back cover made of thin black flexible textured plastic, measures 16/1000" thick
• Front cover made of 12pt glossy paper, laminated for durability
• Filled with your choice of 60lb bookweight (24 lb bond) paper -- blank, dot grid, lined college-ruled, or a task journal.

GARDEN GODDESS APRON

Made of high-quality cotton twill, this durable apron is deal for gardening, cooking, or crafting. One size fits all--simply slip the apron over your head and pull the waist-level drawstring to tighten it around your neck and waist. Two generous pockets hold utensils and more.

• 31" long & 29" wide
• 100% heavy cotton twill
• Machine washable

BLANK NOTECARDS (box of 10)

A personal note on a beautiful card will make a lasting impression and a touching keepsake.

• Available in your choice of paper stock
• High quality, chlorine and acid free matte paper consisting of 30% post consumer waste and 50% total recycled fiber
• Twelve point, one-sided glossy paper
• Ten cards per package/envelopes included
• Measures 4.25" X 5.5"

Look here for additional items, including keepsake boxes, home decor, refrigerator magnets, tank tops, sweatshirts, and more:

WILD IRIS (No Text)


GARDEN GODDESS

Thanks for visiting!

Wild Iris Study

I am waiting with great anticipation for the blooming of the woodlands here in the Coastal Hills of Oregon--skunk cabbage, trillium, and wild iris are just around the corner! With the mild winter we are having, I wonder if they will bloom early this year

...One more beautiful reason to take good care of our wetlands and forests here in the Pacific Northwest!

This original watercolor painting is a small study of some blooms I photographed last spring. It is currently for sale in my Etsy shop: Wild Iris Study

Thanks for visiting!

Focused

Illustration Friday
(theme: "focused")

Hard to say who is more focused in this staring contest-- horse or human. This "battle of the brown eyes" is a watercolor portrait of a chance encounter between my "city boy" son and a barnyard buddy.


Be sure to visit my One World One Heart Giveaway at my 365 Cat Ladies blog. You'll have a chance to win this limited edition print of "Begonia Max" --just click on the link for details...

Wilderness

Illustration Friday (theme: "wilderness")

Another one from the files...This watercolor painting was inspired by the Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch mule train, heading up the Kaibab Trail as I was heading down a few years ago. The mule train is the only form of transportation down to the ranch (other than your own two feet), located at the bottom of the canyon near the Colorado River. These faithful and reliable beasts of burden carry everything that goes in and out of the ranch--linens, food, supplies, mail, and garbage. Thanks to them, hundreds of visitors get to enjoy a little taste of the wilderness each year with a warm meal and a soft bed waiting for them at the bottom, one mile straight down in world's most magnificent canyon!

Thanks for visiting!

Renewal

Illustration Friday (theme: "renewal")

It's amazing the lengths that some plants will go to--creating the most amazing and alluring blossoms conceivable in order to seduce passing pollinators to ensure renewal... This seductive echiveria from Southern California was no exception...it certainly caugh MY eye!

This is an original watercolor painting from my archives, which is now in a private collection.

Thanks for visiting!

The title of this painting is "Passion", and it is available as a limited edition giclee print, ready-to-frame in dusty blue matting, in my Etsy online shop

Frozen

Illustration Friday (theme: "frozen")

I came across this little cottontail early one morning on a five-mile hiking loop through the foothills . It wasn't cold at all, but the young bunny was frozen solid. Frozen as in "if I hold so still that not even a whisker twitches, certainly she will not see me and eat me."

It worked!

Treasure Tins

Just added to my Etsy Shop:


These little tin treasure boxes feature artwork from my "Mother Nature" series celebrating the wonders of nature.






Use for tiny treasures and trinkets, or as a candle holder--a scented tea light candle included!












Great gift idea for your favorite hiking buddy or tree hugger!











Thanks for visiting!

Leave Only Footprints...

As the season draws to a close and we head into one of the last weekends of summer (a LONG weekend here in the USofA), here's hoping that you make some time to enjoy the beauty and wonder of Mother Earth.

There was a saying that was impressed upon me by a forest ranger in Yosemite when I was a youngster that I thought was oh-so-clever (and to this day think is oh-so-important!): Take only pictures and leave only footprints...

Have a great weekend!

My LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS design is available on a variety of great camping t-shirts, note cards, totes, and more in my Cafepress shop: Susan Faye For Nature Lovers