Lisa Perrin

I like ya face

2012-02-10T08:20:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Splendid Sayings Greeting Card Packs

2012-01-04T17:45:00.004-05:00

So the four designs from the previous post became the four note cards in a greeting card pack I made for the holidays. In each greeting card pack there was one of each design, with matching mustard colored envelopes.

I also made prints of the designs.

Production! I think I rounded 1000 corners!

Here is the display I made for display. Nothin' but a card board box, black paint, and hot glue!

I included a limited edition run of matching stickers in 30 of the card packs.

Each card is printed on acid-free card stock with archival inks and comes with an envelope ready for mailing. Packaged in a durable, clear protective box with a ribbon this whimsical card set is dressed to impress! An insert on the back of the packaging features the four designs present in the pack. Drawing from underappreciated phrases and charming illustrations these cards are sure to make a playful and unconventional statement wherever they go!
I hope to make these available in the shop soon!

Splendid Sayings

2011-12-20T13:52:00.005-05:00

Here are some recent illustrations I designed for a greeting card pack (those images are soon to follow) My goal was to highlight some under appreciated phrases that delight me and I use all the time! I also really wanted to draw animals. Pencil with digital 2011.

"Fancy That, Top Hat Cat"

"Exclaiming Roaring Bear."

"Gracious Knitting Rabbits"

"Dancing Crafty Foxes"

Keep an eye out for the greeting card packs. I hope to make them available in my etsy shop too. Have lovely holidays!

Melancholia -- Limited Edition Artist's Book

2011-12-07T21:18:00.002-05:00

This book was my opus my first semester of graduate school.
Walking the blurry line between book, toy, and art object Melancholia exists in its own genre. Inspired by medical books that feature transparent pages to allow the viewer a deeper glimpse into layers of the body Melancholia instead reveals layers into an emotion.
Hand produced and constructed by Lisa Perrin this piece is made from sturdy, heavy weight Bristol paper printed with archival Epson inks, card stock, ink jet transparency pages, graphic tape, glue, eyelets and ribbon.
Melancholia is ready to be given as a gift or displayed on any surface with her exquisite inside panels exposed or hidden. All is revealed to see (inside).

Melancholia measures 5 inches wide x 7 1/2 inches tall x 1/2 inch deep. Numbered Limited edition of 50.

By Lisa Perrin 2011 for Balmoral Books and imprint of Fox Studios
It is absolutely for sale here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/88155171/melancholia-limited-edition-artists-book

Embroidered Sugar Skull Mask

2011-11-06T18:51:00.004-05:00

Halloween has come and gone but i am still living it! Every day!
I designed, embroidered, and made this mask inspired by the Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead. I used embroidery floss, satin, pearls, and ribbon.
Here is the sketch:

Stretched on the embroidery hoop! Cutting it out was so scary!

Final result with the headband i also made. I cut circles out of fabric and sewed in pearls for the flowers.

Me getting to be a fancy model:

Many thanks to Sara Barnes for snapping the photos!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-18T19:57:00.003-04:00

I know it is the better part of 2 weeks away, but I find myself getting into a very spooky Halloween spirit!

spooooky!
this is a little painting on layers of vellum.

Bloom Book

2011-10-10T20:32:00.003-04:00

You have probably had an "Exquisite corpse" style book as a child. It is the kind of book where the pages are cut into sections and you can change the head, feet, or middle of an image. More Exquisite Corpse" books here They were originally developed by the surrealists. Here is my little book done with flowers. I also hand bound it with a japanese style bounding.

I am planning to expand this to a version called, "Bloom and Doom." Thoughts?

Rock and Roll Will Save Your Soul -- Revised

2011-09-16T21:24:00.004-04:00

Here is a MUCH better scan of the painting I made in Italy. I also added a border that I painted right on the piece. I finally had access to a large format scanner so here is the painting as I intended it!

Strangeness

2011-09-14T09:37:00.000-04:00

Poster ides with a Francis Bacon quote

Vote for my Sleeping Beauty Design

2011-09-01T17:26:00.005-04:00

Talenthouse has sponsored a design challenge with the English National Ballet to design the visual identity for their new production, "My First Sleeping Beauty."
The challenge was to design a poster with the show's title, the character of the princess Aurora, and a have a strong reference to ballet. I would really appreciate your vote! Here is my design:

vote HERE

Please vote here: http://www.talenthouse.com/creativeinvites/preview/a3706fb90f16f4a07e74d9b1e20b4577/281

Voting is easy via Facebook or Twitter:

1. On your submission’s voting page, click on the blue Facebook or Twitter button on the right side of the page
2. Allow your Facebook or Twitter account to connect with Talenthouse
3. Congratulations – your vote has been registered!

Don’t have a Facebook or Twitter account? You may still vote via SMS by clicking the “Don't have Facebook or Twitter?” link and texting the information given to the number listed.

GO BIG OR GO HOME

2011-08-28T21:21:00.004-04:00

This is what I drew while waiting for Hurricane Irene. I realize that this is a very stereotypical cartoon of an opera singer but I like it anyway!
I can see this being made into a neat poster. Maybe I will return to it with color and pizazz.
With this sentiment I start the school year.

Avast! Nautical Inspiration!

2011-08-19T17:48:00.007-04:00

So its been raining something awful lately which might explain why I have water on the brain. That sounds like some dreadful medical condition, to have water on the brain, but OH WELL.
I have always enjoyed sea-faring iconography!
This has some bright colors in it!

BUT more importantly here is a coloring page that I made. I have impulsively decided, just now, to create a little contest. If you feel so inclined print out this coloring page and fill it in (all mediums are fine, digital included). After that scan and email your magnificent coloring work back to me at perrinlisa@yahoo.com by September 10th.
On that day I will pick a favorite and the winner shall have a coupon code for 20% off anything in my etsy shop!

So have at it! I look forward to seeing any results!

Ketubah Designs

2011-08-11T09:18:00.007-04:00

This is something I have been wanting to share with you for the better part of a year. In september of 2010 I saw a "call for artists" to design Ketubahs to be launched as part of a new line called "Ketuv." A Ketubah is a decorative Jewish marriage agreement. Learn about ketubahs here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketubah I submitted a portfolio and was lucky enough to be one of the artists selected to design ketubahs for the website. which was just launched yesterday! Here is a screen shot:

I have 2 designs for sale. One is called "Love Birds," which is of two peacocks that, if you look closely, are conjoined.

The second is a play on a previous work of mine called "Romantic Anatomy." Where the veins of the heart transform into flowers.

Here are some reasons why Ketuv is lovely:

All of our ketubahs are:
* Museum quality
* Printed with archival inks on archival Museo paper
* Produced by a master printer
* Includes a Certificate of Authenticity, hand numbered and signed by the artist
* Limited edition of 50, printed in the size of the original artwork
* Artwork is exclusive to Ketuv
* Directly supports the artist
They also have "Reform," "Interfaith," and "Secular" options for the text.

I am so excited to be a part of Ketuv! Be sure to check out the other beautiful ketubahs on the site. I am pretty inspired by the other artist's interpretations!
http://ketuv.com/

Baltimore Bound

2011-08-04T16:10:00.004-04:00

Blanche DuBun and I are hitting the road this weekend!

I am moving to Baltimore, Maryland for my MFA degree program at MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art). Hopefully I will have all kinds of new work to share with you throughout the length of the program! Moving and packing is its own unique kind of hell, but it is an adventure, I suspect!

Italy Sketch Book -- Part 3

2011-07-24T10:13:00.003-04:00

This will be my last post from the sketchbook I kept in Italy. There are more drawings but these three posts represent my favorites. These are sketches made in museums.
"La Specola" was the natural history museum in Florence. It was spectacular, rooms upon rooms of taxidermy. I was in weirdo-artist heaven. There was also a section on human bodies that was not unlike my beloved Mutter Museum.

and some lovely sculptures from the Academia where Michelangelo's David is.

Italy Sketch Book -- Part 2

2011-07-17T12:08:00.003-04:00

Here are some more scanned pages from my sketchbook!
Popular modes of transportation includes Vespas and teeny tiny cars!

The Coliseum and a bust of Napoleon that was in the Pitti Palace.

Some pretty flowers from the garden at San Miniato. Also, Italians are crazy about lemons!

More next week!

Italy Sketch Book -- Part 1

2011-07-10T12:27:00.004-04:00

Here are some pages scanned out of the moleskine sketchbook I kept in Italy!
Pasta!

My beloved Duomo!

A sketch from a famous painting, "The Duke and Duchess of Urbino," in the Uffizi gallery in Florence.

here is the original:

Rock and Roll Will Save Your Soul

2011-07-03T21:03:00.007-04:00

I have returned from Italy! I had a splendid time, saw many beautiful things, and made a lot of sketches!
I would like to share a piece that I made while I was there. This is an idea I have made drawings about before, combining religious icons and music (note the old school ipod!) I have always loved the classical image of the Madonna and Child, especially in the flat Byzantine or Gothic styles. Unfortunately it has a glare from the metallic gold paint that I used.
"Rock and Roll Will Save Your Soul."

10 x 13 inches, acrylic on board.
close up

This is a piece that I made a lot of preparatory sketches/planning work for, so lets head back in time a little.

I will be posting pages from my Italy sketchbook in the coming weeks.
Happy 4th of July!

Italia

2011-05-27T23:43:00.003-04:00

Dear Gentle Readers,

I am leaving for Italy tomorrow! To take an art class! This is all very exciting but it may result in a lack of posting for a while. However, when I return there should be posting in great plenty and abundance!
Very fondly,
Lisa P
p.s. here is an illustration I did for the "What I Wore Today" flickr group that I never got to share with you

p.p.s. i can still be reached at perrinlisa@yahoo.com always!

Portrait Exchange with Charles Pieper

2011-05-13T13:37:00.004-04:00

You might remember Charles' work from a previous post HERE
Well check out our latest portrait exchange! Here is my drawing of him:

I was hoping to evoke Edward Gorey stylistically!

And here is his drawing of me, loopy arms and all!

see more of Charles' work here: http://www.charlespieper.com/

New Etsy Banner

2011-05-03T22:59:00.002-04:00

I just realized I never shared the new drawing I made for my etsy banner/avatar. For the banner you are only allotted this narrow, horizontal strip of space, which I always struggle with because most of my artwork has a more vertical orientation. So I gave myself the challenge of squashing a lady in this space:

check it out in action here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LeLapinTriste

Ballerina Paper Dolls (in progress)

2011-04-26T11:54:00.005-04:00

Some new paper dolls i am working on, geared more toward younger folk:

it needs something though, they are not etsy-ready yet! stay tuned!

Zippy new business cards!

2011-04-19T21:10:00.001-04:00

front and back, rounded corners!

Design for Japan Relief

2011-04-09T19:55:00.004-04:00

My friend, the very talented Theresa Steele (you may recall that she was the goodly person who designed my beauteous portfolio website) has created a new website to help support the japanese relief fund: http://japan.steelery.com/
"100% of all personal profits will be donated to the Red Cross and other appropriate disaster relief organizations!"
When she asked me to create a design for the cause I was delighted!
Here is what I came up with:

and here are some examples of my design on products that can be purchased for the relief effort.

Do check out my design: http://japan.steelery.com/Geisha/_s_422516 as well as the other neat-o designs on the site! Lets keep the people of Japan in our thoughts in this time of need.

Birthday Self Portrait

2011-04-06T09:36:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday to meeeee,
I am now twenty-threeeee,
Here's a new self-portraaait,
For all of you to seeeee!

fun fact: the original sketch featured a bun and not a fishy, go figure!

I am the oldest I have ever been

Portrait swap with Joanna Matuck

2011-04-04T09:32:00.006-04:00

hello folks! I am delighted to share my portrait exchange with the fiendishly talented Joanna Matuck!
Here is my portrait of Miss Joanna:

and here is her's of me:

you would be bonkers not to check out more of her beauteous work! http://joannamatuck.blogspot.com/
can you tell we like bunnies???
and of course its always a good habit to check on the portrait exchange blog: http://portraitexchange.blogspot.com/

Ties that Bind

2011-03-30T23:03:00.003-04:00

Aha! the final piece! I really just felt like painting, even though I didn't know exactly what would come of it...

close up!

playing in photoshop! what if she were blue?

and my fondness for original sketches prevails!

I am open to suggestions for names for her!

Work in Progress

2011-03-23T09:54:00.003-04:00

I cannot tell you too much more about this image because I do not even know what it will be yet!

Romantic Anatomy

2011-03-17T09:12:00.004-04:00

So, I already made a banner for this blog using this new piece without sharing it with you. yikes! is that bad blog protocol? Hopefully the blog police have more pressing matters to attend to today!
I am calling this piece "Romantic Anatomy," sort of a silly idea inspired by what love or happiness looks like physically.
anyway i am super keen on the design, expect to see it pop up in more places!

heart close up

flower vein close up

have a swell st.patty's day!

New Headless Anne Boleyn Paper Doll

2011-02-27T09:55:00.003-05:00

My massive etsy overhaul continues! Anne Boleyn is one of my favorite historical figures (along with her daughter!) I feel that she most of have been a fascinating and compelling person to get where she did. That is why her horrible and tragic downfall is so interesting to us, all this time later. Here is my revised version of an earlier paper doll. You can see the original by clicking here.

Here is the new paper doll. You can chose to insert the head, or not!

The complete figure:

Look for her in my etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/listing/49104366/headless-anne-boleyn-paper-doll

All that Jazz

2011-02-22T12:07:00.005-05:00

So I am in the hefty process of overhauling my etsy shop! That means cleaning out older paper dolls, or sprucing them up, or making new ones all together. Also, prettier packaging and professional bits. So keep an eye out for the improvements!

My Chicago-inspired paper doll is an old favorite where I felt the composition was a little lacking. So here is the newer, shinier version!

that coat!

look for her in the shop: http://www.etsy.com/listing/44699005/sale-jazz-age-murderess-flapper-paper

Green Fairy

2011-02-18T10:11:00.005-05:00

The sun has started to shine here and it has done wonders for morale! What a dreary and unpleasant winter! I am ready to see some green!...

If it isn't grass it may as well be the green fairy! Here is an illustration I made for Pernod Absinthe's "The Creator of...Art Contest." The only rule was to include the year the company was formed; 1805. All I could think of was Nicole Kidman and Moulin Rouge, so I went for a fairly classical green fairy for my entry. It is acrylic paint with pencil and digital. They have been announcing the finalists this week in the contest, and so far not me, so I figured I would share the drawing with you anyway :)

You can check out their facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/notes/lisa-perrin/portrait-exchange/10150105893516355#!/pernodabsinthe

Headless Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI Paper Dolls

2011-02-06T11:49:00.003-05:00

New in the shop!

You may recall an earlier version of my Marie Antoinette doll, I felt it was time to improve her, I have the technology! This version is based on same same preface; a paper doll with a detachable head. My Zombie Antoinette painting served as inspiration.

but this time I included her equally ill-fated spouse, Louis XVI

c'est tragic! look for the new paper dolls in my shop: http://www.etsy.com/listing/67551107/headless-marie-and-louis-paper-dolls

Happy Year of the Bunny!

2011-02-03T10:18:00.002-05:00

from me and Blanche

Sleep No More

2011-01-30T11:11:00.004-05:00

I wanted to share with you a theatrical event that has come to my attention lately. I am told it is truly a unique experience, and if you find yourself in the nyc area, it is totally worth seeing!

here is the press release I was sent:

"Opening March 7th. 6 Weeks Only.
A legendary hotel. Shakespeare’s fallen hero. A film noir shadow of suspense.

EMURSIVE presents Punchdrunk’s SLEEP NO MORE at The McKittrick Hotel, 530 W 27th Street, New York, NY.
EMURSIVE produces immersive theatre in extraordinary places. Punchdrunk's SLEEP NO MORE is an award-winning theatrical experience that tells Shakespeare’s Scottish tragedy through a film noir lens. Audiences move freely through the epic world of the story at their own pace, choosing where to go and what to see, and everyone’s journey is different and unique.

Since 2000, Punchdrunk has pioneered a game changing form of immersive theatre in which roaming audiences experience epic storytelling inside multi-sensory theatrical worlds. Blending classic texts, physical performance, award-winning design installation and unexpected sites, the company's infectious format rejects the passive obedience usually expected of audiences.

Lines between space, performer and spectator are constantly shifting. Audiences are invited to rediscover the childlike excitement and anticipation of exploring the unknown and experience a real sense of adventure. Free to encounter the installed environment in an individual imaginative journey, the choice of what to watch and where to go is theirs alone."

BOOKING NOW.
http://www.sleepnomorenyc.com/
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT PUNCHDRUNK: http://www.punchdrunk.org.uk/

sounds uber spiffy, no? I am going to try and see it!

Portrait swap with Daisy Dudley

2011-01-23T22:33:00.002-05:00

Here are the results of my latest portrait exchange with a very talented artist and friend of mine: Daisy Dudley!

This is my drawing of Daisy, she has a plethora of pets, so I have dubbed it "Daisy's Menagerie."

Here is here drawing of me which she describes as, "Miss Lisa has fallen asleep in her designer "DuBun" makeup (it's from all that partying the night before of course!) and now has to wake up to feet of fallen snow just ready to be shoveled!

If you haven't been, you should totally check out the portrait exchange blog, http://portraitexchange.blogspot.com/ there have been a lot of recent additions!

Upcoming Show!

2011-01-15T18:21:00.005-05:00

In the new jersy/new york metropolitan area? check out a group show I am a part of at the Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University! The theme is "Cabinet of Curiosities," so i think its fair to say it was up my alley!
here is the show card with the info:

Jan 18 -- February 11, 2011
http://academic.shu.edu/libraries/gallery/current.htm#Working

IT'S OFFICIAL - PORTFOLIO WEBSITE

2011-01-07T20:14:00.006-05:00

On this day, I am delighted, nay, giddy to introduce to you my portfolio website!!
http://lisaperrinart.com/index.html

A proper portfolio website is a dream I have had for some time but was unable to realize, without the help of a friend, the very talented and dedicated and patient Theresa Steele. She is a very skilled graphic and web designer who worked with me to create this site I am so gosh darn giddy about.

While I'm on the subject on new websites, check out my new blog dedicated to the art of the portrait exchange! I've convinced many talented artists and friends to participate and the results have been really delightful thus far!
http://portraitexchange.blogspot.com/

check 'em out!

Meet Olivia!

2010-12-27T14:41:00.006-05:00

Are you snowed in?? me too!
I would like you all to meet Miss Olivia. She is a nice departure from my regular paper dolls because she is not based on any specific literary or historical figure, which gave me a little more room to be imaginative. Olivia has a spectacular imagination and she liked to pretend she is on the crew of a massive maritime vessel.

here is Olivia in her sailor suit!

and the line drawing (my favorite part)

Look for her in my shop! http://www.etsy.com/listing/64902420/olivia-paper-doll
I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday season!

Do you like MONSTERS?

2010-12-20T16:03:00.009-05:00

Do you enjoy a child’s rendition of monsters through artwork??
Do you fancy stop animation and mad film-making?
WELL
Then I daresay you might enjoy my friend Charles Pieper's artwork and films!
Here is a link to his Tumblr “Young Monsters” where he posts the prolific drawings of monsters he drew as a monster-obsessed child! As well as general musings and current artwork!
http://youngmonsters.tumblr.com/page/1

AND
Check out his stop motion animation films! I have always loved the look of stop motion, it is something I would like to try and do one of these days!
http://www.vimeo.com/cpieper/videos/page:1/sort:newest

Here is my personal favorite, “Eye Contact” It is wacky and weird and quite funny I think, also tragic?
http://www.vimeo.com/2693727

Also, Happy Holidays to one and all! Expect a lot of new art work in 2011!

Portrait swap with Kaitlin Van Pelt!

2010-12-14T16:28:00.004-05:00

So I am all about the portrait swaps right now, and today I would like to share with you my drawing of my dear pal, the talented Kaitlin Van Pelt of "Kaitlin Makes Things" be sure to check out her work! http://kaitlinmakesthings.blogspot.com/

also, look at her drawing of me with my newest friend, an adopted rabbit I named Blanche DuBun! Don't you love her style? very children's book worthy!

also, i know you are just dyin' for bunny pics!

hiya blanche!

Frida Kahlo paper doll

2010-11-27T20:53:00.006-05:00

This was a long time coming, but here is my latest paper doll, artist Frida Kahlo!
she is for sale in my shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/63104242/frida-kahlo-paper-doll

incidentally, there is one heck of a sale going on in my etsy shop right now!
I think many artists, especially female artists can't help but feel a connection with Frida, a woman who suffered physically and emotionally so much. Her work is so expressive and autobiographical, its hard not to feel like we know her.

and above is the original drawing because i am always so fond of the line drawings.
VIVA LA FRIDA

Hudson Valley Seed Library Art Pack

2010-11-20T14:18:00.008-05:00

This is my winning design entry to the Hudson Valley Seed Library's annual seed pack art contest. you are right if you think it looks reminiscent of a previous royal portrait that i did! The seeds are Velvet Queen Sunflowers, a rich burgundy sunflower with a bit of a regal air.

Above is an early sketch that i did in May of this year, so this was a while in the works!

Above is the final seed pack. Unfortunately my original was the wrong size so a lot of the image had to be cropped.

The original is 12 x 12 inches and currently on display a the Kingston Museum of Contemporary Art from now through December 4th.
The final seed pack is 3.5 x 3.5 inches and is for sale on the Seed Library's website:
http://www.seedlibrary.org/catalog/?seed=velvet_queen_sunflower2
check out all of the cool seed packs!
http://www.seedlibrary.org/catalog/

I think its a marvelous idea to have the packaging design as a contest for artists!

Edith, The Accordian Player Doll

2010-11-15T22:10:00.006-05:00

Meet Edith, she is based on a particular French singer, can you think of who?

Edith is made out of Sculpey, polymer clay which I hand-sculpted without the use of molds. I painted her with acrylic paint and made a little wig for her out of mohair. Her body is stuffed muslin fabric (huggable!)I also made her dress out of fabric and lace, and finally, there is her little accordion which i also made out of clay and painted lovingly!

She is about 12 inches tall.Edith is based on this sketch I did a few years ago, minus the roller skates.

Lily, A Gorey Ode

2010-11-07T21:53:00.003-05:00

i had been hankering to do a drawing of a rabbit in an elaborate historical costume. I had also been hankering to do a legitimate Edward Gorey style illustration. This is the consequence of a combination of those two hankerings.

the limerick:
"There was a young lady named Lilly,
Who found everything dreadfully silly.
She would wander about,
With an ill-tempered pout,
In gowns rather tight-laced and frilly."

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T11:11:00.004-04:00

well it's more "dia de los muertos" -- "day of the dead," but they cross similar spooky lines, i think! Just a little 8.5 x 11 illustration, acrylic, pencil, and pen on bristol paper.

Have happy, strange, creepy, safe halloweens!

From Russia with Love

2010-10-07T12:08:00.007-04:00

I'm going through a phase (...obsession) with Russian matroyshka dolls. I drew a number of them and created various compositions with them, take a look!

close up on pretty dolly face

my favorite one is the sad naked one. it was a challenge to figure out anatomy on that bowling pin/peanut-y shape.

In his own house, every mouse is a King!

2010-09-29T16:34:00.003-04:00

Little mouse illustration and poem

the illustration:

and the poem:

I am a mere mouse,
I live in a card house,
And I am troubled by things.

But it’s hard not to feel small
When the portraits on your wall
Are of great Queens and Kings.
-
I am so proud of my house,
You’ll agree, for a mouse,
I have quite a collection of things.

But no matter what I amass
It is still nothing, alas,
To rival the riches of King’s.
-
I keep quiet as a mouse,
Even in my own house!
I’m afraid I’m obsessed with these things…

But a mouse could do worse
Than write poems in verse
Dreaming of castles and Kings.

Entropy

2010-09-22T11:28:00.004-04:00

This painting was commissioned by a friend. 12 x 16 in acrylic on canvas 2010.

and a close-upon those penetrating green eyes!

Self Portrait paper doll

2010-09-15T17:35:00.004-04:00

perhaps this is slightly self-indulgent, but on the other hand, its kinda weird that i hadn't made a paper doll of myself before now...

these are all outfits i really have, mostly.

i always like the line drawing version the best

examples!

the rabbit mask/tiny top hat combo is particularly keen! ha!

cleaned up versions of old stand-bys

2010-08-30T12:30:00.005-04:00

Some of my larger pencil drawings were very tricky to photograph. And I am always giddy to update my blog so I posted the earlier, less pristine images in an eager haste to share them with you. Now, I finally had the time to clean them up so they look more like the originals to me.

Bernice the Bearded Lady

and Darwin

and my mermaid

in other news, bloggy got a face-lift, what do you think?

oh just a new self portrait

2010-08-20T22:38:00.000-04:00

Summer paper doll sale!

2010-07-13T20:03:00.002-04:00

select paper dolls are on sale in my etsy shop from now until august 15th!
including; Ms. Plath

what i wore today

2010-07-06T21:19:00.003-04:00

sorry for my absence again, I promise there will be artwork to share with you folks soon!

in the meanwhile!
there is a group on flickr, "what I wore today" which is rather cute! The idea is that you submit drawings of what you wore that day (it delivers what it promises!) here is the link to that group: LINK

so here is my drawing from today, an unspeakable 100 degrees

and here is one i drew nearly half a year ago for contrast!

p.s. I have noticed a troubling amount of comments on my recent blog posts in what i think is Korean or Chinese that link to porn/spam. do NOT click these links! I have no idea how they found my blog and decided it was a good place to post links to porn but I am making every effort to report it in the hope that it will stop...

SHOP UPDATE!

2010-06-07T17:26:00.005-04:00

i know its been a long time, and i am sorry dearies. Things have been hectic! I graduated from college, went home briefly, then moved into an apartment to work in an art museum for the summer.

there are some new bitties in the etsy shop! Including 8 1/2 x 11 in prints of : Augusta the Tattooed Lady, Elizabeth, Zombie Antoinette, and my Inverted mermaid!

also, some of the clay dolls are up for sale now too:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LeLapinTriste

more thesis show photos

2010-05-13T20:29:00.003-04:00

another shot of me and Lizzy

a lovely close-up of Darwin!

and this shot reveals how shiny Augusta is (see the new banner!)

and just to give you a sense of how many people were there!

BFA thesis art show

2010-05-05T01:14:00.004-04:00

hello gentle readers! I am sorry I have neglected you, but I think you will be quite understanding once you know the reason! I recently exhibited my thesis art show complete with all of the familiar pieces you have dutifully watched me create over the past year. On to the pictures!

though a blurry photo that should give you a sense of me twirling in my purdy dress the day of the show. kindly note the wall paper I designed!

FULL INSTALLATION SHOT

here is my design for the wallpaper, note all the creepy hidden things! I have titled it "worrisome wallpaper."

here is a photo of the set up!

and all the familair faces lined up and ready to be presented on the wall! (and in their spiffy frames!)

heres a better photo of the mermaid

and the frame for my bird drawing!
wowza!!

New Emily Dickinson paper doll!

2010-04-13T00:22:00.001-04:00

"I died for beauty, but was scarce
Adjusted in the tomb,
When one who died for truth was lain
In an adjoining room.

He questioned softly why I failed?
"For beauty," I replied.
"And I for truth,--the two are one;
We brethren are," he said.

And so, as kinsmen met a night,
We talked between the rooms.
Until the moss had reached our lips,
And covered up our names." - Emily Dickinson

Inverted Mermaid

2010-04-05T19:28:00.003-04:00

new drawing 22 x 28 inches graphite on paper

some close ups! details!

poor, lumpy, ugly fish!

An Addition for Augusta and an Old Piece Revisited

2010-03-23T22:12:00.004-04:00

a little embroidery and lace on my valentine.
"In the era of Victorians prude,
Augusta was entirely tattooed,
Under her petticoats pink,
Lived an abundance of ink,
Which lay hidden unless she were nude."

detail shot!

and all old drawing I have re-done. "The Girl and the Crane"

momento mori

2010-03-16T10:35:00.001-04:00

pencil and acrylic on paper

Bernice, The Bearded Woman

2010-03-07T22:42:00.003-05:00

28 x 28 inches, pencil on paper.

Bernice didn't think it was weird,
That she could sprout a full beard,
But who would marry,
A woman so hairy,
Was the only question she feared.

aaaand a close up!

Augusta, the Tattooed Lady !

2010-02-23T11:16:00.004-05:00

a mostly finished painting!
here are some detail shots:

and this is the photo (which I do not own, I merely stumbled upon during my giddy internet research) that I was inspired by! Isn't she marvelous?!

Augusta, the Tattooed Lady -- In Progress

2010-02-16T11:12:00.002-05:00

here is the painting I'm working on!
its quite large, 24" x 36"

close up

stayed tuned!

clay dolls

2010-02-09T22:48:00.003-05:00

this is a new clay doll commissioned for a lovely lady on etsy aiming to get a 1920's, flapper-esq themed doll. I am quite pleased with her!

Here are my two latest dolls together, cavorting no doubt!

and this should give you a sense of how they are made and strangeness of having little, extra limbs lying about!

Little Red Riding Hood paper doll

2010-02-02T22:00:00.003-05:00

This post is 6 months in the making! This paper doll was a commission for the Fall issue of Young Reader, a division for Doll Reader Magazine geared toward children. Because of the youth and naivety of my audience this paper doll is decidedly less dark than my usual. But I daresay there is a glimmer of something in that wolf's eye!
(six months because that was the deal of our contract before I could sell it)
so look for it now in my etsy shop!

Great Big Alice in Wonderland Paper Dolls Post

2010-01-26T22:43:00.006-05:00

Those of you with brilliant memories may recall this most from many moons ago, during the summer "curiouser and curiouser" where I began, but never finished a series of paper dolls based on Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland." well, aha! Now in my etsy shop are 5 characters from the story. Above is Alice and below is an example of assemblage instructions. I have one of these made up for each one.

the merciless queen of hearts with croquet-ready flamingo and hedgehog.

the white rabbit!

the mad hatter! he took me the longest to finish. i enjoy his silly hair!

and finally a feminized version of the caterpillar

whew! thats it! they're all for sale now. Some day I'd like to make more characters, like the Cheshire cat and march hare...

A custom doll

2010-01-19T13:41:00.007-05:00

So here is the doll I've been working on complete with her velvet dress. The matter of making the clothes is the hardest part for me, but the dolls don't quite look right without them!

and I'm sorry for the lack of posts this month, believe me there will be plenty of new work to see soon enough!

EDIT

This is actually the true finished version of this doll (I changed her face/made her taller)

much improved!

a show! and some other things!

2010-01-06T15:03:00.003-05:00

So I haven't updated since last year! (haha) happy 2010!
the above poster is for a show that I'm in. If you are in the L.A. California area you should certainly check it out! I'm very excited to be a part of it!
Otherwise, I've been up to some side projects...

this is a custom clay doll that is in the works now. The theme is "dark Victorian," which is very much up my alley!

and here are some insect medals! They commemorate the deaths of our fallen insect breatheren. I cast some insects (the bugs were found dead, I didn't kill anything!) in resin, in an oval shaped mold. Resin, if you're not familiar is very cool, it creates a kind of hard, plastic around whatever it is you want to embed (poisonous, be careful doing it at home!) I then made settings out of brass (soldering!) and used some ribbon to evoke the traditional war medal style. The red one with the tassel is my favorite personally. There is also a beetle in a ring which I'm rather fond of.

and here it how they look on a military style coat!

The Triumph of Reason

2009-12-21T14:17:00.006-05:00

This drawing is nearly 4 feet tall by 3 feet wide. And in my anxious rush, I completed it in exactly a week. It is entirely pencil on paper. And yes that is Charles Darwin riding a unicorn as a symbol of "The triumph of reason over fantasy and fallacy." you might also note the finches with various beak sizes, the slain dragon (it reads "Logic" on the handle) dodo birds (skeletal and living) and mermaids (skeletal and living.

I had a dream that this happened. Darwin rode up to me on a unicorn and told me that reason had triumphed. really.
bah, the photos are a bit blurry, especially when you enlarge them. This was very difficult to photograph! It is far better in person.

happy holidays! we're snowed in here!

Mrs. Meers custom paper doll

2009-12-12T10:54:00.003-05:00

This is a custom paper doll for the lovely Sharry whom I have worked with before. She is an amazing actress who has chosen to commemorate her role as Mrs. Meers in paper doll form! For those not familiar, Mrs. Meers is a character from the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie and a nefarious character at that!
Its a fun show set in one of my favorite eras (the 1920s) and was a delight to do!

Victoria -- I shall but love thee better after death

2009-12-05T16:34:00.003-05:00

16 x 20in, mixed media on canvas. real locket with Albert in it.
little flies on her
skeletons are weird because they always look like they're smiling.

Zombie Antoinette Completed! and contest winner!

2009-11-21T23:28:00.003-05:00

"Pardon me sir, I meant not to do it." are Marie's recorded last words before they, well, you know.

AND THE WINNER IS.....LRC! please comment with your mailing address and your paper doll prize will be on her way to you soon!
I must say 6 entries is a little on the meager side. Perhaps there are not enough people reading this blog to do such a give-away, perhaps in the future.

Anniversary Give-Away!

2009-11-14T10:50:00.007-05:00

So, I didn't realize this, but I started this blog a year ago on November 8th, 2008 (really this should have been last week's post, but bear with me) and that's a whole bloody year of blogging! I also notice that I now have 50 followers, another accomplishment! To celebrate I am doing something I have really wanted to try with this here blog, which is a Give-away!

Post a comment to this entry, shoot me a "hello" or, ideally, tell me something you would like to see from this blog and I will select a comment at random (by "at random" I mean the one that I like the most:) to be the winner! On saturday, November 21st I will announce and contact the winner, and get their mailing address. The winner will receive the above paper doll "Annabel Lee for coloring" (the actual one is printed on lovely cream colored card stock)Its a personal favorite of mine, that I no longer sell in my shop, so please comment on this post for a chance to win her!
good luck!

Zombie Antoinette

2009-11-07T07:46:00.004-05:00

so here is a relatively completed Marie. That banner above her will, certainly, have some kind of text on it when I can decide on what to say. 22 x 28 in. mixed media on canvas. An awkward size to frame, hmmmm. And its hard to tell from this photo but the blood is red glitter (!) and the stars and clouds all have an iridescent/metallic sheen. The rose, if you look closely (clicking the image enlarges it) has been nibbled away at. and of course, there's my friend Rex.

CLOSE UP ON DISEMBODIED, EIGHTEENTH CENTURY ZOMBIE HEAD

and this is a brooch I made in a metal-smithing class. It is all copper that I hand pierced and cut and soldered (with a small blow torch, ah!) its not perfect but there it is!

also, check out this lovely blog mention from the lovely Jillian whom I did this commission for, yup!

Marie in progress

2009-10-31T12:15:00.002-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN. here is a spooky marie antionette for you!

marie

2009-10-24T18:01:00.001-04:00

so this is whats happening now!

Elizabeth, completed!

2009-10-18T21:57:00.004-04:00

at last!
24 x 30in mixed media on canvas. oy!

Elizabeth rallies on

2009-10-10T09:32:00.003-04:00

Elizabeth updates! Lizzy is moving right along and eating up sincere portions of my time.

also, this!

movin right along!

The Virgin Queen (beginning phases)

2009-10-03T15:42:00.003-04:00

alrighty! I have decided to include more regular "in-progress" shots. So here are the stages of my current painting as they happen.

theres a bit of a jump here (forgot my camera that day)

i have no idea if I will ever be able to finish this painting! arrgghhh

The Exploitation of Butterfly

2009-09-26T14:01:00.005-04:00

this is more or less the finished painting 16 x 20 acrylic on canvas with paper butterflies. there might be slight adjustments later, but otherwise, here she is!

"I must pursue her, even though I damage her wings."

curiouser and curiouser

2009-09-19T15:51:00.003-04:00

we'll take a break from Butterfly this week and revisit Alice. These are the paper dolls I have made thus far...they still require interesting backgrounds/borders/what not. I always appreciate feedback!

the queen of hearts (off with her HEAD!)and croquet flamingo and hedgehog

a lovely little Alice with striped socks and various edibles (eat me) (drink me)

the white rabbit (oh my ears and whiskers! i fear i shall be late!)

the caterpillar with a long cigarette, mushroom and attachable wing

i hope someday to add these to my etsy shop, ideally in some kind of book form, but we shall see, yes, yes.

The pupa stage (by my logic)

2009-09-12T12:45:00.002-04:00

So Butterfly is in her metamorphosis stage now (tres kafka-esque)
now I just have to diligently finish the painting!

Birth of a Butterfly

2009-09-05T22:37:00.004-04:00

Here is a painting I recently started. I don't usually share images of things in process, mostly out of fear. (i.e. - what if it comes out terrible? or completely different? what if i don't finish it? does seeing my process remove some of the "magic"? etc.)
but only for you shall i put my fear aside and try to maintain my personal goal of updating once a week!
ahhhhhhhhh

Alice sneak peak

2009-08-29T11:06:00.003-04:00

In my giddiness for the new Tim Burton film adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, I decided to make my own paper doll version of the characters. Who knows when I will finish this project, but this is a preview for you!

hair

2009-08-22T21:23:00.004-04:00

I can't really explain why I did this, but I did, so here it is!

custom paper dolls

2009-08-15T10:39:00.000-04:00

I recently did a custom paper doll set for the lovely Jillian and Noah. I an new to doing custom paper dolls of real people (and not merry jazz-age murderesses and conjoined twins and all that) so I was nervous. I reeeeally wanted it to be perfect and for them to love it. So the concept was that Noah plays baseball and to give him an olde-timey baseball uniform and Jillian is in the stands cheering for him in appropriate 1920's era garb. They also both have "normal" clothes that they would actually wear (like Noah's hoodie and Jillian's sweater) Anywho, I have heard good news from them that they are quite happy with it and are enjoying them which warms my cold, black heart. (haha)
and here is a photo of the adorable couple themselves!

with this in mind I am thinking of offering more custom paper doll options in my shop, I'm afraid of how much work it is, but I did enjoy the reaction so much. Its a very special thing to have I think. What do you think?

brooches and white hearts, oh my!

2009-08-08T18:39:00.001-04:00

so this is a brooch I put together. I got the setting and pin on ebay and attached charms I already had (like my beloved sailing ship!) and added a print of a drawing I did of a civil war era fellow. I put a protective varnish over the image and voila! i am quite pleased with it! i had planned to sell it in my etsy store, but now i cannot part with it!

and this is me wearing it
also, I changed the heart specimen because the colors weren't working for me. Now it is all white with subtle blue undertones and stuck full of pins. There is a label which reads "a morose human heart" tres tragic!

be still my beating heart and field guide!

2009-08-01T14:04:00.000-04:00

here is my field guide/research journal. It reveals how perilous the world around us is! Everything is dangerous! I hand bound it using a Japanese book binding technique. The covers are copper plate paper dyed with tea to make it look aged, I even think it looks like leather or whathaveyou from far away. It is filled with natural drawings. Here is a violent horseshoe crab!

also, you may have noticed a heart in the background of the first picture. I am having a bit of hard time with that one actually. I'd say I was "heart-broken" if it weren't for fear of a hideous pun. It is painted sculpey clay I made into the shape of a heart on a wooden dowel inside a glass specimen dome. The dowel is crooked, I can't bloody imagine how to fix that. And its missing something, i reckon, I will keep fiddling away at it, but here are some images anyway, don't you think!

p.s. - my etsy shop is open again!

insects and books take 2

2009-07-26T16:23:00.000-04:00

if you recall in an earlier post I made insect specimens, well I have revisited that idea. Look closely there is something bizarre about each of them! mutants one and all! acrylic paint on folio paper, cut out and displayed.

and my second attempt at making a book! much better!!

new projects

2009-07-20T15:17:00.000-04:00

Victorian Zombie Paper toys! they're made of tracing paper and pencil and paper and paint and tongue depressors and ribbon. They're supposed to be like strange Victorian toys that reveal the figure's skeletons when you hold them up to the light.

my very first attempt at book-binding! Not terrible!

Portrait Exchange!

2009-07-14T14:35:00.000-04:00

Ain't I just the rootin-est, tootin-est! This portrayal of me was drawn by none other than Justin Hubbell of SheepsPond Go to his site if you want to see my drawing of him!
I am appreciating the wallpaper!
Justin is busting out into the world of comic books and graphic lit, be sure to check it out! Meet Captain Lester among other characters! Although there are many witticisms to be found Mr. Hubbell is also using the medium of comic books to express serious and honest things as well. We thought this whole portrait exchange would be a fun thing to do and a way to expose our readers to other artists you might like.

I tried to handle my drawing of him to reveal the dichotomy of the humorous but poignant in his work. I think he captured my silly side,which is a very valid side indeed!
YA'LL COME BACK NOW Y'HEAR

some studies and info

2009-07-08T19:50:00.000-04:00

some natural studies!

also, my etsy shop is on vacation until August 8th, until further notice as I am not presently able to print my paper dolls. I will un-do the vacation as soon as I am sure I can print to get orders out. right-o!

READ MY INTERVIEW!!

2009-07-01T10:36:00.000-04:00

Oh gosh! I was so lucky to be interviewed by the lovely Kate Gabriel over at her blog "spiffy!"

READ IT HERE

thanks so much Kate! It looks awesome!
and I can't send you off without a picture :)

woo hoo! a blog mention!

2009-06-26T14:57:00.000-04:00

a lovely blog mention from Uncommon Envelope!

and a close up of Lenore :)

Paper Doll Revisions

2009-06-21T16:41:00.000-04:00

Now that I finally have some time and some growth in my photoshop skills I have been revising old paper dolls to fix things like composition. So these are some new versions that are now in my shop! And I hope to keep doing this until I feel that they all look stronger.

The Madam Ribette -- A Frog in the French Court doll was formerly 2 pages which I felt it didn't need to be. And the "Farewell" doll pieces were made larger so there was less empty space. yup!

The Raven Paper doll play set

2009-06-12T16:06:00.001-04:00

This took me weeks of planning and editing, but it is finally here and for sale in my etsy store: LeLapinTriste.etsy.com
This is my Edgar Allen Poe's "The Raven" paper doll play set

All of the enigmatic symbols are present! We have our narrator, E.A.P himself in a robe, striped pajama pants, and bunny slippers (!) He also comes with a grandfather clock (pointed to midnight) and chair you can fold to stand. In the room is the portrait of the lost Lenore as well as the bust of Pallas with the ominous raven upon it, sitting atop the fire place. There is also wallpaper of my own design lining the walls with hidden flies! I think the influence of one of my favorite illustrators Edward Gorey is very evident!

and this is the first page with poe and the figures to stand up in the play set

and this is the second page with the background to stand up. See I used that wall paper pattern I made up, yay!
and some photos :)

I realize that because this is all black and white and pattern-y it will blend in very well with the design of my blog! this was uber fun to work on I hope it sells!

face your fears

2009-06-06T22:14:00.001-04:00

I reeeally don't like how my profile looks so I decided to draw it to see if I could conquer/come to terms with it. The answer is not really, but my hair looks art nouveau which is nice.
also, I can see a vase in the negative space between the faces.

wall paper design

2009-05-29T11:43:00.000-04:00

here is a prototype for a wall paper design I am working on. this image would repeat and have sneaky flies in it. Wall paper is tough to design! theres a lot of balance and symmetry to consider!

Hamlet Circus

2009-05-19T15:59:00.000-04:00

Ophelia -- the mad ballerina
Gertrude -- The tight-rope walker
Claudius -- The Ringmaster
And Polonius -- The sad clown!

I love costumes and I love Hamlet, so here are my designs if Hamlet was crazy and thought all of the other characters in the play were circus performers to reflect his madness deeper. wacky!