Who could possibly have thought that we'd be more than halfway through January in Chicago and not have any snow on the ground? Except for one brief 20 minute snow, which didn't amount to much, we've had none this winter. Guess the bare trees and bits of still green grass inspired this new piece, Winter Forest. http://www.etsy.com/shop/ValerieLorimer?ref=si_shop

Illustration Friday – Ocean

Happy to be doing an Illustration Friday post again! It's been forever. here's my piece, Whale Tune, for the theme ocean. "He roamed the ocean blue..."

Thinking ahead to Valentine's Day! Have been having so much fun creating a few different designs. Here's the first one called "Heart Song." Hope you enjoy and stay tuned for my friendship design. https://www.etsy.com/listing/119316365/heart-song-digital-art-print-valentine

Adventures of the Mind

All of my life I have been a book lover and avid reader. For me, reading spurs creativity in so many areas of my life–including my artwork. The worlds you can visit and discover in a book are never ending and can take you away from the stress of daily life. For those of you who love to read, here are a few of my favorites that I read in 2012: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern; Twelve Times Blessed Jacquelyn Mitchard; An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff; Body & Soul by Frank Conroy; The Postmistress by Sarah Blake; The Help by Kathryn Stockett. And waiting on my nightstand…Gone Girl! Can’t wait to start it. Let me know your favorites and what you have waiting in the wings!

Spread a Little Kindness

A couple months ago I became aware of Sherrie Gahn and her wonderful story. This inspiring woman has done so much for the kids at Whitney Elementary and is such a wonderful role model for all of us. She inspired this piece I've been working on...hope to show you the finished version soon! If you don't know Sherrie's story, I encourage you to check it out at http://www.villageofhopelv.org/Sherrie_Gahn.html

Artwork is all hung at Fortunate Discoveries on Armitage in Chicago. It's a great new space with a wonderful collection of artisans - so happy to be a part of it. Stop by and see everyone's terrific work! Here's a photo of my space. http://www.fortunatediscoveries.com/

I admit it - I've been an absolutely awful blogger lately. I always have the best intentions and they go right out the window! I need a few extra hours in the day. I hope you'll check out and vote for my first fabric design at Spoonflower.com! My entry is called Whimsical Garden. It's in the Hand Drawn Contest (under the Connect tab). There are lots of entries, so you'll have to page through to find mine. Hope you'll vote for my design! Just click on my image and a green box appears around it - that's your vote. As they say here in Chicago, vote often! http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric_items/new?design_id=1170020&show_comments=trueI