Friday, December 14, 2012

Feline Friday: Holiday Baking

It's been quiet on here mainly due to the frenzy that is the holidays.  Like a lot of people, I do my share of holiday baking.  Cakes mostly, but I do love to make cookies this time of year.  My favorite are raspberry linzer cookies.  I haven't gotten around to making these tasty treats just yet, but I hope to carve out a bit of time soon to do so.

Each time I drag out the old mixer and start the baking festivities, Mr. F promptly jumps on the counter to assume his role of pastry chef.  Now, I appreciate help in the kitchen, and mostly he just observes from a little spot directly behind the mixer, but some times he tends to get in the way, especially when rolling out cookie dough.  At those times I either just send him on his merry way, or bring in a chair for him to sit on and still observe the process while conveniently being off the counter.  Here's a little peek of my little dude in his favorite pastry perch. 






































Here's a little doodle inspired by my big helper!  Happy Friday!


copyright Geri Shields, 2012

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Mission Completed: A Flyer for Julia

As I mentioned before, I have been under the weather for several days now.  Luckily I'm starting to feel more like myself today!  Yay!  Though I wasn't in my best working conditions, I was able to whip up a promotional flyer for my friend, Julia.  She's a wonderful yoga instructor and is offering some exciting new workshops at her yoga studio/art gallery, The Flying Cat.  In December she'll be doing a Chakra workshop and starting in January she'll have a special beginner's yoga course.  I highly recommend checking at least one of them out.  Below is the flyer I did for her, and for more info check out her blog, Yoga Lust.


Monster Monday, I mean Wednesday.

Yes, I'm still cranking them out although production has slowed.  Monster Monday turned out to be a major hit for me on a personal level and I've decided to continue with it, at least for a bit.  My little monsters won't be showing their heads weekly until next year around Halloween time, but occasionally one will come out of winter hibernation to say hello! 

I meant to post this new creature on Monday, you know, keeping with the "Monday" in "Monster Monday," but sadly I was far to ill to muster the strength to open the ol' computer.  I'm now heading into recovery from whatever sickness to which I've been subjected!  Thank goodness!  To celebrate feeling somewhat normal again I wanted to go ahead and share this little guy with you instead of waiting til next week.  So, here he is, the Dracula Parrot!  What?  Dracula Parrot?  You heard it right.  Dracula Parrot.  The inspiration for the Dracula Parrot was from a friend's interpretation of the cover artwork on a Pat Smear solo album.  I guess it's one of those "you had to be there" kind of things, but how could I not illustrate such a tremendous thing? 

Happy Wednesday!

copyright Geri Shields, 2012

Friday, November 16, 2012

Feline Friday: Let's Go!

In a last minute change of events, I was given the chance to have a booth at The Crafty Supermarket this Saturday!  Since I'm short on time, my stock will be limited, but I'm positive the craft show will be marvelous!  Can't wait to set up and meet new peeps!  So do as shopping kitty suggests and go shopping tomorrow, Saturday, November 17, 2012, at The Crafty Supermarket, 11-6.  See you there!

copyright Geri Shields, 2012























The Crafty Supermarket
Nov. 17, 2012,
at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center
 3711 Clifton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Feline Friday: The Cat with Two Heads, in progress

I hope everyone had a great Halloween!  Though it is November now, I am still in Halloween mode.  The decorations will probably stay up for at least another week.

For the majority of the Halloween "season" I have had The Aquabats song "The Cat with Two Heads" popping in and out of my head.  It seemed like a perfect fit for the time of year.  Since it has been on my mind for so long, I decided to create a little creature inspired by this song.  This is what I've got going.  I was working with the idea that the cat is "made" from parts of a variety of different cats.  I'm not sure how I feel about it at this point, but hopefully it will turn into something I'll be happy with.  Here's my version of a two-headed kitty.  Happy Friday!

The Cat with Two Heads, in progress      copyright Geri Shields, 2012

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Halloween Time!

Just wanted to pop in and wish everyone a Happy Halloween! 

copyright Geri Shields, 2012




























And just for funsies, here's me and Mr. E!  This was my Alice in Wonderland costume.  Mr. E refused to smile for me.



Monday, October 29, 2012

Monster Monday: Werebear, the Origin

Around this time last year my niece asked me why my brother calls me "Ger-Bear."  He has called me this since I was little, and so has a great number of family members.  Anyway, Zach answered for me and told her that it was my nickname because I am, in fact, a "werebear."  Now, the werebear, so the legend goes, gets an uncontrollable hunger for pie once fully transformed.  Not just any pie, mind you, but a very special Razzleberry pie!  The werebear can be found either deep in the forest gathering berries or in the kitchen baking this magic pie.  If a werebear is spotted, don't fret.  Just offer it a nice serving of ice cream and, if you're lucky, it might just share a piece of its homemade pie with you, a la mode!

The Werebear          copyright Geri Shields, 2012

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Mission Completed: A Blog and Shop for Karen

I recently helped Zach's very talented mother, Karen Kestermann, set up her own blog and shop.  I designed the banners and other elements using her original paintings. In addition to oil paintings she also creates whimsical mixed media sculptures.  The blog and shop still need a little bit of fine tuning, but that will come shortly.  It was such an honor to help such a generous and wonderful person.  All the best Karen!  Pop on over and see what she has to offer! 


Mission Completed: Fabric Salad

Aside from creating adorable things for you to look at, I also dabble in design.  The latest project I have completed in this realm is a logo design for the lovely lady behind the Fabric Salad.  Fabric Salad is a site filled with news and inspiring ideas for the eco-conscious quilters, sewists, and crafters out there.  Hop on over and check out what's cookin'!

logo design for the Fabric Salad blog.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Out and About: A Little Bit of Sugar Update

The "Little Bit of Sugar" painting has been listed for sale through The Flying Cat's shop!  Here's your chance!  It could be yours!

A Little Bit of Sugar, acrylic on canvas, 10"x10"       copyright Geri Shields, 2012

Monday, October 22, 2012

Monster Monday: She's My Vampire Girl, mystery solved

What tasty treat does this little vampire love most at Halloween time?  Candy apples, of course!  Prints are available you know where!  Happy Monday!


She's My Vampire Girl        copyright Geri Shields, 2012

Friday, October 19, 2012

Feline Friday: Go Go Inspector Kitty!

Inspector Gadget was a favorite cartoon of mine when I was little.  Every now and then the theme song pops into my head and inevitably gets stuck there for days.  It is also a known fact that I sing to my cats and change the lyrics of songs to be about them.  I mean, who doesn't do that?  Knowing this, it is probably obvious that I do this with the Inspector Gadget song and now when it comes to mind it is the kitty version that gets stuck.  "Da-dada-dada, Inspector Kitty, da-dada-dada-da-daaaaaaa."  This happened today.  So, I give you the amazing Inspector Kitty, in sketch form.  Happy Friday!


Monday, October 15, 2012

Monster Monday: She's My Vampire Girl

She's made of sugar, spice and everything nice, with a little bit of a bite.  What did she sink her teeth into?  Tune in next week to see what this little monster treated herself to.  Happy Monday!

copyright Geri Shields, 2012

Friday, October 12, 2012

Feline Friday: Prints and other news

Due to popular demand, I have made prints of the "A Little Bit of Sugar" painting!  You can pick one up in my etsy shop!































In related news, I will be sharing a booth with Zach Kestermann at the District-A Arts and Music Festival in Pleasant Ridge this Saturday, October 13 from 12-5.  Here I will be offering the 8"x10" prints of "A Little Bit of Sugar" mentioned above.  In addition, I will have prints of all of my creatures from the Monster Monday series available, some in the smaller and adorable  5"x7" size. 

5"x7" prints!





























Zach will have some of his classic Halloween prints available in smaller sizes as well!  It should be a good day.  Stop by and check it out!  Happy Friday!

some of Zach's 5"x7" prints!



Monday, October 8, 2012

Monster Monday: Dark Night of the Scarecrow

"Dark Night of the Scarecrow," not to be confused with "Night of the Scarecrow," was a made for tv movie from 1981.  I watched it countless times as a kid, or so it seems.  This is one of the scary movies that has stuck with me through the years.  To a small child growing up on a farm, the thought of someone hiding INSIDE a scarecrow or a scarecrow coming to life was terrifying.  There were no scarecrows used on the farm on which I lived, but I always wondered if it would magically appear one night in the fields surrounding our house. 

A few weeks ago a friend brought this movie over.  I was stoked to watch it again!  Viewing it as an adult is far less frightening, but it is still a very bizarre and creepy movie.  Watching it again also put my mind at ease.  I now realize that the scarecrow only attacked those that did him wrong, so I have no worries of being attacked by him.  My fear of scarecrows has lightened just a bit.

In honor of this long lost movie from my childhood, I give you my version of "Dark Night of the Scarecrow."  He ain't so bad.  Happy Monday!

Dark Night of the Scarecrow         copyright Geri Shields, 2012

Friday, October 5, 2012

Feline Friday: A Little Bit of Sugar, the final edition

Tonight is the opening of the Sugar Skull show at the Flying Cat in Covington, KY.  My piece is complete, displayed and ready to be viewed.  I hope to see you at the opening, but if you can't make it, here's my painting in it's final form!  Happy Friday!

The Flying Cat
Sugar Skull Opening
Friday, October 5, 2012
6-9pm
713 Main St.
Covington, KY 41011
A Little Bit of Sugar, acrylic on canvas, 10"x10"       copyright Geri Shields, 2012

Friday, September 28, 2012

Feline Friday: Sugar update

The sugar skull painting I posted last week is finished!  The sugar skull show opens at The Flying Cat in Covington, KY next Friday!  Here is a little peek of my finished piece.  I don't want to unveil the entire thing til the show opens.  Happy Friday!


Monday, September 24, 2012

Monster Monday: Nosferatu

The vampyre, Nosferatu, has come to wish everyone a Happy Monday!

copyright Geri Shields, 2012

Friday, September 21, 2012

Feline Friday: A Little Bit of Sugar, in progress

Here's an in progress shot of a painting I'm working on for an upcoming sugar skull art show.  Happy Friday!


Monday, September 17, 2012

Monster Monday: Meet Mothman

Not a whole lot changed for this piece since last week, but he's now complete!  He is also now available in my shop!  Woohoo!  Happy Monday!  And here are a few more exclamation marks, just in case I didn't use enough of them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

copyright Geri Shields, 2012

Friday, September 14, 2012

Feline Friday: Mr. F

I've been sketching more for my family portrait.  This week I have Mr. F's sketch to share with you.  I did a normal, straight forward image of him, then thought it didn't quite capture his essence.  Thus, I drew another, more playful portrait.  I think this is the one that will make it to the final piece.






































And here is what the sketches of my two fluff balls look like together.  There is still some work to be done to get them ready for the actual family portrait, but I'm getting excited.  Happy Friday!


Monday, September 10, 2012

Monster Monday: A Sighting Reported in Progress

Still working on this one, but in case you're curious, here's a sneak peek of Mothman!  Yes, he's been spotted.  Happy Monday!

Mothman in progess.  Copyright Geri Shields, 2012

Monday, September 3, 2012

Monster Monday: The Cyclops, of sorts

What's down there???  Only the cyclops knows!  Happy Monday!

copyright Geri Shields, 2012

Friday, August 31, 2012

Feline Friday: Mr. E

Inspired by the family portrait I was commissioned to do, I've decided to do one of my own happy family.  I, however, have been struggling over how to depict my beloved Mr. E.  I can't decide to go with a more tender and distinguished look for him or with a more crazed look that focuses on his enormous, ever-dilated eyes and constantly open and meowing mouth.  Decisions, decisions.  It's going to be a tough one.  I guess I'll have to see how the sketches of the rest of us turn out before committing to an interpretation of the fluff ball.  Until then, here are some of the preliminary sketches of Mr. E.  Happy Friday!   

distinguished, yet disgruntled































CRAZY.  Imagine waking up to this in your face every morning.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Monster Monday: The Legend of Bandit the Ghost Clown!

This one will take some explaining...

YEARS ago, like the year after I graduated college, I did this painting:

1984, acrylic on board, 16"x20"





































This will ALSO need some explaining.  The painting above is a portrait of myself on Halloween just before I turned 2.  While rummaging through some old family photos I happened upon a set of pictures from Halloween 1984.  These photos were, how should I put this?  CREEPY!  Yes, pictures of myself at 2 creeped me out.  Seriously.  I mean, just look at one!  Doesn't it look like something from a horror movie?  Like, I could see the child in this picture doing some kind of Michael Meyers stuff.  Horrifying!  (I didn't do anything like that, so it's all good.)

Me circa Halloween 1984






























To this day I'm completely baffled by my outfit.  I have no recollection of this ever happening.  Further investigation of these photos revealed that my costume, well, at least the make up, was done by my brother.  I have it in writing.  My dad was good about dating and giving brief details on the backs of photos.  Thanks, Dad!

Ok, back to the painting.  I know I had a reason for doing the painting, but it escapes me now.  It was a personal project, so maybe I was trying to work some stuff out...or maybe I just thought it'd be fun.  Whatever the case, I was happy with the painting and it has hung in my living room since it's completion.  I mean, every house needs a weird clown painting, right?  I even had to fight my mother for it.  For some reason, she really wanted this painting.  REALLY.

As I said, this painting has been in my home for years and I'm sure it's weirded a lot of people out.  This was confirmed a few weeks ago.  I had stumbled upon the 1984 Halloween photos again and kept one out and placed it next to the painting, just because.  What can I say?  I do things sometimes.  A friend was over, just hanging out, when she noticed the photograph on the wall and was shocked to discover that the thing in the photo, and subsequently the painting, was me.  Her reaction to the picture and the painting inspired me to make my 1984 costume into this week's monster!  I redid the character, of course, to make it just a little less creepy.  So, without further adieu, I give you Bandit, the Ghost Clown!  Happy Monday!

Bandit the Ghost Clown.  Coming soon to front doors everywhere!



Friday, August 24, 2012

Feline Friday: A Little Bit of Sugar

Just a little somethin' I'm working on for a group show coming up in October.  Happy Friday!



Monday, August 20, 2012

Monster Monday: Doughnuts!

The werewolf was very satisfied after taking a big bite out of a jelly filled doughnut!  Happy Monday!

copyright Geri Shields, 2012

Friday, August 17, 2012

Feline Friday: An Office Cat Update

For those of you that don't know, there is a cat that has made it's home in the building complex of my day job office.  She is the second office cat.  I was able to find a loving home for the first cat.  This one showed up shortly after that and promptly found her place in one of the lesser used chairs in the office.  In return for her day time companionship, I give her food, water, a small shelter on the side of the building, and plenty of pets.  A few months ago I gave in and gave her the name Kiki.

Over the past few months that she's been here, she's proven to be quite scrappy and keen hunter.  It looked as though she had a good handle on things and could pretty much take care of herself, until one day last week.  I pulled up to work last Friday morning to see her waiting for me by the door, as usual.  Something was different, though.  She had large clumps of dried blood on the top of her head directly above each eye.  I cleaned her up a bit and it honestly didn't look too bad so we just continued on with the day as normal.  Come Monday, the swelling above her right eye was gone.  I took that as a good sign.  Tuesday, things began to change in a way I hadn't expected.  The swelling above her left eye, which hadn't changed since Friday morning, had gotten bigger. 

Thinking over the situation on Tuesday night, I decided I need to take her to the vet.  Wednesday morning I put a cat carrier in the car and headed for work.  After arriving at work I noticed the swelling was much worse and promptly made an appointment with my vet for later in the afternoon.  Throughout the day I kept checking Kiki's eye only to discover that the swelling was rapidly increasing, so much so that her eye was swollen shut.  At that point, I decided to pack her up and head to the vet early. 

I should say that this is the point where the story might get a bit unpleasant.  Just thought I'd worn you.  Now, we all know that getting any cat into a carrier can be a challenge, and even more so with a stray.  This was the case, only it was much worse than I had ever expected.  She did put up a bit of a struggle, but that wasn't the bad part.  She tried to dart out as the cage door was closing and hit her head against it.  I guess this applied just enough pressure on the swollen part of her face, that, and I shutter when I say this, it popped!  I was moritfied!  My poor office cat!  Now, with blood streaming down her face, I put Kiki in the car and raced to the vet.  It was a tortured car ride, though more for me than for her, I think.

Anyway, the visit to the vet offered nothing but good news!  The swelling was due to one of the wounds on her head getting infected.  The popping of said abscess ended up being an "ok" thing, only because the vet didn't have to lance the wound to drain it.  Still, it seemed like a traumatic way to go about it, but stuff happens.  So, Kiki got cleaned up and was given antibiotics to help fight the infection.  Since I had her at the vet I went ahead and had them test her for feline leukemia.  She tested negative and was vaccinated.  Way to go, girl! 

Kiki is now back at the office and things have pretty much gotten back to normal.  Her face looks a million times better than it did on Wednesday.  I still have no idea what happened to cause the wounds, but at least I know she's going to be ok.  

After visiting the vet.





























Looking better!




























She was napping in the "wrong" chair, but I didn't have the heart to move her.


Monday, August 13, 2012

Monster Monday: An Intro

The spurt of fall like weather around these parts has me thinking about Halloween already.  The fact that certain stores have already put out their Halloween goods for this year is also helping me get into the spirit.  In response to this, I've decided to add a new little feature to the blog, at least for a while.  Welcome to MONSTER MONDAY!  From now til Halloween, I'll be posting something from the creepy, crawly files every Monday.  To kick things off, I created this fun little creature.  He seems like a happy, and VERY satisfied werewolf, but what did he eat?  Check back next week to uncover the mystery!

copyright Geri Shields, 2012

Friday, August 10, 2012

Feline Friday is Out and About, sorta...

Just droppin' in this Friday to announce a couple of things. 

First:  I will be at the Fountain Square Indie Craft Market tonight in lovely downtown Cincinnati.  I'm not on the master list of vendors, but my goods will be represented.  Look for my stuff next to the talented Saint Lexi!  Festivities start at 5pm.  See you there!

Second:  If you haven't noticed, I like to have at least one new thing to bring with me to each crafty/arty fair.  Tonight, I will unveil the prints of my favorite version from my "experiment" series.  It will be available in an 8"x10" size, as well as smaller, but equally cute 5"x7" size.  The 8"x10" print will also be available in my shop shortly. 

Happy Friday!

8"x10" print





































5"x7" print


Friday, August 3, 2012

Feline Friday: Experiments: Round 4

This week I've been getting back into the swing of things and found I had time to revisit my experiments.  I tried my hand at digital painting, which I haven't done in quite some time.  It yielded some good things, I think.  Anyway, I liked the outcome of this one.

 





































To refresh your memory, here's all 4 versions.  Happy Friday!


Mission Completed: A special painting and new prints!

A few months ago I found out that some of my very close friends were expecting their first child.  Congratulations Jon and Melinda!  Over the next few weeks I set out on a mission to create a special piece for their nursery.  The painting was completed well in advance of the baby shower and it took everything I had not to let the secret slip out.  The shower was held a few weeks back and the painting was lovingly received, along with an adorable companion painting that Zach did.  Now that the secret painting is safe in it's new home, I can share the image with you!  Here is "Ollie." 


OLLIE, acrylic on canvas, 12"x12"       copyright Geri Shields, 2012


And, because I loved it, here is the little number that Zach came up with for the nursery. 

acrylic on canvas, 12"x12"         copyright Zach Kestermann, 2012






































Although the original "Ollie" is spoken for, I ended up loving the piece so much that I went ahead and made prints of it, mainly so I could keep a little piece of it with me, but also to share it with others.  The prints are now available in my shop.

Ollie 8"x10" print, available now!





































Also newly added to the shop are prints of the painting "Big Rock Kitty Meowtain."

Big Rock Kitty Meowtain 8"x10" print, available now!



Friday, July 20, 2012

Feline Friday: A Family

Recently I posted a sketch of a family portrait I was asked to do.  Today, I would like to share the finished digital product.  I loved how deadpan the cat seemed in the reference photos I worked from.  He kind of reminded me of Mr. E in that way.  I tried to play up the lack of expression in the caricature.  I'm very proud of this piece and I hope the family is as pleased with it as I am.  This piece was so much fun to work on that it has inspired me to do something similar for my feline family.  Can't wait to get started!  Happy Friday!


Monday, July 16, 2012

The City Flea, July

I've been a bit absent from blogging due to preparations for The City Flea in Cincinnati.  This past Saturday was my first time having a booth at the event.  Sadly, it was the only weekend I had free to peddle my wares, but hopefully in the future I will have more time to devote to it.  I had a great time despite a little bit of rain and met some great people.  And to my delight, my little bat painting, Night, finally found a permanent home!  It makes me so happy when my paintings go to good people!

SOLD!  Congratulations to my little bat for finding a forever home!





































In case you couldn't make it to The City Flea, here's some snapshots from the event.

My sweaty self after setting up the booth.




























I had my trusty roadie with me in what I guess has become her art/craft show uniform.  Thanks for helping, Shannon!



























A big thanks goes to Zach for helping with the booth set up and break down!

Way to pay attention, guys!




























There are more pictures from the event over at Metromix Cincinnati.  Pay close attention to photo #18.

Thanks to everyone that came out.  I can't wait to do it again!