After replying to a simple craigslist post seeking an artist interested in books, I met a lovely artist from Holland. She and her friend had started a chain letter of a book project where they each added to an existing book, then passed the book along to another artist to add to (me), and so on. They are in the process of starting a website to show the books progress (it’s currently floating around the Vancouver Art Gallery). Until the site is up, I thought I’d show some of my additions.

Since my poor old bike has been on it’s last rattling leg and repairs are costing more than it’s value, I started to look into getting a new bike. Much like when I go shoe shopping, I got a little carried away. That said, I love my new bike and although mine is a one-speed it’s actually easier to ride up hills than the old one with gears! Now I just need an amazing lock and the protection of a bicycle guardian angel…

At long last, this little pair of paintings is complete. They are titled “Ranunculus 1″ and “Ranunculus 2″ (such an odd name for a flower I haven’t been able to get the word out of my head!) and measure 12″x12″ each. After the first attempt, sanding and re-painting was necessary. The second try was more successful. I’d love to hear what you think…

I was hoping to have an addition to the flower series to post today, but it was not to be. I started a painting a couple weeks ago, and it went terribly wrong at an alarming rate! I spent the beginning of this weekend sanding down the canvas and painting it over. I have started again and things are looking better so far. If I can pull it off, it will be posted as soon as it’s finished. In between painting sessions, I have been revelling in my recently arrived book order including a great book called “Cartoon Modern: Style and Design in Fifties Animation”.