Unicorn Card

I have a brand new unicorn card available on Etsy!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/531732535/unicorn-you-are-magical-notecard

Here's the preliminary drawing:

Fall Go West! Craft Fest Flyer

I was very happy to have the opportunity to design the upcoming Go West! Craft Fest flyer.


The birds are all birds that migrate through Philly in the fall: The Philadelphia vireo, an eastern bluebird, and a blackburnian warbler, plus a nuthatch because they're naturally acrobatic. 

I read about trees in The Woodlands to decide what kind of leaves to draw, and I learned that the first ginkgo tree was brought to the US and planted in the Woodlands. They're such a pretty yellow color in the fall too (even though they smell!)

Here's a look at my preliminary drawing:

If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably seen some of the progress shots too:

#wip #putabirdonit #illustration

A photo posted by Sarah Ryan (@sarahryandraws) on Jul 28, 2016 at 3:50pm PDT

I FINALLY have time to sit and draw this weekend. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing everyone at different events, but drawing's the best. #wip #illustration #squirrel #sarahdrawsthings

A photo posted by Sarah Ryan (@sarahryandraws) on Jul 17, 2016 at 2:45pm PDT

If you are around Philly in October, I'd highly recommend this event!
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Go West! Craft Fest Flyer

I had the privilege of drawing this spring's Go West! Craft Fest flyer. 

In the picture above you can see a little of my process. I start with a preliminary drawing in pencil and transfer the image to good paper. I always start with adding the colors first, and then I place the pencil linework over top.

If you're in Philly you should definitely stop by on April 30th. It's always a good time!

Italian Market "Buon Natale" card

I was asked to create a new card for the Italian Market Visitors Center here in Philadelphia.
I loved drawing these little shops that are right in my neighborhood!

You can also pick up some pizzelle cards in the Visitor Center this holiday season:

If you can't get to Philly, but would still like one, you can order them in my Etsy shop.

Spring Projects and Events Update

So it's pretty clear now that I absolutely suck at updating this blog. This post will just be a round-up of what I've been up to this spring.

The drawing above is a commission I'm working on for a wedding gift. If you have a gift in mind for someone close to you, feel free to email me at sarah.m.ryan@gmail.com .

I posted a closer look on Instagram over the weekend:

A photo posted by Sarah Ryan (@sarahryandraws) on May 3, 2015 at 11:46am PDT

I also had a lettering commission for a local band called Momma Hankton. The photos below show some of that process and the final product:

If you are in the Philly area, and love to support local music, check them out here: http://www.mommahankton.com

Lastly, I've already started my spring out with two great events, Crafty Balboa and Go West Craft Fest. Here are some other upcoming events:


If you are in the Philly area, stop by and say hi!

Elephant Wreath

Hi everyone!

I wanted to share an illustration I finished earlier this month. Elephant ears were really fun to draw!

It's also available as a print on Etsy.

Here's a close up, for the details:

I drew this for some very special people who got married last year:

Speaking of weddings, my mermaid illustration is on some wedding invites available through Concertina Press. 

I love Ruth's design for them. Check out her other nautical stationary at www.concertinapress.com .

Heron Hello

Heron Hello, watercolor & graphite on Rives BFK, 8x10", 2015.

I finished another little bird notecard design this week. This time it's a Great Blue Heron.

The notecards are available on Etsy.

I've been posting a lot of in progress shots of my work on Instagram. If you're interested in that kind of this, please follow here:

#wip #illustration

A photo posted by Sarah Ryan (@sarahryandraws) on Feb 17, 2015 at 11:58am PST

Pizzelles!

One of my favorite treats over the holiday season is pizzelles, yum!

I've designed a pizzelle notecard and ornament just in case anyone likes them as much as I do.

They're on Etsy today!

If you are in the Philadelphia area, be sure to stop by Philadelphia Independents on Sunday, December 7th for a holiday open house. I'll be there with a  little pop-up shop, and there will be hot cider and cookies!

Photo credit: Philadedelphia Independents

Doves & Grapes

Doves & Grapes, watercolor & graphite on Rives BFK, 11 x 11", 2013.

My housemate, Sara, recently got married, and I made a drawing as a wedding gift.

I was inspired my Audubon's paintings in The Birds of America. I own a huge copy; it's one of the best gifts I've ever received. I was also inspired by looking out my window; it overlooks a courtyard full of grapevines.

Here's a look with the frame and lettering:

I hope everyone's enjoying their summer. There's been a lot of hot weather and thunderstorms here!

Work in Progress

 I always like blogs where people show their work process, so I decided to post a little of what I'm currently working on. The rabbit on the left is my preliminary drawing with graphite on canson paper. The one on the right is the finished rabbit with watercolor and graphite on Rives BFK.

This will be a set of five rabbits in different colors...hopefully completed by the weekend! I've been working on my lettering a lot because it's not my strongest skill; I'm liking how it looks so far for this project.

Are you ready for spring?

Illustration Friday: Prepare

Smile, micron pen and watercolor on watercolor paper, 8x10", 2012.

“Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh

I read that quote in a book recently, and think that they're excellent words to prepare you for the rest of your day.

This is my first Illustration Friday of 2012! Happy New Year!

Also, I got a twitter account; I know a lot of Illustration Friday people are already on there. Find me @SarahRyanDraws