Miniature Cats

I'm not a cat lover. I know that's horrible to say on the internet since everyone is obsessed with cats. I'm allergic to them, and I just don't trust them... they make mean faces at me.

My sister, however, has two cats and loves them. I drew her tiny portraits of her cats, FDR and Cliff Lee, for her birthday. The photo below is one of the preliminary drawings so you can see the scale.

Happy Birthday, Emily!!

Illustration Friday: Wool



Squirrel, watercolor, graphite & colored pencil on watercolor paper, 5 x 7", 2013.

 This little squirrel is wearing a nice wool scarf to keep warm. I'll be drawing lots and lots of squirrels pretty soon!

I recently downloaded the Vine app, and took a short video of my process:



Does anyone else have Vine? I'd love to see some great illustration profiles! I'm registered under my name, "Sarah Ryan".

Illustration Friday: Storm

Storm, micron pen, watercolor & gouache on watercolor paper, 7 x 9", 2013.

I should be working on something else, but I had an idea for this week's Illustration Friday. So, I did a super quick little drawing to get that idea down. Maybe sometime I'll do a bigger more finished version.

Three Little Birds

Goldfinch, Sparrow, & Cardinal, watercolor and graphite on Rives BFK, each 5 x 7", 2013.

I've been drawing lots of backyard birds... here are three!

I'll post more up soon.

My Workspace

I recently signed up for ArtHouse Co-op's "Encyclopedia of Workspaces" They are collecting photos of work spaces from all over the world. I love to look at photos of work spaces... not the kind that would be in a magazine or decorating blog, but real, used work spaces.

I live in a house with five other people, so my workspace and bedroom share a room. The space might seem small to other people, but it works perfectly for me! 

The chart above is from Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon. I haven't really posted on my blog much lately, I feel like every project I've been working on has been stuck on "Dark Night of the Soul".  I figured this "Encyclopedia of Workspaces" project was great to participate in because it's simple to complete, and it would get me moving. There are a bunch of other really great, free Arthouse Co-op projects on www.sketchbookproject.com. If you are an artist, photographer, writer, or just looking for something to do, sign up for one!

Illustration Friday: Snow

Snow Deer, graphite & watercolor on Rives BFK, 2012.

It's been a while since I've done an Illustration Friday... this week's inspired my design for the Christmas cards I'll be sending friends and family.

It feels funny to be thinking of snow when it's 60 degrees in Philadelphia!

Sketchbook Project: Gondolas & Gelato

Gondolas,  pen, watercolor & acrylic ink on Rives BFK, 7 x 10", 2012.

Gelato, pen, watercolor & acrylic ink on Rives BFK, 7 x 10", 2012.

I have been a horrible blogger lately! Here's a loooooong overdue post.

I'm continuing my Venice sketchbook for The Sketchbook Project. Whenever anyone thinks of Venice they probably think about gondolas. I've been to Venice twice, but never ridden in a gondola. Why? Because they cost way too much! It's more fun to just walk around and explore yourself anyway.

I love gelato. I ate gelato at least once a day in Venice.... sometimes more! The best stuff is in a little shop in Campo San Margherita. My favorite flavor is "crema de doge". Mine is being scooped in the picture below..mmmmmmm! It's cold in Philly today, but I still could go for some gelato.

PS: Go vote!