February 27, 2011

More than just beads

Did you know I graduated from art school with a degree in Fine Art where I studied painting, drawing and printmaking?  I use so many of those skills in my beads, most notably my design and color lessons.  And while I love being a beadmaker and all things beads, I enjoy being able to take a mental break from production work and play with paints, pencils and paper!

I take on freelance assignments as an illustrator and have been working on writing children's books for the past 7 years.  My work was primarily block prints but last year I decided to revisit watercolors.  I had taken a semester of watercolor painting in college and it's been fun to reteach myself the basic techniques and start to develop a style. 

I love drawing quirky characters, woodland animals, holiday imagery, green themes and of course crafty scenes!

My next big goal is to write a craft book for kids.  I've recently started writing and sharing some quick projects on my illustration blog.

To see more of my work you can visit my website.

And if you are interested in following along with my artsy adventures
I have a blog dedicated to my illustrating and writing.

16 comments:

Spirited Earth said...

love your paintings that bear is wonderful.
funny thing..BFA in painting for me too..loved clay more.

Third Eye Gypsy said...

Oh Heather! These are wonderful! What sweet paintings. Have you made books for your kids? :)

Mellisa said...

Such adorable paintings! How interesting to find out about your other side :)

Indian Creek Studios said...

hey we could have a club! BFA in painting here too :-)

Gardanne said...

Heather you are multi-talented. I love your illustrations, the new watercolor ones are beautiful, keep going.

TesoriTrovati said...

I get to look at your fanciful illustrations every day... I have your calendar and the best little fox print! You are so very talented Heather. I love seeing where that takes you next!
Enjoy the day!
Erin

Juli Cannon said...

Heather, what a blessing to have so many gifts~ what an incredibly talented woman you are! These paintings are so whimsical and fun and I'll definitely be visiting your other blog. Thanks for sharing them!

Loveness~
Juls

Alice said...

Such talent Heather! I don't know where you find the time to get it all done. Your illustrations are so sweet!

I've always regretted not taking more art classes, but now I don't seem to have the time or money.

Holly said...

Heather - what gorgeous illustrations! I love the little squirrel and bear in particular ;) So multi-talented, indeed.

Gaea said...

Lovely!

Elysian Studios said...

I love these illustrations Heather! My heart smiled when I saw those paints at the top of the post, and I just kept smilin' all the way to the end!

Barbara Lewis said...

I knew of your illustration background ... and I love seeing it in action. You're sooo talented. These are such warmhearted images!

Jenni said...

You are so talented.Those little watercolor paintings are totally sweet. I can totally see them in a book. I love the one of the girl bird looking at her necklace. Delightful!
Jenni

Unknown said...

Wow Heather,

Your paintings are amazing! You are very talented. The bead world is lucky to have captured your heart.

Unknown said...

Love your paintings, they're wonderful!

Unknown said...

Such Talent 360 degrees Heather!
I love the apple one it is precious!!