IF ~ Prepare

Nothing could prepare these two for what was about to happen...

for this week's Illustration Friday

This is one of my illustrations from the NEW book How Haitians Play Basketball, written by Travis Mushet , published by TorchRunner Press for Blaze Sports.

How Haitians PlayBasketball introduces us to Milekson, a boy with a different walk and a love for basketball. When an earthquake strikes Milekson's home on the island country of Haiti, his life and the lives of his friends and family are changed in big ways. This book, the second in the BlazeSports Children's Series from TorchRunner Press, is a great way to tactfully teach your child about the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the abilities of people with disabilities, and the triumph of the human spirit. How Haitians Play Basketball makes a perfect addition to your school or public library, and a great gift for children both with and without disabilities.

Get your copy HERE

When you purchase an item from MY STORE, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity the donation goes to, will depend on the item purchased and I will love you forever from the bottom of my little black heart. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!
Have a seat by the fire with a cocktail and your ipad and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

Illustration Friday ~ Stripes

...for this week's Illustration Friday

This is one of my illustrations from the NEW book How Haitians Play Basketball, written by Travis Mushet , published by TorchRunner Press for Blaze Sports.

How Haitians PlayBasketball introduces us to Milekson, a boy with a different walk and a love for basketball. When an earthquake strikes Milekson's home on the island country of Haiti, his life and the lives of his friends and family are changed in big ways. This book, the second in the BlazeSports Children's Series from TorchRunner Press, is a great way to tactfully teach your child about the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the abilities of people with disabilities, and the triumph of the human spirit. How Haitians Play Basketball makes a perfect addition to your school or public library, and a great gift for children both with and without disabilities.

Get your copy HERE

When you purchase an item from MY STORE, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity the donation goes to, will depend on the item purchased and I will love you forever from the bottom of my little black heart. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat by the fire with a cocktail and your ipad and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

IF ~ Ferocious

ferocious?  ....nahhhhh

...this for Illustration Friday

 

When you purchase an item from MY STORE, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity the donation goes to, will depend on the item purchased and I will love you forever from the bottom of my little black heart. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat in the sun with a sippy and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

How Haitians Play Basketball

(click book to enlarge)

It's been awhile since I've updated the blog here... I've been so busy cranking out illustrations that I've lost track of all time. My newest illustrated venture is How Haitians Play Basketball (TorchRunner Press) written by Travis Mushett, illustrated by me. This book was published for BlazeSports whose mission is to improve the lives of children and adults with physical disabilities worldwide through sport, healthy lifestyles, the prevention of chronic illness, sport diplomacy, and human rights. I worked with a fabulous team on this book and I'm very proud of it. I can't wait to to share this story with you! The release date is scheduled for mid-September, so stay tuned for more updates on this project. I'll be able to tell you when and where to get your copy! It's a wonderful story and your money will go to a most deserving cause. 

When you purchase an item from MY STORE, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity the donation goes to, will depend on the item purchased and I will love you forever from the bottom of my little black heart. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat in the sun with a sippy and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

Milford Memories / ArtQwerks 2011 Booth Share competition WINNERS!!!

Thank you for all that entered the Milford Memories / ArtQwerks 2011 Booth Share competition. I am so excited that the Chamber gave me the opportunity to donate my booth to fellow VFAA and HVCA members I care so much about. I received the decision from the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce and they have chosen the following artists from the entries that were submitted.

...and Milford Memories / ArtQwerks Booth winners (and a little sampling of their art) are :

April Schwaegerle / Jewelry

Mary Bajcz / Fiber Arts

Janice Dumas / Watercolors

Their booth, filled with all sorts of gorgeous goodies by all three artists, will be set up in front of Main Street Art (see Janice's Painting above) for the fun filled weekend of Milford Memories Summer Festivals 20th Anniversary 2011 celebration, August 12th, 13th and 14th!

Three very well deserved winners! Congratulations to them all!

When you purchase an item from MY STORE, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity the donation goes to, will depend on the item purchased and I will love you forever from the bottom of my little black heart. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat in the sun with a sippy and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

IF ~ Soaked

IF ~ Soaked

Finally! A blog entry...

I have been (and still am) working very hard on the illustrations for a children's book with the wonderful people at BlazeSports of Atlanta GA. Keeping a balance of work, exhibiting and making time to enjoy the pleasures of warm weather has been exciting and I've loved every minute of it, but as I begin another entry for Illustration Friday here, I realize it's been a MONTH since I've made any sort of entry at all...That's a first...I'm a big talker Betty Crocker...I blame spring.

It's so much easier during the winter months to hibernate, work, work, work and look at the beauty of the snowy landscape from the windows of my studio. It's a challenge in the spring however, to stick to my well planned schedule when sensory overload is so prevalent. The smell of fresh cut grass, the sound of pond waterfalls, my sweet horses nickering, the call of the sandhill cranes and hypnosis of the swimming pool sparkle on a sunshiney day, fill my imagination with all that lies ahead through the glorious summer months. These are the breathtaking touches of spring and summer that make time so enjoyable to spend in the outdoor warmth and gorgeousness with friends and family. I plan to soak it all in and enjoy it one moment at a time...

When you purchase an item from MY STORE, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity the donation goes to, will depend on the item purchased and I will love you forever from the bottom of my little black heart. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat in the sun with a sippy and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

New Buttons, Bells and Whistles!

ArtQwerks

gold tabby cats!

The months of field flowers and gold tabby cats, have changed into fall leaves and scary witch hats!

When you purchase an item from MY STORE, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity the donation goes to, will depend on the item purchased and I will love you forever from the bottom of my little black heart. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, PLEASE go to their site and make a donation! These animals deserve a chance!

Have a seat in the yard by the bonfire, with a warm mug of something (and your mobile gadget) and browse through the pages of my website
ArtQwerks

Grit eating grin...

Can you really deny this grit eating grin? Guaranteed never to nip at your shins!
When you purchase an item from MY STORE, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity the donation goes to, will depend on the item purchased and I will love you forever from the bottom of my little black heart. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, PLEASE go to their site and make a donation! These animals deserve a chance!

Have a seat in the yard by the bonfire, in a sweatshirt, with a warm mug of something and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

IF ~ Beneath

Beneath the Enchanted Tree at Crooked Lake

This is a double page spread I created, in it's original submitted and approved form, used for a book project (Enchanted Tree of Crooked Lake) I completed last year.

click on picture to enlarge

When you purchase an item from MY STORE, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity the donation goes to, will depend on the item purchased and I will love you forever from the bottom of my little black heart. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! These animals deserve a chance!
Have a seat in the sun with a tall cold glass of something and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

IF ~ Proverb

Illustration Friday ~

PROVERB

Everyone must row with the oars he has

This was the original double page spread, as submitted and approved by author, used for a book project (Enchanted Tree of Crooked Lake) I completed last year.

When you purchase an item from MY STORE, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity the donation goes to, will depend on the item purchased and I will love you forever from the bottom of my little black heart. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! These animals deserve a chance!

Have a seat in the sun with a tall cold glass of something and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

Latest Pet Portrait

Latest pet portrait commission...

When you purchase an item from MY STORE, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity the donation goes to, will depend on the item purchased and I will love you forever from the bottom of my little black heart. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! These animals deserve a chance!

Have a seat in the sun with a tall cold glass of something and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

IF ~ Dessert

One of my latest portrait commissions I'm using for this week's Illustration Friday.

I believe it fits perfectly, like icing on a cake...cupcake to be exact!

When you purchase an item from MY STORE, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity the donation goes to, will depend on the item purchased and I will love you forever from the bottom of my little black heart. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! These animals deserve a chance!

Have a seat in the sun with a tall cold glass of something and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

Harp Mouse Adventures - Book II

I met with Diane today, author of the new Harp Mouse Adventures - Book II, to see the book for the very first time and to pick up a boat load of copies to spread around town! I am THRILLED! It is BEAUTIFUL! I so love working with Diane, her work is phenomenal. She is a wonderful person and we have become great friends.

I'm so happy to have this book in my hot little hands!

Purchase your copy here:

book only or book with mouse finger puppet

When you purchase an item from MY STORE, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity the donation goes to, will depend on the item purchased and I will love you forever from the bottom of my little black heart. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! These animals deserve a chance!

Have a seat in the sun with a tall cold glass of something and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

Harp Mouse Newspaper Article

click on article to enlarge

Wonderful newspaper article about author Diane Dunn and The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home! This article was written by Lindsay Warren of the West Bloomfield Beacon. See more about Author Diane E Dunn and her process for creating and enjoying the rewards of publishing her children's books (and how I love illustrating them!)

See ALL Harp Mouse book reviews HERE 

When you purchase an item from My Store, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity the donation goes to, will depend on the item purchased and I will love you forever from the bottom of my little black heart. They deserve a chance too.

Grab a cup of coffee and take a long luxurious gander at my website ArtQwerks

Got Milk?

Alrighty then...I'm going to milk this holiday market until the cows come home and since the only animals living here are horses, dogs, one fish and an occasional mouse in the barn, that's going to be a very long time...at least until the holidays are over. The Holiday Art Market contains an array of many beautiful paintings, fiber art (wearable and to drool overable) and other amazing works from the artists that were exhibiting at the HVCA Arts and Greens the weekend before Thanksgiving. See their new stuff too! They have all come together under one warm and toasty roof at the HVCA Gallery in Highland MI. Come join us on Sunday, December 6th for the official opening of the market and meet the artists, listen to great music and to Heiner Hertling while he reads his illustrated children's book, A Pirates Quest, a delightful, gorgeously illustrated gift for any child (or adult, I bought mine when it first came out last year), watch artists demonstrate their talents and shop while you nosh on snicky snacks. You can peruse the HVCA Art Shop Gallery too while you're there! So come and get started, continue or finish up your holiday shopping here, where you will find fantastic unique and beautifully crafted art gifts for everyone at every age on your list! The HVCA Holiday Art Market is open December 1st through the 24th.

...oh yeah, I'll be there too!

When you purchase an item from my store, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity the donation goes to, will depend on the item purchased and I will love you forever from the bottom of my little black heart. They deserve a chance too.

Grab a cup of coffee and take a long luxurious gander at my website ArtQwerks

ArtRage

This is a little sketch done from Art Rage , a little paint program you might enjoy yourself. I think I've found a new addiction. I actually did this for the week Illustrations Friday's word was "skinny" about two weeks ago and I didn't get around to posting, but hey... there's only so much time in a day. It's that time of year when I need to rearrange the studio so I can get the rest of my work done and find a place to organize all the stuff I drug out to the last show this past weekend. I'll post some pictures of that too, eventually.

When you purchase an item from ArtQwerks, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity will depend on the item purchased and I will most certainly appreciate it.

Take a peak at my website here: http://www.donnapellegata.com/

IF ~ Welcome

He was not certain he would be welcome...

Illustration Friday is a weekly illustration challenge. A topic is posted every Friday and then participants have all week to come up with their own interpretation.

When you purchase an item from ArtQwerks, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity will depend on the item purchased and I will most certainly appreciate it.

See my store and galleries to the right--->