tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21657616957991624272024-03-05T05:45:39.884-05:00The Naming of Thingszephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-80812952660663259582020-11-23T12:03:00.000-05:002020-11-23T12:03:54.953-05:00Find a Moose With Me!<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmkv5nwb5eeYaU1wtYbZfnGU_iibkn3c82xUVys27QKiO9_OGR4h191stn4t2sUTZQ9tKV3sEW9P5jYtDyeU5foHd-jviNqePvlhyphenhyphenU89QvEYbxkBJRbJfXrhgEMGXw_wrYl58KaTF2Pg/s2048/IMG_1845.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmkv5nwb5eeYaU1wtYbZfnGU_iibkn3c82xUVys27QKiO9_OGR4h191stn4t2sUTZQ9tKV3sEW9P5jYtDyeU5foHd-jviNqePvlhyphenhyphenU89QvEYbxkBJRbJfXrhgEMGXw_wrYl58KaTF2Pg/w640-h480/IMG_1845.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><i>Find a Moose With Me!</i> is finally a printed, hardcover book! I was thrilled to be asked to illustrate this lovely story back in 2018 and I'm so excited it's out in the world now. I worked on the illustrations for more than a year, and I wanted to take a moment to share some of the process of bringing the story to life.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWjyYHN6Z01JBi7RiDZXYAYicqbQffOU27o47scRX-baRlhPTw56qaX0cLpz8mXfmaRizzlV-QjCkCvOXpvoCqdaF9c1ut4VPB7XMLmv-yNTKQ8bWuomfdFyQOCDOnOOMdt6TBYUTMbo/s2048/IMG_7703.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWjyYHN6Z01JBi7RiDZXYAYicqbQffOU27o47scRX-baRlhPTw56qaX0cLpz8mXfmaRizzlV-QjCkCvOXpvoCqdaF9c1ut4VPB7XMLmv-yNTKQ8bWuomfdFyQOCDOnOOMdt6TBYUTMbo/s320/IMG_7703.JPG" /></a></div>As a nature lover, this was the perfect project for me. I love painting animals, plants, landscapes and all outdoor things. I love getting outside and observing all the wonders nature has to offer. As I worked on this book I was constantly taking photos on my hikes that I would later use as reference for some of the paintings. This book encourages the reader to take time to look and observe everything they find as they explore nature.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Rr7Vobl1mn5CMcowKokYdcvWBj8jQn5L4N9cTg0VDEVH85X9nnUP7wmlp_52QciLo7Ib5SI9FElQvreRn7Al5mCyxl_CnZ8cnq-ndOQdTr4P5DFgTowN626DLw3nlE0g-v6G5L1w5hk/s2048/IMG_5259.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Rr7Vobl1mn5CMcowKokYdcvWBj8jQn5L4N9cTg0VDEVH85X9nnUP7wmlp_52QciLo7Ib5SI9FElQvreRn7Al5mCyxl_CnZ8cnq-ndOQdTr4P5DFgTowN626DLw3nlE0g-v6G5L1w5hk/w640-h480/IMG_5259.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>There are many steps leading up to the final paintings in a picture book and I wanted to share my process as I developed the illustrations. The first step is reading the manuscript and thinking about what kind of imagery comes to mind for each page. I then might do a little photo research before creating thumbnail sketches. I'm going to use the beaver spread as my example to show how I started and where I finished.</p><p>I love beavers, but I've never seen one in the wild! I wanted to show them doing what they do best and highlight the text "Eight busy beavers use logs to build their dam."</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpC6dYcIX5fYAPWE_DlTAeGBiBk1g6DEB6k6JY9EoyvpvFCIe6qX33RnO3dBM629JXAftkaJFWoKAyZiOJfUlWPVvbk6rQ_AlpzW9tIGfn13MYLgXkY18_5GKWHyePNoQ3NEBC8hNwn4c/s628/Screen+Shot+2020-11-21+at+10.40.04+AM.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="628" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpC6dYcIX5fYAPWE_DlTAeGBiBk1g6DEB6k6JY9EoyvpvFCIe6qX33RnO3dBM629JXAftkaJFWoKAyZiOJfUlWPVvbk6rQ_AlpzW9tIGfn13MYLgXkY18_5GKWHyePNoQ3NEBC8hNwn4c/w320-h236/Screen+Shot+2020-11-21+at+10.40.04+AM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Initial thumbnail sketch<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;">While working on the sketch I thought about text placement, since this is an important part of the composition. The text should have a natural place on the page that doesn't feel as though it's been forced and therefore awkward. I also had to fit in eight beavers! Not as easy as you might think.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPgQO27LptKuEr9Ljtg_0JFs0sR6uhdxJI-yAyK6OjIP-eZHG8_v4ZkZEtmWWdl-xPlsY2m8FvZed4UOaM7Pf-on0Cgkpm9u11q89XJz-xmC9MmEf-yUPUrVbz0ovoGSd9PiTyKreXmY/s1043/Beaver+reference.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1043" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPgQO27LptKuEr9Ljtg_0JFs0sR6uhdxJI-yAyK6OjIP-eZHG8_v4ZkZEtmWWdl-xPlsY2m8FvZed4UOaM7Pf-on0Cgkpm9u11q89XJz-xmC9MmEf-yUPUrVbz0ovoGSd9PiTyKreXmY/s320/Beaver+reference.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaver reference photos<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Once this initial concept was approved, I delved deeper into reference materials. I needed to find photos that would help me create the composition I had imagined in a realistic way. <p></p><p> From there, I printed out a full size spread of the page layout with text in place and created a detailed sketch, which, once approved, I then traced onto watercolor paper to begin the final painting.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6l4syQVQCjFiQYDgE9WCLF7XN6Ql7HKc01y6LdY8AQHDVI1yWg-5PbeBMK_CE73mG5o6ZmyXvZ4-1Y-vVJ6WXCeBBbt5DB83Kj546lc6eEnxc2HbS5ckFValF5S-h65wv9fDAu7mlYlc/s2048/Moosehunt+Beaver+sketch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="2048" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6l4syQVQCjFiQYDgE9WCLF7XN6Ql7HKc01y6LdY8AQHDVI1yWg-5PbeBMK_CE73mG5o6ZmyXvZ4-1Y-vVJ6WXCeBBbt5DB83Kj546lc6eEnxc2HbS5ckFValF5S-h65wv9fDAu7mlYlc/w640-h322/Moosehunt+Beaver+sketch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>In my sketches, I typically stick to mostly line drawings and very little shading and detail, since this is all added in when it's painted in watercolor. When I transfer the sketch to the watercolor paper all I have is light outlines of the main parts of the composition. It's actually somewhat difficult to show how a final watercolor painting might look when doing pencil sketches. <p></p><p>After transferring the drawing to the paper I work in layers, building up the detail of the painting until the I'm satisfied. Sometimes this means going back later and adding more shadows and additional layers of gouache paint for highlights.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6Dn6qhLIIfjpTjbbJBKRVb1jeh-iPgbdTM-zNzPNt_faCLSEsCJMWoRlaUDh83zl453aJsjAtz8BXFFIMiLlzXLqohUe3JijF6umgGo2nSH2iiTbbcKsykNeRW4DrqI_AietIQVypTc/s900/Final+beaver+art.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="900" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6Dn6qhLIIfjpTjbbJBKRVb1jeh-iPgbdTM-zNzPNt_faCLSEsCJMWoRlaUDh83zl453aJsjAtz8BXFFIMiLlzXLqohUe3JijF6umgGo2nSH2iiTbbcKsykNeRW4DrqI_AietIQVypTc/w640-h328/Final+beaver+art.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFI9ww7NGxE3lwbsglCOBYA-FSZE3bsK7Ilez0O0SXUme64wfBpAZalUTBYK2jWR9hjA0JSdkOyM78XDSoImKh64mMofIwZ36HK3lNwqM0A5254G4jnqyAZoG96Wk8X-GQ8ZERESsNoo/s2048/IMG_7708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1284" data-original-width="2048" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFI9ww7NGxE3lwbsglCOBYA-FSZE3bsK7Ilez0O0SXUme64wfBpAZalUTBYK2jWR9hjA0JSdkOyM78XDSoImKh64mMofIwZ36HK3lNwqM0A5254G4jnqyAZoG96Wk8X-GQ8ZERESsNoo/w640-h402/IMG_7708.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The illustration in print! It's never truly finished until it's printed with text.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>In addition to developing the compositions for each page, it was important that our main character, Oscar, be just the right age. Originally the character was called "Baby" in order to be a gender neutral character. However, as I worked on the art and discussed the direction with the author, the character of Baby developed into a toddler boy. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xH_gzNroqhzTRxHn21hxGUvqRjNWNfeFIGvkjbe3IVbqDHJsOIxJ9kMFOf8NUhnmAmsWU90XW6PvBtsm09wZyAjn3o345isRJQxSCSOL3sIDwe0YlLp8CntbJOB5zg2q1fP8EnLYWcs/s2048/IMG_7780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xH_gzNroqhzTRxHn21hxGUvqRjNWNfeFIGvkjbe3IVbqDHJsOIxJ9kMFOf8NUhnmAmsWU90XW6PvBtsm09wZyAjn3o345isRJQxSCSOL3sIDwe0YlLp8CntbJOB5zg2q1fP8EnLYWcs/s320/IMG_7780.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I created little character sketches for approval and also to use as reference to help create consistency throughout the book. I find drawing and painting people to be incredibly challenging, so I refer back to my character sketch as a guide when I'm trying to make sure he looks the same, even in different positions.<p></p><p>With every illustration project I learn something new and this was no exception. I got to try some new painting techniques, new colors and work on my people-painting skills. It's so satisfying to see these paintings come to life in a book and I am thrilled <i>Find a Moose With Me!</i> is for sale! </p><p>Help support your local bookstore and order a copy <a href="https://bookshop.org/books/find-a-moose-with-me/9781732302044">here</a> or through Amazon. <br /> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YV0oPJ6758rU59RZRlGSBsRR5Dntgz3oFMv4oTWKtGl9YGcB2qYCM2Ul6lOiKlm9O3dVerRuPnBLeQPh86S5zNd6nC4GkhAiJ7Tg-Dl9MPx5yDQ_2iqPKxpMVFpWv0TMTe-KckCSxQA/s2048/IMG_1506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YV0oPJ6758rU59RZRlGSBsRR5Dntgz3oFMv4oTWKtGl9YGcB2qYCM2Ul6lOiKlm9O3dVerRuPnBLeQPh86S5zNd6nC4GkhAiJ7Tg-Dl9MPx5yDQ_2iqPKxpMVFpWv0TMTe-KckCSxQA/w640-h480/IMG_1506.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-73503157160343715072018-03-13T14:12:00.002-04:002019-07-06T14:14:24.276-04:00Little Bird's Flock<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOqLrpjHAqVBi4FBQkk4WNbETOVzisj-lTr8efla1BSlfg96uqnjGpE12GgY6zPGv92DkJKwI7_g9v4Y2LOPbrxXYUBDs6XNjjxoJvMI9igAR3sZ_2v6BvxqBjELWRUWB5g9uMKNYtnk/s1600/FullSizeRender+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOqLrpjHAqVBi4FBQkk4WNbETOVzisj-lTr8efla1BSlfg96uqnjGpE12GgY6zPGv92DkJKwI7_g9v4Y2LOPbrxXYUBDs6XNjjxoJvMI9igAR3sZ_2v6BvxqBjELWRUWB5g9uMKNYtnk/s640/FullSizeRender+11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am super pleased to announce my latest illustration project, a children's picture book called <i>Little Bird's Flock</i>, written by the <a href="https://www.tellingroom.org/programs/publishing-workshop" target="_blank">Publishing Workshop</a> at <a href="https://www.tellingroom.org/" target="_blank">The Telling Room</a>, a non-profit youth writing center in Portland, ME. A group of eleven kids and two advisors worked together to create the story of Little Bird. I worked to create images that would evoke the essence of the story about a young bird who is looking for her flock, while traveling around the world, meeting friends along the way.<br />
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I thought I would take some time to share my process as I worked on taking this story from manuscript to printed book. </div>
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The first step was to put the manuscript into an Indesign file laid out to the dimensions of the book, print out the pages and draw rough thumbnail sketches of each scene. I spent time thinking about the composition of each page, the flow across spreads and the changing perspective as Little Bird meets each friend.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyMMN_8Q7QocomP4Xc9PnxZpmUq3VdFNYv56j1XDZGNaYIl35UHbdkAi6_euWLp1M5bfStwphTrf2sySTz4UKAnoWOGULtYExthhDvpFRQyQRRMACqxN5Jp_3odSTsoHeSct58jzz80c/s1600/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyMMN_8Q7QocomP4Xc9PnxZpmUq3VdFNYv56j1XDZGNaYIl35UHbdkAi6_euWLp1M5bfStwphTrf2sySTz4UKAnoWOGULtYExthhDvpFRQyQRRMACqxN5Jp_3odSTsoHeSct58jzz80c/s640/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
After review by the Publishing Workshop team, and some tweaks to the manuscript, I got to work on the final paintings. I printed the sketches at full size, with the text in place, and then transferred the drawings to my watercolor painting block (I used Arches hot press watercolor paper) by rubbing graphite on the opposite side of the printed page and then tracing over my drawing with a sharp pencil. Sometimes I would refine the sketch more before transferring it to the watercolor paper.</div>
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After the drawing is transferred, I wet the entire piece of paper to soak the watercolor paper, making it easier to manipulate the paint longer. When the initial water on the paper is absorbed, I begin painting. Below is a little time-lapse of me working on one of the paintings.</div>
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Once the paintings were complete and dry, I scanned each one and retouched any blemishes and adjusted color as necessary digitally. The final art scans are then placed in the Indesign file, and final design adjustments were made, along with experimenting with various cover options.</div>
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We decided to use a piece of art from the interior for the cover due to the lack of time. I created a new background for that piece, and tried various type faces for the title, as well as changing the color of the background. Here's a couple thumbnail shots of the different options we started with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZnoW-dGnQdZkmkJNIuWiR6K2T4rWqCCQcWO1hef1SGUxVvvnDzb-1RbNym5JaoL2yKljFzDMbIQ-uhPFRpby7QhblRKQAoosEtxiP8xFvUWZmWRYC6zLc3Y9IB5W1Lh3SKH8G3LXkFk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-03-13+at+1.49.36+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="1228" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZnoW-dGnQdZkmkJNIuWiR6K2T4rWqCCQcWO1hef1SGUxVvvnDzb-1RbNym5JaoL2yKljFzDMbIQ-uhPFRpby7QhblRKQAoosEtxiP8xFvUWZmWRYC6zLc3Y9IB5W1Lh3SKH8G3LXkFk/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-03-13+at+1.49.36+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once the cover and interior files were finalized, I sent the files off to the printer. And then, just like that, I was holding the book proof in my hand! The great feeling of taking a story and turning it into a physical book never gets old. <i>Little Bird's Flock</i> is available for purchase through the Telling Room's <a href="https://www.tellingroom.org/store#Books" target="_blank">online store</a>.</div>
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zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-61787189708944564052016-01-01T17:48:00.000-05:002016-01-01T17:48:31.299-05:002015 Year in Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpZErEZpVcXr6zYmGBHeG_Xom1gm4lLkprgonEwsyEklYV-1WfCXQby5I_NGd6K1rg3N7qTxin6urDiHlbM9ZCeHFtLaJrvAT2pi7Fd6uTs0c-77RAVGjCvvvtjOTjvNojc-NeHEdsto/s1600/IMG_3998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpZErEZpVcXr6zYmGBHeG_Xom1gm4lLkprgonEwsyEklYV-1WfCXQby5I_NGd6K1rg3N7qTxin6urDiHlbM9ZCeHFtLaJrvAT2pi7Fd6uTs0c-77RAVGjCvvvtjOTjvNojc-NeHEdsto/s400/IMG_3998.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hello 2016! I'm excited to start this new year, but I also wanted to take the time to reflect on everything that's happened in 2015.<br />
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As Gretchen Rubin writes in <i>The Happiness Project</i>: "The days are long, but the years are short." Sometimes the days seem short too! It's hard to remember individual days, but they all add up to new experiences. For me, the biggest moments of 2015 were: moving in to a new apartment and having my own studio space, finishing my 30th songbird painting for <i>Beautiful Songbirds</i>, completing an entire year of freelancing and at the same time accepting a full time job at Sellers Publishing, and most of all, when my boyfriend proposed on June 13th!<br />
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In 2015 I got to travel to great places, see beautiful things and spend time with many of my favorite people. I learned more about Maine and explored more parts of it, I traveled to Wyoming and camped in Yellowstone, I visited New York City and went to the Top of the Rock (one more NYC bucket list item crossed off!), and I took in the sites and sounds of Washington, D.C.<br />
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For work, I designed books for <i>The Telling Room</i>, a fantastic non-profit writing program here in Maine, continued doing design work for Macmillan Children's books, worked with some local Portland businesses, created free monthly desktop calendar downloads, art directed for Lee & Low Books, painted many, many songbirds and designed the layouts for <i>Beautiful Songbirds</i> (coming out in March 2016!), and last, but not least, accepted a job as a graphic artist in the card department for RSVP at Sellers Publishing, where I am developing and designing greeting cards. <br />
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The world is a wondrous, beautiful place, despite the harsh realities of it. I can't wait to experience what 2016 brings—I know it's going to be filled with even more adventure, love and joy than 2015 had. I will end with a quote I read recently that sums up what I strive for each and every day:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Seek out what magnifies your spirit. </i></span> –Brain Pickings<br />
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<br />zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-44139236009426875102015-12-02T19:44:00.002-05:002015-12-02T19:44:48.440-05:00December 2015: Desktop Wallpaper Download<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwEK_x2mssg_2IbwZmwGwAHm_o2QnJusGPVjcK1Xf6ZpXGkc_nqUYTlrCXyQUH74Z7V-oPL1sPk3TKJaHkvEgcaYfjraT1KKDCm_kqNWUWpWVPFlFoVzAxYCU8P9Nw5W-KLcUI7QQaF4/s1600/December15+desktop+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwEK_x2mssg_2IbwZmwGwAHm_o2QnJusGPVjcK1Xf6ZpXGkc_nqUYTlrCXyQUH74Z7V-oPL1sPk3TKJaHkvEgcaYfjraT1KKDCm_kqNWUWpWVPFlFoVzAxYCU8P9Nw5W-KLcUI7QQaF4/s400/December15+desktop+image.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZIDyE7PXzxVSaXABrkI1jAABrp62j_HA-djOzGILc8HcZmbSxnfo2N7ws-sEs6znI5qHcgUmwB09uURWY0h4kK26zs0YXlGUpcsJ0KbZKZIqwemlOnr_H6FWdER9gHZJ8sDwvs1DH_U/s1600/December15+iphone+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZIDyE7PXzxVSaXABrkI1jAABrp62j_HA-djOzGILc8HcZmbSxnfo2N7ws-sEs6znI5qHcgUmwB09uURWY0h4kK26zs0YXlGUpcsJ0KbZKZIqwemlOnr_H6FWdER9gHZJ8sDwvs1DH_U/s400/December15+iphone+image.png" width="336" /></a></div>
Fa la la la la! It's the most wonderful time of the year, and the last month of the year. I can't believe how quickly the year has gone by. It seems just a few months ago I moved to Maine. I love December for all it's holiday cheer, snowflakes (hopefully), giving spirit, pine trees and bright lights. I hope this holiday season brings you much joy, good cheer, health and happiness.<br />
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Download the desktop and laptop version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/0lmwa23z896v0x6/December15_desktop_ahalsey.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
Download the smartphone version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/1h2y5duc6625d8j/December15_phone_ahalsey.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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These are for personal use only. All illustrations © Ashley P. Halsey 2015
zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-92094058297803023172015-11-02T21:09:00.000-05:002015-11-03T09:33:18.573-05:00November 2015: Desktop Wallpaper Download<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nCgCHftQMGqYsR873QsEyyiPDQlmE_fXHWpLRClaBj_r__wxBmHZOXhJcVcEc35BSlXIZSttHAoVLI0mmuNRBp_2-ZNE1zndjfJUOu1L1OJdQz9KHDEqb_xScESuKVH7-g2DEA7ttFk/s1600/November15+desktop+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nCgCHftQMGqYsR873QsEyyiPDQlmE_fXHWpLRClaBj_r__wxBmHZOXhJcVcEc35BSlXIZSttHAoVLI0mmuNRBp_2-ZNE1zndjfJUOu1L1OJdQz9KHDEqb_xScESuKVH7-g2DEA7ttFk/s400/November15+desktop+image.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9QV0xmYxs4MOvUMz1zCbN9AB9S8dSp73i4Am0XWjl7SkSMNfMAEpv5UOX5f-I1LR6m0tXO53-jKMT46LM9yvRp5W7JMSXIbts-UD0bLqjESToqRIQXEXFNBuMLjsOcrPbGPoWGYnwZo/s1600/November15+iphone+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9QV0xmYxs4MOvUMz1zCbN9AB9S8dSp73i4Am0XWjl7SkSMNfMAEpv5UOX5f-I1LR6m0tXO53-jKMT46LM9yvRp5W7JMSXIbts-UD0bLqjESToqRIQXEXFNBuMLjsOcrPbGPoWGYnwZo/s400/November15+iphone+image.png" width="336" /></a></div>
Here we are in November already! Sadly, the Long Dark Time is officially upon us with changing of the clocks. Shorter days are here to stay for awhile, but as winter approaches I am still admiring the last of the leaves changing from orange to dusty reds and golden browns. As usual, I love watching the seasons change. And as a side note, some of my favorite people have November birthdays—hurray! I hope you enjoy this month's calendar!<br />
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Download the desktop and laptop version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/nj3lex54f9afaxs/November15_desktop_ahalsey.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
Download the smartphone version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/6xhln8axr4wi4su/November15_phone_ahalsey.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
A variation of this month's calendar is also available as a print in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/254503839/oak-leaves-acorns-watercolor-print?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>.<br />
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These are for personal use only. All illustrations © Ashley P. Halsey 2015
zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-19070236913967570142015-10-01T10:00:00.000-04:002015-10-01T10:37:56.394-04:00October 2015: Desktop Wallpaper Download<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReLtW113OGOsW6gFGJC7anZwvcZxN9fyAWPZWn9lWOhSYq7fkp99rkOri5umzJzACOrpa_yPUNH1v8uxWnMLDL16G2SrfcPqSvaKJtZfqTLnzXvCRicypg-3aWrgwN30K58Q9vbSRvWw/s1600/October+desktop+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReLtW113OGOsW6gFGJC7anZwvcZxN9fyAWPZWn9lWOhSYq7fkp99rkOri5umzJzACOrpa_yPUNH1v8uxWnMLDL16G2SrfcPqSvaKJtZfqTLnzXvCRicypg-3aWrgwN30K58Q9vbSRvWw/s400/October+desktop+image.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVShMiwiJCrRzaje9IJXrgNBjYTkhnB1jhgK-w_qCuxFLAQJVQXq0801j_XnLe3fnNxkfDRzgMYkr3nyR_XErb5DrpxC6Z7vwkpuUObZTtZH4Scvwd-q2gZSy8kSG4DZvormEeBVSYqw/s1600/October15+iphone+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVShMiwiJCrRzaje9IJXrgNBjYTkhnB1jhgK-w_qCuxFLAQJVQXq0801j_XnLe3fnNxkfDRzgMYkr3nyR_XErb5DrpxC6Z7vwkpuUObZTtZH4Scvwd-q2gZSy8kSG4DZvormEeBVSYqw/s400/October15+iphone+image.png" width="336" /></a></div>
Pumpkins and apples and gourds, oh my! October is here and it's <a href="http://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/its-decorative-gourd-season-motherfuckers" target="_blank">decorative gourd season</a>! September raced by and here we find ourselves experiencing all the wonderful things the new season has for us—changing leaves, crisp air, apple picking, pumpkin carving, and of course my personal favorite, candy corn. Don't think I wasn't tempted to make a calendar just filled with candy corn! Enjoy this month's calendar by downloading it below:<br />
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Download the desktop and laptop version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/3exumztk26vgrcs/October15_ahalsey_desktop.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
Download the smartphone version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/algsewxzija0r2q/October15_phone_ahalsey.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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These are for personal use only. All illustrations © Ashley P. Halsey 2015
zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-15008042584277749582015-09-01T09:46:00.000-04:002015-09-01T09:46:46.306-04:00September 2015: Desktop Wallpaper Download<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMY3rOGZWikdAfx6x1WUHFeInASbf0sjMm7PD4km9s3vooTwaJbq52MRsKSoOnFbkCJs-8pit_A-1Mc8NVQoN71z6BqhGC0bZkDfViOH_qrqR8uYkcmOuHulObJm2Bquv3e4soQfAaK8/s1600/September_desktop+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMY3rOGZWikdAfx6x1WUHFeInASbf0sjMm7PD4km9s3vooTwaJbq52MRsKSoOnFbkCJs-8pit_A-1Mc8NVQoN71z6BqhGC0bZkDfViOH_qrqR8uYkcmOuHulObJm2Bquv3e4soQfAaK8/s400/September_desktop+image.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxH98-LOrNb3PwjEZezZOrbHHQRi7vHCNxDofpaOW99VGLSr5hw0BLjz2wp1WUJtJ6-c5UU8gpA-xGNgyUZqa9H-bUNZPfOTPneHlx9oTDS7c7fXCtDlvO9OKAD5908fIbs44RYsVRDiA/s1600/September+iphone+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxH98-LOrNb3PwjEZezZOrbHHQRi7vHCNxDofpaOW99VGLSr5hw0BLjz2wp1WUJtJ6-c5UU8gpA-xGNgyUZqa9H-bUNZPfOTPneHlx9oTDS7c7fXCtDlvO9OKAD5908fIbs44RYsVRDiA/s400/September+iphone+image.png" width="336" /></a></div>
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Ah, the dog days of summer are upon us! Most people consider the last day of August the end of summer, but I still maintain that summer happily rolls in to September. The days may be slightly shorter and the nights a bit cooler, but there is still fruit to be picked and gorgeous, warm days to celebrate. I hope you make the most of these final summer days! Enjoy this September calendar:<br />
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Download the desktop and laptop version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/rj17z0d1118u39x/September15_desktop_ahalsey.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
Download the smartphone version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/s4am8rty1bxjap5/September15_phone_ahalsey.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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These are for personal use only. All illustrations © Ashley P. Halsey 2015
zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-44549956817786546872015-08-27T09:38:00.000-04:002015-08-27T09:38:04.100-04:00Upon Completion of Thirty Songbird Paintings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijL8pxzXtk1_6BG_35ghZylW4dMWCLCpeARjfYnkhI_Mj4SJxOEK1seVcsgFUUh2RFLdwZtRdZjQOP6kZiSHWWyr0g9u5sert7Rh4OGWM_6hME9U3Q2UL4USrMIFbWdKjmvKo8aeWS1L0/s1600/IMG_2775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijL8pxzXtk1_6BG_35ghZylW4dMWCLCpeARjfYnkhI_Mj4SJxOEK1seVcsgFUUh2RFLdwZtRdZjQOP6kZiSHWWyr0g9u5sert7Rh4OGWM_6hME9U3Q2UL4USrMIFbWdKjmvKo8aeWS1L0/s400/IMG_2775.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yesterday I delivered the last set of 10 final songbird paintings to the publisher of my forthcoming book:<i> Beautiful Songbirds.</i> I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the completion of my largest project to date. After 8 months and about 175 hours of work, it feels like I have crossed a monumental finish line.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0uawPWzrxZlKPSX8SGnjg8va-QPmUpUs1H1V1EF2WlGneO-rjaLmT_e00AJJ3ulqhJBr-MH3nGXcCcht2JxOetl9c6iNj8Ry2aBOXB_LBaX8F9UeFvZ15IfQLkhlnzGogtEhYQDWKzE/s1600/IMG_2774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0uawPWzrxZlKPSX8SGnjg8va-QPmUpUs1H1V1EF2WlGneO-rjaLmT_e00AJJ3ulqhJBr-MH3nGXcCcht2JxOetl9c6iNj8Ry2aBOXB_LBaX8F9UeFvZ15IfQLkhlnzGogtEhYQDWKzE/s400/IMG_2774.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the many, many sketches used for creating the final paintings</td></tr>
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I feel so lucky to have been given the opportunity to create such a body of work and I can't wait to be able to share the final product with everyone! First, I worked with my editor to choose the 30 birds I would paint, then it was on to photo research, sketches and painting. I love the variety of color and settings these birds represent. It was a challenge to keep each composition lively and unique, while still maintaining a cohesive look throughout all of them.<br />
I created the paintings in sets of ten, which was good for keeping things manageable, but also a challenge mentally, because each time I completed a set of ten, I would then have to turn around and start all over again on the next set. This isn't to say that it wasn't still an incredibly fun project! I will never tire of the amazing feeling of touching a paint-filled brush to wet paper and watching the color flow magically into place, slowly creating a beautiful scene.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zkTQqduzOGo3LduAhhqEjlpQriam8lhYs8_cxxNEvS0cOiCMAxMWthVm0i2GiEe8NkN86ZrV0XFhKRCwXv3_CvboXZmborfgHWOsg115iIPUl3A6Mt4OGsmqx_E3MVG1BuiZlVCIBQI/s1600/IMG_2776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zkTQqduzOGo3LduAhhqEjlpQriam8lhYs8_cxxNEvS0cOiCMAxMWthVm0i2GiEe8NkN86ZrV0XFhKRCwXv3_CvboXZmborfgHWOsg115iIPUl3A6Mt4OGsmqx_E3MVG1BuiZlVCIBQI/s400/IMG_2776.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the in progress shots of the bird paintings</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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These paintings will be paired with inspirational bird quotes and interesting facts about each one. I am designing the book as well, which is an added bonus! I love being able to pair my paintings with typography in a pleasing way - it may be my favorite part about the intersection of illustration and design. The above photos are from instagram. Follow me <a href="https://instagram.com/zephyr2403/" target="_blank">@zephyr2403</a> to see more updates and stay tuned for future posts about my book, coming Spring 2016!<br />
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/6k8siBv_yT/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_top">A video posted by Ashley P. Halsey (@zephyr2403)</a> on <time datetime="2015-08-19T19:50:54+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Aug 19, 2015 at 12:50pm PDT</time></div>
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zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-37362127957386081012015-08-25T09:42:00.000-04:002015-08-25T09:42:56.444-04:00The Telling Room: Young Emerging Authors Fellowship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQpOMk4W9CPTA5l0mK_HSCCuTqi3erAp_VmsuTdYlkqsd9DhAUaFFamLOTcvRdT6vU9mkM2O7bKkbX9-2hmwVOuWAuyxt-FCy6AGV_R72fDpQDIKFLf-kbVQbv5sft5ck-bx4PYtyCMY/s1600/IMG_2422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQpOMk4W9CPTA5l0mK_HSCCuTqi3erAp_VmsuTdYlkqsd9DhAUaFFamLOTcvRdT6vU9mkM2O7bKkbX9-2hmwVOuWAuyxt-FCy6AGV_R72fDpQDIKFLf-kbVQbv5sft5ck-bx4PYtyCMY/s400/IMG_2422.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This summer I was lucky enough to be involved in The Telling Room's Young Emerging Authors Fellowship as a designer! <a href="http://www.tellingroom.org/" target="_blank">The Telling Room</a> is a fantastic nonprofit writing center here in Portland that works with kids ages 6 - 18. The <a href="http://www.tellingroom.org/programs/YEA" target="_blank">Young Emerging Author's Fellowship</a> (YEA) offers a select number of applicants the chance to plan, write, edit, design, and publish their own books in one year.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XbxeWTpwLkVUNsvrI44K1ja3chen5ovPS0yqyYQcd1zZ6hI7-4YlfI02rX3ZiMu9CwjJ15rFykE3RLwAg4Roz0gfe9RtjMpjiyHqD3RpYQ-m9DSkL_8bAC2BX7D6FhidUuv9k4ygAe8/s1600/IMG_2228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XbxeWTpwLkVUNsvrI44K1ja3chen5ovPS0yqyYQcd1zZ6hI7-4YlfI02rX3ZiMu9CwjJ15rFykE3RLwAg4Roz0gfe9RtjMpjiyHqD3RpYQ-m9DSkL_8bAC2BX7D6FhidUuv9k4ygAe8/s400/IMG_2228.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Because, Why Not Write?</i> cover design and art in progress.</td></tr>
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It was exciting to work with the young authors and to explore the many possibilities for the design of their books. <i>Because, Why Not Write?</i> is a non-fiction book written by Cameron Jury. There is a great article in a local publication <a href="http://news.theforecaster.net/portland-writing-program-launches-scarborough-young-author/" target="_blank">here</a>, that gives more details about the program and her process. <i>The Presumpscot Baptism of a Jewish Girl</i> is a poetry book by Lizzy Lemieux. I especially love the <a href="http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47db-b6d7-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99" target="_blank">antique cover art</a> she chose from the New York Public Library's digital image collection. It is such a fantastic resource!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iOV3KpwBEEDwBGKs3HjLKXQtgx4X9ujXxQvN-3yysdyEZzrDyzRwbPWoCf7RDrqPM9ecKXhHAO3zSsC9stYrDXNGakd5Fcf-VZ-nTBOn3pGMI9LTEJwppTlzb6r9WlRF4i8ExPwlFkg/s1600/IMG_2663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iOV3KpwBEEDwBGKs3HjLKXQtgx4X9ujXxQvN-3yysdyEZzrDyzRwbPWoCf7RDrqPM9ecKXhHAO3zSsC9stYrDXNGakd5Fcf-VZ-nTBOn3pGMI9LTEJwppTlzb6r9WlRF4i8ExPwlFkg/s400/IMG_2663.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final products! All four YEA books are in the wagon.</td></tr>
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I look forward to working with more young authors in the future! Being at the Telling Room has been a great experience both socially and creatively. <br />
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<br />zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-77798240668095667462015-08-11T16:21:00.002-04:002015-08-25T09:04:04.700-04:00Listening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89vROquHCTQ6d1i766Hbod57_hYtQB28hQglJJX6RS40CGHsrFEWFk02MLXA8o3U7qobVchPs3pfqeMy9s0FhWg_kU3xyb5Eg8J3p5S9BA1vE4LY80zIkCJWZoNLdM8tuvLx1axllpDU/s1600/e6c82bae2ba08c991407d8b78155ef6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89vROquHCTQ6d1i766Hbod57_hYtQB28hQglJJX6RS40CGHsrFEWFk02MLXA8o3U7qobVchPs3pfqeMy9s0FhWg_kU3xyb5Eg8J3p5S9BA1vE4LY80zIkCJWZoNLdM8tuvLx1axllpDU/s320/e6c82bae2ba08c991407d8b78155ef6a.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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I thought I would take a moment to share with you what fills my ears during the hundreds of hours I spend painting, drawing and designing.<br />
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Growing up, my art teacher always played classical music. I learned to love Debussy, Mozart and Bach, to name a few. In college I was excited by all the different types of music that would fill the studios. There was always some new band to learn about, and my love of music grew. Just after college, I discovered that I often would reach a point in my illustrations where one part of my brain could focus on the painting and the other could listen to an audio book. This was before podcasts were really a thing, and before I had discovered the wonders of NPR. Over the past eight or so years, my listening has grown to include a vast array of podcasts. I find audio books challenging because a book is created to be read, not heard. Podcasts use language and sound in a different way since their original format is made for the ears.<br />
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My endless curiosity is fed by the constant flow of new information. I love hearing the stories, both true and make believe that I listen to. They make me think about new and different things and indirectly influence my work. I'm always searching for more! Below are some of my favorite podcasts:<br />
<a href="http://99percentinvisible.org/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://99percentinvisible.org/" target="_blank">99% Invisible</a><br />
<a href="http://www.radiolab.org/" target="_blank">RadioLab</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thisamericanlife.org/" target="_blank">This American Life</a><br />
<a href="http://themoth.org/about/programs/the-moth-podcast" target="_blank">The Moth</a><br />
<a href="http://www.npr.org/programs/invisibilia/" target="_blank">Invisiblia</a><br />
<a href="http://serialpodcast.org/" target="_blank">Serial </a><br />
<a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/money/127413729/podcast/" target="_blank">Planet Money</a><br />
<a href="http://freakonomics.com/category/freakonomics-radio/podcasts/" target="_blank">Freakonomics Radio</a><br />
<a href="http://www.wnyc.org/shows/deathsexmoney/" target="_blank">Death, Sex & Money</a><br />
<a href="https://gimletmedia.com/show/startup/" target="_blank">StartUp Podcast</a><br />
<a href="http://longestshortesttime.com/" target="_blank">The Longest Shortest Time</a><br />
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And last, take a listen to episode 167: <a href="http://99percentinvisible.org/episode/voices-in-the-wire/" target="_blank">Voices in the Wire</a> from 99% Invisible to truly understand the novelty and power of broadcast sound.<br />
<br />zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-8697425582014105152015-07-31T09:02:00.000-04:002015-07-31T09:02:49.321-04:00August 2015: Desktop Wallpaper Download<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylDP19gNMEk2rHZbPUSwUs351vFmc1_z6GAmA8Rp16Ypc2Ut5Sm0OfFAXRDo5Ygi56DxbHc5n1dZyKXGZ8DPp_yzU6C_R2rd3RxncqGIDFNYF014KZcnpApPlS12JWrvzf5MLZLyal5o/s1600/August15_desktop+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylDP19gNMEk2rHZbPUSwUs351vFmc1_z6GAmA8Rp16Ypc2Ut5Sm0OfFAXRDo5Ygi56DxbHc5n1dZyKXGZ8DPp_yzU6C_R2rd3RxncqGIDFNYF014KZcnpApPlS12JWrvzf5MLZLyal5o/s400/August15_desktop+image.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_4Rc3C78_zpYQtYOkr6GpsNXRFFFwtWhwb76HIBPe1Nh9EVMxkk3DO9h7i0w5F7oQ2VqShE_Ye_XonxMAfzf-ZGX5Z-bL_FPjzcWylXyKi-g3zci7cHrvc2ARbXpasgkaQcl0pcPAJ0/s1600/August15_iphone+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_4Rc3C78_zpYQtYOkr6GpsNXRFFFwtWhwb76HIBPe1Nh9EVMxkk3DO9h7i0w5F7oQ2VqShE_Ye_XonxMAfzf-ZGX5Z-bL_FPjzcWylXyKi-g3zci7cHrvc2ARbXpasgkaQcl0pcPAJ0/s400/August15_iphone+image.png" width="336" /></a></div>
. . . Annnd we're back! I am rather disappointed that I wasn't able to complete a July calendar, but at least I've managed to squeeze August in on time! August is a special month. It reminds me of December, where there's a lot of parties and not a lot of work being done. It's a month that's good for campfires, swimming, picking peaches, watching the moon rise and the fireflies come out. I hope you have a beautiful month!<br />
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Download the desktop and laptop version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/3tsv0ss1nm3zuda/August15_desktop_ahalsey.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
Download the smartphone version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/dy6qvx2tan2xs3y/August15_phone_ahalsey.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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These are for personal use only. All illustrations © Ashley P. Halsey 2015
zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-89630816562904355592015-06-05T10:50:00.002-04:002015-06-05T10:51:25.004-04:00June 2015: Desktop Wallpaper Download<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZio7s7z2wrWajqxZb3vV81sgdoVTmtT2zZkfFovYa22TedhBib4pQrU9_Dfp0TWRIW2fWr4UYCWIWyW9w1k7vMYFYyUY-PR2j4utU-5FhoNR1hyphenhyphenCBwYpFqaGw-C4taJzEqRrgOmrD_4/s1600/June15_desktop+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZio7s7z2wrWajqxZb3vV81sgdoVTmtT2zZkfFovYa22TedhBib4pQrU9_Dfp0TWRIW2fWr4UYCWIWyW9w1k7vMYFYyUY-PR2j4utU-5FhoNR1hyphenhyphenCBwYpFqaGw-C4taJzEqRrgOmrD_4/s400/June15_desktop+image.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceYDHgrxuIq788UiT4Yrl5IpDHuC4aeFYQadbTT4yLdegchHDuhKb0TPfOMFH8hHzeIKOvZ_sCCkh3yz8LxmDmqj3xEngDdnn9OlAjFA8M3sgIl4g3f_CyP1uHNdxaQ2fFuTamS_0g0Q/s1600/June15+iphone+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceYDHgrxuIq788UiT4Yrl5IpDHuC4aeFYQadbTT4yLdegchHDuhKb0TPfOMFH8hHzeIKOvZ_sCCkh3yz8LxmDmqj3xEngDdnn9OlAjFA8M3sgIl4g3f_CyP1uHNdxaQ2fFuTamS_0g0Q/s400/June15+iphone+image.png" width="336" /></a></div>
At long last, here is June's desktop calendar! Sorry for the delay - things have been pretty busy and I fell behind. But at least there's strawberries! I have been daydreaming about all the strawberries I'm going to pick in Maine and all the things I'm going to make with them including strawberry jam and strawberry rhubarb pie! Enjoy!<br />
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Download the desktop and laptop version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/u29him48r9a2ab6/June15_desktop_ahalsey.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
Download the smartphone version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/yoprgxipj09t2w9/June15_phone_ahalsey.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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These are for personal use only. All illustrations © Ashley P. Halsey 2015
zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-25002531576956249682015-05-01T16:32:00.001-04:002015-05-01T16:51:44.609-04:00May 2015: Downloadable Desktop Wallpaper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGkiVprdfB5Co02qzoJthymsnMKhYDPKU1dZA7Ex5NqS-e5F2OkznRcaOShittKSW6BjME42l1_goh5tt-8emqs9q0znYCON7dWJXzZIZF5afs21YkcdwRQUWGacK5Yfzpd-a44rE4VE/s1600/May15_desktop_image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGkiVprdfB5Co02qzoJthymsnMKhYDPKU1dZA7Ex5NqS-e5F2OkznRcaOShittKSW6BjME42l1_goh5tt-8emqs9q0znYCON7dWJXzZIZF5afs21YkcdwRQUWGacK5Yfzpd-a44rE4VE/s1600/May15_desktop_image.png" height="321" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyblxgMeE0bxH_PVjxXfMoYOlmS-B_moC5i5VcDa9sKvCpAUAMOi6lbRS2Dd9nSulBdgd1gHs6SzxdKsYXrWZlW9MSd6mMKPmPyDjFZbDCpm5NtmSxPY21yCTY0Ob4XFSk1Ekv-O6bPQ/s1600/May15_iphone+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyblxgMeE0bxH_PVjxXfMoYOlmS-B_moC5i5VcDa9sKvCpAUAMOi6lbRS2Dd9nSulBdgd1gHs6SzxdKsYXrWZlW9MSd6mMKPmPyDjFZbDCpm5NtmSxPY21yCTY0Ob4XFSk1Ekv-O6bPQ/s1600/May15_iphone+image.png" height="400" width="336" /></a></div>
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Happy May! This month's calendar is inspired by the tiny seedlings that are sprouting in a pot in my kitchen! I love seeing everything appearing after the long winter. Each day we get a little more sunlight and a little more greenery. Click below to download your wallpaper calendar. Enjoy!<br />
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Download the desktop and laptop version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/1lbopad6xvaze1d/May15_desktop_ahalsey.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
Download the smartphone version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/sugh79szg9kot5t/May15%20phone%20image_ahalsey.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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These are for personal use only. All illustrations © Ashley P. Halsey 2015
zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-76375973043567116352015-04-13T12:59:00.002-04:002015-04-16T21:13:36.346-04:00Moving (again)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gepKQj_35TA-uSxjvQr0HQW7e-wBQSySiFdmUmTbQaq71OOP8s1tGQisMvEe9mxltaEuqbGamhoXcmVa0UiKiqEyF8o_TINIGnJ9LV6TZditUIoqj3uaUg6aEk8KlVA4GZOWtlYz7DM/s1600/IMG_1009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gepKQj_35TA-uSxjvQr0HQW7e-wBQSySiFdmUmTbQaq71OOP8s1tGQisMvEe9mxltaEuqbGamhoXcmVa0UiKiqEyF8o_TINIGnJ9LV6TZditUIoqj3uaUg6aEk8KlVA4GZOWtlYz7DM/s1600/IMG_1009.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Don't worry! I didn't move to a new city or state, just to a new, and better, apartment in Portland. Moving is truly a double edged sword. On the one hand, I hate pulling all my stuff apart and fitting it in boxes, on the other hand, it's great to be forced to take stock of what I actually own and it's even more worth it when the place you move to is better than the last! I'm so excited to be in a larger place that has, wait for it, a <i>washer and dryer</i>!! That is unheard of in New York. Of course, what I am truly in disbelief over is the fact that I now have a studio in a separate room! I have dreamed of having a studio space since I graduated from college and at last the dream is a reality. I had a great time deciding what would go on the wall.<br />
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I won't go into all the boring details of our move, but I will say that I do not want to visit Ikea again for a very, very long time. We spent too many hours building things over the past few weeks, but I'm so pleased with the results. We were also lucky enough to get some furniture from my parents. I love painting furniture, so the task of washing, sanding and painting two old bookshelves was very satisfying. Below is my Flipagram of the process of rejuvenating one of the bookshelves that was in my dad's childhood bedroom.<br />
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/0OXmudP__Z/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_top">A video posted by Ashley P. Halsey (@zephyr2403)</a> on <time datetime="2015-03-14T22:15:09+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 14, 2015 at 3:15pm PDT</time></div>
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<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-69920810779777778862015-04-01T09:24:00.000-04:002015-04-01T09:24:09.353-04:00April 2015: Downloadable Desktop Wallpaper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsVJ5Gi05if9kj1rAnZyDHIQrzYn3zet5bfcb2Axuik1lxAIFHYkQqL_SxdBlpbEehIcpIQkpJ-loOIWi0oEDVR9OaK5wYXz5XiArEqL16_buwhCwNuhPzmIyfpQHDNlMFz7Kl8BSP9E/s1600/April15_desktop+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsVJ5Gi05if9kj1rAnZyDHIQrzYn3zet5bfcb2Axuik1lxAIFHYkQqL_SxdBlpbEehIcpIQkpJ-loOIWi0oEDVR9OaK5wYXz5XiArEqL16_buwhCwNuhPzmIyfpQHDNlMFz7Kl8BSP9E/s1600/April15_desktop+image.png" height="321" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjEj9cPLyw6QriCX9aXxVDZfxXyfUrFC065fE39mxOK828Qy38YDwsvhyQ5neRjvlqzc1Ay4X6ss_q4UODTw0HUz6tWBEPfHH-BNdz4yCz1AtTn_wUxBRMH56exKmtum6-bhAj_Ljhpc/s1600/April15_iphone+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjEj9cPLyw6QriCX9aXxVDZfxXyfUrFC065fE39mxOK828Qy38YDwsvhyQ5neRjvlqzc1Ay4X6ss_q4UODTw0HUz6tWBEPfHH-BNdz4yCz1AtTn_wUxBRMH56exKmtum6-bhAj_Ljhpc/s1600/April15_iphone+image.png" height="320" width="269" /></a></div>
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I'm in shock that a month has flown by already! However, with the longer hours of daylight and the slightly warmer temperatures, I'm not complaining. For April's calendar I chose tree branches that show just a hint of the first leaves coming out. <a href="https://www.arborday.org/index.cfm" target="_blank">Arbor Day</a> (4/24) and <a href="http://www.earthday.org/" target="_blank">Earth Day</a> (4/22) are both celebrated in April. I love trees, and one of my favorite times of year is when all the leaves are coming out and there is an electric green everywhere that is so bright and wonderful I could never paint it. It signifies new life and a new season! Enjoy the digital decorations you can download below:<br />
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Download the desktop and laptop version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/pj8aqcw9d314gsr/April15_desktop_ahalsey.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
Download the smartphone version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/g3ss4pi5ttmcmnn/April15_phone_ahalsey.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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These are for personal use only. All illustrations © Ashley P. Halsey 2015
zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-59185957042488316182015-03-01T10:30:00.000-05:002015-03-02T09:31:12.945-05:00March 2015: Downloadable Desktop Wallpaper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqHigZyslgfSxX03I5dJ0J7LmxzRb7RvQG7M1yk2NJT4u4NjCYovMXkY5iMz-rKLAAEoDUriZ8FXYF4MKh3jvDErgBkfk3xt4VT1Cs81x1wOJh3rP25uQCQ6VtIFWME_89oELYYVy2P0/s1600/March15_desktop.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqHigZyslgfSxX03I5dJ0J7LmxzRb7RvQG7M1yk2NJT4u4NjCYovMXkY5iMz-rKLAAEoDUriZ8FXYF4MKh3jvDErgBkfk3xt4VT1Cs81x1wOJh3rP25uQCQ6VtIFWME_89oELYYVy2P0/s1600/March15_desktop.png" height="321" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhW3BH3nq7_IJ1H5Nii4S_CvlqJuxDg6g4eOYPh4IUwQNHltOMwuwHyLZ0RWv22_6BWNo3mPIhPuLVycFugDB1DBEar52bZBil3Awj2Cna5FpmqsO5fqWtHulTheMQw6f4-AZVHHSMrjw/s1600/March15_iphone.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhW3BH3nq7_IJ1H5Nii4S_CvlqJuxDg6g4eOYPh4IUwQNHltOMwuwHyLZ0RWv22_6BWNo3mPIhPuLVycFugDB1DBEar52bZBil3Awj2Cna5FpmqsO5fqWtHulTheMQw6f4-AZVHHSMrjw/s1600/March15_iphone.png" height="400" width="336" /></a></div>
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Despite all the piles and piles of snow outside, we all know Spring will make it's appearance eventually! Believe it or not, Friday, March 20th is the first day of spring. Daffodils are my favorite flowers and it just so happens they are the birth flower of March. Enjoy the digital decorations you can download below and the beginning of spring!<br />
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Download the desktop and laptop version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/ygck7mr21czav7r/March15_desktop_ahalsey.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
Download the smartphone version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/23ra1cedd1ulprk/March15_phone_ahalsey.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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These are for personal use only. All illustrations © Ashley P. Halsey 2015
zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-86586850825370710702015-02-20T18:49:00.001-05:002015-02-20T18:49:41.360-05:00My First Winter in Maine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5efKznr_R91cxBph7cEGW4w5qPFzjMpQY_fu1CLigEuAjJJFq2vBiM9pKGhAh60NdENfsJ3zKXnKYIJNbIwZp8M9qGXSU-FQcUBnUytbmWwg46FFrMdz5avWo52fU5N5bl_WWg42XPk/s1600/IMG_0606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5efKznr_R91cxBph7cEGW4w5qPFzjMpQY_fu1CLigEuAjJJFq2vBiM9pKGhAh60NdENfsJ3zKXnKYIJNbIwZp8M9qGXSU-FQcUBnUytbmWwg46FFrMdz5avWo52fU5N5bl_WWg42XPk/s1600/IMG_0606.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
My how time flies! I've already been living in Portland for four months now. I'll admit that during the first couple months between painting during the day and traveling for holidays I felt a little like I was on vacation from New York. However, once I got back to Maine after New Year's and experienced a real Maine blizzard I came more to terms with the move I had made. Luckily I do generally like winter and love snow, so my first Maine winter hasn't been <i>too</i> bad. However, considering this is almost the coldest and snowiest winter on record here, I think I am allowed to complain about the weather from time to time.<br />
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Above are a selection of my favorite instagram photos from the past couple months. Even though wearing my Bean boots <i>every day</i> along with a giant coat, hat, gloves, scarf and long underwear gets tiring, when I've had the chance to do a little winter exploring up here it's been beautiful. My boyfriend and I tried cross-country skiing (him for the first time, me for the first time in 17 years), which was fun, and we also went to Sleigh Day at a local farm and got to take a sleigh ride, which was a first time experience for both of us. I'm still looking forward to trying snow-shoeing too!<br />
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As far as working goes, learning to balance the freelance lifestyle is a new challenge. I enjoy it, but obviously, as with any kind of self-employment there are uncertainties that differ from having a full-time job. So far, I love the freedom of being my own boss and finally being able to pursue ideas I have during the day, rather than at night and on the weekends. On the other hand, it's sometimes tough to decide what is a priority when there is no specific deadline for a self-imposed project. In any case, I'm looking forward to seeing what this year has in store. If you're curious to know more about my thoughts on being a self-employed artist you can check out <a href="http://www.workyourart.com/interview/a-conversation-with-ashley-halsey-from-maine-usa/" target="_blank">this interview</a> I did for Work Your Art.zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-31865248144769126582015-02-01T10:00:00.000-05:002015-02-01T10:12:24.234-05:00February 2015: Downloadable Desktop Wallpaper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1k4DJ9cxvqxo4mn7trCbqefgEQ6OOvTTAP54Kf_5Eg8dMSt1Lo6VBwK2dqNTbbNK-e4_BXRy11ohGJtxUlTGdsr0Tcq0Ap_gIMwIwPyaAJFQ-0h6r5C5M7e9mj4owBv3K3EMANhNXJg/s1600/Feb15_desktop+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="February 2015 Downloadable desktop Calendar © Ashley P. Halsey" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1k4DJ9cxvqxo4mn7trCbqefgEQ6OOvTTAP54Kf_5Eg8dMSt1Lo6VBwK2dqNTbbNK-e4_BXRy11ohGJtxUlTGdsr0Tcq0Ap_gIMwIwPyaAJFQ-0h6r5C5M7e9mj4owBv3K3EMANhNXJg/s1600/Feb15_desktop+image.png" height="321" title="February 2015 Downloadable desktop Calendar © Ashley P. Halsey" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0RrBrN7uZ9-FkkEIm4V7HaHNaSjk7vYehNkTVEeIkzrwsir3oMTGgkcV9mZZPbNu8m-2pe6bJ-3NzFsgeglMOBM7xXJ5M5EToTXvG21QRdjXABTOUOuJlU2gb9MMygXMi96Hb8b19PM/s1600/Feb15_iphone+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="February 2015 Downloadable mobile Calendar © Ashley P. Halsey" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0RrBrN7uZ9-FkkEIm4V7HaHNaSjk7vYehNkTVEeIkzrwsir3oMTGgkcV9mZZPbNu8m-2pe6bJ-3NzFsgeglMOBM7xXJ5M5EToTXvG21QRdjXABTOUOuJlU2gb9MMygXMi96Hb8b19PM/s1600/Feb15_iphone+image.png" height="400" title="February 2015 Downloadable mobile Calendar © Ashley P. Halsey" width="336" /></a></div>
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Naturally, my February calendar download is Valentine's Day themed, but really that's because for me Valentine's Day is an excellent excuse to eat chocolate and conversation hearts in the somewhat bleak month of February. The teapot and teacup also make me think of winter and how I enjoy sharing hot drinks with friends. Click the links below
to download. Enjoy!<br />
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Download the desktop and laptop version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/n54xbtc2di65u5s/February15_desktop_ahalsey.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
Download the smartphone version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/8m2i8cqy61pnea1/February15_phone_ahalsey.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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These are for personal use only. All illustrations © Ashley P. Halsey 2015
zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-17268796172297539962015-01-16T15:36:00.000-05:002015-01-16T15:36:16.518-05:00Swoon Reads Cover DraftsWhen I worked at <a href="http://us.macmillan.com/mackids" target="_blank">Macmillan Children's books </a>I was helping to design covers and interiors for <a href="http://www.swoonreads.com/" target="_blank">Swoon Reads</a>, a new crowd sourcing YA romance imprint. You can read about the process of designing the interior of a book in the blog post I did for Swoon Reads: <a href="http://www.swoonreads.com/blog/pulling-back-the-curtains-interior-design" target="_blank">Pulling Back the Curtains: Interior Design</a>. Now that I'm freelancing for them I thought I would take a minute to post some old cover comps I worked out while at Macmillan. Some of these appeared on the Swoon Reads website during the voting process, but none were chosen. However, I think the process of designing a book cover is an interesting one, and I wanted to share a little of what I had in my archives.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbcnTti_9kVZLCzXRiQ9zmUF7X3XM4W0m14vRC_Prfulm1kPe5KtgVsACNu-Db_wakP7_R05MY4_XuW7MopPUItgjjizMVJhLcV84RlmuHTuYTSrgKNEdcL4fZjfBGPStwPcMSOKYWQ0/s1600/ALittleSomethingDifferent+comps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbcnTti_9kVZLCzXRiQ9zmUF7X3XM4W0m14vRC_Prfulm1kPe5KtgVsACNu-Db_wakP7_R05MY4_XuW7MopPUItgjjizMVJhLcV84RlmuHTuYTSrgKNEdcL4fZjfBGPStwPcMSOKYWQ0/s1600/ALittleSomethingDifferent+comps.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></div>
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The first manuscript to be chosen and printed by Swoon Reads was <i>A Little Something Different</i>. I was experimenting with different fonts and images with this one. I loved the black and white pencil sketch of the boy and the girl (you can see the original art by Genevieve Santos <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/55086613/clink-illustration-print-rosy-pink?ref=shop_home_active_7" target="_blank">here</a>), but it was ultimately decided that they looked too young and were replaced with the older couple you see on the left.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVE6aMV-HYsK3McndDsQBG8jgILGVEp4BTyUOeNHU9KiTMcVpN4lc7xPx1yN-qeVIGN6IB7G5WQvQ45rChmKENhpCf1wgtYJGl3pKiTjlFvrLEop26T1Vo_jaE3tO3RgOlv6-Qh8WAVY/s1600/LoveFortunes_comps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVE6aMV-HYsK3McndDsQBG8jgILGVEp4BTyUOeNHU9KiTMcVpN4lc7xPx1yN-qeVIGN6IB7G5WQvQ45rChmKENhpCf1wgtYJGl3pKiTjlFvrLEop26T1Vo_jaE3tO3RgOlv6-Qh8WAVY/s1600/LoveFortunes_comps.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></div>
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I really enjoyed reading the manuscript for <i>Love Fortunes and Other Disasters</i>, and as a result had a number of ideas about the tone and feel of the cover. I wanted it to be fun and playful and show the idea of a town that believes in love while playing with the idea of the physical fortune that people receive. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3SrB8GAoHNS3LdkFX7SfTQhS28a5eHwwHZqGTAB15CU3C_nXP5Gez4lXrWSXZmEPsmz5QRDCCBbqDIchWy9-xUswsSaoieqG9BVTE1v7MHjlE0U9EqflSs4619nyNuUx-5BO9zayjag/s1600/Velvet_comps2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3SrB8GAoHNS3LdkFX7SfTQhS28a5eHwwHZqGTAB15CU3C_nXP5Gez4lXrWSXZmEPsmz5QRDCCBbqDIchWy9-xUswsSaoieqG9BVTE1v7MHjlE0U9EqflSs4619nyNuUx-5BO9zayjag/s1600/Velvet_comps2+copy.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></div>
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For <i>Velvet</i>, I found a number of really atmospheric photos that inspired me to go for a look that would convey the mystery and fantasy I found in the manuscript. I especially loved the light in these images and I enjoyed choosing some elegant fonts to go with them.<br />
<br />zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-90204118394035540672015-01-08T11:47:00.000-05:002015-01-08T11:47:12.149-05:00January 2015: Downloadable Desktop Wallpaper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This year I've decided to create a free downloadable desktop calendar each month. This one is coming a little late as I was caught up in New Year's celebrations and such, but I promise February's will be more on time! I've also created a version for smartphones. Click the links below to download. Enjoy!<br />
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Download the desktop and laptop version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/7zjrjv37r7z665g/January15_desktop_ahalsey.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
Download the smartphone version <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/bdctjcg6nnfym2r/January15%20smartphone.jpg?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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These are for personal use only. All illustrations © Ashley P. Halsey 2015zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-18601417954700913682015-01-02T22:52:00.001-05:002015-01-02T22:52:20.141-05:002014 Year in Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2014 was quite the year and I can't believe 2015 is already here! I thought I would take a moment to reflect on the past year and consider all the changes, accomplishments and beautiful moments that 2014 brought. Above are nine photos that I think best represent my year. Below are my thoughts (following the photos left to right, top to bottom):<br />
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<li><b>The Sketchbook Project:</b> The year started off with me racing to finish my <a href="https://www.sketchbookproject.com/" target="_blank">sketchbook</a> by the deadline. Little did I know that my theme of hand lettered quotes related to Carpe Diem would prove to play such an important part in the forthcoming year. I just ordered my next sketchbook —I can't wait to fill it up!</li>
<li><b>Cross-country road trip:</b> My boyfriend and I were called into action when my aunt, who was moving from Sacramento, CA to Stonington, CT needed help getting her car across the country. We spent 11 days and over 3,000 miles driving from Sacramento to Pasadena to Tuscon, AZ to Fort Stockton, TX to Houston, to New Orleans, LA to Montgomery, AL to Atlanta, GA to Roanoke, VA to Scotch Plains, NJ and finally to CT! It was exhausting and fantastic!</li>
<li><b>5k at the Bronx Zoo: </b>At long last I finally completed my first 5k, and at the Bronx Zoo none-the-less! The race is called <a href="http://e.wcs.org/site/PageServer?pagename=RFTW_homepage" target="_blank">Run for the Wild</a> and proceeds went to help protect elephants.</li>
<li><b>Manhattanhenge:</b> In case you don't know - <a href="http://www.amnh.org/our-research/hayden-planetarium/resources/manhattanhenge" target="_blank">this phenomenon</a> is when, twice a year the sun sets directly in line with the Manhattan grid. A friend and I got tickets to the American Museum of Natural History event where you learn about how and why this occurs, and then we went outside and watched! The best part was that at the same time the sun was setting a huge full moon was rising directly behind us on the grid too! It was an incredible event to witness.</li>
<li><b>Whale watching:</b> While I had been on a whale watch once before, this whale watching trip off the coast of Plymouth, MA was spectacular. Not only did we see MANY humpback whales up close and far away, we saw a <a href="http://www.theodora.com/wfb/photos/australia/humpback_whale_breaching_hervey_bay_queensland_australia_photo_tourism_qld.jpg" target="_blank">full breach</a>! I am still in shock that we were lucky enough to witness that!</li>
<li><b>Leaving MacKids:</b> My boyfriend got a job in Portland, Maine and moved there in March. After doing long distance for 6 months I decided it was time to take the leap and join him. Unfortunately, that meant leaving a job and co-workers I loved. It was a fantastic three years! I learned so much and I am so lucky to have had the chance to be a part of the MacKids team.</li>
<li><b>Moving to Maine:</b> Onward and geographically upward! In October I packed up my things, bought a couch, and off we went in a Uhaul to Portland. It was sad to say good-bye to my neighborhood that I cherished for all 6+ years I lived in Brooklyn and my wonderful room mate and friend of 4 years. </li>
<li><b>A new life in Portland:</b> Despite having to leave so many wonderful people and places behind in New York, I was and am equally excited about starting a new chapter in Maine. I did not plan to move to Portland, and wouldn't have predicted I would end up here, but I think it was just the right time for a change. I always knew New York wasn't forever, but getting to live my 20s in such an amazing city was absolutely the best. So far, working for myself is going well, and I love the variety of work I'm getting to do. I can't wait to see what 2015 brings!</li>
<li><b>Turning 30:</b> Being 30 seems like the right place to be. It's not too old, it's not too young. It's an age where you can call yourself an adult with certainty, own who you are, and not worry about what others think of you. I know my fourth decade will undoubtedly bring more changes, and I welcome them. </li>
</ol>
zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-9066984350572697042014-11-12T10:04:00.000-05:002014-11-12T10:04:18.671-05:00Placid Girl cover design<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4L51baG77SFQUwJ3DbbtR9jUSHnlnjXNGB7Ua_Jj5QKpKYiIkoHAf2XeSD1taRPA56eUi5A35v1lz-3V5WMfaD28qcpy4ARNiWX0flEoINToFW8vLUAmjlnXR9O_2cU3XfYaY8BU3ic/s1600/PlacidGirl_cvr_lorez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4L51baG77SFQUwJ3DbbtR9jUSHnlnjXNGB7Ua_Jj5QKpKYiIkoHAf2XeSD1taRPA56eUi5A35v1lz-3V5WMfaD28qcpy4ARNiWX0flEoINToFW8vLUAmjlnXR9O_2cU3XfYaY8BU3ic/s1600/PlacidGirl_cvr_lorez.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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I'm so glad to finally be able to share the cover of my friend Brenna Ehrlich's debut YA novel, <i>Placid Girl</i>! Brenna and I have known each other since we were both under 3 feet tall, and have stayed friends since then. I was honored when she asked me to work with her on the design of her book, which she has decided to publish through her own independent publishing company <a href="http://allagespress.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">All Ages Press</a>. The cover was revealed on <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/valerie-tejeda/brenna-ehrlich-chats-about-her-debut-and-cover_b_6104844.html" target="_blank">The Huffington Post </a>last week!<br />
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After I read the manuscript there were a number of ideas that came to mind that I thought might capture the dark, suspenseful feeling of the story. The Keds evolved as one direction for cover imagery because in the opening chapters of the book the main character gets a new pair of Keds and purposely works to dirty them up. In some ways I saw this as a metaphor for what happens to the characters as the story progresses. Below, you can see some more cover choices I did for Brenna:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8EJ9O3ZfhF6-rZUnrC5yDLik8tTo0gUwfB92c6kcAl2jpdxRxt0mjMOS83VjAghb6Jhzst86vAHrP1PNLOp6zdAyw976CuHA_Ig1sJIDJa0nq0vYWHl_7L-2kr62joUgi5uKwm2a_TQ/s1600/placid+girl+comps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8EJ9O3ZfhF6-rZUnrC5yDLik8tTo0gUwfB92c6kcAl2jpdxRxt0mjMOS83VjAghb6Jhzst86vAHrP1PNLOp6zdAyw976CuHA_Ig1sJIDJa0nq0vYWHl_7L-2kr62joUgi5uKwm2a_TQ/s400/placid+girl+comps.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Included here is the original version of the Keds cover. We decided to rough it up more and make it darker to represent the ominous undertones of the story. Then we settled on a font and <i>voila!</i> we had a cover. I can't wait for the final book to be published!<br />
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<br />zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-90281284929596114802014-11-09T18:35:00.000-05:002014-11-09T18:48:04.585-05:00Owl Calendar Painting<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaG7G5JKIG1vtV8frONzd9Bg2IMLEtqSakCWIZ4U_qA6ydibh9zJARYMtbJLlgOYYE69H9eJxXXKVLtI6jy8-0Q_ehQOiaTBofL3xxDUGVRVaypTFsf4iMqXJK_fhk0AUjxDGzsraaICw/s1600/AshleyHalsey_owl_lorez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaG7G5JKIG1vtV8frONzd9Bg2IMLEtqSakCWIZ4U_qA6ydibh9zJARYMtbJLlgOYYE69H9eJxXXKVLtI6jy8-0Q_ehQOiaTBofL3xxDUGVRVaypTFsf4iMqXJK_fhk0AUjxDGzsraaICw/s1600/AshleyHalsey_owl_lorez.jpg" height="303" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© Ashley Halsey 2014</td></tr>
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<tr align="left"><td>I'm very pleased to have my painting be part of the <a href="http://www.myowlbarn.com/p/owl-lover-2015-cal.html" target="_blank">Owl Lover 2015 Calendar</a> which has been curated by Shivani of <a href="http://www.myowlbarn.com/" target="_blank">My Owl Barn</a>. It is the fifth annual calendar created in collaboration with 46 artists from all around the world. From these 46 artists you can pick and choose which owl paintings you like the best and put together a free downloadable calendar! <br />
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I was excited to take part in this project and have an excuse to paint a Barred Owl. I love all kinds of birds, and raptors I find to be particularly arresting in their mystery. You can head over to my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FromSkytoSea?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">Etsy Shop</a> to see another of my owl paintings - <a href="http://fromskytosea.com/2011/10/21/eastern-screech-owl/" target="_blank">the Eastern Screech Owl</a>.<br />
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zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-62197762239018602152014-10-27T16:40:00.000-04:002014-11-03T10:50:21.686-05:00Moving to Maine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Bt3ACTEQjcfHb8wNL6PVGBXBzV2GvJeRDSa0dbYF0IoR7x3mYv1f1SlJxrIqWn8K5CkSJKTxPcAKw1FYLNX7nsju8YFzWPtAKCRvDk7ABtxE_hrNNltX79z8DGzWPpQZ-rqXhu9IzNU/s1600/IMG_5960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Bt3ACTEQjcfHb8wNL6PVGBXBzV2GvJeRDSa0dbYF0IoR7x3mYv1f1SlJxrIqWn8K5CkSJKTxPcAKw1FYLNX7nsju8YFzWPtAKCRvDk7ABtxE_hrNNltX79z8DGzWPpQZ-rqXhu9IzNU/s1600/IMG_5960.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Well, it's official! On October 19th I moved to Portland, Maine. After many months of doing long distance, I decided it was was finally time for me to go be with my boyfriend, who had moved here earlier in the year for a job. It was a big step to take, to leave my full-time job as a children's book designer and move to a new city, but I knew it was what I needed to do.<br />
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While I loved living in New York City, I always knew it wasn't a place I wanted to live forever. There are too many things I love that are harder to do in NYC than in a smaller city. I'm hoping to have time to get back to horseback riding, for example! I also want to spend more time in nature doing things like hiking, kayaking and maybe I'll even try skiing again. Portland seems like a fun and dynamic little city and I'm excited to explore more of it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbbn7O_yYJF_-FUojvdvDoXOjh_l5cvUgvWGU1V9S24LsS0fBQez66hznEOok4GXCWGfDaYDemcMvTz4slXs1wJ2VRkIp6nIf0Du7IgkmNYqtpU8-dnMmgeB9221V88N2vEZw0qpHN8E/s1600/IMG_5966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbbn7O_yYJF_-FUojvdvDoXOjh_l5cvUgvWGU1V9S24LsS0fBQez66hznEOok4GXCWGfDaYDemcMvTz4slXs1wJ2VRkIp6nIf0Du7IgkmNYqtpU8-dnMmgeB9221V88N2vEZw0qpHN8E/s1600/IMG_5966.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Above is my new little work spot in the apartment –studio– if you will, that I'll be at whenever I'm not at the <a href="http://portlandengineroom.com/" target="_blank">Engine Room</a>, a co-working space that I'll be working at a few days a week. I'm excited to keep book designing, but to also have some time to pursue my art and illustration further.<br />
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Stay tuned for more regular posts about my new life in Portland and the work I'm creating.<br />
<br />zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165761695799162427.post-56382366360800538742014-06-23T22:42:00.000-04:002014-06-23T22:42:16.590-04:00Illustrated Wedding Map on Style Me Pretty<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Hvhp2inwS0-z0dF7e8U1PdYcg_XI8HTFsiVeGo5WbPgt8MAXudK6uFOEUWG7ar0syAWiT22jNYpH9wvQB6PeqYl2ba8zjVnVZprBCA18GktZoHVJq-e130sFCUUj6r-wJ_AHmVjoAgM/s1600/BImap_JuliaWade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Hvhp2inwS0-z0dF7e8U1PdYcg_XI8HTFsiVeGo5WbPgt8MAXudK6uFOEUWG7ar0syAWiT22jNYpH9wvQB6PeqYl2ba8zjVnVZprBCA18GktZoHVJq-e130sFCUUj6r-wJ_AHmVjoAgM/s1600/BImap_JuliaWade.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Julia Wade</td></tr>
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Last August I attended my cousin's beautiful wedding on Block Island, Rhode Island. I hadn't been to Block Island in many years, and it was even more charming than I remembered. The wedding itself was fantastic, and I had so much fun celebrating with my family members who could attend. <br />
As my gift to the couple, I created a custom illustrated map that they included in the welcome gift bag that each guest received upon arrival on the island.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OEpAgZsE7eUez_lzT96ngItYMtZYakvmutJSp4OhRACP_q7zZwe8j_BT761cXSmRwPFP-K9UWnM_a2gEsm1O8Tt3Xwfv22aBE-qjrom5p1zWwRi74StlccvBFkTfK3v2RPhy2c40PgU/s1600/533ef8736003c$!400x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OEpAgZsE7eUez_lzT96ngItYMtZYakvmutJSp4OhRACP_q7zZwe8j_BT761cXSmRwPFP-K9UWnM_a2gEsm1O8Tt3Xwfv22aBE-qjrom5p1zWwRi74StlccvBFkTfK3v2RPhy2c40PgU/s1600/533ef8736003c$!400x.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Julia Wade</td></tr>
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I worked with the bride to decide what Block Island landmarks to include, and which wedding locations needed to be shown. Being a map lover, I really enjoyed the creative process that went in to making this. So, I was very excited to see that when Julia Wade, the wedding photographer, submitted her photos to <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/" target="_blank">Style Me Pretty</a>, her photo of my map was included! You can see the post <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/little-black-book-blog/2014/06/04/navy-pink-block-island-wedding/" target="_blank">here</a>. I hope to have the chance to make more maps in the future. You can see some details of the map on my <a href="http://www.ahalsey.com/" target="_blank">portfolio website</a>.<br />
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<br />zephyr2403http://www.blogger.com/profile/04921674687764811719noreply@blogger.com0