Sunday, July 24, 2005

Illustration Friday- TRANQUILITY



I guess I've now got birds on the brain (or I'm bird brained!) but this is what I came up with for this week's Illustration Friday theme, which is "tranquility". What's better than a nice soak in a bath after a long day of foraging worms for dinner and building nests? Only thing missing here is a glass of wine, me thinks.

As we all know...there is something particularly tranquil about water... whether one is drinking, soaking, floating or sitting beside it. Personally, I have a lame tub for soaking...it's too short and not very deep. I sometimes pretend it's much more luxurious and accommodating by adding pretty smelling soaps and lighting a candle. Not very creative, but you can sort of escape this way. Still, the damned faucet is drip-dripping and the porcelain against my shoulders is cold. I don't have regular access to a hot tub/spa/jacuzzi either, but those are particularly nice on a cool evening (with said glass of wine). At the end of my swim work-out, if I'm not sharing a lane with anyone else....I take a good solid minute or two to just float. Some might regard it a little strange perhaps, but that 60 seconds of buoyancy, floating atop the water and breathing in deep is a particularly tranquil moment I enjoy. And we all need those moments.

115 comments:

Extempore said...

Came across your blog by accident and am so glad I did! If I had half your talent, I'd be very very happy. Will certainly be back.

Come by my blog sometime - not quite as interesting but a decent read - (I hope!)

Anonymous said...

That looks restful AND cool. And we really need both, now, in LA

Emily said...

Ah... you've brought about a certain nostalgia for bathtubs. My "shower" is a two-inch deep basin that's so small I can't keep the shower curtain from blowing and sticking to my body. Also, I've had to strategically place little weights to catch water in the right spot so that I don't flood the bathroom...

I guess what I'm saying is, enjoy the tranquility of your water--don't take it for granted!

jimmmer said...

definitely missing a bottle, i mean, glass of wine.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely love the birds!!
The color is great, very relaxing.
Looks like tranquility to me!!

Anonymous said...

I really dig this one, lady. :)
So far, it's definitely my favorite "Tranquility".

isay said...

my favorite this week!

Unknown said...

I wish I was one of those birds yesterday. It was so hot and humid here. Once again, another gem. I love it!

Jon McNally said...

Hey, nice work, Paige! Oh, those flowers are so sweet and I like the angle of the pedestal, too. You've my favorite bird-brain.

Technokitten said...

Love the birdbath. Just what I needed today.

s3iwl!nG said...

da birds are sooo CUTE~!!! love em' !

shuvo said...

thank you...

bee'nme said...

Perfect..it's really just too cute Paige. Nicely done in every way. Love it the best so far!

Unknown said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog Paige. I was so excited to see my very first comments. I still love your work and I will keep at it too.

mman said...

Tranquility it is. The birds in the relaxing birdbath are just too good.

jaime said...

Hey Paige! This is great. I love your color palette. It makes me want to go relax at the pool myself!

Mrs. Ca said...

I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoy your artwork on this site. It seems to me to be full of whimsy and fun, and it's been fun looking through it all.

Washington Irving said...

That's really cool! How do you make stuff like that? Did you draw it and scan it in?

Well it's good anyway! Love the blog.

Jess xXx

Anonymous said...

Hip to the notion
Of all the commotion
Worms and a nest full of seeds
A day sure of singing
With feathers full flinging
The garden is where I shall heed

Come smell the sweet flower
And bathe in the shower
Aroma with water so warm
Peace, Comfort we win
I'll snooze with a grin
And rest in tranquility farm

pulga atómica said...

I'm a graphic designer and I love your work! regards from Argentina :)
Nani

Kactiguy said...

The double bird. Very nice. With the hot weather we've been having, a nice bath would be perfect. You nailed the topic.

paige said...

Many thanks to all of you for compliments! This was a pretty quick little illustration but it was fun. Actually think I spent more time on the leaves than anything else!!

on a couple personal notes:

Alison: if my local pool had a jacuzzi I'd more likely be there after my swim! You're lucky!

Kactiguy: LOL! Well, I suppose I could make this a couple squirrels in a birdbath?! ;)

Pulga Atomica: Nice to hear from you! Hola Argentina!

CheezyKat: I'm so lucky to have your prose to go with the drawing. Thank you. It is fantastic. You always make it look so easy too.

WardsMama: thank you for stopping by. I'm a big fan of your son's work and his sites. I also love your granddaughter's artwork!

Me: you're welcomed. I do wish you the best! Keep at it, you're doing great.

Umu: I made them! ;)

Uloo: and you're my favorite NOT-A-MONKEY man!

Give Something Back Nigeria: Your words are beautiful. A poem in itself. Wishing you well.

Sylvain: Merci! Worms are frying and should be ready soon.

Karen W. Don't I know. Man, I'm not used to sweating whilst sitting at my computer. We need it too COOL off, now!

To all others: thanks again! I really appreciate it all.

::sabrina:: said...

so pretty!!! post more drawings (:

dibuho at espasyo said...

u got my attention 2 read ur article!!:)

yshrill said...

Fantastic Stuff,

Somebody rightly said if i had your talent then ...... well not only have a way with drawing but also with ur writing its fun easy to and great to read. keep the good work going. look forward to the friday wonder whats the theme

Chandanjali (Ujjawal Chauhan) said...

Hey U r really rhe best. I am 14 year old blogger and i need advice how to make blogs. please mail me at chandanjali_4u@yahoo.co.in or visit my site http://chandanjali.rediffblogs.com . Keep Writing.

Chandanjali (Ujjawal Chauhan) said...

Hey Dude i have added you to my site friends

Anonymous said...

Doodle, I do love your blog and you are no longer innocent because You did spend a lot of time making this place look nice and worth returning to.

Atqc said...

ARe u a artist for real? I am interested with art as well? If u can will you be able to sent me yur best dawing?

Cindy said...

Hello!I'm Cindy.Come from Taiwan.It was amazing that when I see your blog.That's so nice.

I thought your a pretty good designer.

Nice to meet you on the blogger.

cogmc said...

It's sooo cuteeeeee
I like ur drawing very much ;)
Nice to meet u here

Nuno Sendas said...

Keep up the good work Paige.

Andrew and Jennifer said...

Paige, I just stumbled across your blog today and I must say it is phenomenal!! Since I have been to your site I have looked at all of your artwork I can. It is now bookmarked, and you can expect me to tell my friends about it. Keep up the awesome job!

LizBeth said...

I just want to start out saying that I really do enjoy your pictures. It must have taken an extreme talent to draw those. I really did like how you talked about tranquility. I think everyone needs a little tranquility in their life. Well thanks, Bye.

test said...

WOW Paige! You go girl! Look at all these fans of your work! I can say I knew you (virtually) waaaaaay back when.

This illustration is top notch (as is all your stuff). The colors in this one are in particular stellar! The grayish-bluish color mixing with the grass and pinks and purples. POW! I am totally in love with this color combination you've put forward. Everything sings... or should that be "tweets"?

Best,
Steve

Fulton Beal said...

Martin: I'm flattered that you'd like my
dribblings of prose enough to put it on your blog. Feel free to include them on the blog if you want :) I wouldn't mind being a member of the blog too, but I doubt I'd have the time to keep up with it. I have a hard enough time managing to do what little bit of stuff I do already, hehe.

High Power Rocketry said...

Tranquility indeed!

:O)

http://r2000.blogspot.com

. said...

wow! I enjoyed your pictures! so cute. I just started my blog recently and am posting my sketches as I make them .. it's part of my training! good job!

Shilpa said...

Hey!you are simply GREAT! You have real talent!Keep it up!

Vivek Panda said...

your blog very nice. the pictures are especially awesome and very beautiful. where did you find them ? will you teach me or give some advices ?

i will be a regular visitor to your blog from now on.
pls visit my blog.

Vivek Panda said...

so you had drawn them !! oh my gosh ! these are actually unbelievable works of art. it'd be an insult to only to say congratulations !

Cup That Cake said...

I have to admit I thought those were pictures you cut & pasted from somewhere, I'm really impressed. As others have said, I wish I had just half your talent. I especially like the one of the metropolitan lady. Neat.

SooHK said...

Yeap we need those moments for our soul to breath, replenish and regain back the same innocence it once had...

barefeetbilly said...

Beautiful work Paige! Delightful!

High Power Rocketry said...

Yes, dead mans float is a very peaceful thing, particularly as a person who snorkels alot. You can close your eyes, and if the water is warm... you basically feel like you are just floating in nothing.

http://r2000.blogspot.com

Drazen said...

Lovely piece Paige,terrific colours,
reading your blog is almost as fun as looking your drawings.

Drazen said...

Lovely piece Paige,terrific colours,
reading your blog is almost as fun as looking your drawings.

- said...

Don't know if it was intentional but I am impressed by the way you made two pictures in one (the birds' bodies are eyes and the ripple on the bird bath is a drowsy, contented smile).
singingcrayon
http://roominnations.blogspot.com/

BabyMakes4 said...

Great blog, I love your work! I will definitely be back. :)

Mustashrik said...

Hey there 'doodler', i think your works really cute and warming like no other i have seen in recent times! Keep it up!

Im a 'doodler' myself and know exactly what it is that makes you draw draw and draw away, and i hope you never loose that passion of yours either!

I know your probably really busy illustrating away but if you could spare a few moments at your keyboard, swing by my blog and let me know what you think of my illustration work! id love to hear from a fellow drawing fanatic ;)

Keep up the ace work!

http://mustashrik.blogspot.com

exhale said...

Very interesting artwork style. Abstract, expressional, with a vintage flair. Very clean and catching! Nice work.

Rob

toflight.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

hi! your blog is cool! and the illustrations are great!
what do you think about a link exchange? make me know.

Sandman said...

forget the glass...actually forget the bottle too, let's talk barrel!

DK said...

Hello. I love your blog and especially love your art. You can probably thank Blogger for all these random hits to your Blog! I really like your title at the top - how did you do that? Sorry if it's a dumb question, but I just put my first blog up last week and I'm trying to get more creative on it, while teaching myself and getting help from others.

elegraph said...

Stumbled across your blog by sheer accident. What a pleasant mistake! Your work is so charming. Good luck with your future work.

Anonymous said...

hey your page is so cool. i just found out about blogging and i think you have done a great job, you are an awesome artist!

Anonymous said...

I love this illustration, Paige! Wouldn't mind hanging this one on my studio wall. Ever thought of submitting your work to Tiny's showcase? I would definitely buy one of your prints!

Anonymous said...

My how Popular you've become! I feel like a small voice in the sea of kudos so I'll just say that the piece is, uhm...well, what can I say? It's another terrific piece in a long line of terrific pieces by Ms. Paige Pooler! It certainly has that tranquility of summer feel. Well done!

Anonymous said...

Hey Paige. Oh, wow! this is great. What else can I say that hasn't been said 95 other times?! You rock!

Anonymous said...

Love your style! Will definitely be back again.

Feel free to "peep" my blog... hasn't been around long, but I hope to keep adding to it.


Take care!

Anonymous said...

your illustrations are so cute! :) keep it up :)

Jared Chapman said...

What can I say that hasn't already been said? Wonderful Paige!

Anonymous said...

I do believe you have over a hundres positive comments! Hhhheeee, wonderful illustration this week Paige, wish I could be as tranquil. Cheruboy loves your birds :)

*fanny* said...

Wow i love your pictures, they re so good.
Anyway i've always been fond of cartoony things, so it was certain id love your blog.
xoxo
Fanny

Unknown said...

Can I just stay that "Chrissy's World" is so me?! Just too pretty. Love it!!

minty clorets said...

your style somehow remind me of old 60s-70s cartoons maybe even the 50s ones.
glad i ain't the only one using blogspot to post doodles ;)
your works have inspired me to doodle some more! keep up the good work.

Loretta said...

oh my! the pictures are damn cute! amazing! pleased to meet you!

Savvy said...

You really are amazing! Keep it up!!
From your newest fan.

High Power Rocketry said...

I agree! Thurs is over!

http://r2000.blogspot.com

Yang said...

beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rop said...

Came across your page, by accident. But bookmarked it straight away. I am illustrator myself, and I have respect for your skills. But maybe even more for your productivity!

Mr.SnC said...

awesome stuff...

Jodi said...

I just stumbled across your blog, too. I think we have the same type of bathtub. And I also light a candle, pour myself a glass of wine and submerge myself into the shallow water... Sometimes I take a noise machine and play ocean waves and try to imagine I'm at the beach. Very relaxing.

High Power Rocketry said...

Next update next update next update next

Anonymous said...

dude i checked out randomstupidstuff.blogspot.com its a kick ass blog it made me laugh

Anonymous said...

What a gift you have. I have enjoyed all of the art you have posted.

Your post about the tranquility of water made me think of the book, Toward Amnesia, where the character dives into cold water to achieve just the opposite of relaxation.

Look forward to your future posts.

Andhyka said...

Paige, reading ur blog and looking at the pictures in it are so refreshing. I can see the peaceful side of this world. Thank you....

Alex said...

Hundreds of tub-related accidents every year result in the deaths of unsuspecting bluebirds.

Please don't sleep and bathe!

Kc said...

Beautiful pictures, they reflect such happiness!

BUGG said...

Hi Paige,

How did you post that lovely art at the top of your blogger page?

Dennis

Unknown said...

Hey I'm here in LA too :) Well, Burbank. Congrats on getting your blog on blogs of note and boing boing. That's pretty darn cool :)

Mr Rory said...

I love that picture. Its brilliant.

constanthing said...

Hi Paige, methinks you really have an eye for colours and your drawings are oh-so-sweet :-) You 've inspired me to start a 'doodle blog' too!

WORKINGGIRL55 said...

very enjoyable

er!ca said...

hi! love your work! They're so vibrant and vivid! You must be a happy, great person to reflect such wonderful creations!

Hope more to come! ;)
(ehem, I might be your next avid follower!)

AmberLion said...

I love that painting, especially your use of color...and those birds..they look so relaxed.
You're very talented. :)

mona said...

do you doodle for profit? i love the style of your illustrations. great drawings!

Patrick said...

Your artwork makes me happy! Thanks for sharing it.

Beckadoodles said...

Your doodles are great! Love the expressions. Thanks to you I found illo friday, so if I get some free time at my desk this week, I'm going to post!

Thanks for the inspiration and the great reading (your blog is on my daily read list!)

Thanks again and Happy Doodling from a fellow Doodler

Rakesh said...

really great blog man. I liked all your doodles do you draw and then scan it or do you use computer to make these doodles? Anyway great work man.

Anonymous said...

Brilliant

quadomatic said...

wow, ive never seen such good pictures before, keep it up

Ed Coletti said...

Dear Paige,

What a sweet site! I hope you take a look at my blog and comment.

Today, I'll post a poem inspired by my watching a bird in my own bird bath. The gist of this new blog is this:


Ed Coletti's P3 (Poetic, Philosophic, Politic)

Each time I post, I will share 3 poetical, philosphical, and political fragments whether my own or from others.

I believe I have something worthwhile to offer. I'd appreciate any ideas you might have in obtaining responses.

Thanks,

Ed

Unknown said...

I really like the bird bath! And thanks to you I've found a weekly art competition to enter into. Thanks a lot I've been looking for somehting like that forever.

High Power Rocketry said...

OMG still nothing new? I mean I wouldnt complain so much if your stuff wasnt so good... But now I want more!

http://r2000.blogspot.com

EATING POETRY said...

This picture makes me want to go swimming, or on vacation, or just spazz out of life for a while.
Love it.

Anonymous said...

perfection!

High Power Rocketry said...

Yeah thats actually a good call!

Anne said...

Love your drawings. Wonderful, happy, friendly, inviting. Great work. Glad I clicked on the blog of note site. Former "blog of note" myself, I know the shock you speak of. Well deserved in your cases. Thanks for the cheer up. And start marketing that stuff!!!

High Power Rocketry said...

Yeah lisa, most are a horrible format with some rants against other girls in high school, or about "my cat"

Anonymous said...

Wow, I have to say your doodles and art, they are really nice. Love to see more of them in the future.

Ultra Toast Mosha God said...

Top drawing.

I too like to relax naked in birdbaths after a hard days work.

The cops seem to think it's unreasonable though, so i got told to stop.

Anonymous said...

good....

Tommie Closson said...

Fascinating blog. Exceptional work. Mine pales in comparison, but then again, I'm no artist.

Kudos.

Simon said...

Wow, I am so impressed by the amount of comments posted here (so envious) and how do you do it? The ART is great!

Here's to CREATION...

carla vanessa said...

I love your drawings, specially the birds one. And your writing style is fresh like the air. Good!

Dr O2 said...

there is a good point in the scene. Animals also take time to relax in our style! and we think we are so special!!???

http://sweethallucinations.blogspot.com/

Jeremiah said...

I really really like this picture. It's title rings true. I wish I was as artistic as that, I guess I just have to work on it. Keep up the great work, I enjoy seeing them.

paige said...

thanks again, everyone. I'm so happy it made some of you smile and/ or reflect on your own tranquil moments.

Xaos: Suit yourself. I'm not a big fan your "style" either.

EarthMotherSelfheal said...

I love your artwork. It brings a smile to my heart quickly followed by one on my face. Thank you for sharing your delightful art.

Mark Zilch Newvillage said...

bird brain...smart brain.you have a wondrful imagination.

Abz said...

wow i love these!!!
how do u do them?
from abz

Anonymous said...

Haha wow, just to let you know you absolutely own my Illustrator CS2 World! Honestly you are pretty amazing and you have the privelage of being added to my very short list (3!) of blogs i visit everyday. Just continue to not dissapoint. :-)



AndrewFord.

Hairuddin said...

I like wat u rite but mostly i love your doodles. 1st time visiting. if i may ask have you written somewhere what tools u use, tips and tricks of doing good coloring, etc? i want to learn. I can illustrate pen and paper, haven't done digital yet but plan to

Ciberviviente said...

Hermosas ilustraciones!