New and Notable

Hi there. How are you?

For quite a long time now, I've been thinking about and talking about turning my abstract Moleskine doodles into a sell-able product. (Read more about that here and see some drawings here.)

This week, I finally made it happen!

The "Trade Winds" series as I like to call it, is a collection of 4 drawings I did on a vintage National Geographic map of Africa. I like the way the map gives some interest and context to the these flowing abstractions and I love the little bits of red text.

The line actually flows from one piece to the other. 

Though these pieces were created in a group, I really do think they can all stand on their own. Each piece has its own title, usually coming from the text on the map.  This one is called "Off Dakar, Feb 15, 1954."

I like how the map backdrop helps to further the implication of movement and/or travel.

Each piece measures just 4" x 4" and is mounted on a 3/4" deep panel. 

All four pieces are for sale individually in my Etsy shoppe.  If you are interested in purchasing the entire series of 4, please contact me.....You will receive a discounted rate. I have already had an inquiry about purchasing the whole set, so do act fast! 

Do let me know what you think of these new pieces, and do enjoy your weekend! Ta-Ta.

New Moleskine Creations

Hi There. How are you today?

My moleskine has been calling to me lately. If I'm sitting in front of the TV, my moleskine is out and I'm drawing away. I've missed drawing. Though I've never stop creating in the forms of designing, home remodeling, making gifts, snaping pictures, etc.,  it's been ages since I've actually put pen to paper. 

It's felt good to exercise the drawing hand again. Now that the holidays and art show season are over, I'm looking forward to regularly getting back into the studio and working. I'm planning an ambitious 2013 summer art fair season.....Gotta build up that inventory! 

I really enjoy drawing in this abstract manner. I know I've said this before, but I need to turn these sketchbook doodles into a sale-able product. It's on my to-do list! 

That's all for now. Gotta get Jack to band practice! (He jams with "The Burning Hotels" when he's down visiting us.)  Ta-ta!

Time Flies

Hi there. How are you? Are you enjoying the weekend?

Time seems to have sped up here as things have gotten busy.  I'm working more hours at my regular job and I've also started subbing at the local elementary school. This was the first week in almost a year that I worked all 5 days. It's nice to be making a little more money.

I did this drawing while I supervised a student music teacher.  Even though she could do all the teaching she still needed a certified teacher in the room. So she taught and I drew! I had forgotten how insane the life of an elementary specialist is. The music teacher had a different class every 20 minutes.....How do you get anything done in 20 minutes?

I have spent the weekend getting ready for my upcoming fall and holiday events. Lots of printing and some new products in the works. I hope to have some new things to show you shortly!

Enjoy your Sunday.  Ta-Ta for now!

Month of the Moleskine - Day 30

I did it! 30 drawings in 30 days!

Overall, I really have enjoyed this project. It felt good to produce something on a daily basis and now my drawing hand is really "in-shape!" Just like an athlete, I need to "warm up" if I expect to make quality, detailed work and I get rusty when I've gone too long without drawing. I enjoyed this project enough that considering giving myself another 30 day challenge, but don't know exactly what that will be quite yet....

I had some down time during the art fair this weekend, and I was able to do another drawing....

To see all 30 of the Month of the Moleskine drawings in one place, mosey over here.

Gotta run. Much to do in preparation for next weekend's art fair in Rockford!  Ta-ta.

Month of the Moleskine - Days 28 & 29

Hi there. How are you?

I know. I know. This post is very late! I'm a failure. But I do have an excuse! My internet access this weekend was very limited while I was away for an art fair.  I promise that this sketch was completed on time though!

I intended to do more to this sketch, but decided that I liked its minimalist look. Especially after the debacle that was "Day 27!"

Today's post is also a little bit minimalist. Inspired by the delightful breeze that blew all weekend at the fair,  I played with wispy lines in this one.

If I get a chance, I'll do a little review of my time at the Cedarhurst Craft Fair. But don't hold your breath! We leave on Friday to head up the Rockford for the Greenwich Village Art Fair. Ahh!

Ta-ta for now friends!

Month of the Moleskine - Day 26

Hey. It's Friday! 

I'm getting ready to head up to Mt. Vernon, Illinois for the Cedarhurst Art Fair this weekend. They are predicting evening storms. Great. Wish me luck!


The scribbly background covers a big, nasty smudge. I kind of like it!

Have a fab weekend friends!  Ta-ta.

Month of the Moleskine - Day 25

Hi there. 
How on earth did it get to be Thursday already?  So much to do before heading up to Mount Vernon for the Cedarhurst Art Fair tomorrow!

Sending out hope, grace and contentment to all.  Ta-ta!

Month of the Moleskine - Day 24

Hi. How are you? We're back in Carbondale after a weekend away.

I'm not feeling the drawing thing right now, so I've been lettering my "daily drawings" instead.  I'm also a little annoyed with my new Moleskine. It was one that I picked up at Target on clearance, and I guess I got what I paid for. The paper is really thin and you can see yesterday's drawing peeking through the blank page. It also doesn't seem to absorb the ink very well. I end up smudging all the time! Grrr.

To check out all of the Month of the Moleskine drawings, make your way here.

I hope that you have a wonderful Wednesday! Ta-Ta for now.

Month of the Moleskine - Day 22

Happy Labor Day! I'm spending the day in the car. Fun!

To see the Month of the Moleskine series in its entirety,  click here.

Month of the Moleskine - Day 21

Today is a special day!

This is the first drawing in my new red Moleskine and.......It's my birthday!  I'll be spending the day with family and friends in Rockford.

Hope you are enjoying the Labor Day weekend and last throws of summer.  Ta-ta!

To see the Month of the Moleskine series in its entirety,  click here.

Month of the Moleskine - Day 20

I'm 2/3's done! Woo!

To see drawings 1-20 of the Month of the Moleskine series in one place, make your way here.

Ta-ta and happy Saturday!

Month of the Moleskine - Day 19

Happy Friday friends! Last day of August.....What the heck happened to summer?

September is also going to fly by.  I've got 2 shows this month! Do check out my events page on jenniferjohansson.com to see a list of all my upcoming shows.

I've archived the entire Month of the Moleskine drawing series here.

Ta-Ta!

Month of the Moleskine - Day 18

 

Happy Thursday friends! 

I'll be posting from the road the next few days. Matt and I are heading up to Rockford for the Labor Day weekend.

Ta-Ta.

Month of the Moleskine - Day 17

Hi. How are you? What are you doing today?

I got a late start today. But better late than never, right?

I have to admit that I'm getting a little tired of illustrating numbers. But, not to worry. I will persevere and complete my 30 days!

To see the first 16 drawings, make your way to my Flickr page.

Ta-Ta.

Month of the Moleskine - Day 16

Good morning friends! How are you?

I did this drawing while attending a reception for Illinois senator Gary Forby.  He is a huge supporter of teachers and Matt often works with him in his position at the IEA.  We marched with him in the Duqoin State Fair parade on Friday as well. It was great to meet him - he's very personable and fun.  We also heard John Cullerton, president of the Illinois senate speak last night in support of Gary.  I've been enjoying learning more about southern Illinois politics and like how close we can get to the action here.  I'm also proud to report that we live in a district represented by a Democratic senator and 2 Democratic representatives!

Month of the Moleskine - Day 15 - Halfway!

I'm halfway there! Wahoo!

You can gaze upon the whole of the Month of the Moleskine collection here.

And have you seen my new prototype illustration?  Please take a look and let me know what you think. 

Ta-ta!

 

Month of the Moleskine - Day 14

Have a spectacular Sunday!

Take a gander at the entire  Month of the Moleskine collection here.

Smooch. 

Month of the Moleskine - Day 13

Happy Saturday! Happy Weekend!

Day 13 is pretty funky, but I like it.

I've archived the whole Month of the Moleskine drawing set here.

Stay tuned for some Etsy shoppe update news!  Ta-ta.

Month of the Moleskine - Day 12

Hey! Happy Friday!

It's a big weekend in Southern Illinois......The DuQuoin State Fair starts today! I'm a little confused about the whole thing.....Last time I checked DuQuoin was not a state and the Illinois State Fair takes place in Springfield. Hmmm.

I like the calm and simplicity of #12.  You can tell I was in a good mood when I drew it.

To see the entire Month of the Moleskine drawing set - make your way here.

Have an exceptional weekend friends! Ta-ta.

Month of the Moleskine - Day 11

Hi. I have a secret to tell you....

I didn't actually make this drawing on the 22nd. (Gasp!) Tuesday was a really slow day at work, so I did it then. I added a kind of wood-grain pattern to these goofy looking "1's".

Take a peek at all of the Month of the Moleskine drawings here.

And if you haven't yet seen my new prototype illustration, please take a look and let me know what you think.  Gracias.