Small scale diorama depicting a recent traumatic event when Santa became stuck in a chimney and a callous snowman standing by refused to help.....
Non Traditional Christmas Cards
Paste paper and feather stamps. Fast and very easy non traditional Christmas cards. Less than successful watercolors get the paste paper treatment. (Acrylic paint mixed with a little gloss medium to slow down the drying are patterned with cardboard combs.) When the paper is dry, which is only minutes later,
I coat a feather with gold or silver acrylic paint and stamp the feather onto the card.
Introducing Personalized Metro Cards
Searching for that perfect gift for the person who has everything? Lancelot and Agile are now offering personalized Metro cards. Be the first in your circle to own a unique work of art, painted by inspired artists, Lancelot and Agile. Check out the samples and then imagine how elegant you would look on your very own Metro card. Rush orders available.
Important Research
Lancelot and Agile have been extremely busy for the past month or so, researching their latest venture. In fact, they have scarcely left the studio at all. However last weekend, as I was waiting for the Uptown Broadway local I thought I caught a glimpse of them on the downtown platform.
Coffee Filter Snowflakes
The secret to fast sunflakes lies with humble coffee filter papers. A most useful size, oh so easy to cut, not too expensive and easily available. What more could one ask for?
Here are the patterns for a Reindeer, a tree and a snowflake. Just cut along the lines. Using the filters, it is not such a disaster if one accidentally snips through the whole design...
Studio Doors
With Christmas only 2 weeks away and the temperatures suggesting that Winter has finally arrived, it seemed time to change the patterns on the studio doors to something more seasonal.
Paper Mache Rat
A rat to brighten even the coldest days of Winter. Here is a charming fellow, complete with pink Financial Times ears, wire whiskers, literally beady eyes and a pipe cleaner tail that actually seems to move. Made by my wonderful and talented student Joosje for her family's gift exchange.
A Short History of my Favorite Brushes
A short biography of my favorite Chinese Calligraphy brushes. From brand new to being reincarnated as a paper mache "Brush Ghost."
Lancelot helps Out
Observing how busy I was with the fabric painting project, Lancelot very kindly offered to help decorate one side of the bag.
Hungry Owl Grocery Bag
More experimenting, this time with a linen bag from Michaels, ($9.99) so try to remember to print out a 40% off coupon before you go.
More experimenting.
This time the bird is made from acrylic felt and the paint does not adhere nearly as well. 
Fabric Painting.
The first project in a new unit, painting on fabric. A small Christmas ornament to try out some fabric paints. The muslin is from Dick Blick as are the fabric paints.
Owl Ornament Template
More Still life
Acrylic still life, 24 x 24", still in process.
Still Life
A series of "Still Lifes" done for class this week. One iconic object and lots of pattern. Watercolor, 12 x 16".
Robot Still Life
Still Life and Patterns
Indian Bird, Journal Page
The New Coffee Machine
Lancelot does not care for cold weather and tends to want to hibernate at the first signs of snow. Alarmed by the low energy levels of both Lancelot and Agile, Wilfred decided to buy the design studio a new coffee machine. It was an instant success. In fact a recent comment at the coffee machine went as follows:Agile: I feel like a caffeine addicted mouse. Press button, get reward, repeat......
Editor's note: Agile was in fact quoting John on the subject of the new expresso machine but Agile was so taken with this remark he wished to reuse it. We will have to wait and see if it has the desired effect on the studio's creative output.
The Student Show
So now I can relax and enjoy the show. Shown here is the "Student Quilt." Each student creates one or more small squares, this year the theme, loosely observed, was birds, butterflies and leaves. The squares are glued onto a paper backing, (I use a very strong and light Japanese paper) and then sewn together using a zig zag stitch. (Of course one waits until the glue is very dry before sewing) The quilt is then glued onto a wooden panel. The edges of the panel are painted, the panel is then coated with several layers of protective varnish and the quilt is wired for hanging. Every year the quilt is raffled off in aid to the Garden Education Center. A beautiful garden oasis in the center of Greenwich.The show, "Closely Observed 3", the third annual show, will hang through December 19th. The Center's hours are Monday through Friday, 9 to 3.30 pm. Closed on the weekends. It is a beautiful show.