snow day

Hello winter! I love being snug as a bug in my creaky house (with 6 fireplaces) watching a storm blow sideways outside. Today a snow day was called for Portland schools before a single flake had fallen at 5 AM. Now, though, the world is white and there is nowhere to go. Ahhhhh.

I grew up in the White Mountains, so school cancellations are an oddity. In NH, snow means business: ski industry. I pretty much don’t remember snow days. But now they are quite the gift; to hibernate a bit. Gives me time to think about all the snowflakes I’ve sprinkled over illustrations, such as the one above.

I did this illustration awhile back for the Baltimore Sun, and it still gives me a good feeling. It accompanied a poem by Dylan Thomas, “A Child’s Christmas in Wales.”

After moving to Peaks Island, I did this for the annual holiday card, referencing all the magic of white reindeer and radiant light.

This is this year’s card, a nod to nature’s influence on our holidays.

Makes me want to make some hot chocolate and check my list for Santa.

Speaking of that, a big shout out to my illustration class of merry elves!!!
They managed to pull together their wares, business cards, and portfolios in the nick of time for MECA’s recent Holiday Sale.

Here Alysa, Joe, and Seumas man the table.

I got compliments from MECA organizers on the professionalism and courtesy of these illo elves. Here is Elise, showing a smile is all you need.

The students made illustrated letters to hang over the display of t-shirts, aprons, zines, cards, buttons, bags, pillows, bookmarks, jewelry, card games, and calendars. A great variety of handmade products!

From sweet stuff like this by Alysa:

to clever buttons like this by Seumas:

to snowball prints and ornaments by Joe:

I love this shot by MECA staffer, Annie Wadleigh, in which the colorful spirit of MECA
shines.

The illustration majors proved they can hustle. Kudos for everyone!

Now it’s time to make a snowfort, or at least that hot chocolate.

Stay warm!