Thoughts on a Quiet Friday

I am often quiet when it comes to sharing the monumental moments of a week…they feel like mine alone to hold, savor and enjoy. It’s my journey and a personal one at that, and in this day of over sharing every thought, feeling and event, I think holding some things quietly close and within just feels better.

That said…sometimes a moment is extraordinary and there is joy in the sharing. Particularly with those who I trust and love…who care for me and my heart and about my successes and happiness.

As I slide into a very quiet Friday, I can share that patience often rewards. Such was the case this week as a very big licensing deal came together for me that I have been working towards for some time. In my experience, it is a beautiful, but rare thing indeed, when a design meeting gives you goosebumps;) As a result, I am anticipating that a very special product line/collection will emerge this Fall. I promise to share more as it unfolds.

I spent yesterday late afternoon playing with ink and watercolor and on trend, another fashion illustration piece emerged. I don’t know where they are coming from but I like them and am enjoying letting my hand lead the way. I am missing painting nudes and I will try to direct the creative process back to that, perhaps even as soon as today.

A lovely, inspired Friday to you all ~

Joyful Saturday

Gorgeous light and hours to play today…paint flowed with a casual ease. It’s joyful and unexpected, time like this on a weekend. So I held it tight, absorbed the feeling and made the most of this beautiful afternoon.

There’s a comfort and warmth in this one…maybe it’s in her pose. I don’t often reach for pink, and you can see I began to slide into my favorite blue…my mind just takes me there. I like the line work around the hem of her dress and I could easily get lost in the folds, the details of pin tucks and shading. I’d like to think she’s finished, I signed her after all, but I keep adding ink…a little bit here and there.

You’ll just have to imagine the smile:)

Original Ink and Watercolor ©Michelle Rummel
shellrummel.com

She Always Wanted Red Shoes

I spent all day working on my website redesign. It’s been an ongoing behind the scenes project for several weeks. The bones are there…it’s coming along nicely but it’s at the point where I need to pretty it up with images and add in all the text. I spent hours today figuring out how it all works. Suffice it to say I am learning slowly. I want so much to finally be independent when it comes to my web world…in control of how the site looks and feels. Almost there!

So, good for my heart, to pick up my pen and paintbrush at the end of this long day and draw/paint a fanciful dress and a pair of red shoes. My eyes are blurry from so much computer work today, but that hasn’t stopped me. There is so much joy in this, for me.

And I realize that’s three fashion illustration posts in a row, but I assure you I am in deep with serious design work these days. Spring Market just wrapped up and collections for Fall Market are underway, including a lovely new Bath collection that I hope Bed Bath and Beyond will like enough to bring on board. And, in my pocket are two new licensees that I have been waiting patiently to announce… and I will, just as soon as I get the website done:)

Silk Scarf, Blue Dress…

Feeling a strong pull to get back to something I always enjoyed…fashion illustration. I love the juxtaposition of softly flowing watercolor with more defined and detailed ink lines. For me, the trick is finding the balance between the two…I have a tendency to want to scribble endlessly. Perhaps one day I will post an example of my heavier hand;)

Gently encouraged to keep at it… and at the moment, these keep coming with ease in quieter moments. So, going with it.

Original Ink and watercolor ©Michelle Rummel

How Today Feels…

Yes… Just like this :)

Original Ink & Watercolor ©Michelle Rummel ~ Inspired by a fashion Photograph…her lines spoke to me ~