SNOW (and ice) in the Carolinas

Snow here is a pretty big deal. Newscasters talk about it, radio hosts talk about it, we ALL talk about it for the day or so prior to the event actually taking place. Sometimes we even close the schools BEFORE the snow arrives. Of course, sometimes it never actually snows but misses us completely. Well, this time it did snow. I think maybe two inches - max.  Many churches are closed tomorrow and my kids are hoping that there will be no school on Monday. Since underneath that dusting of white powder is another half-inch or so of ice there may not be. Yes, I think the ice is the real problem, not the snow. Anyway, it was like having a free gift, a free day just added to your life for no reason. Everything was cancelled - my kid's basketball games, Odyssey of the Mind practice, church tomorrow, youth group tomorrow. I love it! No place to go and all the time in the world to draw, paint, and create. Enjoy!

2010 Food Trends

Here's one of our recipe card designs. It also is very cute on an invitation to a nice winter gathering, whether it be soup, lowcountry boil or some other warm, toasty back-to-basics recipe. Speaking of recipes, Epicurious posted their top food trends for 2010. Apparently, bacon is on it's way out. And I just found out how 'in' it was. How did I miss that? I LOVE bacon and apparently it has been served as an appetizer alone, brought to cocktail parties as a snack and has been an 'it' item for 2009. I missed the whole trend. I follow trends very closely but usually the ones that have more to do with my work, you know...colors, styles,etc. I don't draw much bacon so no need to follow, really. Of course I do have some good news. FRIED CHICKEN is hot! Anyone who has ever been to Price's Chicken Coop in Charlotte, NC knows that it has ALWAYS been hot! So, let's see what else...This is sort of a no-brainer given the state of the economy but potlucks are back. When was the last time you had banana pudding, homemade potato salad and grandma's homemade blackberry cobbler? Yum-myyyyy! No surprise here, but home-brewed beers are in for 2010. The best yet though, for all you southerners...whoopie pies!

Goodbye Cupcakes & Cocktails

In addition to my licensing business, I have spent several years in the stationery business, designing, manufacturing and selling Cupcakes & Cocktails - A Paperie products. They have been found in retail stores across the country. Now, as many artists do, I am moving out of the manufacturing business. It is sad to see it go, but I have a renewed weight off my shoulders and a simpler vision for the future. I have been busy painting and selling my contemporary landscape oil paintings http://www.pamwingard.com/ . Their loose painterly style is a fun complement to the more precise illustration business and the computer work that goes along with it. They can be purchased through a new local business which is a combination of an 'artcafe' and home art parties, which is a pretty cool concept. Check it out here http://www.faboparty.com/ I also have been teaching art classes to kids and adults and am helping to launch a local arts forum in our community.

Needless to say, my blog has been neglected but not my art licensing business. Now that I'm out of the manufacturing business I've been illustrating stationery and invitations for some of my former customers, which is very fun! I'm also in the process of illustrating a children's book that will be published in the upcoming months. I'm anxious to get some new collections completed and have some ideas for more! Welcome back! Stay warm.