I first discovered Maira Kalman’s funny and colorful illustrations in the Illustrated Elements of Style (Strunk and White). What could be better than a stuffy grammar book made entertaining by irreverent visual interpretations?
From there, I enjoyed Maira’s other books such as The Principles of Uncertainty. I’ve been an ardent fan and student from afar, studying her style and voice. She’s fiercely smart and joyfully expressed, and I’ve learned a lot from her visual narratives in the New York Times.
One day a few years ago, I was walking the High Line in New York with a friend. Suddenly, I spotted Maira walking with her friend. OMG! I grabbed my friend’s arm. It’s Maira Kalman! I SO SO wanted to talk to her, but when I am in the presence of someone I deeply admire, I turn quite shy. We followed her for a few steps before I realized I couldn’t bring myself to approach her.
I remain a dedicated fan and admirer of Maira’s art and multi-faceted, wildly creative life. Thank you, Maira, for being so wholly and exuberantly creative.
Creativity
Let’s get intimate with pastries in Paris!
Let’s get intimate with pastries in Paris! Pain au chocolat in the morning, a fruit tart with afternoon tea…maybe an eclair sneaked in on the run. My all-time favorite Paris pastry shop is in my new e-book.
Find out where I get the best pastries in Visit Paris Like an Artist. You will love this unconventional guide to travel and art!
Your copy is waiting for you now, and so is your inner artist. Link in profile.
Let’s run away with our artists to Paris!
Let’s run away with our artists to Paris! Link in profile to RSVP for fun.
Half Caff pattern
Half Caff pattern. Since the cleanse I have been drinking my coffee with very little caffeine. I love this pattern representing all the cups of coffee at half caffeine. ☕
Dancing Cups and Glasses
Dancing Cups and Glasses, another cup pattern in my #365cups series.
Cup Party
Cup Party 153/365 Cups, 6″ x 6″ watercolor and ink on paper. More fun pattern play!
Happy Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine’s Day, 8″ x 8″, watercolor, ink and stamps on paper. I really don’t like this holiday but I love love, so let’s celebrate that. And happy birthday, Mom! 💞
Pattern Play in my Cup Series
Aerial View, 6″ x 6″ watercolor and ink on paper, 150/365 Cups. I love exploring pattern and have been having a blast riffing off of #jacquelinegroag amazing pattern designs. You can learn a lot by studying a master. Continuing to grow from @lisacongdon class about idea generation.
Friday Reads: This week's stack
This weeks stack of books. Yes I am reading all of these. There’s a whole other stack of books I’m not actually reading. In the stack you will see hints of where I am traveling this year, hints about an e-book I am writing and the art I am making, the novel of a friend, and a book related to my overall goal of thinking more creatively. I am such a book glutton and love how the books I read change my life in such a direct way.
My favorite coffee drinks
My favorite coffee drinks, 8″ x 8″ watercolor, ink and marker on paper. I love all three of these coffee drinks. I believe each one of them has a specific amount and should be served in a specific kind of cup or glass. When somebody serves me a cappuccino in a giant bowl cup, it drives me crazy.