Bakersfield Life Magazine

For a look inside my studio and a little insight into my work, check out this short video interview I filmed this fall with the wonderful Mark Nessia of Bakersfield Life Magazine. I feel very honored to have been featured alongside some truly remarkable local women in the October issue, and am thankful for the opportunity to share my passion with the town I love.

Photo by Mark Nessia

It's been a busy several months and I've been working hard on new projects.

For now, enjoy this bookmark design I created as a giveaway item to pack along with my shop orders. It's one of my latest attempts at "carving" prints digitally:

Watercolor Breakfast Table Mini Prints

I loved taking my watercolors to these cute mini prints!

They are now available for purchase in my online shop.

Lots of activity in my studio these days!  Follow me on Instagram @smallfoxpress

to keep up with my latest creative projects.

Tea Pot Mini Print

The Breakfast Table mini prints just keep coming!

In this print, I finally paid homage to one of my favorite times of day: Tea Time. 

Normally I proof in black ink, but for this tea pot I decided to use a splash of color instead. I love how the sherbert gradient turned out! 

This project also marked a milestone in my career as a printmaker, as my husband finally built me something I've always dreamed of: a drying line for fresh prints!

I've found that the printing process is much more satisfying when the finished product can be displayed neatly on a wall, as opposed to haphazardly strewn about every surface in the room.

And of course, what would a new print be without its digital counterpart?

I so loved the look of the gradient backsplash from the handprinted version, I decided to incorporate it into the vector image, as well. 

These colors make me feel so peaceful and satisfied.

For this series of prints, I sought to create a glimpse into my ideal breakfast nook. One that rests in quiet reflection, and finds joy in life's simple pleasures. A place that feels warm, hospitable, and safe.

The sense of balance, the clean lines, and the simple harmony of these designs helps me come back to center. They encourage a sense of presence, and gratitude. It's the little things that anchor us in the present moment. It's giving thanks for life's mundane details that sweetens the everyday.

I hope these prints will bring peace and gratitude to many kitchens. Prints and cards will be available soon! Follow me on Instagram @smallfoxpress to stay up-to-date on news and shop launch date.

Thank you <3

California Poppy Mini Print

Somehow it's already July, and it seems that the triple digit temperatures are here to stay a while. Fortunately, my little home studio is the coolest room in the house, and I can happily hibernate here all summer long. 

However, I am looking forward to getting out later this month: On the evening of July 26th, I will be hosting Art After Dark at the Bakersfield Museum of Art. Art After Dark is one of my favorite events at the BMOA. That night, Kern River Brewing Co. will be in the house pouring craft beer, and I will be leading the group in a fun linocut activity. I'm really excited to share my experience, and watch everyone's creations come to life!

Since the theme of the night is nature and the great outdoors, I created a print depicting spring's most ubiquitous little cheerleader: The California Poppy.

I don't often pull out the colors, but an orange/green gradient was a really fun look for these guys.

And as usual, I couldn't resist scanning the original print and experimenting with multiple digital iterations in Adobe Illustrator.

I love that my collection of prints is growing steadily every week! I'm just about ready to print some greeting cards. I'll be sure to announce shop updates here and on instagram @smallfoxpress

French Press Mini Print

Full Disclosure: I have never been a coffee drinker. My beverage of choice has always been tea. However, coffee is a major part of my husband's morning ritual, and his French press always has a place at our breakfast table.

I sketched out his carafe the other morning, and from that drawing traced a slightly cleaner ink rendition on tracing paper. I then traced over the ink drawing with a graphite pencil, and transferred the image onto the rubber carving block.

Pulling test prints throughout the carving process.

The final print

Experimenting with color palettes on the scanned image in Adobe Illustrator 

That about wraps up design #3 in my Breakfast Table Mini Print series. 

I think next I will finally pay homage to my cup of tea.

Honey Bear Mini Print

On a roll now with tiny tabletop print #2!

Because what breakfast would be complete without a little something sweet?

The original plate measures just about 4.5x3"

I don't know which part of the process I enjoy more, carving the initial print or playing with various color palettes. Both are supremely satisfying in their own way.

These digital colorizations were created using Adobe Illustrator.

Flowers in Technicolor

I had the best time coloring my mini flower arrangement in Adobe Illustrator.

Technology is amazing!

Miniature Floral Print

 The days are long and hot again, and somehow it's easier to find the time and inspiration to create.

It's been months since I've done any printing, so I decided to ease back into things with a mini 4x5" print. I enjoy the process of working small; the manageable size and immediate results are rather gratifying. And tiny art is just so whimsical and fun, don't you think?

I've printed a handful of these sweet little arrangements on watercolor paper. It takes a few days for the ink to cure completely, then it will be safe to wash over them with some paint.

In the meantime, I may just scan a print and play around with color options digitally. 

Stay tuned for results!