Insight... (and a sneak peek?)

The Ranunculus is one of my favorite flowers, with all of it's delicate petals unfolding from a tight little knot. They are available in so many colors too! This is a photo I took of a yellow Ranunculus when I lived in Oregon. In the very early spring, I used to visit the local greenhouses and catch the blooms at their best. (But don't tell anyone...this is a secret!)

A few years ago I did some international travel for the company I work for. I was able to do a bit of poking around Dublin, London, Paris, Taipei, and Sydney during off-hours, mainly on Saturday mornings. One of the things I think about when I think of these cities is flowers. They all had unique displays and variety.

I'm glad I have photographs of places I've been and things I've seen to inspire my illustrations. It was in Dublin that I took this photo of a street vendor selling flowers during Saturday market. I really like seeing all of the blooms tucked into buckets, just waiting. I have been asked many times about what inspires me and where I get ideas for my illustrations. It's true when I say life's experiences - they are what inspire me.

Today you're getting a sneak peek of what some of that inspiration brought me! Why? Because I have the toughest time keeping secrets like this, and because I was given permission! So Sneak Peek away!

The image is on shimmery white paper and colored with Copic markers. I bet you can't guess what this image is for! Or can you?!

Hope you have a lovely Tuesday.
Isn't it Friday YET!?

Comments

[melanie]

My favorite treat isn't food, but being together with friends and family at this time of year. Love your blog!

[Tex]

Sweet and delightful inspiration indeed! The Dublin flower vendor's display is fabulous! I see lillies up there just about to split open! Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!

I love your new stamp! Is it coming out for Valentine's day with Whipper Snapper?!

[Lori Craig]

Ah..thank you! So excited for you! Can't wait to see how much this one will cost me. :)

[Sue]

Love the picture of Dublin! I was born in Limerick and raised in Dublin and the flower vendors are such a wonderful memory! I am heading home for Christmas this year and cannot wait to walk down Grafton Street with all the Christmas lights :-)
Thanks for the build up of excitment..and as always your inspiring art and animals!

[Elizebeth]

I LOVE these flowers! I will HAVE to get this stamp, whoever has it whenever it's available.

Your just so talented!

[Dawn Burnworth]

I clicked on your sidebar labeled Whipper Snapper and it came up with this post. So I too am guessing a spring release from my favorite stamp company. Great job. Love this card and the inspiration. I have been to London and Paris. Awesome places for inspiration.
Dawn B.

[Beth Norman]

Gorgeous card. You are very talented.

[Mecah Dow]

Your work is so much fun to look at. You can really give a gal inspiration! Thought of a calender??? I would have to frame all 12 months!!!

[Julia Stainton]

This is stunning! Great card and i always love your photos and hearing about your life! :)

Can you e-mail me Anna? I've lost your e-mail address when my computer crashed and needed wiped.:(

Thanks!

[Lisa Banks]

Love this Flower!!!

[Jana]

Beautiful flower & a beautiful card, Anna!

[Tiya-B]

Black, red and white are always great together but you have the way to make it even more wonderful. I love the new stamp.

[diane mcvey]

Wow, "what they all said"!!! Great card, great photo, and I love flowers! I don't know what the stamp is for per se, but all I need is for it to be "for sale"!!! ;)

[Viv (VivLyn)]

What a beautiful photo of the Ranunculus! Your stamp is beautiful too and love all the polka dots.

[Beth M]

I love the card and the photos! Thanks so much for sharing. I'm guessing the stamp is for the Whipper Snapper Spring/Summer release in January. Since it says thanks maybe it's for a customer appreciation promotion - spend $100 get Anna's thanks stamp. That would be fun.

[Julie Phillips]

Love all of your pictures. Especially the one in the flower market. Awesome Anna!!!

Hugs
Julie

[Shannan Teubner]

I love Ranunculus....used them for my wedding bouquet. Thanks for the sneak peek...I can't wait!

[Sherrie]

cool Anna, are you designing for Ellen? Looks like a lockhart with the words going up the side of your vase. Beautiful! I just bought some of her stamps and am waiting (not so patiently) for delivery.

[broni]

Oh, this is beautiful, Anna! How wonderful that you've been able to record moments from such fantastic places that mean so much to you!

[jenn]

Oh, I *love* ranunculus, too! Have you had that commercial for the jeweler? Cracks me up when I hear it. . .the "you're not that guy" one? Anyway. . . gorgeous artwork, as usual!

[Bonnie]

This is very pretty! You are so very fortunate to have the life experiences you do, to inspire you!

[Sherri D.]

I absolutely LOVE the photo with the colors of the flowers popping out of buckets! The card is beautiful! I'm thinking that this is maybe a Whipper Snapper new release?!?

[Janet]

Aw, I love it. There is nothing like a fresh cut flower. I love the bright blue. It makes the whole card pop. Beautiful, Anna.

[Donna Baker]

ooh - totally pretty! I bet it's for Whipper Snapper's Spring Release??

[Heidi]

Beautiful card Anna! Love the polka dots and the bold and bright flowers!