The New Normal

Between the diaper changes and the feedings, the play dates and activities, the lack of sleep, trying to take a shower, and taking care of the dog - I need to carve out a moment to make a little art. This is what I tell myself every day.

During my pregnancy I thought I was going to lead a perfect creative life as a mom.  After all, I work from home - isn't that the dream?  I would paint at my drafting table and my baby would coo and giggle while I worked. She wouldn't cry, or fuss, and most importantly she would take a nap - a loooong nap - that would allow my creativity to flow.

However, she does cry and she does fuss. She does also coo and giggle, but not as an observer to my "creative genius."  Oh yeah, and she does nap - either while I'm driving or in her stroller. Not the best places to paint!

But what I can do is make a promise to myself that when those quiet moments arrive I will unleash my creative daemons upon the world (or in my sketchbook).  I have to first thank a good friend and fellow artist who made this outstanding sketchbook for everyone in our critique group.  Each page is hand labeled with fun concepts and ideas.  I absolutely LOVE it! I keep it handy with pencils at the ready.  Sometimes I take a few minutes and just doodle the first thing that pops into my head. It's a great way to keep drawing and challenge my imagination.

Besides my chai latte breaks at Starbucks and carrying my little sketchpad everywhere I go just in case there is a moment I can draw, I also participate in many of The Art House Coop's free projects.  This is great motivation! I especially love the "In Five Minutes" series in which you are given concept that needs to be sketched in five minutes.  I feel like this was made for new moms!

Tallest Building in five minutes

Portrait in five minutes

Everything on your person in five minutes

I also participated in the Infinite Scroll, "Space" series. This was a lot of fun and I was thrilled they choose my drawing to post on their blog.  The great thing about these projects is that they aren't juried and that artists at any level can participate.  How great will it be if one day Emmy and I can both submit works together, side by side?  Looking forward to that.

Infinite Scroll Space Theme - "Major Tom"

While I continue to take time out to enjoy my baby, as long as I have five minutes the juices will keep flowing and I will keep working.  Besides, I do have a wee protege to show the ropes to...

(FYI for twitter folks, make sure to look for hash tag #artynewmom to keep tabs on my current work)

It's out!

I'm so excited to announce that Explore Native American Cultures! has been published. It's very exciting to see all of my illustrations put together with the text and graphics for this fun and educational book.



Plus a big thumbs up for the publishers at Nomad Press, especially Abby and Rachel, who worked around my ever growing belly and physical limitations during my pregnancy in order to make this a good experience.

 Now on to my next adventure....! 

New Year - New Adventures!

Well I have to apologize for my lack of blog posts the past few months. 2012 turned out to be an amazing year.  I started out the year working with Nomad Press on their exciting new educational book, Explore Native American Cultures!  I believe there were a total of around 100 illustrations.  I enjoyed working on this book so much that the time really seemed to fly by.  It amazes me how much the kids will learn about Native Cultures from this title and I'm very excited to see it in print.

JENKELLERART 6-Pack
(choose 6 individual cards for a variety greeting card pack)

In addition to this project, I also gave my ETSY shop a lift and introduced my new greeting card line.  I'm very excited about this venue and I've been able to make several sales and I'm hoping the success will continue.

I'm NUTS about you!
(available in singles or packs of 10)

I ruff woooo!
(available in singles or packs of 10)

My last, but greatest achievement (and the reason nobody has heard from me since November) is the birth of my first child, Emily Gertrude Lovercheck.

Emily Gertrude Lovercheck
Born November 27, 2012
9 pounds 12 ounces 20 inches

I never knew how much I could love something until she entered my life.  I'm thrilled to watch her grow and change.  She has stirred my imagination in numerous ways and she's only been in my life for a mere two months!

For all you Mattie fans out there - don't fret! She is still in the picture and going strong. She has also turned out to be an ideal "furry big sister."  I can't wait to see my little one play with her and learn to love her.  What a pair they'll make! I know that my writing and artwork will blossom with their relationship.

There's a new muse in town and I'm looking forward to all of the inspiration she will bring me.

Happy New Year, indeed.

Website Updated!

Well, it has been a long time coming but I finally updated my online portfolio and website! Log on and check out the fresh look, as well as some of my newer illustrations, news about my ETSY shop, and soon to be published Native American Book.

Log onto JenKellerArt.com and enjoy!

JenKellerArt Cards - New Greeting Card Launch

I'm so excited to announce my new Greeting Cards now available on ETSY! 

Among the variety of cards and invites that I have already been offering, I now have a Birthday, Friendship, Congrats & Valentine cards. You can get them individually or get the variety JenKellerArt Six Pack featuring one of each!

In addition to this I'm happy to also announce my new Holiday Card available in a packs of 10.  The artwork was originally done for the Palo Alto Humane Society, and in the spirit of giving, this year I will be donating a portion of the profits from the sale of the card back to the Humane Society.

So this year when looking for the perfect card for that special occasion - look no further! JenKellerArt Cards are there to help... ;-) !

Native Americans - Final Chapters

It's been a long couple of months, but I finally finished the last few chapters of the Native American Book for Nomad Press.  It was a really interesting journey, and I learned quite a bit about Native Americans.  I think these books will be great for kids and open their minds up to numerous different cultures in North America.

Pacific Northwest Totem Pole

The last two chapters I worked on were about The Pacific Northwest and The Arctic.  They were both equally fascinating and very different, but with certain similarities like the sea life they hunted and their coastal lifestyle.  The Arctic tribes had more weather issues, however!

Traditional Inuit Dress

I'm happy to share with you a small selection of these final chapters.  Working on these books was a great experience in not only process, but in subject matter as well. Enjoy!

Summer/Spring Inuit Tent Village

Inside of a Northwest Tribe Plank/Longhouse

Inuit One Foot High Kick Game

Northwest Tribe Whale Hunt

Inuit Myth - Creation of The Big Dipper 

Pacific Northwest Canoe

Inuit Umiak

Inuit Sled Dogs

Salmon Spawning (Northwest Tribe Food Source)

Inuit Tug-o-war 

The Plains

I just finished the one of the larger chapters about the Plains Natives in the Native American Book for Nomad Press.  It was really interesting and fun to do.

Winter Count - Type of Native American calender and/or history record 

Being from Illinois, I have a sentimental attachment to this part of country.  Growing up, the Plains Native Americans were a part of my own local history.  Since then I have learned so much more, but I still have a great deal of affection for this region.

War Bonnet - Number of Feathers represent good deeds done by the wearer.  For a warrior it was for deeds in battle, for a chief it was for deeds done in he community. 

  
So here are a few images from the lengthy and fascinating chapter on the Plains Native Americans.  Even with some of my prior knowledge, I still learned more about the details of their culture, games, and lifestyle.  Pretty interesting stuff!

Smoke Signals

Native American Game: Shinny (a game similar to hockey)