One Year

My little doodlebug turned one today. Here is a very lovely set of photos by soon to be sister-in-law, Liz Darbyshire, from the small celebration we had this afternoon.

dexters train

dexters train, originally uploaded by crystal driedger (click to see a larger version or scroll down for detail scans)

My sons first birthday is next Monday. Above is the finished painting to hang above his crib (until he grows "out" of it and requests a dragon or something more "fierce"). Until then - choo choo choo baby, can't wait to see what the second year brings.

Here are some detail shots:

Big First Birthday Gift!

It's my little doodle bug's first birthday in 10 days. He's in love with wheels. Cars, trucks, airplanes, tractors, mini excavators, bobcats... basically anything that he can push on the floor, while making "Brrrrruuuummmm" sounds makes him very happy. He points them out when we go for walks, he points them out in books, his first word was car and as a friend of mine put it "instead of going to the zoo to look at animals, I'll bet you're pushing him to go see construction sites". Go figure, that's actually what I did this morning with him.

So, what would be a better present from his mom than a painting with wheels in it?

Here's the first glance of Doodle Bug's Animal Train in progress (my reference sketch below).

Today is my first mothers day. Here's a little snippet from my babybook/sketchbook for my son, Dexter.

Waiting

Having fun drawing during "before bed tv hours".

Baby Shower Gift!

These are two paintings I made for a friend expecting twin boys this June. If her boys end up being as obsessed with cars as my son, Dexter, they should be a hit. I also included a card I painted for my mom's group to sign. We filled the card with cash because with twins on the way and a one year old to take care of, I'm sure there's going to be lots of new things to buy!

I enjoy drawing woman with lots of ridiculously thick, wavy hair. There's also something inside me that makes me want to "mess with" human anatomy (such as an ear completely out of place or a ridiculously long neck).

Become a fan on facebook!

Crystal Driedger Illustration has joined facebook (become a FAN)... because a girl's got to follow happy dreams (and that includes fun ways to promote oneself).

Also, sketched a stylized version of Kat Von D (does anyone else watch LA Ink?). I secretly would love to be a tattoo artist except for the fact that I don't have any tattoos on my own body. Who, in their right mind, would want to get a tattoo from someone who doesn't even have a tattoo?

Art Auction & MacEwan Design Studies Grad Show

The 5th Annual Doctors & Derrieres auction was last night. I have to immensely thank Roger Garcia who organized the event and artists - I had such a wonderful time and was very inspired to pick up my paint brush again. Next year I want to turn my sketches into a piece of art - like this piece (my absolute FAVORITE from the show) by Gabe Wong:(you can purchase your own copy of this print here)

Here's one of my pieces with me - beaming with excitement to have found a babysitter and to be out on the town!

Great turn-out, hey?

I also popped by the MacEwan Design Studies grad show. I'm blown away by work by one of my students, Keenan Kirk. Watch for him in the future!

Publish Post

I was completely impressed by this years grad show. The students work made my heart beat a little quicker and I was so proud to have seen some of the projects from the section of class I taught as well! Success!