Eclectic Etcetera

2012-01-19T20:55:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!
One of my new year's resolutions- Make more comics! Like this one :)

Ode to a Cat- To Lu ©CSiravo

2011-10-21T07:08:00.000-07:00

Oh to be a cat!
meowing like a little bell you are always warm
Continuous blankets of furs
snuggle into your own self
Your purr is like a motorcar of love inside your heart~!
It must be a lot of upkeep though being you, and many a hairball
...but tis a small sacrifice to be so cuddly and cute.
You are so comfortable in your own self unlike most of us people
You need only treats and love to sustain you.
A little adventure here and there,
- look there's a squirrel~!
And of course, a nap laying in a funny position.
If only we could be simple like you, sweet little Lu!
Love,
Christina

Christina Siravo - Artists Wanted 2010

2011-01-25T11:01:00.000-08:00

Christina Siravo - Artists Wanted 2010

Please vote for my portfolio on the link above- it could mean great things for an artist's career! :)

One of Us

2010-05-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

Only found out about this a few days ago-!
Come to this wonderful event in NYC where there'll be a celebration of Tilbury House publishing's new book "One of Us"- Plus, the chance to own small works of art by different illustrators around the country where proceeds will benefit "the Powered by Girl Campaign from Hardy Girls Healthy Women" at Book Culture, live music, networking opportunities and more-! See more info here:
http://oneofus.eventbrite.com/

Here is my contribution to the event, (selected artists were asked to do a mini self portrait on 6x4 paper)

Care for some ice cream??

2010-05-06T09:05:00.001-07:00

...topped with fictional polar Bears? :) (click on the picture above to buy a print in my Etsy shop!)

Preparation for summer

2010-04-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

Having a day off from my regular day job is such a blessing! The Farmer's Markets here in Portland will be swiftly approaching , next week in fact- This year, I am fully prepared for the season , planning on attending every week. A lovely day like today spent with the windows wide open, breeze blowing in, and the sound of the birds chirping in the air. (A sound I miss very much- and which I wish would last through the whole year!)

The steps that go into having your own art business are many; the time to prepare the work for selling, making prints, organizing your inventory, posting about it online- all requiring the artist to have a new set of skills in order for success. Organizational skills, time management (which has always been a struggle-) and that of viewing one's work through an objective viewpoint- "What do my customers like the most? What sells the best?" and how to bring that to them while still making art that is personal to me.
The Maine Comic Arts Festival is coming up May 23rd, and I am preparing new art and prints for that as well. Below you can see a fanart painting, in honor of the new Tim Burton Alice in Wonderland Movie, which I found to be a stunning and adventurous creative interpretation! That will also be for sale at the festival, just looking for a fan to give it a proper home! :)

MTS Brochure COMPLETE!

2010-04-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

It was completed a few months ago, but just getting around to posting about it now

Thanks to John Yi, former president of Re-ment Miniatures International (www.re-ment.co.jp) I was commissioned to illustrate his company's brochure, just in time for a large costume and toys show in Las Vegas their company was attending to gain new clients.

MTS testing provides services to companies who need their products tested and approved before going on the market (including Disney products too). This was something I never knew about. Neat part about being an artist is you get to learn new things all the time that have to do with your client's projects. However, he wanted me to help him create a brochure that was fun and colorful , and reflected the fun nature of his team, while still being professional (and not too over the top!).

This is what we came up with, and what I Illustrated (Scans of the final printed paper brochure):

So Many Little Birdies!!!

2010-04-04T16:43:00.000-07:00

More Birdie Paintings Posted in my Etsy shop this weekend.
It felt so wonderful to have the warm weather and the sunshine- especially after working indoors all week long!
These little paintings have mattings provided by Mainely Frames here in Portland. Tim and Leo do such a great job! See the Listings by Clicking on the above images.

Little Birdies

2010-03-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

Continuing the series of mini bird paintings. Click the painting on the left ot see what's new.
Soon these bird paintings will be for sale in my Etsy Shop.

I am simultaneously working on finishing up my comic 'The Honeycomb Wanderer" in time for the Maine Comic Artists Festival coming soon. So busy!

For Valentine's Day

2010-02-08T15:03:00.000-08:00

Here Are Some Sweet Treats just in time for Valentine's Day- From Bluebirdie's Bootique!

Peculiar cake in the afternoon

2010-01-22T17:00:00.001-08:00

Today's one hour painting; purchase here

Worker Bee- Heart Full of Hope

2010-01-21T17:18:00.001-08:00

Purchase here in my Etsy shop

One a day painting-Bluebird Kiss

2010-01-21T08:34:00.000-08:00

"kiss me you fool!" Said the Bluebird :) 5X7 on birch panel
Purchase HERE

One a day painting- Bun bun

2010-01-20T08:16:00.001-08:00

Here's a little Bun bun for yet another cold snowy day; one hour -once a day. My second one. I want to keep this up!
Such a peaceful meditation and study.
On a birch plywood panel 1 inch thick, available in my Etsy Shop

Purchase painting here!

An Hour Painting a day- Starting today!

2010-01-19T14:30:00.000-08:00

Here's the first; it can be purchased in my Etsy Shop or canvas prints purchased through my zazzle shop. A happy bluebird for a snowy day!

Reccomend Art study books

2010-01-18T14:35:00.000-08:00

There are some books that have really helped me; the most recent being "The Practice and Science of Drawing" by Harold Speed. A must read. I'm still not finished reading through;
it is something you let sink in.

There are some by Burne Hogarth, whom is very stylized; and alright- but my favorite book thus far has been Bridgman's Complete Guide to Drawing from life.

Just a little study from this book has improved my abilities by at least 50%; making linework more fluid and figures more alive- and I still have yet to finish the book!

I would like to find more books about drawing clothing and how it drapes, from the imagination. Something to make comics and illustrations look more real and natural when there isn't a reference photo to work from. Most of the time, there isnt'. Being able to picture figures and their poses from your imagination takes a lot of mental energy to get right. It is like drawing harmonies of music...but in the human form

Can you share you favorite art study books here?
What's been helpful to you?

It's still frustrating when a crease seems out of place or a proportion is off by a few percent.
"Try not to be too hard on yourself"- I say to myself; it's easier said than done though!

PICNIC Portland 2009

2010-01-16T17:01:00.000-08:00

Back in December was Picnic's Holiday fair-in downtown Portland Maine. This festival featured some of the most eclectic, creative, funny and unusual artists, crafts persons, knitters, so much more-! Being surrounded by so many creative people all in one place was a real treat.

Here are just a couple of the Artists whom were there with their beautiful creations:

Patti's Ceramic's- handmade functional pottery with vibrant colors and retro flair- victorian linework transfers of rabbits, owls, birds- (I have a rabbit cup she made!) simply gorgeous Patti!

The Illuminated Owl- Wearable works in leather, handmade and intricately painted- featuring majestically depicted gentle creatures like birds, owls, deer, squirrel too :)

Below is the M&M club whom kindly shared their table, and below that, is me with Bluebirdie Bootique- roadshow style!

You can see more photos and people from the event here: PICNIC Portland 2009 Photos

Bye for now and have a creative rest of the weekend,
-Christina
http://bluebirdiesinger.etsy.com

so busy, new sketches

2010-01-16T16:10:00.000-08:00

Here are some sketches for a client I'm currently working with- They are having me provide all the illustrations and some design for their new brochure- The goal was to make the art fun and lighthearted yet sophisticated to represent their company and it's people.

Didn't know I did portraits or caricatures did you?? I never really mentioned it or put it anywhere on my website. (I'm available for commissioned works!) These sketches are going to be transferred to watercolor paper and then carefully painted.

SPERA comic by Josh Tierney

2010-01-04T11:23:00.000-08:00

Writer Josh Tierney has gathered artists from all over the world for an artist's comic/graphic novel collaboration. The story is a fantasy adventure and the first chapter of the work can be seen here:

SPERA COMIC PART 1

Part two will shortly be posted online- with a whole other group of artists contributing pages in their own individual style and flair, but all with the same story and characters. It is fascinating and inspiring to see how different everyone's interpretation is of the scenes and characters. It's exciting being a part of this comic collab!

Below are the black and white inked drawings for my portion of part 2. I plan on coloring them digitally after I finished the last two pages (pg1-5 complete, go from bottom to top)

Typewriters

2010-01-01T14:35:00.000-08:00

Back in 2006 typewriters became a fascination to me, all the details and clockwork that goes into them- My Fantastic typewriter design was put into print on Threadless.com and since then I've been getting requests from people and friends to design more-

So; I created a set of buttons, art cards, and laminated bookmarks based on classic typewriters, drawn with mircon pens and copic markers.

They are such artistic writing instruments, all the colors, shapes an sizes-!

You can find these now in my Etsy Shop:

Typewriter Pinback buttons

Typewriter BOOKMARKS

Typewriter Signed Art CARDS

Why am I promoting my shop so much? Because in 2010, it is my dream for this small business to truly take flight!

If you have an ETSY SHOP post a link to it here on this post,and share with us your talents! Here's to wishing great success for all small businesses this year and for those who are working hard to achieve their dreams.

Happy New Years DAY!
-Christina aka Bluebirdie

Teeny little Super Guy

2009-12-31T19:28:00.000-08:00

A classic Sesame Street Animation- what a creative series these stop motion animated shorts were!
Do you remember these from Your childhood too?

Happy New Year!!

2009-12-30T18:33:00.001-08:00

Happy new Years everyone!
I hope this one brings lost of new adventures for you.

At the end of every year, I become quite nostalgic and think about where I'v been and where I am today--Even though I'm not exactly where I'd imagined to be, at least there is comfort in knowing I'm am much farther ahead than every year previously! :) lol!
. This life's journey seems like it's been so long, but yet also remembering it's truly "Only just the beginning!" a Croatian friend once used to tell me often when I worked at Goodwill.

Being so happy just for the simple things like having a regular job, although not my dream job- and a few close friends, a car, good food to eat.
I was also very thankful for every Etsy order I receive; An artist DOES need some sense that what they're doing is important, that it's needed and appreciated by others-that time spent alone with one's craft doesn't only benefit the artist's mind, but is a gift to share.

As I was packaging some bird bookmarks tonight to ship out to a very joyful and expectant customer, (the BEST kind of customer!) I recalled how when I was a child- drawing and laminate my own bookmarks was my favorite thing to do, and attempt to sell them in shops around Wickford Rhode Island (hometown). I can remember being 11 or 12 years old going door to door in my neighborhood on a sunny afternoon, peddling handmade greeting cards and bookmarks!

Do you recall having an inkling of your destiny before you grew up? Signs or glimpses of the path you were to follow?

I always had the unquenchable desire to create things; stories, gifts, things that would make people happy. Still today now almost 27, it's the same desire for beauty and happiness that compels me to push further and create more every year.

These bookmarks you see above are how I package them when you purchase from my Etsy shop "Bluebirdie Bootique"! Visit http://bluebirdiesinger.etsy.com for your treats.

Follow your dreams and you'll certainly find your voice! Bye for now,
Christina

Christmas is what you make of it

2009-12-18T09:43:00.000-08:00

Many people are alone on the Holidays- kids away from home at college, others live far away from family, singles without anyone to share this special time with.
To be happy at this time then, the shift of focus (for those of us who are single/alone, or for those of you without family around-) must be on the broader picture and not on our singleness or lack of family. There is much to do, all around:

Things like participating in group functions, volunteering, and of course my favorite- singing-! are things you can do to keep positive and enjoy the season for what it's really about- that of re-birth and great love (Agape love).
So to any of you who find yourself spending this time of year feeling left out,
bless every person you meet this winter season by being totally present to them in the moment. (being present- is a great present! )

Christmas and the Holidays are what you make of it; you give it meaning by how you choose to spend this time of year.

Whatever everyone else may be doing doesn't matter much, this season is special because we individually have to make it special for eachother.
Which means not sitting back and wanting Christmas love, but stepping out and being that love for others first with no expectation.
then, you are free to experience this season as it is meant to be!

have a good one,
Christina

Just in time for Christmas 2009- A new Card Design!

2009-10-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

Magical Christmas by CSiravo
Design a photo note card at zazzle

2009-10-16T08:43:00.000-07:00

The Maine Illustrator's Collective is having yet another awesome Art show ! It's for Reinterpretations of Fairy tale classics- find more info on the Maine Illustrator's Collective website:
www.maineillustratorscollective.org

Here is a piece I am submitting to the show:

Kseniya Simonova - Sand Animation (Україна має талант / Ukraine's Got Talent)

2009-08-10T06:20:00.001-07:00

A Sand animation of divine nature, pure beauty! And touches the soul

Blog to see- "latartine gourmande"

2008-08-22T05:56:00.000-07:00

Here is a blog that is fresh and artistically inspiring, full of the most lovely photographs; colofrul and delicious. Her site features recipies of all kinds, and is simply the most delightful-scrumptious culinary blog around!
Check it out:
http://www.latartinegourmande.com

Summer passes by, into new horizons-!

2008-08-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

Summer already is drawing to a close- A summer which was quite eventful and wonderful. For four weeks I taught alongside an artist friend at a summer arts camp- Cartooning. Two weeks after that- I taught on my own with the aid of friendly and fun camp counselors. During the time of teaching, I had a set schedule and routine which is something I haven't had since college- And it felt good to have a place to go where I was needed to teach for a time. Now, it is over and I'm back to relying upon my own organizational and time-management abilites to make sense of what would otherwise be a large and open frame of "free" time. Although, time is never truly "free"; I am hard on myself how I spend my time and always feel that there's never enough time to accomplish all the things I want to do. Much time is used up in writing to pubilshers and searching for jobs- that effort, I hope, will be worthwhile!

There is so much good in my life, and yet there are still so many challenges and upward climbs at every turn- which of course never ends, but changes . Uplifting events, kindness of friends,laughter, the knowing that I am doing my best with what I can do and where I am- these thoughts keep me going. Finding meaning in each day, even the monotanous days or days alone - is important.

SCBWI New England

2008-02-28T17:07:00.000-08:00

Artists interested in illustrating for Children's Books, or writing for them, would benefit by going to the "Society Of Children's Book Illustrators and Writers" or SCBWI for short!- Conference in New Hampshire, April 11-13.
For more information visit their official website:
http://www.nescbwi.org/

Maine Illutrators collective also has a blog updated and Maintained by illustrator Anna Boll:

http://mecollective.blogspot.com/

This should be an exciting and insightful event-! To delve into the workings of the Children's Book Industry! Perhaps I will see you there :)

Take time and sing your song

2008-02-04T16:18:00.000-08:00

Blessings such as a birthday celebration -my 1st surprise gathering from friends; And, being part of and witnessing an inspirational-musical wedding too , were both grand highlights this past month.

A recent art exhibit at the Drawing room in the State street theatre building, was another event which builds the feeling of community and fellowship, helping to balance out the days spent creating in the studio.

Things of the past becoming new again, by means of time maturing perspectives and mutual understandings between people, even though time is a mystery and I do not know where I shall be within even a year or two. Taking each week at a time and continually trying to see each day and the people in it as precious.

It's a slow start on the way to a polished song, or painting, or relationship- that turns out the best quality. A foundation for all things, slowly but humbly built. Trusting, that there will be enough time to do all the things you were meant to do- remembering this, so one will not rush, but enjoy the journey. Technically speaking- in a painting, it is best to create it in different moments, and not rush it all at once. To be seperate from the painting allows you to master it/understand it more fully than when you are too attatched. To know it as it is you must let it go; very much the same principle that applies for love. Some detatchment but never indifference; time together and time apart, much like creating a painting.

Art, Life, and Happy Christmas!

2007-12-10T10:17:00.000-08:00

Hello Minna-san (everyone)!

It's been a while since i've posted. My life has been pretty full lately!

I just had my first "gallery" showing at a cute little funky fabrics store: http://www.zfabric.com/

It took a long time to get everything prepared , but thanks to the help of friends, it went much more quickly. I found some inexspenvie and simple frames to display the work with too. It turned out beautiful!
With that and helping out at my friend's foods store, it feels good to have a couple of days free to re-group my thoughts and energies and get focused on what I can create next.

The art-flow has been really consistent this year, and I've accomplished the quantity and quality of work I was hoping to for 2007.

I feel i've grown as an artist and a person, although there is still so much to learn. That is always a common goal I have in mind for every year. Who knows what is in store for 2008? Just a change, I hope. I long for a change in my lifestyle, namely, living on my own - and have a chance to meet new people and become even more a part of the community here in Portland.

I opened an account on Zazzle: http://www.zazzle.com/csiravo

Where folks can purchase greeting cards and other things, similar to the DA store: http://bluebirdie.deviantart.com/store

Happy Christmas to you!

-Birdie

Be thankful always

2007-11-20T21:51:00.000-08:00

Sounds like something Polyanna would say, but it it's the truth. When I find myself overanalyzing reality, rather than simply living it- or dwelling on things that make me worrisome- in the midst of these turbulent thoughts, that little saying always pops into my mind- "Be thankful in all things for that is my will concerning you"
Anyhow, thanksgiving to me, is something that we should be aware of things to be thankful for everyday.

I am at a point in my career and life, where everything feels it's in transitioning mode, I'm feeling very positive about things right now, even though everything is uncertain, I feel lots of hope and strength. Every year holds a new suprise ; and I've met so many wonderful people within this past year- the prospect of meeting more wonderful people this year too and getting to know them is exciting.

My booksigning for "An Orphan's Promise" draws near- November 24th, at Simply Scandinavian Foods. I hope you can join us, dear reader. I will be personalizing (aka drawing cartoons in the book for you) and signing the books.
Christmastime is close at hand too and I have lots to do in preparation, I want to keep my energy up. Hopefully bringing energy to others in the process.

Rainy Day- Make your own sunshine

2007-11-06T16:38:00.001-08:00

My Mimi always used to tell me to "make my own sunshine", and indeed, on a gloomy rainy day like it was today, what other choice does one have?

Two little orange flowers that I picked yesterday brought me a lot of brightness today- in the morning I noticed how their petals were closed tightly, and as the sunlight came through, they opened up very quickly- as though alive and yawning or stretching their petals!

How nice it would be to take a nap amongst little yellow flowers too.

-Or find a Polar Bear in my Ice Cream Sundae:

It Takes Time-

2007-11-05T18:27:00.000-08:00

It takes a lot of time, to do the things us artists do- to promote our work, learn the business side of it all, and still make time to actually MAKE the art too. I'd rather be honing my skills than doing the business side of art- but I am learning it comes along with the territory. In a way, it is forcing me to develop a side of myself I've not developed before- that organized, mathematical and practical part of me.
The plus side: it's far more exciting than a regular office job, or corporate work-where you'd sit in a cubicle all day long. Because you're your own boss- You can get up and take a break whenever, or even do a little dance at random, just to stretch your legs a bit! (doing a little dance is the best part-)
I also took a walk in the woods yesterday, and turned my attentions to the beauty of the nature around me, forgetting about whatever troubles are around me, and not letting those troubles inside me. The still water has a calming effect on the soul, and reminds us of our true nature in peace, and harmony-God's nature of perfect peace.

However, being a freelancer certainly takes more discipline, since no one's telling you, "do this or that"- It's up to you/me alone, as a freelancer, to motivate and discipline ourselves to the tasks we need to do, to move forward.
The internet being the primary means of communication nowadays- almost every art-job i've been commissioned to do- was because I found it on the web ; or it found me. It's so important to get out though, and live- In my heart I know I would much rather be spending my time outdoors and traveling in the world, sketching in my sketchbook from famous landmarks in Europe, and Italian countrysides & Cathedrals... Sitting under cherry Blossom trees at a shrine somewhere far away in Japan. But even to get there; you must start here I suppose-!

Daily Cartoon: Bad Posture:
Your mum always told you to stand up/Sit up straight, right? Well, she's soo right-on! Because this is what ends up happening:

(If in your back you feel a round hump, you know for certain, you are starting to slump! >_<;)

First Blog. Bottoms up-! Kanpai-! Cheers!-Skol!

2007-11-04T17:17:00.001-08:00

(left: Fall image for http://childrensillustrator.deviantart.com )

I've decided to start my own blog, as a place for my artwork and illustration but also as a place to connect with other Illustrators/Children's Book Illustrators.

I began promoting my work about 7-8 years ago . The first step, was creating my own personal homepage and portfolio, which progresses over the years and is continually growing:
http://www.csiravo.com/
And about 3 years ago, I signed up with Deviantart, an online art community:
http://bluebirdie.deviantart.com/