~ Illustrated Light Shades ~
One day I was organizing one of the rooms at the studio used to store just about everything and sitting on top of a precarious pile of old lamps were a few newer looking drum shades. I'm assuming someone had bought them with a plan, but had abandoned the project. Inspired by a children's book that my wife and son had recently given to me as a gift I decided to use the simple white surface of the shade as if it were a wrapped piece of paper to draw on. I first did a very light pencil sketch followed by line drawing with a fine point black sharpie marker. Subtle color was added with watercolors.
Because some of the themes at the studio incorporate children, nature, and animals, that's what I used as subject matter. The first lampshade pictured a little boy and a bird, a little girl and a squirrel, and trees with an acorn.
It really made a sweet light for a nursery or small child's room.
Well, someone else thought the same thing and bought it. The room got dark after that so I had to come up with another one quick. It was early spring and the mole hills were treacherous in the back yard so I thought Moles and Daffodils would be a great combo. Oh yeah, and a little girl and boy too.
I love a challenge, and to make a mole cute is exactly that. Can you picture this little dude doing a little "Caddyshack" dance? This lamp is still the center piece in our "sweet room" at the studio. It retails for $150. call 360-466-2303 or stop into the studio to see it in person.
I'm thinking the next one is going to have "pink tulips", bunnies, a little girl, and a little boy. What do you think? Should the little girl have curly red hair?
I also want to share a secret with you. The magical ingredient that I add to so many things that I make in the studio is............
COFFEE!!!
I put it in myself as well.
It adds the right warmth to white and tones down colors that are a little too bright. Give it a swirl! No cream or sugar.
