Friday was a day where endurance was need to get through it all. I did a Fox 5 live TV food demo for the Gaithersburg Book Festival at 7:30 AM-in Gaithersburg, which can be seen now, http://ow.ly/l3irq, a deadline for artwork of the second edition of the book and the second Watercolor Art Class Salsa and Sangria event at Living Social to teach in the evening. Oh and- my mother came to town mid afternoon. I made it through, and felt good about all of it! Whew.
This time last year I was working hard on the content of Comida Latina, and on this Cinco de Mayo, I’m back at it. I’m adding 8 new fully illustrated pages to the second edition of Comida Latina. I’m pleased to include Paella de Tomás, Rosa’s Enchiladas Verdes, and a my version of Mallorca, a Puerto Rican Sweet Bread.
As a self published author, I’m purchasing the books upfront and it’s a tremendous expense all at once. Your online order of the 2nd edition will help offset my upfront costs, and in return you’ll get the books you order plus a surprise illustrated recipe art print as thanks for your support.
Remember this is a wonderful gift item for the foodie, traveler or art enthusiast in your life!
Order the 2nd edition now through my etsy site
Or, wait until my amazon payment account is verified to place your order.
Mallorca recipe in the works
I checked my email this morning to find a new order had been placed for Comida Latina through Amazon.com. I am stoked to know that the Washington DC Library Acquisitions Division has bought a copy! Comida Latina will be available through my local library. My hometown library in Forest Grove, Oregon bought one right away, actually. I’m happy DC is on board too.
The first edition is going fast- only about 40 copies left of the first edition. The second is in the works: more recipes included!
I’ve been working on my salmon poster, inspired by my brother, an avid fisherman. The last time we were together he wrote in my journal all about the differences between each species. I asked lots of dumb sounding questions as he thoughtfully explained the difference between the coloring of the 5 different pacific salmon and other things like how the hook on the nose on the fish develops as it matures. It’s all really interesting! One of my artistic inspirations for this project is James Prosek, an artist/fisherman, author and illustrator of many fish related books, one being Fly Fish the 41st, a beautiful book narrating fishing for trout all around the 41st parallel.
In an interview, chalk artist and designer Dana Tanamachi shares:
Ask yourself what you would do if nobody paid you. What makes you feel fulfilled and excited? Whatever that is, do it.
It might not even be design related. Remember that your first job isn’t necessarily going to be your dream job. In this age of immediate gratification, some things still just take time. So use that time wisely! Practice. Ask yourself how you can take practical steps towards your dream. That might mean carving time out of your schedule, being a bit more disciplined, researching. Continue learning and when you get really good at something and you love it, oftentimes people will notice.
Andaz Hotel 5th Avenue | New York City
Thank you Dana.
Lately my sketches have been focused on telling a story.
I am working towards my next book and my drawing exercises have been about human expression, narrative, and exchanges between people.
I’d like to thank Carmen Lomas Garza for in inspiration. She is a master of drawings that tell stories based on her life. The more I study Garza’s work the more I am inspired. Check her out, carmenlomasgarza.com Thank you for your art, Carmen!
Specifically, my current sketches are based on reality. The little boy I’m drawing these days resembles Kevin, my friend Rosa’s grandson who is always so energetic and curious.
The dog is Lupita, my aunt’s beloved little Mexican mutt. Most people that meet Lupita adore her; she has so many human like expressions and playful characteristics that parallel a little person.
As predicted, the snow began early this morning at continues too fall, creating a wet sloppy mess. I love snow, but not this heavy wet stuff that doesn’t stick.I’m inside, finishing up a small first edition of Tom’s paella, the watercoloring is finished, copies made, and now I’m refining them a little: adding some richer colors here and there. The snow outside is keeping me in this morning and afternoon, but I plan to get out to a gift shop that sells Latin American Books (at Inter American Development Bank) to drop off a wholesale order. Potential wholesale stores are more abundant than it seemed initially. Because the book is Latin American themed, artistically rendered, and it’s cookbook there is definitely more than one audience that the book appeals to, and more places to sell it. May the list of places to find Comida Latina continue to grow.
This recipe is the special paella of family friend Tom Cullen. I am creating it in his honor, so that people will be inspired continue to enjoy the experience that Tom has shared with friends and family over the years.
I have yet to go to Spain, but the creation process and the research involved with this illustration certainly makes me want to go even more. Such a rich history and culture behind this popular dish. I look forward to exploring it more!
I’m teaming up with Fab.com to offer art prints of 15 illustrated recipes from Comida Latina. These frame-ready 9×12 editions are a great way to freshen up your kitchen!
The sale will be on for one week, starting Feb 24th check out the selections on Fab.com
I’m happy to share that Rabbitduck Workshop is a exhibitor until March 24th on the great online exhibition space, Papernstitch.
Hand picked and handmade goods indeed!
Papernstitch.com
