Two summers ago I participated in a group show at my studio cooperative. The theme was “Suitable for All Ages”. Usually I really like themes (I’m going to have to try out some of the challenges here on WordPress soon!) but this one had me rather stumped.  Finally I decided to try some sketches of people of different ages doing ageless things, and that led me to these three little (8×10 inches) paintings. I had just started doing comics, and decided to try a kind of comics or picture book style for them, as another layer to the “all ages” idea, and off I went!

The paintings are pen and ink with watercolour and coloured pencil, which has become my favourite combination for illustrations. I mounted them on some ready-made cradled boards, which consist of a thin plywood board with a supporting frame behind. The boards are smoothly finished, so after I mounted it and gave it all a coat of fixative, all I had to do was put a couple of eye-hooks in the back (I put them inside the frame part so they don’t make the painting stick out from the wall) and add some picture wire. Look Ma, no frame!

They didn’t sell at the show, but recently they found a good home at a friend’s house. She tells me they are inspiring to her — I hope they also inspire you to indulge in some agelessness!

Suitable for All Ages — Planting

Suitable for All Ages — Loving

Suitable for All Ages — Playing