introducing Basil & sketches as of late

I would like to introduce my newest little owl and character to accompany Lumen in her story, Basil! (I'm weird and like to pronounce it the British way, bae-zil!) I'm smitten with these little owls...I have one more little owlet to finalize, Lumen's brother Tuttles, then it's on to the other illustrations in their story...there's also a little sneak peek of the story down below...

Lumen’s best friend was named Basil

And he was just as special as she,

But Basil much preferred to read and write

And study all the creatures that they’d see

Here's a little peek at the sketches and plans I have for the book...there's a lot of projects floating around right now but hopefully I can crank out these illustrations pretty quickly, then get it into Blurb, printed and up for sale in my Etsy, ideally before summer. Lots to do!

Also, I was able to get some sketching in during my 2 week hiatus. I've been using my lovely neon orange fountain pen that my dear friend Kate Rodgers sent me for my birthday! It is an amazing little pen with the most fantastic blue ink...

The first one is of a coffee shop I found in Fullerton, California called Max Bloom's. Then the 2nd sketch is in Austin, Texas. A view of the Loop 360 bridge from atop Mount Bonnell.

And now I must get back to work...most sketches and illustrations to be done...a lot actually....oi vey!