Violet's of Saratoga

My family moved from Savannah, Georgia to Saratoga Springs, New York, just over a year ago. The move happened quickly—my husband Fred took a job offer up here—and we were excited to migrate north, but it was a huge decision. Despite being in the middle of a busy season of making art for duopress (including Chicago Baby, which I painted all throughout the move), he flew me up to Saratoga Springs to show me around, so that we could decide together whether or not to leave our long-time home of Savannah.

Saratoga Springs' bustling, historic down-town is actually a lot like Savannah, minus the heat and that special Southern je ne sais qois. (Fred blames humidity. I think the likes of Flannery O'Connor and Tennessee Williams would argue that the issue is more complex than weather, but what do I know.) The South has its charms, but this small northern town is absolutely lovely. You'll never guess the name of the first shop that caught my eye as soon as we rolled in: "Violet's of Saratoga!" I saw Violet's, and knew I was home.

I also knew that once Isabella's Shoe Studio was in print, I would see about getting it into Violet's.  Violet's is a chic, up-scale ladies' boutique with an amazing staff, featuring an array of to-die-for shoes as well as everything fashion. Between the name and the content, it seemed a match made in heaven.

Shop owner Laura Farrar couldn't have been more gracious. She embraced Isabella with open arms, and features a stack of books in a place of honor on the counter.

If you're in the area, check out Violet's and of Saratoga. The shop is right down town at 494 Broadway, and there is a parking lot adjacent to the store, right off the street. Tomorrow is SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY—a good excuse to get out support a wonderful, local small business! 

Click here to see Violet's of Saratoga's website.

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If you look closely you can see Yours Truly in the top photo, and again in this interior shot. (Yes, I am bundled up to my eyeballs in a gigantic woman-eating parka. I've been up here over a year but am still not quite used to the cold.)

finally available: 4 new books!

Last summer I made art for four new Duopress titles which, in recent days, finally became available in bookstores: Chicago Baby, Doodle Texas, Doodle Washington DC, and Beach Doodles.

Last spring, I'll admit, I was a little nervous about the work load. I lined up a bunch of interns to help, and decided to share one of the assignments—Beach Doodles (a SUPER cute book, written by Puck)—with my friend and former student, Paige Garrison.

I *painted* the illustrations for Chicago Baby (written by Jerome Pohlen—it's absolutely adorable), a process that was lots of fun, and quicker than my usual routine. The break from Photoshop was refreshing. Listening to Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash while inking Doodle Texas (also written by Jerome) was relaxing, and oh-so-very TEXAS. What's not to like, y'all? I've been pining for cowboy boots ever since.

Doodle Washington DC (written by the prolific and lovely Laura Krauss Mehlmed) is a very classy book and I'm proud to be a part of it. Meanwhile my son has discovered John Philip Sousa, his new favorite composer; between the marches and the red, white and blue book, I've never felt more American.

All of the work finished itself, despite my family's last-minute decision to MOVE a thousand miles in August. And at this moment Team Duopress is finishing up another work season, for which I illustrated FIVE books—not four—and this time, without sharing any assignments. It just never pays to worry. ☺
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Paige: I will send you a box of books as soon as I can get out of this studio. This week, I promise. Same for you, Elizabeth and Melissa (my wonderful interns). Be watching for packages from me!