Archive | December, 2012

Thank You and Happy New Year!

Monday · December 31, 2012 · Personal


 
As 2012 comes to a close, I want to thank everyone for their support this year as I launched my sole proprietorship and started my first blog outside of Blogger and LiveJournal. I greatly appreciate every one of you who visited my website and blog, became a fan on Facebook, followed me on COLOURlovers, or connected with me on LinkedIn. I am also incredibly grateful for my friends and coworkers at Generac who continuously give me so much advice on life and business, which allows me to be an even better small business owner.
 
There will be some new changes and accomplishments in 2013 I’m excited to share, including:

  • A new responsive website design for Megan McDonald Art & Design coming soon
  • Two of my pattern designs, Mango Lemonade and Starlight, getting published in Sendpoints Books’ Classical Patterns and Modern Patterns
  • Joining and participating in a local art-affiliated group
  • Posting new designs and photos I made this year
  • Creating new work in a variety of mediums
    (You can check out my latest pattern design, Black Celebration, available in several different products on Society6.)
  • Design tutorials and freebies

I hope you have a happy and healthy start to the New Year!

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Winter in the Floating World

Sunday · December 23, 2012 · Art

Winter scenes are by far my favorite when it comes to Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints. The tactile weight of the snow on the trees, ground, and buildings contrasts so beautifully with the delicate falling snowflakes. The prints with people bracing themselves against the wind give the composition a sense of movement, despite the lack of wind lines. Most of all, I love how the landscapes’ cool tones complement the warm colors of the architecture and clothing.
 
On the eve of the solstice, we had our first heavy snowfall of the season in Wisconsin just in time for the holidays. Even if the weather near you doesn’t feel much like winter, I hope these gorgeous woodblock prints will give you some inspiration for the season. Happy Holidays!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Find out more about each ukiyo-e print below:
 
Continue Reading →

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Frank Frazetta’s Tolkien Illustrations

Saturday · December 15, 2012 · Art

In celebration of this weekend’s premier of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, I want to share some of my favorite J.R.R. Tolkien-inspired illustrations by the late fantasy and sci-fi artist Frank Frazetta. Each illustration has such a great sense of movement, tension, and composition. Enjoy!
 
For a better view of Frazetta’s line detail, click on each image to enlarge.
 

 

 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 

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Top 10 Pantone Colors for 2013

Sunday · December 2, 2012 · Fashion

Pantone was right on target with their prediction of Tangerine Tango becoming the most popular color of 2012. For 2013, it seems that its complementary color, Monaco Blue, will take its place, along with nine others inspired by Asian culture, 1950s vintage, and 1960s pop art.
 
These colors have already started to make an appearance in fashion and will surely continue to gain popularity in other design industries next year. I am excited to see how designers will utilize this color palette to create a sense of balance.
 
Here are Pantone’s top 10 predicted color trends for 2013 as seen in this year’s street style:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
African Violet street style by Street Peeper, Dusk Blue street style by Stockholm Streetstyle, Emerald street style by Stockholm Streetstyle, Grayed Jade street style by Street Peeper, Lemon Zest street style by Hel Looks, Linen street style by Stockholm Streetstyle, Monaco Blue street style by Street Peeper, Nectarine street style by Stockholm Streetstyle, Poppy Red street style by Street Peeper, and Tender Shoots street style by The Sartorialist

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