In the Studio - Summertime Worktime

It has been an undoubtedly busy summer.  Strangely enough, I think this summer has been busier than the school year?  I've been getting a bunch of work together for an exhibit in Milwaukee next month at Greymatter Gallery, trying to add to my illustration portfolio, and massively reorganizing our house all at once.

I built and primed a bunch of new surfaces, and cut a bunch of homasote panels (for taping/stretching watercolors) at the start of summer.

We finally moved our amazing $50 thrifted dining set onto the porch, and ever since I've been working out there to take advantage of the cool breezes and lovely light while painting. 

Rascal also enjoys our porch time. 

I'll be sharing a bunch of the finished images of these paintings once my show is up, but in the meantime here are some sneak peeks.  

In between making oil paintings for the Milwaukee show, I've also been working on a ton of little food illustrations, here's one of my latest ones:  

There are a few more food illustrations on Behance:  CassieMarie 

Last but not least I've carved another linoleum block.  I'm kind of starting to get addicted to these.  They are seriously fun to carve.  

Wishing you all a creatively 

Black Hills

We just got back from a much needed mini-vacation.  As you may have noticed, the blog has been a little bit sparse lately.  My day-job (adjunct teaching) was really tough last semester.  I was busy, super stressed, and felt like I was hanging on for dear life and completely overworked between teaching and keeping up with my studio work.  As soon as school stopped, full time studio work commenced.  This was our first break in a long time.

We met our friends John and Heidi out in the Black Hills for some fishing, music playing, painting, and camping fun.  We love having another artist/musician couple friend to commiserate with. :)  Here are some shots from our stay at Sheridan Lake.

John and Nate serenading us while we paint.

Relaxation/Painting time with Heidi.

We really roughed it food-wise.  Tortellini and Wine.

Heidi and I caught all of the fish.  John was a champ and cleaned them like a pro.  Nate caught a wonderful pine tree.

John's cast iron cooking prowess was greatly appreciated.  Also- we had the genius idea to grill bean/cheese quesadillas on the fire.  Best. Idea. Ever.


I had a chance to clear my head a bit and paint which was great and much needed.  These are the pieces I worked on over the last four days.  I really enjoy plein air painting - it is such a different approach than much of my other studio work, and so instantly gratifying.

I hope you are all having a chance to relax and reflect this summer too.