Hello, Friends!  

I'll be adding a few more watercolors here on my blog for safe keeping. 

I'm not sure how long I'll have my website KLHallam.com. I signed up when I had two books coming out the same year. I can't justify spending the money when it costs more than what I've made on book sales. (For now) I am hopeful. Eternally hopeful ... and it's a setup. lol. 

I wondered if I might keep the website and showcase my illustrations, but any extra time I have I just want to write fiction! Add that to my daily 5-6 hours Mon-Friday at the day job --I'm basically addicted to writing. 

But I'm planning a series of illustrations from old movie stills and legendary film and jazz stars. 




My watercolor illustration of Meryl Streep from around 1979, the year Kramer vs. Kramer came out. Why did I paint her?  Because I admire Meryl on so many levels. 

An Illustration in Steps.

 Pencil sketch by me!
 ... and the steps leading to the finish.  Also, here's an interview on Jessica Bayliss' blog on how I find inspiration. That was fun. Thanks, Jessica. She has a pretty awesome blog, you should check it out.

 ...  the end.   

Check out more of my illustration on Instagram! 

A Watercolor in Stages

I've been so focused on writing for the past few years. I'm finally bringing out my watercolors and brushes. It's not the only thing I've put aside until I can finish the books I'm writing. I've also put my music on hold. Hosting and singing the Singers' Session Jam at Zinc Bar for the last four years, every week, became too much. Sometimes we gotta hit one thing at a time. Because, sometimes, there is too much of a good thing. 

I'll get back to singing and writing tunes. It's a part of who I am.  I practice my vocal exercises every day, and I try and paint on the weekends.  When my kids (teens) allow me have the apartment for a few hours. Oh, and yes, I need a studio. If you know of one in NYC, that's not too pricey, please leave a comment.  

I really thought I'd have fresh paintings to hand out for Xmas. If I find a decent printer I may have prints before the end of the year. 

Pencil (i don't usually )

I like this stage, when it's a little raw.

shaping her personality

went with this expression

Finished. 

If you'd like to follow my painting progressions on Instagram : karenleespree  -- is where you'll find me.

Beginning of June and Flowers are Everywhere

EVEN HERE . . . 

  

There are more flowers . . down the internet path -- on my illustration page

Flowers inspire me. They allow me to drift into their fragrance and beauty and dissolve into a dreamy escape. I paint them, sinking deep into the petals, imagining that if I lose myself they may whisper their secrets. A time for listening to quiet things. Nature and my inner nature. My inner voice. 

*I just learned that it's Allen Ginsberg's Birthday today -- as I was creating this post. 
Here's a poem I came across by Mr. Ginsberg. I thought it was a fitting accompaniment to my post.  



THE GARDEN OF LOVE

I went to the Garden of Love,
And saw what I never had seen;
A Chapel was built in the midst,
Where I used to play on the green.

And the gates of this Chapel were shut,
And ‘Thou shalt not’ writ over the door;
So I turned to the Garden of Love
That so many sweet flowers bore.

And I saw it was filled with graves,
And tombstones where flowers should be;
And priests in black gowns were walking their rounds,
And binding with briars my joys and desires.

Projects fueled by Holiday Gifts and Coffee!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

    This weekend is a busy one. Hubby and I have waited until the last possible minutes to gather our Christmas goodies for family and friends. I have ideas, but is there time to get the work done?  

I'm making super easy coconut and dark chocolate balls as a gift and handmade fragrances I've made in the past. This year I have vanilla beans that have soaked for two years--and do they smell GOOD!

But I also wanted to paint pictures for family and friends, who are always asking me. I started building a website for my watercolors and I hope to get it up and running this weekend. Too much to chew? --Possibly. This morning it all seems possible, but then again, coffee is fueling this ambition. 

 Hibiscus in watercolor by karen lee

Here's the link to the coconut dark chocolate recipe video. I made these for my kids - - and you never saw faster fingers on the move. They were SO EASY & Delish!
Plus, there's no cooking involved. 

Coconut Dark Chocolate balls.

      


     What last minute whipper-snap-up gifts are you making this weekend?  

Water Color Still Life..A symbolic wedding gift by me.