Romare Bearden and More!

Posted on July 9, 2014 by shelipetersenblog

Saw an amazing art show at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, NH —Romare Bearden: A Black Odyssey ! (On view until August 17, 2014).

Bearden is one of my favorite 20th century artists, and this exhibition features his collage pieces and watercolor studies for Homer’s epic poem. I loved all the works, but the portrait of Circe the Sorceress is particularly striking.

This inspired me to go back and look at some of my older cut-paper art work. The mandala below was based on my studies of Spanish illuminated manuscripts.

http://www.currier.org/exhibitions/

Cool Cat Character Studies

Posted on March 25, 2014 by shelipetersenblog

Here are some character designs I’ve been working on for an illustrated middle grade novel based on a Spanish 18th century parody.

Winter Landscape by Albert Bloch

Posted on February 19, 2014 by shelipetersenblog

Got to visit the Nelson Atkins Museum in Kansas City, MO several weeks ago and I came across this inspiring landscape by American artist Albert Bloch. Bloch taught painting and drawing at the University of Kansas in the early and mid 20th century. I love how he captured the light and atmosphere of this winter scene.

“Winter in the Dead Wood” by Albert Bloch

Another Cool Art Show in New London, NH!

Posted on December 5, 2013 by shelipetersenblog

I’m proud to be a part of the Award Winners Center for the Arts Show!
Come see my wild life drawings and my children’s book illustration along with the beautiful artwork of Dawn Blanchard, Shawna Gibbs, and Richard Widhu.

December 6-January 26
The New London Inn Gallery
353 Main Street, New London, NH

For more info http://centerfortheartsnh.org/

My Art in New London, NH

Posted on November 1, 2013 by shelipetersenblog

Cool art show this month!
Two of my mixed media pieces are currently on display at:

2013 Center for the Arts Juried Art Show
The New London Inn Gallery
353 Main Street, New London, NH
November 1-30, 2013

For more info
http://centerfortheartsnh.org/

American Dagger Moth Caterpillar

Posted on September 11, 2013 by shelipetersenblog

‘Tis the season! During these last few weeks before the official end of summer, I’ve been noticing many different kinds of “wooly worms” in New England. One little fuzzy caterpillar that really caught my eye had creamy-yellow hair with long black tufts sticking out from its back. When I identified it, I found out that it was an American Dagger Moth Caterpillar. They like to feed on alders, maples, oaks, walnuts, willows, and poplar trees. When they mature, they have brownish/grayish dappled markings on their wings which, to me, mimic the pattern of tree bark. I’ve seen these moths before during the early and high weeks of summer–but now I know what they look like in their caterpillar stage.

Cool Flora – Pepper Grass and Wild Apple Tree

Posted on August 4, 2013 by shelipetersenblog

I’ve been observing many cool plants this summer along my bike route–including sassafras trees I discovered the other day. But two of my favorites this season are pepper grass and a wild apple tree. The former is a “weed” that grows about a foot to two feet tall and likes sunny, open places. Its seeds have a wonderful spicy taste–hence its name. The wild apple tree I’ve gone past many times and never noticed, until a few evenings ago when I saw a robin fly to it as I walked by. It’s fruits are small–about seven inches in diameter–and have a crisp, tart flavor like a McIntosh or a Jonathan.

“Peppergrass” © Sheli Petersen 2013

Sketchbook – Head Study

Posted on June 18, 2013 by shelipetersenblog

Here is a sketch I recently did of a head steady by Italian Renaissance artist Andrea Del Sarto.

My Work in Newport, RI

Posted on May 23, 2013 by shelipetersenblog

Cool show!
Four of my wild life drawings, including Barred Owl, were accepted into

The Magic of Colored Pencil exhibition
sponsored by the New England Chapter
of the Colored Pencil Society of America

The exhibition will be on view
June 1 – 30, 2013
at the Spring Bull Gallery,
55 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI

For more info
http://springbullgallery.com/index.html

Raven Character Designs for Picture Book

Posted on May 1, 2013 by shelipetersenblog

Here are a couple of recent images for a picture book about a clever raven couple. I feel that the characters are developing a strong personality now. And, all those hours I’ve spent birding and observing the New England landscape seep through the drawings.