Romare Bearden and More!

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/

Another Cool Art Show in New London, NH!

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/

“Reynard the Fox” — Sheli Petersen © 2012

 

My Art in New London, NH

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/

My Work in Newport, RI

Barred Owl Sheli Petersen © 2011

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

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.

“Raven Couple” • Sheli Petersen © 2013

“Raven Sunning” • Sheli Petersen © 2013

 

Coquette Cat Character Studies

Here are some fun character studies I’ve done recently. The costumes have heavy influence from the Spanish Baroque :  )

My Work in New London, NH

The Millstone Restaurant, New London, NH
Feb 1 – May 3, 2013

This one-person exhibition is part of the Lake Sunapee Region Center for the Arts Micro Galleries.

Come see drawings of New England wildlife, children’s book illustration, and more!

For more info:
http://centerfortheartsnh.org/
http://www.millstonerestaurant.com/

Sheli Petersen © 2011 • “Save Yourselves!” — excerpt from “How Two Mice Started a War”

 

The Wishing Tree by William Faulkner

Wow–really cool find!

William Faulkner’s only children’s book, The Wishing Tree with illustrations by Don Bolognese.

Check out the article on “Brain Pickings”:
http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/12/28/william-faulkner-the-wishing-tree/

Excerpt from The Wishing Tree by William Faulkner, illustrated by Don Bolognese

Excerpt from The Wishing Tree by William Faulkner, illustrated by Don Bolognese

 

Studies from Watteau and Cranach

Here are two more head studies I did from Watteau and Cranach. Watteau’s line is always so alive in his drawings, and Cranach’s portraits have such presence.

Study of Watteau drawing – Sheli Petersen

Study of Cranach drawing – Sheli Petersen

Picture Book Study – Ravens Caching and Foraging

“Ravens” © 2012 Sheli Petersen

I just finished a character study for my new picture book about an innovative raven couple. I’m keeping the palette of the book relatively cool and unsaturated to capture the look and feel of a New England winter.