Spring Cleaning

Granted, the spring season seems particularly far off with the colder temperatures we're seeing, but why not take a moment to consider the yearly tradition of amusement maintenance? Traditional parks are marvelous places, and are skilled at conveying a sense of escape through beauty, dizzying motion and childlike frolic. Historic carousels are perfect examples of all three elements, and require a lot of work to remain operating smoothly and attractively. Here we have an artisan and a handyman, polishing and painting a standing carousel horse.

The handyman wears 1920s-styled overalls, and the painter an early-1920s day dress, trimmed at the hem for free movement. The carousel horse is loosely based on the figures carved by the beloved Philadelphia Toboggan Company, one of the finest manufacturers of carousels. Let's have a look at the trappings, which aren't unlike the beautiful, complex details that PTC's carvers created so long ago...

As well, a quick glance at the material in the painter's dress. Fabrics of this era were often woven with lightly colored, at times metallic, threads, in order to create interest as the dress moved with the wearer's body. With a simple draped lapel and full skirt, her dress is simple and graceful - the perfect thing to don on a warm spring day.

Sadly, Texas is rather lacking in the historic, Philadelphia-style carousel category - an acute aggravation to a true fanatic for such things. However, plans are in the works for a summer visit to a true bastion for these machines - Knoebels Amusements in Elysburg, PA. Even if the moment is fleeting, my fix will be attained, and my mind will once again be rampant with the joys of whirling glory. Here's to these marvelous pieces of history, and the stewards who keep them happy and healthy.

Brisk and Blissful

Though I am a touch late in posting about it, I recently created this year's holiday card - a frosty tribute to the arrival of winter... centering around Coney Island, once again. What can I say? The traditionally summery spit of shoreline comes to life for me in the coldest months of the year, and I love drawing the billowing surf and skies. Here, before the shuttered amusements of the quiet landscape a vivid, happy winter swimmer frolics in the surf, weightless and alive. Her beach umbrella boasts icicles - and while such an accessory is unlikely to be carried by a seasoned Polar Bear, we have seen frost on at least one swimmer's hair! Three stray spectators in heavy coats are left behind on the sand - a scene that continues to this day.

Here is a close up of the seafoam-laden waters, complete with metallic accents. The blend of blues, greens and greys of the ocean is a hell of a lot of fun to illustrate.

Familiar buildings and amusements, past and present, are shown in the background - the Parachute Jump, Steeplechase Park, the Thunderbolt, Stauch's Baths, the Wonder Wheel and the Cyclone - as well as a couple of small concessions. Even the structures that have stood the test of time seem like tangible phantoms - living relics from a magnificent era in popular culture.

And so, Greetings, and wishes for a Brisk and Blissful season indeed!

A Veritable Buffet

Tonight, I'd like to share a healthy handful of spot illustrations that I created for the clever cookbook, "Quickies for Couples", written, and currently under revision by, Katy Scott. This charming book centers around speedy recipes for two, and features a range of flavor palates and, once re-released, a hearty selection of illustrations by Yours Truly. I had a fantastic time coming up with playful pieces to suit many of the recipes, as you'll see - for example, here is one for Fish Tacos:

As well, here we have Classic Potato Salad, inspired by Grant Wood:

For the Cajun connoisseur, a surefire hit would be Meuniere Sauce:

Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese is always a delight among many species:

As well, Beer Bread is a great favorite, Oktoberfest season or not:

We can't overlook the delights of Mexican Tortilla Soup:

Perhaps a French vegetable dish is more your style:

And finally, there is Orange Pork - a happy pig with a full belly is a pleasant way to round out a great feast.

With luck, the revised edition of "Quickies for Couples" will be released in 2016 - in the meantime, have a look at the book's website, linked below. Happy Eating during this holiday season, and throughout the year!

http://www.quickiesforcouples.com/

Two Charmers

It's that time again - New Year's Eve is just around the corner, and that means just one thing - Another Poster for the Orchestra. This time around, I decided to let a sea lion play the starring role, balancing a ball upon his nose, ushering in the year 2016.

The usual parties are in attendance - linear lettering, metallic inks, plenty of shading and fun with color. It's a bold design, as confident as the traditional jazz played by the Singapore Slingers themselves.

For good measure, a nice close up of our main attraction, suitably attired in a sort-of-tux, appropriately fitted to his sinuous shape. As always, our New Year's Eve performances are a heady blend of elegance and tomfoolery - as such, this is a perfectly representative poster!

And now, allow me to introduce... Miss Luxe. She was designed for www.savoirluxe.com - a wonderful, Dallas-based consignment service that specializes in high-end designer clothing and accessories. The company's owner/director is the marvelous Mindy Loll, who is a force unto herself! She saw a small display of my prints at Vintage Martini, the Dallas vintage and designer clothing boutique, and immediately commissioned a "flapper, with touches of gold and silver". Miss Luxe will help represent SavoirLuxe, and I couldn't be happier about it.

 Miss Luxe's gold and silver elements are rendered in mica-based ink - the beading of her gown, plumage and champagne coupe are redolent with it.

Two new projects to finish off the year, with more around the corner. As you'll see in the coming days, there have been other pieces, as well - vivid, eclectic, playful and pleasing. You'll enjoy what's ahead.

To visit the fantastic shop now carrying my prints, see www.vintagemartini.com

For more information on Mindy Loll's company, please visit www.savoirluxe.com

Earthly Music

I have long been meaning to create a simple illustration centering around mermaids - yes, another tribute to my beloved ocean.  In this case, however, things are just a little less salty, and a touch more brackish... I went for a Cajun bent, and created "Zydeco Mermaids".  In a household filled with the presence of accordions, I adore this genre of music - and what better way to celebrate it than via the benevolence of mer-people?  A fiddle, accordion and spoons (played on scales, of course) constitute this aquatic performance - just enough to attain the sound.  I would imagine that there is at least one vocalist... or however mermaids express themselves so.

Any zydeco group worth its salt has an accordion in the mix.  In this case, I had to do some light research (courtesy my husband, Matt Tolentino) in order to understand the appearance and workings of the diatonic "button box" instrument, that creates the characteristic sound of zydeco.  They are smaller accordions, and have a marvelous guttural tone - they also tend to be quite colorful, their casings trimmed in gold.

And where would a Cajun band be without the fiddle?  Our lady seems lost in quite the pleasant reverie, perhaps playing a waltz.  You can see the ridged spines I gave to my mermaids - recalling bayou alligators, truly fascinating primal creatures that grace the region.

Finally, a detail to show the joyous shades and light play of the fins - enhanced with mica ink, of course.  I wanted to capture colors reminiscent of earth, as well as the deeper waters of the sea - terra cotta, celadon, teal and kelp were my goals.  and though the reptilian spines end in a point, the transition from reptile to fish is captured by the grace of the fins.  I live for drawing long, fluid lines, and these fins were downright euphoric to create.

In other news, it's worth mentioning that I now have a Facebook page for the illustration work, as well as an etsy shop.  Both are linked below - join/follow on the former, and watch the latter for additional print runs.  As always, Thank You!

https://www.facebook.com/DanielleBennignus

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LinearTomfoolery

The Coming of the Cold

The cooler months are in the arrival process, and I couldn't be happier.  Granted, we had an uncharacteristically mild summer, which is an enormous blessing in the often vicious heat of Texas.  But nothing reminds me of home - whether the Mid-West or East Coast - quite like the onset of the fall season.

And while most folks anticipate the colors, vistas, scents and such most often associated with this time of year... turning leaves, campfires, woolen blankets, tweeds, cider, etc, etc, etc... my mind turns to one thing.

Winter swimming.  Yes, I have mentioned this activity - part daredevil feat, part spectator sport, part spiritual experience, in total a source of sheer delight for those so inclined.  A drawing documented earlier, featuring hippocampi flourishing in the icy surf, captured a sense of the adventure - in this case, I created a piece for Zelda Magazine, focused more on a brave Art Deco maiden, exploring the frigid breakers in high style.

Jade, teal, violet, sage, celery, parrot green, bronze, yellow ochre... so many colors are incorporated in the effort of representing the waters of Coney Island in the wintertime - the shade is anything but blue.  Rather, the tones of a thriving, healthy ocean rule the season - as one of my dear Polar Bear brothers often states, "The Medicinal Waters of Coney Island".  He couldn't be more correct.  The saltwater surrounds you, invigorates you, embraces and heals you.  Nothing less.

Boots!  Many of the Polar Bears, myself included, insist on neoprene boots and gloves - they protect the extremities and associated digits.  I'll never forget an ill-considered swim one October day - as it was early in the season, I figured the water would be balmy enough that my hands could easily withstand the temperature.  Not so much - my typically graceful hands were temporarily transformed into claws, and it took nearly half an hour to change out of my bikini, and into street clothes.  As such, I thought it considerate to let this sensuous creature have an elegant set of boots and gloves, with which to enjoy her swim.

A little close-up of our friend's face, and one of her ravishing gloves.  I do own (and wear) a wool suit not unlike this one, though I have not taken a saltwater dip so attired.  As a preservationist, I'm a bit too strict to subject such a treasure to the roiling waves - besides, I prefer bikinis, as they let you feel the temperatures all the more.  Crazy?  Perhaps - but I miss it terribly.  I never felt so healthy in all my life, as when I was swimming each week, all winter long, at Coney Island.

To Zelda, of which the upcoming Fall/Winter issue is due very, very soon.

Heaven's Feathers - a Blessing, To Say the Least

Good morning, friends - and welcome back to my oft-neglected blog!  As ever, life has gotten in the way of updating this most important journal - but I do have good news, and new drawings, to share.  Today, I want to talk about "Heaven's Feathers", which has been quite a journey unto itself.

I recently joined the marvelous world of "Zelda:  Magazine of the Vintage Nouveau" - a marvelous publication out of my old stomping grounds - New York City.  This magazine has a beautiful history, having been founded by Diane Naegel.  Hers was a life of great creativity and community among the vintage scene, cut tragically short by breast cancer.  Zelda is only part of her legacy, and I am thrilled to contribute as an illustrator.  Their spring issue is due out soon, and, with editor Don Spiro's blessing, I would like to offer a sneak preview of my first piece for the publication.

Interestingly enough, "Heaven's Feathers" was inspired by a brief, misguided friendship, during which I once asked the party, "Give me a color - any color."  Formal green and grey was the response, and I instantly thought, "Ostrich".  I knew that I wanted the illustration to reflect the jazz era, and what better way to make that happen than through a streamlined lady, replete with feathers?  Done and done - and thus, both tones could be incorporated.  Let's have a closer look or two at those abstract plumes...

Whorls and curls aplenty, with the usual layering of metallic ink and colored pencils...

And, of course, a close-up of the animal in question.  I have a fetish for illustrating feathers, and researching ostriches in detail was a fascinating experience.  Like all birds, the variety of colors and silhouettes among their feathers is staggering... and they have some INTERESTING feet.

I love this piece based on its own visual merits, as well as for its role as my first piece in Zelda.  But taken further, it marks my healing from a hand injury that will likely affect me for many years.  A nasty fall taken while dancing with an intoxicated partner on New Year's Eve left my right hand with a torn finger ligament - a terrifying situation for any artisan.  Thankfully, routine exercises, and the counsel of several deeply caring specialists at the hospital, have helped my hand to recover.  Granted, there is pain on a daily basis - but this piece proved to me that I can still draw just as steadily as ever, and that is, indeed, my idea of Heaven.  Lesson learned:  Choose your dance partners, and confidantes, wisely.

To finish, a shot of my desk - a beautiful 1940s set that we rescued from a hoarded estate sale situation.  Now scrubbed within an inch of its life, it houses my supplies, as well as all and sundry Ganeshas, Beardsley images, Coney Island goodies, family photos, Waterford remnants, Polar Bear Club souvenirs, etc, etc... keepsakes of a life well lived.

Joys and Sorrows

 I'd like to take a second, and do a bit of apologizing for my tendency toward laziness, where my work is concerned.  I wish I could say honestly that I'm at my desk every single day - I ache to trumpet off such a thing - but it just isn't so.  Weeks can go by without a single sketch - and while I've always had my moments of procrastination, I must say that I've been far more susceptible to these things since my father passed on.

I'll put it this way.  I love to draw.  Always have.  Some of my earliest memories involve the tin of Caran Dache pencils my parents bought for me as a tot, alongside the honest-to-god high quality paper to go along with them.  This has long been my finest method of communication - I utilize it when I truly want to show someone that I care deeply about them.  I adore gifting my work to those I hold dear.  It also comes in handy to pay the bills, when a commission rolls along.  But along with that sense of joy comes sorrow, as this side of my creativity forces me to come deeply into contact with my keenest of inner sensitivities... putting my soul on paper, if you'll excuse a rather hackneyed phrase.  As such, I cannot draw without thinking of my parents, who encouraged the dickens out of my love for the discipline.

 The details here are from a piece I'm currently working on, loaded with sweeps and small curls.  As usual, it's all done with my trusted pen and inkwell, which requires a lot of deep breathing - borderline meditation.  And this focus requires a certain amount of brain power - not particularly of the thinking variety, but of the instinctual, feeling side of things.  Vulnerability to sneaky senses involving grief and longing are not uncommon - and drawing suddenly turns into a bittersweet ballet.

 It can be a strange sensation, and at times - many of them - I avoid the dance altogether.  There was a time when working on these pieces was a complete pleasure, from the very moment I put my pen to paper... but nowadays, it can take time to get to that sense of gentle bliss.  At times I've spent nearly an hour in a state of controlled breathing, reflecting positively on my parents, reminding myself that all they could possibly want for me is to draw, and happily so.  It's the getting there that can be quite difficult at times - largely around anniversaries, naturally.  Right now I find myself in that state, as January is a particularly rough month for me.  December can be a real pain, as well - that's when my mother slipped away nearly twenty years ago.  But January belongs to my father, whose death, being far more recent, cuts just a bit deeper.  Combined, it can create quite a hurdle to creativity.

But breath, and determination, overcome such things.  I really, really miss my folks right about now... but there are ways around such things, and different methods which bring them closer in a positive manner.  Grief will always be with me, I'm certain.  But the adventure of transferring the emotion into fine lines on paper is worth grabbing hold of, as frightening as it may be at times.

All this said, to add yet another well-worn phrase:  Always, always show those you love how you feel, while they are here.  And just as importantly, continue to do so, once they've passed on.  These drawings are as close to a legacy as I'll possibly leave behind - I do this for my parents, absolutely.

For the Love of Clothing

 I think it's high time I revisited the issue of wardrobe, and its role in the creative existence.  While I admit that not long ago I was somewhat dismissive of my costume posts (this is an illustration blog, after all), it's worth paying a bit of attention to the inhabitants of my closet... at least once in a while.  A little gallery, during a break from my current work in progress on the drawing board.

Above is a photo from Christmas day, taken with Matt and our dear friend, Carlos Cardoza.  To say that Carlos is a driving force in our aims toward wardrobe improvement is a huge understatement - his social whirl, along with the clothing to go with it, is enormously influential.  Here, Matt is sporting a delicious 1930s Worumbo coat - as for me, my trusted thrift store-bought Burberry jacket and Vogue 1186 Issey Miyake pattern trousers - beautiful Oxford bag stand-ins.

 Another with Carlos - at his July 4th pool party.  Both of us are wearing era cabana ensembles - I mistakenly arrived sans bathing suit, but was in good hands.  Big Boy keeps an eye on things from behind.

 This magnificent cloche certainly Looks to be straight vintage from the 1920s, but is actually a modern piece, fresh off the blocks of Stetson Hats.  This cloche was created as part of recent, noble efforts to introduce a classic line of modern hats with distinctly historic flavor - Stetson is also working up some beautiful examples for men, of traditional fur felt and petersham.  This model is called the "Louise", appropriately.  The dress is made from the Folkwear 1927 Tea Dress pattern.

 Winter parties call for winter bathing - at least for us displaced Coney Island Polar Bears.  At this event, I was featured as the "Queen of Winter", disrobing to reveal a crystal- and sequin-studded flesh tone bikini and hair wreath, dipping into the pool to greet the season.  The boots aren't quite the fashion statement, but do a marvelous job of protecting the toes from frost injury.

 An androgynous moment, at the 2013 Dallas Tweed Ride.  Carlos and I didn't ride our bicycles to the event, as his arm was in a (well-coordinated) sling.  However, we are none to be deterred from a photo opportunity, as this proves.  I borrowed Matt's 1930s cap and tie - the pants are likely 1990s, made by Banana Republic during the "vintage movement" that occurred all too briefly among many designers at the time.

 While I don't usually discuss my politics here, this photo is worth posting.  As a staunch supporter of the woman's right to choose, I attended a demonstration in favor of Planned Parenthood of Northern Texas.  I think the sign says everything.  The suit dates from the late 1910s, and the hat from the early 1920s.

 Inspirational clothing touches every aspect of life - working at the illustration desk is no different.  This Yukata robe was given to me by a dear friend, and has spent many hours on my body as I draw.  Come to think of it, I really need to get back into the habit of talismanic wearings while at the desk...

 Feeling clowny - participating in a local parade.  Our good friend Bill Flynt is the deservedly proud owner and player of a 1923 Tangley Calliope, which he brings to many events during the year.  The joy is clear on my face, as I was caught mid-strut during his performance of 1920s tunes.

 I love good clothing, and am constantly open to new sources for acquisition.  I do make a good deal of my garments - the rest largely come from thrift shops.  These beautiful Crockett & Jones cap toes came from what I can only describe as a curiosity shop, tucked in a corner away from prying eyes.  I saw their beauty, and snapped them up cheaply... with no idea of their true worth.  After being re-soled, I consider them nothing less than wonderful friends.

 More gender-bending, taken at a vintage expo this past weekend.  The trusty Burberry jacket shows up yet again, along with a modern straw boater (found by Matt in a dumpster), plus-fours made from the same pattern as the Oxford bags shown in the first photo, and a wonderful pair of modern spectators.

 This past New Year's Eve, I decided to step entirely out of character, and wear a 1960s silk dress, albeit paired with a 1920s velvet cloche.  The robe is likely early 1940s, but I cannot quite guess.  This somehow recalls to my mind the Staunchest of characters, Edie Beale...

 The Queen of Winter, not long before the cold water swim at Carlos' Christmas party.  A thrift store-bought kimono, kept in place with a bodice made from the pattern I drafted for a dirndl a couple of years back (an earlier blog post was made about that piece).

 My first time singing publicly in many years, with Matt at my side.  The bathing suit has been with me for longer than I care to admit, and dates from the mid-1920s.  The same velvet cloche was worn for New Year's Eve - I'm becoming quite bonded to it...

 The Folkwear 1927 Tea Dress pattern, yet again.  This was done in new material, with side panels added for extra flow.  Remarkable for dancing, a truly great dress.  The shoes are likely late 1930s, given to me by a great friend.

 At a local Mardi Gras parade, taken just after I'd accidentally beaned someone in the face with a string of beads.  The dress is from a pattern I cannot possibly recommend highly enough:  Butterick's B5209 reprint of a 1947 sun dress.  I've made it twice, and it brings compliments every time I wear it.  The hat is a glorious red straw, trimmed with a trembling feather element.

 Carlos and I, at his Moroccan pool party.  He sports another cabana suit with matching fez, while I wear the Simplicity "Swim Dress" pattern released as a result of the Titanic-mania that took over in the late 1990s.  Considering the pattern is actually of the Halloween grade, it's actually a beautiful starting point for the creation of a ragtime-era ballgown.  I've made it twice - this sari version, as well as my wedding gown.

Finally, a parting shot from the green room at a recent stage show.  Minimal, but What A Hat - a Volk's piece from the 1930s, made of velvet-covered wire and egret feathers.  I don't condone the purchase of new fur- or feather-trimmed wear, but vintage gets the go-ahead.  The earrings are glass buttons dating from the 1920s, made into jewelry.

In short, enjoy yourselves, and don't hesitate to allow your creativity to bleed into your wardrobe, as well.  I have few personal resolutions for 2014, but a more colorful and passionate closet is a must.  See you soon.