The Suffragette

"The Suffragette", 8x10 watercolor and ink on paper, copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

The newest addition to my ongoing Vintage Closets series.  

A tribute to the women who marched before us... and for us! 

They marched encumbered by layers and layers of clothing, and certainly not the most comfortable shoes.  Many shoes to keep her feet going.

They stood for what they believed.

And, they changed the world!

Fairy Dreams

"Fairy Dreams". watercolor and ink on paper, 8x10, copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

What do you see in the shadows?

Hold fast to your dreams - and your imagination!

Wildfire

"Wildfire" watercolor on paper, 8x10, copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

Wildfire, my newest watercolor, and I was singing the song from 1975, the entire time I was painting - which certainly influenced the intensity of color!  The more the song looped the more vivid she became.

That amazing, glossy coat like fire in the late day sun.  The more orange, gold, and reds I used - the more I could deepen the shadows with eggplant and aubergine (which beg to be used because both their hues and names are so wonderful!)

I captured her energy just in that moment before she bolted - and ran wildly, happily free!

A Girl and her Doll

The late afternoon sun is casting long warm shadows through the window.

"A Girl and her Doll", watercolor on paper, 8x10, copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

The child sits in a moment of rare quiet and stillness.  Tenderly holding her favorite doll.

Whispering quiet secrets to the doll… her baby, her best friend, sister, confidant ... Changeable at a moments notice.  But, always steadfast and sweet.

The secrets will forever be safe with her.

Passion in the History

A lot has been said on following your passion, and creating what you love.  When I think back to school and was studying Fashion Design my absolute favorite course was Fashion History!

 "Retro SwimSuits 1920s", copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

I could not wait to go each week.

I was consumed by it. 

I was so interested that most of what I learned 30 yrs ago is still fresh in my memory. And for each Period we studied we got to create a garment of our own design from that period.  

Illustrated and rendered in watercolor, which is when I learned to adore, and respect, watercolor.  I could have taken this course over and over! 

I am smiling ear to ear while writing this as I remember that time.

 "Flapper's Closet" copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

This kind of project brought me nothing but joy!

So, I am revisiting it now... And am loving every minute of it! 

The research, sketches, inking, painting - and immersing myself in the time period.

"Edwardian Corsets" copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

Thinking of the history, the social norms - and restrictions, of the time… and how fashion played a part in all of it.

Total joy creating this art, and truly thankful to be in my present where I am free to live the life I live, and create the art that I love. 

Looking for some sunshine...

Yesterday was grey and gloomy. 
Today we face another murky morning.  
Right now the sun is struggling to break through, but so far the clouds are winning that battle.  I am rooting for the sun- and brightness and light and warmth!   All that good stuff!


This time of year I crave sunlight.  A few gray days in a row really get to me.  So I am searching for sunshine wherever I can find it!

from My Home Ideas

I could cozy up in this kitchen in a heartbeat!!  I can almost feel the sun coming in those windows!!  And, while I'm dreaming... how lovely would it be to make my coffee in this kitchen and then curl up into this window seat....  ahhhh!

from Houzz.com

Me and my rhino would fit right in!!

"Green Rhino", watercolor on paper, 5x7, copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

Wishing you a sunny yellow day!

No Roses Please

The first time I told my husband I didn't want roses for Valentine's Day he thought it was a test.  Like, you say you don't want them but you really do and I am supposed to buy anyway kind of a thing?  or what?
Nope, not a test. Just no roses for me. 

But - what I would like is Calla Lilies or Gerbera Daisies.
Not that I have anything against roses but I LOVE Calla Lilies and Gerberas!  Love them! 
Inspired by them!

Calla Lilies for their sculptural shape, sleek lines and sophistication.

Gerberas for their color, their joyfulness.

And, if you can't find them for Valentine's day - a week later is okay.  Or as in the vase pictured above a random day in January he surprised me one evening!  Those are the best kind!

Happy Valentine's Day!  

May your day be filled with love and light and color!