annotatedaudrey

Hello Citizens of the Blogosphere,

To me, Summer isn’t just a season, it’s a state of mind. Summer is the freedom to allow yourself a break. Summer is a time when the world gets brighter. And neon is not only acceptable… it’s encouraged. Summer is going to the beach and drinking cold lemonade as you watch the waves wash over the sand. Summer is braving the heat and going on a hike anyway because…

Why I Love Tucson

Hello Citizens of the Blogosphere,

When I first moved to Tucson, I actually didn’t love it. I appreciated the beauty of the nature around me, and the slower pace… but it was so different from what I was used to (in Los Angeles) that it was hard for me to adapt.

Arizona x California by @annotatedaudrey 

I was lonely because I moved away from my family. It was much hotter than I was used to (we…

Retail Partners in Tucson, AZ

Hello!

We are taking a holiday break to refresh and come up with some fresh ideas for the new year. During our break, our online shop will be closed and will not reopen until January 15, 2019. In the meantime, you can find an assortment of our products at these awesome retail stores in Tucson, AZ.

Creative Tribe POP UP at La Encantada

Address: 2905 E Skyline Dr #141, Tucson, AZ 85718

Products to…

Annotated Audrey Holiday Card Collection: 2018

Hello Citizens of the Blogosphere,

I’m so excited to share my new holiday card collection with you! I designed this whimsical and desert-inspired collection to help you spread fun and holiday cheer with friends and loved ones! All of these cards are printed using the same high-quality printing as our art prints and applied to a hand-folded cardstock base. The inside of every card is blank, so you…

Record Paintings Are Here!

Hello Citizens of The Blogosphere,

You asked for them, now they’re here! An assortment of record paintings is now available in our online store! Each painting is one of a kind, so if you see one you like, be sure to get it before someone else does! Visit shop.annotatedaudrey.com to shop. Each piece is an acrylic painting on an upcycled vinyl record that we rescued from a trip to the landfill.…

Indigo Days: An Interactive Marketplace in Tucson, AZ

Hello Citizens of The Blogosphere,

If you are looking for something fun to do in Tucson this weekend, we’ve got you covered! We are participating in Indigo Days hosted by the workshop and event studio, Creative Tribe Workshop.

This weekend long event will feature an interactive marketplace where makers across the southwest will come together to showcase their products and host activities so that…

Artist Interview + Updates

Hello Citizens of the Blogosphere,

A few weeks ago, I was a featured artist on Art Motif Magazine.org. Here is an excerpt from my interview. Read the full interview here. 

How has your artistic practice changed over time?

My art is and always has been an expression of the ideas in my head and a means to find peace during stressful times. When I used to work full time in an office, I would create…

Today I’d like to share my new art collection, Desert Pop!. This collection combines current color trends in fashion and interior design with the beauty of the desert in the spring.

  The Desert Pop! Collection is a modern take on everything that reminds me of springtime in the desert. To me, spring is all about succulents, rabbits, birds and of course, tons of blooming cactus. To add an extra special pop to this collection Larry, our resident graphic designer and creative services lead, used his mad skills to add luscious pastel backgrounds to each piece.

Post Modern Cacti by Audrey De La Cruz. (© 2018 Annotated Audrey Art)

Desert Rabbit and The Succulent Bowl by Audrey De La Cruz. (© 2018 Annotated Audrey Art)

Cute Blooming Saguaro by Audrey De La Cruz. (© 2018 Annotated Audrey Art)

Bloomin Barrel by Audrey De La Cruz. (© 2018 Annotated Audrey Art)

Vibrant Roadrunner by Audrey De La Cruz. (© 2018 Annotated Audrey Art)

Roadrunner in Motion by Audrey De La Cruz. (© 2018 Annotated Audrey Art)

Cactus Love by Audrey De La Cruz. (© 2018 Annotated Audrey Art)

So, what are you waiting for? Add a pop of color to your space and welcome the spring in style. Shop the entire collection by visiting our online store… or by coming to one of our events. (Events Calendar)

If you are a stationary addict like I am, we’ve got you covered! The Desert Pop! Collection is also available in A2 cards.

Its been over a year now since my husband (Larry) and I left our city life in Los Angeles, California to pursue our passions in Tucson, Arizona. Larry and I gave up a lot to be here. We left our full-time jobs, and even more difficult, I left my family. We wanted to live a different life and be our own bosses. To live as artists in the desert, embracing each moment and living our dreams. It has been an intense year, but an extremely rewarding one as well. I am often brought to tears by the overwhelming support I’ve received from people in the community who appreciate my art.

When I was given the opportunity to have my very own solo art show, I was over the moon. I decided to call the show, “Desert Dreams” to celebrate my artistic journey & to feature pieces that I made during my first full year of living as an artist. The pieces in the show are snapshots of a moment in time that I will always treasure and I’m happy to have the opportunity to share them.

If you’ll be in Tucson this Friday night, I’d love for you to come to the opening reception of my very first solo art show! Come see some of my art in person, chat for a bit, color and celebrate this moment with me.

Opening Reception:

When: Friday, December 8, 2017 (6-8 pm)

Where: YWCA GALLERIA- 525 N. Bonita Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85745

Details:

Over 20 original pieces of art will be for sale for $200 or less.

An Audrey event would be nothing without coloring. I’m bringing coloring pages and supplies so we can color together! If you are interested in purchasing any of my coloring books, they will also be available for sale. 

Free goodie bags for the first 25 guests.

Live DJ + Refreshments

A selection of some of my favorite art prints will also be for sale.

Here is a link to the Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/137007546943606/

AND, here’s a photo album with the work that will be on display at the show. Desert Dreams Photo Album. 

All original artwork will be framed or affixed with a wire and will be priced at $200 and under, with most illustrations priced at $125. (AND 40% of the proceeds are going to the YWCA, an organization aimed at eliminating racism and empowering women.)

I hope to see you there!

Day of The Dead Art Shows

Hello Citizens of The Blogosphere,

It’s going to be another busy week for Annotated Audrey Art. In addition to our usual markets, we are participating in Tenwest Fuse, a showcase of music and makers on Saturday (10/21) night. Also, opening on Saturday (10/21) night are two Day of the Dead themed art shows that I’ve created paintings for. Barrio Bones IV at Art House Centro and Phantoms…

New Prints + 1 Day Print Sale

Hello Citizens of the Blogosphere,

Here’s a mini collection of some of my most recent works done in acrylic, watercolor and colored pencil. In this collection, I combine southwest motifs and patterns with bright colors to create my own desert dreamland.

Southwestern Flair + Watercolor = The Steer

The Steer by Audrey De La Cruz

A moonlit night under the stars + bright acrylics and white gel pens =…

Here are my most recent painted records. As you might be able to see from the photos, I’ve created hangers for these lovelies using guitar picks. I love this idea because it is both functional and thematically appropriate!

I really love these records and I plan on making more in different color ways.

Big news! We’ve finally launched our brand new online store. In this post, I’ll share a bit of information about each of the products we are offering in the store, along with some insight into how they are made.

http://shop.annotatedaudrey.com/

Art Prints 

I couldn’t talk about art prints without mentioning my business partner (and partner IRL), Larry. There’s a lot that goes into translating an original piece of art into a print. Larry processes each piece to ensure that it is print ready. This includes scanning (or photographing), digital color correction and general clean up. We use UV resistant inks on archival quality matte photo paper. Each print is signed and packaged individually (usually by me) in an acid-free cellophane sleeve with a card backer featuring information about me and a signed certificate of authenticity. (Prices: $8 for 5×7, $12 for 8×10 and $20 for 11 x 14)

Cassi Redux Art Print by Audrey De La Cruz | Annotated Audrey

Cards

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know that I’m crazy about cards. I love designing them, making them and sending them. Each colorful card is hand-folded and features a glossy, UV-resistant photo print of my artwork. Cards are blank inside, come with an envelope and are sealed in an acid-free cellophane sleeve. (Cards are $3 each.)

Cards by Audrey De La Cruz | Annotated Audrey Art

Books

Of course, I am offering the products that started it all… my coloring books. Both coloring books contain 50 of my original illustrations. Feminine Florals features lovely feminine portraits and floral patterns. Desert Dames and Doodles features fierce females, desert plants, and animals. (Coloring books are $12 each)

  Pin Back Buttons, Magnets and Pocket Mirrors

Most of our button and mirror designs are collaborative. The pocket mirror pictured below is one of our best sellers and it is a great example of how Larry and I collaborate to create art together. Larry created the mountain in the background digitally and I created the original watercolor cacti that he layered on top. After buttons are designed, they are cut using a special circle cutter and then hand pressed (usually by me) using one of our two button machines. (Stay tuned for future posts about pin back buttons.) (Prices range from $1 – $5.)

Hand Painted Signs

Using acrylic paint, paint pens and markers, I turn ordinary wood slices into bright and delightful decor for your home, garden, or office. Each completed sign is varnished to protect the art. (Prices range from $10 -$20.)

Desert Vibes (Aqua) by Audrey De La Cruz | Annotated Audrey Art

Original Art

Slowly, but surely, I am starting to offer my original artwork. Currently, I have a few small paintings and illustrations up in the shop, but in the future… I hope to offer larger paintings as well.  (Prices range from $30-$60).

SUCCULENT FRIDA by Audrey De La Cruz | Annotated Audrey Art

So… those are all the things that we have available in the shop at the moment.  I hope you enjoyed this behind the scenes look at what goes into our products.  If you’d like to receive email notifications about shop updates, coupon codes and other artsy goodness, sign up for my newsletter.

Ready to shop? You can shop now by visiting shop.annotatedaudrey.com. Use the coupon code ANNOTATEDBLOG to get 10% off your entire purchase.

This is just a quick announcement to let you know about two awesome events that I will be participating in this week.

On Wednesday (November 9th, 2016),  I’ll be at…

UA Main Campus Farmers’ Market

When: Nov 9 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Where: University of Arizona Mall (University Blvd near the Student Union)

More Information: http://foodinroot.com/event/main-campus/?instance_id=16827 

On Saturday (November 12th, 2016),  I’ll be at…

St. Philip’s Artisan Farmers’ Market

When:Saturday, November 12, 2016 (9:00 am – 1:00 pm)

Where: St. Philip’s Plaza (River Rd & Campbell Ave)

More Information: http://foodinroot.com/farmersmarkets/stphilipsplaza/

  I will be bringing an assortment of goodies to these two events.  If you are a Tucson local, I hope you will come to either (or both) of these events and say hi!

As always, thanks so much for following my creative journey.

XO, Audrey

PS. If you don’t live in the Tucson area, no worries! I have many lovely things available in my online shop, which you can visit by clicking on the banner below.

In a few short days, I will be doing my first Artist Alley at the Tucson Comic Book Convention. If you’re going to be there, come say hi. I’ll be at table #AA-62 from November 4-6th. (Check out my events page for details.)

Here are some of the things that I’m bringing with me to Tucson Comic Con this weekend.

Coloring Books

Desert Dames and Doodles Coloring Book ($10)

Feminine Florals Coloring Book ($10)

Feminine Florals Purse Edition & Coloring Journal ($7 each)

Ultra Thick Art Postcards ($1 each)

Bottle Cap Necklaces and Magnet Sets

I have limited quantities of my bottle cap jewelry, so check me out early if you are interested.  Bottle Cap Necklaces range from $3-$6 & a set of 6 bottle cap magnets is $5.

Pin Back Buttons ($1 each)

 I currently have over 68 button designs available, all of which will be at my table.

Original Art (Clearance Sale!)

These are older illustrations that I love but need to get out of my house. Rather than have them sit in a binder, I’d love for these pieces to find new homes… so I’m offering them at lower prices! (All prices will be marked. Prices Range from $5-$50)

Other Merch

Altered Notebooks and Sketchbooks/Greeting Cards/Coloring Kits/Gift Sets.

If you are attending Tucson Comic Con and you are interested in seeing some of my art, coloring books or other merch in person… my table is Annotated Audrey Art #AA-62.

I’ll be handing out some free candy and Annotated Audrey Swag for any fans who stop by.

I hope to see you there.

XO, Audrey

InkTober 2016: The Beginning

Hello Citizens of The Blogosphere,

My InkTober Toolkit: Micron, Zig & Staedtler Finerliners, Speedball Dip Pen & Daiso Calligraphy Ink, Various Brush pens from Daiso + whatever else I find along the way.

InkTober has begun. If you aren’t sure what InkTober is,  here’s a little PSA and of course… some art.

October has been rebranded and renamed by illustrator, Jake Parker and appropriated by…

Last week, I was asked to participate in a live coloring event with a couple of sassy gals (Angela & Irene) from #ThisisTucson.  During our coloring party, I talked about my new Desert Dames and Doodles coloring book, shared my favorite art supplies, and demonstrated some of my coloring tips and tricks.  (If you want to watch a live recording of the event… you can find it here. You can read the article that Angela wrote about me here.)

Aside from being loads of fun, this experience reminded me of how much I used to love coloring with my friends and coworkers. (Read this post about how coloring helped me relieve stress when I was working in an office full-time.) Needless to say, I’d love to have more coloring parties in the future.

How To Have A Coloring Party

Coloring parties are a great excuse to get together with your friends, have a chat and get creative. If you are interested in hosting your own coloring party, here are a few things that you’ll want to do to prepare.

Set a place, time and date.

Invite your friends.

Prepare (or ask friends to bring) snacks or beverages for the group to share.

Gather coloring supplies, like coloring books or sheets, colored pencils, markers, gel pens and more. Pro Tip: Make sure that everything is ready to use. All markers should be juicy, pens should have ink and pencils should be sharpened. You should also make sure you have a sharpener, eraser, and other tools that you like to use when coloring.

Let loose and enjoy!

Repeat as often as possible.

I hope you enjoyed this post, and that you will try having a coloring party for yourself.

That’s all for now.

Thank you so much for following my creative journey!

XO, Audrey

 If you’d like to support my art, you can find my coloring books  on Amazon.