5 Favorites

1. Flowers.
I've been feeling the botanical lately... not that I have many around me to inspire this sudden interest, but the extreme (and extended) cold really makes me long for my favorites: Peonies!

2. Prismacolor
I didn't notice much of a difference when I switched to Prismacolor colored pencils about 6 years ago, but when I borrow a crayola from one of my students to give an example?? There is really no comparison! #ICanNeverGoBack

3. PaperFashion is working on an updating the Cinderella gown!

4. Camp Patton.
I killed way, WAY too much time on this blog (found via Kate).  Her dry humor has me in stitches with almost every post, but my favorite series is probably "Simon Says".  TEARS of laughter.

5. Have you seen this design package?
Really great collection of products.  I did cave and purchase it, but now that I did I am super excited to dive in and play (ahem) work with it.

All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

OOTDsketches (53)

Throughout the week make a quick sketch of what I am wearing on that particular day, either as a warm-up or just to keep me loose if I don't have a lot of time to draw.  These drawings are then scanned and posted on my blog every Wednesday.  Again, nothing finished or professional, but something that I have fun with.  Hope you enjoy! 

Sorry about completely living for vacation without a scheduled post for last Wednesday, but I'm back and feeling much more rested as a result!  The hubs and I went to Florida to escape the polar vortex that is still resting over our little home.  Unfortunately it was still quite cold the entire time that we were there so I was dressed in casual layers the entire time (above left).  And now that I'm back, it's much of the same thing:  Thermal tights and hot coco.
And plenty of it!


Like what you see? Get your own custom, illustrative portrait for your home or blog here!


All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

Best Dressed (Oscars 2015)

I have never watched the Oscars, but my interest was increased this year due to a brochure design that I did recently that had an "Oscar" theme (more on that in the weeks to come).  And I was pushed over the edge when I opened up my instagram this morning to find a flood of beautiful "best dressed" illustrations from some of my favorite illustrators.  I immediately fell into "google stalking" (it's a thing) and found lots of pretty to ogle over and successfully ignore the laundry that has piled up behind me ;)

Overall, this was my very favorite dress (worn by Anna Kendrick—and yes, I did have to look that up...  some of us live under a rock).  I have a few other dresses/looks that I loved, but wasn't sure if you all would be interested in seeing more?
Let me know if you'd like to see a mini series of these gowns over the next week or so :)

All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

Watercolor Couple Portrait

A sample of my "Valentine" work from this past week :)  See updates as they come here, or order one for your loved one (or treat yourself) HERE

All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

To The Beach!

We're off to the BEACH!
Or, at least somewhere that is supposed to be warmer than the arctic chill that is currently over Michigan.  I am so excited to have a little bit of time away from our schedule and enjoy some time alone with my husband before the chaos of spring (ahem, track season) kicks in.


All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

Happy Heart Day, Y'all

Happy Valentine's Day!  I hope you get to spend some time today with people that you love, regardless of whether or not one of them is a significant other or not.

Todd is pretty good at being "romantic", though he's  better at doing small things throughout the year than a big thing for a Hallmark holiday.  And I prefer it that way (plus, it makes up for the fact that I'm generally the same way and totally blanked on all things hearts and pink until this morning... oops)!  And because of that, the hubbs and I don't make much fuss about Valentine's Day, though I suppose when we have kids that any excuse to go out without them will be a much bigger deal.

But until then, I'm going to eat what's left of my Christmas candy :)  Have a wonderful weekend

All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

Five Favorites

1. One of my students gave me a Ninja Turtle mask valentine! I wore it all over the school!
I felt so cool.

2. Hubbard was out for the weekend so I spent time with my parents, cleaning out the treasures junk I had piled up in the basement.  Two trash bags and two "give away" piles later, I'm down to just frames and a small box of misc treasures (these are for real treasures, not junk. For real).  I feel so accomplished!

3.  While I don't like to teach "holiday" art projects (typically corny, "crafty" and repetitive), I loved seeing my students just about burst with excitement at the idea of doing a small Valentine's Day project.

4. I illustrated a book cover!  Have you seen it?

5. I'm finally to the point where I don't feel like death after every work out!  SO GLAD.  Thinking about setting this up as my next reward if I press on through the next 2 months (or this if I start feeling really confident).

All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission