I got a lovely email from the Gallery Hanahou about their upcoming exhibitions. I took a peek at their shop and was delighted to find work from my favorites Tina Berning, Stina Persson and Jeffrey Fulvimari. I especially loved the concept of Jeffrey’s paper plates… simple paper plates adorned by Jeffrey with his trademark girls. There’s something lovely about seeing doodles and illustrations done on paper plates and paper napkins. Lovely stuff.

Absolutely loved the work of Kareem Iliya… reminds me of Mats Gustafson but with bolder patterns. These watercolor illustrations are so inspiring. Great color sense… great everything, really. (via Juniper)

Russell over at Princeton Architectural Press introduced me to a few books last week that I had to share… the first (and my favorite) is Kate T Williamson’s A Year in Japan, which is Kate’s journal and sketchbook from the year she spent studying in Kyoto. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this book. Fantastic illustrations (Kate is an illustrator by profession) and lovely handwritten notes on her observations such as the sparkly ladies of Japan and tofu vendors on the street. A must see.

Reader Anna just sent me a tip that famed fashion illustration Jefrey Fulvimari (Of Madonna’s The English Roses fame) has created an original illustration for fashion house Verlaine’s show at New York Fashion Week. From the release: “The Bryant Park show featured Jeffrey’s art both on the walls and in the designs - Verlaine was inspired to capture Jeffrey’s signature
darling girls as a bold print fabric, out of which she constructed three fabulous dresses in different cuts for her spring/summer 2007 collection.” Anna was kind enough to send me images of some of the garments and the store display. Now on the hunt for photos of the show, which was held Monday at Bryant Park. Enjoy.

Gorgeous ink, watercolor and gouache illustration from Stina Persson. She has done varied work for top clients such as Godiva, Nike and UNIQLO. Love the brightness of color and the way her brushstrokes, although abstract, are able to illustrate figures so clearly. Love.

While going through links this morning I saw that Designer’s Library posted about the Hotel Des Arts in San Francisco, California. Loved it so much I had to post about it too. Some of the rooms in the hotel are painted by up and coming artists from the area. There’s a gallery online of all the artists and room 201 above by Kelly Tunstall is a definite standout. Also see the rooms done by Damon Soule, Maria Gillespie, Jet Martinez and Eric Orr. Love this place.

Gorgeous watercolor illustrated wedding invites at Ilee. They also do some lovely hand calligraphy and monograms. Love the illustrations of the little buildings and all the botanical work. (of course!) Great color, delicate brushwork. Lovely lovely lovely.

The work of Tra Selhtrow is so lovely. Lots of detailed ink work and fantastic color. I am especially digging his work for sale, namely one of his new art prints: Jonathan Climbing Out of a Hole. The illustrations of cormorants are especially nice as well. See more of his work on his blog: Naked Napkin. Beautiful stuff.

Good lord. I love the work of Christina Drejenstam so much. Watercolor + Ink + Spraypaint = Gorgeous effect. Her work appears fashion-based with work in retail, advertising and editorial. Love her style.

Momomoogie is the shop and blog of the extremely talented Stella Im Hultberg. Her pouty illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, many done with ink watercolor and tea. Prints may be purchased at her shop along with wallets adorned with her illustrations, and sweet art toys.

Jeremiah Ketner’s Small & Round paintings are ridiculously adorable and oh-so-colorful. I love the charming little figures and the playful botanical-inspired patterns in the backgrounds.

The work of Masha D’Yans caught my eye at the Stationery Show for the quality of color and brushwork alone. She had the above right displayed quite large and it was such a breath of fresh air. Be sure to visit her and see the rest because the above is not even the best of what she has. So hard to choose! Gorgeous stuff.