Friday, May 8, 2009

Illustrated Letters

Before there were web pages and blogs, it was more common to see people adding color to their communication by drawing and painting images on the letters they sent through the good old U.S. Mail. Tomorrow Caron Dunn and I are teaching a class on illustrated letters in the studio at Castle in the Air, so this morning I worked up some sample envelopes. What makes illustrating letters such a delight is that it really gives you more time to think about the person who will be receiving it, and making art that you think they'll really enjoy.
Of course, any letter is a joy to receive, especially if it has a beautiful stamp on it. The post-office is raising its rates on Monday to 44 cents for a first class letter, so we bought a new book of stamps for the shop. They've got some wonderful art on them!

4 comments:

Anna said...

Look out Beatrix Potter and AE Milne!

Elise said...

I was fortunate enough to participate in the Illustrated Letters class held yesterday. Because Caron and Karima are so generous with sharing their talents and expertise, the entire class was able to put brush to paper and "just paint!" Each and everyone of us created artwork that suprised, delighted and enchanted.

HereBeDragons said...

Beautiful. I only wish I could draw!

Castle in the Air said...

I try to live by the idea that if every child can draw... so can every adult. I'm certain the ability is in there somewhere!

That said, there are many days when I wish I could draw too!

Best,
Karima