Friday Funday

Alright, so technically it's Saturday, and I apologize to anyone who checked to see what my Friday Funday adventure(s) were yesterday only to be disappointed that I hadn't posted anything. But I assure you it was best that I waited until today to post because it was very late by the time I ventured home and I was not in any sort of mindset to blog cohesively.. haha.

Yesterday was an excellent Friday Funday, and it started whilst I was still at work (if you can believe it) It ended up being not one, but 2 of my co-workers birthdays. So we got to drop what we were doing at around 11am and then again around 4 to have cake =) I only got photos of the first one because I was caught off guard by the second one and didn't have a chance to run back to my desk and grab my camera.







Both cakes were delicious and a much needed distraction. After work, I decided to wander around and kill some time before I headed over to an opening I read about on Fecal Face.

I started by just walking north from my work, and somehow found myself in the direction of the Telegraph Hill Historic District, which is totally beautiful and amazing.











I wish I had a better camera.. these photos don't really do it justice. Aaah, someday soon. But I really hate shopping for technology. If anyone has any recommendations on a good but modestly priced camera that has both manual and automatic settings I'm all ears..







hahaha...




Cassette Tape house?








Then I walked down into north beach.





I walked past this store window that caught my attention.







but sadly they were closed.



so I couldn't go in. I'll try back another time.

After awhile of just wandering around, I figured it was time I could head over to Double Punch for the gallery opening. The show is featuring works by Kelly Tunstall, Scott Barry, Ryan Bubnis and Alexei Vella





My personal favorite was Ryan Bubnis.









I also really enjoyed the display for Scott Barry's work.



Soon after arriving I got a call from my new friend Gene saying that he was getting together with some friends and his old professor to do a sketch exchange and invited me along. So I finished up my glass of wine (I'm not sure what it is about fridays and finding free wine but I'm all about it) and headed out. I decided to just continue walking because I wasn't too far away and I'm not that familiar with the bus routes in north beach. I almost instantly regretted this decision when I discovered that it was literally all up hill. How, or why anyone needs a gym membership in this city is beyond me. All you would need to do is go walk around north beach. It's like climbing a damn mountain over there.




I don't think this photo really illustrates my point, but I'm sure you can imagine walking about a mile at a 45 degree angle.

Eventually I made it to Gene's professor's house. It was really cool to just hangout and draw with other artists because I haven't done that at all since I moved.

















We each made 4 sketches to exchange with each other. These are the drawings I made:









I had a great time, and I got some cool drawings out of the deal =) I know everyone is super busy, myself included, but I hope we can get together again soon. Afterward, Gene and I decided to hit up some bars, hense why I'm writing about Friday Funday on Saturday.. haha.





Cheers!

- K

Hair

Princess Birthday Things

Ok, now I know I said I wouldn't post any more final illustrations from the book I'm working on because I want it to be a suprise, buuut I just finished this illustration (which is actually a redo from one I've posted before) and I am so proud and excited about this piece that I wanted to share! So I hope you like it as much as I do, and I welcome any feedback!

But first, here is the first illustration I had done for this part of the book



I still like this piece, but overall I didn't think it didn't have enough oomph, if you will. Also, I just didn't think she looked happy enough, so this is the revision I came up with..




Yay! One more down.. about 30 something left to go! haha..

Friday Funday

On my way home from work today the excitement that only comes from the end of another work week hit me. No matter how tired you are from a long week, you can't help but feel elated that it's over. Then I got to thinking, why must I go straight home after wards? Do I really need to start working on my personal projects the second I get home? The answer is No! I decided then that I should take my energy and excitement from the mere fact that it's Friday and go exploring, and then of course, share my discoveries with you!

Thus, Friday Funday is born! Starting right now, I am going to dedicate every Friday as a day to explore and have FUN. I plan to share everything from cools shops and restaurants, to interesting signs, fashion, people, architecture and everything in between. This way I'll get to experience more of what this city has to offer, and I'll be better about posting. Win Win.

Tonight I decided to start by checking out a park I have yet to go to that isn't far from my place. On my way I walked by a cool shop that had it's doors open. What caught my eye was all of the art on the walls, and some red shag carpet in the display window.



Tedda Hughes is a locally owned shop, by none other than Tedda Hughes herself. I was greeted by Tedda when I walked in, and she offered me a glass of wine. Not being one to pass up a free drink, I decided to stay and really take in everything the shop has to offer, which ranges from original art, hand-made clothing for women and children, to toys and accessories. The store slash gallery has only been open for about 3 weeks now, and so far it seems as though business is going very well. If you'd like to stop by, the store is located at 1623 Polk Street, in San Francisco.







All of the clothing is local and handmade, ranging in prices from $13 - $259, which is AMAZING! Many of the designs are from Tedda herself.

One of my personal favorites is this Sass & Bide fringe tunic



sadly it's a little out of my price range right now, but maybe if I get some freelance work I'll treat myself to it =)

Anyway, one of the artist currently showing work at Tedda Hughes is Hilary Williams. Her work caught my attention right away. I love how colorful and detailed each piece is, and I am a fan of "Urban meets Nature" themes. Here are a few examples of Hilary's screen prints from her website.







After exchanging contact information with Tedda, I decided to continue on my way towards Lafayette Park. Now that I have finally visited this park after many many months of not doing so, I'm pretty sure I'll go back like every other day. Alright, that is a bit of an exaggeration, but it was so nice and quiet and peaceful. I really wonder why it's taken me so long to go there..? The park itself is on top of hill, which allows for some pretty amazing views.






I stayed at there for awhile, just enjoying being away from my poop-covered neighborhood, smelling flowers and grass, instead of.. well, you know.




On my way back home, I wondered around a few different blocks to get back to my street. I saw some pretty interesting things...


The sidewalk was at such a steep angle, or the house was so low to the ground (or both?) that this bay window was just barley above eye level


An owl stencil on a set of stairs


A cool old car


hahaha.... this was in someone's window


I love you too


Potatoes? Sure!

And we'll conclude this first Friday Funday with some cool signage from a dry cleaners just up the street







heart,

K