I just want to say right off the bat that I’m so glad I started this series. After working on illustrations like this, it’s so refreshing and relaxing for me to sit down at the computer and just mess around with brushes and color in Photoshop while rocking out to music or a podcast. It’s like a vacation for my artistic brain, which just makes my desire to work on my regular illustrations stronger, and probably makes them better as a result.
For this month’s commute painting I chose an Instagram pic from last January. At this time last year we were partway through the Winter of the Polar Vortex, when 23°F felt warm to me (???) and we had snow and ice on the ground from December to March. Ugh. This winter, even though we’ve had some very chilly days recently, feels like a treat in comparison. That being said, I am soooo ready for spring and summer.
Lately I’ve been getting into the Tone It Up workouts. In other words, I’m prepping my body for beach season NOW. With the wedding and honeymoon last year I ended up missing most of my family’s beach week, so I’ve been craving it hardcore. To make things worse, a lot of the TIU workouts are filmed on the beach. So between my cravings for warmer weather and beach vacations along with doing these workout videos, I’m realizing I need to move to southern California. Like, NOW. I just want to live near LA or whatever, get up early for a run on the beach every morning, and then pop into a chic coffee shop while wearing some fancy Lululemon workout gear (my favorite, when I can save up for it). *sigh*
But alas, I live in Central Pennsylvania. Maybe one day … Happy winter, everyone!
Below you can see my painting next to the Instagram pic it’s inspired by:
You can read more about why I started this project here
Illustration at top created with Photoshop
Prints of my illustrations are available in my Etsy and Society6 shops
Kathryn says
January 16, 2015 at 8:13 AMI love the idea of this series (and yes to leaving in LA and going for a run on the beach every morning!). The way you capture the colours and mood of your instagram pics is just magical. So much talent!
Sara says
January 16, 2015 at 8:34 AMThank you, Kathryn! That is so nice of you to say. And yes – can we all just move to LA please? (minus all the traffic, though …) So maybe Palm Springs or something?
Peggy says
January 16, 2015 at 9:34 AMPlease take your mom with you to LA! Love your new series too!
Sara says
January 16, 2015 at 9:49 AMHaha thanks Mom! And we all know you and Dad will end up retiring in wine country over there. ;-) (at least you hope so)
Brita Britnell says
January 16, 2015 at 10:35 AMI’ll never get over how COOL it is that you do this in Photoshop! I’ve followed the Tone It Up girls for a few years now and they TOTALLY make me want to move to southern LA and go on beach runs daily. i’ll move with you :) I kind of hate hate hate the cold weather. Luckily it doesn’t get too bad in Nashville
Sara says
January 16, 2015 at 12:25 PMHaha thank you, Brita! Those TIU girls … am I right?! But why are they SO PRETTY. I’d say you’re a few steps closer, being in Nashville … but yeah, we should all move to California. It’s decided.
Bill says
January 16, 2015 at 10:36 AMHere is something you can do before you get the opportunity to run on that beach everyday: Always feel ready! Do what I do, look like you are always ready to go. I wear workout gear everyday-all day! Sure, some would call what I have on “sweats” but they are a name brand, Lulule*Mart, I get them at a local boutique box store. Sara, thank you for letting us into your Artistic Brain, I find that one of my favorite things in life now is watching ALL the artistic people in my life Strut there stuff! I’m really glad my Son and you decided to collaborate, with the backing of these two artistic families, there is no telling what could be accomplished.
Sara says
January 16, 2015 at 12:25 PMHahaha Chef William I should just always follow your advice.
Jessica | A Happy Food Dance says
January 16, 2015 at 11:08 AMBeautiful illustration as always! I live in the same beach town as the TIU girls – and while it is gorgeous, like all of the time, you definitely pay for it in your rent and LA traffic is as miserable as everyone describes it. I still wouldn’t trade it for anything and if you ever come out this way, let’s hang! Have a good weekend!
Sara says
January 16, 2015 at 12:27 PMThanks Jessica! I’m totally jealous that you live there …. except for the traffic. If I could have LA but have it be a super bike-able and walkable town, that might be perfect. What city out there fits that description? But if I ever get out that way I’ll definitely hit you up! xoxo
Abbey says
January 16, 2015 at 12:15 PMLove this new series! And I was looking through the Tone It Up instagram yesterday and I had the exact same urge to get up and run on a beach haha. That being said, I will totally move to California with you. I’m sure Aunt Kathy would be more than willing to let us crash in her basement :-P.
Sara says
January 16, 2015 at 12:28 PMYes Abbey!!!!!!!!! Aunt Kathy’s basement is awesome, so I’d totally live there. But we might not have room for Stanley and Robert ….. :-/
Abbey says
January 16, 2015 at 3:12 PMOh right, I forgot about those two…hehe. Gilmore and Rooney may not fit either. Hmmm, we may have to reevaluate…
Sara says
January 16, 2015 at 3:19 PMhahaha I TOTALLY forgot about those guys!!!! Yeah we might have to just kick Aunt Kathy out ….
Millie | Add A Little says
January 16, 2015 at 3:23 PMI totally feel you on wanting to move to LA – I crave that sun and gorgeous weather all year long (whilst I’m stuck here in freezing England!) Love the illustration Sara – so beautiful! I wish I had your skill!
Sara says
January 18, 2015 at 3:32 PMHaha thank you, Millie! While I do enjoy snow days and crisp fall weather, there’s no denying that craving for summer when you’re midway through dreary winter.
Joanne Welsh says
January 18, 2015 at 3:30 PMLebanon County is beautiful through your eyes, Sara. I think you might miss it after–say–
50 years or so in LA. Don’t you think?
Sara says
January 18, 2015 at 3:33 PMHaha thanks Joanne! And yes, you’re probably right. If I moved to LA I’d definitely miss central PA. I’d have to come back here for some snow in the winter, especially around Christmas time. :-)