Limited Edition 'Puff & Peep' Sculptures

Purchase Puff & Peep #1

I thought it might be fun to create the 'Puff & Peep' characters from my next picture book in 3-D, so I got out my box of paper clay and started to mold these cute little sculptures last week. Currently, four different sculptures are available for purchase!

Purchase Puff & Peep #2

I am so excited to finally email a free digital copy of 'The Angry Artist' to my e-newsletter followers tomorrow. If you haven't already, please consider signing up here!

Purchase Puff & Peep #3

I hope you enjoyed peeking at these little sculptures as much as I enjoyed making them!

xo

Ashley

'My Writing Process' Blog Tour

{A picture of Emily from her Twitter profile that I love}

I was invited to this exciting 'My Writing Process Blog Tour' by the lovely and talented Emily Helck. I met Emily years ago in Jersey City while she was a curator at Art House Productions. Since that time, I have enjoyed Emily's writing immensely and was moved to tears by some of her pieces relating to her battle with breast cancer. The raw depictions she provides in her blog {along with a good dose of humor} are touching to say the least. Thank you Emily for inviting me to this blog tour! 

Now, here goes the part where I talk about my writing process ;)

"The Angry Artist" a picture book for creatives. Click above for the video!

1) What am I currently working on?

I'm  very excited about my current project called, "The Angry Artist", which I'm deeming the first picture book exclusively for creative people. Since this project is more about sharing my experience and trying to make others smile in the process, the whole concept is to give the book away for free. Pretty please sign up for my email list this week so you get your own digital copy this August! 

2) How does my work differ from others of its genre? 

I would say my work is very 'straight to the point' and simplistic in lots of ways. It's very similar to my art style.

3) Why do I write what I write? 

I write about what I'm thinking about the most at the moment. Whether it be a special person, holiday or story I just need to get out.

4) How does my writing process work?

Believe it or not, I actually enjoy drawing stories before ever writing the words. I know for most author/illustrators it may go the other way around, but for me I love to see my story first. My first children's book, 'Boo, Bat & Pumpkin Throw a Party' I illustrated entirely before ever writing the first word.

5) What special bloggers/writers would you like to introduce to this tour?

Alison Wood of Art-of-Crafts.Net
I met Alison a few years ago via an online crafting community that we were both involved in. Since that time I have corresponded with her many times, and have written various crafting tutorials for her website. She is an amazing advocate of crafters in the UK {and worldwide!} and runs an awesome website relating to arts & crafts. She hosts lots of giveaways, competitions and offers great written content daily so check her website out today!

Stephanie Olivieri www.stepholivieri.com
I first noticed Stephanie's work on LinkedIn, as we are in many of the same illustrator groups there. I always thought her art was charming, so I was so happy that she responded when I reached out to her for this post! She is an illustrator and writer. Click on her website to see her charming artwork as well as how to purchase it.

Patricia Serrano www.freshtraveler.com
Patricia attended a workshop that I was a part of this summer at NYU's Tisch school of the arts. She is a talented writer, traveler and filmmaker! Her very approachable personality is apparent in her writing style. Visit her website for some wonderful 'adventures off the beaten path'.

The lovely ladies I've chosen to feature above are all very busy with their own businesses at the moment, so although they may not be able to participate with this blog tour right away,as, and if their schedules allow, I will post the dates for their blog posts in the comments section below.

Thanks as always for reading!

xo Ashley

Celebrating 'The Right Thing to Do' with Teresa Chi!

Last week I got to meet Teresa Chi for a very special celebration involving her book called, 'The Right Thing to Do'. She brought a copy for me and there's nothing like seeing your work in '3D'!

This is the first time I was commissioned to illustrate a book, and that I was not both the author and illustrator. I truly loved the experience, and hope I get the opportunity to work with Teresa again, as well as other authors and songwriters in the future.

Here's the little swinging monkey from the book on Teresa's phone!

The restaurant 'Horchata' made a great backdrop to our evening!

Snag your copy of 'The Right Thing to Do' online!

And please don't forget to sign up this month for my email list, as I will be giving a FREE digital copy of my next book away next month!!

xo Ashley

A Picture Book for Artists

Speech bubbles drawn for the pages of The Angry Artist

Last September I published a post about my next picture book idea called, "The Angry Artist". Ever since I came up with the idea, I've had the pages of the books tacked to my studio wall as a constant reminder - I must finish this project!

I learned last summer that these three months can be quite slow sales wise for illustrators and art teachers, so my plan is to self publish the book in August 2014!

A page that didn't make the cut ;)

A page I definitely need to keep.

The honest opinion of my family and friends was that the book is really not made for kids... but instead for visual artists... so I have finally began to really embrace the idea and am excited to share this poignant and fun tale of living the creative life with other artists.

All subscribers to my monthly e-newsletter will receive a FREE copy of the ebook when it's released this summer, so don't forget to sign up today so you don't miss it! xo Ashley 

Sneak Peek!

This week I've been busily working on the illustrations for a new children's book! I don't want to reveal too much before it's complete, but I will say the story is very special and written by the talented Teresa Chi of 26Songs. 

watercolor pencils - my secret weapon while illustrating!

my other secret weapon - coffee!

a sneak peek at some cute skunks

little monkeys are cute too!

love these 'precision' pens and kneaded erasers too

Stay tuned for more info about this very cute story! {The best part is... it's a song too!}.

xo Ashley

New Gouache Art Pieces

I'm excited to announce a new series of gouache illustrations this holiday! Check out this cute little 'Spotty' dog that I'll be dropping off to Hazel Baby in Jersey City this week!

There will be a special assortment of framed pieces available at Strawberry & Co. this November & December too. Perfect for those looking for an original work of art that is easy to incorporate into any home or creative space!

Visit Me @ Van Vorst Park this Sunday!

Come on out this Sunday to the 'Tales of Our Cities 2013' event in Van Vorst Park to say hi to Lady Lucas... and 'Boo, Bat & Pumpkin' of course. Enjoy free coloring pages and books, art and gifts available for purchase. A perfect way to start the Halloween season!

Tales of Our Cities 2013

Sunday, September 15, 2013 10am - 5pm 

Van Vorst Park, Jersey City, NJ

My Artistic Process

If you have a moment... check out this new video I posted on YouTube detailing how I create most of my illustrations. Enjoy! 

15% Off in the Lady Lucas Etsy Shop 'Til 09/30

Sweets Alphabet only $3.95 in the Lady Lucas Etsy Store

In honor of the upcoming one year anniversary of Lady Lucas, I'd like to invite readers to a 15% discount off all goods in the LL Etsy shop. Featured here is the latest and greatest... a downloadable alphabet for your child's room {or for your office ;)} celebrating 26 super sweets.  Use code CELEBRATE at checkout and visit the store online now!

How to Make a Blushing Dragon : Repost

Hi Everyone... here's a cute craft you can easily make this summer yourself or with the kids.  I created this one for Spoonfulzine, so I will direct you there for the 'How To'. Have a super day!! ;) Ashley

Cupcakes & Owls : The Video

Check out the latest Lady Lucas video and let me know what you think! Staring my two favorites ;)

Art From Around the World : Ages 3-6 Years

Parents, I'm very excited about the new semester of art classes I'll be teaching at three little birds! Here's the info below for your little ones.

Japanese Dolls

Art From Around the World

Taught by Ashley Lucas @ three little birds

Erie Street, Jersey City

Wednesdays 3:30 - 4:15pm

Ages 3-6 years old

come explore art techniques and traditons

from around the world!

Sign Up Info

Valentine Workshop : Saturday, February 11, 2012

Make some Valentines for your Sweetie!

FAMILY WORKSHOP

Valentine Crafting : Reusable Love Totes and Notes!

taught by local illustrator Ashley Lucas

take home a tote and lots of valentine goodies!

Saturday February 11, 2012

10:30am - 12:00pm

three little birds

Jersey City, NJ

email chirp@threelittlebirdsjc.com to register!

Artmeme Studio Talk

Boo, Bat & Pumpkin Throw a Party Book Trailer

the 32 faces of apple