Pop tarts were a staple in my 90s childhood household. So naturally I was excited to collaborate with Aimee, creator of Loody's Kitchen, her blog that shares recipes from her childhood alongside new creations.
Scroll through to see what we came up with!
The finished pop tart painting!
This is Loki, a key part of Loody's Kitchen
This past Sunday, I made my Sowa Open Market debut! It was something I've wanted to do for years and I am so glad I was finally able to be there with my original paintings and prints!
I got to meet so many great people and lots of prints found new homes, including this pink artichoke print that now belongs to Bridget!
The best part of the day was having Jeff, my mom, and Jeff's whole family there to support me! I was so excited that I forgot to take a picture with them, but I was able to get a picture with my friends and fellow food tour guides, Rebecca and Nicole!
One new product that everyone was super excited about was my brand new artichoke and ice cream greeting cards. Those will be available in the online shop soon, but for now you can grab them at my next Sowa appearance (schedule below).
If you weren't able to make it to opening day and you're looking for things to do in Boston this summer, you can catch me at the Sowa Open Market all throughout the summer! Here are all of the days I'll be there:
May 20
June 17
July 1*, 15, 29
August 12, 26
September 9, 23
October 7, 21
*On July 1st I'll be leading a painting workshop. More on that soon!
Thanks again to everyone who came to see me at Sowa! See you at the next market!
Around the holidays last year, Nai asked me to make a very special gift for her girlfriend Michelle. She and Michelle share a love of wings so naturally that was the subject of choice for her custom painting. Nai told me exactly how they like their wings: with extra celery and extra blue cheese so I made sure to add those details so they could always look at their painting and think of their favorite times spent together sharing their favorite food!
First we started with the perfect, mouth-watering reference photos.
Then I sketched, making sure to include that extra celery and blue cheese
Then it was time to add some color
Finally, I added the last layers with highlights and some scallions.
Then it was ready for pick up!
Then the best part, it gets to live in its new home and remind Nai and Michelle of their happiest moments together! It was the perfect unique and meaningful gift for the holidays.
Thank you, Nai and Michelle, for letting me create something so special for your home!
To start your own custom painting to capture your favorite food memory, click the button below.
Happy Friday! I've shared a lot of artwork on this site, but I wanted to share a little more about myself for any of you wondering "who is this girl and why is she so obsessed with painting food." Here are 5 fun facts about the girl on the other end of the paintbrush:
I went to BU for Hospitality and then got my Masters in Gastronomy (I basically have a graduate degree in food!) at BU as well.
Join me for delicious tastings with a side of Boston history! We give tours in Boston's historic South End and in Allston, which is where I live.
Cheese and wine tasting at Formaggio in the South End
Go get a biscuit and ask for the coloring sheet I drew for them!
Fried pork buns are my favorite.
And now you know more about me. Hopefully my food-obsession is a little clearer! 🍦🍕
Every Wednesday I am going to be bringing you the stories behind some of my favorite commissions! Since it's Valentine's Day, we'll stick with the theme of love. Here is the story of Marc's custom anniversary gift to his wife Nicole!
I met Marc and Nicole on the food tour I lead in Boston and we got to talking about the amazing food-filled trip they took to Italy the summer before. Marc showed me all of their pictures and decided on a photo from a fantastic charcuterie place they visited as the one for his painting.
Marc and Nicole in Italy
He told me it was a gorgeous sunny day (hence her sunglasses!) and he wanted to make sure the colors of the painting captured that. I decided to stay true to the colors in the original photo while pumping up the saturation and vibrancy.
I started by transferring the photo to the canvas and filling in all of the color blocks
Then I started adding layers of color.
Most of the colors of the original photograph were incorporated into the finished piece to really capture the memory of being in Italy on that beautiful sunny day.
Then it was time for my favorite part of the painting process, adding the details to make the charcuterie board really pop.
Details!
My favorite elements were the charcuterie board (obviously) and their faces. I love capturing that special moment of pure happiness with someone you love. And the pop of teal on the table ties everything together for me. This was definitely a trip AND a special anniversary gift I'm sure Marc and Nicole will cherish forever.
The final painting
Capturing moments like this are why I paint food! That charcuterie board is long gone, but Marc and Nicole can keep the memory forever.
Do you have a favorite food memory with someone you love? Are you looking for a creative and unique anniversary gift for someone special? Head over to my commissions page and let's get started on YOUR custom painting.