Buzzing Bees

A visit to Blandford Nature Center was all I needed.  The field was filled with beautiful wildflowers and bees buzzing around collecting pollen.  I even spotted a few butterflies and a yellow finch.  It was a gorgeous evening.  Ever since my boyfriend, Michael Martin, created a few documentaries for the nature center, I enjoy making visits.  You can view his nature documentaries and other work www.garywillickers.com.

Beautiful Day

This week I had the opportunity to spend a day at Lake Michigan with my friend Carter before he leaves for a six month adventure in the Philippines joining our friend Elsa.  The lakeshore was beautiful and it ended up being a perfect day.  It was about 90 degrees out, but with the breeze coming up off of the lake it felt perfect.  Because of all of the subtle beauties along the dunes, we continuously found inspiration.

Reed's Lake Art Festival

It was my first year participating in the Reeds Lake Art Festival.  Despite the rain, I had a wonderful time meeting people and talking to them about art. The location where the festival took place along Reed's lake was beautiful, and so was my view.  This was the first show that I used my new display and I really enjoyed how it showcased my new pieces.

To view more shows that I will be apart of this season visit http://www.randiford.com/events/.  

He Looked at Her and She Looked at Him

Lately I have been working on a few new series; one of them being inspired by the bond that male and female birds have with each other. This series called,  He Looked at Her and She Looked at Him, will be available as a stationary set this summer.   

3x3 Illustration Annual- The Magazine of Contemporary Illustration

Great News! My work has been published in the Student Show of the Magazine of Contemporary Illustration.  My series on the seasons of Michigan is what received recognition and is published. I am very honored to be a part of the annual, because it features works by talented illustrators from all over the world.  The 3x3 Illustration Annual should be available in stores sometime this month, so if you would like to view it yourself please do!  

Please take a better look at my winning entries online at www.RandiFord.com

Keeping Cozy

One of the thing things I love about Grand Rapids is that you can see the history here in the houses and in the trees that surround them. This piece, Keeping Cozy, illustrates the view outside of my studio's window during this season's winter. There are so many unique homes throughout this beautiful city that range in style depending on when the area was developed.  I enjoyed capturing the special characteristics of the houses in my west-side neighborhood, along with the feeling winter brings me in this charming piece.

Christmas Cards

This winter I had the pleasure of illustrating Grand Rapids law firm Kuiper Orlebeke PC's Christmas Card.  It was great working with them, and I think the end result turned out well.  Kuiper Orlebeke PC's clients will be receiving the cards this holiday season. I sure hope they enjoy!  Happy Holidays!