Painting and Job Hunting

Today I went out and began the journey for a job. Now that we're pretty much settled in Houston, I really DO need to find something. It might not be fashion illustration related but at this point, anything is better than nothing. School Loans won't pay for themselves, after all!

I applied for several places in Sugar Land Town Center, a wonderful little shopping area in our beloved Suburb. If you're ever in Sugar Land, I suggest you check it out! City Hall is there, and a number of yummy restaurants and quirky boutiques. It's one of my favorite places to hang out whenever I would come home to visit my parents (they live here too, and I grew up here as well!).

Sugar Land Town Center has this gorgeous fountain in front of City Hall!

While I was out, I also got to slip into the Starbucks and do some painting. It had been a while, so it felt really good to get out the paints again! 

I've included a bit of a step-by-step photo process of the drawing below: 

I always start off with a pencil, then ink and line it. Erasing all of the sketch marks is essential in how I do things.

Then I add paint, then bling it up with gold gouache. It's one of my favorite painting styles right now!

To finish things off, I included a little outfit blurb as well. I got an adorable cream colored blazer from Cato Fashions the other day, and a metallic gold screen-printed top as well. I was rather proud of this work outfit, definitely will have to find other ways to wear this top!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!!

A few days late, I know, but things have been quite busy as of late!

Eva Duplan Illustrations is now in Houston! Our move went smoothly, and we're in the process of putting our Dallas home up for sale. My husband is now working - and I'm taking a semester off from graduate school to work on networking and making connections in my new home. Possibly even finding a part-time job! If you know someone in Houston who's looking for an Illustrator, let me know!

Houston is home to a lot of family - I'm five minutes from my parents and ten minutes from my sister-in-law and her family! It's been nice, returning home, and it's different to be living here under a different roof than my parents'. 

I'm hopeful that I will find new opportunities for my art here. Houston isn't quite so fashion-affluent like Dallas is, or that's what it seems. I'm hoping that will be proven wrong! I've never explored Houston before, even when I was growing up here. It will be a grand adventure, I'm sure! There is sure to be new artwork to be added to the blog soon, and new artwork to be added to my store as well.

Here's to a new year, a new life, new home, and a new adventure! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I know I've been rather quiet and dull as of late. Things have been pretty hectic in the Duplan house. My husband has been on the job hunt and graduate school has been keeping me busy. 

However, I have some events coming up that I will get to illustrate for! I'm looking forward to them - it will give me a chance to promote myself and work on expanding on my live sketching techniques. 

This holiday week was spent in Houston with my husband's sister - he had some wonderful interviews in Downtown Houston before the Thanksgiving holiday. My sister-in-law has a pair of beautiful little girls - and it was such a joy spending time with them! 

Kat just loves watching shows with her favorite Uncle. 

Monday we had a great day with my friend Meghann - we went to the mall, then went and saw Mockingjay Part 1! It was a great movie - definitely a must-see! Tuesday I spent the day with my family (who also are in Houston) and went Thrift shopping with my mama. It was a great time! Wednesday we went and saw Mockingjay again with my dad after eating lunch at Chuy's with my dad, brother, and sister-in-law and her husband. 

Thanksgiving we spent with my husband's family - it was a wonderful spread with wonderful people! My new extended family are so kind and generous - I love them all so much!

Friday was a relaxing afternoon with Don's parents and sister and her family - and her little one, Sam, got to open her early Birthday presents. Don and I got her a fun Olaf plushie! 

Saturday before we returned to Dallas, my family and I went to the Texas Renaissance Festival! It's a family gathering I always look forward to. This weekend was the last weekend of the season - and it was a great way to start the Christmas season. 

I'm hoping to update a little more regularly - forgive me again for my absence! 

See you again soon!