rough gems.

Rough Gems has Moved...

2011-11-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and readers,

Thanks for being a part of my artistic journey here on this blog. I have finally launched my new website which now hosts Rough Gems. as well. It's the same ol' blog, so I hope you resubscribe and aren't afraid to stay up do date, in fact I just posted the first giveaway! So, head on over and check out the new digs.

Sincerely,
Karli

First Draw: My Brightest Diamond

2011-10-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

For more First Draw posts, visit the new Rough Gems. Click Here.

I was very excited to listen to this new album by My Brightest Diamond. I've been listening to Shara Worden for a long time and I always eagerly anticipate her new releases. I've seen her perform a couple of times and even got to open for her once! One of my musical career highlights. She is a true, purely talented and creative human. A powerful voice and a unique performer. The last time I saw her play, her set had some pretty theatrical moments with props and costumes, I was happy to see some of that vibe incorporated more into this album. It seemed slightly more theatrical than some of her previous work.

It was a very fun album to draw to! I could make a single piece of art for each song I feel like. Lots of lovely imagery and beautiful stories woven in throughout. I absolutely love it! Her voice soars and is lovelier than ever.

All of the ink drawing was done during the 42 minutes listening to the album for the first time. I cheated a little and did my watercolors after it was over. :)

Listen to the album over at NPR's First Listen here.

*First Draw is something I started as a way to exercise the collaboration between art and music. Each First Draw piece is done without any preconceived plans or sketches, just turn on the music and GO! Check out the rest of the First Draw posts here.

Type Tuesday: StoryBOOK

2011-10-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

For more Type Tuesday posts visit the new Rough Gems. Click Here.

Just got back from LA last night and really had a great time. Some highlights were the Getty Museum and Ruby, my brother and sister-in-law's new puppy bulldog. We had good food, good coffee and a good dose of Vitamin D. Coming home feels fresh and chilly. Happy Type Tuesday, hope you enjoy this little number I did with watercolor pencils this morning.

type tuesday: ribbon font

2011-02-22T14:42:00.000-08:00

To download this Ribbon Font, visit the new Rough Gems. location. Click Here.

Greetings on this wintery Tuesday afternoon. Here's my latest Type Tuesday font! I've seen ribbon fonts done before...so nothing really that original. But I've always wanted to try it myself. I didn't have quite enough time today to make the whole alphabet, but maybe some other day.

And for something musically tasty...here's a lovely video of a lovely band, Beach House.