Illustration

From the Sketchbook - Spaghetti Squash Stirfry /  by Esther Loopstra

I love me some Spaghetti Squash!! In the past few years I've found out that my body hates processed carbs :( So, I do a sort of modified low carb diet. Since I usually try to avoid as many carbs as I can during the week, my favorite new find has been Spaghetti Squash.

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Food Map of Italy /  by Esther Loopstra

This summer we are planning a trip to Italy.  I've always had this romantic notion of driving through Italy and stopping at tiny little towns along the way...enjoying all of the food and coffee that I can.  I decided to prepare for my trip by creating a map which shows the cuisine of Italy by region and city.  This map has gotten a lot of love on Behance lately and was also featured on this terrific Interesting maps blog.  This was a fun project, combining three of my favorite things to draw: maps, hand lettering and food! Here are a few snapshots.

New Illustration for Illustration Friday /  by Esther Loopstra

It's been a while since I've created anything fun for myself, and especially in Photoshop (I've been using Illustrator a lot).  Illustration Friday is a weekly online illustration contest and blog. It's a great way to keep up your practice and to do something that inspires you.  So here it is.  The word for this week is "sizzle".

New Patterns! /  by Esther Loopstra

It's been a busy few months here, full of new and exciting things.  I had my first solo painting exhibit, signed a new licensing agent and I've already gotten some great new licenses!  I've also been getting ready for Surtex (which is the big surface design show in NY).  I won't be going this year but my designs will be there, so I've busy creating new patterns.  Here is a little preview of one of the collections that I've been working on.

poppy pattern

tribal flag pattern

Candy dots pattern

Frayed chevron pattern