vt greeting cards

A new holiday card in my Winter Barn series has been added to the catalog. The card will go to print as we get closer to the holiday season. The image is a compilation of the many barn structures and landscapes I see on my local drives. Vermont is such a beautiful state. When I’m taking things for granted, it doesn’t take long to re-acknowledge and appreciate the rolling hills, the organic smells and stunning scenarios I pass through, by car, bike or foot…Mike Biegel

I’ve just returned from Utah for my annual ski vacation out west. My ski time was split between fresh powder and bluebird skies. I’ve come to know The Canyons very well, picking up tips from locals, and exploring inviting openings into the trees. The powder stashes I found 2 days after the last storm will be kept to myself for next year. This image is a custom holiday card for the The Canyons in 2008.

The stories for my new designs are just about complete. Here you can see the front of the new COVERED BRIDGE AT SNOW RIVER along with the story. There’s a thumbnail here but click on the the link below and you’ll download a PDF for easier reading of the new story. Check it out and let me know what you think. More to come as the pace picks up!

COVERED BRIDGE AT SNOW RIVER Holiday Card (PDF)

Take a look at these two updated versions of my new Lighthouse at Northport and new Holiday Horse Weathervane cards for 2008. Final touches are being applied daily. What’s seen here was scanned early last week. Seven additional days of carefully considered ink applications have passed. I hope to complete these and my new Barn, Birdhouse and Covered Bridge images by next weekend. The pressure is on! Let me know what you think of the images thus far — Mike Biegel

Some of my regular clientel are Covered Bridge fans who have requested new images. I have finally started my fourth in a series. Covered Bridge at Snow River is a working title and I hope to have it completed for this season. It’s come along fairly well thus far. You can see where it started from when it was a pencil layout a few short weeks ago as I juggled projects in-between.

I’ve always wanted to create a series of images for each of my subjects. Right now I have three completed covered bridges (a fourth in the works). This will be my second barn illustration. As you can see farther below my second lighthouse is in progress. The research is engrossing. I’ll reference a book here, a magazine photo uncovered beneath a pile of tear sheets there, a web site, etc. Then I’ll find myself incorporating an interesting element. Or whiting out a section and adding a new window or tree. And all this in the middle of a glorious Vermont September! So below is the original comprehensive pencil layout and an advance stage of inks — Mike Biegel

More work in progress — As I understand Cardinals don’t bother with birdhouses. But since this is a fictional piece set just after a winter storm (very early on in the season) then it’s viable this bird decides to check out this potential home. So out with the Indigo Bunting and in with your traditional holiday northern cardinal. Better than before?….Click on the image to enlarge and let me know. Thanks! — Mike Biegel

I started this illustration last year too but was hesitant to ink in the comprehensive pencils. My reference didn’t show any wooden perches protruding below the birdhouse door. As I understand birds don’t need rival birds hanging outside their doors. But I eventually found an image in my searches…and now believe my story on the back of the card will involve a kid who builds it as seen regardless of the perch issue. Who needs rules anyhow in these illustrated winter fantasies! With a fresh eye this year I’ve begun applying my crow quill pen and so far the image is coming along fine — Mike Biegel

Each year since my first lighthouse drawing was unveiled I’ve been asked when a new one would be created. Well, here are two stages of a new Lighthouse image for the 2008 season. You can see the progression. The name is unknown right now and the story on the back has yet to be written. Let me know what you think - Mike Biegel

Last year I started a pencil illustration of a new theme but wasn’t certain about pursuing this particular horse weathervane. Then I pulled it from my files and with a fresh eye began penciling in some changes. Let me know what you think? Should I begin laying in some inks and present it for 2008?

Horse Weathervane - Pencil Sketch 1