Instagram Story Save

The print run has begun!

"On the Creation of Color"

"A treatise on the creation of diverse inks and pigments for even the most exacting teachers and clueless students."

Created through the Newberry Library’s 2025 Medieval Mini-Comic Prize, this 20-page comic features practical medieval recipes and a meditation on the process of creative learning through the reluctant teachings of an awkward scribe and her exuberant new apprentice.

Explore the richly textured world of medieval artmaking and see medieval manuscripts and your own creative practice in a colorful new light.

The comic is now up for sale on my web shop! I will also bring copies to my upcoming art markets. The next markets on my schedule are:

4th Annual Art in the Park North Berwyn | June 13, 2026

Milwaukee Makers Market | June 21, 2026

52nd Annual La Grange Craft Fair | July 11-12, 2026

Stay tuned to see where else the comics will make an appearance this summer!

This project has been a delightful adventure and it is with great gratitude to the Newberry Library; the wonderful scholarly and creative advice of Chris Fletcher and the Newberry team, Kristen Curtis, and Eli Estrella Pérez; and the Medieval Academy of America that I had the opportunity to embark on it.

I look forward to sharing what I have learned with everyone!

#comic #traditionalart #medievalart
Background video audio from Zapsplat.

This Friday, March 27, from 4:15-5:00pm I will take part in “Programming with Comics in the Library,” a panel at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2)! Join me and an exciting panel of artists, librarians, and scholars in room S401-D as we discuss the exciting literary connections to be made through comics… and preview some comics in the works!

“Comics are more than just popular items on a shelf; they are powerful tools for literacy and vibrant community engagement. Join us as we discuss how to design and execute impactful library programs centered around comics! Join the Newberry Library and a panel of librarians to get practical tips as they discuss what has worked when creating programs for patrons, young and old. In 2025, The Newberry's Center for Renaissance Studies established an annual prize for artists to create a medieval minicomic based on historic library collections, and the winners will present their works in progress.”

Panelists include:

Christopher Fletcher, Assistant Director, Newberry Center for Renaissance Studies

Yours truly, 2025 Newberry Medieval Minicomic award winner

Eli Pérez, 2025 Newberry Medieval Minicomic award winner

G. Trupp, Middle School Librarian, Latin School of Chicago

Hannah Fiedler, High School Librarian, Glenbard East High School

You can learn more about the event on my website (link in bio).

I cannot wait for everyone to learn about G. and Hannah’s wonderfully inventive work with comics in their respective libraries, and for Eli and I to share our library-informed comics-in-progress.

If you love comics and libraries as much as I do, this one is for you!

#comics

Hark, fellow creative pilgrims, clever bookworms, and mischief-makers all! I have returned with glorious news: I am making a comic!

Last winter I was awarded the Newberry Medieval Minicomic Prize, and alongside the most esteemed counsel of the Center for Renaissance Studies at the Newberry Library @newberrylibrary , I hath spent these busy winter months researching and crafting a comic inspired by the wonderous world of medieval manuscripts. Between delightful days in the library, long nights in the “scriptorium,” and explorations in the woods and in the kitchen, I have had great fun watching this story and its materials come to life. I am excited to share what I am learning!

I will have the wonderful opportunity to do just that at a panel on Friday, March 27th, 4:15-5:00pm at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo. I look forward to sharing more of my work-in-progress and discussing the medieval in comics alongside Dr. Suzanne Karr Schmidt and Christopher Fletcher of the Newberry as well as Eli Estrella Pérez, my fellow Minicomic Prize recipient (and oh my goodness, I cannot wait for you all to see their gorgeous work). Stop by C2E2 Room S410-D for a positively marvelous medieval time!

More details about the comic are coming soon, but for now, it is back to the drawing desk for me. With a May 1st goal for a first printing, I must continue my merry scribbling. It is with great gratitude to the Newberry; the wonderful scholarly and creative advice of Chris Fletcher and the Newberry team, Kristen Curtis, and Eli Estrella Pérez; and the Medieval Academy of America for the opportunity to do so.

#comics #inkandwatercolor #weirdart

Hark, fellow creative pilgrims, clever bookworms, and mischief-makers all! I have returned with glorious news: I am making a comic!

Last winter I was awarded the Newberry Medieval Minicomic Prize, and alongside the most esteemed counsel of the Center for Renaissance Studies at the Newberry Library @newberrylibrary , I hath spent these busy winter months researching and crafting a comic inspired by the wonderous world of medieval manuscripts. Between delightful days in the library, long nights in the “scriptorium,” and explorations in the woods and in the kitchen, I have had great fun watching this story and its materials come to life. I am excited to share what I am learning!

I will have the wonderful opportunity to do just that at a panel on Friday, March 27th, 4:15-5:00pm at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo. I look forward to sharing more of my work-in-progress and discussing the medieval in comics alongside Dr. Suzanne Karr Schmidt and Christopher Fletcher of the Newberry as well as Eli Estrella Pérez, my fellow Minicomic Prize recipient (and oh my goodness, I cannot wait for you all to see their gorgeous work). Stop by C2E2 Room S410-D for a positively marvelous medieval time!

More details about the comic are coming soon, but for now, it is back to the drawing desk for me. With a May 1st goal for a first printing, I must continue my merry scribbling. It is with great gratitude to the Newberry; the wonderful scholarly and creative advice of Chris Fletcher and the Newberry team, Kristen Curtis, and Eli Estrella Pérez; and the Medieval Academy of America for the opportunity to do so.

#comics #inkandwatercolor #weirdart

Hark, fellow creative pilgrims, clever bookworms, and mischief-makers all! I have returned with glorious news: I am making a comic!

Last winter I was awarded the Newberry Medieval Minicomic Prize, and alongside the most esteemed counsel of the Center for Renaissance Studies at the Newberry Library @newberrylibrary , I hath spent these busy winter months researching and crafting a comic inspired by the wonderous world of medieval manuscripts. Between delightful days in the library, long nights in the “scriptorium,” and explorations in the woods and in the kitchen, I have had great fun watching this story and its materials come to life. I am excited to share what I am learning!

I will have the wonderful opportunity to do just that at a panel on Friday, March 27th, 4:15-5:00pm at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo. I look forward to sharing more of my work-in-progress and discussing the medieval in comics alongside Dr. Suzanne Karr Schmidt and Christopher Fletcher of the Newberry as well as Eli Estrella Pérez, my fellow Minicomic Prize recipient (and oh my goodness, I cannot wait for you all to see their gorgeous work). Stop by C2E2 Room S410-D for a positively marvelous medieval time!

More details about the comic are coming soon, but for now, it is back to the drawing desk for me. With a May 1st goal for a first printing, I must continue my merry scribbling. It is with great gratitude to the Newberry; the wonderful scholarly and creative advice of Chris Fletcher and the Newberry team, Kristen Curtis, and Eli Estrella Pérez; and the Medieval Academy of America for the opportunity to do so.

#comics #inkandwatercolor #weirdart

Hark, fellow creative pilgrims, clever bookworms, and mischief-makers all! I have returned with glorious news: I am making a comic!

Last winter I was awarded the Newberry Medieval Minicomic Prize, and alongside the most esteemed counsel of the Center for Renaissance Studies at the Newberry Library @newberrylibrary , I hath spent these busy winter months researching and crafting a comic inspired by the wonderous world of medieval manuscripts. Between delightful days in the library, long nights in the “scriptorium,” and explorations in the woods and in the kitchen, I have had great fun watching this story and its materials come to life. I am excited to share what I am learning!

I will have the wonderful opportunity to do just that at a panel on Friday, March 27th, 4:15-5:00pm at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo. I look forward to sharing more of my work-in-progress and discussing the medieval in comics alongside Dr. Suzanne Karr Schmidt and Christopher Fletcher of the Newberry as well as Eli Estrella Pérez, my fellow Minicomic Prize recipient (and oh my goodness, I cannot wait for you all to see their gorgeous work). Stop by C2E2 Room S410-D for a positively marvelous medieval time!

More details about the comic are coming soon, but for now, it is back to the drawing desk for me. With a May 1st goal for a first printing, I must continue my merry scribbling. It is with great gratitude to the Newberry; the wonderful scholarly and creative advice of Chris Fletcher and the Newberry team, Kristen Curtis, and Eli Estrella Pérez; and the Medieval Academy of America for the opportunity to do so.

#comics #inkandwatercolor #weirdart

Hark, fellow creative pilgrims, clever bookworms, and mischief-makers all! I have returned with glorious news: I am making a comic!

Last winter I was awarded the Newberry Medieval Minicomic Prize, and alongside the most esteemed counsel of the Center for Renaissance Studies at the Newberry Library @newberrylibrary , I hath spent these busy winter months researching and crafting a comic inspired by the wonderous world of medieval manuscripts. Between delightful days in the library, long nights in the “scriptorium,” and explorations in the woods and in the kitchen, I have had great fun watching this story and its materials come to life. I am excited to share what I am learning!

I will have the wonderful opportunity to do just that at a panel on Friday, March 27th, 4:15-5:00pm at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo. I look forward to sharing more of my work-in-progress and discussing the medieval in comics alongside Dr. Suzanne Karr Schmidt and Christopher Fletcher of the Newberry as well as Eli Estrella Pérez, my fellow Minicomic Prize recipient (and oh my goodness, I cannot wait for you all to see their gorgeous work). Stop by C2E2 Room S410-D for a positively marvelous medieval time!

More details about the comic are coming soon, but for now, it is back to the drawing desk for me. With a May 1st goal for a first printing, I must continue my merry scribbling. It is with great gratitude to the Newberry; the wonderful scholarly and creative advice of Chris Fletcher and the Newberry team, Kristen Curtis, and Eli Estrella Pérez; and the Medieval Academy of America for the opportunity to do so.

#comics #inkandwatercolor #weirdart

"The Guide," December 2025. Ink and liquid graphite on paper.

“Our guide was a convivial fellow, though it quickly became apparent they did not understand the limits of human locomotion.”

2026 has begun and we are already off to the races! This piece, as well as two other originals and a collection of my strangest prints are now available at @6311arts in Rogers Park. Located at 6311 N Clark Street, this new art center houses a wonderful gallery, retail, and workshop space. Stop by to see all the awesome art on display today and mark your calendars for their first show on February 7th! You can give them a follow to stay up to date with all their upcoming art opportunities, too.

2025 was a busy year full of exploring, experimenting, and learning. Yet at the end of it I found myself most grateful for all the opportunities the year presented to make and deepen connections. Whether with nature, friends, or the vibrant arts communities woven throughout Chicagoland and beyond, I look forward to carrying these connections with me as we begin our journey through the new year. May the road ahead be winding and full of delightful surprises.
#weirdart #penandink

"Tree & Vine," December 2025. Mixed media on paper.

After a busy end to the holiday market season, I had the wonderful opportunity to devote the past week to research and experimentation for an upcoming project. What better way to spend these last dreary December days than encountering gorgeous manuscript art, reading through dark evenings, and testing out some kitchen chemistry. I look forward to sharing more details on the project soon, but until then, here is one of two study pieces made while whittling away at the concept.

While not as polished as my usual faire, I enjoyed designing the scroll-like leaves and climbing vines of this medieval manuscript-inspired scene… and doodling all the little creatures, of course. It also has more media in the mix, with watercolor, natural earth pigments, india and acrylic ink, and homemade buckthorn berry ink.

Buckthorn is a highly invasive species in Illinois, so it was exciting to find a historical recipe that puts it to good use. Since I already spend my Tuesday mornings cutting down buckthorn at my local forest preserve, collecting berries is about as easy as it gets. For the sake of the local ecology, though, I hope a day comes when I have no choice but to buy it online.

Regardless, I always find it fun when you go down one rabbit hole and pop up closer to home than you expect. When two unrelated interests collide, the coincidence feels mighty auspicious.

I have a few more things to wrap up before the end of the year, and then I can finally survey 2025 in earnest. I hope everyone has a restful and rewarding end of December in the meantime, and I hope to see you all at the end of year curtain call.
#weirdart #penandink #watercolor

All set up at the 18th St Casa de Cultura for A Very Merry Mercado! I will be here with an awesome group of artists and artisans today (12/13) from 12-5pm. Stop by and shop for all the serious or seriously silly folks in your life.

Hopefully I will see you there!
#weirdart #penandink #watercolor

All set up at the 18th St Casa de Cultura for A Very Merry Mercado! I will be here with an awesome group of artists and artisans today (12/13) from 12-5pm. Stop by and shop for all the serious or seriously silly folks in your life.

Hopefully I will see you there!
#weirdart #penandink #watercolor

"Grandma (Turn Me into a Newt Next)," December 2025. Ink on paper.

“My grandma and I do lots of arts and crafts… even the forbidden ones!”

This piece and more will be joining me at A Very Merry Mercado this Saturday, December 13th, 12-5pm, at 18th St Casa de Cultura. It is a great opportunity to shop local, explore a cool arts & culture space, and share some holiday cheer in these chilly, snowy days.

This will also be my last in-person market of 2025, though with all the running about it hardly feels like this year is drawing to a close. Considering now last year ended, here’s hoping I can stick the landing this time!
#penandink #weirdart

"Grandma (Turn Me into a Newt Next)," December 2025. Ink on paper.

“My grandma and I do lots of arts and crafts… even the forbidden ones!”

This piece and more will be joining me at A Very Merry Mercado this Saturday, December 13th, 12-5pm, at 18th St Casa de Cultura. It is a great opportunity to shop local, explore a cool arts & culture space, and share some holiday cheer in these chilly, snowy days.

This will also be my last in-person market of 2025, though with all the running about it hardly feels like this year is drawing to a close. Considering now last year ended, here’s hoping I can stick the landing this time!
#penandink #weirdart

"Leucistic Hummingbird and Cardinal Flower (detail)," December 2025. Ink and watercolor on paper.

This ruby-throated hummingbird’s lack of pigment may mute its plumage, but the loud red of cardinal flowers evokes its color. While the hummingbird sips nectar from the base of the flower, a little spot of pollen is rubbed onto its forehead before it zips off to the next plant.

This odd new midwestern pollinator pair will make its official debut tomorrow (12/4) at Framebridge in Winnetka. From 5-8pm I will be showcasing this original, as well as an expanded array of prints… so you can find the perfect frame in-house! 10% of the proceeds from framing will be donated to the Evanston Art Center.

Hope to see you there!

#penandink #watercolor

Audrey Avril, "Holy Well (detail)," November 2025.

After spending the end of November out of doors and in good company, a sudden snowstorm reveals December waiting in the wings. Luckily I have exciting opportunities to keep me busy into the holidays.

On Thursday, December 4th I will be taking part in an Artist Pop Up at Framebridge Winnetka. From 5-8pm I will be showcasing prints and unframed works… so you can find the perfect frame in-house! 10% of the proceeds from framing will be donated to the Evanston Art Center, a wonderful community arts organization.

Then on Saturday, December 6th I will join the festivities at the Shop Jarvis Square Holiday Market in Rogers Park. With over 40 local vendors selling their wares in and around Jarvis Square’s unique shops, cafés, and restaurants, it is an excellent opportunity to explore such a vibrant neighborhood.

In addition to these events, my work can be found at the following ongoing markets, shops, and galleries:

Evanston Art Center Winter Arts & Crafts Expo | November 22 - December 20, 2025 | Evanston Art Center, Evanston, IL

Jackson Junge Gallery Holiday Market | 1389 N Milwaukee Ave, Wicker Park, Chicago

Espacio 3628 Gift Shop | 3628 W Armitage, Logan Square, Chicago

Ox-Bow House Winter Market | 137 Center St, Douglas, MI

With so many cool happenings, it is shaping up to be quite a busy start to December. If all goes as planned, I hope to knock out a few new original compositions to debut later this week. But first, it is time to shovel the driveway.

#penandink #weirdart

Audrey Avril, "Holy Well (detail)," November 2025.

After spending the end of November out of doors and in good company, a sudden snowstorm reveals December waiting in the wings. Luckily I have exciting opportunities to keep me busy into the holidays.

On Thursday, December 4th I will be taking part in an Artist Pop Up at Framebridge Winnetka. From 5-8pm I will be showcasing prints and unframed works… so you can find the perfect frame in-house! 10% of the proceeds from framing will be donated to the Evanston Art Center, a wonderful community arts organization.

Then on Saturday, December 6th I will join the festivities at the Shop Jarvis Square Holiday Market in Rogers Park. With over 40 local vendors selling their wares in and around Jarvis Square’s unique shops, cafés, and restaurants, it is an excellent opportunity to explore such a vibrant neighborhood.

In addition to these events, my work can be found at the following ongoing markets, shops, and galleries:

Evanston Art Center Winter Arts & Crafts Expo | November 22 - December 20, 2025 | Evanston Art Center, Evanston, IL

Jackson Junge Gallery Holiday Market | 1389 N Milwaukee Ave, Wicker Park, Chicago

Espacio 3628 Gift Shop | 3628 W Armitage, Logan Square, Chicago

Ox-Bow House Winter Market | 137 Center St, Douglas, MI

With so many cool happenings, it is shaping up to be quite a busy start to December. If all goes as planned, I hope to knock out a few new original compositions to debut later this week. But first, it is time to shovel the driveway.

#penandink #weirdart

“Dandelions,” November 2025. Ink and watercolor on paper.

Enjoying a hint of sunshine at the Jackson Junge Gallery Holiday Market this weekend!

I will be here surrounded by amazing artwork today & tomorrow, November 22 & 23 from 12-7pm. Hopefully I will see you there!

#weirdart #penandink #watercolor

"Mushrooms in Fall," November 2025. Ink on paper.

The cold, drizzly days of fall began in earnest this week, and while flowers have quit their splendid performance, mushrooms, moss, and lichens are still climbing up trees and twigs. What hearty little creatures.

This new piece will find its way to the Jackson Junge Gallery Holiday Market this weekend, November 22-23. I will be there from 12-7pm both days alongside the talented @arithetonberry , @cheyennechristineart , and @soap_lightandlove Also on display is @jacksonjunge's annual TEN by TEN exhibition featuring the works of nearly 300 artists, so it is definitely worth a visit this weekend!

#weirdart #penandink

All set up for the Chicago Artisan Market! I will be here at Morgan MFG today (11/16) from 11am-5pm. With so many awesome artists and artisans, this is the perfect spot to do some holiday shopping!

#weirdart #traditionalart