Juniper Valentine

Seeing Hearts

2012-01-24T11:50:00.000-05:00

Im happy to say that one of my all time fave cards is back this year for this season on love.

Here is the sketch-

and here is the painting-

glossy shades, some velvet flocking and a few gems- oooh la la- Here is the card, now at Papyrus stores.

all artwork Copyright Bella Pilar.

XOXO

2012-01-17T12:41:00.000-05:00

So pretty in petals. Another new Valentines Day Papyrus card, in stores now.

I loved sketching this V Day girl. I did her in two poses-

We went with pose B. Here is the final painting-

Here are some extra flowers I painted for the card interior and envelope liner. You all know by now how much I love my envelope liners!

This is the Papyrus card with a few embellishments- Some gem stones as well as satin fabric petals were added to this lady in red-

Spread the LOVE! xoxo

artwork Copyright Bella Pilar

Happy Valentine's Day, Gorgeous

2012-01-10T11:29:00.001-05:00

Oooh i just love the post holidays card season- its when that wall appears in Papyrus stores- all red and pink, lots of hearts and shimmering glitter and other yummy embellishments. Valentine's Day cards, They're out! And this year I have a new one that, well- if you're not a fan of shimmer n shine and all things gemstone, stop reading this now.

Ok- so here are my sketches for this card-

We went with option A, but kicked her leg out as you can see-

This is the final painting-

With a few extra bits painted for the inside of the card-

Add a lil black flocking and loads of gems and you've got a new card to pick up this year for a loved one (that includes treating yourself!)

card interior-

and always a delicious envelope liner-

Happy Valentine's Day, gorgeous!

and this one is available to buy online now at Papyrusonline

all artwork COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar

It Takes A Witch

2012-01-04T13:09:00.001-05:00

It Takes A Witch is my latest illustrated book cover - out now.

This is the first in this new witchcraft mystery series by Heather Blake.

After reading the book description from the client, and getting a bit of some art direction from them, it came to these 2 sketches- one exterior and one interior-

Interior it is. Here is the final art. As always with these things, I paint lots of extra "bleed" all around the sides- this gives my client a lot to play with when it comes to cropping the image in the final layout.

After a bit of tweaking some colors in photoshop (which includes making our cover star a darker brunette and turning her brown eyes blue... isnt that a song?), here is the final book cover design-

Have a good read!

artwork COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar.

I will be back

2011-12-29T20:53:00.000-05:00

Holidays. Will be back to posting soon after the new year! Have a Happy!

instagram- see whats in my noggin

2011-12-14T12:48:00.000-05:00

All you Instagrammers - you can now follow me at pilarpix.

Do you not have this app yet? No worries, I will post the instagram pix here on my BLOG as well, for you to view.

("how do I get on instagram anyway?" you ask yourself. easy peasy. its a free app on your iphone- search "instagram" in the app store, and have fun)

Poinsettia Pretty

2011-12-12T13:13:00.001-05:00

Tis the season for poinsettia. Oh so pretty poinsettia. Here are some sketches from the planning of this Papyrus card-

option A...

option B...

We went with B.

I painted some extras for the inside of the envelope-

The final art-

and the final product- A Papyrus holiday card loaded in delicious glitter and foil.

and of course the fantabulous envelope liner-

Happy Holidays to all!

all artwork COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar.

The Gift(Bag) of Giving

2011-11-14T15:47:00.001-05:00

Gift giving is so much more fun when you are giving your gift in a bag with red leopard, don't you think? If so, this latest addition to the Papyrus holiday line might be just the thing for you.

Here is a look at some sketches I did while designing this bag...

We went with option A, and here is the art-

Plus a lil red leopard for the gussets (the sides of the bag)

And here is the final product- red velvet ribbon handle and all (yes, thats glitter on the fur and flocking on the leopard, fun!)

Happy gift giving!

Look No Further

2011-11-07T12:28:00.000-05:00

If a dog lovin fashionista in a fur trimmed coat framed by glittery gemmed snowflakes is what you're looking for this upcoming holiday season, look no further…

These are the sketches that led to the latest Papyrus holiday card out in stores now-

The card your family and friends will thank you for-

Stylishly Spooky

2011-10-28T13:37:00.000-04:00

Have a stylishly spooky Halloween.

all artwork COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar.

Sexy Smart Beautiful Hot Amazing

2011-10-24T12:44:00.002-04:00

Being a wife myself, I would like to think this is how my own husband sees me-

Sexy Smart Beautiful Hot Amazing.

For this Papyrus card, it came down to 2 sketches, we went with number 2, a little more flirty...

final art...

These little flowers were used in a pattern on the inside of the card and the envelope liner...

For all you sexy smart beautiful hot amazing wives out there, make sure your loved one picks up this lil reminder for you (Papyrus)- and have a happy birthday!

Cameo

2011-10-11T12:20:00.000-04:00

This week something special hits Papyrus stores. I have a new set of limited edition numbered cards (1200 each). Blue, green, purple, and pink. Collect all 4.

I did a ton of sketches thinking about those sweet little vintage cameo necklaces and brooches I use to love so much when I dressed all vintage back in HS and college. But of course a more modern version here. Here is a look at some of my brainstorming-

We then had to narrow it down to 4- here is a look at the final process- I will show you the final sketch, the final painting, and then the limited edition card (the cameo inspired girls are framed in foil and loads of sparkly shiny gems. Mmmmm, fabulous) and coordinating lined envelope.

Blue girl-

Purple girl-

Pink girl-

Green girl-

Boo!

2011-10-03T12:32:00.000-04:00

October- yay! I mean, really, who doesn't like the 31 days of Halloween. Even Papyrus is already in the mood and you can pick up a few of my cards now in stores. Including "Halloween Kitty", which is a card I have that was based on an original image in this personal series I did- here are the sketches (the first one being Halloween Kitty of course)-

Here is a look at the final art of this series-

all artwork COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar

These little bits here are used on the Papyrus envelope liner as you'll see below-

I ended up revising the painting I did of Halloween Kitty a bit- and here is the final Papyrus card and envelope-

(all artwork COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar, please do not remove from this page, thank you, but feel free to look and enjoy!)

Friday Feather Fancy

2011-09-23T14:00:00.004-04:00

Day 5. Oh thank gawd. Friday. And today its all about feathers! I personally happen to looooove peacock feathers, especially as a hair accessory...

the final painting for the card...

and a few feathers for the inside card design...

And here is the final product, the latest Papyrus card-

This glam girl got showered in glittery glitter, so... hope you like glitter...

This card is now available at Papyrus retail stores.

And speaking of peacock feathers, these 2 below are paintings I pulled from the 2004 vaults

If this second one looks familiar it's because it made it onto a Papyrus card as well so you may have seen it around over the years.

All artwork Copyright Bella Pilar.

Thursday- Mums the Word

2011-09-22T12:06:00.001-04:00

Day 4. For all you sisters out there, Happy Birthday! This one was made just for you.

Here is the sketch...

that became the painting...

and a couple of little extras that will be used on the inside of the card and the envelope...

And here you have it- the final product, glitter and rhinestones and all...

Scoop up these chrysanthemums at your local PAPYRUS store this week!

And incase you were wondering, yes, I am and have a sister myself (love ya sis! You now know what card you're gettin this year)...

All artwork COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar

Wednesday- Rock the Croc

2011-09-21T12:07:00.002-04:00

Day 3. Leopard was soooooo Tuesday. Today its all about rocking the croc.

Here are the working sketches. I was first thinking lace off the shoulder top with animal pant...

but went with animal top and a simple pant.

final art...

and then the card created from the final painting....

Imagine coming across This envelope in your mail box! whoa!...

scoop this one up this week at PAPYRUS stores.

Tuesday- Lovely Leopard

2011-09-20T12:16:00.002-04:00

OK, so its day 2 of PAPYRUS week, and its all about LEOPARD! my fave!

Here is the working sketch I did before I hit the paints...

This is the painting I did...

and the leopard print I painted that will be used for the envelope, as you'll see below.

And here is a look at the final product. The card was embellished with lots o sparkly black glitter and a few hot rhinestones- ouch!

And this card is blank inside, which I always love so that one can use it for any occasion at anytime-because leopard never goes out of style

Recognize this envelopes leopard print?...

artwork Copyright Bella Pilar.

Happy Monday

2011-09-19T12:03:00.002-04:00

This week I have 5 new cards out at PAPYRUS. Yep- so thats 5 cards, 5 days. So be sure to check here everyday this week to see each days new goodie.
Happy Monday- Happy Birthday! For this Birthday girl I had champaign and a lil black dress on my mind. Here are the sketches....

We went with number 3. and here is the card-

But this birthday girl loves her accessories. Lets sketch a few and pick our faves and do something special...

all painted up...

Thats right- We a picked a few faves, and now theres a special lil treat inside this card- a fabulous sheet of shiny girly stickers, ooh la la...

and of course the lovely plum lined envelope...

artwork COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar

Hats Off

2011-09-13T12:30:00.001-04:00

The thing about creating the Papyrus cards is that I paint these images months before they are in the stores, and its like being a kid waiting for Chanukah or Christmas- I'm just waiting for them to come out already so I can finally share em with the world ... And use the cute lil note cards myself!!

So here is my latest baby. Or 6.

The Hats Off series. Each that you see here are blank notecards. Each girl is sold separately, and you get 8 notecards of each girl in a box. With lovely coordinating lined envelopes. Fabulous. Collect em all!

Here is a look at the sketches that were done prior to painting the final art...

These cards are out this week. Visit papyrusonline.com for store locations.

all artwork COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar.

Coming Up Roses

2011-09-07T13:09:00.000-04:00

For all you tweens out there, this ones for you!

Del, star of the Petal Pushers series, is back again, and this time everything's coming up roses!

This is the forth cover illustration I created for the Scholastic tween series.

Here is my cover sketch...

and here is the final art...

along with a few loose roses that would be used on the back cover, as you'll see below...

The Cover finalized...

and the back cover. Falling roses and all.

and here's a lil look at the previous 3 book covers I did for this series...

all artwork COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar

The Elegant Bride

2011-08-23T13:27:00.000-04:00

Da Da Da Da (sing to tune of "Here Comes the Bride").

Time to hang up those satin dresses all you summer bridesmaids.

Here is a look back to some Bella Brides of the past. These first 3 ran in Wedding Bells magazine. The rest ran in Elegant Bride magazine.

From the Archives

2011-08-16T14:18:00.001-04:00

These are some oldies but goodies. It started with my personal 2004 holiday card, and inspired a few more tats to follow. Its August. Its hot. Show some skin!

Wonderland

2011-08-02T13:21:00.007-04:00

"Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."

said the White Queen.

This is a painting of my little friend Sophia. She had a Wonderland themed birthday party last year. I mean really- WHO wouldnt want a Wonderland themed birthday party?!?!

Sophias daddy grew her a strawberry plant in a terra cotta planter in the back yard. For some reason it inspired me. To not only paint it- but buy one for my own children, who pick and eat the baby berries before they can even grow to be larger than a peanut.

artwork COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar.

Summertime Fleur

2011-07-18T14:25:00.000-04:00

I know I know, I too wish I were in Milan sipping a glass of red and sifting through the latest Vanity Fair while lounging at a cafe by Piazza del Duomo…

But until then- I will continue to share the latest Fleur spottings here with you on my blog.

Fleur, spokesmodel for Italys La Gardenia, can be spotted in Vanity Fair (Italy) this summer.

With glasses?

without?

With, of course!

And as seen in Vanity Fair magazine-

And summer Fleur can also be spotted in THIS new La Gardenia television spot, have a look HERE.

artwork COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar

Coney Island Babe

2011-07-06T14:30:00.001-04:00

Its summer time and boardwalks are on my mind.

So for the month of a July I have a lil promo going on at the Bella Pilar SHOP. With every purchase of one of my pocket mirrors from the SHOP, you receive a complimentary 'Polka Dot' mirror. Heres a looky at the goody:

Incase you,re wondering where this image is from- It's a detail from painting I did inspired by Coney Island. This is one painting in a series of 5 illustrations all about the home of the Wonder Wheel! (a little side note- I myself was born not far from the Wonder Wheel, yep- I was a Brooklyn born baby!)

Some polks dots to match-

Here is the initial sketch. I ended up ditching the star earings. But now I'm loving them- I have a feeling they will be showing up in another painting very soon.

Back On The Small Screen

2011-06-29T03:31:00.002-04:00

Aaaaaah, the ever so lovely Fleuuuuuuuuuur.

Fleur, spokesmodel for Italys La Gardenia, is back on the small screen.

She is featured in 3 new tv ads. Not in Italy? no worries- you can see them here.

Here is a look at one of the ads I just adore. This one features Fleur as seen in the illustration above:

Click here to view.

I created the still art, but the animators brought it to life, with flying hearts and all!

Mixed in with the hearts popping off Fleurs dress are bits of makeup and such. Here is a look at a few of them, then go watch the ad again and spot the goodies:

Did that leave you wanting more? You got it!

Click here to view another ad featuring Fleur.

and

Click here to view one more.

...and enjoy the show!

all artwork Copyright Bella Pilar.

Viva Las Vegas

2011-06-13T14:23:00.004-04:00

Were off to Vegas! Magnet Reps will be at the Licensing International Expo at the Mandalay Convention Center in Las Vegas, June 14-16th. If you are in this art licensing world, and are at this show, please come visit us at booth 4073.

One new design feature of our booth is the larger than life size image of one of my girls- check her out...

Is she lookin familiar? You might recall this bag lovin babe from a newly released Papyrus card I have that features her and her love for accessories. Here is the sketch...

and the painting...

and then all of the little extras I paint to be able to play with in the final design/layout, hold on, ill show you in a moment...

so here is the tri fold card...

front

and back. notice the use of all of the little extra tidbits I painted.

and they are used again for this layout on the front and back of the envelope...

And then for my licensing portfolio, I like to take it a step further and do some additional fun prints that a client can choose to use for other items. So I did a lil toss print...

some borders...

and a print made from the rings...

See you in Vegas, Baby!

All artwork COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar.

Best Buds

2011-06-08T12:44:00.001-04:00

Here is a behind the scenes look at the creative process behind the latest Scholastic book cover design I was assigned to illustrate.

Del, star of the Petal Pushers series, is back! And this time with her worst enemy, the snooty Ashley Edwards. Oh my! It started with these 3 options...

Once option #3 was decided on, it was time to think about Dels birthday outfit, so I sketched out a few design ideas...

And then it was time to paint. For this cover design I painted Del as one piece...

and Ashley another...

The art directors at Scholastic work their magic, piece them together, and after a few color tweaks and adjustments, ta da!

Best Buds is ready to hit the shelves.

Best Buds is the third in the Petal Pushers tween series, it follows Flower Feud...

which follows Too Many Blooms.

all cover art COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar.

Sparkle in San Francisco

2011-06-02T16:04:00.000-04:00

This following assignment was for JAFRA Cosmetics. For their Sparkle with Success promotion- the campaign promotes an incentive program where members can receive a free trip to San Francisco. I often design the fashions my girls are wearing, and then often a client has a specific idea of the looks they want the girls to model. Here is a look at the sweater, scarf, gloves, bag and clutch that our main SF girl would be sporting...

These are the sketches...

here is the final art...

and here is the final ad layout...

Shine on...

(all of these girls are COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar)

Ooo...aah...

2011-05-20T15:24:00.001-04:00

This week in my News section I announced the arrival of 3 new PAPYRUS cards each with a special 3D embellishment, beyond the usual glitter. I thought I would also show a few other details from cards past that also have a special lil detail that will make you wanna touch your computer screen.

These boots were made for walkin...leather stitched boots...

a detail from this Birthday card:

Pretty in pink with paper and rhinestones...

a detail from this card:

Aloha, in this grass skirt and paper flowers...

a detail from this card:

Spring bouquet make of big sassy gems...

a detail from this Mothers Day card:

Puffy heart shaped glasses, rimmed in velvet...

a detail from this Valentines Day card:

Festive with gems...

a detail from this holiday card:

Flowers of paper, beads and glitter...

a detail from this Thank You card:

And Here comes the bride, with flowers of paper glitter and rhinestones...

a detail from this Wedding card:

Check out your Papyrus stores for these cards n more.

Enjoy!

All artwork COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar.

Wild Birthday

2011-05-19T15:02:00.001-04:00

The latest birthday greeting I have at Papyrus started out with these lil sketches...

nah- lets crop in on this one, and add a goody bag-

Add some velvet flocking, some glitter, and some foil, and... voila!

all artwork COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar.

More For Mom

2011-05-04T14:27:00.005-04:00

This is a Moms Day card I did for Papyrus last year. But i love it so much, and its back in papyrus stored this year, and its a POP UP! how fun is that?! I thought I would break it down for you-

I had 2 ideas for the front- a lil topiary (i loooooove topiary)...

or watering some flowers....

We went with option B. Youll see in a minute. keep reading.

ok- so here is where i designed the inside of this card, laying out where the "pop up" will go...

now that i have my pop up panels figured out, i sketch each one separately since i will be painting them separately...

and this here is the back wall of the card (the back drop behind our lounging mama) as well as the envelope design...

I paint the pop up panels all separately here...

This is the "floor" of the card, the grass under our oh-so-relaxed mama.

and here is a look at the FINAL card, this is the front-

And here is the inside, with all its POP!-

envelope-

with pretty liner of course.

Happy Day to all you moms.

xoxo

all artwork COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar

The Big Event

2011-04-19T01:34:00.002-04:00

Its started with a long series of sketches. the Couture Girls. Here is a look at a few of them...

But it could only come down to 4. Here is a look at the final 4 that got painted up, and became special limited edition embellished cards for Papyrus last year.

Leopard Couture-

Lace Couture-

]

Feather Couture-

Gem Couture-

Well- They're back this week, but a lil different and a lot bigger!! This time as limited edition 11"x14" giclee art prints (gorgeous printing on gorgeous paper. ooh la la), numbered and signed by me. There will only be 50 of these large artist prints done of each of these girls. You're asking yourself "hummmmm, where can I get my lil hands on these awesome prints?".

This Saturday, April 23, get yourself down to the Papyrus at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa CA, where I will be signing cards 1-4pm. And you can scoop up one of these prints (or all 4) at this special event.

Here are the invites- and you're invited...

I know you're eyeing the Leopard Girls on the invites. well- at this event only, there will be 8x10 prints of these girls for you to buy that i will be happy to sign for you while I'm there.

And with a minimum purchase of product at the store that day, you will be eligible for the raffle. The raffle? Yes- the raffle! To win the original Ladies in Leopard painting, signed and framed ...wowzerz!

Hope to see you there!

ALL ARTWORK COPYRIGHT BELLA PILAR.

Save the Date

2011-04-11T12:58:00.001-04:00

Here is a look at the latest Fleur, spokesmodel for Italys LaGardenia (www.lagardenia.it).

from sketch...

to paint.

and popped into the layout.

This new Fleur was inspired by another painting I did a while back of a girl standing in NYC with the Chrysler building in the distance. And that initial painting was part of a larger NYC inspired series. It's my home sweet home, so I like to paint it when I can. I may be temporarily in LA, but like they say- you can take the girl out of NY, but you cant take the New Yorker out of the girl.

Here is a look at some unseen - up til now- images that were part of the NYC series. Enjoy!

Animal Instinct

2011-04-04T14:01:00.000-04:00

3... is the magic number (I like the School House Rocks one, but love the De La Soul version).

Here is the third 3 panel card I have out at Papyrus stores now.

Bring on the zebras...

Bring on the leopards...

bring on the snakes...

But em together and you get another tri fold treat.

I painted up some good ole leopard print

and a zebra print

This is the card front-

and this is the card back- yay for the leopard print!

envelope front- yay for the zebra print!

and how fun is this envelope back with the double animal prints, meeeeeoooowwww!

ENJOY!

All artwork COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar.

Accessorize

2011-03-28T15:28:00.000-04:00

I love a good accessory- And my latest 3 panel Papyrus card is an ode to that!

oooooh, jewelry....

(from sketch to painting)

aaaaahhhhh, bags........

(from sketch to painting)

ummmmmmmmm, shoes.....

(from sketch to painting)

Put em all together and heres what you get-

card front:

card back:

envelope front:

envelope back:

I have to say one of my favorite things about the way my Papyrus cards are designed- are the envelopes- and the special designed liners inside that are always a sweet little surprise for the receiver. I paint up details, like these

and they are used on the envelope (front and inside) and the card inside.

makes me want to go shopping....

It's a Threefer

2011-03-21T12:54:00.005-04:00

Cake, presents, balloons. It's a party! Here is a look at something new and different from any of my past Papyrus cards. This 3 panel tri-fold card should make any girls birthday 3 times as fun! It started out with just a slice...

But what fun is a slice when you can have a whole cake!!! (and a cute lil doggie at your side)...

From pencil to paint.

This one started with doggie in box.

But he decided he wanted to sit on top instead. OK lil doggie!

And lastly...

And from sketch to final art.

I then create a few extras, like streamers and balloons, that we can play with for the back side of the tri-fold card as well as the usual fabulously lined envelopes.

And here is the final product-

card front...

and back.

And the envelope please...

Ta da!

...Enjoy!

If you can't get out to scoop this one up at your local Papyrus store, you can buy this card HERE directly from papyrusonline.com.

And shop more of my papyrusonline.com cards HERE.

(All artwork COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar)

Flower Feud

2011-03-15T13:09:00.000-04:00

A few weeks back I blogged about a Scholastic assignment I had worked on, where I created the cover art for Too Many Blooms, the first book in the Petal Pushers tween series (if you missed it, keep scrolling back a bit to see it).

This week I'm showing you the cover art for the second book in this series, Flower Feud.

I was asked to sketch Del and her best friend Becky with a bit of tension between 'em. These are the two sketches I did...

Once the sketch was chosen we dropped it in the layout to see how it all looked.

Looks good (once we reversed)...

so onward to painting...

And here is the final cover design...

Available HERE and HERE.

Festa Delle Donne

2011-03-09T14:20:00.000-05:00

The 8th of March is the International Women’s Day and Italian men were celebrating it with the traditional gift of yellow mimosas to Italy’s lovely women. So of course the latest ad for my Italian client LaGardenia, was all about this special day. Here is a look at sketches I submitted for our latest ad featuring Fleur, spokesmodel for LaGardenia.

And here she is in the final art-

And I painted up a few mimosas...

And here is a look at the final ad...

Artwork Copyright Bella pilar.

Too Hot To Handle

2011-03-03T12:44:00.000-05:00

I was recently asked to create a piece of artwork for V.Swish Heat Solutions, professional beauty products. This ad would was to feature their heat resistant cases for heated hair appliances (flat irons, curling irons, etc). COOL gear for HOT irons! The art director had spotted this piece in my portfolio, and wanted this to be the main inspiration...

I was asked to sketch ideas based on a salon scene, that would show the Heat Solutions product in the forefront. Here are a few ideas I presented, using our hot red head with the flowing locks...

In the end we decided that she could stand on her own- and so here she is in the spotlight-

And here she is painted up and in the ad. Oh so hot!

all artwork COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar

Purse Partner

2011-02-22T12:50:00.001-05:00

Mascara. A girls best friend. I know I certainly DO NOT leave home without it.

Its a subject I like to paint a lot, even back in 2003 with this still life (ummmm, Great Lash)....

and a bunch of lash inspired paintings came about in 2004...

But this is the mascara sketch i did last year...

that became this painting (one of my new faves!).

And now it is one of 6 designs available on a Purse Partner available at www.hoppergifts.com

Ladies, these cases are designed to hold both tampons and liners, but are also great for makeup, change, and any other small items floatin around at the bottom of your purse (like, uh, mascara?! yes!)

ENJOY!!!!

All artwork COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar

http://www.hoppergifts.com

Fashion Aesthetic

2011-02-15T16:04:00.000-05:00

Aahh, the diner, absolute americana. Gotta love it. The counter. Iceburg lettuce. Greasy fries. Delish.

This is one of my most favorite paintings Ive done this past year, here is the sketch...

and here is the final art...

For my licensing portfolio, I always create extra little elements that can coordinate with the main art. In this case- silverware and shakers...

I currently have a story running in Taiwanese design magazine 'dpi', here is a look at my spread (thank you dpi- i am super excited to be on your pages)...

And super happy that you ran this piece above- look! its Diner- Hurray!

Here is the cover below so you all know what to look for at the newsstand in Taiwan.

So, the Diner piece is 1 of 4 paintings in a series on restaurants. The other 3 are Chinese, mexican, and Japanese. Ladies looking lovely as they lunch. Perhaps one day I will post em all here.

all artwork (except dpi cover art) COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar

San Valentino

2011-02-10T12:34:00.003-05:00

Fleur- the oh so pretty and always witty spokesmodel for Italys LaGardenia (www.lagardenia.it).

Here is a look at the designing of her outfit for the latest San Valentino ad.

One thing I knew for sure was that this was going to be all about pink, red, and hearts, of course!
So I first thought slim n sexy...

Then I thought, perhaps a lil 'poof' is fun...

And then the client got back to me and said- Think big!...

And here is the final artwork I painted...

Fleur once again says it all as she is quoted in her latest San Valentino ad below-

"With gifts I show love to my 3 great loves. Me, myself and I".

Happy Valentines day to you all. Now go treat yourself to something nice, you deserve it.

All artwork COPYRIGHT Bella Pilar.

Too Many Blooms

2011-02-04T12:52:00.002-05:00

This week I got to see the published book when it arrived at my house in the mail- Hurray!

For all you tweens out there, this ones for you. Too Many Blooms is the first in the brand new Petal Pushers series, for which I have created the cover art.

The art director gave me a briefing of the book, and requested sketches of Del

(our main character which the series revolves around) flustered, dog below, blooms flying.

These are the two sketches I handed in.

They went with option A, but it just needed to be reversed. Here we popped it in the cover layout to see how it will look...

Were all happy with the layout- so I hit the paints. This is the final art...

And here is the final cover, which is now available at the Scholastic store.

Enjoy the read!

artwork copyright Bella Pilar

Twelve Ensembles

2011-01-26T13:21:00.004-05:00

With 2011 came the ultimate desk calendar! And only if you are lucky enough to be in Italy, can you then get your fashionable paws on these lil gems.

The lovely Miss Fleur, spokesmodel for Italys LaGardenia, is featured on this fabulous desk calendar, a gift-with-purchase at participating LaGardenia stores.

I thought I would share with you a couple of sketches from 2 of my favorite looks of the year.

This first ensemble I had designed for her trip to Paris where she was to be seen front row at the most fashionable of runway shows during fashion week. So 'Paris Style' was the inspiration. This was my first idea- a little bit of the vintage retro trend...

But then I decided on something a little more chic and clean. But Chanel stripe, or lace?

Lace won. And here is the final art. To find out what month on her 2011 calendar this look appears on, keep reading...

oh- she looked so fab, the paparazzi loved her- she even made it onto the pages of Vanity Fair magazine, which was tre exciting!

My second favorite ensemble on the calendar is her birthday dress. Happy Birthday Fleur!

At first I was thinking leopard (purrrrrr) with a fun peacock hair piece...

Then I thought- she is like a burst of sunshine- lets focus on the color...

(never ask a lady her age)

And now here is a look at Fleurs year in fashion...

All artwork COPYRIGHT BELLA PILAR

En Las Paginas de Vogue

2011-01-18T13:34:00.002-05:00

Several months ago I was asked by Eva Hughes -editor in chief- of Vogue Mexico to create a few shopping fashionistas to be used for promoting the Vogue Shopping Experience, a shopping event that took place this past November on the o-so-fabulous Masaryk Ave in Mexico. It started with 4 girls...

But then we decided to go with 3, and this was the final sketch before painting...

The final artwork...

This is the cover of this months (January) issues of Vogue Mexico and Vogue Latinoamerica-

so look for this one at the newsstand...

Because they wrote a wonderful, and extremely flattering, article on me (thank you Jose Forteza!!)...

They also ran a fabulous 20 page story covering the Vogue Shopping Experience event in Mexico, where my 3 shopping fashionistas were used in the advertising and promotion of this event. This included bags and tees, and a spot on the red carpet wall as you can see here...

Thank you Eva, and all at Vogue, for the opportunity to work with you. I am honored.

All artwork Copyright Bella Pilar.

Shopping, Chocolates, Cupcakes and Cocktails.

2011-01-11T12:24:00.003-05:00

New this week at Papyrus-the Girlfriends box, an ode to some of the good things in life.

This is a look at the final sketch before I went to paint final art. This piece would not only be one of four notecard in the box set, but would eventually make it to the front of the box! so I guess you could say that these are the 'covergirls'! ooh la la...

who doesn't love a good bag and shoe?...

Sketches approved, time to paint. As these cute accessories will be making their way to the sides of the box lid...

And drumroll please.... Ta Da!...

Box set includes 20 blank note cards (5 each of 4 designs) and 20 lined envelopes.

Here's a look...

Love is in the Air

2011-01-07T13:04:00.000-05:00

My new Papyrus Valentines Day cards hit stores this week. There are 3 new ones this season. This one here is perhaps one of my all time faves!

Over the years I have randomly sketched and painted girls with tats, and I am thrilled to have this one printed and out there for all to enjoy.

This is my final sketch before I had hit the paints...

And this is the card you need to go get now, all super glittery and girly....

Luck Be a Lady

2011-01-01T13:39:00.003-05:00

Give Lady Lucky Eleven a home on your desk, and she'll be there to remind you of the good luck that only you can create for yourself this year.

Click HERE for your free download. Print on heavy card stock, cut, and enjoy! (please respect the copyright. thank you!)

CHEERS, and good health, fortune, and prosperity in 2011.