Tiptoe Through the Tulpen...Part II

I used a previous post to show off my latest Postmarked Holland postcard (could I fit anymore "posts" in this sentence?), and subsequently was inspired to create several posters (yep!) based on the tulip design.

On a Roll With Classic Cars: 1950s Edition

I have a bit of a love affair with old cars. On the simplest level, I appreciate their classy retro style, but I also like what they represent in a more abstract sense. Each mile (or kilometer!) on that odometer is a journey. Maybe it's a trip to the store, or maybe it's a cross country trek on Route 66. They have a romanticism that conjures up an image of travel...adventure...freedom.

I'm excited to have a couple more additions to my Classic Car ACEO series. I've done my best to catch the shine of the chrome and the flowing lines within a trading card sized space. The small format is a fun challenge because cars have so much detail but there is only limited space to capture the essential form! As tempting as it is to try to add each glint, each reflection, each color shift, the small format forces me to focus and simplify.

1950 Mercury. Available on Etsy

Tip-toe Through the Tulpen

This postcard is available on Etsy.

My postmarked Holland series now includes the signature Dutch tulips--or tulpen around these parts. I'm saying my inspiration was our visit to the famous Keukenhof gardens near Lisse, but really, the whole countryside is covered in blooming flowers like one continuous garden.

I must say, I really enjoyed making this one. I love how the light and dark came together. There is something very satisfying about laying down such bold, thick lines with the marker. I am very tempted to make another version as a poster and throw in a splash of red. The black and white is very elegant, but red could be quite dramatic, no?

Basic Dutch Pancakes

--200g flour

--400 mL milk

--2 eggs

--dash of salt

--olive oil (or frying oil of choice)

1. Combine all ingredients with a mixer until smooth.

2. Heat oil in a frying pan over Med/High heat. Pan should be hot enough to solidify batter very quickly.

3. Add just enough batter to coat bottom of frying pan with a thin layer. Tilt pan as needed to cover the bottom evenly.

4. Flip once top is dry, or check that underside is golden.

5. Serve with sweet toppings. (Some Dutch favorites are syrup, chocolate sprinkles, anise powder, apple syrup)

Variations: Add slices of fruit or bacon to the pancakes while frying.

Going Orange

Queen's Day, Netherlands

Today, the blaring of horns is not a traffic jam. Drivers are celebrating the Dutch national holiday, Queen's Day.

“We celebrate the birthday of the Queen,” explains an Alblasserdam resident. “Actually, it's the birthday of her mother. She kept the 30th of April as Queen's Day as a remembrance of her mother. 

Big rigs parade around the city of Ridderkerk, their horns echoing through the neighborhoods.