Magazine Cover Idea

Working on ideas for a cover of the American Recorder Magazine. One of the future editions is highlighting Brazil, so this piece includes a traditional costume and the look of one of the cities' architecture. Need to work on color studies next, although I know all the roofs will be orange against the blue sky in the background.

Smells Like... Avocado?

I have an opportunity to submit work for a great show, with a food theme. I might not really get to creating the art in time, but I was inspired to sketch and think outside my usual materials. I pictured painting gouache on a wood panel, something I've always wanted to try. I'd like to keep exploring avocados, and that aspect where you cut them in half and one side has the seed/nut, and the other is empty.

Speaking of great shows, I'm excited to head down to Ipswich, MA for a Children's Illustration show at Wavepaint Gallery. Wow - look at this lineup: Mary Jane Begin, Pat Lowery Collins, Ed Emberley, Jamie Harper, Jarrett Krosoczka, Julia Purinton, and Andy J. Smith How could you not go check this out if you're in the area?

WIP - Witch in Progress

Remember the sketch I posted last time? Here is the painting in progress taped still to my drafting table. First it was necessary to clean up the sketch in Photoshop. Next, I lightened it and printed it directly onto 140 lb. watercolor paper.

Every time I paint, I keep some bristol or scrap watercolor paper nearby to test colors, take notes on color, and make some scribbly paint sketches. My goal is to have my finished paintings become one with my scribbly sketches, which I tend to feel more love for. (Sorry finished paintings...I love you, too.)

I don't like leaving paintings incomplete for too long, but I have a design project that must be done by tomorrow. I will post somewhere when it's finished.

Scrapbooking!

Time for a little shameless self-promotion.... my newest scrapbooking collection is now available from Momenta, Inc, and is called Birthday Wishes. The line includes everything from stickers to papers, scrapbooking kits of all sizes, cardmaking kits, and a whole lotta stuff in between. I'm really excited about this - I think the artwork and the product design turned out great, and some of this stuff is already available in stores now, with more on the way. Momenta has recently launched a beautiful new website, www.momenta.com and on it you can see my Birthday Wishes collection, along with the rest of their current catalog. On the new site you can view instructional videos and even download free designs - some of which are by yours truly - so come check it out!

A few of their free downloads:

And some catalog images:

New Sketches

Since I blogged about keeping a sketch book in my last post, I figured I'd give you a quick peek of where I've been at with my own sketching. I'm taking two classes right now in pursuit of a second degree, this time in graphic design. One of my classes is Graphic Design 3. Our current assignment is to rebrand an existing company. I chose one of my most favorite little NH hideaway spots, Pickity Place in Mason. I was working with their Little Red Riding Hood theme...trying to make it more magical and fairy-talesque. (If that's a word?) Here's some of my brain storming for a new logo:


Getting a little more free, I think? I definitely had more fun with these pages than with some of the other ones. Hopefully it leads to some good ideas for this assignment. Happy sketching!

Marla Frazee

As Gina mentioned a few posts ago, the NE SCBWI Conference is fast approaching. I can barely contain my excitement because Marla Frazee will be there this year!

Marla, [I call her Marla because, although we've never met, in my mind I feel like I've known her for a very long time ... it might have something to do with the extensive library of her books we have laying all over the house! I hope she doesn't mind] ANYWAY, Marla is an amazing illustrator who has an uncanny ability to capture gesture and expression with very simple lines. If you're not familiar with her work, get ye to a library or a bookstore now! I mean it... NOW!

I am so fortunate to be able to take a workshop with her at this year's NE-SCBWI conference! Perhaps a nano of her talent will transfer to me via osmosis! Keep your fingers crossed! :) These are some examples of her work (tell me she isn't amazing!) from Sara Pennypacker's Clementine (February 2008), Mary Ann Hoberman's The Seven Silly Eaters (February 1997), and Hush, Little Baby (August 1999).

I mean, seriously, take a look at the way she captures the gestures. Amazing!

It's not just in the facial expressions ... it's the body! She captures the moods of these characters soooo well!

Look at the way Clementine is up on her tip-toes.

I love this one! I know my girls have come home from school in this melodramatic way from time to time!

Clementine is so full of personality!

OK, lest you think I'm some kind of Marla Frazee stalker, I'll stop my raving here. But just in case there was any question ... this conference is going to be a good one! :)

Great book, great style

This book Every Friday by Dan Yaccarino is one of my favorites to check out of the library and now a favorite of my son's as well. I have always been fascinated with the fifties and early sixties because the early fifties is when my parents 60 year relationship began and the late fifties and early sixties is when my siblings were born and it was all the life before me. Also I love the clothes, the furniture, and the mid-century modern aesthetic. Dan's style is great his story is simple and poignant and you wish what happens in this book that takes place in the fifties or sixties still happens somewhere every Friday today.