ANNE JEWETT

SINK *IF

2011-12-19T06:26:00.001-08:00

Who is Silly Frilly Grandma Tillie going to show up as next?

Silent *IF

2011-11-15T08:44:00.000-08:00

Shhh… I thought I’d post a little "quiet” clip from my new picture book coming in March 2012, Silly Frilly Grandma Tillie by Laurie A. Jacobs.

Growing up, I shared a bedroom with my little sister and remember when Grandma Rose would come to stay with us for several weeks. Our kitchen would turn into a little german bakery and she walked one mile a day well into her 90’s. To this day, I only fold my towels the way grandma taught me.

Fuel *IF

2011-10-24T14:30:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Milk and PiCkLeS :) yummmmmmmy...

Mysterious

2011-09-07T13:07:00.001-07:00

Mysteriously, I keep trying to finish this illo but can’t,…yet…perhaps next week’s word will help me…mysteriously.

A little bit of sleepy...

2011-03-07T17:53:00.000-08:00

Yawn…. Even when I type the word yawn, I yawn.
I’ve been busy working on a new picture book. I never really know when to start sharing what I’m working on; however, I couldn’t resist making a little clip although it’s unfinished. (Yawn). There’s a cool breeze outside, and I think some hot cocoa would do nicely before bed.
I’ll post much more of the book later. Sorry I’m not chattier.
The image was painted in Corel Painter over a scanned sketch.
Have a lovely evening, all.
Anne

Savour IF*

2010-12-01T10:45:00.000-08:00

I thought I would savour the moment.
I've been working to streamline my digital painting process without losing the color and texture I like with traditional painting. This is a really fun pig that has been floating around in head that needed to take flight.
Sorry I haven't posted in awhile, though I still stop by IF* each week to see what's new.
I'm not completely done with this illo, but moving forward. I have a new children's book on the way and this weekend is The STORYMAKER'S ART show in Ft Lauderdale. I'm really looking forward to it and traveling there with my good friend Loreen Leedy. You should check out her blogs! packed full of great stuff.

I'll have plenty of pictures to share next week.

(Deep breath...exhale) so much for savouring the moment.... back to drawing!

later.

Transportation

2010-10-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

Life has a bit more irony than I would prefer. I’m thinking things should be fixed to their proper place, but they have a way being uprooted and moved about, sometime haphazardly. Although, a sequence of unseen events does often add an interesting twist to life. The crow is free to move about where he may like; not even bound by gravity, yet chooses to rests on the arm of the scarecrow who, secured in his spot, is suddenly propelled forward by the wind. Or is the wind just enough force to convince the scarecrow to propel himself forward? Maybe the scarecrow is the only one to know.

I wish it was a little windier in my studio today.

Oh Dear!

2010-08-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged last. I’m currently working on another children’s book that I think is coming along nicely. I just can’t share any of the pictures yet.

Also I spend a lot of time gardening and around nature. I think some of my art will start moving back in that direction. I just have too many interesting things happening in my backyard garden. Our house backs up to conservation in connection with the Little-big Econ so there is always something to see. This morning I had a little visitor. I didn’t mind because she seemed more interested in the weeds, for which there are plenty to pull. The butterflies and hummingbirds are always around too.

yes, I think I need to merge my interests more.

COCOON *IF

2010-05-03T11:34:00.000-07:00

There’s nothing like snuggling up in your favorite, or some else’s favorite blanket in order to find The Warmest Place of All. This image is from my first picture book. If all goes well some of the original artwork from the book will be on display at a children’s book exhibit along with a few other well known Florida illustrators later this year. I’ll post more as plans develop.

It’s been too long since I’ve posted anything. I’ve been working on some different projects and a new picture book that I’m sure to have fun making, it’s a little silly-hint.

Muddy

2010-02-11T13:34:00.000-08:00

I felt like the previous farm animal illo was a little muddy. I know this isn’t a useful word for muddy, sorry, yet the term “muddy color” has been bothering me. So I decided to rework an old drawing to brighten up the palette and add a bit more texture with the chalk tool. I still want more from my illos so we’ll see what happens in the coming weeks.

http://annejewett.blogspot.com/2009/07/blog-post.html

Confined *IF

2010-01-13T11:07:00.000-08:00

I’m feeling a little confine today, stuck at the computer trying to work out some color issues with Painter X. I keep revisiting this illo and hoping to get the light right. I need more blue. I‘ve been looking at some watercolor books I have on the shelf and a few a new artist friend referred to me.

I’ve haven’t posted in long time. Christmas was nice but went quick so I’m anxious to get the New Year going. I looking forward to 2010 bringing us all a fresh beginning.

I hope all of you up north aren’t suffering to poorly with cabin fever. I feel for you. We’ve had record lows here in Florida and my garden looks like mush. Oh dear.

Christmas Designs Past

2009-12-07T06:51:00.000-08:00

Note: Link from Illustration Friday "Crunchy" was changed but may still be working. Sorry for word change.

A few years ago, before blogging, I created a Christmas pageant set that I often refer to when working on new projects so I thought I would post a few pictures.

It’s become very popular to use Styrofoam and insulation foam board for stage props and backdrops which is what I used here, however, I want to strongly caution anyone who cuts, sands or burns these products. The dust and fumes are a HEALTH HAZARD! Seek professional advice and the proper breathing and eye protections in a workspace away from other people. These particles are as fine as power and will DAMAGE the eyes and lungs. Simple goggles and dust mask will NOT protect you. Do NOT include children or onlookers during this process, vacuum frequently (shopvac) and wipe down the surfaces. Include others in the fun afterwards. Safety first.

To keep the materials simple, light-weight and manageable, I chose two-inch blue-insulation foamboard that is easily found at most hardware stores like Lowes. I carved (drywall knife), sanded, stacked, glued, painted, and little 5’ft me could move a 4’x 8’ piece all by myself.

After shaping the foam, the seams and imperfections were taped and/or filled with putty. The surface was primed with acrylic gesso. The gesso was watered down slightly to go on easier. (Gesso is great to use as a primer on cardboard boxes for other children’s projects.)
This is my daughter , Katelynn.

To keep the costs down, I used one gallon of white acrylic house paint and requested a pint of the deepest blue, red, yellow, and brown at the hardware store paint center. Rather than worrying about all the colors in between, I used small amounts of New Temp Acrylic 100% pure permanent artists color (same primary colors, plus black) to make my secondary colors, unless I needed large amounts like in the case of my pint of brown. For green, If I were to mix yellow and blue house paint, I would get a dull sick-looking green because house paint has too much white base. But if I added a tiny dab of pure blue to yellow house paint, I would get a rich green color that could be toned down with the white house paint and water (add more yellow again for a warmer light green). I had a dozen or so disposable plastic sandwich containers (with lids) for my palette. Also, I worked chalk pastels into the surface as I painted: yellow chalk for quick highlights, and light blue or purple for cool shadows. The powdery chalk quickly tinted the paint as I applied it. Later I outlined everything with permanent black makers.

The Manger was an opportunity to solve a childhood dilemma. I always hated the fact that the star of play couldn’t be seen by the audience while He lay in the manger, except by tall grownups. I knew how to solve that 2-dementionally, but could I build it? Because the whole idea of the stage was based on a flat story book come to life, I built the manger as an optical illusion cut-out. It might look strange for a classic set, but it worked here. Even I could see the top of baby Jesus’ head as I sat with audience.

Later I needed something to blend the set with stage floor. A natural substance like straw would have been out of place. Plus the word straw made the pastor cringe. However, paper, color paper, lots of shredded color paper would do quite nicely.

But what sort of costumes do little 3-dementional children wear in a 2-dementional world do you ask?

It’s fun to be given the creative freedom to design.

Blur *IF

2009-11-10T19:23:00.000-08:00

I don't know if the whimsy lettering counts toward the word "blur", but the premise of "confusion" in the letter to Santa Claus lends well to the way that he brings things into focus.

“All I want for Christmas is to nreal how to reab!”

“Can you reab what I reab?”, is an inspirational holiday poem that resonates with struggling readers, teachers and parents alike as it follows one boy’s magical journey into literacy. The poem is published in Reading Today and in the book, Christmas Miracles (St. Martin’s Press). The author, Madeleine M. Kuderick, has also been invited to present a live reading at the International Reading Association’s Southeast Regional Conference: Liberty through Literacy, November 2009.

I too was inspired by Madeleine’s poem and created this illustration to celebrate the event. Sometimes stories like these take on a life of their own, therefore I thought a picture book moment would capture her words nicely. Or perhaps release the words, finally, as would be the Christmas wish of this special boy.

To read more, go to my links to visit Madeleine's website.

Peek at Christmas Card

2009-11-03T12:27:00.000-08:00

I've been busy in the last week working on a special Christmas postcard/poster for an event that I'll talk more about later.

The finished Koi pond is now on my webpage if anyone would like to see the final. I had a great time working on it and made some major breakthroughs with Corel Painter to save some time.

I'll post again soon.

Hope you all had a safe Halloween.

Pattern *IF

2009-09-25T15:39:00.000-07:00

Work in Progress:

I’ve been working on this all day. I actually went back and redrew the scales because the pattern was off. It’s been much easier to digitally paint over the pencil drawing since fixing it. I haven’t added the final texture yet. So far this image is much brighter than my last on because I’m pulling more pure color like when use real color pencils. So far I’m pretty pleased. Hope you like it.

Welcome! My New Website is Up.

2009-09-11T11:12:00.000-07:00

Welcome!
What an appropriate word challenge for Illustrator Friday.
Please stop by my new website and visit awhile.
And as I mentioned before, don’t let that long-eared critter concern you.
He’s rather harmless.

Strong *IF

2009-09-10T06:19:00.001-07:00

Strength of Character.
This piece is much darker in color and in mood from most of my work. I was trying something different, perhaps because the Halloween is around the corner. A lot of stuff out there for kids is more edgy so I thought I’d try something that didn’t feel like Disney. It’s probably not a strong piece and feels more like an underpainting, but sometimes I like the unfinished look.
Hope you like it.

My new website is up! I was able to keep the rollover feature (I hope that's working for everyone.) I’ll be adding more to my Digital Portfolio soon so come back and visit.

Enjoy and don’t worry about that long-eared woodland critter. I’m pretty sure he can’t hop over your fire wall.

CAUTION *IF

2009-08-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

Pinocchio is a cautionary tale all around.

I’m a little hesitant to post my progress of the illo. I took a break from it while working on the new website design. I’ve reworked the cricket. The first one was a little creepy. I’m worried that Jiminy is looking a bit roach like. But crickets are more often black, although mt dad fished with tan ones. Disney’s cricket has a greenish face…that’s a grasshopper to me. Also I need to be careful of the line quality of the cricket compared to the line on Pinocchio. The line work on him is softer, although that may change as a rework the color. I guess an image looking overworked isn’t just reserved for real media.

I must proceed with caution.

IMPATIENCE *IF

2009-08-12T15:38:00.001-07:00

I’m becoming impatient about getting my new website up and running so I thought I would appease myself by posting a little tidbit that I plan to incorporate. I think I must have a sweet tooth. My daughter thinks we should go out for ice cream. I know what I want with my ice cream, Yum

High among the leaves
Bad ideas ripen well
Ready to hit me.
“Ouch!”

Grounded ideas
Make spoiled imagination
Taste better than pie.
“Yum.”

MODIFY *IF

2009-07-31T10:14:00.001-07:00

I’m modifying more than just the way I paint from traditional to digital. I need to modify my website. I’m thinking about dropping all the textures, colors, old images… (of my current site) and making a more streamline site with some new work, a section for traditional work and break down into quick categories. What do you think about a simple site like this? I need to change my type font too. I started off with Papyrus then discovered how over used it is. I’m more into images than type so I don’t focus enough of titles.
I will be posting a “modified” image of Pinocchio soon. I sort of surprised myself. I look forward to sharing it.

Any comments?

I plan to keep the rollover feature and add title and comments about each image as needed. I could keep the slides feature too.

IDLE *IF - work in progress

2009-07-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

Poor Pinocchio had more than idle dreams.

I think I know how he feels.

Work in progress *

This is a work-in-progress for my digital media portfolio. There is no time to day dream about where this new media style might take me. I’m currently working on different layers and plan to glaze in more color. We’ll see how it goes.

The image in my head is still a bit hazy, but I think that’s only because the fairy dust keeps getting in my eyes. She just won’t sit still long enough to get a proper pose. :)(hee)

TANGO *IF

2009-07-17T07:13:00.000-07:00

I think couple number 3# has it. Wish I could bust a move like that.

POSTCARD SAMPLE – FALL ‘09

2009-07-13T12:54:00.000-07:00

The transition from real media to digital is really picking up pace.

You might remember a previous digital painting with these characters. I wasn’t completely happy with my first attempt. The image over all was too dark and I didn’t care much for the black outlines. So I went back to the original sketch, zoomed in, and began painting in layers and adding texture.

UNFOLD *IF

2009-06-13T12:10:00.001-07:00

The mysterious land of digital painting is beginning to unfold. I’ve had a personal goal of recreating my mixed-media painting technique with Corel Painter X’s awesome digital tools. I think I’m getting pretty darn close. Can you tell which one is “fully digital”? I didn’t even use the clone tool, just tracingpaper. The biggest clue is the yellow light source in the upper corner image. For which I will reveal that sometimes yellow color pencil will scan more intensely than intended because of its translucent quality when light bounces around the scanner (hint). I could still use a little more contrast and warm light in the lower dominate image, but I plan go back and rework it more because I haven’t collapsed the layers yet (hint).

I just learned this THIS week. Cooooool…Icy cool . (happy dance)

ADAPT *IF

2009-05-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

Adapting to new situations isn’t always easy. In the story, the little girl is reflecting upon the words of someone close to her heart. I can’t say more than that or I’ll give away too much.

I’m still adapting to digital painting. So far I really like the line and hope to come up with a color wash technique that complements the pencil without the rest of the image falling flat.

CRACKED *IF

2009-05-26T08:16:00.001-07:00

Not cracking up yet.

I’m still working out the bugs with digital painting. This is just a zoom in from the “Many Voices” poster. I like some of the qualities of the image, but it needs a bit more polishing. The original sketch is scanned, but most of the digital color is too loose. Currently I’m evaluating whether or not I should draw directly into the computer and am still learning all I can about Corel Painter. Eventually, I do see myself working digitally, but this transition phase feels like it’s putting my back at the beginning. Though, the feeling may not last long.

I would love to get comments from other artists or blog sites about artists who have made this transition or perhaps still prefer to scan sketches but finish a piece digitally.

Hope you all out there had a safe Memorial day.

HEIRARCHY *IF

2009-05-05T06:18:00.000-07:00

Although the manuscript for this story needs more work, I think the text for the little girl’s thoughts works well for this week's theme.

“I think the Emperor is smart already.
There is nothing in his cup, and that’s alright by him.”

In the story, the Emperor gains confidence through the help of his little daughter.
Perhaps hierarchy has more to do with the way we perceive ourselves than the position we hold.

IMPOSSIBILITY *IF

2009-04-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

Is it possible to shift gears and start creating my artwork digitally after everything I’ve put into my traditional artwork?

I started off this piece on paper, gouache, and color pencils like usual, but it wasn’t the image in my head. The theme for the image is “Many Voices”. How appropriate because the voice in my head kept telling me that the picture was all wrong. I abandoned the paper, turned to the dark ominous screen on my desk, and wondered if the image needed another path. I scanned the rough sketch and began to practice different brushes in Painter, a computer art program. It would only be my second attempt to complete a picture this way. Would I run out of time before the deadline? After several redoes it has come to this. The warm sepia undertones provided the foundation, waves of color kept me guessing, and a little mouse with a shushing finger to his mouth told me it was alright for the many voices to stop.

POISE *IF

2009-03-31T07:42:00.000-07:00

Define: suspense or wavering, as between rest and motion or two phases of motion: the poise of the tides.

Poised or stuck! I’m working out some issues with an illustration I’m trying in Painter. Plus I thought the dragon looks more poised than I feel at the moment. Awhile back I posted my first digital illo. I felt the line was too dark before so I’m going lighter. Plus I really love sepia! I’m always trying to learn something new. I wonder where this look might take me and should I pursue it?

SUBTRACT *IF

2009-03-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

Is someone feeling a little left out today, less than a part of something bigger, a self proclaimed minus one equals Mr. Zero…

No, no! Take a step back. You are no Goose Egg!

You are a Bunny, unique in many ways. Do not be so hard on yourself. For one reason, EVERYONE, not just little bunnies (which adds up to a lot), have felt exactly the same way; not just today. And if everybody, including little bunnies (which is more than one bunny can count), would subtract all those days of feeling the same way. Then perhaps, Little Bunny, you are not so alone.

INSTINCT *IF

2009-02-20T08:09:00.000-08:00

Little boys are instinctively creative, profoundly noisy, musically inclined with ordinary objects, quite proficient in provoking responses, and clever enough to convince the world that they can’t help themselves because… it is just instinct.

CELEBRATE *IF

2009-02-13T08:53:00.000-08:00

Tango in the Tall Grass: ZOOFARI 2007

There was a night of celebration at the 2007 Santa Ana Zoo Gala in California to raise money for the Giant Anteater Exhibit. It must have been a great party because even the ants didn’t mind tangoing in the tall grass.

This was the cover art for the event’s promotion and invitations. Joyce Glazier was a pleasure to work for. If you are ever in the area you should definitely stop in to visit the animals. You never know what might happen if lighting is just right, and you start humming a few bars of a familiar tune!

TIME *IF

2009-02-06T08:32:00.000-08:00

The Adventures of Mick McTime

This is a silly story I tried to write a few years ago. I just need to go back, in time, and condense the text more; however, the illos were fun.

Mick is boy who uses his fantastic, time-saving time machine in battle between goodies and evil. In other words, it's taking too long for mom's cookies to get done baking. He's convinced that his machine works because, instantly, there is mom with a plate of hot cookies and milk. Next during Mick's imaginary play, he decides to speed up dad's work day and is further convinced when dad suddenly walks through the front door. He's a genius! Although, unfortunate for us all, something happens to poor Mick's, most, incredible invention of all time.

And therefore I have run out of time and must bid you farewell until next time.

CLIMBING *IF

2009-01-23T13:57:00.000-08:00

Who doesn’t like to share their climbing tree. Although, whose tree is it?

I drew this image years ago for a picture book class assignment. It’s nice to go back and look at earlier work. I believe I used turpentine to affect the texture of the paper and acrylic as the underpainting before adding color pencil. Later on I switched to gouache and no longer need the turp.

STUDIO

2009-01-22T12:51:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my new studio! We’ve been in our new house for a year now and I’m loving the space and natural light. On the far wall I made foam and cloth panels to post my sketches and final art. There is enough room to hang 16+ pages of a picture book.

Most of my sketches are scanned and altered on my computer using Photoshop or Painter.

PALE *IF

2009-01-19T08:27:00.001-08:00

There are all kinds of color challenges when dealing with sequential artwork in picture books. Hopefully the pale cool tones of the bedtime scene hold enough contrast to the warmer tones of the daytime scene. In THE WARMEST PLACE OF ALL, (coming out fall 2009) The text plays with the idea of being cold, warm, then cold again before finding the warmest place of all. When developing the characters and page layout I also made plans for warm/cool color tone changes. You can find the first page of the book on my website. I tried to show a warm sunset without losing the cold feeling of the snow. Although most of my art is very vibrant I’m planning a paler palette for the book I’m currently working on. There is something about pale colors that make images more intimate and create atmosphere. I hope to explore this idea more in my artwork.

Contained *IF

2009-01-09T11:38:00.001-08:00

The poor emperor is trying to contain his true feelings.

This spread is from THE EMPEROR’S NEW GIFT. Throughout the story, little cutouts reveal portions of the action contained behind a thin color film. The reader can see through the veil, but not everything is important to the main character, the little girl. The book’s design/concept is just as important to the story as the text. Whether or not the story is successful, I’m very pleased with my experiment between image and text. In the end the emperor breaks through the boundaries of his viewpoint and joins the girl, his daughter, on her colorful side.

VOICES *IF

2008-12-22T12:04:00.001-08:00

Hear the voice nearby?
Her verse reveals her heart.

She sings to the world.
She sings to herself.
She sings to …you.

Hear the voice nearby.

This stanza is from a picture book I wrote and hope to finish the dummy soon. In, WHEN DAYS GET WASHED AWAY, a little Japanese girl is led by a familiar voice down a tranquil path beyond her village, through the woods to where she … well, to reveal anymore would spoil the ending. There are a few other stories as well set in prose for different cultures, however, the voice of the other stories belong to children. In this story I use the voice of wisdom which is traditionally found in Japanese death poetry. Although this is not haiku there are other forms that support my style of writing.

It’s just a sketch, but sometimes the sketches are my favorite.

RAMBUNCTIOUS *IF

2008-12-12T08:59:00.001-08:00

Rambunctious pretty much describes the family pet from this picture book that I illustrator due to come out Fall 2009, THE WARMEST PLACE OF ALL. You can see more illos on my site. Although I now live in Florida, I can remember plenty of time our dog enthusiastically assisted the kids with their snowman making project while they played in the snow in Ohio. Brrr

CLIQUE IF*

2008-09-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

Don’t blink! There’s an out of control gang of trouble makers coming your way. Somehow whenever I think of cliques it sounds as if the group is up to no good. I’m in the mood for pumpkin pie…

This is a practice piece so I can learn Painter X. My current portfolio consists of traditional medium of gouache and color pencil on paper. Then I would scan and edit in Photoshop. Years ago I experimented with digital painting and recently decided to have another go at it. I love the brushes in Painter, and how easy it is to open up the images in Photoshop to do more editing. I’m just scratching the surface, but at some point I’ll be able to mimic my traditional style. Or perhaps something better. There are few places on this image that need tweaking but then that's what great about digital.

I hope all of you that were affected by Tropical Storm Fay are finally doing well. I’ve been busy with some water damage in the kitchen. Thank goodness my studio is upstairs. Sorry I’ve been away from my blog. See you all on IF* this Friday.

Best,
Anne

ROUTINE IF*

2008-08-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

There’s nothing like having a routine at bedtime.

This is a clip from the first picture book I've illustrated, THE WARMEST PLACE OF ALL. It’s due to come out Fall 2009 with Pleasant St. Press. I’ll have a book page on my website soon. yeah!
More to come…

SAIL IF*

2008-08-08T07:18:00.000-07:00

Who wouldn't want to sail away?

I love it when daydreaming gets the best me, and I get lost in the artwork.
This was a part of a wordless picture book contest from a few years ago when I was studying book illustration. The little girl gets carried away by Queen Alexandra birdwing butterfly, narrowly misses an unfortunate encounter with a kio fish, and lands on a little island that seems familiar.

What you don’t see are the illustrations of a lovely tea party with Silkworm and Mr. Japanese beetle. The two have a gift for her. It’s a special purple silk shawl. They all dance about until it’s time for her hosts to sail away. The evening is coming and so is her way home. I huge Luna moth swoops down from the night sky and carries her away on its soft down- like back. She later awakes to find herself right back on the sofa where she started.

But where did the shawl really come from?

ENOUGH IF*

2008-07-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Is there such a thing as enough support from others when you feel like you are falling apart? Have hope and remember that true friends will always stay close by, when they know what you are made of on the inside.

I think this illo represents a lot more about friendship then I had intended. After it was done I took a closer look.

There are those who stay close by your side like the little Doll. She does her best to be comforting and keeps a pulse on the situation. The tiny Mouse may think of himself too small to help, but he remains close to your heart. There are those like the Nurse that have the knowledge and skill to assess the problem which keeps you hopeful that healing will come. The Bunny is genuinely concerned, but with no paws is unable to do anything. Others become Soldiers who protect you when you are most vulnerable and know who to call when action is needed from those from afar who can bring more aid. And then there those who I'd rather not name. They look down from their high place, focus too closely on only the damage, and speak in judgment. Yet, all of them can hold the title of Friend.

Which one are you?

SOUR IF*

2008-07-07T07:47:00.001-07:00

I thought this little girl had a pretty sour attitude. Her perturbed gaze and wrinkled nose will do the trick nicely. She’s all dressed up to treat herself to a night of fun. When suddenly she opens the front door to leave and finds...
The full illustration is on my website; however, the picture might inspire someone to write a different story.

Have fun.

Hoard-IF*

2008-06-25T13:20:00.000-07:00

HOARD is a weird word for the week. Perhaps this illo will do. It’s from a picture book story I started a few years ago. After many revisions and even throwing out the entire first manuscript of 800+words, it’s finally ready for a publisher to review. The new text is just over 250words and has a much stronger voice. If I have learned anything, it‘s that I have to be willing to sacrifice my favorite portions of a story in order for it to take on a life of its own and go beyond my original inspiration. A few friends from my critique group had a hard time letting go of the first manuscript’s direction. I had a ton of puns for coffee to punch up the humor, but in this case the text competed with the illos. I had a complete book dummy by that point, and I thought that I would have to start over with new character designs as well. On a whim, I removed all the text and treated it like a wordless picture book and that’s when something rewarding happened. The main character told me the story. I scribbled the words down in the margins of dummy, tweaked them a little, and didn’t miss any of the old text.
And yes, at the moment I’m hoarding the identity of the main character. She’s not there. Maybe I will share her with you next week.

FORGOTTEN IF*

2008-06-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

When I was very young my grandmother sewed dolls for my little sister and me. My dolls were often dressed in purple and wore pigtails. I wore pigtails too. I still have most of my dolls except for my favorite one. She was left under my climbing tree during a storm. later I found her beneath some loquat leaves in a dried up puddle. The dirt wouldn’t wash off, her fabric became brittle, and soon she was gone. My heart sank. It was my fault. I had forgotten her, but only that one time.

WIDE IF*

2008-05-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

Cats are widely found

in the garden of the Queen

much to her chagrin

I've been going back to a few older illos to see if I can put some new life in them. This is still one of my favorite drawings. I really love Photoshop! I am sure the cat is having a lovely time.

I tried a little haiku for the illo. I've been reading a lot of it lately. Perhaps I will write more if you think it's any good.

Electricity - IF*

2008-05-09T06:24:00.000-07:00

I've been a very bad blogger lately so I thought I would jump in and see what's happening on Illustration Friday. This is a sketch from a story I'm developing, but I can't show much more than this, yet. I've had a busy few months. I moved into a new home, set up a new studio, and finished the illos for a first picture book due to come out in fall 2009. I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. Hopefully, my "IF' illo character and story will be picked up by a publisher AZAP.

SCBWI Carolinas Conference 2007

2008-05-08T14:17:00.001-07:00

In September 2007, I went north to Carolina for their SCBWI Fall Conference. Fantastic illustrator and friend, Karen Lee, graciously opened her home to me. It was a wonderful weekend!

Karen and her critique group buddies made me feel very welcomed. Ian Sands, a local artist and teacher presented a very insightful lecture on promoting one’s artwork online. There are so many resources available, and Ian took much of the fear out of venturing into the technical future of self-promotion. There’s Ian in the red shirt.

Karen and her husband Tim are both illustrators. Tim works 100% digitally in varying styles full of color and texture. He even took the time to show me a few things about Photoshop that I was stuck on. There is much to be said of such a generous and creative family. Please be sure to visit their website and blogs to see what new illustrations are being developed!
Thanks again, Karen, for your hospitality.

FUN ARTS

2008-05-08T11:49:00.000-07:00

In July 2007, I taught a small group of artistic kids during Calvary Assembly’s (Orlando) Fun Art Month. What a creative and eager bunch! Since their ages ranged from 7 to 11 yrs old, I wanted to make sure that each child walked away with something they could apply to each stage of their artistic developed. We talked about dominate shapes in composition, and my favorite tip, drawing & transferring artwork with tracing paper. I suspect that many kids become frustrated with trying to draw everything perfect the first time. Using tracing paper, against a window to transfer their artwork to quality paper, allowed them the freedom to experiment with different techniques without destroying their “originals”. At the end of the month they had their own art show. Great job!

SCBWI Orlando Mid-Summer Conference 2007

2008-05-08T10:37:00.000-07:00

In June 2007, I attended SCBWI Orlando Illustrator Intensive Mid-Year Conference. Award winning illustrators Janeen Mason and Caldecott medalist David Diaz shared their approaches to children’s book making, illustration techniques, self-promotion and other demands from the industry. Part of the afternoon was dedicated to an open group critique to discuss the attendees’ portfolios that included a sequential art assignment. Character designs, color, layout, text placement, and book sizes all contribute to the development of a picture book.

It was a wonderful time to connect with other illustrators from around Florida and encourage one another to follow their dreams.

Linda Rodriquez Bernfeld, our FL Regional Advisor is all smiles with David Diaz and me. Linda has worked very hard to keep our conferences exciting and informative for our members. Many thanks to Linda and those who assist her.

On a personal note, this wasn’t my first time meeting David Diaz. There was the previous summer at SCBWI’s 2006 LA Summer Conference, and also back in 2001 at the MAZZA Summer Institute at Findley University in Ohio were David was one of several speakers at a week-long children’s book conference. The MAZZA art collection of children book illustrations is a must see if you are ever in the area! At the conference, David signed my tote bag. That was 2001; then he signed it again in 2007. Neat!

Illustration Friday - Polar

2007-04-21T17:54:00.000-07:00

This is my friends’ favorite illustration. While working on the polar bear I thought of the way that ice can look almost black. We’re told that snow is white but is it really? It’s just an interesting approach to color that seemed to work here. You can see a close up on my website.

Illustration Friday - Green

2007-04-06T14:31:00.000-07:00

I added this new green Sat. morning. I love sepia. What do you think of this muted green?

Here’s a fun one. The original is simply graphite pencil, but I colorize it in Fireworks. I’m still learning the program and love opportunities to try new things. I’m wondering if people prefer b/w or different tints. A few weeks ago I wanted to post RED but I didn’t have a blog yet. What do you think? The images were created as b/w portfolio pieces. Maybe I should do something more with them.

Thanks for stopping by.

Have a great week!

Illustration Friday - I Spy

2007-03-24T12:57:00.000-07:00

I Spy…Mick in the middle of a battle between goodies and evil.

This is from a story I started a few years ago. The manuscript has gone through some changes, but the original drawings seem to have hung on. Mick in his Mick McTime Time Machine is able to speed up time, and now “kids everywhere can have their cake and eat it too!”

I hope you all are enjoying the weekend.

Illustration Friday - Wired

2007-03-13T08:04:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone. Thank you for such a warm welcome to IF* on last weeks post, “Hide”. This is a sketch from a book that I’ve written and illustrated called The Emperor’s New Cup. Hopefully I’ll find a publisher for it soon…then I could be the one acting “Wired”.

Illustration Friday - Hide

2007-03-03T17:51:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone...this is my first "IF" image posting. I hope you enjoy the picture...let me know what you think.