Illustration Friday

Shhh Don't Tell Anyone

This is going to be my Illustration Friday submission when it's done.

Row 3 (From Reader)

I Must Have Missed the Memo..

Okay, I've been bouncing back and forth between cold press and hot press for years. I found the hot press had the smoothness I wanted, but was TOO smooth, which caused puddling with large washes. Cold press had the texture that I wanted, but was too rough (plus some publishers don't like scanning it). Of course all along, there was an in between paper that contained all I dreamed of, and I had no idea it existed. Thanks to my blogger buddies for recommending it, because it has changed my enjoyment of the creation process dramatically. I'm not fighting with the paper any more. I'm deeply in love with Fabriano Soft Press.

Two thumbs way up!

Fabriano

Step By Step : Skateboarder

When other artists put step-by-step photos in their blogs, I just eat it up. I always find it exciting and inspiring to see how someone works. So here is my own version.

This illustration is from a skateboarding dog idea that just popped in my head out of nowhere. I basically rushed to my desk and drew it out directly on the watercolor paper without any thumbnails etc. Athough, I will go the thumbnail route with illustrations that involve a lot of details or contain subjects I find difficult to draw (bikes -argh!!).

A Pig's Tail

This is an illustration from a picture book manuscript I wrote. I've mostly been experimenting with what the characters look like, after which I'll dummy the book and post some of those sketches/layouts here. I'm really-REALLY-really excited about this story! Wish me luck :0)

Grocery Aisle

Illustration Friday : Trouble

We all know the ending to this story..

Dear Megan...

Sorry for the lag in posts the last few days, I'm on vacation at Duck, NC with my family. Posted above is an illustrated letter to an up-and-coming artist (9 years old), Megan.

Hot, Fresh Cookies

Need Advice From Fellow Artists

I'm starting to find that hot press paper is just too smooth for my liking, and the cold press too rough. Does anyone know of a type of watercolor paper that's kind of in between? Maybe a cold press paper that's a little smoother than what's typical (Arches is too rough). Please leave a comment if you know of any. Thanks! :0)

Very Bad Pigs/Empty Safe

Following the Wolf's destruction of their straw, twig and brick houses, three very bad pigs broke into the Wolf's retirement fund and emptied it of every last cent.

Books!

Publishers don't always send free copies of books you've illustrated for them, especially if it was a job involving several hundred other artists. SO, I searched and searched until I found my two books I did for McGraw Hill last year - they were 40 bucks for one pack of six each, plus shipping. Ouch! Double ouch!

I was really happy though with the design and print quality. They did a great job!

Page from "Glad Pam" Early Reader

(sorry, had to remove the image, as the contract states I can't post these illustrations until after they're published.)

Illustration Friday: Run

My mascara would be running too...

I Won:-)

Well goodness gracious I really REALLY wasn't expecting to win first place, but by golly I did. The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators has been graciously putting on these contests with the prize being a year's free membership. Schweeet!!!

The competition was tight too--some really beautiful entries to pour over.

Check it

Sketches For McGraw-Hill Early Reader : Cute Little Mule

Match

Martin's idea of what his first day of school should be like, and what it actually turned out to be, did not match.

(This is my SCBWI illustration contest entry) :0)

(August 23rd update) I won first place!!!!!

Father-Daughter Dance : Illustration Friday

A Couple Pages from Early Reader "Glad Pam"