Kobee Manatee: Cover

Kobee Manatee front cover is finished! Come with Kobee and his friends, Pablo the Hermit Crab and Tess the Seahorse, as they adventure from the Northern Atlantic Coast down to the warm waters of Florida.

This painting was a bit of an experiment to try a new process. I blocked in all the colors digitally and then printed on Bristol paper and painted over that. I believe it made that painting process a bit quicker, so I think I will continue trying this technique for awhile. Always looking for ways to make the the creative process quicker without compromising quality.

Interior sketches are finished and will start painting those soon. The book should be out by next summer!

Introducing: Ratty Rhymes

While working on Vulture Verses there was always talk about doing a sequel book, but it was never for sure and couldn't be committed to. After dropping hints, begging, and pleading -- ok, maybe not very much at all -- we finally got the word in September from the publisher that they COULD commit to a second book! (I knew they would all along...hehe)

So with MUCH excitement, this is my official announcement that the sequel book to Vulture Verses is Ratty Rhymes! Coming Fall 2013, published by Prospect Park, with more fun and educational poems by the wonderful Diane Lang, and illustrated by me, of course! This book will be mostly bugs that live on or in the ground, but also the oh so cute mouse and rat!

I will be posting a few sketches as they are developed but for now, here is my sketch for the front cover. I hope you are as excited as I am, but I highly doubt it. :)

More news and announcements coming soon...

Finished Painting for Dimpemeyer's Design

Three finals paintings for Dimplemeyer's Design are finished. Here is the one I like the most so far. Of course, there are still 13 more paintings to complete so that might change. I think this one if worthy of my portfolio, so I am also adding it to my website shortly.

There has been a recent change in plans as far as prioritizing projects, so this book will take longer to finish than anticipated. But in the end it will all be a good thing. More explanations to come.

Vulture Verses Release

Today is the official release date of Vulture Verses (even though it has been available online for awhile)! It seems like there has been so much going on already, I'm excited to see how the book does now that it is officially out! I have absolutely loved working on this book and working with Diane Lang and Prospect Park on this book and there is talk about a second book, so my fingers are crossed!

There has already been a lot of publicity for the book including newspaper articles, reviews, radio interviews and I'm sure so much more that I don't even know about!

Here is the Radio Interview with Diane Lang that happened last Monday and they so kindly mentioned me as well!

Here is a great review from Forwardreviews.com

And a great article from Mercurynews.com

There is a whole list of events planned to kick off the book release. If you are interested in attending one, see the Prospect Park Events Page. I will be attending a few of theses events in Southern California if you want to come get a book signed!

Hope to see you there and thank you to everyone for all your support and encouragement! I am so thankful for all my friends and fans!

Camp Gilligan Marketing Materials

Finishing up on some marketing materials for Camp Gilligan Christian Day Camp. I did a tri-fold Brochure, new Business Cards, a Letterhead, and Postcards. I might be doing some other small things like signs and such later, but this is the main stuff! I went for an "up-in-the-trees" feel with bright (and light) colors to go along with the website banner. The website has a more "down-to-earth" feel but was a little too dark for printed media.

This looks like such a fun camp! If I were a kid, I'd want to go! Visit the Camp Gilligan website at www.campgilligan.org.

Vulture Verses

After a full month of nothing but painting, designing, and lots of tea and coffee, Vulture Verses is done and ready to print! WEEE!! Actually, there is still time for small edits before it goes to print, but the bulk of the work is done. I'm really excited to see it all done and in book form. Unfortunately, it doesn't come out until September, but that's ok. I'll just have to be patient I guess. There are a bunch of fun events planned to kick off the release of the book. I hope I'll be available to be involved! The biggest learning experience for me during this project was definitely the printing process and preparing for it. But that just helps me to know better for next time....and I believe there are thoughts and rumors of a second Vulture Verses book after this. Fingers are crossed!

Here are a few of my favorites from the book. There are plenty more to love if  you get the book! Let's love our unloved animal friends!

The Ant and The Cricket - Cover

This illustration took longer to finish than it should have. I have been trying to work out some job and life issues lately, so I have been preoccupied. But things are settling down a little so hopefully I'll get back into a drawing rhythm!

The Ant and The Cricket - Final Drawing 1

Well, December is almost over and I only have one final drawing complete. Oh well, I am still going to finish them all, but I'm not going to rush it. I have a lot of work ahead of me that I am still motivated to finish, so that's good! That was partly why I gave myself that goal.

Here's the Title Page with a new Typeface. I think I like this one better. If you hadn't noticed or guessed already, I'm taking inspiration from the style of the 60s/70s (or "hippie" times) and Woodstock. So I thought it would be appropriate to use The Beatles' "Abbey Road" cover to inspire one of my images. I also found it convenient that they are called the Beatles and it's a story about bugs. Heehee. I also have a VW Beetle in some of the other images. It just seemed to work!

I might get another one done before the New Year, but we'll see. If not, then as soon as January starts, it's back to work...double time!

Gloria The Ostrich

Here is a sketch for one of the characters in my next children's book. Gloria is a performer in the circus, and her special talent is Hula-Hooping while riding a unicycle! It's pretty amazing! She also has a thing for feet and only speaks in idioms. Her favorite phrase is to "always put your best foot forward" (her best foot is her right foot). I'm in the final weeks of school and there is still a lot to be done to finish my book....so why am I spending my time posting something instead of drawing?....that's a great question!!

Animal Drawings

Here are a few animal drawings I just finished for my class. They were fun to do and good practice for me. And it will bring some variety to my portfolio! I don't have many animals in it at present.