Hands and a Frog

I have been thinking about style, and specifically, ways to improve mine. After some thought, feedback, and encouragement, I think I need to simplify and stylize things more, especially the way I draw people. I know that is a very broad statement!...Believe me, I wish it wasn't so broad! But I think it is necessary. It's going to take some experimenting and testing to figure out how it will look, but there's no time like the present to start! Here are some hands I did trying to simplify them but not be too cartoony.

I also did a frog just for fun, because I am really excited about "The Princess and the Frog" coming out in December! I am so glad Disney is doing another traditionally animated film. Oh, how I have missed them! I only hope they continue to make more. My fingers are crossed!

SCBWI Illustrator's Day (Update)

This last Saturday was my first time attending Illustrator's Day and it was a great experience! So many talented artists were their displaying their portfolios and the speakers were informative, helpful, and fun. A lot of great tips were given on ways to promote yourself and be seen by publishers, so I took lots of notes! I was also able to have two portfolio reviews, one by Illustrator Adam McCauley, and one by Chad Beckerman, Art Director for Abrams Books for Young Readers and Amulet Books. I got some great feedback and constructive criticism to work with.

Then, to conclude the awesome day of meeting fun people and seeing great art, it was announced that I was one of the Judge's Choice winners for the portfolio contest! What an unexpected and pleasant surprise!! It certainly made my day!

See more photos on the Illustrator's Day Facebook Page

Here's another piece I did (the day before the conference!) that was included in my portfolio. It goes along with a Limerick by Edward Lear:

There was an old man with a beard,
Who said, “It is just as I feared!
Two owls and a hen,
Four larks and a wren,
Have all built their nests in my beard!"

SCBWI Illustrator's Day

This Saturday is Illustrator's Day for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators!

The event will include speakers like Chad W. Beckerman: Art Director, Abrams Books for Young Readers and Amulet Books, Erika Howard: Art Representative, Shannon Associates, Adam McCauley: Illustrator, and Mary Peterson: Illustrator and Social Networker. It should be a great time to learn, network, and have fun!

I have also been putting together my portfolio for the portfolio contest and review. Three new pieces will be included in my portfolio. I still have one more to finish, but here is one of them for you to enjoy. I will let you all know how it goes!

Harvest Festival

I was recently asked to help make a game for a Harvest Festival. The game was Ping-Pong Toss with a circus theme. I used a vinyl table cloth and painted with acrylics. Then I glued on felt pieces so the velcro ball would stick. It was a fun project and I think the kids really enjoyed it. I know I did!

Head Sketches

Some head sketches.

Recital Poster

I recently did a poster/postcard for a friend for his Senior Guitar Recital. Thank you to Aaron Delani for helping with the photography!

Stay tuned! Many more projects (personal and commissioned) to finish in the next month.

On Beauty and Being Just

I just finished reading a great book "On Beauty and Being Just" by Elaine Scarry. It's a great little philosophical book on the topic of beauty and it's connection to our search for truth and justice. I highly recommend this book. It went a little over my head at some points but a challenging book is good for the mind. How else are we to grow and learn?

We often times overlook beauty that is right in front of us and fail to realize how seeing something that is beautiful can give us life, excitement, and peace. It welcomes you into its world where we can feel equality, selflessness, and the sense that the world isn't all about us. To behold something beautiful is to be humbled. Seeing something beautiful also inspires us to create, or recreate that which is beautiful.

Spend some time observing the beauty around you and let it inspire you to create!