New Artwork

So sorry for not posting anything for ages.  Life gets busy sometimes.

I have been busy working on new, fun things as well as working on a new book project.  I will tell you all about that as soon as I can.

For now, I'll show you a few new pieces I did for an upcoming art show, happening September 1, 2017 at Gallery Calapooia in Albany OR.  Some of the art is made in cut paper and some are collage. 

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Red Dog   30 x 30Collage

Tea Party with Bear -  8 x8cut paper

Flower Shop15 x 19   cut paper

A Top Hat is Nice   8 x8 cut paper

Encounter with a Hat

Well, I'm not sure what the story is with these two, but I'm working on it.  Part of me wants so badly for their story to be written in rhyme.  But gosh, it's so hard to do.  I really just got started on the story.  But, they seem like they need a story, so that's what I'll try and do.  I think the red birds name is Mrs H. Bartle.  If you look closely, you will see her name is in her neck markings.   This artwork was made in cut paper, most of the paper was hand painted by me.  It is 8x10 in size.

Well, hope everyone had a nice Easter.  Ours was quite and also full of fun egg hunts with our grandson.

Thanks for stopping by!

Working on my ABC's

So, for fun I'm doing ABC illustrations in cut paper.   I did A last week and today I completed the artwork for letter B, as you can see.  I have a project coming up and will probably be busy with that for awhile but, I'll try and keep doing these ABC's.  If they turn out okay, I'll post them.  Maybe even if they don't turn out, I'll post.  We shall see.  Thanks for stopping by.  Now, go outside and enjoy this Spring weather, if you can.

A is for Alligator and Apple.  Cut paper 8x8

B is for Bear and Butterfly.  Cut paper 8x8

Friends

Just taking a few minutes to have some fun with shapes.  That's really what I do, I guess.  I make shapes and those shapes make pictures.  Anyway, this little rhino showed up today and he has a friend, a lovely yellow bird.  I suspect the yellow bird is large and in charge of any adventures these two will go on.  If you're going on an adventure, it's nice to have a friend along.

This illustration was made in cut paper using hand painted papers (by me) and some scrapbook paper as well.

Thanks for stopping by!

Getting Things Done

This week I'm trying to finish up several projects I have promised to get done.  I assume other illustrators take on different jobs to pay the bills.  Not all my work is for children's books.   In fact I do many other things.  I have a job designing a figure for a carousel.  Yes, a carousel.  It is a figure of an American Indian.  Then, I have a commission of a bookstore to finish. The bookstore is kind of a fine art project.  But, it's in cut paper, so I'm happy.  And somehow, a childhood friend talked me into painting a picture of her dog.  The good news is they are almost finished.  Then, I will start on a new project.  I have not signed a contract yet, so I'll keep my mouth shut for the time being. 

Here is a wee mouse in her lovely pink tutu.  It even has a rose on the bodice.  A tutu always seems nicer when it has a rose on the bodice.

Back from NY

Well, I survived the2017 SCBWI conference!  It was amazing!  Sadly, I did not make it there for my illustration intensive.  The darn snow made my plane late and then I could not make my connecting flight.  Oh well, I got there on Friday night. Got to my hotel, then got something to eat and went straight to bed.  Saturday and Sunday conference time was great!  The speakers were full of insightful information.  My break out sessions were the best!  I learned so much from these people, I can't even believe it.  But, the nicest thing to happen was meeting Jane Yolen.  She took time to chat with me and my cousin (who was with me at the conference) and gave us both some encouragement.   I will never forget it!

Note: One BIG thing I learned how to do was set up this web page!  SCBWI is really the best!

The Taxi Ride,   cut paper8x10