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The Mysterious Pseudonymous Bosch – Teller of Secrets
The guest author at the most recent Writer2Writer meeting was Pseudonymous Bosch, author of the best selling “Secret” series. His talk was fun, entertaining and enlightening. His appearance as himself...
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The Writing of a Book: With a Little Help From My Friends
Writing for publication—even without a writing or illustrator partner—is usually a social experience involving the suggestions, comments and opinions of family, friends, agents, editors and...
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Creativity -- and Teamwork
I’ve long been fascinated by authors’ and illustrators’ methods of collaborating on their books. I’ve heard of writers taking turns writing alternate chapters of a manuscript and wondered how it would...
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On Creativity, Collaboration and Dreams
When I was a child my two sisters and I were always writing, illustrating our stories, putting on plays or dreaming up some other creative project. We (mostly) worked very well together.One spring...
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A Tasty SCBWI 40th Anniversary Summer Conference
The 40th Anniversary SCBWI Summer Conference just ended on Monday. I’ve attended this exceptional conference for many years and this year’s celebration was one of the very best. Below are some...
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More Wise Quotes from the Recent SCBWI 2011 Summer Conference
At the recent SCBWI Summer Conference one of the keynote speakers was a surprise—the amazing Judy Blume, who stepped in at the last minute for an ailing John Green. Below are a few wise comments from...
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Women's Equality Day....and Children's Books
National Women's History ProjectWinning the Vote PosterToday is Women’s Equality Day.On August 26, 1920, after 72 years of campaigning, American women finally achieved their aim of being able to vote....
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2011 SCBWI Illustrators Intensive -- Some Notes
SCBWI followed their summer Conference this year with a chance to attend either a writer’s or illustrator’s intensive. I chose the Illustrators Intensive and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see...
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2011 SCBWI Illustrators Intensive -- Some More Notes
More quotes and photos from the August SCBWI IntensiveDavid SmallI don’t see how anyone can be an illustrator if they can’t draw the human body from memory.(Retaining spontaneity) is my goal.Don’t...
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2011 SCBWI Illustrators Intensive – Even More Notes!
Richard Jesse Watson I like to cross-hatch with an exacto knife.The subject matter (of a painting) tells you what medium to use.Some mediums ’fight’ you.I like the challenge of 'making do' (with tools...
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The Big Draw Has Come to Los Angeles
October is half over but I just learned about a fun celebration of drawing -- Big Draw L.A. This is a month-long initiative to get the people of Los Angeles participating in art projects, by...
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Still Worried About E-Books?
Author Alexis O'NeillI recently attended a ‘Breakfast with the Authors’ event sponsored by the Santa Barbara County Education Office. A dozen authors and illustrators as well as a panel of experts...
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An Illustrator's Process -- Preliminary Sketching for a Magazine Story
I recently illustrated a story for Spider Magazine which will run in the February issue of the magazine. I love the ‘bug’ magazines—Babybug, Ladybug, Spider and Cricket. And I really enjoyed the story...
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In Search of Color
Maybe because the darker days of winter are finally beginning to appear here in southern California I’ve been thinking a lot about color lately.Or it could be due to working on new pieces for my...
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Children's Book Illustrators Show at Chemers Gallery
Every year I look forward to the exhibition of original work by top children’s book illustrators at the Chemers Gallery in Tustin. It was doubly wonderful that the artists whose work is being shown...
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In Search of More Color
I’m still in the mood for color! I needed more paint from my favorite acrylic paint company....I was delighted to also find another dose of inspiring joyful color. Enjoy! And Happy New Year!
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My Farewell to Legendary Bookseller George Whitman
I recently saw the celebratory film about Paris and writers -- Midnight in Paris. One scene shows the front of the legendary bookstore, Shakespeare and Co., in all its photogenic charm, reminding me...
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Spider Magazine Illustrations
Here are a couple of the illustrations I did for the February issue of Spider magazine ... for Jessica Van Dessel's story "Friend Spider"
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A New Painting......
Several of my illustrator friends and I took part in a gallery show of our paintings this month. The theme of the show was Lullabies and Nightmares.I chose to illustrate the nursery rhyme "Rock-a-bye...
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I'm back, and with a few quotes from Illustrator's Day
I have been on a longer hiatus from my blog than I intended! I have been busily writing and painting and now have a lovely agent—Abigail Samoun of Red Fox Literary. I have two manuscripts (with...
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Original Children's Book Illustrations at Chemers Gallery
The opening of this year’s illustration art exhibit at Chemer’s Gallery in Tustin was another enjoyable opportunity to see and purchase original children’s book illustrations. Five of the artists...
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Inspiration Boards at the Illustrators' Table
I am now a member of Carol Heyer’s fabulous artist-foodie group, which meets once a month. The food and the discussions are always different, always interesting, and always delicious! On our new group...
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An Intriguing New Graphic Novel about Nicola Tesla
My multi-talented agent, Abigail Samoun, and fellow Red Fox Literary illustrator, Elizabeth Haidle, have an exciting project in the works!Their book, Mind Afire, is about scientist/inventor Nicola...
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Imagine! - a Picture Book Illustration Exhibit
Hello again! Since my last post I've been in a whirlwind of activity, both professional and personal, but I'm happy to be back, with new posts to come!There are not many opportunities to see...
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