Elephanta

Etgar Keret

2012-02-08T11:51:00.000-08:00

I discovered this contest through an e-mail from BOMB magazine and just wanted to share it with you:
In celebration of Etgar Keret’s latest story collection, FSG Originals and BOMB Magazine are partnering to bring you the Something out of Something Design Contest, inviting artists to submit works inspired by Keret’s stories, films and comics. Win $500 and have your work featured in an upcoming story or film.

This winter, FSG Originals and BOMB Magazine team up to invite readers, artists, and designers to submit a work of art inspired by the writing of by Israeli short story writer, filmmaker, and graphic novelist, Etgar Keret. The Something out of Something Contest, which takes its name from a passage found in Keret’s forthcoming story collection, Suddenly, a Knock on the Door (April 2012), will be run on a Tumblr site of the same name, where submissions can be viewed and commented on by other entrants, readers, and Keret fans. Make this opportunity your chance to make Something out of Something, and get noticed!
We’re looking for visual art submissions that incorporate themes or are somehow connected to Keret’s works, whether it’s fiction, films, or comics. Submissions can take the form of anything really—paper sculpture, action figures, painting, diorama, animated video—you name it, we’ll consider it.
The lucky winner will receive a $500 cash prize along with a signed and personalized copy of Suddenly, a Knock on the Door. In addition, the winning work of art will be featured in an upcoming Keret story or film. The contest’s media sponsor, Tumblr, will also be reviewing submissions with an eye for pieces that they might want to feature on the site’s Radar.

Twenty-five finalists will be selected and featured in a silent auction event planned for late April to coincide with the author’s visit to the U.S. for the PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature.
Submissions will be judged by editors from BOMB and Farrar, Straus & Giroux, and by the author himself. For official rules and prize descriptions, please visit the Tumblr site, or contact EtgarKeret.DesignContest@FSGbooks.com.

The deadline for submissions is 12pm EST, March 2, 2012.

I had been unaware of Etgar Keret, though I had heard of the movie Wristcutters: A Love Story, a dark comedy/love story based on Keret's novella Kneller's Happy Campers.
Keret also wrote a children's book Dad Runs Away with the Circus (2004), illustrated by Rutu Modan, which I checked out of the library, and it is very charming.
I'm also working on a few of his collections of short stories and graphic novels.
I think I will enter something into this contest, just to participate, if anything I am just glad I now know of Etgar Keret!

Re-do

2012-02-08T09:58:00.000-08:00

I redid this illustration since I fine tuned my style approach for the "Billy" book. I'm feeling pretty good about these, and I am almost finished with the dummy.

The Caves of Elephanta

2012-02-03T23:26:00.000-08:00

There never was much of a reason behind the name I gave this blog: Elephanta. I love elephants, so it had something to do with that. My first idea had been "Elephantom" but I discovered that was the name of a band already. So, I just took the word "elephant" and slapped an "a" at the end of it.

Then, when I tested what happened when I googled the word "elephanta" I found that there is actually an Elephanta Island just about 6 miles east of Mumbai, India. This island contains large caves with rock cut sculptures. The island formerly called Gharapuri was named Elephanta, when the Portuguese rule began in 1534. Named thus when they saw the gigantic statue of an elephant at the entrance of a cave. The island had been a Hindu place for prayer. The main cave is dedicated to the god Shiva. Here is some more info if you are curious:on Wikipedia.

I don't know much about Shiva, but it seemed somehow fitting. If I understand a bit- Shiva is the destroyer or transformation god. Sounds like my constant creating, destroying, and starting over. Again and again and again, which I think is usually a good thing. Out with the old, and in with the new!

Cowgirl

2012-01-27T21:42:00.000-08:00

Another piece to update my portfolio:

" Git along lil' kitties, git along."

Tomie de Paola Award Entry

2012-01-23T18:21:00.000-08:00

Here was my entry for the Tomie de Paola award:

which I did not win, but it was fun and I learned somethings through the process of making it. The winner is Yvette Piette Herrera.
Congrats to her!

The exerpt we were supposed to illustrate was from Chicken Little:

So they went along and went along until they met Turkey Lurkey
“Good morning, Goosey Loosey, Ducky Daddles, Cocky Locky, Henny Penny,
and Chicken Licken,” said Turkey Lurkey, “where are you going?”
“Oh, Turkey Lurkey, the sky is falling and we are going to tell the King!”
“How do you know the sky is falling?” asked Turkey Lurkey.
“Ducky Daddles told me,” said Goosey Loosey.
“Cocky Locky told me,” said Ducky Daddles.
“Henny Penny told me,” said Cocky Locky.
“Chicken Licken told me,” said Henny Penny
“I saw it with my own eyes, I heard it with my own ears,
and a piece of it fell on my tail!” said Chicken Licken.
“Then I will go with you,” said Turkey Lurkey, “and we will tell the King!”

I was trying for a different approach doing caricatures of the characters going to the "king" (Elvis). I think I'm starting to notice reoccurring themes in my work.

You can see an unofficial gallery of other award entries here: http://scbwicontest.blogspot.com/#!/

Preparing for Slumber (IF: Prepare)

2012-01-18T12:23:00.000-08:00

A sketch I made today.

Yes, That is a Chicken I'm Holding (IF: Grounded)

2012-01-07T18:59:00.000-08:00

I've been working on a series featuring women in aviation. Soon to be exhibited in the office of Fremont Midwifery. Here is a tiny illustration from this series.

She is holding a chicken. Sometimes I just like to make a picture of somebody casually holding an animal. Once it was an iguana. Another time I painted a girl holding a pig. This time a pilot holds a chicken. It could happen.

I have finally given in to working smaller. It has been a long drawn out resistance, as I would love to always work very BIG, but- practically- especially in illustration it isn't the best. For one, I have to fit items on my scanner (only 8.5" x 11"!), and if not I'll take stuff to the printer's. Still, their biggest option is a mere 11"x 17". I realized I must think small when illustrating, no way around it.

How do any of you illustrators out there feel on this matter?

This one's 5"x5". The ink splattered on it a few times, but I think it adds character.

The Big Trike

2012-01-06T15:39:00.000-08:00

I am gradually working out the kinks with "Billy". I had been thinking that in the color versions the feel had been too bright. I had thought of maybe using yellow paper. Then I remembered a blog post by the talented John Deininger about washing the paper with burnt sienna. I had done this with oils, but I had never thought of doing it with watercolors, so for this illustration I tried it out. I feel that it solved the problem.

This illustration with burnt sienna wash, has an effect that is warmer and perhaps more "vintage" along with Billy's aesthetic sensibilities.

Billy's Back

2012-01-03T12:24:00.000-08:00

I took a little break from developing my "Billy" dummy book, sometimes breaks are needed. I wanted to feel I had a fresh perspective because working on it was starting to feel too routine. I dove into some painting projects and jotted down new picture book ideas (vowing to finish Billy before I started anything else). I am glad I took the break, because I do feel refreshed and came back to the project with more ideas and enthusiasm.

First thing, I wanted to work on Billy's look some more. I did a few sketches of his head. I decided to make the fine tooth comb lines more visible, because you know, the kid works hard on that 'do.

More Billy to come. I have a few illustrations to do over with the SCBWI Great Critique coming up!

This has been an awesome time to start back up with Billy, because as you may not know, Billy is in love with his wheels. Similarly, my 4 yr old daughter got a new set of wheels for Christmas- graduating from a tricycle (which was long over due) and on to a big bike with some training wheels for now. She is super stoked, and this new bike is her two favorite colors: black and green.

This new bike goes faster!

Art Show Down Down Under

2011-12-31T15:20:00.000-08:00

Just sent this piece off to the last place you’d ever imagine an art show to be: Antarctica. Yup, Antarctica. The southern most continent on the globe which is 98% covered in ice about a mile thick.
But there are people there. Like Tessa Hulls, an artist whose blog I came across a few weeks ago. She had put a call out for art submissions so she could put on an art show for the people she lives and works with at Mcmurdo Station. I thought it was such a fun idea, I had to send something.

The theme was “outside notions about Antarctica”. My first thought was “woolly mammoth”, I am in love with the big hairy beasts.

Oh- and happy New Year! Hope you are excited as I am about 2012. Stay safe tonight.

A Couple New Black and White Sketches

2011-12-06T18:31:00.000-08:00

Mittens the Dog

2011-11-22T16:33:00.000-08:00

Since the last post for the Illustration Friday topic "Vanity" was kinda weird, I felt like posting something lighter right away.

Here's a sketched self portrait. More "vanity" for you.

Did You Get My Letter? (Illustration Friday Topic: "Messenger")

2011-11-16T16:38:00.000-08:00

I realized that I need more illustrations with buildings in them for my portfolio. I enjoyed making this one.

Aren't fire escapes romantic? I would say, in this case the messenger is the wind.

I'm on Tumblr too

2011-11-14T10:40:00.000-08:00

I just started a Tumblr to use as a place to put all art, images I produce- kidlit of not. If you're interested: http://vallucinations.tumblr.com/

I'll still be on here often putting up work as usual.

Movies!

2011-11-08T22:48:00.000-08:00

2 Movies.
The first movie I want to mention, I saw this evening at a screening SCBWI members in Western Washington (and anyone else) were lucky for the opportunity to attend.The movie is called:
LIBRARY OF THE EARLY MIND: A Grown-up Look at the Art of Children’s Literature, followed by a discussion with director and co-producer Ed Delaney. It was great, so when it comes out I highly recommend it to anyone who has ever loved children's books at some point in their life...let's see... yeah that would be everyone! There are many poignant moments and appearances by significant players in the industry.

The other is Nutcracker: The Motion Picture (from 1986), because I am already in the Christmas spirit. My sisters and I watched it a lot as children. My daughters love it, and I recently discovered that the set design and writing in part was done by none other than Maurice Sendak. No wonder it left such an impression. One of the most arresting dances is the peacock woman dancing the Arabian dance.

Also, it is performed by the Pacific Northwest ballet- our very own Seattle ballet company. I have tickets this year to take my oldest daughter for her December birthday. I wonder if they still do the performance in this style. Either way, I'm excited about it!

Space Ball- erina

2011-11-03T17:05:00.000-07:00

This year my 3 year old daughter has formed the idea that her future profession is to be an astronaut. But not any astronaut- a ballerina astronaut. I shared a sketch I made for her a while back of what that could look like, and this is the newest version.

I also am including a photo of she and her sister this Halloween. We have here an astronaut ballerina and a space monkey.

Billy's Costume

2011-10-31T14:22:00.000-07:00

You knew Billy wouldn't forget about his favorite holiday. And a skeleton never forgets his "steel horse".

Feels Like Flying

2011-10-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

Monorail Sketch

2011-10-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

I realized I don't have many illustrations in my portfolio of buildings or structures, so I'm gonna work on that.

The Real Snow White

2011-10-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

Annie Clark

I have fallen in love with Indian ink. How have I never used this wonderful medium til now? The whole way home from the art store I could not get Guided by Voices' "Liquid Indian" out of my head. I was trying out different shading techniques in this one. I love fountain pens! I thought it might be difficult to use one, but it's not. Hurray.
*Is it just me, or does her expression strangely resemble that of Horace's (the beetle) up top?

Promotional Postcards Here We Go

2011-10-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that this is the first time I have begun the process of making and sending postcards- but it is. I found a printing place that seems economical, I have yet to see how the cards turn out (I'll let you know). I chose to try http://www.overnightprints.com/ because the prices were good, but they may make up for that in shipping fees- $7.95 for my sample sized 25 postcards!
If any other illustrators have tips or referrals I'd love to know.

I decided to make the first postcards in my more "realistic style". I will make different cards in different styles.

For the front:

For the back

Tree Fort!

2011-09-29T18:36:00.000-07:00

Louis Joos

2011-09-29T15:25:00.000-07:00

I just discovered the illustrator Louis Joos by coming across this delightful book called Oregon's Journey. I love the looseness of Louis' brush strokes. He's really into jazz and it shows in his work. Here are a couple examples of his illustrations.

Color Sketch of Discovery Park Playground

2011-09-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

Fir-ry Friend

2011-09-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

This is a new illustration.

Horace: Work Stinks

2011-09-13T22:38:00.000-07:00

Billy, Practicing Cool

2011-09-13T22:37:00.000-07:00

Little Swimmer, with Goggles

2011-09-13T12:39:00.000-07:00

Toes!

2011-09-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

I wanted to add this commission for a friend, a painting of another friend and her little daughter. Such a fun project, such lovely subjects!

redo

2011-09-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

I took the kid in the window out, just to see. It is a bit less distracting.

Billy (the rockabilly kid) and friends

2011-09-06T10:14:00.000-07:00

I've been working out how I want to illustrate this Billy character. Here are a couple pieces of my recent attempts. Any thoughts on the kid in the window?

Portraits

2011-08-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy making portraits of people with lithography crayons. It's one of my ultimate relaxation activities!

Here are Lionel, Willie, and Charles Portis.

Book Review: Fox and Hen Together

2011-08-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes so much more can be said in a wordless picture book. Fox and Hen Together by Beatrice Rodriguez is one of those books. I love it! It is the second book to The Chicken Thief . Fox and Hen live together. Hen lays an egg, but there is no food in the house, so she leaves with their friend crab to catch a fish. They wind up on an adventure. Once they return they find a surprise waiting. I love what happens when Hen gets inside. A great story, again, for young and old alike.

This illustration shows hen and crab wrestling a sea serpent.

Kid Lit Tag

2011-08-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

I was riding in the car on Denny yesterday and snapped a shot of this tag. It's Max!

New Character

2011-08-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

I am excited about a new character I am developing along with a story. Meet Billy. Well, his name might not be Billy, but his shirt says so.

Don't mess up his "baby duck".

A Writer's Conference- And it's FREE?

2011-08-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

I just found out about Write On Con and I am really excited about it. It's an online writer's conference and it's FREE. This is great news for me, because I was still grumpy about being unable to attend the SCBWI conference in LA this summer. It has a really great faculty too, and you can attend in your bathrobe if you so desire!

One of the Write On Con's highlights this year is what they call NINJA AGENTS. I'd call them that to- it's a great list. You can count me in.

Sandcastle Away My Dears

2011-08-07T15:47:00.000-07:00

Baby Clarence

2011-08-04T10:07:00.000-07:00

Here comes Dad to save the day.

About a Book: Big Wolf & Little Wolf- Such a Beautiful Orange!

2011-08-02T16:02:00.000-07:00

I found this book at the library recently: Big Wolf & Little Wolf- Such a Beautiful Orange! Written by Nadine Brun-Cosme and illustrated by Olivier Tallec, this is such a beautiful book. The story is truly timeless and unique. The illustrations match perfectly.

Big Wolf and Little Wolf live under a nice shady tree on top of a hill. They discover an orange which is "so round, so sweet, and so bright" it has them both upset. They both want it, but the story turns into a story about the growth of a friendship through separation and learning the difference between love and possession. Well, that's some of what I got out of it. It seems to me that this book is very adult and sophisticated, but it can speak to a younger crowd. You really should check it out!

I was also very happy to discover that there are several more Big Wolf & Little Wolf books. We should check them all out!

Little Swimmers

2011-07-31T10:41:00.001-07:00

Second in a series of swimming pool swimmers.

Re-do for Horace!

2011-07-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

Last night I re-did this page for my dung beetle book and I feel a lot better about it.

For the Love of Buoyancy

2011-07-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

American Kids

2011-07-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

Something kind of hit me yesterday, on our American Independence Day. I am an American kid. Or rather- I was an American kid. Now I have two American kids. Growing up in this country will shape so much of their experience.

I never was a super nationalist or anything. I do get warm fuzzies on the 4th of July. Largely because of the heat, the party people, the wonderful smell of sulfur and that POP- POP sound ringing through the air. Not that I don't appreciate my country. I really do. But I never understood the people who act violently in love with America, like because they happened to be born here makes them an elite. Our ideals here are great, and I love the physical place- the beauty of America. I love the whole world too. I think I have always felt more of an allegiance to the cities I have lived in- or neighborhoods- those things can say more about who you are because you usually choose them.

That being said, for some reason the fact that I have two American kids was such a revelation. American girls.

Space Ballerina

2011-06-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

My daughter watched a Reading Rainbow episode, it had a little spot about astronauts. She now has a full fledged astronaut obsession. She is going to be a ballerina astronaut. I thought, what a great idea! I drew her a picture of what that might look like.

That was the easy part. Now she has a list of other needs for this chosen profession. Anyone know where to get astronaut food?

"He cannot be a gentleman that loveth not a dog." -Proverb-

2011-06-04T08:40:00.001-07:00

Beaumont is getting fuzzy. As he gets on into his dog middle age, he has begun to grow wispy fur from his ear flaps and more whiskery hair around his lips. He looks a little older. It's about the only indication of his slight age advancement. In all other ways he is ever a puppy- which is a blessing and a curse.

I say this often: he's a good boy. Sometimes just to remind myself because his anxious antics can drive one beyond irritation, but mostly because it's true.

Writing Contest: My Brush with Publication

2011-05-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

The journey to the actualization of what I want to do seems ever rambling. I apologize now for the cliche journey/road to success metaphor. I have planned a few stops (I will know them when I see them). Thus far, I have not made many stops but I assume that once I get out of this wandering countryside and at least somewhere more stops of interest will be close by. One such place I dream of is the publication of anything of mine. More publication is sure to follow.

In order to allow myself as many chances possible, I have been entering writing contests. (I have not found many contests for illustrators). I came across the first contest while flipping through the pages of Nylon Magazine: Quiksilver Women's Summer Story contest. I thought, I can do this... I can write a good short story about summer. I assumed that most of the entries would be beachy romances or beachy tales of athletic triumph. So I thought: why not try to stand out and write something different? The story I wrote called "Queen of the Road" is fiction but I was very inspired by my own scrubby childhood in upstate New York. There was nothing glamorous or sexy about it- but honestly not every summer worth recalling is.

The contest was international, and I imagine there were many entries. Quiksilver chose stories to put directly into a "Summer Story" book they will publish this summer. A few more pieces were chosen in four categories (photo, memoir, fiction and poetry) to compete on Facebook for the most votes. One winner in each category would also be put in the "Summer Story" book. To my surprise "Queen of the Road" was chosen in the fiction category for the Facebook voter favorite contest. The voting period turned out to be two whole weeks. I remained in the lead with percentage of votes for just about the entire two week period, thanks to my wonderful friends. A person was allowed to vote once a day. On the day voting was to close (May 9) they said winners would be announced (they were not). By ten in the evening I was ahead with 44%, the story just at my heels had 36%. I assumed that the contest would close at midnight. I was already exhausted. I thought: what will be will be. I doubted that I could mobilize any more friends to vote for me by that time anyway, I had done all I could, promoted it into the ground. The next day voting was closed, and no word. And the next. And the next. I was anxious as anyone could be after two weeks of constant insecurity over my vote percentage. Finally winners were announced and scores were displayed. The story that had been at my heels for the two weeks had gained 1% more votes than I at 39% (my score had been brought down to 38%) in two hours. It was like The Tortoise and the Hare, as I had feared all along.

I am pleased that I can say I was a finalist, but of course it is so frustrating- I had come so close! It was an interesting experience to say the least.

I am not sure how long this link will last, but for now you can see the results and read the stories here.

Old Sketches Found

2011-04-22T16:33:00.000-07:00

I was going through my portfolio today and I found some saved sketches. They made me smile. Here is a pair that look to me a bit "graphic novel".

One is supposed to be my husband, the other myself. (I did these before we married) The one of my husband really makes me laugh because he was a chef at the time and I think I made him look like an evil chef.

Monkey on my Back

2011-04-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about the monkey character I have been developing for one of my books and I remembered a close encounter I once had with such a hand-footed creature.

I was visiting Costa Rica back in 2004. I got close with this little White Faced Capuchin. I was trying to lure him with a mango, though I think he was more interested in looking to see if I had any bugs in my hair. (Notice his head behind mine in top photo)

I remember the sensation of his smooth skinned hands and feet climbing on me. It tickled! I couldn't stop laughing, and I admit I was a little nervous.

These Sleeping Giants

2011-04-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

Here are the "Sleeping Giant" paintings.
They kind of make me laugh... giant babies...

Bob Ross anyone?

2011-03-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

I began more paintings in the "Sleeping Giant" series. I thought I'd start them the same way I did the first: the landscape. These are 3 landscapes from photos I took in the 4 corners area (like the first).

Ouray, CO

New Mexico

Telluride, CO

Now I need to add the Giants.

Sleeping Giant 1

2011-03-15T13:03:00.001-07:00

Finished.

Back at It

2011-03-13T16:27:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd take the weekend to rest after these last couple of months I have been so hard at work getting ready to hang paintings for a show. Art walk was Thursday. Friday
I rested.

I spent quality time with my girls and it was really relaxing. By Saturday I was fidgety
and I ended up finishing another dummy book (a project I will share in the future).

Today I started work on a painting I have been thinking about for about a week. The background was painted years ago actually (a scene from a photo I took in Silverton, CO), but I was never satisfied with what I had put in the foreground (red buffalo stamps). The red buffaloes were only there to bring some more color in, but I felt that they were out of place as subject matter. So finally I figured it out. This will be the first of a new series called: "Sleeping Giants". Here are images of some parts of my process making "Sleeping Giant1" which I worked on today.

So far, it looks like this. Of course the sketch is best. Now I must to stop and think about it all for a while.

Blitz Art Walk: Be There

2011-02-28T11:12:00.000-08:00

I want to invite any blog reading friends to the Capitol Hill Blitz Art Walk that takes place this March 10th. I will have a group of paintings hung at Aria which will be part of the art walk. I would love for you to come and see! Here is a peek of paintings I will have up:

There are really 2 groups of paintings. Some of the paintings are water-like, others are tree-like. Both lean toward the abstract. As of late I have been trying to experiment with the technical and stylistic aspects of my painting. I have been trying to "free" myself up a bit, and paint looser.

The art walk is from 5pm-8pm (March 10). Aria, where my paintings are hung, is a salon. Stylists will be working until 7pm that evening- but it is still totally open for art walk viewing, so don't be shy. Hope to see you there.

The Follower

2011-02-14T15:00:00.000-08:00

Supporting Character

2011-02-10T11:26:00.000-08:00

Now that I am at a good "finished" place with my Dung Beetle dummy book, I began work again developing another story that has been waiting in the wings. I blogged of a character I made up a couple years ago, "Bala" the sloth bear. I had an idea of the story, but just recently it really came to me after making thumb nail sketches of the action I wanted to see throughout. Having the visual in front of me was the best way to piece things together and the words just started to flow.
Another thing that happened, was that I realized that Bala needed a friend- a supporting character that cheers him on. I came up with a monkey I think would be very likely Bala's friend. Macaques are the monkeys typical of India. I discovered that Macaques are the second most widespread species in the world, the first being humans.
I have been working on the sketches of this Macaque. They are sometimes pretty freaky fellows I think. They can look cute, but they also often look down right menacing. I want Bala's friend to look friendly, so I had to go through several versions. Here are some sketches of the guy I came up with:

Horace the Dung Beetle

2011-02-09T12:44:00.000-08:00

I have been working on revisions of a book I wrote and illustrated called "The Lonely Dung Beetle". I love Dung beetles, don't you?
I took the dummy book to an SCBWI critique in January and was happy about the suggestions and feedback I got. I am now just waiting on the printer for the revised edition. It is high time I shared an illustration of Horace the dung beetle.

In this illustration Horace is experiencing some earth tremors, of sorts.

Style, clear eyes and Little Pea

2011-01-22T22:05:00.000-08:00

I obsess over style. I toss and turn, pace around, and daydream in contemplation over style. I know it defines a person, and I want to define myself.

I've been thinking that we are all filters essentially. We choose what things we like, we act according to how our minds are shaped and the results that are our lives look unique. Simplification can create a bolder statement; fewer lines and shapes make a stronger image. The more someone lets in, the more complex and intricate things get. There is so much to filter, or not to filter.

These days I am addicted to Clear Eyes eye drops, which is partly due to my crazy life with 2 small kids. I am trying hard to look like I am not trying hard, while trying hard. I had to try too hard to write that sentence. Again, with the obsessing!

Now for the book revue. I just returned from the library with my kids and we read one of our finds: Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Jen Corace. It had my 3 year old in tears from laughter. It is so simple and the illustrations are great. The pea family has so much personality despite the fact that they are just round green balls. It also just might get your candy loving veggie hater to gobble their greens.

Tiny Dancer

2011-01-22T17:52:00.000-08:00

Success in the children's book realm must come for many reasons, but some are likely talent, cleverness and lots of WORK, WORK, WORK. ( Of course, who am I to know. I sound like a poser.)

I have had so much inspiration lately, for that I am thankful. You know who's really cool? I just found Catia Chien. (Click for link)Wow! I love the scenes from a more distant view. What visions are captured. I greatly admire the contrast between muted color and vibrancy. The feeling from these invokes grandeur and solace.

The pre-conception of a Mule

2011-01-11T09:31:00.000-08:00

This is a sketch I did for a potential children's book. I thought it appropriate with the coming of V-day.

Trees Please

2010-12-02T15:41:00.000-08:00

Seattle is so "treesy", and I love trees. I'm into making a whole bunch of tree paintings right now.

Thank You Much

2010-11-23T09:06:00.000-08:00

This week is for Thanksgiving. My family has had a trying past few months, but I have loads to be thankful for, really so much that I feel bad for ever complaining. Even just the daily luxuries, so often taken for granted. For me these would include:

2 safe, happy kids that usually sleep through the night

music

coffee

rice milk

time to paint/illustrate

exercise outdoors

my yoga mat

a sweet and faithful dog

the internet

a pair of boots

chocolate

conversations with friends and family

plentiful food and water

starting and ending everyday with my best friend

And for you?

Focus Pocus

2010-11-21T12:12:00.000-08:00

I've always had trouble staying focused. I get really stoked on a certain idea and run with it for a while. When a new idea comes my way I have a hard time just jotting it down for when I'm done with the first project. I tell myself I need to step back from the previous project anyway- I'll come back to it- which is usually true.
So now I am currently rotating about 8 stories for children with illustrations and 5 oil painting series. There are a few novel ideas (books to write) bumping around my brain's spin cycle, potential bands to start, songs to record, Christmas gift ideas, kid projects, home improvement projects, self improvement projects. That's really just the beginning. Sometimes this constant shuffle can feel a bit self sabotaging, sometimes I think maybe I am growing at a rapid rate, and that can be a good thing.
I guess I am explaining the reason I may skip around from one topic to another in this blog. I think it's healthy to explore though, and you never know what you might learn.

Amazing as it is, I am more focused now than I ever was, after having 2 children. You might think the opposite would be true but I don't know if I'd ever have come around to find the drive and focus I have today if it weren't for being a mom. Just one more reason 'twas meant to be.

The latest series in oil that I've started is a group of forest studies. I have photos of forests with which I crop small squares of my favorite sections. I am painting these and comparing
different techniques: wet, dry, layered composition, and flat.

These 2 are the flattest of the paintings, though not entirely similar. I tell you, I really have a hard time doing the same thing twice!

Schiele-esque self portrait

2010-11-08T13:40:00.000-08:00

Studying Schiele these days.

If I Had To Choose

2010-10-12T16:04:00.000-07:00

If I had to choose one favorite artist of the artists I've seen, I'd have to go with Egon Schiele. Yes, he's a little scary. Yes, a lot brilliant.
I've decided to study him more lately. We'll see if it helps me with my own work.
Any thoughts on the artist?

Moths

2010-09-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

Recent series in progress: Moths. I wanted to make a series fitting for the coming fall, something that spoke to me of camp fires, cool air and nocturnal flitting about. Here are the first three:
Interestingly, I discovered yesterday that moths tend to symbolise psychic powers and sensitivity. They have always seemed mystical to me.

#2

2010-07-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

Ok, I think this second painting in Cambodian series is done.

Onward

2010-07-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

#2 of "Baby Come Out" paintings. Also #2 of my Cambodian Temple series. Here are some photos of the progression:

Although, I'm not sure that it's finished still...

Some Nest, I Paint

2010-07-08T21:36:00.000-07:00

I am very close to having baby duex... and I just want to paint all the time- now that most of the other preparations have been made. It has to be oil paints. Here is my "Baby Come Out" #1. We shall see how many I can produce before the big time arrives.

Wave

2010-06-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

I just adore this book we found at the library the other day: Wave by- Suzy Lee. There are no words, just wonderful pictures. Here are a couple images from the book:

There is so much expression and movement in the book, there is absolutely no need for words.

Constructive Procrastination

2010-05-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

How I spend my Days

Sometimes you've gotta re-do

2010-05-05T11:30:00.001-07:00

I made this sketch:

and then attempted to make a little painted illustration of it. I HATED the result. Usually this means I make a mental note to come back to it, and try something else, but never end up fixing it. This time I re-did right away and was happier with the 2nd one. Unfortunately some of the spontaneity from the sketch is lost. That's the tough part, keeping the finished one loose enough.

Trying out the Gouache, and Liking it

2010-04-27T09:58:00.000-07:00

I had been needing an alternative to oils for illustration, so I tried watercolors. They're nice, but a little too watery for me. Acrylics don't feel right since I'm used to oils and I was wondering what I would do. Then I heard about Gouache thought I'd try it. I'm very pleased with the more opaque quality it has compared to watercolors. I think I may be happy using both watercolors and gouache at the same time, or just using a variety of mediums. Here is an example of my trials with gouache. This picture is mostly watercolor, with some gouache accents. I actually upped the color concentration on my photo program. Maybe that is cheating- but everyone is using computers now! Next time I will try not to be as tentative and go for bolder colors, because I can.

Sticking Out

2010-04-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun little one I made recently:

Happy SPRING!

LeUyen Pham

2010-04-17T13:11:00.000-07:00

I am totally enamoured with an illustrator right now, she is LeUyen Pham. Here are a few of her works:

To find out more about her, here is a link to see: LeUyen Pham

SCBWI 2010 Conference: What Stuck

2010-04-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

My second year attending the annual SCBWI Western Washington regional conference was, as anticipated, a wonderful experience. There were many inspiring speakers and new contacts made. Anyone who has an interest in writing and/or illustrating children's books MUST know about SCBWI -and join!

The theme for this year's conference was: "Step into the Story Garden", based on the New York Time's best selling THE CURIOUS GARDEN by Peter Brown. Peter's attendance at the conference was a highlight for me. Peter is an illustrator/author -like I strive to be- and he has great style and talent! The entire cast of faculty was amazing also, and I learned so much from all of the keynotes and break-out sessions. It is particularly cool to hear about the personal journeys some of the speakers went on to get where they are at this point.

I could rattle on about all of the details and technical aspects of what I learned, but I think a brief summary of what most made an impression on me will do.

Laini Taylor :

-The magic of what an author (or illustrator) does is in the transference of their creative thoughts into words (or images) to the page, and then received into another person's mind.

- don't get hung up on your own short comings, or what other people can do.

-Figure out how your own mind works and how to control it, make it work for you.

One on one consultation with Paul Rodeen (agent) on my portfolio:

-strive to have a recognizable style.

-work on technique

- work on facial expressions of human characters

Peter Brown "The Laments of Style":

-to develop style, create a story board of favorite images

- find continuity and ways to tie together

- allow some flexibility within developed style

Matthew Holm "Graphic Novels Two ways":

-keeping energy in work from start to finish

-processes of creating graphic novels

Sarah Crowe:

-elements in writing that grab an agent or editor's attention:

VOICE, CHARACTER, HOOK, AUTHENTICITY

Jay Asher:

-perseverance= success

- no one way to get there

Mitali Perkins:

-changes in the industry can be great opportunities (stories, info, art moving from printed page to many venues)

-real questions to ask one's self:

What can I contribute?

How can I serve?

How can I develop my voice?

-She quoted the amazing poem by Naomi Shihab Nye, which really resonated and reminded me once again the importance and truth in being authentic: Famous. (Go to the link to read)

Tim Gillner:

-how to submit to an art director- him in particular!

Peter Brown closing keynote "Questions (not Answers)":

-What am I good at?

-What are my goals

-How can I do my best work?

- importance of shaping characters

-organization and effective use of time

- pursue ideas I am passionate about!

There definitely were themes that stuck. Michael Bourret said something during the introductions that can sum up how I feel and what I got out of the conference this year. He basically said that, " This is a very special time in our careers" Ha ha- but seriously, " The unpublished time in one's career is the time to set the tone, the time to set yourself up and really work out what you want to put out there." He advised not to rush into the first opportunities that come along, though it can be difficult, make sure of what you want to be known for doing.

On another note, though I was not a published attendee nor did I receive any honorable mentions etc, I felt quite special for a specific reason- the fact that I'm pregnant. I felt so aware of the fact through the whole conference, much more than usual. An older woman came up to me on the last day to tell me something I reminded her of. She told me that when she and her husband explained to their son when he was very young about why a pregnant woman had a big stomach, he later spotted another pregnant woman and declared, "There goes a happy lady!"

* If you want to read more about what happened at the conference, the official blog for the western washington chapter of SCBWI can inform you: chinookupdate.blogspot.com

New Collage

2010-03-31T14:55:00.000-07:00

Here's a new collage/mixed media piece I just made to add to the illustration portfolio. I have a couple collage pieces in there but thought I should include one that has children in it to show I can do kids in that style.

Don't know where the idea came from really. Originally I was thinking of some kind of "fairy garden" or something whimsical like that, but the sketch looked so cheesy to me. This image just sprung to life after that.

Head of the Department

2010-03-06T20:49:00.000-08:00

After posting the last three head sketches- I thought I would do another. I felt like putting the head of someone I admire on a coin. Since most of us take part in some type of celebrity worship, and since I thought it should be a head that many could recognize, I chose my favorite actress. Cate Blanchett is just amazing in my opinion. Not only is she tremendously talented and diverse as an actress, but I think she is fiercely intelligent, classy and possesses sincere integrity. Need I even mention the fact that she's absolutely stunning too?

Heads

2010-03-02T13:59:00.000-08:00

Here is a little group of torn out sketches I did a little while ago. These make me think of summer. The air these days smells like spring and warmness and approaching summer.

High Art

2010-02-20T13:24:00.001-08:00

I'm not yet ready to share an example of any new illustrations, but here's a doodle I found in a sketch book the other day.

Finding Inspirations

2010-02-11T18:05:00.001-08:00

Lately I have been working a lot and getting ready for the SCBWI spring conference. I am so excited, and a little nervous because I've signed up for a portfolio critique, the portfolio art show, and the illustration master class. This means that many talented and discerning people will see my work. I guess you could say that I'm a little more than a little nervous.

What I've been doing lately to get ready is adding pieces to my portfolio to bulk it up and hopefully improve it. I want to exhibit some different styles which I will try to execute well. An illustrator who has inspired me lately is a man by the name of Dusan Petricic. (Pardon the lack of accents, I don't know how to place them with the computer). I really like Dusan's use of line and color. He seems to be so free, yet so intentional. He achieves a great balance. Here is an example of Dusan Petricic's work:

I'll post an example of my own Petricic inspired work later.

What Comes and What Goes

2010-01-28T22:36:00.000-08:00

So strange how life sometimes clumps a series of unfortunate occurrences together, then usually- (hopefully)- follows with a clump of very nice things. At times when I feel like I can't catch a break, I just think that truly I must be around the corner from some incredible news or event.

It seems to me that things do work that way. It's just odd, and I wonder why. I come up with theories: maybe good and bad forces are magnetic, and form clusters together. These clusters randomly float about and knock one another out of the way; or maybe we see what we want to see; 0r maybe it's all somehow karma coming back 'cause karma likes to use it's time wisely and dump at one stop all at once; OR maybe there really are no good or bad occurences (no matter how convinced we are) because we never know what one thing can lead to or what purpose a thing can have.

I don't know what it is, but I recently had a big turn over. We had a few unhappy things going on for a bit (ex: garage flood- see previous post), then a couple days ago the sky cleared and the sun shone down it's warmth and fortune. Happy things.

Water Damage

2010-01-18T14:49:00.000-08:00

Oh my, oh my- I usually think of water as such a nourishing thing. Clean water is the most valuable resource in the world! Living in Seattle I like to think that we are rich, simply for the fact that we have no want of water. Last night water did some damage.

We use our garage for many things. It's a storage area, my painting studio, and it's the laundry room. Last night we had a big mishap with some kind of hose attachment on the washer. As I went about various things around the house Sunday evening, the garage filled with water. By the time the problem was discovered there was a lot of water in the garage. The end result was unfortunately the ruining of many beloved books, a big box of collector's records :( , some of my filled sketch pads, and some of paintings, among other things.

New Year's Eve Cont.

2010-01-01T17:21:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to add that the moon sure did break throught the clouds last night. It almost looked phosphorescent. I hardly slept a wink all night. I don't really mind though, I've always felt New Years was a good night to do some thinking.
How was your New Year's Eve?

New Year's Eve 2009

2009-12-31T19:47:00.001-08:00

It's a dark and drizzly night here in Seattle this New Year's Eve of 2009. I saw the almost full moon last night, but tonight it's too covered to break through. Doesn't matter much, I can feel it anyhow. I feel that strange energy that full moons tend to bring out of each cell in one's body.

Of course since it's New Year's Eve I do feel like thinking back on the year passing. I think it's been quite a year, I feel very fortunate personally. In terms of the broader world, as usual, it's been quite a year. The world is always crazy.

I don't feel it would be very interesting if I recapped the events of my life in 2009, but I have been trying to decide what the general themes for me were this year.

2009 was a year for reconnecting with people. I felt a strong need to find people I'd lost touch with, and ironically it was also my 10 year high school reunion, so going to that helped a great deal.

This was also a year that I was to be productive and work hard toward set goals. I feel pretty happy about the things I've done career-wise this year. I think the hard work has only given me the taste for something constantly growing and shifting, a taste for something that may never be fully realized, and I don't know how I'll ever be satisfied. My focus only locks in further down a path with destinations unknown, but I am enjoying the rampage.

Unfortunately, I have been pretty anxious this fading 2009. Striving to reconnect with friends scattered and trying to gain ground with a budding career can cause anxiety. In 2010 I will remind myself that it's not the "this" or "that" which will bring fulfillment. I have everything I need, and more, right now. I know this may be cliche, but it's usually hard to be anxious when one just remembers to live right now. I don't want to take any moments for granted, 'cause they're gone in a heart beat- and what wonderful moments I've had this year! Thank you to anyone who has shared a moment with me. In person, in voice or in cyber-world. You all make the moments interesting.

Holiday Cookie Contest

2009-12-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

Cookies. I ate a lot of cookies last night.

It was the monthly SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) meeting. They held a holiday cookie contest, which I entered. A fabulous baker and friend of mine Erin Fernandez lent me a recipe she created called "Almond Crisps". "They are like crack cocaine, not that I have ever tried it" she told me. She was right, not that I have ever tried it either, but the cookies are so much finer I am sure.

I know that my version would not rival hers, though the recipe was very precise, here is a photo of how my cookies turned out:

They kind of remind me of pizzelles, though they are very different. I did not win the contest (there were some fancy cookies there) but they received some acclaim. Thank you so much Erin. The recipe is not mine to share, but I can say that if you ever need a baked good, wedding cake or what have you, this girl is the one to call. Her website is: http://cakedwithlove.com/index.html

Coloring Book Project

2009-11-24T13:18:00.000-08:00

I've been working on this project for a kid's coloring book. I originally set out to produce copies to sell on etsey.com, though now I kind of want to pitch it to a small publishing company.

The coloring book features a brother/sister monster duo taking on Seattle's famous attractions. I had fun making the pictures. Here are a few of the pages:

Now, I have two questions:

#1 Is there anything about these characters you don't like? Any characteristic I should change? I want honest opinions please, because if I must re-do I'd rather know sooner than later. (Yes, she has fangs and octopus legs. Yes, he has suction cup tentacles on his head and gorilla feet.)

#2 Anyone know legally or otherwise if I can sell some self published little books on etsey.com and still pitch to a publishing company? Hm?

Clustering

2009-11-11T21:37:00.000-08:00

Last night at the SCBWI (Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) meeting I learned a fun exercise, potentially valuable skill. The whole meeting was full of great info, but I wanted to share with you this thing called "Clustering".

Terri Farley, author and English teacher, was the speaker who introduced this notion. It's supposed to help the creative right and the logical left brain work together. You take a word- any word really- or one you would like to build an idea around, and draw a circle around it so that it is the nucleus. Then whatever you think of next write down, circle, and connect with a line, and so on. I'm not an expert at it, but I really like it as a tool for brainstorming. I like that it is supposed to be messy and go wherever you want it to, rather than in a neatly formatted outline. Here's an example, minus the doodle at the bottom.

You should try it!

Shout out to Gyo

2009-11-04T22:04:00.000-08:00

Gyo Fujikawa: a great illustrator. I think his images could be described as "precious" and "sweet".
Soothing images, I need that right now.
.

Cuckoo, cuckoo

2009-10-22T19:02:00.000-07:00

Cuckaloo. That's how I've been the last couple weeks. Things are fine and dandy though, been getting chances for breathers again.

I am excited about the fact that just moments ago I ordered a scanner with which I hope to have a long satisfactory relationship with. If you are a reader of this blog you should be excited also, because the quality of my digital images should improve a great deal.

I've been subscribing to more blogs and keeping up with them. There are so many great blogs out there on the cyber coffee table. In particular I am collecting illustration and writing blogs so to further my education. I owe many thanks to SCBWI and the Chinook update for some direction. Check out some of the great blogs on my list!

A Nice Set of Eyebrows

2009-10-18T13:10:00.000-07:00

I've got a thing for eyebrows. I really appreciate a nice set, and I love to study people's brows all the time.

They are expressive for one thing, and there are so many different types. On top of that- people do some interesting and weird things to their eyebrows. It really kills me when a someone with nice thick eyebrows over does it with the tweezers. (Just ask my sisters, at certain times they've been dealt grief over it for sure.)

This eyebrow thing has been a fascination of mine for quite a while. I remember the first time I saw the set of brows that I wanted- on Sherilyn Fenn- "Audrey" from the Twin Peaks series. Later, after some experimentation with tweezing I realized it's better to just embrace your brows because it is all too obvious when someone messes with their natural eyebrows. In my opinion it seldom works for the person.

Here are some of my own personal classifications for eyebrows:

Pencils vs Pens

2009-10-13T21:54:00.000-07:00

I've "fallen back in love" with pencils lately. I know people throw that expression around, but it is true. I sort of forgot how wonderful they are. Pens are great, I like to stay comfortable with pens so I can lay a line down that I know will be permanent and I love that they are bold and smooth. In the opposite way pencils have a nice quality when they strike a piece of paper. If you could choose just one or the other, which would it be?

A Website

2009-10-13T08:48:00.000-07:00

Wow, this blog is delayed, but I would like to share my new website with you all:
http://www.sarahromanodiehl.com

Not an Invitation to Come too Soon Winter.

2009-10-01T10:39:00.000-07:00

The fall has inspired me to paint some wintry pictures. It hasn't been cold here yet, but the chill on the wind and the smells have been reminders of what's around the corner. I started a few paintings with this little girl in them. They make me happy. I like all the snow and minimal backdrop with mellow, quiet colors.

Homemade Dress

2009-09-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

Today I finished my first piece of clothing with the sewing machine! I made a dress for my daughter. I didn't use a pattern, I just went with it, so it definitely looks homemade. I think it's wearable for an almost 2 year old, but definitely not sell able on Etsy! Next time I think I will use a pattern- it's got to make things a whole lot easier.

Sunflower Sprouts

2009-09-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

I simply love sunflower sprouts. If you have never tried them you must, and they are also incredibly nutritious. I've decided that I will grow my own because it's relatively easy and I was lame this past summer and did not have a vegetable garden. I believe that growing my own sprouts may make up for it a little, and I'll have lots to eat! Rather than regurgitating the info I read about sunflower sprouts, here is a link to info and instructions to growing your own: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/1979-11-01/Sunflower-Sprouts.aspx

Yum.

Christmas Already

2009-09-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

This year I promised myself that I would start on Christmas gifts early. I say that every year, but I fool myself into thinking that there is so much time. December comes and I only have two gifts ready. The mad rush is so stressful, so I am definitely prepping WAY early this year- like now.

I love making gifts for people. I feel like handmade gifts can often have more meaning than store bought gifts, though sometimes I think my handmade gifts can wind up looking too home made. The result of the mad rush usually. Let's hope that doesn't happen this year.

I think I have some very good ideas (with some help from Martha Stewart), though I cannot blow the lid on these ideas until after Christmas. So, I guess this is just a reminder to folks that the Christmas season is around the corner!

September is Heavy- It's Bursting at the Seams

2009-09-05T14:38:00.000-07:00

The September Art walk in Issaquah was a very fun time. I was set up in the Fischer Meats building. All the people at Fischer meat and Wild Salmon are so great, it was a good time hanging out while they all did their thing.

This month Art Walk was a bit slower, due to the rain. It was unfortunate but in some ways it was nice because it was not as hectic. I felt like I was really able to talk to people this time. The only thing that would have been nicer was if I could have taken a break to go check out the other artist's work, but ah well.

Another exciting opportunity coming up is the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrator's "Keep It Simple Art Show" this Tuesday at 6:15pm in Demarray Hall at SPU. It will be a group of SCBWI members showing up to 5 illustrations each. No original artwork, just prints etc., but it will be cool to see who will bring what and to mingle before the first meeting of the season. In addition, Elana Roth, agent with Caren Johnson literary agency will be the speaker and will be taking a grab bag of people's stuff home to NYC. You bet I signed up to participate!

Speaking of NYC, I am so pleased to announce that my friend Letia Frandina, who I have known since high school and reconnected with on the oh- so- wonderful Facebook, is opening up a children's consignment boutique this month (in New York city). She asked if I'd like to send some art for her to put in the store, maybe sell, I said "of course!" I'm sending some prints of a couple sloth bear illustrations and a couple collage illustrations. Thank you Letia, and may you have the best of business to come!

Autumn has really descended upon us today in the form of buckets of water. The truth is, that I don't mind. I love Fall even if in Seattle that means more rainfall to come. The look and smell of the autumn leaves starts the tingling sensations in my stomach, plus I know we have plenty of clear gorgeous fall days to look forward to. I'm making all sorts of seasonal plans: road trip, hikes, pumpkin patch, apple picking, the fair, and on.

The Ruins of this Summer

2009-09-02T20:57:00.000-07:00

Hey! I'm pretty excited about this new series I started in oils. I was inspired by the National Geographic feature on Angkhor in Cambodia- and other unexplainables. This is the first one, the only one I've finished so far. I'm taking it with me to art walk this Friday.

By the way- I hope everyone has had a GREAT summer. I don't feel like it's really over yet, but we are now in September. There are scents of autumn in the air.

September Art walk

2009-09-01T15:48:00.000-07:00

The Issaquah Art Walk is happening again this coming Friday September the 4th, 2009 and I will also be there again. This time I'll be showing some of my oil paintings, mostly from my Dominican Republic series, and one very new painting from a new series involving Cambodian temples and internal spaces. Anybody interested should go! It happens along Front street in down town Issaquah from 5pm to 9pm. I'll have my stuff up in the Fischer Meats building. Hope to see you there!

Little Fish

2009-08-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

Here she is, the blue bird of the sea.She looks cold, but that's cause she's cold blooded. Mermaids have to be to keep out of sight in the deep, deep depths of the ocean. On occasion one may swim up close to the surface to check something out. They are just as curious as we are- though much more intelligent- as many sea creatures are. Very seldom a mermaid will linger out of the water as in my depiction of this blue bird of the sea. I was extremely lucky to catch a glimpse of her. Of course I ran home and got the image from memory down on paper. It was a once in a lifetime moment.