Illustration Friday - Theater

{Colored Pencil, 2009}

{Colored Pencil, 2009}

I couldn't help it! This week, I had to do a spot illustration to go with my more detailed illustration. I doubt I will get the colored versions done in time for this week, but I can deal with that. I am so proud of myself for drawing the popcorn from memory... probably because I have shoved so much of it into my face, that its burned into my memory. When I think about it, there are probably a ton of foods that I could draw from memory (for the same reason).

SCBWI:Iowa Conference

{Portfolio Display, 2009}

The SCBWI:Iowa (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrator's) conference was this past weekend. This was my first time attending, and WOW, it was so amazing. The wealth of information at this regional event is so vast! They had quite a bit of information for illustrators, even though of the 83 attendees, there were less than 10 of us. The guest speakers or this three day event included:

• Harold Underdown who has been an editor for several books within children's publishing and the author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books". 
  
• Abigail Samoun, an editor at Tricycle Press since 2000. She had a lot of love for illustrators as well as writers. (very exciting to hear!)
  
• Amy Lennex of Sleeping Bear Press, which is in Michigan. I always get excited to hear about Michigan!
  
• Ruta Rimas, who is an editor for a brand new imprint of Harper Collins called Balzer + Bray. She was so witty and fun to listen to.
• Larry Day, an illustrator, who has illustrated several books, including "Not Afraid of Dogs", which I bought at the book sale, and he signed for me! He also gave me a portfolio review, which gave me some interesting things to think about, and revise.

There were also several published authors from Iowa in attendance (also presenting) as well as a few published illustrators. The next SCBWI:Iowa conference is the weekend of October 24, 2009 and will be held in Des Moines. (I am super excited about not having to drive three hours for that!) I can hardly wait to go again. SCBWI members are always very encouraging and engaging.

{Weekend Snapshots Collage, 2009}

From top left clockwise: Attendees enjoying portfolio displays, Canadian geese and goslings alongside the Mississippi river on the Iowa side, Attendee checking out fellow Iowa illustrator, Claudia McGehee's portfolio display, some John Deere equipment in Moline, Illinois, a few of the conference guests (from left to right: Abigail Samoun, Harold Underdown, and Ruta Rimas), and some lovely and fragrant blossoms.

Poem Illustration

{Watercolor, 2009}

I just completed this illustration for Stories for Children Magazine, which is a digital children's e-zine. I am still working towards being in a print children's magazine this year. That is one of my main goals for 2009. Hopefully the promo I just sent out will help with that! I really enjoyed doing this illustration. Its for a poem about the middle child, entitled, "Between One and Three" by Lois Greene Stone. I have no idea what its like to be the middle child, because I was an only child, but I can only imagine the horrors...kidding!

A Million Little Things

{watercolor and ink, 2009}

I wanted to make sure I did something to note Earth Day on my blog, even if it was small. I've been absent from posting this week as I prepare for the SCBWI:Iowa conference in Bettendorf this weekend. I also have several jobs that are getting wrapped up all at once. Its been crazy. I get a little overwhelmed at times, but I would rather have that than complete boredom! I'll have some neat posts coming up next week as things settle down a tad.

Illustration Friay - Fleeting

{ Watercolor, 2009}

I finally finished my Illustration Friday entry for "Fleeting". I had the drawing completed and had been thinking about it all week! I just wanted to start painting it, but had some more pressing work to finish. I have to say, I can not wait to get a better scanner. The richness and subtlety of the colors just doesn't come through, even if I tweak it in Photoshop. When I have to have things perfectly accurate, I always have to go to the local print shop to have a nice scan made... maybe a portion of the tax return should go to a new printer/scanner/copier... hmmmm... hopefully!

Promotional Postcard Spring 2009

{Promo Card Front, 2009}

{Promo Card Back, 2009}

{Finished Product Photo, 2009}

{Finished Product Photo, 2009}

My promotional cards were delivered Monday, so I thought I would post some pictures of them. I always like to see what other artists do for promotion, I think its interesting to see different approaches to trying to catch some attention from a potential client! Hope these bring me a little work!!

Illustration Friday - Fleeting

{Sketchbook, 2009}

I will finish this in watercolor later this week, so check back, but I sort of like the "aged" look of the tracing paper over the sketchbook paper, so I decided to post the initial sketch. This piece really flowed for me, and I thank God every time that happens, because those are the moments I live for as an artist. I think I was really inspired by all of the recent pregnancies that seem to be popping up for people I know right now. Only in the last 4 months have I even began to think of becoming a mother. Now, I know I want to be one someday, but probably not until closer to 30... because I have a lot to do with my career still, and I know that childhood is fleeting, and I want to be able to savor every moment.

{Colored Pencil, 2009}

This is the colored pencil drawing that was transferred onto the watercolor paper. I Hope to start painting tomorrow!!

A Spring ACEO

{Watercolor and Ink, 2009}

I have been wanting to add an ACEO section to my Etsy Shop for awhile now. I finally added the section last night, and I will be putting this little card up for sale. I plan to sell my ACEO cards for between $5-$10. This little one will be $5. I think they make great little gifts or you can frame them for a little spot that needs some brightening!

Illustration Friday - Talisman (Color Version)

{Watercolor, 2009

Alright, so I'm not totally in love with this piece, but I decided to post it (as promised) anyways. Thats part of the problem with not spending time planning the piece at all. If I were to go back, I would have planned the colors differently, and added a more interesting background. There are definitely some small (stress, SMALL) areas that I am alright with, but I am looking forward to a new Illustration Friday subject tomorrow!

{Watercolor, 2009}

This is the comparison of the characters from the past two IF themes of "poise" and "talisman".

Illustration Friday - Talisman

{colored pencil, 2009}

I took my character from last week (IF: poise) and decided to add a bit of a story. Maybe her necklace was a gift before her dance recital? Is it a good luck talisman? It'll be painted and posted tomorrow! Check back!

Spring 2009 Promotional Illustration and an Interview

{Watercolor, 2009}

After starting over, I finally got this piece finished! I worked against myself to try to keep the atmospheric perspective, because I always want everything BRIGHT! I think the lighter background helps keep the foreground objects a.) in the foreground and b.) as the focal point. I will be putting the image on a postcard and sending it out to some places that I think might be interested in seeing more of my work! I will post a picture of the postcards once they have been printed.

Also, Des Moines Juice writer and fellow Des Moines artist, Brent Houzenga did a nice interview with me HERE. DM Juice is a young professional publication that is part of The Des Moines Register newspaper. Thanks Brent!

Gestural Figure Drawings

{Charcoal on Newsprint, 2009}

{Charcoal on Newsprint, 2009}

{Charcoal and Conte on Newsprint, 2009}

This is a sampling of some of the warm up gesture exercises we have been doing in the figure class at the Des Moines Art Center. I admit, I have never really been that great at gesture drawing. In college, I would sort of just "get through them", but Jack, the instructor, is pushing us by trying various techniques. (he can also tell if you are just going through the motions, and I like that he calls me on it). He often makes a great point, that drawing the figure quicker and quicker is good for the artist and more importantly, the model. (because obviously they can't hold poses forever) That has been one of my major goals during this 13 weeks period; to become a better gesture drawer. I am pleased to say, I think I have improved at it a little!

Illustration Friday - Poise (Color Version)

{Watercolor, 2009}

This is the watercolor version of the drawing I posted yesterday. I'm starting to feel a tad more confident working in watercolors. Hope you enjoy it! Also, I wanted to thank all the new followers to my blog and let everyone know how much I appreciate all the wonderful comments that I receive. When I am alone in my studio all day, it sure helps to "break the silence" and cure the isolation! Thank you.