Happy Halloween!

{Sketchbook with Digital Color, 2011}

Wishing you all a very Happy Halloween full of yummy candy, fun costumes and pretty pumpkins!

Sketch and Book Review

{Sketchbook, 2011}

I thought I would post the line drawing while I am still working on the digitally colored version. Halloween is just around the corner and I always look forward to carving pumpkins and watching the leaves turn. Of course, I always enjoy a festive cat too! On another note, my publisher sent me a link to THIS REVIEW of "The Twelve Days of Christmas -- In Texas, That Is". It happens to be a favorable review, which of course, makes me happy.

Illustration Friday - Scattered

{Oil on Board, 2011}

This is a small part of a larger illustration that I have been working on. I started it quite a while ago and am now chipping away at finishing it. I thought it worked well for scattered, since thats what animals tend to do when startled. I still have quite a bit of work to do, but I don't think it will be done by the time the week is up, so I figured I would post what I have.

My First Picture Book Has Arrived!

{Title Spread, 2011}

{My First Copies, 2011}

{Books by Me on My Shelf, 2011}

My first picture book, "The Twelve Days of Christmas, In Texas-- That Is" has arrived! Its so shiny and smells so new! Its sort of surreal to see my own books on a shelf next to some of my other Christmas favorites! The funny thing is, I am already starving to do another picture book. It is so satisfying to see the finished product and see the smiles on faces when people see my work! Happy dance time!

Illustration Friday - Hibernate

{Ink in Sketchbook with Digital Color, 2011}

When I think of this week's Illustration Friday prompt, I think of bears huddling in a den or a cave. During winter, I often feel this way too! Its nice to keep cozy inside when the snow is flying. I drew this in in my sketchbook with an ink pen and then scanned it and painted under the drawing in Photoshop.

Art Imitates Craft

{Mixed Media Handmade Card with Tatting, 2011}

{Collage and Ink in Sketchbook, 2011}

I've been taking a tatting class at the Des Moines Art Center for the past few weeks. I'm finding that I like the patterns that lace-making inspires. The above image was our first real project with finished examples of tatting. They are little floral rings that I glued to a card. I also added some subtle acrylic details in white. The second image was partially inspired by tatting, but also all of the Indian designs I have been looking at. My dear friend is getting married and since she is Indian, her wedding will also be. Its such a colorful culture and I love looking at all the intricacies in the patterns of fabric, jewelry, paper products and just about everywhere else! The truth is, I usually don't notice how things inspire me until they are done. Then, when I see them side by side, it becomes apparent! I'll be sure to share some more tatting projects if I manage to finish some larger ones.