Illustration Friday - Round

{Prisma Pencil with Digital Color, 2011}

Every morning when I walk to the gym I notice the squirrels are getting rounder and rounder as they prepare for winter! Of course, the squirrels around here don't wear cute little coordinating winter outfits. This little guy is getting ready to store his last nut because he is caught in the year's first snow!

Happy Thanksgiving!

{Watercolor, 2011}

I'm thankful for so much this year! I'm so blessed to have wonderful family, friends (that includes everyone online too!), a career that seems to be blossoming, and true inner happiness. I hope you are able to take a moment during the holiday to reflect on what is wonderful in your life! Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm 28 Today!

{Collage and Drawing on ATC, 2011}

It's my birthday today. I hope I get to eat some cake!

KCCI Des Moines: " In The Artist's Studio"

{KCCI Channel 8 Des Moines Interview, 2011}

I was super excited to be asked to talk about my work and my new books on our local news station! Mollie Cooney was so nice and I owe her so much gratitude for giving me a little press! The video is almost 5 minutes and it aired yesterday (Sunday) morning. I managed to wake up early just to watch it. My favorite part is near the end when they show my little studio buddy, Oliver! One more thing, does my voice really sound like that? It's weird to see yourself and hear yourself on camera!

Santa's Secret Story on Display

{On Display in Pauline Books & Media in Alexandria, VA, 2011}

{Pauline Books & Media in Alexandria, VA, 2011}

My cousin's wedding was last weekend in Washington DC and my husband and I managed to make it into a little vacation. We visited all the major landmarks and got a really good feel for the city. All in all, we had an incredibly good time and really enjoyed the area! A major highlight of the trip was being able to see my book, "Santa's Secret Story", in an actual Pauline Books and Media store that happened to be in Alexandria. From my house the nearest Pauline stores would probably be Chicago or St. Louis and the 2 hour plane ride is quicker than driving to either one. (not that I would buy a plane ticket just to go to a bookstore... but it was convenient to have one in a place we were going anyways!) The above picture is my book on a shelf display (note the Tomie dePaola right next to mine. Cool, right?!) The below picture is the Pauline storefront on a lovely November day!

Sweet Wedding Birds

{Prisma Pencil and Marker, 2011}

I finished coloring this today using Copic markers and Prisma pencils. In my previous post, I shared the black and white line work which has a certain beauty to it. I really love color though! For this piece the color gave the illustration more dimension, texture and mood. I really hope they like their gift! I'm excited for the wedding!

A Wedding Gift

{Prisma Pencil on Stonehenge Paper, 2011}

My cousin is getting married and I decided to make a gift for her to commemorate the day. This is just the line drawing. Once I get it colored, I'll share the final illustration!