Derek Anderson at Ames Public Library

 {Derek Drawing a Dragon, 2012}

 {Derek Anderson, 2012}

 {Lots of Books for Sale, 2012}

 {Close up of the Drawing Demo by Derek, 2012}

 {Derek Anderson and I, 2012}

{Drawing on the Library Walls, 2012}

I had the pleasure of going to Ames, Iowa today to hear Author/Illustrator, Derek Anderson, speak. What a sincerely nice and entertaining guy! Judging from today, I am 100% sure he does an amazing school visit! (a talent in its own right) He really connects with the kiddos. He's originally from Ames, so you can tell the area is near and dear to his heart. He spoke about himself as a kid, read from his new book and did a demonstration of a dragon drawing which is a main character in his new book with Jane Yolen, "Waking Dragons". It is a darling story that will be appealing to children and adults. It was fun to hear him talk about some of the hidden things in the illustrations. (I'm keeping that a secret, in case you ever get to spend an afternoon hearing him speak.) Derek was also nice enough to stay after and sign books and meet with a few of us SCBWI-Iowa members and give pointers. I definitely got some golden nuggets of information, which is one of the greatest things about getting to meet favorite authors and illustrators. I've heard he speaks in Ames annually, so I plan to definitely go see him again. Also, in case you are wondering why he's drawing on library walls, the Ames Public Library is renovating, so they permitted some graffiti illustration! When they open back up, I'm sure that probably won't be an approved activity anymore.

Illustration Friday - Shy

{Verithin Pencil in Sketchbook, 2012}

I took a little break from my work today and hung out in a local coffee shop with my friend, Sara and decided to work on an entry for Illustration Friday this week. We both did some drawing and chatting and it was nice. I came up with a girl who would rather make friends with a little bird than her classmates. I think everyone feels shy at least once in awhile. 

David Diaz at the Joslyn Art Museum

{Me and David Diaz, 2011}

{"Me, Frida", David's Newest Book, 2011}

{David Showing Sketches, Process, Promotional Materials, 2011}

{One Area of the Exhibit, Joslyn Art Museum, 2011}

I had a wonderful opportunity to see Caldecott winning illustrator David Diaz speak at the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, Nebraska a little over a week ago. He was very funny and very open about his process and how he approaches illustrating books. He showed sketches and promotional materials for his most current book entitled, "Me, Frida". I had my picture taken with him and asked him to sign my sketchbook... which ended in 6 pages of sharpie sketches! My friend and fellow illustrator, Erin Taylor, was able to coordinate this event with the Golden Kite Awards exhibit that was curated by Diaz and is now showing at the Joslyn Art Museum. It was overwhelming to see so many original illustrations from the best in the industry dating back to the 1970's. Illustrators included Melissa Sweet, Tomie de Paola, Trina Schart Hyman, David Shannon, and so many more! The Golden Kite Awards show is a traveling exhibit so if it comes to your area, I highly recommend seeing it!

Helen Oxenbury Interview - Alice in Wonderland

I got clued in to a series of interviews with Helen Oxenbury via Alicia Padron's blog... so I decided to show the interview where she talks about illustrating "Alice in Wonderland". I remember the first time I saw her illustrations for "Alice" and I fell in complete love! It is neat to see what Ms. Oxenbury looks like, sounds like, and speaks like! She has a lovely manner and I really enjoyed watching these! You can see the rest of the interview segments HERE!