Happy Valentine's Day!

It is always a treat to collaborate with my author/poet friend, Rebecca Kai Dotlich.
Almost 20 years ago I moved to Indiana and met Rebecca in a small critique group. We only live a few blocks apart and have been good friends since our first meeting. Her poem Mom's Lunchbox Love, was originally published in the Lee Bennett Hopkins anthology Valentine Hearts Holiday Poetry. Take a look at her website, RebeccaKaiDotlich.com, I know you, too, will fall in love with her poems and books!

Happy Holidays

MAY THE JOY OF THE SEASON BE YOURS!

Here's my holiday promo postcard. Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday!

Highlights Cover Art

Here it is ....

Highlights Cover Art

Here's a few close-up images from the cover art I did for the December issue of Highlights Magazine!
This part of the art is covered up by the blurb banner...and the full image, Popcorn Tree!

New Art!

Here's an illustration of my logo character, Art Hen, working in the studio. This art is on my new note cards and also sends THANKS to everyone for visiting the blog!

Illustrators' Party 2010!

A BIG highlight of my year is the Highlights Illustrators' Party. It takes place over a Fall weekend in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Each year has a surprise theme that is introduced on the invitations. This years theme was, 'That's Silly' based on the That's Silly pages in Highlights High Five magazine.
The weekend takes a tremendous amount of planning by the Highlights staff. They truly stand behind their brand of wholesome family fun sponsoring such a wonderful party for illustrators and their families! The party started on a Friday evening with a barbecue at the Highlights founders home where the magazine was born. The event continues with a Saturday morning breakfast, speakers, portfolio sharing, and lunch. The annual costume party was held later in the afternoon at the Highlights editorial offices.
In keeping with the theme of the party, I went as a can of Silly String!
My cans of silly string were a hit with the kids.
Can you find me in the sea of wonderful costumes?
The picture book gals got together for a cover shot too!
The costume party was followed by dinner and square dancing in Beach Lake fire house. A mural of a 'That's Silly' page by illustrator Chuck Dillon was displayed at the front of the room. We had silly napkins and silly favors on the tables to add to the fun!
The weekend ends with a country brunch on Sunday morning at the Founders' home, nature walks, hayrides, and lots of time reminiscing about past Illustrators' weekends. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet the great staff at Highlights and reconnect with fellow illustrators. Thank You Highlights for your time and generous hospitality!

Goodbye Summer, Hello NEW Fall Art

I did character studies and interior sketches for a new book project this summer. My contract has a no-show clause, so I can not post the art till I get the 'OK' from the publisher, Little School House Books. Promotion for the first book should begin in the early part of 2011. Plans for DVDs of the character's adventure have begun too!

Each season we change the art images on the Picture Book Artists' website. For my fall post, I worked up a new image for an ABC book I'm writing. I don't have a title yet ... it's a book in progress. This is a sample of the 'A' page, showing a family on the Puffing Billy train. This is a historic steam train still running daily on its original mountain track near Melbourne, Australia. Now, I think I am going to redo this art... it REALLY is a book in progress.. ; )
The sketch was stitched together and colored on the Cintiq in Photoshop.
Another project underway in the studio is my costume for the annual Highlights Illustrators' Party. I am honored to be an invited guest again! Look for SILLY pictures to come...

Thanks for visiting, News from the Studio and Happy Fall!