Groups

In my search for other like minded folks who are passionate about children's books and art, I've come across some interesting groups. Here are a few that I frequent:
Children's Writing Biz Mainly dealing with writing for children's books, but I've found that if offered some things that even an illustrator would find interesting.
Children's Book Illustrators Wonderful site created for illustrators aspiring and professional can share thoughts and ideas about the business of children's book illustrations.
Write4Kids.com Another site that is mainly for children's book writers but they do have a section called "Illustrator Zone" that has some good discussions going.
Artist Illustrator Cafe This groups has info for artists and illustrators who want to exhibit their work, sell originals, and promotion.
Childrens Books Illustrators Online A form for those interested in children's book illustration.
Directory of Artists Place for illustrators to show and list their work.
Of couse last but not least the SCBWI.

Process Final

Here is the final illustration from the earlier post on the my process. I tried to be loose and show more of my stokes. Normally I have this OCD habit of trying to smooth every single pastel mark. It is so hard for me to be loose and free even though I admire many Impressionist artists such as Dega and Cassatt. It was a nice experiment.

The Elephant Prince

I just purchased a new picture book from Amazon.com called "The Elephant Prince." I just love folktales, and highly enjoyed this folktale from India. It is the story of Ganesh the Hindu God that brings joy and happiness to the family, and how he got his elephant head. I was taken by the beautiful illustrations, done by my illustrator friend, Belgin Wedman. The illustrations are beautifully detailed, riveting colors, and style of work harkens to minature paintings form India. To see more of her watercolor work check out the link under my Friends Sites.

Drawn!

I came across a neat site called. Drawn! Inspiration is Everywhere. The site is a multi-author blog devoted to illustration, art, cartooning and drawing. Its purpose is to inspire creativity by sharing links and resources. Thought it had nice grouping of links to other art related blogs and sites.

My Process

I thought I would talk about my latest illustration project. A submission to a children's short story collection about summer vacations.

I enjoy the find references and sketching out ideas.

I thought I would go with a day at the beach as the idea for the illustration. Where I live the beach is about 40 min. away.
Even though I work traditionally, I still use my handy scanner and Mac to work on the enlargement. Sometimes I work on the small color comps in photoshop. I scan to the size I want to work at and them tile the image in Indesign to print out the larger version.

From there I use a handy sheet of tracing paper that I've rubbed a dark pastel color to make carbon paper to transfer my drawing.

After my drawing is transfered, I go over the lines with a Faber Castel Pastel Pencil.

Then I start picking out my colors.

Even though I'ved work in pastel for the past 7 years, I never get tired of getting messy and dust everywhere. I've changed my style over the years but the medium never changes.

Discussion of Style

I had a nice discussion with a couple of illustrator friends about moving into one style of work. Initial when I started out working as a freelancer and designer, it seems like you end up with multiple styles. I had 3 distinct styles. It mainly came from being an inhouse graphic designer. You get different projects that require a different look and feel from the last and you find yourself by the end of it all with something similar to multiple personalities. : ) So after talking with Shelly and Janee I made the move to one style (the picture book work) and updated it on my website and blog. I feel a sense of relief and direction as Janee's blog mentioned. Change is a good thing now and then.

Recent Book Buys

So lucky to have a book warehouse that offer's books at 50% off. They mainly sell older titles. This is a bane and boon in itself because I found myself buying more books then I probably should. Purchased "Dragonwings" by Laurence Yep, the entire set of "The Chronicles of Narnia", and "Charlotte's Web." The last purchase was inspired by a illustrator friend of mine, Liz Conrad. I read the book as a child and loved it. Liz had created an illustration, which I must add received a runner up for SCBWI Silent Valentine contest. It made me laugh out loud and her work just says volumes about her personality! Very excited about my book purchases.