There's MISCHIEF Around the Campfire!


I loved doing this cover last year for the Boys Quest Camping issue...it was so much fun!

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2016 LA SCBWI Conference...the Faculty "ONE WORD" List

The 2016 LA SCBWI Conference was held at the historic (and haunted) Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles.  It was a fast-paced week of stellar keynotes, inspiring breakouts, great people and new friends.

At the opening Keynote each of the faculty members were asked to give their "one word" take away.  They were inspiring and funny...thought-provoking and encouraging.  The impact was undeniable. I scribbled down each word as fast as I could...being a word nerd I didn't want to lose a single letter!

The One Word List is too good not to share.  Whether or not you attended the conference, the impassioned "one word" list is meant for each creative reading this post.

CHALLENGE:  Throughout the following months, I encourage you to look to this list for inspiration and fill a blank page.  If you create an illustration from a word, or words, on this list, please share on the social media of your choice and hashtag it #2016LASCBWIoneword.

2016 LA SCBWI CONFERENCE - F…
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The Fun of Digital Painting...

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When I started my illustration career, about 427 years ago, I worked traditionally.  I could tell the difference between hot and cold press bristol board and papers.  Canson Mi-Teintes was my favorite paper and, when paired with my Prismacolor Pencils, it was a marriage made in heaven for me!  I did lots and lots of pen and ink...3 complete sets of Rapidiograph pens bit the dust not to mention countless single pens.  Running out of india ink in the middle of an assignment was horrifying (many late night runs to Pearl's art supply!).

Usher in the 2000's and a switch to digital media 16 years ago...how on earth did I survive all those years on pencil and paper alone?!

There was no CMD Z to undo my boo-boos.
Texture actually came from real paper, not an overlay layer set to multiply.
Color studies were done separately and I could only hope the final art looked the same.  There was no eye dropper tool to keep the colors consistent.

My list could go on and on about the benefits of …
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Sometimes you have to go with your gut...

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This illustration is part of an assignment for our upcoming SCBWI Carolina's Spring Conference.  The assignment was to choose a stanza from Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star (or other selections) and create a double page spread. We were given feedback on the sketch and we are to bring a final version to the conference.

My original sketch does not look anything like the final version.  The original was "sweet" but it didn't create the emotional connection that I wanted it to have.  I was given clear and very good art direction on the first illustration, but it still was not working for me.  Rather than keep working on a piece I didn't like, I chose to go with my gut instinct and redo the drawing.  And I'm glad I did because I like this one so much better!

I was happy with the first illustration below, but was given a suggestion to add color to the mom and baby.  This is where I give a thumbs up to digital painting!  Color comps are so easy in Photoshop and make com…
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