A Little ZZ Top...


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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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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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Let your sketches do the talking...

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I had a little down time this afternoon, so I started a sketch of a toddling kiddo in the yard.  She reminds me so much of my daughter at that age, in particular the hair "fountain".  As I painted, she seemed to smile back at me.  She waved and begged me to go outside to see the beautiful flowers in our yard. She even stopped to pick a few. 

Hmmm...goosebumps...

So, I let her take my hand and we stepped outside to oooh and ahhhh over the explosion of vibrant colors blooming all over the yard.  Wow...and to think I might have missed it!  It made me pause and reflect...I am thankful for a husband who's thumb is way greener than mine.  And I am truly thankful for the gift that God gave me that allows me to create.  I am even more in awe that HE connected with me through a sketch! 

HELLO SPRING!


The following images represent the steps I took to complete the illustration "Kellie".

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