Woodland Surprise

Hmm, will be doing this one again in a looser style. 

Forest Friends

Inspired by yesterday's nature walk.  Hello.

The heat is a welcomed change to the air conditioned world I have been existing in for the last few weeks.  I'm spoiled by Michigan's cool nights and sleep with the window open, but during the day the humidity wins out.  There is a dryness here that is strange compared to the lush spring that graced the land. 

Michigan has a simple beauty in the forests and along the lake shore.  It makes you slow down and stop to see what's really there.  There are breath-taking areas, but it's the small things that catch my eye the most.  The paper-thin periwinkle petals of the chicory, the playful bounce of Queen Anne's lace as the wind rustles across the field, the fiery day lilies that pop up everywhere - both wild and cultivated, the stark and graphic patterns of the birch trees - I could spend days and days drawing and studying those four elements. 

I feel like my quality of life greatly increases when I stop to take notice of the world through sketching and my camera.  I read this other day and it rang like a bell though my life:

"Many begin (keeping a journal) when they feel their lives accelerating and slipping away; they have a vague sadness that so much seems lost.  They sense that they aren't deeply affected by things, and don't remember enough.  The want a deeper connection to the world." - Hannah Hinchman (A life in Hand)

Nature and Painting

We enjoyed a lovely walk in the woods on a nature trail today. We listened as the breeze rustled through the leaves above our head. The soft mulch of the trail cushioned our feet as explored the well worn path. Queen Anne's Lace littered the edge of the forest with other tiny purple flowers.  We spotted a monarch butterfly fluttering near the little white puffs.  It was quiet like we haven't experienced in a long time. 

My daughters and I spotted a doe with two fawn, they were unafraid as they stopped and watched us for several minutes through the trees.  We were two mothers with our children wondering in awe of each other.



I've recently downloaded a few watercolor/journaling books to my Kindle and just had to take my little sketchbook and watercolor set outside today. I've been so busy lately, I was thankful for a day to slow down and soak in the beauty around me.

My favorite so far:

A Life In Hand by Hannah Hinchman - this is only available as a digital download as it's out of print.  It's a beautiful written book, simple and poetic.  Encouraging and succinct.  I keep going back to it again and again.  The charming black and white line drawings leave room for you to focus on the words and assignments in the book.  It's very inspiring and I highly recommend it.  I may try to find it in print I've enjoyed it so much.

Hinchman on starting an art journal:

"Just begin. Any day, any moment.  There need be no occasion, no noteworthy event.  Think of your beginning as the point where a tossed pebble hits the surface of a pond.  Changes and discoveries will widen out endlessly from just such a small point."

I love that quote and can't help be think how it could apply to anything in life that we have been putting off starting.

Two other books I've been enjoying:

Artist's Journal Workshop

Water Paper Paint - by far my favorite watercolor book to date! 

What are you reading this summer? 

May Flowers Sketch

It's been a slow warm up here in Michigan.  I'm looking forward to warmer days and have been enjoy the blooms that have already braved the chilly temperatures and late freezes. 

This is just a little sketch.  I think there needs to be a little more action in this scene before I would pull out the watercolors. 

This little girl reminds me of my youngest, who is now a teenager. I aways loved her little bob and crazy tights.  Their childhood sped by so quickly, it makes me sorta sad. But they are amazing, so I've done my job well! 

It's funny when I first started illustrating for children, I think there was a part of me that wanted to capture something from my childhood and now I see myself trying to capture parts of their childhood.  While times may change, the universal of discovering the world and how we fit in it stays the same.

When you pick picture books, do they appeal to you because they remind me of your children or your childhood?  I'm a little of both.  Either way, I'm definitely more pulled toward the nostalgic.

2012 Plan

An illustrated business plan for 2012.

Now that I have one book under my belt as an author, I want more.

Why wait for elusive assignments?  Create the books you want to illustrate.

That's my message to myself this year!

Also, you can't have an illustration career without some systems in place. 

Wonderfully practical things like a set schedule, a marketing plan, new work and some concrete goals.

My Jewelry Design Book!

One of the reasons for my absence on this blog lately is that I've been working away on preparing for the launch of my first jewelry design book!  It's out this month and available at Amazon now.  It will be in stores at the beginning of next month - you'll find it in Barnes & Nobles, Michael's and Hobby Lobby. 

Jewelry Designs from Nature: Woodlands, Gardens, Sea: Art Bead Jewelry Designs Inspired by Nature

The book is all about making jewelry, inspiration and nature - it's so me.  Along with the jewelry I have some of my sketches from my sketchbook and inspiration nature photos from my travels.

I have been scheduling classes, retreats and more to celebrate the book.   It's a fun time and an interesting process promoting the book now that it's officially landed in my hands! 

    My favorite is a weekend long retreat at a beach house in Michigan next month - life is so good.

SCBWI Conference Tips for Newbies

Unfortunately I'm not able to attend the SCBWI Conference in LA this year.  Pouty face.  But I will be following along on the Conference blog and wishing everyone a great time!  With a sold out event and celebrating it's 40th anniversary, this conference will be an event to remember.  Did I mention the pouty face?

I thought I'd share a few tips with illustrators who are attending the conference for the first time.

1. The Portfolio Display is More than a Competition - Sure you want to get noticed and maybe even win, but once you are at the conference it's time to let it go.  Be confident in knowing you are showing your best work.  But look at the portfolio display as more of a learning opportunity than a competition.  As you go through the display, take note of what catches your eye - what images really stand out.  Take a few moments to pour over the portfolios that have a crowd around them - why are they so appealing?  What postcards make an impact on you as you go from portfolio to portfolio?  Pick up your favorites. 

Be inspired, be encouraged - do not go away from the display thinking "I'm not worthy." (yes, make sure you say that in a Wayne & Garth tone of voice.) Everyone is at a different place in their creative journey.  If you feel like a beginner, don't feel overwhelmed.  Get excited - you are just starting out and have a fun path ahead of you!  Learn from the best, they will be all around you during the conference!

2. Don't be shy - Go to the Illustrator's Social on Friday and talk to as many illustrators as you can.  Just jump in and join a conversation.  Introduce yourself - share your business card or postcard.  Bring your portfolio.  In fact, my best advice is to talk to as many different people as you can through the whole weekend - you never know what friendships may be forged or what you might learn! 

3. Go team!  Each chapter has a time they meet at the conference, look through your welcome packet and find out when your local group is meeting and go say hi.  It's nice to see a familiar face at the conference and you'll find out what's new in your region.

4. Listen to the Authors - Don't miss events with the keynote speakers even though they are writers - you will learn something.  I have heard the most inspiring and soul-stirring speeches from today's top authors.  They share lessons that you will never forget.

5. Party!  Okay, don't go crazy, but do put on your pajamas and head to the costume ball on Saturday night.  I know it may feel awkward at first, but just start talking to people.  Everyone is friendly - this is your tribe after all.  Dance, enjoy your free drink, have fun people watching.  You need to unwind during the event and let your brain rest - this is the place to do it.

6. Pick Your Sessions Wisely - There is always a great illustrator's track, but there are tracks that have illustrators or art directors that aren't designated for illustrators - so I'm assuming they will share a more rounded talk about picture books for author/illustrators.  After looking through the schedule I would have a hard time picking a session.  If you are with a group of illustrators, you might want to break up, attend different sessions and compare notes.  And take good notes throughout the conference, it's so easy to forget the pearls of wisdom.  Check out the conference app to help you plan your days.  Study the faculty to learn more about the speakers before the event.

7. Follow Through - After the conference, make your list of editors and art directors and send out a packet to them.  Thank them for speaking at the conference.  Or send all the editors & AD's a thank you postcard after the event with your best image on the front.  Touch base with illustrators and authors you met and keep in contact after the conference.

Have the best time ever - the conference in LA is always my favorite SCBWI event!  I will look forward to reading the reviews on everyone's blog.