Once Upon a Sketch

Well, this announcement is overdue, but starting this year, I will be one of the regular contriubutors to the blog "Once Upon A Sketch."  This blog is a resource for illustrators which gives "insight, education and news about the many facets of the Children’s Illustration Market. From Children’s Books to Character Design, Game Art, Storyboarding, Toys and licensed Products you’ll find articles, interviews and resources to help fuel your education and growth. Jump in and learn more about the various industries from working professionals and find out what it takes to become successful in this field."  Founded by Wilson Williams Jr and Norman Grock, the website became a go-to for artists looking to learn about new techniques, new technologies and important news affecting the illustration industry.  After Wilson's unexpected passing in August this past year, the blog went on hiatus for a few months.  During that time, Norman Grock began looking for new and returning contributors to partner with him in order to continue maintaining and updating "Once Upon A Sketch", keeping it a relevant resource for artists. 

 

I am excited to be able to be a part of this great website!  Check out our very first group-post of the year, "What We Wish We Knew BEFORE We Started Out As Artists".  Also, next week, I will be posting my first entry about identifying and setting meaningful goals for our portfolios and our businesses to attract new clients and appeal to new markets.

 

Thanks for reading!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

How Can I Help

Hi Everyone,
It's been an exciting month for book releases! I just got a copy of my newest picture book "How Can I Help?  God's Calling for Kids" in the mail!  It was such a treat to open, and my daughter had me read it to her right out of the envelope. 

Also, Concordia Publishing sent me this video about how one dad/pastor uses the book in his own life.


Enjoy!

The Summer Fairy

Exciting news!  My newest picture book "The Summer Fairy" has been released! 

This is a story about a fairy who visits every year on the last day of school to help the kids kick off summer vacation.  Do you want the Summer Fairy to visit you?  Just pick a flower on the last day of school, put it in the vase included with the book, and the Summer Fairy will visit you that night...leaving you a fun summer stash in the morning! 

I was so excited to get my copies.  The book comes beautifully packaged in a plastic case with cloth flower petals inside and a reusable plastic vase inserted into the back cover.  If you want to invite the Summer Fairy to your home, you can purchase the book at www.TheSummerFairy.com.  Also, check out this book trailer that the author made.  I love how she showcased so much of the artwork.  Enjoy!

Into the Land of Snowflakes

I always paint a special piece for my yearly Christmas card to family and clients.  This year has been a year of "magical pieces".  I started off 2013 with "Faerie Lights in the Garden of Wishes".  Later, in the spring, I featured a magical ladybug in "Ladybug Picnic".  Plus, one of my biggest client projects of the year was a picture book about a fairy.  So, it seemed right to close out the year with a personal piece with a magical theme.  This artwork was loosely inspired by "The Nutcracker" and "Swan Lake".  Hope you enjoy!

Fun With Kids

MB Artists' new promotional catalog themed "Fun With Kids" has been released!  Enjoy this new collection of artwork by this great group of artists!

Good News Shoes

I have just wrapped up the cover art for the third title in Zonderkidz new "Faithgirlz - Good News Shoes" series.  I'm loving these books about Riley Mae, official sporty spokesgirl for the Swiftriver Shoe Company and unofficial mystery sleuth.  It was fun to design Riley Mae and all of her trendy shoes (each title features a different shoe).  The covers for the first two books have been released, and the books will be available for purchase in January 2014!