RUCCL 2015
November 06, 2015
This is a little late, but what an amazing day! I am so grateful to have been part of this fabulous mentor/mentee experience in New Brunswick. The One-on-One Plus conference is a great opportunity for kid lit wannabes like me! It is a selection process in which over 100 authors and illustrators are paired with a mentor from children’s publishing. It is run by generous volunteers that are fueled by their love of creating children’s literature and art. Check them out and apply for next year if you are looking for a valuable experience and honest critique.
I received excellent feedback, and encouraging words from my mentor, Julie Bliven of Charlesbridge Publishing. (Thanks, Julie!) I am looking forward to revising my story, BROKEN BEAUTY, keeping her comments in mind. Her praise regarding my artwork and page design left me elated and inspired. I remain excited and interested in complimenting any manuscript with my illustrations, not just my own stories. So nice to catch up with old friends at this event and make some new ones!
Truly, kid lit folks are generally the nicest people on the planet!
| More: Uncategorized
Matilda’s Surprise is the perfect entry for this week’s Illustration Friday prompt-“small”
June 24, 2015
| More: Uncategorized
MONSTER
June 03, 2015
Working on my summer post card…What’s going to happen when this purple fur ball catches up?
| Tags: children, monster, watercolor | More: Traditional illustrations and people
A recent children’s portfolio class with Greg Pizzoli helps me find my “Sparky”.
May 26, 2015
This little character named “Sparky” emerged while taking Greg Pizzoli’s Children’s Portfolio class at the University of the Arts, in Philadelphia, PA. The class was a lot of fun and Greg challenged each student from their individual place in the journey to publication. He provided constructive and truthful feedback, and answered many questions from the class about children’s publishing. It was a great five weeks, during which a dragon was born, and some summer promo post cards. Of course, it was a pleasure to meet Greg and benefit from his valuable insight. I hope that this little dragon ignites a fire of a story. (after his nap, of course!)
| Tags: dragon, sleepy, Sparky | More: Animal Characters, Uncategorized
Shine
February 18, 2015
Read a Boring Old Book and Shine!
Some kids might complain about reading a “Boring Old Book” but once it’s opened, the light of the pages illuminates their imagination and draws them in! I submitted this to the SCBWI Bulletin for the word “Shine.” Reading books out loud to our kids can help them shine! This is a grayscale version of an oil painting in color
| Tags: scbwiart, shine | More: Animal Characters, Black and White, Traditional illustrations and people
| More: Pet Portrait
Pet Portraits
November 25, 2014
I will be displaying my pet portrait work at Pet Valu in Ardmore, PA.
I love drawing these sweet faces!
| Tags: Oliver, pastel, pet portrait | More: Uncategorized
Rutgers University Council on Children’s Literature
October 23, 2014
I am proud to have been selected to participate the Rutgers University Council on Children’s Literature One-on-One Plus Conference. What a thrill to be included in the talent pool! I appreciate the number of volunteers who were involved in the preparations and execution of this event. I am pleased to have met a number of children’s publishing authors, illustrators, editors, agents, and art directors. Thanks to Liza Fleissig for mentoring and encouraging me. Princess Patty is a little pouty, but she’s willing to change!
Congrats to Barbara DiLorenzo for her upcoming book with Viking, Renato and the Lion! It was so nice to meet Peter Catalanotto, Patricia Keeler, and so many more talented and creative people.
| More: Uncategorized
Watercolor class with E.B. Lewis
August 26, 2013
We can all use a brush up! It has been my honor and privilege to learn from a true master! What a treat! Attached is a recent study from a photo distributed in class. Dry brush, washes, and greys, oh my! (ok, I just revisited the Wizard of Oz with my daughter!) Truly it is a thrill and I am continuing to develop my craft
