Marsha Hayles

Please take the time to visit my dear friend Marsha Hayles' new site, designed by none other then myself! Marsha, is not only a talented writer but also one of the nicest gals you would ever want to meet. She has a new book coming out next month called "Bunion Burt" that is hysterical! To accompany Marsha's text are the illustrations of Jack E. Davis, I love his work as well, so it was extra cool to be able to see the F+G's before the book is actually out.

Image copyright Jack E. Davis

flying

I was happy to see that this weeks Illustration Friday topic is "Flying". The illustration group I am part of is the Art FLiEs "Art for Little Eyes" we are focused on work for the childrens market. We are in the process of preparing to send out our first promotional mailing, so I'll post more on that soon. They are all wonderful and talented individuals.

spotted....

A big thanks go out to Stephanie, who spotted work she believed was mine on a recent shopping trip. She was right. Always fun to see where some of your art lands after you send it off.

welcome

Schools in our area welcomed students back for the new school year this week.

just playing....

I used last weeks illustration friday image in a different way. Playing around with texture and brushes.

magnify

Books build brains. Magnify yours...READ!

Fairy Books....hit Target Dollar Spot....

The books I illustrated showed up in Targets Dollar Spot this week! Always fun to bump into your work out in the real world!

illustration friday

Haven't done illustration friday in awhile. On Sunday, as hubby and I drove to meet the in-laws and retrieve the kids from the long weekend spent sledding, I had time to catch up on reading and the article with Penelope in Home Companion caught my eye, and was once again inspired to participate.

at a dollar tree near you....

Here are some scratch and sniff books I illustrated earlier this year that have finally arrived in stores. Always great to see things in print.

NJ Illustrator Day Follow Up

Sunday I attended NJ SCBWI's First Annual Illustrator's Day.
This is the final art for the assignment we were given. (My first sketch and feedback are posted below.) I received feedback from AD Laurent Linn. He was kind and supportive of all the artists in our group. I later had a portfolio review with Patrick Collins. Look for coming posts about "eyes". I seem to have two extremes too big "shocking", and the dreaded "dot" eye. He recommended I play a bit with the eye to find a compromise. He also recommended dividing my portfolio, trade in one area and educational/mass market in another area. I also have to beef up my narrative. I have a bunch of what amounts to spot illustrations. I look forward to taking the information I received and using it to build a stronger portfolio.

I want to thank the NJ SCBWI for hosting this wonderful event. A special thanks to Leeza Hernandez for doing an amazing job coordinating the event. She also headed up a session that did a pretty kickin 10min. exercise that really got you to speed through thumbnails and see your story quickly. Leeza, you rock!

Karen and Lori were my travel buddies this trip. We had a good time...even if my driving made Karen a bit ill.