painting

Here is the traditional watercolor of the previous piece. As you can see I changed the colors a bit here and there. I may still add some more to it but thought I'd go ahead and post it in case I overwork it. Then again, I may not touch it and leave it as is.

digital color study

Here is a digital water color study. I plan on painting it traditionally next. I find that when I paint without doing a color study first, I usually regret it.

Illustration Friday - Cracked

I know I am taking these IF topics pretty literally but I had this one in the archives so I thought why not! This was done for an Easter/Spring book back in 2007.

Illustration Friday - Contagious

Peonies

My sweet friend, Kathy Couri brought me the most beautiful bouquet today! I never knew there were so many varieties of peonies!! I had fun playing with the camera and lighting as well as Photoshop. THANK YOU, Kathy!!

Illustration Friday - Parade

I'm finally gonna try to get on board with the IF(Illustration Friday). This week is "Parade".


Lion is making his own parade. This is from a book I did back in 2004 called Lion Can Share.

Kids Say the Darndest Things - ART LINKLETTER

This is priceless...if you have 7 minutes to spare you won't regret watching this!

May Highlights Magazine

I had the great honor of illustrating a story in the May Highlights magazine. Pick up a copy or get a subscription to see all the great stories each month!

Finally Spring

rough sketch

Emma's contemplating how she's going to get her ball out of the tree...

Humpty Dumpty's Magazine

Back in February I showed you just a peek at what I was working on so here it is, the story I illustrated for the May/June Humpty Dumpty's Magazine. Pick up a copy to see the whole story. My talented illustrator friend, John Nez did the cover. Check out his blog.

more of Brandy

I am still working on a book idea in memory of my sweet dog, Brandy. I have to tell ya, the pictures are coming to me a lot quicker than the story but I am not giving up. I think the story will just have to simmer awhile before it turns into an actual manuscript. In the meantime, here are a couple of character sketches.

Centraal Station Antwerpen gaat uit zijn dak!

This brought a smile to my face and tears to my eyes. So wonderful!!!!

Another Spring Promo

I'm a member of PBAA, Picture Book Artists Association and here is our Spring promo poster being sent to art buyers. My art is 2 down, six across. :o)

Happy Spring!

Online gallery

I was recently invited to join an online gallery called POD Kids - art for kids and grown ups, too! If for any reason you want a high-end giclee print or canvas of some of my art here's your chance. :o)
To see my specific art visit this link.

I LOVE this book!

As I am doing research for a personal project I have been reading LOTS of books for the 4-8 year old age group and I came across the most wonderful book. It's called Before You Were Mine written by Maribeth Boelts and pictures by David Walker. If you've ever lost a beloved pet or have adopted pets from rescues, you will LOVE this book as well. It is so well done! The writing and the art is fabulous and really pulled on my hearts strings. Get the tissues out and go check it out!

Spring promo

painted version

Here is the painted version.

Another Brandy sketch

During some down time, I am still working up sketches as I work on a personal project about my late sweet dog, Brandy. I'm going to paint it in the next day or two hopefully.

sketchbook

This is a different style for me...more humorous. That's what's great about sketchbooks...you don't have to be so polished and it gives one the freedom to experiment. Like where I misspelled "lightening". Sheesh...