Here's my latest illustration to be printed in Picture Book 2010, an annual publication which features promotional pieces of children's illustrators. It's probably one of the busiest pieces I've ever done, and the most challenging in terms of keeping my main character in focus. I think, even with the chaos around her, she manages to grab your eye, and hopefully stir interest in perusing the wonderland that is her mom's dressing room. If you doubt that, just take a look at the dancing dog!
I love to post about personally discovering artists that were big in there time and whose art have a timeless, very current style. Ben Shahn is no exception. On Monday I was in a local antique shop with my husband, who was perusing the bookshelves, when he picked up this beautifully bound hardcover complete with case, containing wonderfully graphic illustrations and typography by Ben Shahn.
The book is a poem, written by Wendell Barry in response to the assassination of the young President Kennedy, originally published in The Nation magazine. It is entitled November 26, 1963. So I did a bit more research on Ben Shahn and discovered a lot of material, as well as the huge influence he has on current illustrators. In fact, the site I frequent, Illustration Friday, actually posted a quick little bio about him.
Got my latest postcard promotional back from the printer and I'm happy with the results. The paper has a nice weight to it with a satin finish. I also have a corner rounder, a handy dandy industrial piece of equipment that, well, rounds corners. The result is a little something more special than your average postcard.
It's been a while since I've put brush to canvas, and I'm sharing it with you because I guess I promised to do that. I'm kind of apprehensive about it since I'm opening myself up to all kinds of scrutiny, but that's just the nature of the business, and I do believe it's meant to be shared. Plus, it's the best way for me to grow and get better.
Anyway, I'm entering this piece for a group show that's being juried by Alden Staffing. It's moderately sized measuring 18" x 24" and it's oil and graphite on canvas. The theme is "Awfully Beautiful" and this I titled "A Hair's Breath from 16." Keeping fingers crossed....
The first thing that came to mind when I thought legendary was Myrna Loy. I'm embarrassed to admit she was a relatively new discovery for me. My husband and I watched every Thin Man movie over the past few months where she starred so perfectly alongside William Powell. She was so brilliant in those films I wanted to know more about her. I was amazed to discover that she dedicated her time as a full-time employee for the American Red Cross throughout WWII and only acted in one film in that time. So I wanted to illustrate Ms. Loy after this discovery. Her talent, beauty, and selfless dedication make her legendary.
Here's my latest effort in the homemade stuffed toy craze. She enjoyed a bit of time in my studio among the other birds before being shipped off to a newborn. Hope you like it little Maya!
While I work on a new, very intricate illustration for my ad in Picture Book, I decided I'd take a break and play with the intricacies of a not-so-old-fashioned wedding dress.
Thought I'd post this new piece which can only be found here and on my rep's new site, in honor of her new, beautiful baby girl, Maya, born March 8, 2009. Congratulations, Mela!!
My painting studio is slowly coming together, much slower than anticipated. February has proven to be a month for distractions and paperwork (with tax season in full swing). But with each visit I bring another book, a chair, a couple table legs, and lots of material to get ideas flowing. Of course, and not soon enough, I finally have internet. As a matter of fact, this is my first entry here.
