The Show to See

After a summer slumber in blogland, I thought I'd wake things up a bit with a happy announcement. The Society of Illustrators in New York will be hosting their 32nd Annual Original Art Show this October. For those who do not know, here's a bit about the juried show from the SI website:

"Founded by Dilys Evans in 1980, the show celebrates the fine art of children’s book illustration. It has been sponsored by the Society of Illustrators for the past twenty-two years.  The selection process will be by a jury of outstanding illustrators, art directors, editors, and experts in the field of children’s publishing."

With that, I'm pleased to announce that my latest picture book, No Dogs Allowed, by Linda Ashman (2011, Sterling Children's Books), made the cut! After years of submissions, this has become the title that brings a whole other level of validation to my work.

...pat on the back to me...

I am so proud of it, and still I strive to want to do better. For now, I will bask in its success, show you a few pieces from its interior pages, and let you know that the Original Art Show opens Oct. 24 and runs through Dec. 22, 2012.  I'll post more news about it as the date approaches!   

Imagination! The World of Children's Book Illustrators

All month long, the University of Rhode Island Providence Campus is showcasing a wonderful exhibit that I am proud to be a part of. It includes 15 published illustrators and work from RISD's Children's Illustration Certificate Program. It was also an opportunity to show off my latest published work, Groundhog Weather School (Putnam).

Last week was reception night and my first time in Providence. However, being the responsible blogger that I am (actually I didn't have the forethought to photograph the actual exhibit), I thought I'd marvel you with a few interior pieces from the show as well as the character sketches and layouts that are on display (the collection shows the creative progression of the book).

I also had the pleasure of chatting it up with fellow llustrators at the show, a few of whom I had met before and will be seeing again at the upcoming Annual Highlights Illustrator's Party, including Sharon Lane Holm, Nancy Cote, Jamison Odone and Mary Jane Begin.

Enjoy!

Awfully Beautiful Opening

Alden Staffing hosted their 3rd Annual juried group show last night, featuring artists from the New York tri-state area. The show was held in Norwalk, CT, at Gravity Artworks on Isaac Street. The gallery is a basement loft space that housed pieces by over 50 artists, including myself. I saw a few familiar faces like my artist friends Jean Michel and Marissa Gilberg, both of whom had pieces hanging. I met a few new people as well, all sharing the same goal: celebrating the need to create and be creative.

Gallery goers

Oh, why isn't she lovely? Marissa Gilberg's work to the right.

A packed, lively gallery

Behind the desk, some beautiful, wilting flowers

Awfully Beautiful Exhibit

My newest painting featured in my March 20th entry, was accepted into the "Awfully Beautiful" group show at the Gravity Artworks gallery, located at 16 Isaac Street, Norwalk, CT 06850. The show is sponsored by Alden Staffing and will feature 50 artists. It's a good sized show so if you're in the area please stop in. The exhibition will be on display from April 18 through May 16.

Feets are wet

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....

OPEN Preparation

My house is in disarray right now since my husband and I are finishing our basement to make room for a bigger, more open studio space. My matte cutter is also disassembled and there is hardly a surface free of dog hair that I could cut a clean matte on. So in the spirit of cool untidiness and that fashionable unkempt look, I decided to frame my "Open" entry in a shadowbox, preserving the raw edges of the piece with no matte and no tape, but a few silk pins in each corner of the original piece. I hope any potential buyer will see the same playfulness in its presentation that I do, otherwise, I will definitely enjoy the piece for myself should it not get sold.