A Very Worthy Recipient!

On this evening's trip to the bookstore, I was pleased that they finally had the recent Caldecott winner on the shelf!  I have to say that A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a delightful book!  It's a very sweet, sparsely worded story (in fact, a couple pages have no words at all) by Philip C. Stead.  I just LOVE the illustrations by Erin E. Stead - a combination of a little color via woodcut with just enough pencil detail (and, as you may know, I love pencil detail).  Most impressive is that the book jacket states that this is the first book she's illustrated.

Now, in my previous post I complained about the weakness of storyline that I found in a lot of children's books that I found on the shelves.  But, that doesn't mean every story has to be an intricately developed adventure.  There is definitely a place for the thoughtful or simple story.  In the case of Amos McGee, the masterful gestures and  quiet expression of each character speaks volumes.  I think it is the power of the illustrations that can make a book of few words successful.  It really got me thinking about the importance of pairing the right writer and illustrator - finding/creating the right illustrations for a particular tale.

Anyway, I had to purchase this one for my own collection - and it will be kept in a safe place until certain toddlers with crayons grow up a little.

Thoughts on Today's Picture Books

After attending a weekend soccer tournament in LA, I was dying to get to a bookstore. There had been a really big Barnes & Noble next to the hotel, but I had no opportunity to sneak over to browse. So after driving over 2 hours home and making dinner, I jumped in the car again and drove 45 minutes to the nearest Barnes & Noble in SLO. Now, it’s not one of the bigger stores, but it was a bookstore nonetheless.


I grabbed a stack of picture books - old and new - and read through them, uninterrupted, peaceful. Of course, I selected most of the titles because of illustrations that appealed to me and a few others because of authors/illustrators. Unfortunately, they did not have the most recent Caldecott winners on the shelf.  And, honestly, I found myself a little disappointed by several of the books I read.  I won’t say that the stories were “bad.” There just seemed to be something missing, or they just fell flat in the end.

I've always enjoyed Karma Wilson’s "Bear" books, so I was interested to check out The Cow Loves Cookies.  While I thought it would make a great storytime book, it seemed reminiscent of many other sweet humor featuring repetitive phrases - almost formulaic, now. So, although it was enjoyable, it was quite familiar.

The illustrations and the concept for Children Make Terrible Pets grabbed my interest right away. It started out promising, but it really fizzled toward the end - this fun and clever idea deserved an equally creative conclusion. Instead, I found it rather uneventful - anti-climactic.

On the other hand, I read some Caldecott winners from years past - the stories really stood apart. Zelinsky’s Rapunzel attempted to retell the original tale complete with the story’s unpleasant or tragic aspects - there was drama. And Wisniewski’s Golem dealt with a very intense situation, difficult questions, and with characters from Jewish history and tradition. I was completely engaged throughout both of these stories (unlike with any of the new releases I found).

Thinking back on my years at the bookstore, it seems to me that A LOT of the picture books these days lack even a crumb of drama or intensity.  Of course, I know that Golem would not make a nice bedtime story for a small child.  I just wonder why publishers seem to be putting out the same type of book again and again. There is definitely a place for books about cows that eat cookies, but the vast majority of picture books that I’ve read in recent years are rather superficial, sugar-coated stories devoid of any real depth, excitement, surprise, emotion...


I do enjoy reading the sing-song rhyming stories to my kids - they’re fun and appeal mainly to young children.  I've even had some illustration ideas for my own picture books that would fall into that category. However, picture books can appeal to a wide variety of ages - even adults - and I think it's a subject worth considering.  If the introduction to books that we offer our kids repeatedly consists of cute critters looking for hugs, making friends, learning manners, etc., then it’s really no wonder that children quickly turn to exciting, adventure-packed video games (especially boys). 


Like I said, I do enjoy many of those books.  But, perhaps the picture book market is over-saturated with them.  But, maybe I’ve just missed those titles (the bookstore has been closed for over a year now). Maybe they just hadn't made it to our smaller-town shelves. I’d love to hear about any recent picture book recommendations that you all have where the stories have some degree of “impact” on the reader.

Illustration Friday: "Chicken"

Why did the chicken cross the road?

Well, school's back on and I have another project in the works (that may not meet its deadline).  So, I'm pulling this one out the the archives as it meets the theme perfectly.  It was done a few years ago in color pencil, and I really got into trying to figure out the glow of lighting and neon.

This was my own response to the question inspired by a children's book featuring prominent illustrators. 

Hat Trick!

Ok, I went for it and did a third painting - a bird to round out the group.  The girls said it was their favorite one, but I'm not so sure about it.  I like it well enough, but I'm not sure it's my favorite of the three.

I think that's where I'll stop on this series at the moment.  Although, I guess there are a lot of animals I could potentially do, but this is enough.  I'm ready to do some drawing again maybe.  We'll see...

Another Painting...

What?  Two posts in two days?!  Gotta stock up before the school year officially starts again and my attention is focused elsewhere for a while.

One thing I like about working with the paint and a more simple style is that I can accomplish an illustration a lot quicker. I did this companion piece to the “Woof” dog last night (compare that to the few days that “Mail” took). Of course, I still spent a couple of hours on each of these little paintings (aprox. 5”x7”).  But, it's a nice mental break from the detailed work I also like to do.


I’m still debating whether or not to make this a triptych and complete the primary color triad that I have going - perhaps a bird with a yellow background. I'm happy with the two I have, but a third makes sense as well. Hmmmmmm…

Anyway, on a different note, I’ve been thinking about having some prints made to sell in an Etsy shop. Illustration is different from other forms of art that can more easily be displayed in people’s homes - it’s a bit more specific and, perhaps, more for collectors. However, I think that these paintings might be good choices as they could easily work in a child’s room.

Free Time At Last!

So, can you tell we’re on Christmas break? No school, no art classes (except for planning my next ones)…there’s actually a little time to think about illustration.

This one was inspired by a random doodle mixed in among dozens of doodles in an old sketchbook. I knew I wanted to do it with paint and I envisioned it in a very different, more painterly style than what I’ve been doing. My new gouache set provided the perfect opportunity to have a little fun with it (gouache is my new best paint friend). You can let me know what you think (please).

I had been thinking about my style recently, especially after my last post “Mail.” It was very much like the Spectator Ant I had done a couple years back, and I think I’ve managed to pinpoint some definite characteristics of my style - detailed, black line, watercolor wash. I like how that works for me. In fact, I think I’d like to try some different types of pen and play with different types of line. I’ve been doing these with Microns, but I’d like to try a pen with different nibs.

I’ve definitely decided that I’m NOT a color pencil person. While I like what some people are able to do with it, overall it’s not the best fit for me. I’ll only use it if the subject matter really demands it or for quick color studies.

All this thought about style brought me back to one of my earliest posts on this blog (has it really been almost 3 years?). I had read an article by Caldecott winner Paul O. Zelinsky where he said that the story dictated what style and medium was called for. And, you can see this in the variety of work that he has put out. I liked his philosophy as I tend to crave variety - I couldn’t imagine working the same way ALL the time. As much as I love how “Mail” turned out, I think I would get bored if I worked that way exclusively. But, on the other hand, I don’t want to constantly be “inventing,” either.

I guess I’m finding a happy medium by playing around with more than one style while ruling out others (for the most part). I like the style that’s emerging with the ink/watercolor and it shows consistency that, I think, would be helpful for future publishers to see. But, it’s refreshing (mentally, creatively, and - hopefully - professionally) to spend time with different approaches. I would think that versatility would also be a “plus” for publishers.  Am I wrong?

Illustration Friday: "Mail"





I'm not sure why mail service to Grandma's house is sooooooooo slow!

   I finally have some time off of homeschool, home business, and Christmas to put together a more involved illo!  I'm getting it in just under the wire - I thought I had plenty of time, but me and my compulsion for detail strikes again.  There are a few things I'd try differently, and just might for the portfolio.  I'd love to try and do something a little more simplified, but I wonder if I even can!



Spectator Ant

 But, it turns out that this is along the same vein as my "Spectator Ant" that I've done before.  From that one, I came away thinking that the grass was out of scale for the ant.  So, I made certain to make the grass taller than the snail here. 

I finally got a gouache set - which I've never had and wanted to try - LOVE it!  I think that might be my new favorite paint medium and can't wait to do more.

Illustration Friday: "Sneaky"

He thought he was so sneaky, but nothing gets by Mom!

Sorry if you recognize this from a couple years ago, but it just seems to fit the theme this week perfectly!  If you missed it before, I hope you enjoy it now.

I work in pencil so much, I'm longing to do some color work.  Just don't have the time to set up for painting at the moment.  Maybe during the Christmas break...

Fun with Linoleum

My new round of art classes is underway - a Christmas Keepsakes class and a Intro to Linoleum Block Printing. 


My sample print

 

The Christmas class is a lot of work because I'm doing three projects that I've never done before.  There's a certain degree of invention because I want to offer something that is unique and worthwhile (for parents who are paying for these classes).  Then, there's an element of adaptation because some of my original ideas are just too challenging for the younger members of the class (8 year olds).  I have to find a way to achieve a successful end that's "do-able" with those kids.  And, I've found that that challenge is something I enjoy - gives me something to obsess over, I guess.  And, I've got 2 girls who are all too happy to be my testers at home...



Guess you'll have to wait and see!



What are we doing here?



The block printing class is just fun.  I haven't done this in probably over ten years, and I forgot how much I enjoy it.  I had an uncarved linoleum block from way-back-when and used a sketchbook doodle to make a quick sample (the rocket shown above).

So far, in two classes, my 6 students (junior high and high school age) have practiced using the tools and pulling a print.  I know I'm enjoying it - sure hope they are, too.



Student practice



Another student practice





8 Weeks of Art Classes for Kids End...A New Door Is Open...

The two art classes that I have been teaching to homeschoolers over the past couple months ended today.  However, I'm newly inspired - I'm excited about all of the fun things I can share in doing more art classes and the potential it has as a way to help out the family.

Once the bookstore closed, I really had a hard time imagining what other job I could take in this area where I could work evenings (to avoid child care costs).  Food service?  Some retail store?  None of this sounded appealing at all to say the least!  Then, the idea for art classes (something I've done before and something that will allow me to utilize my strengths and interests) came up.  It would allow me to be home in the evenings with my family, too!

I've been looking into the possibility of having prints and cards made that I could sell on Etsy as well.  Right now, every little bit counts and it's worth a try.  The idea of possibly being able to bring in some income at this time doing something worthwhile that I actually enjoy is exciting.  We'll see how it all goes...

In the meantime, I decided to call my business "Doodlebird Studio" and I redrew one of my favorite drawings with a little more of a gesture to serve as the current "mascot."  I'll be updating my calendar of classes and posting the availability of prints (when that happens) at the following site:

http://doodlebirdstudio.blogspot.com/

Why is it so hard to let go?

My son's high school is having a banquet fundraiser next weekend and they're asking for items for their silent auction.  One of the things listed in the packet home was artwork from a local artist.  Well, we don't have much that we can contribute, but that's one thing I could do.  Besides, I have all of these drawings tucked away in my studio, so that would be perfect.

So, tonight I tried to choose one to donate - much harder than I thought.  I've narrowed it down, but I found it surprisingly difficult to entertain the idea of letting them go.  I don't have any prints, they're all originals, and they have been captured on film and posted here at one time or another.  There were even a few that I just said "no way - I'm not giving that one up!"  A lot of those had sentimental connections to my kids in their original inspiration.

But, isn't that what I'm supposed to be doing as an artist?  Shouldn't I be getting my work out there, get it seen?  It would be difficult to achieve anything professionally if I keep my work locked away in a drawer.  On the other hand, I'd hate to think that it could end up locked away in someone else's drawer...or turn up as the next white elephant gift at the office Christmas party.

Well, I guess it's time - for the first time - to take that leap and submit something.  Decisions...decisions...

Illustration Friday: "Beneath"

This drawing done over summer was a good fit for this week's theme.

Kitty's looking for her mouse.  Perhaps he should look beneath the bed.

Illustration Friday: "Dessert"

I can't believe that with everything going on in the past few weeks that I managed to eek out an IF illo!

 I can dream, can't I?

There are a couple of issues I had with this image.  I really didn't like it as I was doing it, mainly because of the media.  I've officially decided that I don't like working with color pencil.  And that's funny because I LOVE working with graphite pencil.  And, I love a lot of things that other artists (like Kathy Hare) do with it.  But, I just don't think it's for me.  I prefer to do detailed line drawings in ink and follow through with the "quick gratification" of watercolor - felt like I was layering and layering forever with the colored pencil!

I gave my cheap scanner a try and (gasp) found that it isn't the best for uploading art...at least for colored pencil and all of it's texture.  I haven't tried other materials yet.  But, I got it for $10 from a school that was closing down and it will have its uses around the house.  I might return to photographing the art for a better picture.

Putting the "Fine" Back in Fine Art

Studied this period in college - LOVED IT!

These past few weeks have been a whirlwind of planning, ordering supplies, phone calls, emails...but it looks I will have full classes, or near full, for the first installments of my art class series for kids.  I've putting A LOT of time and thought into it, in spite of the fact that the decision to go forward was only made a few weeks ago.  I hope people are as happy with the classes as I am.

"Twittering Machine" - Paul Klee

Just Lovely

I've been on a search for reasonably priced reproductions to add to the few I've saved over the years - not an easy task.  But, I think I've found some options.  In the process of all this, however, I found myself back in the midst of some college art school feelings and memories.  It seems so long ago...but then again, it doesn't.  I can still smell the linseed oil and turpentine in the studio classrooms. 

Anyway, that's when I was thoroughly drenched in the world of "fine art."  I started to think about how I used to be able to frequent galleries and museums around L.A. - I'm especially missing the museums - there's nothing like seeing good work in real life.  Books and prints can never seem to capture the whole impact of an artist's work.  It's just not the same.

Kandinsky

It's been fun browsing through all of the images available to view online (though not necessarily purchase or copy).  It's made me remember how much I enjoy looking at GOOD art.  For me, that mainly means representational work (not always, though - everything shown in this post are images I like). I do enjoy some abstract work, but it's hard for me to get excited about a giant gray square or drippy paint splatters, even when seeing them in real life.  I don't like having to read an explanation in order to get anything out of the piece.  But, that's just me - I like to see a story being told.  I guess that's why I've gravitated toward illustration. And, that can be done with surprisingly little information sometimes.

Morandi - Master of the "peaceful" still life

I'll be the first to say that I was never a very good artist in college (several reasons for that probably) - I'd like to say that I've improved over the years...in some areas, at least.  But there is soooooooooo much art out there that just isn't very good.  It seems that a lot of people are "successful" - mainly because they can talk a good game and "sell it" - skilled or not.  Excuse me, my disillusionment with the "fine art" world is showing.

Romare Bearden

Well, that was a long time ago.  Now, I'm enjoying my search for reproductions to use - I just can wait to share some of them with the kids.

Checking In With An End of Summer Update...

Wow!  Where has the summer gone?  I thought I was going to have a nice relaxing "time-off," but I guess there's no such thing when you have a toddler (a VERY mischievous one - can you tell?).

I've been spending time planning for the upcoming school year, as I only seem to be able to string together minutes and not the hours I need.  Then, to throw more into the mix, it looks like I will be offering art classes to homeschoolers in just a few weeks.  I decided to go for it since it looks like there will be no bookstore opening in place of the one that closed.  I need to do something to help bring in some $$$ for the family, and this seems like the best idea.  I'll be able to be home with the family at night.  However, it means I've double my planning needs right now - YIKES!

Some of my students from a previous "History in Art" Class

I hope to get an illo or two done before the school year begins in a couple weeks.