Sweet Square #1...

Just came across this fabulous idea on Diandra Mae's Blog called "A Month of Experimentation". She was inspired by Melissa Sweet at the SCBWI conference to create every day.

I just had this same conversation at the Highlights workshop last weekend with a couple of other Illustrators. It was so inspiring creating for 5 straight days, we all wondered how we could stay focused when we had to go back to the "everyday world". So even though I'm a few days late I figured I would give it a go...

This is our kitten Baxter who happened to be passed out next to me while I was testing out my trial version of Painter 12. He's much easier to draw than our non-stop running kiddos... Although I think they'll show up here a couple of times since I'm 6 days behind :)

IF-Imagination

Just got back from the Advanced Illustrator Workshop at Highlights this past weekend and one of the things I learned is that in order to really speak to the children you have to open your imagination and play more!

Melissa Sweet has a great explanation in the back of her book Balloons Over Broadway and we got to learn how to play 1st hand with stuffed animals during an exercise with Ruth Sanderson. Lots of people can draw, but in Children's Book Illustration we need to push our imagination a little further... and have fun!

I created this Illustration in 2010 when I designed the Logo for the Eastern PA SCBWI Pocono Retreat. They went with the owl logo, but this picture represented children's imagination in the world of books.

Highlights Founation :: Advanced Illustrator Workshop 2012

What an amazing weekend. I attended the Advanced Illustrator workshop at the Highlights Foundation. Met so many wonderful inspiring people and learned a lot more about the Children's Book industry. I also left with a wealth of knowledge on new techniques in painting and printmaking... oh and some great recipes too!!

We also had portfolio reviews and an Illustrator art show and I learned throughout the weekend about things that I have created that are working, some that are not and how I can improve in some areas.

So thankful to all of the generous people who shared their time with us this weekend to help us grow and learn along this amazing journey. Here are a couple of pictures form the weekend. I'll upload more in a few days...

 

IF-Teacher

My grandmother came over from Sicily and although she was a young child she stayed close to her roots. She made all of her sauce from scratch, ravioli that would melt in your mouth, and her own Pizzelles. She was always a great teacher except no recipe ever had exact ingredients. But somehow her food was always amazing. Me on the other I tried her way of " a pinch of this and a dash of that"... and my food is always hit or miss. Never the less, she was an amazing teacher.

IF- Suspense

One thing to keep in mind when developing pages in a story, it's important to keep your reader interested.

Suspense is a great thing that you can create to make the reader eager to find out what happens on the next page...


Here are the other two pages that take place Before & After the main page...

Sequence

Last 3 pages leading up to end of the book. Been working on sequence, character development & consistency in stories and characters. Fun work, but a challenge.

IF-Forward

"Forward" seemed fitting for this image. I had to redraw it twice. This has been my biggest obstacle in drawing, but have found the ability to let go of the original design for the sake of making the overall illustration better... One more foot "forward" on this adventurous path of Children's Book Illustration, learning & growing.

IF-Highlight 2

Earlier today I posted about all of the highlights happening recently, then I started playing around with a new program that I got for Christmas and it turned into this woman with highlights. Literal I know, but so much fun drawing... :)

IF-Highlight

Found this cool new app on my iPhone that lets you create really cool lines & highlights. This also seemed appropriate because Christmas is the highlight of my year (and the sled ornaments that my grandmother gives me each year). I also just put in an application today for an advanced Illustrators workshop put on by Highlights Foundation.

And now that I'm thinking about it, I forgot that I was just asked to submit samples to be highlighted on the website for the Eastern PA chapter of SCBWI. This year is off to a great start so far. Lots of highlights/blessings to be thankful for! Funny how the word "highlight" can remind you of so many different things!

Dream big & follow though...
- Kelli

Fantastic Giveaway from a Inspirational Blog!

They are offering a wonderful giveaway over at Bowl Full of Lemons!
http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/2011/12/giveaway-time-jo-totes.html These totes are fabulous! There is enough room for your camera, many lenses AND if you play your cards right you can stuff a baby bottle (with the lid on of course) in one of the extra pockets in a pinch!!!! Good Luck!

IF-Silent

- sent from iPhone

IF- Remedy

A good remedy for the common cold, headache, or just about any illness cured by over the counter asprin... is just good old fashioned REST! Accompanied by a good book, and tall glass of pink lemonade of course.

If you are the more dramatic type throw in an ice pack too, if it makes you feel better. No matter what you do, make sure you unplug for one full day, keep a note book handy for new ideas, but leave the iphone, nook & laptop OFF! :)

Wonderful Children's Books...

Visit http://www.littlemapletree.com to shop for Award Winning books, gifts & more! They have everything from Yoga Pretzels, to Felt crafted books like Recluse Moose. SO many great things. LOVE Barefoot Books!

Great Giveaway!!!!

There’s a lovely give away from @BeckyHigginsLLC on the @RTreasuredBaby blog today! http://ourtreasuredbaby.com/we-redecorated/

VOTING IS NOW OPEN...
Please help by voting for one of my designs to be sold on Minted.com


wedding stationery - Coffee in Aspen


wedding stationery - Makena Surf


wedding stationery - Lavender Emotion


wedding stationery - Wilderness Lovers


wedding stationery - Key West Escape

Thank you in advance for your support!

Please vote!

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Thanks so much!

3 new designs just posted on Minted.com -- Please check them out and Vote!

wedding stationery - Lavender Emotion


wedding stationery - Coffee in Aspen


wedding stationery - Wilderness Lovers

IF-Rescue

Illustration Friday- "Rescue"

It's sad to see some Manatees at the Aquarium, but then you quickly realize that most of them have been RESCUED & nursed back to health rather than left in the harbor to be run over by powerboats, and tourists. Such sweet animals!

IF- Expired

This weeks word is expired. Which is just about how I feel right now :) Long day...

IF- Perspective

Sometimes it just takes one look at your children to get all the perspective you need...