This was my first attempt using Aquabord (being the only 20"x30" watercolor surface I could get my hands on quickly) and I learned a lot from the experience. If I were to work with it again, I'd layer gel medium or use an acrylic spray between the layers of color. Building layers of varying opacity with watercolor and gouache on these boards was tricky. If my brush was too wet, it would "reactivate" the dried paint beneath it and I'd lose ALL the underlying layers of color.

To further complicate things, my husband and I were still moving into our new house AND it was during that horrid heat wave on the East Coast. Our 1901 cottage has no central air, so much of the work in this series was painted while wearing a bikini and trying not to pass out. Finally, the finished paintings were much too big to scan so I had to take pictures of the finished work outside on my picnic table. I just barely met my deadline, it was such a stressful time.

Fortunately, I consider lessons learned as valuable as the commission itself. So, all troubles aside, it was totally worth it! I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. If you're in MN and want to see these paintings in person, they're on the fourth floor of the Children's Hospital in St. Paul.

A little competition is a good thing - it can make you exceed your limits and drive you to become a better artist - just don't be a jerk while you're at it. Thanks to Elizabeth Dulemba for the tip!

These are a few selected illustrations from an educational book project I did last summer for McGraw-Hill. The work was titled "Time to Invent" and will be included in an anthology textbook for young students.

The art direction was pretty tight on this, which I love. As always, whenever I get a chance to paint a dog, I make him look like my mutt.

"Grim Colberty Tales" is one of the funniest things I've ever seen on television.

The word is officially out on the workshop I'm coordinating for the New England SCBWI! There is still time to register, but hurry - seats are filling fast!

Live Animal Study: A Children's Book Illustrator's Workshop
Date: Sunday, February 26, 2012
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Place: The Edna Lawrence Nature Lab, 13 Waterman Street, Providence, RI 02903
Admission: FREE

Bring your sketchbooks, pencils, and light painting supplies and enjoy a rare opportunity to study a handful of live exotic (and some not-so-exotic) animals up close and personal!

RISPCA Humane Educator Laurelin Sitterly will present on each creature's basic anatomy, movement, and habits that will be sure to inspire you and provide a wealth of knowledge for your animal-themed book projects. Taxidermy and skeletal models will also be available to examine, courtesy of RISD's Edna Lawrence Nature Lab.

This is an event to gather inspiration from the animal world, practice your craft amidst an active environment, meet your fellow SCBWI illustrators, and benefit from a critique of your day's efforts by your peers.

RSVP by February 17, 2012 by completing the registration form and sending it back to me as an e-mail attachment. I hope to see you there!

RISD's Martin Luther King Day of Service, held last week at MLK Elementary in Providence, was a wonderful opportunity for RISD students and alumni to meet and connect while leading art activities for children.

There was great art, conversation, kids, and activities. Regretfully, I could only volunteer for set-up this year, but hope to commit to the full day next time. The event gets better every year!

Thanks to Becky Fong for letting me know about this great event! Check out RISD's Center for Student Involvement for more pictures.

Clear your calendars on February 26th and come on down to the Creative Capital! You're invited to a fun and FREE illustrator's workshop (better start sharpening those pencils now) sponsored by the NESCBWI, RISPCA, and RISD!

More details on this will be posted soon, so stay tuned...

This week's Illustration Friday submission features Boon, the main character from Boon the Raccoon and Easel the Weasel, preparing his storage hut for the winter by cooking and drying a supply of fish. I can't believe it's been eight years since I painted the illustrations for this book!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

2012 Kerlan Award Luncheon and Ceremony
Date: Saturday, May 5, 2012
Time: Noon to 2:30 p.m.
Place: Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, 222 21st Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Fee: $25 for the luncheon; the lecture is free and open to the public.

Reservations for the luncheon are required by April 23, and the registration form can be download here. There are no reservations required to attend the award ceremony.

Dr. Karen Nelson Hoyle, who will retire January 11, 2012 after more than forty years of dedicated service as the curator of the Children's Literature Research Collections, has been an outstanding scholar, teacher, and mentor to countless people who are interested in and passionate about children's literature and the people who create books for children. She has devoted her life to continuing Dr. Kerlan's vision and making it a reality.

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Hoyle when I donated the entirety of my book illustrations to the Kerlan Collection last year, and I can't imagine a better recipient of the award. The children's literature community just won't be the same without her! 

My artistic goals for 2012 may be a bit more involved than this, but they're still attainable. Among other things, they include:

1. Launching a slew of new sections and features to my website that I'm currently working on behind-the-scenes.
2. Updating my mailing list of publishers, art directors, and other industry pros.
3. Designing a new promotional postcard and sample packet with my new RI contact information to send to the above mailing list.
4. Joining a subscription-based online portfolio website like That's My Folio, Childrens Illustrators, and others.
5. Flexing my illustrator event coordination muscles again, hopefully through the NESCBWI, but independently as well.
6. Completing the #PBDummy Challenge once and for all!

I'm best motivated by threats and shame, so hold me to it, friends! Have a safe and wonderful New Year!