The Big Draw 2012

This past weekend brought the 3rd annual Big Draw at RISD's Museum of Art. It was truly a family event, though folks without kids like me could still get in on the drawing fun!

I spent some time sketching kids who were as difficult to capture on paper as animals at the zoo! It was cute to see so many of them hard at work on their art, contorting their bodies and squirming and really getting into their creations. There was an array of activities throughout the museum: drawing to music, block printing, meditative drawing, a huge collaborative mural, & even a drawing exchange.

In addition to creating masterpieces, it was also a great chance to see those on display at the RISD Museum. I always get lost in there for hours, especially in the Greek and Roman art halls. Plus, there were pads of paper and pencils in nearly every room, ready for use in those sudden moments of inspiration.

Can you believe this event was FREE? For those of you who couldn't make it, you'll have to wait until next year for your chance to join the fun! For now, you can check out the RISD Museum calendar of events.

Illustration Friday: Soaked

This week's Illustration Friday submission is a sketch previously used to promote a Minnesota SCBWI event. Sometimes a good rain puddle is the perfect place to soak one's feet and have some fun.

Have a great weekend, everybody!

Sketches from 2009

One of my projects as I close out the year has been to reorganize my art supplies. While perusing my sketchbook from this year, I found these quick drawings that I've not shown before. From the looks of them, they were sketched while on a trip to the zoo and during a people-watching session. Drawn mostly with a Sharpie marker in a Moleskine pocket sketchbook.

Here's to many more drawings in 2010!

Activity Page: Giraffe

Well, my computer is finally back up and running, and we didn't lose any data! To celebrate I'm posting an activity page for youngsters to color. It's been way too long since I've done one of these, so I hope you'll enjoy it!

The image above was originally done to advertise the Minnesota Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Field Trip to Como Park Zoo (lots of text went in the negative space). We'll be taking that trip again this July 11th, so check back soon for details!

Download the activity page and have fun!

Activity Page: Annie, Letty, and Victoria

This week I’m featuring some coloring pages from my very own primas (cousins)!

Annie is 9-years old and wants to become an artist like her cousin Christina. She loves to read, draw, and sing when she is happy. She received mostly As and 1 B on her latest report card.

Letty (Leticia) is 11 years old. She wants to become a model or a teacher when she grows up and loves cheerleading and swimming. She is caring and will put you first before herself. She received As and Bs on her latest report card.

Victoria will turn 13 in about a month. She wants to become a doctor. She loves to swim and enjoys playing basketball. She received all A's in her last report card and has a 3.85 GPA.

Thanks so much to my Aunt Irma for sending these in!