And now... for something completely different

Just experimenting...

One of my all time favorite paintings has always been Morris Graves' "Bird Singing in the Moonlight"... this is my version.

Photo vs. Scan

Water color Cat studies

I have this ongoing argument with myself. Will I scan my artwork? Will I photograph it?

Will I leave it as is, or transform it into a digital painting?

Most of the time I will scan a sketch if it isn't too big. I like seeing the texture that a scan can pick up. Occasionally a piece is way to large to scan and I will photograph it with and without flash to transfer it to the computer for finishing.

Here are three examples. I did some water color CAT studies, and then a "cat scan" and a photo with flash and with lamplight. While all three will have usefulness in future work, today I prefer the "cat Scan" for the color and texture. So that is one that I will keep handy for use in a current dummy I am working on.

Cat study photographed with flash

Cat study photographed with lamp light

And finally the

"Cat Scan" --- I just loved saying that *:)

MOCHA Art Exhibit

I have a couple pieces of art in an upcoming show at the Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA) in Oakland, CA - how fun is that! And you're invited if you're in the area! The exhibit will show art from recently published children's books alongside art that illustrator created in their own childhood, and there's also work by Don Freeman. Here's the info from MOCHA:

You are invited to the Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA)'s Annual exhibit, Once Upon a Time: Children's Book Illustrators, Then and Now, May 8-June 2. This year we are featuring work by Don Freeman, author/illustrator of Corduroy and Norman the Doorman, and 27 other artists.

Sarah Ackerley
Eve Aldridge
Bob Barner
Lisa Brown
Nancy Carroll
John Clapp
Claire B. Cotts
Angelo Dominguez
Julie Downing
Soma Han Stickler
Sara Kahn
Elisa Kleven
Angelo Lopez
Lea Lyon
Jenny Matheson
Jeff Miracola
Kathryn Otoshi
Todd Parr
Jeff Peterson
Joni Stringfield
Paul Tong
Dona Turner
Kristi Valiant (me!)
Lisa Victoria
David Weitzman
Ashley Wolf

The reception/book signing is May 9, 2-4pm. I won't be able to be at the reception, but some of the other artists will be there. If you go, send me a photo!

School Visit for Literacy Week!

I was invited by Timber Trails Elementary School in Hoffman Estates, IL, to read and demonstrate yoga poses from my latest illustrated book "The ABCs of Yoga for Kids". We had a great time! The book was a big hit. I was later informed that one little girl went home and immediately told her mom "We have to order this book, Mom!"

"The ABCs of Yoga for Kids" wins silver medal!

I am delighted to announce that my latest illustrated children's book "The ABC's of Yoga for Kids" has been awarded a silver medal in the category of Yoga/Pilates by Living Now Book Awards. Yay!

I will be reading from "The ABCs of Yoga for Kids" and demonstrating yoga poses with a group of first graders at a local school here in Illinois this Wednesday as the school celebrates Literacy Week.

My current book illustration project, "Little Black Ant at Park Street", should wrap up by the end of May, and I am looking forward to getting back to new projects and blogging again. I miss you all!

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

A new beginning for something old

I had submitted the story of Gunther the Underwater Elephant to about five publishers before one became interested but then after a long session and wait they finally turned him down. It wasn't so much the pictures, they loved those, it was the story.
Me, being a bit of a control (not quite freak) person did not want to let go of the story so I took Gunther back and put him on the bookshelf for 6 months.

Recently I started working on two other dummies and during the process I realized that Gunther had possibilities I had not thought of. So naturally he is back on the drawing table and being re-dummied. The text is far more minimal and the pictures are telling the story from a more childlike point of view. I think a child could now hear the story once and then retell (READ) it by reading the pictures. And isn't that what a picture book should be about?

Signing Contract for Another Book

I am so excited to have the opportunity to illustrate another picture book for Sylvan Dell Publishing. I love this manuscript. The title of the new book is Newton and Me and it's written by LynneMayer. The book is about a boy, his dog and how they learn about gravity, friction and force.
I will tell you more about it as time goes on. The manuscript is so fun, I can't wait to start the sketches! But for now I have to finish up this educational book I am doing, which should be very soon. Wahoo! Thanks so much Sylvan Dell for picking such a wonderful manuscript for me to illustrate!

The VERY Grimm Fairy Tales

This March and every March it is still winter up here in northern New England. To drive away the cabin fever our church players present a winter interlude. This year we chose to "re-load" some of the Grimm Brothers fairy tales.

I was asked to paint sets that could double as a cottage or a castle and create a tower for the Rapunzel story. In all, five tales were told with story and song.

My favorite of all was the Three Spinning Fairies, and more about that later, but here are some shots of the sets.

The total measurement was 38 feet across by nine feet high. The tree/tower for Rapunzel was a total of 12 feet wide wrapped around a structure that included doors to go in and out of and an unseen ladder in the back. The doors were invisible until opened as we cut them out after the scenery had been applied to the wooden structure.



I put a little figure of Rapunzel up there to show the scale.

And here is a close up of the corner of the cottage.


I would love to have had more time to work on the paintings, but we are usually limited to a few weeks before the sets have to be up and ready for rehearsals. Perhaps because I illustrate children's books, I am more demanding of myself and although I wasn't totally pleased with the final results, the audiences seemed to like the sets very much.

The paper comes on 9 foot by 36 foot rolls and is ordered from a stage set supply house. I use my own acrylic paints but when the sets require huge amounts of paint or more than one set of scenery I mix those with regular acrylic house paint to stretch the medium. The result is that the set paper gains a quality sort of like oil cloth and we can roll up the paintings and save them for the next production. Then we either reuse what was painted before or paint right over the old paintings.

Want to know what the hardest part of all this is????? Finding a place with enough space to paint these huge scenes before they are attached to the flats.

Grand Re-Opening of the Picture-Bookies Showcase

After a long hiatus the PICTURE BOOKIES SHOWCASE is reopening. We really look forward to welcoming everyone back.

The guidlines are a bit different this time in order to make it easier for participants to post and enjoy the gallery.

• The artwork submitted must be geared to the CHILDREN'S BOOK ILLUSTRATION MARKET
  
  
• The participants may post whenever they wish, and hopefully that will be often
  
  
• There will be no weekly or monthly theme
  
  
• There will be no comments
  
  
• Each illustration should be labeled with a title or subject, illustrators name, website or blog, and the medium you used to create the work

An advantage of this showcase is that if you have no website or blog of your own, you can still get your work noticed on a professional site for free.

So why not go on over and check out the new Picture-Bookies Showcase!

http://picture-bookiesshowcase.blogspot.com/

"TIME" for Spring

I found a really sweet birdhouse in our forest. Trapped under vines and old beyond use, it inspired this painting. It looked so much like a little clock that I decided to reinvent it as one, with fresh new paint. Now it can welcome a new family with pride.

©Ginger*:)

Winston Wednesday ~ CHAPTER X - HIC!!!

The newest chapter of Winston Wednesday is on Winston's blog.
Find out what is going on this week *:)

My First Book Signings!

Hi Everyone! The time has finally come - I will be flying out to California in just a few short days to attend two book signings for my new illustrated children's book "The ABCs of Yoga for Kids". One of the signings is at 6:30 Friday evening at Village Books in Pacific Palisades. They will be hosting a kids' pajama party and author Teresa Power and I will be demonstrating yoga poses with the kids and reading from the book. This event is open to the public, so come on out! I would love to meet you!

Sorry I have not bee around much in Boggerland lately. I am so busy with my books - I guess we all have been through this. I want to especially thank Bron Smith for his willingness to tell me what he knows about school visits and all of the other wonderful wisdom he imparted on me. He is truly one of the nicest people I have "met" while blogging!

Congrats to everyone on your latest successes. I do not always have time to comment, but I do read each post via my email.

The Way Out West Puppeteers performed Burro's Tortillas

The Way Out West Puppeteers performed Burro's Tortillas at Terri Fields, the authors, large Barnes and Noble yesterday. I thought you might enjoy seeing a few photos of it. Terri is such a fun author. She is so great at promotion. She is in the bottom photo second from the left. This made me so happy to see the photos! Burro's came to life! Opps maybe I should mention that Burro's Tortillas is a book I illustrated.

Are those puppets cute or what?

Spring Mailer and decisions

I had already sent out Spring postcards, but decided I needed to send out a flyer to key prospects. The mailer is two sided. One side has a brief resume and book and client list, and the other is a composite image from many illustrations. I decided to add some interest to the envelope as well.

I've been working for quite some time now at moving in the art workshop direction, so that I can mingle with other art people face to face, plus get paid to travel to exotic places. Today my first online ad was posted at: http://www.artshow.com/workshops/

Now I sit and wait for workshop participants to flock to my workshop in the Cook Islands. I hope.

If you ever want to teach a workshop, this site is one of the best for promoting it, according to Kristy Kutch, a colored pencil artist who has been doing workshops for 20 years. She told me that it has worked very well for her. It costs only $45 for three months on the front page. What a bargain. I bought six months for $85.

If you know anyone who loves the South Seas and enjoys mingling with fellow artists, our flight leaves next January 10, returning January 16. Details at: http://bronsmith.googlepages.com

Time for some reading of the old Tales.....

©Ginger Nielson 2009

Our astoundingly talented local theater group just performed an hilarious variety of VERY GRIMM Fairy tales, for which I did the set painting. Out of that experience grew this little drawing.

Kersplatypus is up for the Charlotte Award

The 2010 Charlotte Committee has finalized the ballot for their suggested reading lists for the next award. They will present the ballot on March 31, 2009 at the annual NYSRA Conference.

Kersplatypus, written by Susan Mitchell published by Sylvan Dell and illustrated by ME is on the reading list finals and up for an Charlotte award. Only ten books made the ballot in each category for the 2010 ballot so I am honored and very excited! Wahoo for us!

The award was named for the main character in E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web



The purpose of the Charlotte Award is to encourage students to read outstanding literature and ultimately become life-long readers. Additionally, the award recognizes the authors and illustrators of such literature. Students in New York State will read titles on the ballot and vote for their favorites. Votes were tallied, and the winners received their awards at the Annual NYSRA Statewide Conference.

Keep your fingers crossed!

The Voting Has Begun!

The Voting Has Begun!

Sorry I haven't been around much. My Father has been in the hospital for a little over a week with major heart trouble. . .and other miscellaneous health things and I have been spending all my waking and sleeping time in his room.



One of the books I illustrated is up for an award. It's called the "Children's Choice awards."

The finalists were determined by close to 15,000 children and teens. I would so appreciate if you own or like the book you would click the link I am providing below and vote for my book.

http://www.bookweekonline.com/kidsvote_page.aspx

Hope all is well with everyone!

Truly Busy!

©KathleenRietz
Hi Bookies! Just checking in...wanted to show my face here and let you know I have been reading the post alerts that come in my email inbox...just having a hard time blogging these days. Here is a photo I took tonite...I am now at the halfway point with the ant book.

I also wanted to thank Bron for his advice and encouragement. I have my first school visit and book signings set up for "The ABCs of Yoga for Kids" in CA later this month, and I am trying to get some things rolling back here in IL. You can read the latest press right here.

The ADVENTURE Continues...

Go to Winston's Story Center to see the next chapter in his adventures and catch up on all the previous events.

DISASTER AFTERMATH

Thank you for your kind thoughts regarding my digital disaster the other day. Rather than to start a whole new idea from scratch, I returned to my original sketch and decided to finish it in detail, then "tint" the sketch (set the brush at 50%) rather than to do the unusual time-consuming painting. The only part of the original painting that survived is the Illustration Friday thumbnail. That's what Jacquie was working on when the disaster occurred. www.bronsmith.com/trowbridge

There have been worse disasters. I have 72ed more than one entire map for a client before. That always sets me back emotionally for a while. Those are the times when I question having ever entered the digital realm.

DIGITAL DISASTER

No pictures with this post. It's more of an editorial comment. Sometimes I wish that we could return to the good ol' days of traditional art, where paint was wet. Now is one of those times. It takes so long to create a Trowbridge episode, because of the different steps, writing it, scribing it, penciling in the illustration, and painting it, which can really take a long time.

So because of all that time, I can't usually get an episode posted every week. In this case it is into the third week.

And now it's gone, just like that, all those hours.

Jacquie prepares the episodes for posting on the blog. About five minutes ago she was selecting the thumbnail from my completed painting. She hit "save" by accident, and, POOF... my art disappeared. Now all I have is a thumbnail. I had painted a "family quilt" on a bed that Mrs. T had made for her youngest son, Nils. It took a long time to render the designs on the quilt.

I've learned that if you don't strictly follow the rules you'll pay for your lack of due diligence. With our maps we always have a copy, just in case something like this happens, but I haven't done that with my Trowbride paintings. I guess I'll have to do that from now on, even with Trowbridge.

I was already into the third week between episodes, and now I have to start over, so it's going to be a long time between episodes this time. I guess I'll probaby take the quilt episode and repaint it, so I don't have to start from scratch. I thought I would share my frustration and grief with my fellow PBs.

CBC Reveals ‘Children’s Choice’ Finalists

I just received an email from Sylvan Dell Publishing telling me Sort it Out, a book I illustrated, is on the list of finals for the Children's Choice Finalist award! I am so fortunate to work for such a great publisher and to have been able to illustrate the wonderful story written by Barbara Mariconda.

It would be such an honor for all of us to receive this award. Such a great team to work with!

Creating an icon for the post title

This icon was created by Sherry Rogers for our Picture Bookie website and blog. If all goes well and the code works this little icon will show up next to our Post Titles each time we create a new post for our blog.

Creating Art - The Journey

As a kid and adult I have always loved space ships.This is one of four pieces I have been working on recently. The journey of a boy, his dog and their space ship.



http://Sherry-Rogers.com

Good Reviews can make you very happy....*:)

READY SET REVIEWS just gave me my present for the day. Actually it comes via the publisher who submitted the book for review.

Here is a link to the review of MY AFRICAN BEDTIME RHYMES by Brettell Hone and illustrated by me.
I was treated to a rare and wonderful experience working with the South African publisher, SHAMWARI and with Brettell.
My African Bedtime Rhymes.

One of the benefits of a good review is good sales... and good sales mean another book will be forthcoming *:)

Review - Paws, Claws, Hands and Feet

This is why I love to illustrate children's books. THE KIDS!! Just love this interview!

Armchair Interviews - February 2009

I have a new favorite book. It’s the delightful Paws, Claw, Hands, and Feet by Kimberly Hutmacher and illustrated by Sherry Rogers. The children’s book is written in an almost frenetic (I chose to read it to my granddaughter that way) rhyme that gave me and Greer the giggles. Actually Greer emitted real belly laughs. The animals run, jump, leap, hop and rest, just like people do. It’s a fun-filled day with a variety of animals. When the busy day is done, a little boy snuggles under the covers to take a much-needed rest. Paws, Claws, Hands, and Feet is the perfect bedtime book. It provides some quiet (or not so quiet) time before bed and will delight the kids who will probably laugh out loud and ask for it every evening. The illustrations are so bright and beautiful they reach out and not only grab your attention, but hang on tight.

Armchair Interviews says: Read the book and then work on the various activities supplied at the back of the book.

Go to review online

http://Sherry-Rogers.com

Spring Cleaning... Website update

I took some time to update my website for Spring 2009. There are still some tweaks going on, but most of the site is live and working now af Ginger Nielson Illustrations

Sherry Rogers - New Art

I will try to post some of my latest illustrations over the next few days. Here is an illustration I completed a couple of weeks ago.

http://www.sherry-rogers.com
http://www.wendylynn.com

Spring is a time for Sorting it Out!

Posting on the Spring theme. Here is an illustration from a book I illustrated called Sort it Out! Which is published by Sylvan Dell Publishing and written by Barbara Mariconda.



http://www.sherry-rogers.com/

Spring is coming!

Just a quick post to place something here after way too long. I figured this is Springy enough. It's snowing here now in Northern Virginia, but I know Spring isn't far off. I'm looking forward to it.

LOOKY BOOK

I had never heard of this site until a few minutes ago when my brother-in-law sent it to me. Maybe all of you already know about it, but in case you don't, here it is. I might give this some serious consideration. What a great idea, for readers, authors and illustrators...

http://www.lookybook.com/

SPRING THINGS

Yes, it is time for the spring mailers. This is one I am thinking of sending. I like the way the colors are so brilliant in RGB, but am always a bit saddened by the conversion to CMYK for printing. I try to use colors these days that convert more easily but every once in a while I want a color that doesn't quite have the ZING I want.

Seven.......more things

Seven things... only seven?

1.) My family, of course, everyone of them from the oldest (94) to the youngest, (just one year) at least that is the youngest we are currently aware of.

2.)MAGIC... I don't care how simple the trick, I love magic and I love to keep guessing and I love to be totally stumped!



3.)Being an illustrator of children's books. My life long dream came true and I am living it.

4.)Chocolate...this has a place on any list I create. It often winds up on the shopping list too.


5.)Dogs...they are so loyal and loveable. I could name them all but then I would be out of blog space. AND don't forget to watch the Westminster Kennel Club competition this coming Mon. and Tues. Last years best in show was .... FINALLY .. A BEAGLE!!!

6.)Teaching. I really enjoy working with young people, little ones especially, but all age groups have a special place in my heart.

7.)Friends...without my dear friends and their support I might not find the constant joy that I do even on a bad day.

Seven things I Love

1) First and foremost, my wonderful husband and my children Josh and Rachel. They are my true meaning of joy. Sounds corny. . .but it's true.

2) I love being outside in my yard whether I am gardening or eating a meal. It's my favorite spot to just hang out.

3) I love my studio. Despite the fact that I do love being outside and would have my computer outside if I could. . .I love being in here creating.

4) I love my friends. I would be lost without my friends. I connect with some on a daily basis here on line and they are truly the ones that keep me together. Others I see once or twice a month and some every few years. But man without every single one of them. . .life would not be worth living.

5) My two dogs and two cats. Luke is our thirteen year old yellow lab. Lazy, lovable and always in the mood to be loved on. Billy is our six year old Tibetan Terrier who thinks he needs to guard the house from outsiders and is my constant companion where ever I am. Lucy our fifteen year old calico cat is a talker and each time I go by her she calls out to me to come and pay attention to her. And last but not least our fourteen year old yellow tabby Margie who used to be our hunter, but as she aged prefers to sit in her bed and just watch the world go by.

6) My 2002 Ford Explorer. I wanted an Explorer since they came out and in 2003 I finally got my dream. It's my favorite car I have ever owned and I will keep it till it can't go down the street anymore.

7) My home. I am painter and a sewer. I have painted all the rooms and sewn all the drapes, curtains and pillows. It has taken me many many years to be able to have the home of my dreams. . .and I love it.

And all of the above makes my life complete. . .

Kreativ Blogger Award From Roz

The Picture Bookies have received the Kreativ Blogger award from our great friend Roz Fulcher. Visit her blog and check out her wonderful felt art

Along with the award came a tag to name 7 things we love. So to all the Picture-Bookies I send out an invitation to participate. . .I will be doing mine right after this post!

Thanks Roz!