Tales from the Rushmore Kid

Sketchbook Art - Bethlehem

I love to repeat this post every Christmas.

I have been lucky enough to have visited the town of Bethlehem on Christmas day.  It was one of my parochial school kid's dreams come true.  Our Jewish mother tour guide took us to the Church of the Nativity on Christmas night.  The line was hours long to go down to the cave where the baby Jesus was born, but our guide knew of a secret door that is open only on Christmas. We followed her down and viewed the glorious Nativity scene--surround by chicken wire, just in case someone wanted to take baby Jesus home.  As we sang Christmas carols on our way back to the hotel, the brightest star I have ever seen shone over the land.

On this blessed day, Merry Christmas to all.

Art for Art sake

Sketch book drawings are the purest form of art for art sake.  A quick impression of life on the run.  Just instincts, a flick of the wrist and sometimes a lot of nerve.

During a guided tour of the Versailles I was powered walked through by Attila the Hun guide and was not allowed time to stop and sketch.  I wanted to draw the famous Hall of Mirrors, so I hung way way back and blended into the Japanese tour group behind. Being 5 foot one, this wasn't very difficult.   After taking a few photos with my new best friends, I quick penciled a sketch of the room and planned to water color later at the hotel. 

Eventually, the tour guide Babette, hunted me down and scolded me in french. I smiled and pretended to be dumb American.

Art for art sake.

Petra - sketchbook art

Sketch book art is the purest form of art for art sake.  It is more about the feel of a place than the actual likeness.  The Bedouin push their wares, smelly camels saunter by and my guide waits on the side as my pencil works it's magic.  And I have my sketch.

Petra is amazing with all the buildings carved right out of red sandstone. This is one of the magnificent royal tombs, the Urn Tomb.  Sketch on the left, photo on the right.

Picture Book Prompt #30 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Hunting on the Lagoon," Vittore Carpaccio,  ca. 1490-95

Picture Book Prompt #29 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Exhibition of a Rhinoceros at Venice," Pietro Longhi, ca. 1751

Picture Book Prompt #28 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the image as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. On this Thanksgiving Day, with this particular image, think Potlatch! How would you title this mask? Have fun!

"Face Mask," unknown Kitimat artist, ca. 1900

Picture Book Prompt #27 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Caricature of Charles-Henri Plantade," Horace Vernet (1789-1863)

Picture Book Prompt #26 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Boys Inflating a Bladder," Francisco de Goya y Lucientes, 1778

Picture Book Prompt #25 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Bogatyr," Mikhail Vrubel, 1898-99

Picture Book Prompt #24 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Carnelian Country," Marsden Hartley, 1932

Picture Book Prompt #23 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"A Hare in the Forest," Hans Hoffmann, ca. 1585

Picture Book Prompt #22 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Le Petit Dejeuner," Paul Signac, 1886-87

Picture Book Prompt #21 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Sri Rama Vanquishing the Sea," Raja Ravi Varma, 1848-1906

Picture Book Prompt #20 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"The Siesta," Paul Gauguin, 1892-94

Picture Book Prompt #19 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"The Menagerie," Melchoir de Hondecoeter, ca. 1690

Picture Book Prompt #18 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"The Puppet (El Pelele)," Francisco de Goya, 1791-92

Picture Book Prompt #17 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Seascape Study with Raincloud," John Constable, 1827

Picture Book Prompt #16 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Rokoko," August Macke, 1912

Picture Book Prompt #15 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Samson's Fight with the Lion," Lucas Cranach the Elder, ca. 1520-25

Picture Book Prompt #14 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"The Ghost of Kohada Koheiji," Katsuhika Hokusai, ca. 1830

Picture Book Prompt #13 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Summer Day on Skagen's Southern Shore," P.S. Kroyer, 1884

Picture Book Prompt #12 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"The Boaters," Edouard Manet, 1874

Picture Book Prompt #11 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Red Squirrel," Hans Hoffman, 1578

Picture Book Prompt #10 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Maple Trees at Mama, Takona Shrine, and Tsugihashi Bridge," Hiroshige, 1857

Picture Book Prompt #9 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Landscape with Bridge," Henri Rosseau, 1877

Picture Book Prompt #8 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Child Posing with Cat," the Beardsley Limner, ca. 1790

Picture Book Prompt #7 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Florida River Scene: Early Evening, After Sunset," Martin Johnson Heade, ca. 1887-1900

Picture Book Prompt #6 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"M. Loulou," Paul Gauguin, 1890

Picture Book Prompt #5 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Medusa," Caravaggio, ca. 1598

Picture Book Prompt #4 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Home in the Woods," Thomas Cole, 1847

Picture Book Prompt #3 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Cows, Yellow-Red-Green," Franz Marc, 1912

Picture Book Prompt #2 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Abbey Among Oak Trees," Caspar David Friedrich, 1809

Picture Book Prompt #1 - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the files of
children's book author
Barbara Jean Hicks

Inspired by Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), I'm posting a classic work of art as a picture book writing prompt every day in November. Focus on the picture as a whole or just one aspect of the work. Free write. Ask questions. Think about character, setting and plot: Who, Where, When, What, Why. Think about tone, mood and emotional impact. How would you have titled this painting? Have fun!

"Procession of Monstrous Creatures," Wendell Dietterlin the Younger, 1615

Happy Mother's Day - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the social media files
of children's author and educator
Barbara Jean Hicks,
Guest Columnist

When holidays roll around, I usually share a poem that relates to it. Sunday is Mother's Day. Before I started looking for a piece for today's blog post, I read something written by my colleague and Facebook friend, children's author and illustrator Nina Laden, and it moved me so much that I decided I wanted to share it instead of a poem. I hope it moves you as it did me.

Nina lives in the great Pacific Northwest, which I am soon to call my permanent home. She is the author/illustrator of 15 picture books, including such great titles as The Night I Followed the Dog, Private I. Guana, When Pigasso Met Mootisse, Peek-A-Who?, Roberto the Insect Architect, An Ant's Day Off, and her most recent, Button Nose.

Nina's mother died when Nina was only 24. One of the things she left her daughter was a library of books, complete with handwritten notes. Recently Nina came across a letter her mom had written her and stuffed in a book of Walt Whitman's poetry. It's a wonderful love letter from a mom to her daughter, and Nina has kindly given me permission to share it. I hope you'll visit Nina's blog and read the entire post. It's lovely! And it's no wonder that Nina is a writer and artist.

Priscilla Burris - Illustration Tip of the Day

One of the most talented, generous, and wonderful members of the SCBWI board is Priscilla Burris. Illustrator of over ninety books, Priscilla has coordinated the illustrator area of the SCBWI for years. With a joyous heart, Priscilla gives her Illustrator Tip of the Day.

SCBWI Winter Conference - Interview with David Diaz

The SCBWI Winter Conference in New York City is always a blast. It gives me the opportunity to listen to and network with authors, illustrators and friends. This year at the Saturday night cocktail party, I pinned down my good bud, the fabulous Caldecott winner David Diaz, and interviewed him for the blog.

School Visits: An Author's Perk! (Barbara Jean Hicks)

from the files of
Educator & Children's Book Author
Barbara Jean Hicks

One of the great joys of writing for children is being with children!

I love visiting schools to talk to kids about writing and art, and it was a very special treat for me one day last Spring to go back to Central Elementary School in Ferndale, Washington--the school I attended as a child--as a featured workshop leader for their Young Artist's Fair. I spent all day working with several second grade classrooms, reading from MONSTERS DON'T EAT BROCCOLI and teaching an art lesson on color and pattern.

The great experience doesn't end with the visit. Often, teachers have their students write thank you notes that arrive a week or so later and make me understand anew why I do what a do. It's all about the kids!

How I spent my summer...Rushmore!

I made a promise to myself when my manuscript for Hanging Off Jefferson's Nose was acquired in 2005 that I wouldn't go to Rushmore again without the book in my hand.  Here I am this summer on Mount Rushmore, promise kept!
I was in South Dakota doing book signings at and near the memorial.  It was a magical, fun time and a thrill to see the mountain again.  All the years of wanting to tell this story has finally come true.  This picture might look like I photoshopped the presidents in, but I am thrilled to say I didn't--they are the real thing.   I plan to go back for signings at least once every year!

Abelard and the Bad-Weather, Why-Bother Blues - Barbara Jean Hicks

Have you ever written a story that you just couldn't seem to sell to anyone but loved anyway? I can't even tell you how many years ago I started work on a story about a boy named Abelard, his Gran-Daddy Gill, and a cake that tasted like summer. At one point, Knopf had the manuscript for six months and seemed very interested; the art directors, my editor told me, were "salivating over it." Very exciting--but in the end, Knopf said "no." Then Random House (London) had it for months on end and even commissioned several artists to do sample illustrations. But again, in the end, RHUK said "no" as well. By that time, so much time had passed, and the picture book market seemed in such disarray, that I stopped shopping it.

Then I learned how to publish my out-of-print romance novels as ebooks and started to think, "Why not Abelard?"

Santa in Paradise- Art for Art's Sake

I love to draw Father Christmas. You might say I am Santa obsessed, call him what you'd like--Kris Kringle, Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas or my personal favorite, Sleigh Boy. As he was to most kids, he was my hero, a patron saint who doled out what we really needed...toys and candy. And I still believed in his power of good.

Of course Santa is a workaholic. How else could he run the corporation of Elves R Us?!  But I always wondered what he did with his leisure time. What books did he read?  What toys did he like? And of course, what was his favorite dessert?

This is a quick sketch of Santa on vacation in Tahiti. I think of him having a red and green hut over the water. I bet he uses SPF 50 sunblock. Santa is whiter than white!

The Little Shepherd's Christmas - Carol Heyer - book launch info

My good buddy, award winning author/illustrator Carol Heyer, wrote and illustrated a wonderful Christmas story, out just in time for the holidays. Here is the book launch info. If you are in the area go to the launch and support your local independent book seller.

THE LITTLE SHEPHERD'S CHRISTMAS

December 3rd
,11:00 - 1:00

Mrs. Figs' Bookworm

93 East Daily Drive  Camarillo, CA 93010-6332
(805) 482-1384

What a great gift this is from Ideal Books. Here is a summary of The Little Shepherd's Christmas.

This is Reuel's big chance to prove that he can tend sheep just as well as his older brothers. All he has to do is keep a watchful eye on his little flock. But distracted by his brothers' teasing, he looks away just long enough for a little lamb to wander. Following a frantic search, Reuel finds his missing charge . . . and also finds himself in the midst of the biggest announcement ever made. The Christ Child has been born, and Reuel is one of the first chosen to hear the news! After racing through the streets of Bethlehem, his misstep becomes a blessing when he encounters the Baby who will one day become the Shepherd of Men.

A School Visit Nugget: Meeting Visual Arts Standards - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the teaching files of
Barbara Jean Hicks

I admit it, I’m envious of both the talent and the opportunities available for picture book illustrators and author/illustrators. What fun it would be to create something visual, in the moment, for a group of spell-bound students-- and inspire them to create artwork of their own!

In these days of budget cuts for schools, the arts often get short shrift. But most states have academic standards in the arts that educators must address. What better person to help them do so than a real live illustrator?!

Golf Club Art

At one time I was known for my giant, wall size golf course paintings. Being a golfer, I went through a period of painting all the courses I played.  This is the 7th hole at Calabasas Country Club. I loved this hole when I painted it, so picturesque, but a year later I hated it!  It is a par 3, which means you should be in the hole by 3 strokes. That year in the club championship, I got a 10 on this stinking hole!  I went from one sand trap to another, back and forth. I almost put this painting away for good, but then I met a client who actually got a hole in one on this hole and bought the painting for his office.  Believe me, I wasn't sorry to see it go.

Venice - Travel Art

I have been lucky enough to travel and see some truly remarkable places. Venice, Italy is one such place.  I have been there several times, and I am always struck by its Disney-esque quality.  The picture here is a giant wall painting I did of a view from Saint Mark's Square. It was featured in an art show but I didn't have the heart to sell it.  Now and forever it hangs in my home.

SCBWI Summer Conference Costume Ball - 2011- Tina Tooth Fairy

For the past seven years I have fed my inner ham by dressing up for my one performance art act of the year, at the SCBWI Summer Conference.  The theme this year was vague: "40 Winks."  Most people will probably show up in their pj's, but I wanted to do something from children's literature. And who doesn't love the Tooth Fairy, who exchanges teeth for coins in the dark of night when kids are catching their forty winks?  I look forward to the conference and all its opportunities for networking, workshops and revisiting old friendships. In these distressing times, a writing conference is solice for my creative soul.

Kenji's Light of Hope Art Sale - Help elderly in quake-stricken Japan.

 

We all want to do something to help Japan. My good friend, music therapist, Yoshiko Yeto helped organise an auction fund raiser for the quake-stricken area of Japan. Here is the information.

 

Kenji's Light of Hope art sale, a fundraiser will benefit The Igari Music Therapy Research Center (MTRC) in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.  The art sale at http://www.etsy.com/shop/KenjisLightOfHope?ref=pr_shop.

Some of the featured artists and musicians include: Alice Cohen, Phil Franklin, Georg Gatsas, Sam Henderson, Tim Hensley, Nigey Lennon, Naoki Mitsuse, Richard Sala, and Christine Shields.

Valentine's Day

When I was a kid, Valentine's Day was a popularity contest--how many valentine cards one got and who they were from. Remember that?

Things changed, thank goodness. As an adult, I turned Valentine's Day into my own personal national holiday and looked for creative ways to express my affection for my hubby.

This painting is a sketch for a picture book idea that I kicked around a few years ago. The manuscript for The Valentine Kitty is still in a drawer, but the painting I made into a card. My husband got it that year for Valentine's Day from our cats! 

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY.

The Scribe's Magical Journey

At the summer conference I worked hard to make my presentation interesting to the group. So I produced a five minute video, starring me, about a scribe's journey to the SCBWI Summer Conference.  I played it at the beginning of the workshop to show that "I've been in your shoes, too!"

Here's the Scribe's Magical Journey...

Toulouse - Pet Paintings

I've never been one for self portraits, but I always love painting my pets. This is one of the keyboard kitties. Toulouse is a girl and a twin.  I named her sister Monet. Toulouse is an inside kitty who loves the highest kitty condo in the house (they have four kitty condos). I started letting the cats out for a few hours to sun on the deck and watch the waves. Toulouse, being a wannabe hunter, took off on a binder.  Needless to say, I was worried sick. She came back two days later; I suspect she'd been locked in a garage. Toulouse still gets to hang out on the deck, but her wandering days are over.

Bad Manuscript Art

My first attempt at writing and illustrating a book, many years ago, is embarrassing to me now. I had never taken a writing class and I knew nothing of the business or the market. I was so naive at the time that I thought a cat, a fairy and forced rhyme would make a great children's book! Lucky for me, a kind literary agent quickly steered me towards the SCBWI and saved me years of grief. The sucko manuscript is dead forever, but the art still makes me smile.