NESCBWI 2014 Recap

Award Winning Illustrators Kevin Barry and Marlo Garnsworthy

These past few months have been a whirlwind of excitement and change! One of my favorite events each year is the regional NESCBWI (New England Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) conference, which took place in May this year. It's a great event that brings children's book industry professionals (and those aspiring to get into the children's book industry) together to learn, grow, and forge new friendships.

As always, there were a lot of great workshops this year! A few that I really enjoyed included:

• Facial Expression and Body Language for Characters in Children's Graphic Novels and Comics by Ed Briant - An eye opening workshop on the subtleties of various facial expressions, which was further reinforced when we illustrated our fellow partner's performance of different facial expressions. Talk about embarrassing pictures!

• First Look: Your Single Best Piece Critiqued with Ruth Sanderson and Art Directors Diane Earley and Nicole De Las Heras - It's always valuable to hear feedback from industry professionals who you may potentially market your work to.

• Got Rhythm? Pacing the Picture Book with Illustrators/Writers Deborah Freedman and Frank Dormer - These two were hilarious! Using Molly Bang's Picture This: How Pictures Work, they had us illustrate stories using construction paper, glue, and other physical materials. Deb and Frank did a great job of reinforcing how important basic shapes and colors are to creating a strong composition, regardless of how realistic the final illustration will be.

• "What Makes a Bestselling Picture Book?" with AJ Smith and Susan Savory - This a very loaded question but AJ and Susan did a nice job of breaking down what makes the classics...classic!

• Now Try It Like This: Tough Love for Illustrators with Deborah Freedman - Another excellent pacing class in which Deb made us look at different ways to compose a scene and move the story forward.

• The Picture Book Dummy for Smart Illustrators And Authors with R.W. Alley - R.W. Alley did a wonderful job of describing the picture book process, from the hiccups along the way to the final printed version, while having us practice different ways of translating a manuscript into a picture book dummy.

The crew enjoying dinner at Theodore's

Every year, NESCBWI manages to bring in an excellent keynote speaker and this year was no exception! The very talented Peter H. Reynolds gave a wonderful speech on being an artist, writer, and about passionately following your dreams and honoring your talents.

One of my favorite parts about the conference, though, is seeing old friends and making new ones. These conferences bring together tremendous talent throughout the region (and in some cases throughout the country).  It's great to sit down with fellow writers and illustrators and chat it up!

I also want to give a BIG congratulations to my friends and fellow artists who won awards at the 2014 NESCBWI Conference:

Renee Kurilla's portraits of illustrators Greg Matusic and Kevin Barry

• Kevin Barry - Portfolio Showcase Honorable Mention, Michelson Prize
• Jen Betton - Portfolio Showcase
• Renee Kurilla - Portfolio Showcase Honorable Mention
• Marlo Garnsworthy - Michelson Prize runner up

Congratulations for the awesome recognitions! The hard work pays off!

It's hard to believe that the conference has already come and gone! I'm already looking forward to what 2015 has in store!

Happy New Year!

I'm a little late in getting this post up but...Happy New Year! The start of a new year marks a time when we all reflect on our goals and plans for the coming months ahead. A new year imparts the feeling of a fresh start, where new opportunities abound. It's no accident that the New Year is announced around the world with tremendous fanfare (fireworks, the ball drop in New York City, and confetti included)! All of us rejoice at the chance of starting anew and exercising the exemplary potential that each and every one of us is capable of.

It's been some time since I've posted anything new online (my blog and website included)! That will change soon though! Like many people, I've taken some time to set my own goals for 2014. Some of which include:

• A redesign and restructure of my website
• Update my portfolio with new pieces
• Work on a new picture book dummy
• Maintain a sketchbook more regularly

While these are just a few goals that I've set for the new year, it's important for all of us to take this time to reflect on what we envision will foster happiness and success in our own personal lives.

2014 will be an exciting year! I'll be posting on my blog more frequently to share the latest news regarding The AP Sabourin Studio (and there will be a lot!). 

With the new year already well under way, make sure to take chances, push yourself to the limits, continue to pursue your dreams, and always take some time to appreciate what surrounds you. I hope that each and every one of us has a wonderful 2014!

Into the Arts Festival

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of visiting Juniper Park Elementary School in Westfield, MA. After teaching the students a little bit about illustration, children's books, and storytelling, I provided the start of a story, which the students completed with their own ideas and illustrations. This weekend, their artwork, along with many other young, talented artists in Westfield, will be on display at the 8th annual Into the Arts festival held at Westfield Vocational Technical High School. The event will take place on both Saturday and Sunday. Below are some details:

Westfield Vocational Technical High School
33 Smith Avenue
Westfield, MA

March 22nd
5:30 - 8:30 pm

March 23rd
10:00 am - 2:00 pm

If you can, stop by, partake in the festivities, and celebrate Westfield's artistic talents! I hope to see you there!

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful New Year! Last year was an amazing journey! From attending the 13th Annual SCBWI Winter Conference in New York City in January to spending time at the NESCBWI regional conference in Springfield, MA, I had the opportunity to meet so many incredibly talented writers, illustrators, agents, editors, and art directors.
With 2013 already upon us, I have a lot of big changes and announcements in store. One of the biggest is the update of The AP Sabourin Studio website. With an expanding portfolio of work, the need to add some new features and sections to the site, and the importance of updating the design, coding, and responsiveness of the site, I've found it necessary to begin work on a new website.  As the new site develops, I'll post updates.
Last year, I began taking classes in web design. So, I'll also be putting up some more design related work as well.
May everyone have an exciting (and lucky) 2013!

Portrait of a Dog...as Raphael's Angelo Doni, Complete!

As usual, it's been a busy past few months. Between web design classes, freelance work, and my own illustration projects, my creative plate has been quite full!
I'll be posting some of my web and graphic design work in the coming weeks. Because my portfolio is rapidly expanding and evolving, I'm also working on a major overhaul of my website. I'm hoping to add an online store to the new site as well, through which prints, posters, etc. of my illustrations can be purchased. I'll post updates as the site develops.
A few months back, I put up some process work behind one of my pen and ink illustrations, Portrait of a Dog...as Raphael's Angelo Doni!, but never posted the finished version. Well, the wait is over! Here it is in all of its black & white glory!

A Light that Still Shines Bright

Remembering Doug B. Horak

Life is an unpredictable thing.  Time, something that must always be valued and respected.  A few weeks ago, I learned just how true these statements are when I discovered that a very close friend had unexpectedly passed away.  While I and so many knew him as a friend, others called him brother or son.   Whether we would be at the cinemas, admiring the stunning animation of Pixar's latest film, or having a drink as we discussed the future of art, that stinging pain that comes with the realization that someone you have known for so many years will no longer be with you still burns.  It hurts even more to know that the world will never see the full potential of such a talented artist.
Not only did he have a kind heart, a distinct smile, and a genuine laugh, but he was supportive and proud of all of his friends and their endeavors.  Though his skills were impressive, notching up such recognitions as the Grand Prize for the 2011 Lucasfilm "Man versus Nature" Concept Art Award (which led to an internship at Lucasfilm Studios in California) and placing second in a competition sponsored by Animation Magazine for their poster pitch contest, he would always brag and swoon over the talent of others, most especially his friends.  His passion, motivation, and unconditional selflessness served as a source of inspiration for all who knew him.

I can't help but imagine that as I write this, Doug has his signature Bose headphones on, studying the composition and color palette for an upcoming painting.  He'll be planning it out much like he did with his other pieces, a few sketches and a study or two in preparation of the final painting.  While much of his work is done digitally, with this particular image he'll be working in a traditional fashion, with vibrant oil paints, a pockmarked palette of dried liquin and oil swatches (although there is an untouched spot left on the top, right corner from which to work).  In typical Doug fashion, the piece will be finished and ready to critique in only two days time.  And an intriguing one it is at that!  In the near distance, one can see a massive roller coaster, dwarfing the mightiest of skyscrapers.  Through the atmospheric haze of the sky stands a monument of tremendous cliffs guarding over the innocent, virgin blue lakes below them.  If you look close enough, you'll even notice a small, red tavern.  Although somewhat aged, it still has a warm, inviting appearance.  Perhaps here, you could rest a while, have a drink, and maybe even play a game or two of darts.  And yes, that glistening, winged silhouette in front of the blazing light of the daytime sun is a dragon.  The painting seems to almost resemble an amusement park, with all of these impressive landmarks being housed within splendidly intricate, golden gates.  To the trained eye, the influence of the gothic style, so prolific in the middle ages, adorns the surrounding, gated architectural perimeter of "the park."  Before turning away, you find it interesting to note that Doug painted a modest booth in front of this stunning display.  You might even chuckle in admiration as you realize there is a gray bearded, kindly old man in a long brown robe standing beside it.  At first, you think Doug injected a little bit of Star Wars humor, placing Obi Wan Kenobi as the gatekeeper of a theme park.  But then you notice this man has no mythical lightsaber adorning his attire.  All he has are a set of gold keys in his right had as he motions for you to enter this splendid place.  With this, you smile and begin to walk away, noting Doug's atypical choice for the painting's title, "Saint Peter's Gates, a Heavenly Park."

Rest in peace, my friend.  I, along with so many others, will carry your memory with me, striving to honor it every step of the way on my journey through life.  I hope that one day, you, I, and all of our friends and family will be able to share the fun that can be had at "Saint Peter's Gates."

Doug's impressive portfolio can be seen at http://www.dbhorak.com.  For a glimpse into his creative process, be sure to check out his blog.

Portrait of a Dog...as Raphael's Angelo Doni!

I did several quick pen and ink studies for a spot illustration I worked on about a month ago.  Before posting up the finished piece, I thought it would be fun to show some of the process work behind it.  I always enjoy looking through other artists' sketchbooks.  There's something about the rawness and unedited qualities of a sketch that just can't be replaced.  

It's also fun to see who artists are studying and referencing as they create their artwork.  When I first got the idea for the spot, Raphael's Angelo Doni jumped right into my head as the portrait that I wanted to include in the illustration. Immediately after, I did some quick pen and ink studies of different types of dog heads to put onto the body.  In the final illustration, I chose the Afghan Hound because of his hair and elongated muzzle, both of which resemble Doni's hair and long nose.  Any time I have the opportunity to peruse my art books for an illustration project, I eagerly embrace it!

Farewell, "king of all wild things"

On Tuesday, the picture book world lost one of its greatest talents, Maurice Sendak.  His career spanned several decades, stimulating and influencing the imaginations of so many people, young and old alike. While best known for writing and illustrating Where the Wild Things Are, his work also included In the Night Kitchen, Outside Over There, and illustrations for the Little Bear series, just to name a few.  It's difficult to imagine the world of picture books without Sendak's work.  Like so many, I grew up reading and re-reading Where the Wild Things Are, losing myself in the world Sendak created and joining the wild things as Max cried, "let the wild rumpus start!" 

Indeed, as I got older and was being trained in the art of picture books, I gained a new found appreciation for the design, layout, and pacing of so much of his work.  As a great storyteller, Sendak incorporated so many complex storytelling devices while making the process seem so effortless. His unique, palpable characters and utilization of Winsor McCay's technique of correlating panel size to its corresponding events were just a few tools he used from his creative bag.  While as a child I loved to journey through his worlds of fantasy, now I enjoy studying those places and the genius behind them. 

So while we say goodbye to the "king of all wild things," countless generations to come will join Max in his private boat, help Mickey investigate the racket going on in the night kitchen, and celebrate a birthday for Little Bear with his friends.

NESCBWI 2012 Conference

Before I jump into the conference details, I must first excitedly announce that my entry into the NESCBWI 2012 Poster Contest placed second in the Unpublished Category! Congratulations to all of my friends and fellow illustrators who placed within their respective categories, including Hazel Mitchell, Marcela Staudenmaier, Dan Moynihan, Milanka Reardon, and three time winner Russ Cox.

First and foremost, I must say what an amazing weekend I had! Not only was it great to see some familiar faces from SCBWI's New York Winter Conference, but it was also nice meeting so many new, talented individuals. Just like the winter conference, NESCBWI 2012 was a three day event, beginning at the Eric Carle Museum on Friday and ending on Sunday with a closing speech from Jane Yolen. Without getting too long winded, I'll just list some highlights from the weekend.

Friday

• While at the Eric Carle Mix & Mingle event, limited to only 250 attendees, I had the opportunity to meet, talk with, and have some books signed by many great children's book writers and illustrators, including Jane Yolen and Dan Yaccarino. 
• Later in the day, I attended the opening meeting of the Beginner Illustrator Academy, taught by the talented trio of Brian Lies, Anne Sibley O'Brien, and Carol Goldenberg. As part of a small group of  Academy attendees, each of us were given the task of creating character model sheets and a finished illustration for one of three public domain stories provided by the teachers.  Because this work was critiqued for Sunday, we simply introduced ourselves to each other and learned a little bit about what makes great picture books.
• Another excellent aspect of the conference was the opportunity to be exhibited in the Portfolio Showcase, viewed by industry professionals, faculty, and volunteers. The showcase was open to everybody on Saturday evening.
• Having dinner and drinks with a very fun group of illustrators and writers was a great way to top things off!

Saturday

• I love the preliminary work that goes into animated films, including storyboards and character designs. So, it goes without saying that I had a blast attending Kelly Light's excellent workshop on character design. She even made cookies for all of us! It doesn't get much better than that!
• I think many of the conference attendees will agree that Harry Bliss gave a hilarious keynote speech after lunch! As an illustrator and cartoonist for The New Yorker, among his many other achievements, he has an excellent sense of humor. I was laughing so much it hurt!
• I also had the fortune of attending an amazing presentation by Mary Brigid Barrett about writing picture books. Although teaching how to write can be very dry and boring, Mary presented the material in such a animated way that it's pretty hard to forget the important lessons she taught.
• Anytime you have Dan Yaccarino giving a presentation, as was the case for his workshop on the essentials of a picture book dummy, you want a front row seat. His combination of humor and thoughtful information make for an excellent class.
• Having a critique with Martha Rago, the Associate Creative Director at HarperCollins Children's Books, was incredible! I learned a great deal about my strengths, weaknesses, and portfolio and marketing presentation. This was so important for my growth as an illustrator!
• It was very exciting to meet Harold Underdown (below), a knowledgeable industry professional whose website and book act as irreplaceable tools in navigating through the rough waters of the children's book market.
• The day ended on a fun, relaxing note. I think the picture on the bottom says it all!

Sunday

• It's amazing how fast the weekend went by! The Beginner Illustrator Academy was a nice way to end things. While having our "homework" critiqued, we also learned the many ways to create strong, dynamic characters, stories, and layouts for picture books.

Whew! What a weekend! 

If Elephants Could Fly...

After going through Winsor McCay's Little Nemo in Slumberland series, I really wanted to practice some of his page design techniques. His comic strips, from both a creative and design perspective, are absolutely stunning! In this case, to exaggerate the distance the elephant is travelling in the sky, I elongated the panel and incorporated some dramatic perspective. I gotta say, it was a nice break from my current workload and a fun little exercise!

Exclusive Mugshots of Chicken Licken Released by the Fowl County Police Department!!

I can't believe it's been a month since my last post! It would be an understatement to say I fell a little behind on my blogging duties! I'll have a lot of sketches, model sheets, and finished illustrations, though, that I will be posting both here and on my website come May. I'll also be adding a few new features on my webpage, including a section that will display some behind-the-scenes artwork that goes into each finished series of illustrations that I work on.
To kick off the first Monday in March, I thought I'd post a little doodle that was inspired by the Tomie dePaola Award competition a few months back, in which those participating had to illustrate an excerpt from the Chicken Licken story.  The Fowl County Police Department did not take Chicken Licken's actions very lightly! The poor animal is now a wanted criminal on the run!

A Weekend in Review: The 13th Annual SCBWI Winter Conference

Lobby of the Grand Hyatt Hotel

This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to attend SCBWI's annual winter conference in New York City. It was an amazing time! I met many talented artists, while learning invaluable information about the children's book market.

The event began with the illustrators' marketing intensive on Friday, in which the talented illustrators John Rocco, Dan Santat, Dan Yaccarino, and Sophie Blackall gave presentations about the various marketing tactics illustrators can employ to effectively promote their work.  While entertaining, all of the artists offered excellent advice in areas such as social media and book trailers.

Illustrators Dan Yaccarino and Dan Santat

The second half of the intensive was handled by Jed Benett from Penguin, Deb Shapiro of Deb Shapiro & Co. (a marketing firm) and Michelle Fadlalla of Simon and Schuster.  Again, much valuable information was garnered from hearing this panel of individuals speak.  Both illustrators and the marketing specialists agreed on the important role libraries and local bookstores play in regards to bringing one's book to the public's attention.
Roxie Munro, along with the other illustrators, ended the intensive with a discussion about how to manage one's time and money wisely to get the most from their marketing tactics.  The day concluded with the Portfolio Showcase, in which 180 illustrators placed their portfolios out to be judged by 350 leading professionals within the industry.  Needless to say, there was a lot of great artwork to be seen! The runner ups of the portfolio showcase were Wook Jim Jung and Lori Nichols, with Mike Curato as the winner.  Congratulations to all of you!
That was just the first day! The following day offered even more valuable information, with break-out workshops generously presented by Cathy Goldsmith of Random House, HarperCollins' Martha Rago, and Samantha McFerrin of Harcourt. A gala dinner and an illustrator social topped the night off! Of course, I can't forget to mention Henry Winkler's guest appearance earlier in the day. It was quite the pleasant surprise! I think I speak for all of us when I say his speech both motivated and inspired us to continue reaching for the stars.

Surprise guest Henry Winkler

Though Sunday marked the end of the conference, the morning was still packed with motivational presentations, thought provoking panels (such as that of the four agents), and a fun interview with the Bookmakers Dozen, a group of Brooklyn-based illustrators that include John Rocco, Dan Yaccarino, and Sophie Blackall.
To attend an event of this magnitude can be overwhelming but very rewarding. The connections that are made with fellow illustrators, writers, and industry professionals are so valuable in guiding one on their journey through the children's book market.  While it is a humbling experience, one quickly appreciates the stunning talent that surrounds them. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to attend these conferences, especially for those just starting out in the field.  I met some wonderful, talented people, gained new friends, and was introduced to a beautiful world of like-minded individuals who share the same goal: to nurture and foster the education and imagination of the world's youth, helping them grow to be smart, compassionate, and productive individuals.  It truly is a privilege to work in the children's market!

Illustrators/writers Stephen Macquignon and Debbie Ohi

For a more detailed look at the conference check out The Official SCBWI Conference Blog of the 13th Annual Winter Conference

Countdown to SCBWI's Lucky 13th Annual Winter Conference!

In just a few days, the 13th Annual SCBWI Winter Conference will begin! From Friday, January 27th until Sunday January 29th, children's writers, illustrators, agents, art directors, editors, publishers, and so many more, gather to meet, educate, and celebrate the children's book market. From the marketing intensives for writers and illustrators on Friday to Saturday's multitude of informational workshops, this three day event is nothing short of spectacular! With so much talent in a single place at one time, the conference offers those dedicated to the children's market a chance to mingle, network, and learn from each other's experiences.

To see the impressive guest list for this year's conference, stop by

http://www.scbwi.org/Conference.aspx?Con=9&page=Schedule

There is also an official blog for the 2012 Winter Conference at

http://www.scbwiconference.blogspot.com/ 

You can follow the unfolding action on Twitter as well via the keyword

#NY12SCBWI

Being a first time attendee, words can't express how excited I am to finally go to a winter conference! For other fellow first timers, some veteran attendants have shared tips for going to the big event on their blogs.  Both Moira Swiatkowski and Sera Miller offer great advice worth checking out! 

Bristol Bored by Moira Swiatkowski

Witnessing Truth by Sera Miller

Shortly after the conference ends, I'll upload photos and a follow up post about the incredible experience SCBWI's 13th Annual Winter Conference is sure to provide! Best of luck and safe travels to all attending! I'll see you there!

2012 Tomie dePaola Illustrator Award Competition

The Tomie dePaola Illustrator Award competition is an annual contest in which members of the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) are challenged to illustrate a piece of text from a story selected by dePaola himself. As a successful illustrator and writer, Tomie dePaola, whose books include Strega Nona, Pancakes for Breakfast, and The Knight and the Dragon (just to name a few), selects an illustration that embodies a unique style and vision. The winner is not only awarded a $1,000 gift certificate for art supplies, but also receives a fully funded trip to attend the New York Winter Conference in Manhattan.

This year, the challenge was to illustrate some lines of text from the story "Chicken Licken," in which Turkey Lurkey finds Chicken Licken, Goosey Loosey, Henny Penny, Cocky Locky, and Ducky Daddles rushing to tell the king that the sky is falling. After being persuaded by the hysterical group, Turkey Lurkey decides to join them on their journey to the king.
With the announcement of the Tomie dePaola Illustrator Award winner only a few days away (January 9th to be exact), I decided to post my interpretation of the excerpt before the award is given out.
There are many unique, well rendered approaches to the "Chicken Licken" text by the talented illustrators of SCBWI up for view at http://scbwicontest.blogspot.com/. I highly recommend checking out their versions to see the stunning diversity of compositions, styles, and designs. Good luck to all those who have submitted to the competition!

Santa Claus...A Look Through Time

With Christmas just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to take a look at the evolving image of Santa Claus over the many years.  Illustrators have played a crucial role in shaping our modern day perception of jolly ol' Saint Nick.  While today we think of him as a rotund man in a red suit, white trim, and durable, dark brown boots, the joyous man in the white beard riding his sleigh on Christmas Eve did not always appear as such.  While Washington Irving and Clement Clarke Moore established a literary image of Mr. Claus, it was Thomas Nast's series of Santa Claus drawings for Harper's Weekly between 1863 and 1886 that established the look of the modern day icon.

Prior to the twentieth century, however, Santa Claus' image was far from consistent. Arthur Rackham's Kris Kringle offers a European interpretation of the jolly soul.  One of fantasy's most influential illustrators, the British Rackham presented Santa Claus as a mystical, tall, slender fellow dressed in a long, flowing robe, with white trim noticeably absent.  It would take one of the United States' most important illustrators to establish, with finality, the true image of Santa.

During the second decade of the twentieth century, J.C. Leyendecker offered the world a glimpse of the new Santa Claus; a man both jolly and round, with a noticeably ruddy complexion, dressed in a red suit (white trim included), a red cap, and the signature belt and boots.  Indeed, the world now had a universal Kris Kringle! As Leyendecker continued to present this appealing new look, via the covers of The Saturday Evening Post, the public accepted this image as the one and only Saint Nick.

The success of Leyendecker's interpretation was reaffirmed during the 1930's, during which Coca-Cola launched an unforgettable marketing campaign that incorporated the jolly man in red into their illustrated advertisements.  Haddon Sundblom, illustrator of the Coca-Cola Santa, utilized the Leyendecker model to achieve a highly effective visual of Santa Claus. The red and white of his suit worked perfectly with the corporate colors of Coca-Cola.  So successful was this iconic advertising campaign, that even today we continue to associate the American beverage with Mr. Claus.

Of course, no discussion on the golden age of illustration is complete without mentioning Norman Rockwell, who further continued the formulaic model of Saint Nick.  Where once, many years past, Leyendecker's Santas adorned the covers of the Saturday Evening Post, now those of one of his most avid, talented fans graced their covers.  The evolution of Santa was now complete!

Resources:

Cutler, Laurence and Judy Goffman Cutler. J.C. Leyendecker. New York: Abrams, 2008.

Finch, Christopher.  Norman Rockwell: 332 Magazine Covers. New York: Abbeville Press Publishers, 1994.

Menges, Jeff A. The Arthur Rackham Treasury. Mineola, New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 2005.

Myers, Robert J. "Santa Claus." The World Book Encyclopedia: S-Sn. Chicago: World Book, Inc., 1990.

Vann, Bill and Dan Zimmer. "The Art of Haddon Sundblom." Illustration, Spring 2008. 

  

Is that a Turkey Wearing a Santa Suit?!

I thought I'd have a little fun with this post and toss a seasonal sketch up. Anyone wondering what happened to the many Turkeys who escaped the Thanksgiving meal may have their answer here. Just make sure to look at those Santas at the malls closely. You never know who may be hiding behind that beard and suit!

A Portrait for Your Thoughts

Portraits are always a challenging endeavor. And, regardless of how much experience an artist might have, they continue to teach us new things.  Although there are general anatomical rules to follow, it's always interesting to observe, and render, the unique differences that distinguish us from each other. Whether it's a slightly larger ear lobe or a thinner upper lip, it's these variations that make portraiture, and character design, so fun! Indeed, it's easy to get lost, as an illustrator, in one's own style, neglecting the critical role naturalistic work, such as portraits and still lifes, play in our development as artists. To continue drawing and painting the world around us only helps to further our growth and creativity as artists. In crafting a style, these studies are an invaluable tool in learning the rules of nature and anatomy.  That knowledge set makes it far easier to successfully stylize one's artwork. As the saying goes, "To break the rules you must first learn them."
In the coming months, I'll be working on several more portraits while continuing my illustration projects. My sister, Marie, happily posed for this sketch.

The 10 Best Illustrated Children's Books of 2011

This week, the New York Times released their annual Best Illustrated Children's Books list for 2011.  These are some beautifully illustrated books with excellent stories to boot! The list includes some personal favorites, Kadir Nelson and Lane Smith.  Both consistently put out work that is well rendered, creatively composed, and fun to both view and read.  Kadir Nelson's We Are the Ship (2008) is a gorgeous book about Negro League baseball and the many challenges they had to overcome during a period of deep racism and inequality.  On the other end of the spectrum,  Lane Smith's John, Paul, George, and Ben (2006), is a hilarious, educational, well illustrated, read about America's founding fathers.  Although these are "older" books, they are worth mentioning.
Though I only mentioned a few illustrators, the list shows the varying styles and uniquely creative abilities that each illustrator displays in their respective books. From Frank Viva's highly stylized, effective artwork in Along a Long Road to the warm, inviting style of Patrick McDonell's Me...Jane, all of these artists display an adept ability to beautifully illuminate their stories.  There is so much talent out there, it is quite an accomplishment to be mentioned on this list! So, check these books out, sit down with your kids, and jump into the wonderful world of picture books!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween! As a child, Halloween night is always an exciting time.  All of the preparation, from choosing a costume and setting up the festive decorations to carving a face on your pumpkin, leads up to that one night.  And when it comes, we can't wait for the school bell to ring and for classes to end so we may finally dress up and embark on our quest to trick or treat throughout the neighborhood! As an artist, I was always tried to think of new, creative faces to carve on my next Halloween pumpkin.  Once my designs were ready, my father and I would lay out the newspaper, gather the carving tools, and begin the facelift.  Looking back, whether it's carving out the pumpkin or trick or treating, Halloween can be quite the bonding experience between parents and children.  Hopefully the snow won't dampen the festivities too much up here in the northeast.  So, for all those kids young and old alike, be safe, have a fun time, and make those costumes good!    

An Art Show and Character Studies (What This Illustrator Does in His Free Time!)

The opening reception for the Hartford Art School Alumni Juried Exhibition went very well! There was a nice turnout.  The show contains a wide variety of styles and media.  For anyone interested, there is a exhibition catalog available for purchase at the following link:
2011 Hartford Art School Alumni Juried Exhibition Catalog

I'm placing a few more character studies / model sheets that I used as part of the Graduation series.  Seeing that one of the illustrations in the series, Graduation Celebration, is up in the alumni show, I thought it fitting to include a few more sketches that contributed to the development of both the characters and the story.

The rabbit was a fun character to design.  He is one of three teachers (the owl and the turtle are the other two), that the child dreams up.  While both scholarly and wise, he also has a good sense of humor and enjoys having a little fun.

When working on character studies, the challenge is to successfully create a personality that can be associated with your creations.  Poise, emotions, proportions, clothing, and so on all play an important role in creating a unique individual whom one can see living and interacting in his or her respective environment.