If you purchase a copy of Lizzie and Lou Seal and email a screen shot receipt to Sky Pony Press at
wsparkles@skyhorsepublishing.com
you will be eligible to win this signed 10" x 13" print entitled PETAL POWER!
And that's not all!
You will be entered to win the
GRAND PRIZE
of a manuscript critique by
Sky Pony Assistant Editor, Kylie Brien
LETTING GO TO GET IT RIGHT
Several years ago I got a contract for a picture book I had
written and illustrated. But when I turned in the final images, the book was
cancelled.
I had made the editorial and illustration changes my picture
book group and then the publisher’s editorial staff suggested. My realistically
portrayed main character stayed under the watchful eye of her dad. She never smacked
her chewing gum or stamped her feet.
I had no idea how my work could be any more appropriate for
the children's book industry.
When attending to the remarks of children's book groups and the
publisher’s editorial guidance didn't lead to a successful book, I decided to
stop listening—to follow my heart—and take artistic chances!
I created a solid little girl with red hair that stuck out
in all directions, much like the rock star PINK’s hair does.
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| ©pkeeler 2017 |
I wanted a noisy girl who races around the beach in joyous
abandon, while dragging a blow-up seal twice her size. How cool if her home was
a retro beach trailer?
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| ©pkeeler 2017 |
Lizzie and her pal Lou Seal were born!
Then I began experimenting with mixed media. I created page
spreads using photographs of seashells that I collected from the beach. On the
back cover I painted partially over a photograph of a sand castle I built.
I tried hand lettering. Then I threw sand across the page!
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| ©pkeeler 2017 |
I wanted Lou Seal to look like she was made of plastic. I
tried using an encaustic wax process. That worked for Lou Seal, but I
discovered it created dynamic ocean waves!
Add a Lizzie and Lou Seal and . . .
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| ©pkeeler 2017 |
Now I write about the things I love—feisty girls, retro
trailers and the beach. I dauntlessly experiment with new artistic techniques. Now there is magic!
Meet Patricia Keeler at Book Expo America 2017, Booth AM34, this June!
The art is so beautiful. it all looks like only you could've created it.
ReplyDeleteSo glad we are friends as well as art buddies!
DeletePatricia, I never heard of/saw encaustic wax. VERY cool! And I love Lizzie :) She's SO cute!
ReplyDeleteEncaustic wax is really cool! I think there is a lot more that could be done. And I wonder what else is out there! I really like social media for seeing new processes!
DeleteCongratulations on the publication of your book! I enjoyed seeing/reading about your experiments in multi-media. Sand, seashells, encaustic, very exciting to see your results.
ReplyDeleteI've always researched before sketching, but I've never brought shells and sand, etc. home and just scanned it in. Not sure if I'm lazy or experimental! Love your art!!!
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