Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Studio Visit - Patricia Keeler


We will soon start a new year, so I thought I'd try something new. Here is my first YouTube video created for D2PB.

I filmed a visit to my studio, and an introduction to SCOOP THE ICE CREAM TRUCK, that I will be finishing over the winter months. (I can't believe how many times I said 'um'.) 

I hope you enjoy the video, and that you have a wonderful and creative 2017!

Facebook:  PatriciaKeelerBooks
Twitter: @patriciakeeler
Instagram: @patriciakeeler

represented by Liza Royce Agency www.lizaroyce.com

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Babies and Bookmaking

One of the strangest sensations is to feel your impending deadline. I don't mean that figuratively. As I sit at my drafting table, working on final art for my second picture book, I am getting kicked constantly from the inside. I'm 25 weeks pregnant with a little girl. I am thrilled to welcome her into the world mid-March or early April. (Due date is April 1st–April Fool's Day, of course!) But as I rush to complete my work, I am aware of the joyous upheaval awaiting me soon.
I'm already mom to a wonderful and funny 14 year-old son. He has been so much fun to raise–and gave me the idea for my first picture book, RENATO AND THE LION (Viking, June 2018). But I clearly remember the sleeplessness of the first six months of his life. Because of this, I am starting to panic a little. I want to give my agent a few more book dummies in decent shape before my daughter is born, before I lose track of day and night. As I write this, I'm feeling my daughter's tiny feet kicking with surprising strength. 2017 is the year of the Fire Rooster on the Chinese Zodiac calendar. And in the general due date timeframe, it is likely she will be born an Aries. I'm in for one strong little girl-if you take stock in that sort of thing. Thank goodness, of course. But... there's still so much more to be written and drawn before she arrives. 
On twitter yesterday, I came across an illustration by  (below, center) that I loved. She drew a baby asleep in a carrier as she continued to sketch. It struck me that there are probably a lot of artists and writers out there trying to continue there work while providing childcare to young 'uns. It gave me hope that although my son was a firecracker and needed to be on the move constantly, there are babies that might just sleep and allow for an hour or two of work. *crossing fingers!
So I'm opening this blog post up to the parents who juggle care with their careers. Any tips, tricks or advice to share? I have parenting experience, but not with books to make and promote at the same time. So creative community, what's your secret to nurturing both?
Illustrations by Renée Kurilla

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Happy Holidays! - Deborah Cuneo

Holiday Card / Mixed Media


WOW...December 2016 already? I just love this time of year! The colors, the sounds, the Original Art Show at the Society of Illustrators...


What an awesome show! Every single one of those illustrations hanging in that show, is a winner. Congratulations to all the artists and everyone involved in the production of those beautiful picture books!!  If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend  taking a couple of hours and popping down there to check it out. It's only on till Dec 23rd and you don't want to miss it! Here's the link:

 https://www.societyillustrators.org/exhibits/original-art-2016-exhibit

 Every time I see that show, it not only inspires me to raise my own illustrative bar, but it reminds me of how grateful I feel to be able to participate, even the smallest amount, in such an amazing industry!

 Wishing you and yours a very Merry, Happy and Healthy. May you all find inspiration, comfort and joy, in the hope that this season brings!

Creatively yours,
 ~Deborah

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Seasons Greetings - Diana Ting Delosh

Wishing Everyone a
Happy, Healthy, Creative and Joyful Holiday Season!
Squirrel in scarf
© Diana Ting Delosh
Quick Ink Watercolor
I'm very tempted to jump in and join the #illo_advent challenge on twitter, 25 Fresh Christmassy illustrations for the 25 days leading up to Christmas. BUT as I'm already 6 days behind perhaps not this year. Don't know what you're all up to but I'll be busy wrapping up all my loose ends for 2016. For my last post on this blog for 2016, here's a quick fresh Christmassy Illustration for the fun of it and some seasonal hand lettering. Looking forward to 2017.
© Diana Ting Delosh
Hand Lettering - hand inked with assorted pens and digitally colored

Twitter: dtdelosh

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