When I was young I wasn’t much of a reader. Then at the end of 8th grade a friend insisted I read Alanna by Tamora Pierce. She lent me her copy, and I was immediately hooked. It’s a story about a girl who wants to be a knight. She switches places with her twin brother so she could pose as a boy and train. I devoured the book, the whole series, and then proceeded to read every single book written by her. I spent that entire summer, day in and day out reading. This was the beginning of long and beautiful friendship with reading that has continued until this day.
It was only a matter of time until I had to bring this book to life. It was a daunting task to try to paint my favorite book character, but I felt it was time
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One of my favorite books that I read this past year was The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern. It was a magical story that felt like someone merged together Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. It has the allure of young magicians learning their trade, plus the excitement of a looming battle to come. To put the cherry on top, the audiobook was read by Jim Dale, one of my all time favorite narrators.
From the very beginning of the book, I was drawn in by the immersive descriptions. The story takes place at a circus that only runs at night, and unbeknown to everyone else, is built by two competing magicians. It was a book I couldn't put down, and that meant that I had to make a cover for it.
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This week I was privileged to be interviewed by Kathy Temean on her blog Writing and Illustrating. I follow her blog regularly, and I love to see any her interviews with writers, illustrators, and agents in the children's book field. I was thrilled when she asked to interview me. Her questions are always very in depth and I was amazed how much she knew about my process and my work. It was a pleasure to work with her!
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This fall I was commissioned to illustrate the cover for a mid-grade book called Wily, The Canine Pandemic by Michelle Weidenbenner. The story is about a geeky eleven year old boy who invented a machine that could save the canine race, but if he uses his device he might never see his family again. The book is for ages 8 - 12. Available on Amazon.
From the description I was given, the story included many elements of sci-fi, including space ships and centaurs. As an avid fantasy and sci-fi reader myself, I was intrigued by the story from the get go, so I jumped at the chance to illustrate the cover. Today, I want to share the entire process that went into making this illustration.
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This fall my agents at CATugeau Artist Agency decided to do a postcard mailing with the theme "Act of Kindness." This is my postcard illustration about an unlikely set of strangers taking shelter from a storm.
RAINY DAYS
9.5" x 14.75"
Oil on Masonite
Continue reading to see some of my preliminary sketches and learn about the inspirations and challenges that lead to the creation of this painting.
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This spring I travelled to Dallas, Texas. Inspired by artwork and culture of the once wild west, I couldn't help but come home and make my own western painting.
OVER THE MOON
18" x 24"
oils on panel
Continue reading to see some of my preliminary sketches and learn about the inspirations and challenges that lead to the creation of this painting.
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