Ferry catching with Island Readers & Writers
I’m back from another school tour with the intrepid organization, Island Readers & Writers. Visiting island schools is a marvel. They’re the heartbeat of island communities and the future of island sustainability. I came back to Peaks Island expanded by gifts large and small.
Drawings from students, fabric and fruit from friends, plus new books and kisses galore! photo by Jamie Hogan
Ferry catching with Alison Johnson, Director of School Programs, kept us both on our toes! We met in Lincolnville last Sunday night at the Spouter Inn Bed & Breakfast, where the whale theme is strong. After dinner at the nearby Whale’s Tooth Pub, we walked to the ferry landing as the twilight set in. We departed Monday morning too early for the Inn’s famous breakfast, but they packed us a little feast while we greeted the morning from their porch.
Porch view from the Spouter Inn in Lincolnville, Maine photo by Jamie Hogan
We caught the 8 am boat to Islesboro, and I was surprised by how many students and teachers were heading out to school.
I learned there’s a Magnet Program for grades 6 through 12. The ride is about 20 minutes, similar to the trip to Peaks. One could spend that time in traffic elsewhere, but on Monday the seas were serene in Penobscot Bay.
Calm seas on the MV Margaret Chase Smith to Islesboro, Maine photo by Jamie Hogan
A school bus met the boat, and dropped us at the Islesboro Central School where Laura Read, Art Specialist, welcomed us. This poster in the hallway says it all!
Poster with the best quote at Islesboro Central School photo by Jamie Hogan
Island Readers & Writers provide learning guides and copies of Skywatcher to teachers prior to my visit, and it’s super fun to see what students have created in advance, like these colorful constellation paintings.
Constellation art by Islesboro Central School students photo by Jamie Hogan
We gathered in the Art Room, where I made a presentation to several grades, and answered questions. Then each group arrived for a drawing session.
Drawing with Becky Bolduc’s kindergarten and first graders at Islesboro Central School photo by Jamie Hogan
Working on black paper with chalk pastel can yield vibrant drawings and messy hands. There is a direct and tactile satisfaction blending colors and shapes. This small turtle swims bravely in a wide sea!
Student blending pastel photo by Jamie Hogan
The day was warm and lunch was outside, where Laura Read caught us up on island news.
Art teacher Laura Read at Islesboro Central School photo by Jamie Hogan
We met with the 2/3 class followed by 4/5/6 graders. Getting the proportions right on a critter as complex as this crustacean deserves applause!
Proud artist at Islesboro Central School photo by Alison Johnson
I love the proportions and personality of this lively moose!
Drawing by Islesboro Central School student photo by Jamie Hogan
Thank you, Islesboro Central School for sharing your sharp-eyed students!
Alison and I took the ferry back to Lincolnville and stopped at the Camden Hills State Park for a peaceful hike.
Hiking at Camden Hills State Park photo by Jamie Hogan
After a night in Rockland, we caught the ferry Tuesday morning to Vinalhaven, a longer trip of an hour and fifteen minutes. But what a spectacular ride!
Sunrise on the ferry to Vinalhaven, Maine photo by Jamie Hogan
Librarian, teacher, and soccer coach, Robbie Brooker, gave us transport to the Vinalhaven School on the clearest of days.
Vinalhaven School photo by Jamie Hogan
Principle Tara McKechnie introduced me in the auditorium where I had great questions from students. Q: Is it fun being an illustrator and author? A: Absolutely, especially when I get to visit an island school like yours! We settled in the library, a central hub filled with fantastic art.
The Vinalhaven School Library became the hub of drawing activity photo by Jamie Hogan
Finding a surprise Jamie’s grab bag photo by Alison Johnson
I bring a collection of life-like animal toys for the purpose of observational drawing. It’s a stretch for most, but a worthy activity in slow looking, eyeballing of shapes, engaging fine motor skills, exploring materials, and also a great story starter!
Drawing focus at Vinalhaven School photo by Alison Johnson
Very patient details at Vinalhaven School photo by Jamie Hogan
The best part: each student receives a signed copy of Skywatcher! Thank you, Island Readers & Writers!
Students enjoy receiving their own signed copy photo by Alison Johnson
We had a break between classes so I went outside with my sketchbook. Here’s the Vinalhaven mascot that I spied on the scoreboard at one end of the field.
Sketchbook viking mascot by Jamie Hogan
Our last group of second graders shared a short story about what they drew. Thank you, Vinalhaven School, what bright stars you have!
Sharing time at Vinalhaven School photo by Jamie Hogan
Robbie delivered us to the Tidewater Motel, where you can’t get much closer to the water.
View from the Tidewater Motel on Vinalhaven photo by Jamie Hogan
Later Alison and I enjoyed a delicious potluck at second grade teacher Missy Anderson’s house. Her duck, Firecracker, greeted us in the yard. I inexplicably didn’t get any photos, but the sights and smells of Anderson Farm deserve a picture book of its own. Many thanks to this incredible group of educators and cooks!
Wednesday morning’s sky could be a pastel drawing.
Sunrise on Vinalhaven Island, Maine photo by Jamie Hogan
Robbie dropped Alison and I at the dock for a water taxi to North Haven. I am so grateful to these dear hosts!
IRW Director of School Programs Alison Johnson and Vinalhaven School Librarian, Robbie Brooker photo by Jamie Hogan
We crossed the Fox Islands Thorofare between Vinalhaven and North Haven in about five minutes, where author/illustrator Stephen Costanza met us. Hooooraaay! He’s a former colleague of mine at Maine College of Art & Design and though we are separated by oceans now, IRW brought together. Woot.
Steve Costanza and Alison Johnson on North Haven, Maine
I shared my Stardust and Sketching story in the main hallway of the North Haven Community School with the sounds of music coming from the gym. Groups of students drew from observation.
Drawing from observation at the North Haven Community School photo by Alison Johnson
The ample natural light allowed one artist to draw the shadow of his moose. It’s the creation of shadows that
Tracing shadows
caused me to begin collecting small animal props. A convincing shadow from an object quickly conveys form and can also suggest a time of day, an element that becomes sequential in a story. I liked seeing the tracing, it could now be a distorted moose character in the making!
Drawing from shadows at the North Haven Community School photo by Jamie Hogan
This work in progress shows how quickly line can become form with just the right touch of shading.
Line becomes form in this drawing by a NHCS artist photo by Jamie Hogan
And look how she added a habitat for the octopus!
Young artist at NHCS photo by Alison Johnson
Minke whale skeleton at North Haven Community School photo by Jamie Hogan
Whale skeletons abound at this school! This one washed up in Wooster Cove in the summer of 2016. Informational signage nearby detailed the work done by the community including Allied Whale at the College of the Atlantic. A necropsy was done and the bones were buried in a local sand pit. But a couple of years later, the bones were excavated by North Haven teachers and students. Yes, NHCS is also a magnet school offering an Offshore Program for grades 9 – 12. A science elective class, the Marine Mammal Articulation, applied and received grants to fund the articulation project. By late October of 2020, a timber frame pavilion was completed, with the whale’s skeleton on display. That is some epic expeditionary learning!
After the break, I met with grades 1 and 2. They asked if I had put eyes on the birch trees in Skywatcher on purpose. Why, yes, thanks for noticing! Have you noticed that birch trees are watching you?
Demo drawing by Jamie Hogan
I like the meteor showers in this elegant drawing of a caribou!
A caribou in a meteor shower, drawn by a NHCS student photo by Alison Johnson
Look, a budding astronaut like Skywatcher!
NHCS student draws a bear photo by Jamie Hogan
Thanks, North Haven Community School! Your students shine in all the best ways.
Steve Costanza gave us lunch and a tour of his studio. He will be doing school visits with Island Readers & Writers soon for his latest brilliant book, Sole Man!
In Steve Costanza’s studio on North Haven photo by Jamie Hogan
We stopped at a pretty beach for a quick picnic of strawberries, cookies, and farewell hugs. Thanks, Steve!
Steve Costanza and Jamie Hogan on North Haven photo by Alison Johnson
Alison and I boarded the ferry back to Rockland. Like Tamen in Skywatcher, I will carry these memories with me. You can call me Ferrycatcher, though. I caught 8 boats in 5 days.
Thanks to Island Readers & Writers and all the folks who support the mission of bringing excitement to literacy, engaging young readers with art and story. Thank you for reading here, and keep looking UP!
Card by Marty Braun with map of Fox Islands photo by Jamie Hogan
Greetings from Beals Island
I’m back from a splendid visit to Beals Elementary School on Beals Island, Maine with the wonderful Island Readers and Writers program.
Beals Elementary School, on Beals Island, Maine photo by Jamie Hogan
I love seeing art on the walls upon arrival! These incredible dioramas were created by Laura Fish’s eighth grade students for permanent display. Beals is reached by a bridge from Jonesport, about four hours Down East from Portland, Maine.
Diorama of the bridge to Beals created by Laura Fish’s eighth graders. photo by Jamie Hogan
Diorama of Beals Elementary by Laura Fish’s eighth grade class photo by Jamie Hogan
I met students from pre-K through eighth grade in the gym when Principal Christopher Crowley introduced the project: to create art and text for a story walk on the school grounds!
I began with a slide show, drawing parallels from my island to theirs, and discussing the points of view that only their sharp eyes can bring.
Author and illustrator Jamie Hogan at Beals Elementary School photo by Lisa Herrington
I did a quick drawing demonstration and we offered up paper and oil pastels.
Jamie does a drawing demo for Beals students photo by Lisa Herrington
It doesn’t take kids long to make their mark!
Beals student with his drawing of the Autumn Gale photo by Jamie Hogan
They took a slow art walk to see what everyone had drawn. There were lots of boats and crabs, animals and the sea.
Beals students take an art walk photo by Jamie Hogan
A show and tell of my sketchbooks, children’s books, art supplies, zines, and calendars prompted some questions.
Show and tell table at Beals photo by Lisa Herrington
Teacher George Crawford asked students to say what their drawings made them feel.
Beals teacher, George Crawford, with student drawings photo by Jamie Hogan
We began lists of words and ideas, asking What is the story of this place?
I learned a new verb: wrinkling. Have you heard of it?
Lists for story making photo by Jamie Hogan
Principal Chris made us a hearty lunch that included his own strawberry shortcake and molasses cookies! He does it all for that sweet school.
Principal Chris Crowley in his classroom at Beals Elementary photo by Jamie Hogan
Next we met with the 5 – 8 grades.
Grades 5 through 8 making drawings photo © Jamie Hogan
Beals student drawing of boats passing under the bridge photo by Jamie Hogan
We prompted the older group to add words or phrases to their drawing. Jason wrote “The fierce eagle perches as we learn.”
drawing by Jason photo by Jamie Hogan
We headed outside to walk the circuit of the current Story Walk that wraps around the school field, from the book by Anna Crowley Redding, Chowder Rules.
Story Walking at Beals Elementary photo by Jamie Hogan
I met a fellow Thing Finder, Julianna, who showed me a crab shell and feather she’d spotted. She later gave me a drawing, a shell, and a paper puppet! Eric gave me his lobster drawing.
Julianna’s finds along the Story Walk at Beals Elementary photo by Jamie Hogan
Julianna’s paper puppet photo by Jamie Hogan
Blue lobster by Eric
After school, Program Assistant Lisa Herrington gave me a tour of Beals and the nearby Down East Institute, where Beals students head for field research.
Blue lobster at Down East Institute photo by Jamie Hogan
DEI serves as the marine science field station for the University of Maine at Machias. We got an impromptu tour of the touch tank and the lab where baby lobsters are studied. This one, less than an inch, is two months old.
baby lobster at Down East Institute photo by Jamie Hogan
We were told there was a beached whale around the bend. Here is Lisa on the lookout at DEI’s shore.
Program Assistant Lisa Herrington at Down East Institute photo by Jamie Hogan
We stopped next at the Wild Blueberry Heritage Center, where I got some blueberry goodies, and learned that wild blueberry farms deserve research and preservation. Stay wild, Maine!
A display of vintage cans caught my eye, and I sketched one later.
sketch by Jamie Hogan of vintage blueberry can at the Wild Blueberry Heritage Center
On the second day at Beals, students brainstormed more of a story as they drew on black paper, using bold strokes and contrasting colors.
pastel drawing by Riley
Program Director Alison Johnson asked students to describe their drawing. List making is an essential tool in this collaborative project!
Beals students discuss their artwork as Program Director Alison Johnson makes a list photo by Jamie Hogan
Drawing a beaver takes concentration!
Drawing at Beals Elementary photo by Jamie Hogan
For the pre-K and kindergarten students, a little Duck, Duck, Goose goes a long way.
creative play at Beals Elementary photo by Jamie Hogan
The 5 – 8 students drew again, after collectively brainstorming the story arc.
Drawing at Beals Elementary for the Story Walk photo by Jamie Hogan
As the story began taking shape, Alison typed up the text. The creative process can be messy and a bit chaotic, but that’s how it comes alive. I asked students to guess how long I take to make a book. One said, two days? Nope. Two weeks? Nope. Two months? Nope. I spend at least three months creating final illustrations for a book, with many more months polishing a manuscript prior to submitting a book proposal. It takes time.
Bravo to Beals Elementary for an epic effort in two school days!!!
IRW Program Director Alison Johnson typed up the story text brainstormed by Beals students. photo by Jamie Hogan
The whole school was called back in for a reading of the final story. Applause! There were title suggestions, a vote, and school was done.
That’s when we discovered our trickiest of tasks: finding a drawing from each student, with a class list, and placing them on the boards that will be installed within frames outside.
Final board placement for the Story Walk, A Day in Maine, by Beals students photo by Lisa Herrington
final board placement for the Story Walk, A Day in Maine, at Beals Elementary photo by Lisa Herrington
Principal Chris Crowley will announce a public event when families and students can see the Story Walk of A Day in Maine, so stay tuned!
Hats off to my generous and gracious host, Alison Johnson and her adorable Pip:)
Program Director Alison Johnson and Pip in Birch Harbor, Maine photo by Jamie Hogan
Thanks to Beals Elementary and Island Readers and Writers for an incredible project! It was a blast to meet fellow islanders in this sweet community. Keep those eyes and pencils sharp!
drawings by Jamie Hogan
Sketching with Renoir
This Friday, July 12, the Color and Pages of Peaks will be held once again at the TEIA. At 6 pm, meet the makers of art and books in one of the best spots on the island!
Peaks Island resident and author Nicole d’Entremont will be there signing her novel, Sketching with Renoir. I met Nicole many years ago, introduced by Eleanor Morse during a Sudden Fiction class. Although several years apart, we share the same birthday and have become close friends. I illustrated the covers of her novels, City of Belief and A Generation of Leaves. When she asked me to tackle her third and most personal book, I readily agreed.
This morning I asked her what drove her to write this story, more than five years in the making.
“I wanted to explore the period of time between 1947 and 1948, when suburbia was about to change the life I had as a child,” Nicole said. “Everything fiction is auto-biographical in some way. You thread your life through it. I lived a very rural life. Art was very important to my mother. Now that I’m older, I especially realize how deeply important art is and was for my parents. Both were artists, and I can appreciate the struggles they had. Once you’re in the world of your art, you want it to be as true as it can get. Artists understand that.”
Nicole’s parents met on a double date in Philadelphia, when her mother, Grace, was 19 and in her first year at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. Her father was studying to be an architect, when only a rigorous exam was required.
“Architecture was his living, but he was not a university man. He drew all the time. I grew up with it, and always drew. It was a solace and a pleasure,” she said. Nicole went on to study writing, but continued to draw.
“My characters don’t lie. I might lie or deflect, but my characters don’t. When drawing, if you put a line down that isn’t true, you erase it, right? My characters let me know if I have them saying something that sounds phony. I listen to them.”
For the cover of Sketching with Renoir, Nicole envisioned a scene of a woman painting a tree, that would cross the front and back as well as the front and back flaps. We discussed this in May 2023, before she headed to the d’Entremont ancestral home in Pubnico, Nova Scotia. I began as usual with very loose sketches.
early sketches for Sketching with Renoir © Jamie Hogan
I got my daughter, Daisy, to pose.
Daisy Braun posing photo © Jamie Hogan
early rough for Sketching with Renoir © Jamie Hogan
I could see a problem immediately: how to allow for text on the flaps? How would I draw around it?
In the book, Ev is a young mother, too busy to paint, yet driven by an urgency to create. The scene involves a painting that Nicole remembers hanging in her childhood home. She imagined the setting, the wind in the tree, Ev’s absorption in capturing the colors with her brushstrokes, while her daughter, Cleo, plays nearby with the dog.
As we began the project, Nicole found a CD waiting for her in the mail. It was a home movie made by a friend of her mother’s, in which Grace gives a little retrospective of the art hanging in her home, a few years before her death. This was like her mother coming through the veil between worlds, just before Nicole embarked on her final draft. “It was spooky,” Nicole told me. When I saw the film, I was moved to tears to see and hear an ardent artist discuss her work, from paintings and drawings to textile wall hangings, like in this screen shot.
A still from a home movie about Grace d’Entremont’s art
In the film, Nicole spotted the very painting she had written into her story! She hadn’t seen it in decades, after the family home was sold. What had become of it? Upon seeing the painting, she asked her family: who has this? Turns out, a niece in North Carolina, who sent a photo of it. I used that image, adding a hand-lettered title. Picture this folding over a book.
early rough for Sketching with Renoir © Jamie Hogan
Nicole returned early from Canada, her plans upended by the wildfires there. I showed her my sketches but suggested she consider simply using the painting as cover art, with a hand-lettered title.
early cover idea for Sketching with Renoir © Jamie Hogan
She needed to think about it. During a meeting in early July 2023, we arrived at this. Nicole didn’t want to cover the painting with text, but instead bring out the yellow focal point.
cover design for Sketching with Renoir by Nicole d’Entremont © Jamie Hogan
About two months later, she proudly held a first proof from Maine Authors Publishing.
Nicole d’Entremont, author photo © Jamie Hogan
She read excerpts from the book at the Peaks Island Branch Library in November 2023 to a robust audience.
Nicole d’Entremont reading at the Peaks Island Library photo © Jamie Hogan
In April this year, the original painting came into her possession at last.
Paintings by Grace d’Entremont in her daughter’s island home photo © Jamie Hogan
Meanwhile, Nicole continues to draw and share what she calls “Trumpoons.”
cartoon © Nicole d’Entremont
She’s currently in a figure drawing class at Maine College of Art and Design, strengthening her skills and enjoying working with other artists.
Drawing by Nicole d’Entremont from a Continuing Studies Figure Drawing course at Maine College of Art & Design
Nicole’s dedication to her writing craft and her drawing inspires me greatly. Here’s a review of Sketching with Renoir, but take it from me, it is a beautiful read!
Summer Bats
Author Rae Chalmers wrapped up an award-winning Oxbow Island Gang series with her fifth and final title, Summer Bats. We met at the Peaks Island Library last fall sporting our Moonbeam Children’s Book award ribbons while I was in the middle of illustrating bats galore.
Jamie Hogan and Rae Chalmers win the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for the Oxbow Island Gang photo © Tom McLaughlin
The story takes place at this point in the summer: when Peaks is swarmed by visitors and the car ferry lines swell. As a busy traveler, it’s not Rae’s favorite time of year. The big mystery is: will your vehicle get on the boat or not? Cruise ship passengers can be entertained as they look down on our daily dramas.
Car ferry line at Casco Bay Lines photo © Jamie Hogan
Here’s my chapter one opening illustration.
Illustration for Oxbow Island Gang: Summer Bats © Jamie Hogan
Things can and do get heated, chaotic, and confrontational. Rae is explicit with her art direction, and wanted to show a familiar and fierce CBL deckhand putting a snarly tourist in his place.
Illustration for Oxbow Island Gang: Summer Bats © Jamie Hogan
We have encountered similar episodes in the vehicle lines leaving Peaks, with visitors who just don’t know how the line works. How could they? There’s no ferry personnel on the island except when the boat pulls in, and by then nerves have been frayed by trucks and cars jockeying for a spot on Welch Street. If you find yourself around the corner in front of Down Front, you probably are on the NEXT boat, sorry. There will be another one, just wait. You’re on island time🙂
Does anyone recognize Claw Island? It bears a close resemblance to another island down the bay.
Map of Great Claw Island from Oxbow Island Gang: Summer Bats © Jamie Hogan
A new character appears in the story, Sojourner Truth Yeats, sister of the Professor from previous books. She goes by Sojo, and as an artist of renown, she captures island wildlife. It was fun to draw island deer, who we rarely spy these days.
Illustration for Oxbow Island Gang: Summer Bats © Jamie Hogan
Another Peaks Island tradition every summer: jumping off the dock. I leave it to the kids. I went down to document the dock for reference in October, imagining the clusters of wet teens.
Peaks Island dock photo ©Jamie Hogan
It’s a big moment for Bear to give it a try for the first time.
Illustration for Oxbow Island Gang: Summer Bats © Jamie Hogan
One scene takes place in Battery Steele, which can seem creepy even on a good day.
Tunnels of graffiti in Battery Steele on Peaks Island photo © Jamie Hogan
Built as a fortification during World War 2, the Battery is now owned by the Peaks Island Land Preserve. I borrowed books about bats from the library and lots more from my neighbor, Doug Smith, an illustrator who is a big fan of bats. This illustration required equal parts reference and imagination, in which Bear startles a swarm of bats. Beware: bats do inhabit this place in real life, and are an endangered species!
Illustration for Oxbow Island Gang: Summer Bats © Jamie Hogan
I had even more fun inventing a bat circus, something Bear imagines to dispel his fears.
Illustration for Oxbow Island Gang: Summer Bats © Jamie Hogan
Rae’s environmental mystery series has many elements of authenticity. I got to draw from her collection of bird houses, which in the story are made by Olivia’s father.
Rae’s collection of bird houses photo © Jamie Hogan
Illustration for Oxbow Island Gang: Summer Bats © Jamie Hogan
This is the first illustration in which I inserted a Rae look alike, on the left. IRL she is the grandmother of a boy named Bear. The wave goodbye here signifies more than a fictional ending.
Illustration for Oxbow Island Gang: Summer Bats © Jamie Hogan
I like to leave the cover for last. After a couple rounds of rough ideas, Rae chose this one.
cover of Summer Bats by Rae Chalmers illustration © Jamie Hogan
Rather than throw a book launch in late spring, Rae was inspired to give back. She said, “Inspiration for the whole series came to me while I was walking Fiona, our beautiful chocolate lab, on the PILP trails every day.” She announced a portion of her proceeds up through Earth Day would be donated to the Peaks Island Land Preserve. Here she presents a check of her donation to Marty Braun, PILP board member.
Rae Chalmers presents a check for a portion of proceeds from her new book, Oxbow Island Gang: Summer Bats to Marty Braun of the Peaks Island Land Preserve photo © Jamie Hogan
It’s been a fantastic run, working on a book series with an author who has such clear ideas and passion for the natural world. Thanks for the mysteries and marvelous friendship, Rae!
Bird Land
Wherever you live, you live in Bird Land. Isn’t it glorious to hear bird song every morning and evening? I learned today that the Portland City Council unanimously passed New England’s first bird safe building ordinance, with great work on behalf of Maine Audubon’s Bird Safe initiative, a statewide collaborative to document bird strikes during peak migration. If you find a dead bird on the sidewalk, take a picture and send it to birdstrike@maineaudubon.org. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife estimate that somewhere between 388 million and 988 million birds die from building collisions. Glass is the problem. The reflections confuse birds. There are solutions, though!
Since moving to Maine, I have learned so much more about my habitat and the species I share it with. As an illustrator, drawing birds comes with wonder, research, and insights. This was my first book jacket for author Mary Atkinson, about a girl who discovers an owl one summer visiting her grandparents.
cover illustration ©Jamie Hogan
Cormorants are possibly my favorite birds to spy on the back shore of Peaks Island, hanging their wings out to dry. I designed this t-shirt for PeaksFest many years ago. It’s happening again this very weekend, woot!
Peaks Fest t-shirt design © Jamie Hogan
I grew up near Loon Mountain in New Hampshire, and loons remain a favorite as well, their haunting warble is so distinctive. A loon appears early in my book, Skywatcher.
Illustration detail from Skywatcher © Jamie Hogan
I learned much about the intelligence of crows working on Winter Crows by Rae Chalmers.
cover of Winter Crows by Rae Chalmers, illustrations © Jamie Hogan
Learning all about chickadees, the little acrobats that dart to our feeder all year round, was a fun challenge when working on this non-fiction picture book. Author Jennifer Jacobson and I won a Lupine Honor for Oh, Chickadee! and what a sweet moment that was.
cover of Oh, Chickadee! illustration © Jamie Hogan
We shared our rough dummy with Nick Lund at Maine Audubon to check on the accuracy of text and drawings. It proved very helpful, since we are not experts or even devoted birders, to be honest.
What a delightful surprise when Maine Audubon approached me about being an art advisor for a student intern last winter. I met weekly with Emerson Frost, a junior in Illustration during their spring semester at Maine College of Art & Design.
I truly met my match in Emerson, who is a dedicated birder, much more knowledgeable than I am about birds, and whose detailed paintings impressed everyone! When we had our first in-person meeting at the Portland Public Library, Emerson had nearly completed several paintings of loons, each one a different season and age. Bravo!
Loon paintings by Emerson Frost at the Portland Public Library, photo © Jamie Hogan
You can read more about Emerson’s internship HERE.
We met virtually sometimes, but during their spring break, I visited Emerson’s studio in the Illustration Department at MECAD.
Birdy skeleton in Emerson’s studio, photo ©Jamie Hogan
We headed to Maine Audubon’s Gilsland Farm in Falmouth for some bird sketching together. There’s plenty of taxidermy there and drawing together is a fun way to catch up. I also saw Emerson’s wonderful sketchbook full of birdy wonders.
sketchbook pages © Emerson Frost
We both drew a barred owl.
a barred owl sketch by Emerson Frost
barred owl sketch by Jamie Hogan
The farm has terrific trails so we wandered to the shores of the Presumpscot River beneath tall sumac on a gorgeous March day.
Emerson Frost at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth, Maine
During another meeting, I visited MECAD while Emerson’s Merit work was on display that included some of the internship work and another project for the Maine Coast Heritage Trust.
Emerson Frost’s installation for the Merit Show at Maine College of Art & Design
The last paragraph of their artist statement reads: Birds have been an incredibly important part of my life, as they are in many people’s lives, and though they are often overlooked in discussions about the effects of climate change, they’re in immediate danger. If nothing is done soon, we will see many species go extinct in our lifetimes, something that is preventable through direct action, and especially through supporting organizations like those mentioned above. In my work I hope to highlight how amazing birds are, to bring awareness to the plights facing these animals, and show that they are worth protecting.
Kudos, Emerson!
During the last month of the semester, Emerson turned to painting insects and plants found in the marshes that support bird life. Look at the incredible detail! Emerson is also a fan of bugs:)
Emerson Frost at Portland Public Library with their paintings of marsh insects photo © Jamie Hogan
I invited Emerson to visit me on Peaks Island, which is something of a bird sanctuary. At least Patty Wainwright, a devoted birder who blogs for the Peaks Island Land Preserve, thinks so. She has spotted well over 100 species here.
We picked a sunny day in early May after Emerson’s semester was done.
Emerson Frost spies an osprey on Peaks Island, photo © Jamie Hogan
We hung out at Picnic Point near the edge of low tide where duck families were bobbing in the waves. We walked to Battery Steele where we heard red-winged blackbirds and spotted a yellow warbler. We sketched on the beach where a pair of osprey flew right over our heads. Emerson enjoys the lineage between dinosaurs and birds.
sketches by Emerson Frost on Peaks Island
I sketched the nearby TEIA and the gulls that visit the dock.
Sketch by Jamie Hogan
Try this sometime, it is remarkably relaxing! Slow looking at nature feeds the soul, whether you have a pencil or not.
Emerson saw my cluttered studio and then caught the ferry home with their little dog, Moxie.
Jamie Hogan, Emerson Frost, and Moxie on Peaks Island photo © Marty Braun
After Emerson got home, I received a list of all the birds we had seen or heard:
– common eiders, surf scoters, long tailed ducks
– common loons
– double crested cormorants
– ring billed, herring, and great black backed gulls
– great egret
– ospreys and a red tailed hawk
– red bellied and downy woodpeckers
– eastern phoebe
– American crows
– black capped chickadees, house finches, gold finches
– gray catbirds and a northern mockingbird
– robin
– song sparrows
– red winged blackbirds and common grackles
– northern cardinal
– yellow warblers
That’s 28 species and overall 100 plus individual birds, since many of them flock together:)
Many thanks to Maine Audubon and Maine College of Art & Design for this memorable opportunity to mentor such a talented and caring artist as Emerson Frost. We had some birdy fun. Get out there, wild ones, and you can, too!
Lupine Land
It’s been two weeks since the Reading Round Up, the annual conference of Maine Children’s Librarians held in Augusta on May 1. This event brings together those serving youth in a Maine school or public library and celebrates children’s literature while honoring individuals who have made significant impacts on the literary landscape.
I drew this for my Rabbit rabbit rabbit good luck post before heading out the door wearing my best purple attire.
May day rabbits © Jamie Hogan
A few weeks before the conference scheduled for April 4, I got a surprise phone call from Camden Public Library’s Children’s Librarian and Lupine Committee Chair, Amy Hand.
She told me I had won two Lupines!!! I am still floating, doubly blessed with such recognition. To be a winner in the league of Maine’s children’s books, among so many that are deserving, is a BIG DEAL.
Miss Amy is truly my Lupine Fairy, because I met her in 2008 at Reading Round Up when I won my first Lupine Honor for Rickshaw Girl. I made this ode to her in my recycled sketchbook.
the Lupine Fairy, Amy Hand © Jamie Hogan
A spring snowstorm bumped the conference from April 4 to May 1. That’s so Maine, keeping us on our toes! It was a hearty crowd gathered at the Augusta Civic Center.
The Lobster Lady written by Alexandra S. D. Hinrichs and illustrated by me won the Lupine Award in the Picture Book category. Alex and I met for the first time last year at Reading Round Up, a month before our book’s publication date. Getting to meet Virginia Oliver was a high point of the whole endeavor, my heroine for keeping going, and always with a salty laugh. Alexandra later gave a brilliant keynote address using curve balls as her metaphor for what life has thrown her recently as a mom, librarian, and writer. (True fact: she took a baseball in the face right before our interview on 207.)
Lupine Award winner, author Alexandra S. D. Hinrichs photo © Jamie Hogan
Oh, Chickadee! by Jennifer Richard Jacobson and illustrated by me received the Lupine Honor in the Picture Book category. I’ve been a fan of Jennifer for many years, and more recently we’ve been critique partners. It was absolutely delightful collaborating about chickadees with her and Stephanie Mulligan of McSea books.
Jennifer Richard Jacobson accepting the Lupine Honor for Oh, Chickadee! photo courtesy of Lynn Plourde
I gave thanks twice to the Lupine Committee, although I barely remember what I said, oops. Just getting to illustrate these fine stories by Alex and Jennifer is a win win.
Jamie Hogan gives thanks for the Lupine Award while Amy Hand looks on photo courtesy of Lynn Plourde
Many thanks to the publishers, Charlesbridge and McSea Books for pairing our talents and producing worthy books. Also, a big round of applause for Kristen Nobles, the acclaimed designer for The Lobster Lady who shuffled so many layers of illustration, ovals, and text. And another round for illustrator/designer Jill Weber for Oh, Chickadee, keeping the edits straight and colors as chirpy as could be.
I had one heck of a summer in 2022, juggling both deadlines for non-fiction stories that required considerable research, accuracy, and consistent portraiture. The hustle was worth it! I’m also grateful to my family, Marty and Daisy, for bearing witness to all that mess.
The mighty Matt Tavares scored the Lupine Award in the Juvenile category for his graphic novel, Hoops.
Amy Hand with Lupine Award winner Matt Tavares photo © Jamie Hogan
In his acceptance speech, Matt shared two Lupine facts: One: Hoops was sparked by a story from fellow Lupine winner Phil Hoose. Two: For the author bio in Hoops, Matt illustrated a self-portrait in his studio with two lupine plates behind him.
We were presented with paintings done by Portland Public Library’s Children’s Librarian, Sarah Cropley, as well as sundial lupine plants which are native to Maine, courtesy of the Bar Harbor Garden Club.
Maine’s Native Sundial Lupine seeds photo ©Jamie Hogan
The legendary Lynn Plourde was presented with the Katahdin Award, which recognizes outstanding bodies of work in children’s literature. She gave a rousing acceptance speech through happy tears, saying “Maine chose me.”
Lynn Plourde wins the Katahdin Award while Amy Hand looks on. photo courtesy of Lynn Plourde
Here we all are, proud as punch!
Award winners at Reading Round Up: top row, L to R: Alexandra Hinrichs, Jamie Hogan, Jennifer Richard Jacobson, Lynn Plourde, Matt Tavares. Bottom row, Lupine Committee members, L to R: Antyna Gould, Abby Morrow, Amy Hand, Sarah Cropley, Katie Drago. photo courtesy of Lynn Plourde
After the awards presentation and keynote address, we signed books and chatted with librarians, my heroes. It was also a chance to catch up with fellow esteemed book creators. I caught a selfie with two of my mentors in kidlit: awesome Anne Sibley O’Brien and Charlotte Agell.
Jamie Hogan, Anne Sibley O’Brien, and Charlotte Agell at Reading Round Up photo © Jamie Hogan
Congratulations to all the winners, and everyone creating on behalf of children’s literacy. I am humbled to be in the Maine league.
I wanted to rearrange/clean my studio to make room for the new awards. I found this illustration done several years ago after my first Lupine Honor.
Lupine Land © Jamie Hogan
It took an entire Saturday to de-clutter, but look quick before my studio is a mess again:)
Jamie Hogan’s studio on Peaks Island, Maine photo © Jamie Hogan
How about this from my daughter, whose Mother’s Day card features her drawing of a lupine queen!
THE BEST!
drawing by Daisy Braun
I will savor these blessings always.
News flash! The Lobster Lady is a finalist for the Maine Literary Award! Whaaaat?! 
The awards take place on May 30. Fingers crossed til then!
Howdy, Austin
I’ve known my dear friend, Kathy Mahoney, since our early days freelancing as illustrators in Boston in the 80’s. She’s been inviting me to her new place in Austin for almost four years. Instead, I’ve caught up with her when she’s in Maine every summer. Opportunistic, I know.
This year felt like the right time to go, and coincide with the total eclipse.
sketchbook drawing, ©Jamie Hogan
Last Saturday, we caught the 7:15 am ferry from Peaks and arrived at Kathy’s house on the edge of downtown Austin by around 9 pm. Ample lulls between each leg of the journey were good for sketching while staring out at the clouds from our plane.
Sketchbook drawing ©Jamie Hogan
Even a random drawing is a good diversion, try it.
sketchbook drawing ©Jamie Hogan
On Sunday morning, we strolled around her sweet neighborhood and through the nearby Oakwood Cemetery.
Kathy Mahoney and Jamie Hogan, Austin photo ©Marty Braun
Bluebonnets, April in Austin photo ©Jamie Hogan
Had my eye out for vernacular delights, the more rusty the better.
Visionary fence photo ©Jamie Hogan
We found our island neighbor, now Austinite, at work at the lovely Paper & Craft Pantry. Howdy, Olwyn! Marty is sporting Olwyn’s t-shirt design for a local band with a hot new release, Bear on Bear.
Olwyn Moxhay and Marty Braun, at Paper & Craft Pantry, Austin. photo ©Jamie Hogan
This place is an irresistible candy store for a paper person/snail mailer like myself. C’mon, April is National Letter Writing Month!
signage at Paper & Craft Pantry, Austin photo ©Jamie Hogan
I was in my sweet spot, and a bit matchy matchy too.
Paper person, Austin photo ©Katherine Mahoney
During siesta time, I sat in Kathy’s backyard full of wildlife, watching grackles take splashy baths and squirrels scamper in the pecan tree.
Sketchbook drawing ©Jamie Hogan
Later, we headed to the University of Texas to see The Color Inside, a Skyspace by James Turrell. It’s a naked eye observatory with an oculus in the center.
Oculus at UT by James Turrell photo ©Jamie Hogan
Within a small oval room, we watched the colors of the sky above and interior below transform, a live optical excursion in color theory. The best viewings are at sunrise and sunset when the sky shifts in hue and the color contrasts are profound.
A woman played a hand pan continuously for the hour of the performance. It was hypnotic and sublime.
oculus by Jame Turrell photo ©Jamie Hogan
Afterwards I was drowsy with delight. We strolled around campus, spying public art like this piece by Nancy Rubins, titled Monochrome for Austin.
Monochrome for Austin, sculpture by Nancy Rubins photo ©Jamie Hogan
On Monday, April 8, the local forecast was not promising for the total eclipse. Still, we got giddy in our safety glasses and souvenir t-shirts by our island neighbor, Alfred Wood.
lunatics are ready photo © Katherine Mahoney
Intermittent views between clouds were spectacular!
eclipse viewing in Austin photo ©Jamie Hogan
The two minutes of totality were not visible, yet we felt them in the cooling darkness that set in, which triggered the streetlights. Not exactly the rapture that was had in northern Maine, but still surreal. I’m happy that fellow Mainers had the best weather after what our state has been through lately!
On Tuesday, we visited the Blanton Museum of Art where the free admission day drew crowds of art seekers like us.
Kathy views The Floating World at the Blanton Museum of Art photo © Jamie Hogan
I was quite inspired by the elaborate fashions in The Floating World: Masterpieces of Edo Japan. I sketched this later during siesta time.
Sketchbook drawing © Jamie Hogan
The collection is vast, each wooden block print more dizzyingly detailed than the last.
My eyeballs melted and I moved on to a refreshing exhibit, Anni Albers: In Thread and On Paper. She knew how to make the most of simple shapes and repetition, fundamental elements in Bauhaus thinking. This metallic piece caught my reflection.
Anni Albers on gold paper photo © Jamie Hogan
I’m known as a cryer; this tear drop kinda choked me up:) in a good way. By Gyula Kosice, Persistence of the Mobile Drop of Water burbled and bubbled, a hydrokinetic work that captures “an architecture of water.” Like a lunar galaxy into infinity, I was mesmerized.
Hydrokinetic sculpture by Gyula Kosice photo © Jamie Hogan
There was more than we could possibly see, this place deserves multiple visits. Even the exterior is dazzling.
view from Blanton Museum of Art photo © Jamie Hogan
We ducked briefly into Austin, by Ellsworth Kelly. He gifted the design concept, his last monumental work, to the Blanton in 2015. It’s a hushed chapel that baths you in color. Amen.
Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin at the Blanton Museum of Art photo ©Jamie Hogan
The afternoon forecast called for a tornado watch. Marty and I went in search of a local paper on foot, but the black sky sent us back empty-handed. The weather held on through happy hour, and then we ventured over to the Congress Avenue Bridge for the infamous flight of the colony of Mexican Free Tailed bats who live beneath the bridge. What a crowd in waiting!
Awaiting the bats in Austin photo ©Jamie Hogan
Unfortunately the sky finally let go, and severe thunderstorms began, sending us and many others for cover. No bat sightings this trip.
On Wednesday, we bid Kathy farewell and made the long trek home, where my stash of her colorful block prints will keep her close.
Block prints by Kathy Mahoney photo ©Jamie Hogan
I painted a spread in my recycled sketchbook in her honor. Kathy is a walking hootenanny and terrifically talented to boot. Thanks for hosting our giddy up good times in Austin!
recycled sketchbook mixed media ©Jamie Hogan
Skywatcher school visits with IRW
IRW graphic
I was delighted to visit three schools this past week at the invitation of Island Readers & Writers, a wonderful non-profit literacy organization centered in Mount Desert Island!
On St. Patrick’s Day I drove three hours down east to Birch Harbor where this sign greeted me.
photo © Jamie Hogan of sign in Birch Harbor, Maine
After a warm welcome from Alison Johnson, the IRW school coordinator, at their wonderful farm house, a rainbow showed up. A lucky sign!
photo © Jamie Hogan Rainbow view from the Johnson farmhouse in Birch Harbor
Their frisky dog, Pip, inspired this sketch.
© Jamie Hogan sketch of Pip
On Monday, March 18, we arrived at the Ella Lewis School in Stueben, Maine. After reading Skywatcher to a group of Pre-K students, I gave a talk in the gym to all students. I talked about what inspired me to write the book, and shared the process of developing the story with multiple book dummies. Following that, I met with each class.
I answered questions and demonstrated my drawing methods with a quick sketch of Tamen from the book.
photo © Alison Johnson Jamie Hogan draws for students at the Ella Lewis School
I brought my collection of small life-like animal toys.
Lisa Herrington, Program Assistant, let students reach into my grab bag of surprises. No peeking!
photo © Jamie Hogan Picking drawing props at Ella Lewis School
Students were given paper and pastels to begin their observational drawing.
photo © Jamie Hogan Drawing from observation at Ella Lewis School
I invited them to add an environment for their animal and any details they wished. This artist drew the large tree first, and then perched her eagle on the branch. A striking solution!
photo © Jamie Hogan drawing by Ellie at the Ella Lewis School
One feature of an IRW visit: every student receives their own signed copy of my book!
photo ©Jamie Hogan Students at Ella Lewis School find constellations in their copy of Skywatcher
I love this moment!
photo ©Alison Johnson Student reading Skywatcher at the Ella Lewis School
After school, Alison picked up Pip and gave me a breathtaking tour of the Schoodic Peninsula.
photo © Jamie Hogan Alison and Pip, walking the granite headland in Acadia National Park
On Tuesday, March 19, we headed to Trenton Elementary School. Here be wolves! Arrroooooooh!
photo © Jamie Hogan Trenton Elementary School, Maine
We followed the same agenda, reading aloud to the PreK students followed by a presentation in the gym, and then sessions with each class in the library. I began by drawing a wolf, of course!
photo ©Jamie Hogan quick sketch of a wolf
I love witnessing how young artists begin. Any way is a good way!
photo © Jamie Hogan This artist began with the horse’s spots!
How about this awesome caribou under a crescent moon?
photo ©Jamie Hogan of student drawing at Trenton Elementary
I love the energy and mark making of this eagle drawing.
photo © Jamie Hogan Drawing of eagle at Trenton Elementary
Many students did multiple drawings. This one wore her stars!
photo © Jamie Hogan Student drawing at Trenton Elementary
This student was super into drawing the whale, and so proud of his efforts. Shine on!
photo © Jamie Hogan Boy very proud of his drawing of a humpback whale at Trenton Elementary
At the end of a very busy day engaging with students with sharp eyes, I headed to Blue Hill. First stop: the lovely Blue Hill Books, where a nook like this was so inviting.
Photo © Jamie Hogan a warm nook at Blue Hill Books
After I checked into my sweet room at the Barncastle Hotel, I headed to the trailhead on Mountain Rd.
Man, what a view!
photo © Jamie Hogan View from Blue Hill Mountain, Maine
I slept well and on March 20, I drove to Deer Isle in a little snow squall. What?! There’s nothing like the Deer Isle Bridge, though. Once you cross that, there’s a winding causeway that was submerged not long ago in the January storms that ravaged the Maine coast.
photo © Jamie Hogan view of road to Deer Isle
I was eager to be at an island school. A much bigger island than Peaks, mind you. A mighty island, in fact! The Deer Isle Stonington Elementary School is full to the brim with art, both commissioned and by students. They have a big theater space where I presented to several grades.
photo © Jamie Hogan Deer Isle Stonington Elementary School, Maine
I met classes in the library. Many thanks to Alison and Lisa, and the teachers in charge, who kept the noise level to a dull roar:)
photo © Jamie Hogan Deer Isle Stonington Elementary’s library
I drew a humpback whale, in honor of the Mariners, and invited students to add some details to its environment.
photo © Jamie Hogan Deer Isle Stonington Elementary student adds to my drawing
Don’t you love the strong proportions and textures of this drawing of a goat?
photo © Jamie Hogan Drawing by Deer Isle Stonington Elementary student
This artist added some narrative context for her drawing of a raccoon.
photo © Jamie Hogan Drawing by Deer Isle Stonington Elementary student
This artist had a lot to say about orca whales and the damage some have done recently to boats. Drawing is thinking, visual commentary, and story all in one.
photo © Jamie Hogan Drawing by Deer Isle Stonington Elementary student
I realize it’s a big ask, for students to draw from observation. Many of them balked: this is HARD! Yes, it can be challenging to draw from life. Yet before the internet, before photography, drawing was standard practice in education and science. It takes slow looking. It takes starting over sometimes. I make the point over and over that I draw OVER AND OVER. I find drawing an absorbing practice. It can calm me. It’s not about perfection or glory. It’s about discovery every time. I am so proud of all these students, willing to draw with me!
photo © Alison Johnson Isla shares her drawing at the Deer Isle Stonington Elementary School
I am deeply grateful for these encounters. I have yet to meet a drawing I didn’t love. Thank you to Island Readers & Writers for this chance to connect story with drawing, visual vocabulary with vigor and all in the stellar landscape that is Maine. Thank you for reading!
Skywatchers Downeast
These have been heavy times, for Maine and for the world. I hope you’re holding on OK, dear readers. The natural world has been a tremendous solace. It’s a privilege to find sanctuary there.
Jamie Hogan at the Waterville Story Walk of Skywatcher photo © Marty Braun
It lifted my spirits to see my book, Skywatcher, featured in Waterville’s Story Walk along the Messalonskee Stream. Serena at Waterville Creates, Miss Liz at the Waterville Public Library, and Amarinda at the Children’s Discovery Museum combined talents to create the catchy text that accompanies the book pages. It was a much needed exhale, to stroll along outdoors and read my book in the context of flowing water and falling leaves. Thank you, Waterville.
On November 6, I headed way Downeast to Dennysville for a school visit swing with Island Readers & Writers, an incredibly passionate organization that “brings book-centered educational experiences to children, grades Pre-K-8, living on Maine’s coastal islands and in remote communities in Washington County. These experiences are designed to stretch imaginations, encourage curiosity, develop creative and reflective thinking skills, and expand perspectives through hands-on learning in natural history, science, literature, writing, and art.”
YES! Hands on. Count me IN.
After a four hour drive northeast of Portland, I was warmly greeted by Ann Luginbuhl, a retired teacher from the nearby Charlotte Elementary School where I visited the following day. She hosted me and IRW’s Alison Johnson and Lisa Herrington, who guided me through the next days from auditorium to classroom after classroom. How lucky am I?!
On November 7 at Charlotte Elementary, I was joined by Sarah Raymond-Boyan from the Challenger Learning Center, who brilliantly covered the topic of light pollution following my talk about book development and the illustrations for Skywatcher.
Every student received a signed copy!
Students at Charlotte Elementary photo ©Jamie Hogan
Sarah showed how our map of the United States glitters with brightness as seen from space.
Sarah Raymond-Boyan from the Challenger Learning Center at Charlotte Elementary School photo ©Jamie Hogan
After our presentations, the students split up to work directly with each of us. Sarah challenged students to engineer a shade that would lessen the light pollution of a small lamp, using a light meter to measure the results.
Using a light meter at Charlotte Elementary photo © Jamie Hogan
Meanwhile I did observational drawing with the other group. The naked eye is a powerful tool in astronomy and art, for eyeballing measurements, proportions, patterns, and placement. Students picked from life-like toys of animals plus actual nature objects and experimented with my pastel pencils. I’m always amazed by what details young artists notice, how they instinctively use materials, find marks for texture, and compose their drawings.
Drawing by Cora, Charlotte Elementary photo © Jamie Hogan
The younger kids also colored star party masks, like Brooklynne, whose use of primary colors is quite striking. Super owl wisdom at your service!
Charlotte Elementary student, Brooklynne in her Skywather star party mask photo @Jamie Hogan
After school, we drove to nearby Lubec. I do love a good hand painted sign.
Sign in Lubec, Maine photo © Jamie Hogan
There was a mighty blow at the West Quoddy Lighthouse, the most eastern point in the contiguous US, and I sketched it later from my photo.
sketch of West Quoddy Lighthouse © Jamie Hogan
On November 8, we visited the Sipayik Elementary School at Pleasant Point. What a beautiful school.
Sipayik Elementary School, Pleasant Point, Maine photo © Jamie Hogan
The halls were bursting with art inspired by the night sky!
Sarah and Jamie at Sipayik Elementary photo © Alison Johnson
After an all school presentation in the gymnasium, we visited classrooms where eager students were ready to draw with sharp eyes and sharp pencils.
Sipayik students ready to draw photo © Lisa Herrington
Turtles suffer from light pollution; upon hatching and searching for the sea, they become disoriented. The urgency of these bold marks and colors suggests that drama.
Pastel drawing at Sipayik Elementary photo © Jamie Hogan
Students had already done some impressive constellation drawings like this one!
Drawing by Evelyn, Sipayik Elementary photo © Jamie Hogan
Students teamed up to work on their light blocking solution.
Sipayik students learn about light pollution, hands on photo © Jamie Hogan
Many thanks to Ann Cannizzaro, Sipayik School Coordinator, Alison Johnson and Lisa Herrington of Island Readers & Writers, and Sarah Raymond from the Challenger Learning Center for all the support.
A stellar school team! photo ©Jamie Hogan
After school, we toured Eastport where you can’t miss this salty guy.
Eastport, Maine photo ©Alison Johnson
Snow was in the forecast. Yet during the night I saw a gorgeous waning crescent moon glittering next to Venus.
I drew my memory of it upon return to my studio.
pastel of November moon with Venus © Jamie Hogan
The views from Ann’s house were always changing, ever stunning.
Sunrise view from Ann’s photo © Jamie Hogan
On November 9, we found a colorful welcome at Pembroke Elementary.
My name in lights at Pembroke Elementary:)
The whole school had prepared various projects for display. Teachers, IRW has a fantastic Educator Guide here.
Student art at Pembroke Elementary photo © Jamie Hogan
It’s beyond gratifying to see all the art inspired by Skywatcher. Look at this Eagle Pride!
Art by Pembroke Elementary students photo © Jamie Hogan
Have I ever met a drawing of a loon that I did not love? Nope. The confident simplicity here is so direct!
Loon drawing by Pembroke Elementary student photo © Jamie Hogan
When drawing anything at all, one’s point of view is key. Choices must be made, angles determined. Sometimes it helps to have a handy hand holding your humpback.
Drawing from nature never gets old. photo © Jamie Hogan
Some of the older students drew imagined constellations with myths to go with them, like this Winter Moose by Hailey. In her narrative, the constellation has been put into the stars by a girl accused of being a witch.
Drawing of the Winter Moose constellation by Hailey Brown at Pembroke Elementary photo © Jamie Hogan
In another classroom, lo and behold: ZINES! Yes, small informational nuggets about wildlife. Bravo!
Zines created by Beckery Renaud’s class at Pembroke Elementary photo © Jamie Hogan
After school, we rested up for the Star Party at 6 pm, rain or shine. A dusting of snow arrived but nothing could stop us from the celebration to come! Kelsey Buckley from IRW manned the zine making station where kids could tell their own star story.
Kelsey Buckley of IRW gets the zines going at the Pembroke Star Party photo © Jamie Hogan
Jim Tyson from the Challenger Learning Center set up a constellation making station near the Shadow Puppet station.
Jim Tyson from the Challenger Learning Center photo © Jamie Hogan
Teachers had installed drawings from the classroom sessions, a bounty of blue pages featuring goats to puffins to moose.
Drawings by Pembroke students at the Star Party photo © Jamie Hogan
Alison even brought a tent for story time inside!
A tent for stories photo © Jamie Hogan
Teachers were all in, serving Moon Pies and hot chocolate.
Moon Pies and hot chocolate served by Haley Bradbury, teacher at Pembroke Elementary photo © Jamie Hogan
I made friends with so many Skywatchers! Thank you, Pembroke Elementary for your stellar enthusiasm and dedication to learning.
Skywatchers at Pembroke Elementary’s Star Party photo © Jamie Hogan
On November 10, I walked with Ann through the Cobscook Bay State Park.
Just what I needed before the long drive back to Portland. We had the evergreens and dappled coves all to ourselves, raw beauty that lifted my soul.
Ann in Cobscook Bay State Park photo © Jamie Hogan
Thank you, dear readers, for coming along on this stroll through the stardust that we carry. Thanks to Tilbury House, Island Readers & Writers, and all the sparkling students and teachers at Charlotte, Sipayik, and Pembroke schools. Keep looking up!
The Lobster Lady
Ahoy, it’s me, the Bluffer.
Jamie Hogan in her native White Mountains, photo © Marty Braun
Last summer I hiked up this trail in the White Mountains, thinking of my looming deadline for The Lobster Lady by Alexandra S. D. Hinrichs. It was a challenging time, juggling two book deadlines at once for the first time in my career. This sign spoke to my doubts about my ability to capture the iconic Virginia Oliver, aka the Lobster Lady. When Charlesbridge art director, Kristen Nobles, contacted me about the assignment in early 2022, I was ecstatic about the opportunity to illustrate a picture book biography about the oldest person lobstering in Maine, perhaps in the world. Yesssss! But portraiture is hard, and harder to keep consistent across a whole book. Egads.
I met Virginia at her house in Rockland, Maine in early February. I took a handful of photos as we chatted at her kitchen table. I asked if there were any photos of her as a young person and she flatly replied, “No.”
However, her son, Max, who lobsters with her, found two old photos which I photographed with my phone. I knew this would be a tricky job of inventing scenes and bluffing likenesses, but I was totally down for it!
Virginia Oliver in her kitchen, photo © Jamie Hogan
I dove into research, stopping at the Co-op where they load their bait, watching a fantastic documentary and looking through my Grampy Hogan’s old photo albums. I gathered my early sketches into a dummy.
Dummy book of early sketches for The Lobster Lady, photo © Jamie Hogan
Alexandra’s story begins in the kitchen, with Virginia serving fresh baked donuts before she and Max head out before dawn. Donuts? Yes please. I knew I needed one before starting to draw my final art.
a proper Maine breakfast photo © Jamie Hogan
Here’s the final illustration.
Illustration © Jamie Hogan for The Lobster Lady by Alexandra S.D. Hinrichs
Whenever possible, I like to include real objects for observational drawing to complement working from photos. Here’s my approved sketch for the title page, plus the page with type. I enlarged the drawing in order to transfer it to my sand paper to draw at reproduction size.
My drawing desk is ready, photo © Jamie Hogan
Here’s the work in progress, a view of the house where Virginia was born in 1920. Pastel on red paper.
WIP drawing for The Lobster Lady, photo © Jamie Hogan
There’s a pivotal moment in Alexandra’s story in which Virginia is bitten by a crab. Lo and behold, I have a crab expert in the house! Our daughter, Daisy Braun, has volunteered for the Marine Invader Monitoring and Information Collaborative with the Wells Reserve. I met her at the dock on Peaks Island when she was checking her traps alongside our visiting friend, Ged Kenslea.
Daisy Braun and Ged Kenslea inspect crabs for MIMEC, photo © Jamie Hogan
Daisy surmised what kind of crab that likely nabbed Virginia, perhaps a Jonah crab, very common in Maine waters. In order to visualize this, I enlisted my neighbors, Nicole d’Entremont and Eleanor Morse, to act out the scene. I still crack up at this Oscar level acting:)
Nicole d’Entremont and Eleanor Morse provide reference for The Lobster Lady illustrations, photo © Jamie Hogan
Believe it or not, I found the blue crab toy on the beach. In reality, blue crabs are moving up into Maine waters.
Marty pretended to be Max reacting.
Marty Braun posing for The Lobster Lady illustration reference, photo © Jamie Hogan
Here’s a version of the final illustration. Later I revised it to give Virginia dark green gear which didn’t provide as much contrast to the crab, but hey.
Unrevised illustration by Jamie Hogan for The Lobster Lady
After this adventure, Virginia reflects upon her youth on Andrews Island. The illustrations flash back to another era, when a blacksmith made nails for making lobster traps. Here’s where my documenting comes in handy. We had visited Le Village years ago, a historic Acadian village in Pubnico, Nova Scotia, where the resident smithy demonstrated pounding nails into shape.
Blacksmith, Phillip Clairemont, at Le Village, Pubnico, Nova Scotia photo © Jamie Hogan
It helped me imagine this scene.
Illustration by Jamie Hogan for The Lobster Lady
I borrowed a book of vintage fashion patterns from Nan Hadden, a purveyor of vintage children’s clothing.
Vintage fashion reference thanks to Nan Hadden! photo © Jamie Hogan
The really tricky part was picturing Virginia as a young girl. I saw a resemblance between fellow artist Liz Long and Virginia in the eyes. She sent me a few photos of her as a little girl. What do you think?
Young Liz Long and Virginia Oliver, both keepers! photo © Jamie Hogan
Here is my imagined young Virginia, weighing lobsters in her family’s general store on Andrews Island, Maine.
Illustration for The Lobster Lady © Jamie Hogan
Another scene involved Virginia and her mother playing hide and seek in the laundry. I ran over to my neighbor’s house for a quick photo shoot. Thanks, Meredith!
Meredith Winn, posing for my illustration photo © Jamie Hogan
Here’s the final illustration.
Illustration for The Lobster Lady © Jamie Hogan
Max showed me this photo of a young Virginia hanging clothes on a line.
Virginia Oliver, photo courtesy of Max Oliver
It was reference for this illustration, in which Virginia tells her lobsterman husband that she’s quit her job.
Illustration for the Lobster Lady © Jamie Hogan
A skeptical doctor who stitched Virginia’s finger plays a part in the story. I asked my neighbor, Dr. Chuck Radis, if he would pose for me. An author himself, he happily obliged.
Dr. Chuck Radis, photo © Sandy Radis
Here Virginia glares at him.
Illustration for The Lobster Lady © Jamie Hogan
I did numerous rough sketches for the cover.
cover rough sketch for The Lobster Lady © Jamie Hogan
This was the sketch chosen by Charlesbridge with text placement from the art director, Kristen Nobles.
chosen cover idea for The Lobster Lady © Jamie Hogan
It underwent multiple revisions with the patient guidance of Kristen, who I finally met in person at the Portland Museum of Art last fall. Big hugs for this amazing designer who layered so many elements together.
Jamie meets Kristen Nobles at the Portland Museum of Art in October 2022. photo © Marty Braun
I sent off the last of my revisions for the final art in late October. Several months later, it was a book in my hands! I posed next to a favorite boat on Peaks Island in late March. Dot Flynn was another salty Mainer.
Jamie Hogan, Peaks Island, Maine photo © Marty Braun
I finally had the honor of meeting the author, Alexandra S. D. Hinrichs, in April when we signed books at the Maine Librarians Association’s spring conference in Augusta. She’s having a banner year, with three new books published. Go, Alex!
Illustrator and author of The Lobster Lady meet at Reading Round Up in Augusta, photo courtesy of Alexandra Hinrichs
Publication day, May 23, called for a lobster roll at the local trap to table restaurant, Island Lobster Company.
Lobster roll at the Island Lobster Company, photo © Jamie Hogan
I debuted reading Oh, Chickadee! and The Lobster Lady at the Peaks Island Library to the island school students during their weekly library visit in June.
Jamie reads at the Peaks Island Library, photo © Rose Ann Walsh
And here’s a reading at Minni in Boston, a wonderful art space for young kids!
photo courtesy of Minni
They made the cutest buoy art ever!
buoy art by young artists at Minni, Boston, MA
I’ll be signing books at Color of Peaks on July 7 from 6 to 9 pm at the TEIA on Peaks Island.
A book signing with Virginia is in the works at the Rockland Public Library, on August 4. She is all smiles!
Max Oliver with his mother, Virginia, and author Alexandra S. D. Hinrichs, in Rockland, ME photo courtesy Alex Hinrichs
Alexandra and I will be doing a book event with Island Readers and Writers on August 17 as well as the Annual Book Fair by the Sea at the Camden Library on August 19.
Many thanks to Virginia and Max Oliver for sharing their story of a life well lived by dedication to their work on the sea. Thanks to Alexandra for her lyrical and illuminating story, and to Charlesbridge Publishing for the honor of illustrating this chronicle of Maine’s iconic lady. Here’s to a sunny summer of salty reading!
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