tiger tales and moon shadows
Hear me roar: I’ve illustrated another book by Mitali Perkins, author of Rickshaw Girl, which made the New York Public Library’s list 100 Great Books/ 100 Years. Did the small spot, above, from that book perhaps foreshadow her latest story, Tiger Boy? My mind’s been in the mangrove forests of India for months, dreaming and drawing tigers. The cover illustration took as many turns as the story does. I began with very sketchy thumbnails to show Charlesbridge art director Diane Earley. Villagers living at the edge of a tiger sanctuary wear masks on the back of their heads to...
Read Moresketchbooking picnic
What fun to repeat the Sketchbook Workshop I did last year with Judy Labrasca, this time with a new flock of arty folks. Judy and I shared sketchbooks and materials with the class and began our trek, starting by the “army dock” near the ferry landing on Peaks Island. She gave a nimble watercolor demo with a brush pen. I added a quick pencil sketch to the handmade sketchbook from last year. Another curious flock kept an eye on us. The boat in the background above is the E Cosi, which sailed into my illustration in Here Come the Humpbacks! I drew a goose on sanded pastel paper,...
Read Moredrawing with color
I live just up the hill from the TEIA, otherwise known as “the club.” I’ve drawn it many times, including this commission for an island wedding that took place on the porch, “Island Vow.” It was my pleasure to lead a 2 day Drawing With Color workshop there recently. Rainy skies didn’t darken our creative spirits. We gathered inside to discuss our intentions, color properties, and materials. Ralph brought a pristine box of pastels he’d had for nine years, untouched. Johanna brought these vintage chalk crayons. Pastels do not go bad! Amid the din of a...
Read Moremore PDX love
It’s been two weeks since we visited the Other Portland, but the glow remains. This is one souvenir, a tea towel by Catstudio. ICON8 kept us pretty busy, but we enjoyed many sights in transit. Especially the public art. An eyeball with a steering wheel, now that’s a metaphor I can love. This one’s on a busy island, so people walk through it. Total whimsy. A monument to two wheels. This is my sketch of a sculpture seen on the way to the airport. A funny cloud standing on steel rain. Loved this assemblage seen at Oblations, spokes of measurements. Time shines on. That place...
Read Moreepic ICON8 recap
For those who were at ICON8, the biennial illustration conference, this drawing by Souther Salazar pretty much sums up the corps d’esprit of the whole shebang. For those who weren’t, beware a long and detailed report follows. Too much delicious to leave a crumb out. The Student Council secretary still lives inside me. Bitten two years ago by ICON7 and the blood, sweat, and tears that an all-volunteer posse brings to life, I could barely wait for this one. We made our way July 8 from Portland to Portland and crashed at the Benson Hotel. The schedule on July 9, held at Pacific...
Read Moreportland 2 portland
When we moved to Maine 22 years ago from San Francisco, it was necessary to repeat Portland MAINE many times to the movers. On the west coast only Portland, Oregon counts. Tomorrow we go there for the first time, and see what magic awaits at the Illustration Conference, ICON8. This gathering of illustrators, art directors, and designers promises to cross our eyeballs. I’ve crafted a handy little zine of my Maine sketches to share. This includes a portrait of ICON attendee and recent MECA illo grad, Liz Long. Just caught up with her this morning, she’s ready to fly, light as a...
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