sketchbooking 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 Morethree cheers for Chelmsford
I knew I was in the right place when I arrived at the Center Elementary School in Chelmsford for two days last week. The halls are alive with color and art on display. I spent Thursday with first grade classes, reading Seven Days of Daisy, talking about how I made the book and shaped the story. I gave them blank booklets to begin writing and drawing their own story. They knew just how to add visual detail. Before moving to another classroom, a few volunteers shared their story. The best part is meeting kids, seeing their curiosity and listening to their ideas. Thanks to Mrs. Mackinnon, Mrs....
Read Morecamden book fair by-the-sea
Location, location, location. The Camden Public Library has it in spades. Opened in 1928, this sumptuous library is a worthy destination among so many in beautiful Camden, Maine. Situated on a hill overlooking the harbor, the library has a loyal following, thanks to Amy Hand, their intrepid children’s librarian, who coordinated a swell group of children’s book creators. I was honored to be in such fine company. The Owl and Turtle Book Store was ready for us! On a gorgeous August Saturday, it’s true book lovers that show up to meet authors and illustrators. I had eager...
Read MoreOcean Park visit
I had the honor of visiting Ocean Park last week for the first time. This historic seaside community near Old Orchard Beach, Maine dates back to 1881, built for the purpose of interdenominational assembly, where people of all ages still come to vacation, learn, worship, and play. I made a presentation in Jordan Hall about my work and process, specifically for Here Come the Humpbacks! by April Pulley Sayre. I even shared this peek of my messy studio, taken at the end of a long day of drawing humpbacks, early winter twilight outside. I introduced a pile of my supplies I brought to share: hard...
Read Morestory and craft: humpbacks!
Pat Crowley Rockwell, well-loved teacher and perennial star of the Peaks Island Library’s Story and Craft program, featured Here Come the Humpbacks! last week, to my utter delight. Hearing her lilting delivery of astonishing facts, like that a new-born humpback calf would be longer than the blue carpet upon which the audience was perched, made me feel like I was on open sea. She handed out coffee filter and washable markers, for kids to “make an ocean.” Next, they went outside armed with a spray bottle, to splash the oceans, not each other! They heard more of the book, and...
Read Moreon the seven seas
July already? I turned the calendar and realized this month is…pretty bustling. When I saw this photo via author April Sayre, of an Indiana boy just home from the local library with our book, I remembered: summer is for lolling about with a good read. I’ll be signing copies of Here Come the Humpbacks this Friday from 1 – 3 PM at the Seaside Shop on Peaks Island. Stop in! Next week on July 9 I will join author James Hayman for a talk about how island life inspires our work, down at the TEIA (also known as the Trefethen Evergreen Improvement Association, or “the...
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