Hot stuff
It’s probably no surprise that our island home has it’s share of nautical elements. After all, it was built by a sea captain, Henry Trefethen in 1844. There’s Marty’s Uncle Jack’s ship in a bottle. print by Kris Johnsen, ship in a bottle by Jack Hinkley I’ve drawn my share of ships, like the beautiful Wendemeen, below. pastel in frame by Jamie Hogan, stone sculpture by Kathy Hanley I was in a nautical vintage mood when I created my valentine card this year. I’d come across an old snapshot, circa 1985, of a ship sailing in Penobscot Bay, as well as a...
Read MoreAlmost, Maine
I worked on poster ideas for John Cariani’s play, Almost, Maine last winter, the perfect season for a love letter to northern Maine. I borrowed a pastel background from another poster (Babette’s Feast) when I mocked up my sketches, which all involved a big night sky. The vignettes in the play involve two people connecting, with many of the scenes outside on a Friday night in the deep winter. I was inclined to add a moose in this one… The rough with the snowmobile got the go ahead. I did some research on Northern lights, which I only saw once in my life, when I was a child...
Read MoreRead to Me
Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am a snail mailer. Always have been. Growing up at the Red Doors Motel in New Hampshire, I befriended girls my age playing in the pool, or at the shuffle board, or during croquet games on the front lawn. Sometimes we became penpals. Letter writing has been a feature of my world, and a correspondence with Marty Braun changed my life. So when Brendan Pelsue’s brilliant script, Read to Me, came along, I was more than ready to tackle the magical realism of letters falling from the sky. The story takes place in a children’s hospital and centers...
Read MoreTis the season
Coming up with an annual holiday card is never a chore. It’s a chance to express my love of winter, long dark nights, and traditions. Ever since we saw a splendid exhibit of Kay Nielsen’s work at the MFA in Boston in October, I’ve had crowns on my mind. seen at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts photo © Jamie Hogan This detail in particular struck me. I became obsessed with these three figures. Art by Kay Nielsen I tried making an owl crown for myself at Halloween, with mixed results. photo by Daisy Braun Midway into November, when the darkness was setting in before 5 PM, I...
Read MoreSkibby camp
A week ago I traveled with author Lyn Smith to Rockywold-Deep Haven Camps in Holderness, New Hampshire for the NESCBWI Squam Lake Writer’s Retreat. My little picture book dummy taking shape over many months was ready for review! We checked into our rustic room, giddy as campers. After mingling a bit and meeting our gracious event coordinator/Co-Regional Advisor Denise Ortakales we headed to the dining hall. The warren of lodges and cabins has lined the northern shores of Squam Lake since 1897, nestled beneath birches and pines. Such a treat to meet simpatico folks and find out what...
Read MoreBaby Bear’s Picnic
Do you feel that crisp air? Some of you may be mourning the passing of summer, but I am jazzed for fall, my favorite season. August flew by while I’ve been working on an illustration project that is not quite ready to share. So meanwhile, here’s a commission done recently, an illustrated gift for an expectant couple. The buyer first requested a pride of lions, but this changed to a family of bears because of the baby’s room theme. I sent these rough sketches first, of a baby bear at a campfire with Mama and Papa Bear. I also tried a bear family with a full moon. And a...
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