Oxbow Island Gang Strikes Again

Peaks Island author Rae Chalmer’s first book, Bear and the Oxbow Island Gang was published in April of 2020, smack in the early stages of what would become our relentless pandemic, with no opportunity to be out meeting her readers at book signings. She decided to just keep writing her second book. Lucky me! I began working on sketches in May after reading an early draft.

It’s always a treat to use my habitat for the setting of a book, plus Rae provided some props and images for me. I didn’t have to scan or email my roughs, because we met in her backyard, with our masks on and island breezes blowing our notes around.

Most of my rough ideas were good to go, others needed some revision.

One chapter features a shack that is dear to me. I’ve drawn and photographed it many times. Here’s my pastel, sold years ago, which I discovered hanging in a nearby summer cottage.

And another pastel I forgot I’d drawn, stacked in my art files.

This is the final illustration for the chapter heading.

We met in my yard a week later so Rae could review my revisions. Meetings had to be outdoors and properly distanced.

Then I began the cover illustration, due at the publisher by July 1. Honestly, a deadline is the only tool that keeps me on track. Rae had chosen this rough from my first round of cover ideas for her first book.

I refined the sketch and hand-lettered the new title.

I stalled a bit before tackling the color final, making numerous trips to the island dock at different times of day to capture the light.

I work at a rather small desk, in a corner between two windows. It’s my favorite place to be.

Rae was pleased when we met on July 1.

From there, I dug into the black and white interior illustrations. I had more references to find, like some kid models for Olivia and Bear. My neighbors, Avery and Isiah Olson, were willing. I shot several photos of them pretending to plot their moves.

I promised to give them the illustration when the book was done, but meanwhile I shot some other photos of Avery for an idea I had.

One day I went to the Brackett Cemetery for reference.

I like to both sketch on site as well as take photographs, because drawing is a slower act of observation and provides an indelible memory of place.

I remember well doing this sketch and finding a trail of ant bites down my leg by the time I got home:(

The final illustration needed to be horizontal for the chapter heading.

While working on the final of Honey the Wonder Dog in a dory, I tapped an old photo from a previous book launch, along with photos of my cousin’s dog, Peggy, a beloved golden. I often work from multiple sources, and preferably my own.

Whenever I can, I love using details that make the illustrations more personal and fun. For an illustration of the front of the Seabreeze Bed & Breakfast, I simply had to draw Rae’s front gate. No mistaking a Halloweenophile lives here.

Are there any Peaks Islanders who can spot the folks in this final illustration of characters in costume? First one gets a print of your choice of illustration from the book.

I delivered all the final art to Rae on July 27, where we enjoyed her porch in full bloom.

Rae’s an incredible artist in her own right. She makes illustrative quilts like this that tell quite a visual narrative with bold color and patterns.

We signed copies of her first book at a pop-up outside Take a Peak in early September.

Halloween is a big deal on Peaks, no matter what. Rae attempted her own pumpkin pyramid that Bear and Olivia do in the story, which would have been handy for my reference back in July! Here her grandson waits for the treats to appear.

We both moved on to other projects but by January, she had books in hand from the publisher.

I’m grateful to Rae for writing a fun story full of authentic characters and rich in island moments that provided plenty of inspiration for my illustrations. And congratulations on creating a book during these difficult times! Kirkus Reviews said “An equally wholesome and amusing tale that celebrates friendship, nature, and curious inquiry.” Read the full review HERE. And stay tuned, Rae is planning a book party on Peaks Island this June. We’d love to see you there!