Friday, June 29, 2012

2012 Fairytale Project: The Snow Queen






































Just in the nick of time, here's June's illustration for the Fairytale Project.  Phew.

I decided that the Snow Queen might feel more imposing if she was standing, instead of sitting on her throne, so I re-did the drawing.  I thought about using light blue ink to outline the Queen, but I chickened out.  Now I'm wishing I would have taken the blue ink plunge.  Hm... maybe next time I'll be more bold.  But I loved drawing these characters, especially our dear villainess, and can't wait to re-visit this story.  There are so many wonderful scenes to choose from!  But for now I'll check June, and The Snow Queen, off of my list.  For next month I'm thinking "Baba Yaga".

In other news, I'm very happy to announce that I was chosen as this year's runner up for the Don Freeman grant.  Thank you SCBWI!  The winner was Dan Moynihan, and I'm very honored to be in his company.  Congratulations, Dan!


Monday, June 18, 2012

To market, to market...


























Saturday's French Nest Market was a success!  The smoke cleared, the weather was lovely, and everyone I talked with was really friendly and encouraging.  I sold several note cards and prints and am looking forward to setting up my booth again in September.  (That's my very patient and helpful husband in the background of the first photo.  He sat with me all day and brought me breakfast and lunch and an afternoon cupcake.  And he stayed and watched my stuff while I did a bit of shopping.  He's my favorite.)

Now that June's market is all squared away its time to switch gears and start getting ready for the SCBWI summer conference in L.A.  But, first I have to clean up my very messy studio.

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!   

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Getting ready...


























This little buck toothed fellow is one of the new designs I did for this weekend's French Nest Market.

Hopefully the market will still happen.  Although, I'm afraid that my lovely town is trapped under a blanket of smoke due to the High Park Fire, which is keeping lots of folks indoors and, sadly, has caused the loss of many homes.  Maybe the rain dance I've been doing will pay off.  I hope so.

While I wait for the rain I've been doing lots of printing, packaging, trimming and drawing to get ready for the market, all while watching this. 

If you have some rain where you are, maybe you could send a little this way?  Pretty please and thank you.

Monday, June 11, 2012

2012 Fairytale Project: The Snow Queen sketches




















Monday greetings!  I'm afraid that May's fairytale project illustration got away from me.  I'm planning (er... hoping) to make up for it sometime later in the year, and in the meantime I'm trying to get back on track for June.  So, here are some sketches of Kay, Gerda, the old woman with the flowered hat, and the Snow Queen.