Santa's Secret Story on Display

{On Display in Pauline Books & Media in Alexandria, VA, 2011}

{Pauline Books & Media in Alexandria, VA, 2011}

My cousin's wedding was last weekend in Washington DC and my husband and I managed to make it into a little vacation. We visited all the major landmarks and got a really good feel for the city. All in all, we had an incredibly good time and really enjoyed the area! A major highlight of the trip was being able to see my book, "Santa's Secret Story", in an actual Pauline Books and Media store that happened to be in Alexandria. From my house the nearest Pauline stores would probably be Chicago or St. Louis and the 2 hour plane ride is quicker than driving to either one. (not that I would buy a plane ticket just to go to a bookstore... but it was convenient to have one in a place we were going anyways!) The above picture is my book on a shelf display (note the Tomie dePaola right next to mine. Cool, right?!) The below picture is the Pauline storefront on a lovely November day!

Mixed Media Meanderings

{First Page, Magazine Clippings, Prayer Card and Ink, 2011}

{Organized Rabbits, Decorative Paper and Marker, 2011}

{Organized Seed Packet Information, Marker and Ink, 2011}

{Garden Plan, Colored Pencil and Ink, 2011}

I bought a mixed media journal the other day so that I could get out some of the junk thats been floating around in my head. My book projects are very calculated and predictable, which isn't a problem but sometimes I like to sit down and create without knowing where something will go. I also like to make lists, organize things and record ideas for later. This Strathmore Mixed Media Visual Journal is satisfying that need. I get in a little time before I start my work day and a little before bed. Its also nice to finish something in one day. Most of the things I have going on in my professional life take several days so the sense of finishing a page is really fulfilling. I'm also really excited to start thinking about gardening again!

Illustration Friday - Surrender

{Graphite in Sketchbook, 2011}

When I saw the word for Illustration Friday this week I immediately thought of doing a drawing of Jesus. Drawing this was a way of reminding myself that I can surrender my fears and worries to Christ instead of trying to take the world on all by myself. I'm also working on illustrating a story for a Catholic Publisher so iconography has been circulating in my mind lately. I loved drawing this!

Illustration Friday - Rescue

{Watercolor, 2010}

This girl is about to rescue her little brother from the sharp knife he is trying to grab off the table. This illustration is the finished version of the previous post. I tried doing them digitally first, but decided a softer look, so I ended up completing them with watercolor. The illustration below is the accompanying piece.

{Watercolor, 2010}

I had to do a little research on modern nun dress. One of the things I love about being an illustrator is researching and learning about things. I'll be spending the rest of the week working on some toy designs, a portfolio piece and dabbling in other creative endeavors!

Sketches for April "My Light Magazine"

{Sketch, 2010}

{Sketch, 2010}

These are a few finalized sketches that I completed tonight. The finished illustrations will be digital and I am considering experimenting with a different technique. These will be for the April issue of "My Light" Magazine and I will post the completed illustrations when I get them done.

Illustration Friday - Impatience

{Watercolor, 2009}

{Watercolor, 2009}

This is an illustration that I just finished today for My Light Magazine. I thought it fit perfectly with the theme! I can't imagine spending any amount of time in the hospital without feeling a little impatient about going home. The second illustration is a little spot piece that goes with the story. 

Sketches for "My Light Magazine"

{Sketch on Tracing Paper, 2009}

{Sketch on Tracing Paper, 2009}

These are sketches for the July issue of "My Light Magazine", which is a free online Catholic children's e-zine. I should have them done tomorrow, so I will post the finished illustrations! I had fun developing this spunky little rabbit character.

SONshine!

{Watercolor, 2009}

I just finished this illustration for My Light Magazine, which is an online Catholic magazine for kids. You can see where the text will go in the middle. My thoughts after reading the text:
With the proper care things can thrive. Its a bit of a metaphor, but instead of water and sunshine, prayer and practice can bring you closer to God. The text should help convey this.