Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Czechoslovakia-American Marionette Theatre

Take a look at the Czechoslovakia-American Marionette Theatre. They even have some of their incredible marionettes for sale! I'd love to have one of those. I remember watching a marionette production of Peter and the Wolf in New Haven, CT. when I was young. It was fantastic. There's something otherworldly about watching a production done completely with puppets or marionettes.

Another Gem

OK...here is one of my all time favorite resources for finding clothing from any period. Costumer's Manifesto. I found this years ago online and remembered to blog it. I'm using it again in my ongoing research. The front page looks dry, but take time to get into the links and it'll quickly become a must have resource for any clothing info you need for creating illustrations in other time periods. Just look at this one link and you'll see what I mean.
Besides..it's just a fascinating place. It makes me wish I'd gone into theatre in a deeper way. (I only did a few things growing up in high school, back stage, and earlier, but have always loved the drama, creativity and art involved in theatre. This weekend I'm going to see Falstaff ! (wish I could take pics)

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Research Finds

While doing research for Victorian themed items, I came across some fantastic finds. Here is a worthy site called Virtual Victorians. There are downloadable victorian printables as well as lots of great images and links.
Another one is the artist Gennady Spirin, whose illustrations are delightfully detailed and gorgeous. Take a look at this picture book that he illustrated. He's one of my favorites.
It's inspiring and challenging to look at the work of gifted artists like Spirin when working on a project, but it sure does push me on to work harder.

Monday, January 29, 2007

Illustration Friday-Red




Here's my entry for this week's Illustration Friday topic RED.

ArtBiz Blog

The ArtBiz Blog has a new article out.

Christopher Pugliese's Paintings

Take a look at Pugliese's paintings for some inspiration.

Bodies...the Exhibition NYC

I saw an ad for the museum exhibit in NYC titled Bodies. It's one I'd love to see...showing the anatomy of the human body, and the history of the study of anatomy through the ages. Take a look at the link.

Friday, January 26, 2007

Design Contest

Bloom and Onedotzero are having a creative writing/film making design contest. Check out the page for the contest...just the page is worth a look.

Design odds and ends

Here's a site full of design happenings around the world. DesignBoom. Check out their blog, Cut and Paste....here's just ONe of the fascinating links..under Chic.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Dani Draws

Dani sure DOES draw. Look at her website. She has a video of her digital painting process. I found it in Sherry's blog links...another great place to peruse.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

24 Hour Museum

Here's a website that highlights 3,000 museums, galleries and heritage sites of the UK. It is the 24Hour Museum. They are highlighting100 years of Beatrix Potter's work at this time, as well as lots of other info and sites.

Leesa's Faux Painting Website

Here's a link to Leesa's Faux Painting Website. I'm going to see if she offers classes.
I've been doing some research online for the book I'm illustrating and found some more reference sites. Many of you may know of these, but just in case, I'm blogging them anyway. Corbis is one. (there are many online stock photography sites that have some good images to use as referral, as long as you don't break ethics and copy the images.)
Another place recently discussed on an online forum is Google's book search. Many books have wonderful images that can be seen there. I'm not too thrilled with the idea of copyright violations that must occur due to it, but as far as reference material, it's a good source. As always..keep in mind that copyrights are not to be violated. Here's a page from a book that I have. Google does limit the pages available to view (good for authors and illustrators who don't want their copyright broken and folks using their work in an unlimited fashion)

Monday, January 22, 2007

Michelle Lana Illustration Blog

Michelle Lana Illustration Blog is a fun one to keep an eye on. Go check out her superhero illo.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Snow in Virginia


I love this tree. It's in our neighbor's yard.

GFX-Artist..and snow







GFX-Artist is a site with a forum and lots of great tutorials covering various aspects of art.
The snow is still falling. I went out on our deck barefoot to get a good toe-freezing feel of it, since it took so long to get here.



Grow Up, and Be A Kid Again!

It's funny how you hit times in your art/illustration journey where somehow you get a kick in the pants. It usually happens to me in the strangest ways.
Mine recently came to me in the form of hitting a mental realization that this gift/talent of art, writing and creativity has been given to me for the purpose of developing it to it's finest point, and that it isn't a thing to be treated lightly or relegated to the corner until an easier or less busy time.
The funny part is that as a children's illustrator it's hard to sense how seriously to take it and yet maintain a childish heart in the subject matter.
The main message I got in my strange way, in the form of a command, was that it's Time to GROW UP, and BE A KID AGAIN!
(I think the children's illustrators and writers that may read this will get what that means.) It's hard to explain in any other way than that.

Artblog

Here's a fantastic blog The Artblog. I found it while going on a Harvey Dunn rabbit trail, (inspired by an art forum discussion on his work) which I'll blog in a moment.
and by the way....
It is SNOWING finally here in VA! (enough to show up on the ground)

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Typoasis...Fonts to Die For

Go to TypOasis. It's very addictive if you're into fonts. I'm searching the site to find out how to order some.
Here's another font designer connected with TypOasis, Dieter Steffmann.
You'll also find lots of fonts at FontPlay.com

Friday, January 19, 2007

Endicott Studio for Mythic Arts

Endicott Studio for Mythic Arts is a blog devoted to news, reviews, and random musings on art inspired by myth, folklore and fairy tales.

Google Reader and Kinuko Craft

Google has another tool for bloggers. Google Reader allows you to store your favorite blogs in one place and view the updated entries from them daily.
On another note, I'm back on a Kinuko Craft binge. If you haven't seen her work, look here. You're in for a treat.

Visual Acoustics

Have fun playing with this Visual Acoustics site. I'm still figuring out the brushstrokes, but even with just the music it's great fun.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Art to Make you Drool

Well...his art did that to me when I saw it...Take a look at Chris Mullins' paintings. I am hooked. He's incredible. I found a link to me after looking at a website about Sargent. Obviously Mullins is influenced heavily by Sargent. Wow.
Here's a link about Sargent's painting techniques. What a master/genius.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

If You Were A Parrot on CBC

Check out a book my friend Sherry illustrated called If You Were A Parrot, shown on CBC. It is there on the right hand side among the books shown.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Pictaps

Here's a fun cachibachi called Pictaps that might get you stuck online for longer than necessary. (the sound can be a bit annoying after awhile tho) If you look further in the site, you'll see some other fascinating designs and digital funky things.

Online Marketing Opps for Illustrators/Artists

Most of you probably know about these online sites, but just in case, think of the opportunities to market your art on Flickr, placing various images on your blog and website in small areas that people can click on and see quickly. I've seen it used combined with favorite books or sites, but for illustrators it's a perfect venue to show off art.
Another place similar to Cafepress (probably the most widely known) is Zazzle, where I've had customized stamps made of my art before. You can have t-shirts made here and other items. I haven't checked the pricing or quality, but it's a good one to check out.
I got started down this rabbit-trail after seeing a post of the Hobotopia blog on another illustrator's blog. Go see his work. It's hilarious. He has created 700+ hobo cartoon/characters.

Self-Made Hero

Self Made Hero now has Manga Shakespeare. So far they've done a manga version of Romeo & Juliet, as well as Hamlet.

3x3 Mag Student Illustration Call for Entries

Check out 3x3 magazine's 2006 Student Illustration Call for Entries. The deadline is Feb 14, 2007. Graduate or undergrad students who attended college in 2006 can apply.

Monday, January 15, 2007

Illustration Friday-The 80's

















OK. Here's a drawing I did of my sister in the 80's. I've always loved it. I think this was from 1982.

Insight of the Day Quote

Here's one of my all time favorite quotes. Insight of the Day sent this today.

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."

Albert Einstein1879-1955, Physicist


Speaking of imagination and marvelous things,...isn't it fascinating about another DaVinci painting possibly close to being revealed? I hope it is discovered and verified soon. I believe Seracini is right and that a DaVinci's painting will be uncovered. Who else but DaVinci would put a hidden message in a painting to point to another. (well..I'm sure there are many artists who have done that and still do, but it seems in character with DaVinci)

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Faux Painting

My friend has a website that is all about Faux Painting. She does it so that's why she has a website! I want you to see it. I hope you like it!

Handwritten Theatre

Handwritten Theatre is a fantastic cachibachi for today. Click on the titles to hear the handwritten theatres for each day. I haven't listened to many, but it seems intriguing. Make sure to scroll down to the bottom to hear Biscuit's message.

Notebookism

Check out Notebookism. I found it on Jan's website again. Her blog and sketchbooks were highlighted there. There are So many good links. Look at the Paperblanks website....yum....I have one of those notebooks/journals and I love it. It's like a renaissance style journal. Some of them seem to be covered in fabric or leather. What a delight to use. Even when the writing or art inside isn't as good as I'd wish it was, it looks classy on the outside.

Book-lovers Bonaza

Here are some more sites for book-lovers. (all of you who are book fanatics probably already know about most of these, but hey...maybe we'll draw some more folks into the addiction of on and offline book addiction.
The first is Bookcrossing, an organization that gathers bookowners from all over the world allowing them to share or release previously owned books randomly to others who may enjoy them. It's fascinating, fairly well known, and a great cause.
Another place to find kindred spirits in bookyearning is Library Thing (it's similar to the online site I posted several weeks ago called Shelfari.) This one seems to have been around a bit longer, and may be a bit more established. Both are good.
And here's a site of another book-lover.
I'm reading David Baldacci's book The Collectors, which also deals with rare books and collectors of them. There are some fascinating scenes dealing with that aspects of books.

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Brain Bashers also Albright-Knox Art Games

Hey yall' itsa' me once again! J-Zee. As you can guess, I LOVE brain teasers! So I was so called 'researching' and I happened to find a Brain Bashers website! It is filled with fun stuff to do in your free time. Youknow when you're in those situations where you're on the computer and you don't want to get up, you don't want to do your artwork that is due in 3 days, and you don't knwo what to do. So you just click here and you won't be bored and while you're having fun you will be 'learning' the hard way- tricks! Have fun!

Here's another little fun thing I found. Kids will loooooooooooooove this because you learn about the primary colors, how to color in things, what colors look good together, and lots more! You should definetly check this out for yourself!

Optical Illusions

Hey guys and gals! Its me again -J-Zee. I have found tghe awesomest website evur! But there's a catch- you have to click this! I hope u don't get too confused on it. It will give you an eye workout! Me and my boss were looking at it and we laughed soooooo hard at the sausage one! I don't know why though... BYE! (By the way, my boss is Amy)

Friday, January 12, 2007

Flip Flop Flyin'

Here's just a good old Cachibachi for you; Flip Flop Flyin'. I found it on a link from Jan's blog; In My Spare Time. Thanks for the great art and terrific links Jan!

Drawger

I found Drawger on Illustration Mundo. Both are well worth checking in depth. Lots of great art, links, info about illustration around the world.
My 3x3 magazine came the other day. wow. I love it.
Check out Mo Willem's blog again. I didn't want to post it again with the title, therefore I added it here in a previous post. I enjoy seeing his blog and the entries and info he posts about what he's up to. Great fun.

ART BACKWASH

ART BACKWASH is a funky captivating blog with some very fun designs and visuals by it's owner. SHe adds movement to her designs and images. Take a look! (I added her to mybloglog.com)

Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online

I nearly went to this art school. I had gotten accepted, but chose Boston instead, due to the draw of the city and history there. Just interesting that they have online courses available at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. I've met some excellent artists online that are located in the Pittsburgh area. Seems they have lots going on in Pittsburgh for illustrators.

Blogging Helper

As you can see I've got a blogging co-poster, Jay-Z who will pop in from time to time to add tid-bits of her interest. It should add some flavor to my somewhat common blogging paths.
Here's a site I've blogged before The Toymaker. There are always fun whimsical toys and patterns to see there.
Here I've been thinking I would catch up with things after the holidays and I'm more behind than ever. (telling you my Christmas tree is still up should say it all)
What is it with January birthdays? I think we have 15 friends and relatives with birthdays and parties to attend this month. There are 4 to celebrate just this weekend, and at least 5 or 6 more in the coming 2 weeks.
I'm working on some color studies for oil paintings for a children's book I'm illustrating, wishing I could post the rough sketches for it, but can't. I'll try to take pics of the color studies at least and whatever can be shown. I'll post some of my gorgeous reference books later on today.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Introducing J-Zee

Hey Guys! J-Zee here! I'm new here at Cachibachis! I will be helping out here at Cachibachis whenever... I'm sorta' like the secretary/co-worker... anyway here's something cool I found out about... I hope you like it! I liked the one called Fun drawings. It analyzes your personality after you draw. Bye!

MyBlogLog

Oooh..this is fun. Another blogging goodie. Check out my new Mybloglog location and add yourself as a friend there if you think it may be a fit.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Three Thumbs Up Award

Three Thumbs Up Award is another collaborative illustration blog. I found out about it through Ginger and a post at the scbwi forum.

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Chris Wahl's Illustrations on YouTube

Chris Wahl's illustrations are fantastic. See them in process on YouTube. There are others as well on YouTube.

Fullfilled Wishes

My wishes were granted in threes today....
1. SNOW finally! Even though it was camoflaged like rain for awhile, it DID appear here in VA, and I was out running errands and SAW it, and felt it. It seems like a small thing, but when you yearn to just see some snow and if finally falls for a short time, it's fulfilling.
On to literary and art wishes...
2.I received my 2007 CWIM (check out page 78 where Roz generously mentions Cachibachis) .
3.I also recieved my first copy of Relief Journal,
of which Allison is a contributor on page 87, and who designed the gorgeous cover. I can't wait to dig into it.

Have You Heard about Working Partners?

Working Partners is a company based in the UK that spoonfeeds authors with plots, resulting in manuscripts written in an uncommon manner. Manuscripts are created by collaboration and committee.

Monday, January 08, 2007

John Nez's Photoshop Magic on YouTube

Here is a real treat. John Nez's photoshop process as he creates a children's illustration on YouTube. John is well known in the children's illustration field. His work and sense of humor are magnetic.


Illustration from YouTube

Sorry there's no name for the illustrator of this work. I couldn't find one to credit him. I enjoyed viewing the art and listening to the music. Great format too.



Another Illustration blog and other Illustration tidbits

Check out Designing Fairy, a fun blog of whimsical fairy illustrations.
I ordered my 2007 Childrens Writers and Illustrators Market. There's an article by Roz that mentions Cachibachis in the book. (I heard about it, but haven't seen it yet) Thanks so much Roz for mentioning this blog!
The other day I ordered a silverpoint tool the other day from Studio Products. I can't wait to get it, and the ground to practice and learn how to use it.

Sunday, January 07, 2007

The Gnomon Workshop

Here's a series of instructional art DVDs with the techniques of Syd Mead (OK...so the face on the front page isn't too lovely), but look further down below. It seems to be a treasure trove of info for illustrators. I didn't look at the rest of the site, but just at the link for Syd Mead's DVDs

The Frank Reilly School of Art

Frank Reilly's art instruction here has some rich info for artists to learn from.

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Kirigami fun

My daughter received a gift of Kirigami from some friends this Christmas. It's a kit where you create one kirigami a day. I love it....will probably have to get my own, because I can't resist. Check this online version out. It's much like the snowflakes posted several days ago.

Illustrators I Found Online

Here are two illustrators I found today whose work I enjoyed. One is There's A Design. Another is Sheri Laznicka's blog.
Mark Ryden's work is amazing.

The Picture-Bookies Blog

Check out our blog, The Picture Bookies.
I thought it was warm here, but just heard from my twin in Maine and heard it was in the 70's there and that people are swimming in that frigid Maine water!

Friday, January 05, 2007

The Book Thief and tiny friends

I'm reading The Book Thief and am absolutely hooked. It's an incredible book. It's a story about WWII written in a fresh way, with wonderful insights, characters, and original POV and manner. It's one of the best books I've read in a long time, and I think will remain a favorite.
...on a sadder note, (and one that ties in somehow with one of The Book Thief's characters) our tiny hamster Fuzzy went the way of all good hamsters today. (I am one of those who believes firmly that animals go to heaven)
Some may think the loss of a hamster is not of much note, but it touched me.
I had ended up taking full care of Fuzzy, (my kids seem to be prophetic in the naming of their animals, with no clue as to how perfect the names are for their character...she was not fuzzy when named, but quickly had a sort of queenly dress of fuzzy fur) Her cage was near my computer due to allergy issues with one of the kids, so she became "mine" as it seems all of our pets do, and I became more attatched than I probably would have otherwise. Amazing how even tiny quiet animals can be a presence in our lives and bring joy.

Dinner for one

Dinner for one
I'm trying to blog this again. For some reason it isn't showing up when I click the previous one on my blog.
I found it on Alice's blog. It's a fun feature on google that allows you to blog some videos.

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Inklings-blog

I went to visit Jenny B. Harri's illustration blog showing her wonderful children's illos, and found another site the art biz coach. It looks promising.
Today I've researching a children's book I'm illustrating, and digging through online book sources for books on Eurpean countries, to find good pics of architecture. I found some lovely pics from Prague. Look at the Charles Bridge pics here. (Being an illustrator is such fun, because you learn something new while researching projects) I am longing to visit Prague now.
I also bought some excellent quality gesso from the best place, with top quality oil paints, mediums and supplies Studio Products.com. The artists at the forum there will knock your socks off, and the info I've found whenever I visit is some of the best on or offline. Amazing.

Pixel2Paint Color Mixing Software

I heard about Pixel2Paint software on a wonderful online artist's forum. It sounds like a marvel. It creates mixture combinations for use with the liquitex acrylic paints, allowing the artist to find the exact mixture for specific colors. I wish they had it for oil paints, but I imagine you could figure it out after practicing.

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Need a Snowday?

There's a holiday snowstorm Here. Create your own snowflake and add a message. Go and see some of the gorgeous snowflakes people are creating. They often add messages and you can reply to the messages. The Salvation army is involved in the site in order to benefit the needy. The designs being created are spectacular. You just click on the little tiny snowflakes that fall and you'll see the designs and messages. There are millions so far.
Need a Snow Day?

I found this on Alison Ashwell's blog. She is famous for finding the most fascinating things.

Monday, January 01, 2007

Guy Francis and Cat Tacos

Guy Francis's children's illos are great fun.
side note....
I am trying to do the blogger "blog this" function which worked fantastic-ly in the past, but keep hitting glitches....grrrr.....the lazy side of me hates having to run circles when blogging. I hope it is a glitch on their side, not my laptop settings.

AmoxCalli: Albert's Gift for Grandmother#links

AmoxCalli: Albert's Gift for Grandmother#links
I just found Gina Ruiz's blog and I'm already hooked. She has reviewed fascinating books in a way that has got me noting them to read asap. Here is one delightful looking book in the most recent post.

Happy New Year...and some Blogging Tags

Technorati has some new tags for blogs. Check it out.
HTML wizzes will know how to do it correctly, but here is one that shows up in a post. It can be hidden as well, but I'm just fooling around with it right now.