chillies and chocolate

chillies and chocolate...an illustrator's blog with detailed, unusual images.

The Association of Disaffiliated Artists

The Association of Disaffiliated Artists (or TADA...) is a collaborative blog of various artists..different styles and a fun sense of humor.

An Article about Starting an Illustration Career

Here's an article by Keri Smith about starting an illustration career.

A Book Review for 'If You Were a Parrot'

Here's a book review of a delightful children's book written byKatherine Rawson, illustrated by Sherry Rogers, called If You Were A Parrot. Congratulations to the writer and to Sherry on another great review.

A Review for Zubie the Lightening Bug

Here's a new review for a book called Zubie the Lightening Bug, illustrated by Ginger Nielson, written by Candace Coleman.

A blog about the Business of Art

Check out The Art Biz Blog

A blog called Museum of Paper

Check out this wonderful blog.....Museum of Paper. Susan Reynolds blogs about "stuff artsy people need to know" on her blog. There are loads of fascinating links here.

Higglety Pigglety

Higglety Pigglety is Joanna Twinn's charming blog with warm cheerful illustrations and posts.

The Disco Mermaids (Robin - Jay - Eve)

The Disco Mermaids (Robin - Jay - Eve) I've blogged this before..but can't resist a re-blog...these three are certain to entertain any reader. They are three authors who discuss writing for children.

Oil Painting in Process

Here's an oil painting I'm in the middle of. It's from a photo of my friend's children. I'm about 1/3 done. Working in oils is such a joy.

Pub Rants

Pub Rants is a fun blog by a literary agent discussing queries, writers and the publishing industry. I found out about this one from Anastasia Suen whose own blogs are fantastic.

Oil Painting Revisited

I'm having such a blast getting back into oil painting. After taking a week long open studio class last week...and working in oils again, I'm loving it. Sometimes the children's illustration field/biz/journey is exhausting. Revisiting oils..one of my first loves, is revitalizing. One of the things that held me back from working in oils, aside from the drying time, was the smell of turps, or the "orange fragrance type thinners" which smelled stronger than turps. (I love the smell of turps, but can't imagine exposing my kids to them in my studio area, where the kids also hang out.) There is NO odor with the odorless thinner. Now I'm studying Vermeer, Georges de la Tour (saw his work in person several years ago and fell in love with it!) and Bernie Fuchs at the same time (strange mix, but it works for me). There's another book by Harold Speed, Oil Painting Techniques and Materials. It was recommended on Rob Howard's Cennini Forum in the recommended books for study. (one of my favorite places online for the discussion of fine art, oil painting, painting in other media, techniques and material in general. There are some incredible artists that hang out there...and lots of funky discussions..) Speed's book is foundational, and has motivated me to study value and tone more than ever before.

More Stuff on etsy

I'm adding more things now at my etsy shop. By the way...Courtney, if you read this..you really should place your prints there. They would sell like hotcakes. The same goes for you Sherry, Julia and Ginger!

Shopping Sugarlump's

Shopping Sugarlump's I know...this is a bit offtopic from children's illustration, but take a look at some of Sugarlumps creations/jewelry at etsy. She's got quite a following there.

Etsy is addictive

I am SO excited about etsy..haven't even really had the time to place more than two things up in my store there...but just seeing what others have created out there..all over the world, and are selling is incredible. Now I've found out that there is a ring you can join if you blog and have an etsy shop. I am in the process of working that out. For all you artists and illustrators out there, you should GET OVER there and list some of your work. You can sell note cards, prints, (use your imagination) It's a whole separate venue to be seen and sort of network in an arena that is fresh (some of us can get a bit isolated at our drawing tables as illustrators, huddling over our work..or browsing libraries for picture books to enjoy other's art... I'm sure it's going to be an even bigger thing in the coming months and years. There are fascinating aspects of it, where you can find items to match certain colors, and find favorite artists and see who else enjoys those artists...which leads you into new areas (it's like ebay, only for artists and creative folks..indies...)

Exploring Color & Creativity

Exploring Color & Creativity, which is Nita Leland's blog. She is a well known watercolorist, and has had various books published on the topic. Her blog is full of info regarding art, color, techniques etc.

The Society of Illustrators-LA blog

Here's another illustration blog...The Society of Illustration-LA blog. They've got plenty going on in that organization, and tons of talent!

The 3x3 Magazine...The Magazine of Contemporary Illustration

Check out 3x3 Magazine. It's a top notch magazine about international contemporary illustration. The mission of the mag and it's publishers is "to spotlight the best international artists working today and encourage a new focus on the use of illustration by the advertising and design communities." The magazine is published three times and year, highlighting 3 of the top international illustrators. It covers illustrators, events, hot topics, and advice for illustration professionals. The links and topics on the site are well worth investing time on as well. Needless to say...I ordered it. (I'm hopeless) Now I'm heading back to check out the book links, event links and shows.

AIGA-An interview with Charles Hively about the Fall and Rise of Illustration

Check out this revealing, thought provoking interview of Charles Hively on The Fall and Rise of Illustration. Take some time to check out AIGA's website as well.

this little piglet

this little piglet is a fun blog relating travel tidbits, restaurant recommendations and memorable food experiences of the blogger. It's a cachibachi I found from my sitemeter. I also found another fun blog full of recipes and food items called Chocolate & Zucchini.

My ETSY Shop

Well, I've finally set up an ETSY shop, after hearing about it on an online group. I only have one item up for sale at the moment, but plan to get more up in the days to come. That place is full of treasures, prints, handmade art, jewelry, original paintings and tons of goodies. It is an addictive site for lovers of handmade stuff.

Back From The Beach

Well, we're back from the beach...sunburned and sandy after a day in the sun at Virginia Beach. It was wonderful. The weather was perfect, and we even saw dolphins swimming farther out several times during the day. I've never seen them there before, but this time they were easy to spot. I tried to take some time to sketch, but didn't get much drawn in my sketchbook.

Shakepearean Insulter

Check out these Shakespean insults. They come from Shakespear's works.

A Fuse #8 Production: HEY! Illustrators! Call For Entries, Here!

A Fuse #8 Production: HEY! Illustrators! Call For Entries, Here! A terrific blog about children's lit from a NY Public librarian, who works in the children's branch.

Cadence

Cadence Take a look at Kala's mixed media collage and illustration. Her work is lovely..she's based in the UK

Kevin's Cool Tools Blog

Check out Kevin Kelly's blog about Cool Tools that actually work. There are some fascinating posts of tools I'd love to have..as well as other tips in the links.

SKETCH TRAIN

SKETCH TRAIN Here's a blog full of sketches by Lex.

Today's Inspiration

Today's Inspiration Here's a blog about illustration from the '40s and '50s.

Open Studio with Patti Rice

I'm thrilled to be taking a class with a local artist/teacher, Patti Rice. Not only is she extremely gifted in creating portraits, and gorgeous landscapes and still lifes in various mediums, but she is an incredible teacher. Patti is known for her beautiful pastel portraits. She has taught classes to children for years, turning out students with work that is mind-boggling. (she also teaches adults, but it's the kid's work that most astounds me) I've seen the work in many places, and each time I see one of the pastel images her students create I am amazed..and wish I had been able to take classes at a young age from her...(but now I'm happily fulfilling that wish as an adult!)
I am having a blast learning...each person in the open studio class is working on a different project, in a different medium. It's wonderful. (besides..it's heavenly just being out of the house in a studio where I can create undistracted)

sketchpot

sketchpot Take a look at Witness's sketches...created at odd moments at work and while waiting for things like oil changes...lots of fun images and humor here. He's very talented in pen and ink too.

The Illustration Magazine

I just received my copy of The Illustration Magazine #15, featuring Bernie Fuchs....my illustration hero. (I searched all over the internet for a copyof issue #15, since they had run out of copies..but now it seems they are in stock again, if anyone is interested) Mine came all the way from England.
I am hooked on that magazine, and of course have subscribed to it. Each high quality issue highlights a famous American Illustrator, with beautiful full color images of the art, and printed similarly to a book (the paper thickness and quality of the magazine is more like a book than a magazine.)

The Art Blog Challenge

The Art Blog Challenge This is a fantastic blog for artists. I found out about it today from Ginger, who has art posted there.

Check out Denise Vega's website

Denise Vega author of the YA book Click Here (To find out how I survived 7th Grade) has a fun website for girls to browse. There are fun interactive areas to explore.

Art Business News Magazine

Art Business News Magazine offers free subscriptions to many varieties of artists and art suppliers. I've been getting the full color, informative magazine for quite awhile, for free, and have found it to be a wonderful source of info and inspiration.

Hypnotik Eye

Hypnotik Eye Take a look at Brazen's illustrations.

TWEEDLESKETCH!

TWEEDLESKETCH! Michael Fleming shows off some of his funky colorful, humorous children's illustrations and doodles.

Yellapalooza...a Resource for Children's Illustrators and Writers

If you've never gone to visit the Yellapalooza website...go visit. It's a terrific resource for children's illustrators and writers. There are tips, highlights of new writers and illustrators, links of all sorts and a forum that is well known online.

The Orphan Works Bill & it's Negative Ramifications for Artits and Writers

FROM THE ILLUSTRATORS’ PARTNERSHIP
Artists and photographers aren’t the only professionals threatened by the Orphan Works Bill. Countless small businesses will be hurt. Copyright Attorney Megan E. Gray represents textile designers, sculptors and other visual artists who license their work to various industries. She is affiliated with Roylance, Abram, Berdo & Goodman, L.L.P. Because I am a copyright attorney, I have been following the Orphan Works bill, and have been astonished at how few companies are aware of it, even those who have built their business on the exploitation of visual designs. In the briefest summary, the Orphan Works legislation gives your competitors, customers, and anyone else the right to use your design so long as they had reason to think it wasn't copyrighted. If you catch them, you might only be entitled to a trivial monetary payment. Currently, under the Copyright Act, if someone copies your design, you are entitled to that competitor's net profits from the infringement. And, if you registered the design prior to the infringement, you are entitled to statutory damages (as high as $150,000) and recovery of your attorneys fees (which can be massive). These monetary penalties are intentionally high in order to provide a solid disincentive to infringers and a serious incentive to original designers. For years, the guiding principle in the design world has been "if you didn't create it, don't use it." With this new legislation, that principle will be turned on its head. Under the "Orphan Works" proposal, if someone copies your design, if that person didn't know that the design was yours (for example, if a big company orders a million shirts with your design from a Chinese manufacturer who fraudulently showed your design as part of its open line, claiming that it is public domain), then all you could ever get is "reasonable compensation." This could very well be peanuts, notwithstanding that the infringer made a massive profit on the shoddy items bearing replicas of your design (apparel, stationary, holiday cards, shower curtains, pillows, you-name-it). And you will never recover your attorneys fees or have the option of statutory damages, not even if you went to the trouble of registering your copyright years ago, and regardless of whether you have always placed the © notice on your product. Further, if you and the infringer disagree on what "reasonable compensation" is, you may be hard-pressed to litigate the matter, because your attorneys fees may end up being greater than what you could get as a "reasonable compensation." So, you'll likely just have to take whatever is offered to you, and have no ability to negotiate a higher sum. And, keep in mind, any promises of exclusivity of a particular design you make to a customer will be a sham. Museums and libraries created the "Orphan Works" legislation so that they could create exhibits and souvenirs with photographs, music, books, etc., whose copyright owners could not be identified. Their fear was that, notwithstanding their effort to find the copyright owner, that person would suddenly crawl out of the woodwork and demand high monetary damages based on the infringing exhibits/souvenirs. There isn't any fundamental objection to providing protection against that situation. But the legislation is so broadly drafted, it isn't limited to that scenario - the legislation applies to all copyrighted works, all commercial uses, and all users/infringers. The breadth of the legislation is particularly horrifying in the context of visual art, like textile design, because of the overwhelming amount of infringing material found in the most common manufacturing locales, like Asia. Proponents of the legislation say that you can protect your copyright by making it easy for you to be found, to make it easy for anyone to know that a design is yours. How is this to be done? Well, the legislators say that all you need to do is "just" digitize and create an online database of each and every visual design that you own or hereafter create, and publicize that database in numerous trade magazines in a variety of industries, or perhaps "just" create a new trade association comprising all the visual artists in the country (jewelers, tattoo artists, photographers, ceramic tile companies, wrapping paper companies, carpet designers, etc.) and, through that organization, digitize everyone's designs and have a single, unified online database, searchable by scanned designs. In other words, Congress seems to think that you have budgeted several million dollars to fundamentally change the way you do business. And, to add icing to the cake, no computer technology currently exists that makes it possible to create a searchable database of designs.Frighteningly, this legislation is moving very fast in Congress and it appears likely to be made into law soon. It is critically important to get trade associations and individual companies acting against the legislation, and contacting and meeting with key Congressional legislators as well as their own Senators and House Representatives. Please do not underestimate the importance of making your voice heard - it is the only thing that will prevent this legislation from becoming law.Personalized letters talking about your own circumstances are the most persuasive. The most critical points to include in the very first paragraph of your letter are that (1) you are a constituent; (2) you are writing about the proposed "Orphan Works Act of 2006" now before the House Judiciary Committee, and (3) you are opposed to the bill. You can identify your representative by entering your zip code into http://www.congress.org— Megan E. Gray mgray@roylance.comTo read H.R. 5439 - The Orphan Works Act of 2006, go to http://thomas.loc.govEnter H.R. 5439 in the search box, and select the "Bill Number" search option. It will take you to a master page where you can monitor this Bill's status as it moves through the process. You can review who signs up to Co-sponsor the Bill, amendments that may be added, and all Congressional actions on votes and reports. For additional information about Orphan Works developments, go to the IPA Orphan Works Resource Page for Artists http://www.illustratorspartnership.org/01_topics/article.php? searchterm=00185 Or see IPA Forums: “Free Culture-The Copy Left Is Not Right.” You may post responses or ask questions on these forums. First-time users will be asked to register. You do not need to be an IPA member to use the IPA public Town Hall Forums.
Please post or forward this email in its entirety to any interested party

ILLUSTRATION ART: December 2005

ILLUSTRATION ART: December 2005 Oh My.....look at the post David Apatoff blogged about Robert Heindel's illustration work. Heindel passed away close to the time of Apatoff's post. I remember seeing his work before and falling in love with it....wow...to illustrate like Heindel! I could look at these images for hours.

Concept Art Online Forum

Here's a REAL gem of a link...it is an online forum I recently discovered with tons of info, art links, and terrific threads for artists/illustrators/designers, is ConceptArt.org.
I was googling links for oil painting instructional DVDs for oil painting (really hoped to find one by an illustrator like Bernie Fuchs..but there isn't such a thing that I've found so far.....) anyway..on my search I found a link to the conceptart.org site and was hooked.

Struggling to paint

Struggling to paint Woweee...look at Chuck Rose's art. He's an illustrator/painter from Maryland.

Greywaren Art

Greywaren Art I found Maggie's equine art and landscape paintings from the previous site I just blogged...Maggie's paintings are gorgeous.

Making a Mark

Making a Mark Katherine Tyrell from London shows her sketches from sketch-crawls and various locations. She works in pen and ink, pastel and other media. Take a look