All Art Licensing, Product templates for your art

Check out Jeannette Smith's Art Licensing blog. There is vital info for artists interested in licensing their work. She also has templates for sale for placing art on mock-up products..and the explanation to do it professionally. I'm saving the info to buy some as soon as I have disposable cash.

Monetizing your blog

I've been using Google ads for years now, and am nearly at the  $100.00 mark to be paid for painless advertising. I just discovered the Amazon Associates. I hope it isn't too cumbersome, but I added it to see how it goes. There is also a YouTube monetizing app, but I'm trying not to overdo it.

It may be worth your time as a blogger to add some of these apps. Check it out in the dashboard section of blogger.

Smart Artist Career Blog

Check out The Smart Artist Career Blog. I enjoyed the article about the value of "piles" for a creative mind.
During the Christmas and holiday season my normal piles seem to multiply like the Northern VA snow piles right now. Yesterday we were all out enjoying the snow in one form or another. My son and the dog had fun, my husband and I shoveled, and I made a snow angel, my daughter attempted sledding with a friend, but the snow was too deep!

Having a storm like this brings time to stay indoors and rest, catch up and be together with family. It has been a joy for us. The roads are just now beginning to be passable in many areas. My husband ventured out yesterday in the Jeep, due to being stir crazy, and returned unscathed.

I'm thrilled to be having a White Christmas for the first time in years.

Homes in Pen and Ink

As Thanksgiving approaches, homes are filling with loved ones and friends. My wish to you all is that you'd have a warm, inviting place to spend Thanksgiving with those close to you, or new friends.

The Picture Bookies

It's been way too long since I've posted, but I'm back and want to highlight The Picture Bookies online group, our wonderful group of children's illustrators. Take a sec to look at the news and artwork there.

Berni Valenta's 100 Cardboard Creations

Take a moment to view Berni Valenta's 100 wonderful cardboard creations.
These have got me wanting to make my own now, or at least have the kids in my art class do something along these lines.

Kidlitosphere

Take a sec to check out Kidlitosphere, a resource for anyone involved in the field of children's literature. They have a listing of many children's lit bloggers as well as a facebook group and listserve.

Mark Criley on YouTube...Years of Work Before Being Published

Amazon.com book shop

Today is back to school day for our kids. I just watched the youngest get on the bus with some trepidation...on both our parts, since he's a bit sensitive.
It's always an exciting time, tinged with sadness for me as they grow up. It's also a time of new beginnings for me as an artist each year. Today even feels fall-like, with a cooler temp and a few yellow leaves spiraling down.

Does Autumn do that to any of you? It's a time of inspiration for me and hope for new beginnings.

I've been adding a few books to my Amazon.com shop. I have many art related books listed. Amazon makes it easy to sell books. Check it out if you have books around that you've enjoyed, but no longer use.

The Bella Sinclair Award...from Ginger Nielson

My dear, talented children's illustrator friend Ginger Nielson awarded me this touching artist blogging award this weekend. I am blessed and honored to have been awarded this, and especially from Ginger, who fits the bill for the award so well herself. Read the history of the Bella Sinclair award here on Ces's blog.

It was created by Ces in honor of her friend, Bella Sinclair, who tragically and suddenly lost her husband. Here is what Ces says about the award:

I designed this award to celebrate art in the blogs and to honor the value of friendship, sisterhood, sharing and caring. It is to be awarded to the gifted, accomplished, eloquent and talented blogger whose friendship and influence inspire us to do our best. That I named it after Bella Sinclair is because she epitomizes all of these things. She is an inspiration to many of us.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Bella, who inspired this, and deep thanks to Ces for starting it. I am looking forward to reading Bella's blog and seeing some of the art mentioned in Ces's wonderful art blog. (Ces's art is amazing)

Thank you so much Ginger. You are always so kind, industrious and encouraging and your art shines your personality through and through.

I'm prepping to send this to other women artists as soon as I get a chance. We just arrived home from our family vacation at the Outer Banks of NC...what a beautiful time we had..and a much needed rest and time together as family.

Nate William's Blog and a Methodology for Creating New Ideas

Check talented illustrator, designer, hand lettering expert Nate William's blog. He has a new post up about a methodology for creating new ideas. Great stuff.
I found this from Michael Nobbs on twitter.

Mail Art Call..due Aug 2009 at Jennifer Zoeliner's Blog

Check Jennifer Zoeliner's blog for this Mail Art Call, due August 2009.

Kate Harper's blog on Greeting cards and licensing

Check out Kate Harper's blog for some good info, tips and links about the Greeting Card biz, and licensing.
I found this through twitter..lots of good resources there if you have the time to search and connect. I've been connecting through twitter, which makes it much easier.

the Blog Terrible Yellow Eyes

Terrible Yellow Eyes is of blog of a collection of works inspired by the beloved classic, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.

Art Print Issues with Barney Davey

Another valuable resource for art licensing and print issues for artists can be found at Barney Davey's blog here.

Beth Russell's Blog: Art Law for Everyone

An important resource for artists everywhere: Beth Russell's blog Art Law for Everyone.
Beth is an Attorney in: copyright, trademark, web development, arts and entertainment. She also has classes in these areas.

New Celebrity Children's Books out

Just found this article about some new celebrity children's books out. Authors include Michael Phelps, Dolly Parton, Julianne Moore, and Whoopie Goldberg.

Children's Book Insider

Check out the Children's Book Insider

Trying to Catch up..and Painting

I've been pulled in many directions..all of them vital and unavoidable, but am bringing back the focus to painting this week. ( I have been painting all this time, but also have been called away from it often due to end of the year events)

Working in oils is such a joy. I'll be taking a class at The Art League at the end of June with painter/instructor Ed Reed. I can't wait.

Join my new Children's Illustrators Twibe

I created a brand new "Twibe" on twitter for children's illustrators. Please come join if you are at all interested.

Picture Book Originals

Picture Book Originals is a site where original children's illustrations are sold. Check it out.
I have been way too busy with things to blog lately, and have missed it. Today has been the perfect day to mulch, weed, run and hang out with my family. It is gorgeous here in Virginia.

I also wanted to give a heartfelt thank you to all the veterans and those who have served our country in military service this Memorial Day Weekend. We would not be able to enjoy relaxing weekends like this without the sacrifice and service given on our behalf.

die Sonnenblume blog

While researching theater curtains for an illustration I am working on, I found this wonderful blog. Die Sonnenblume. Scroll down and enjoy the beautiful photographs.

Paula Yoo's Week Picture Book Writing Challenge

NaPiBoWriWee.....is Paula Yoo's new creation and challenge to children's picture book writers to write 7 picture books in 7 days. (based on the idea of NaNoWriMo)
The challenge starts on May 1, and can be registered for on Paula's Blog. All details are listed there.

Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast

Check out this wonderful blog about books called Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast.

Just One More Book interview with Paul O. Zelinski

Take a little while to listen to this interview on Just One More Book with Paul O. Zelinski.

Seth Godin's blog

If you haven't been to read any of Seth Godin's books on marketing and biz, check out his blog. I receive his daily bloggings by email. They are thought provoking and very insightful...as is this one today.
I'm eager to read his book on Tribes...

An art ezine full of goodies..Art-e-zine

I am addicted to this ezine, Art-e-zine about altered art and other collage and vintage work. Check it out.
Sorry I've been lax in blogging lately. It's been easier for me to post things on facebook, due to the Share on facebook button. I wish they had one on blogger, so that upon finding anything of interest, you just click the share button and it pops onto your facebook page.
Spring is finally blooming in Northern VA and I'm enjoying fragrant lilacs on my kitchen table. What a joy.

Tara Reed's Art Licensing Blog

Take some time to look at Tara Reed's Art Licensing Blog. Tara is an expert in the field.

I just saw it on CNN.com: Magical murals that move

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Reading Rockets...

Check out Reading Rockets, they are blogging about Blogs about Reading. (How's that for a confusing sentence). There are links for teachers, parents, reading resources, tips and much more.

Youtube Mark Crilley's illustration techniques

More Networking online

For a few more options to network or get the word out about what you're up to creatively, try JustTweetit and add your illustration site to the illustration list. (or whatever specific list your work applies to)
Another option to place a free online portfolio is Warmtoastcafe. Then of course, Twitter, Facebook, and Coroflot for another free portfolio option.
Another site to market handmade goods for free is 1000markets.com

IndiePublic and MadeitMyself

If you make handmade items, sell art, crafts, any sort of jewelry or knitting, paper goods etc. and are looking for additional places online to sell them...here are two more besides ETSY (my favorite)
IndiePublic and MadeItMyself.

Indie Public

Check out Indie Publiic

Father and Daughter Alliance

FADA, the Father and Daughter Alliance is a new non-profit organization founded by my husband Pedro. It's goal for the first year is to microtarget and help 5,000 girls get back to primary school in 5 countries from geographic areas with stubbornly low rates of completion of primary school by girls. The above photo is of my husband and our daughter on their recent trip to India to speak with the founder of an organization that is currently helping girls to stay in school.

Adora Svitak..Child Writer Prodigy

Take a look at Adora Svitak's website. She is an incredible young girl who writes and offers exceptional classes for adult teachers to help them teach in a more effective way.

Jarrett Krosoczka's video...the making of Monkey man

BOOK BY BOOK: the making of a monkey man from Jarrett Krosoczka on Vimeo.

Artsyville's Journal on a T-shirt

I LOVE this...gonna do it too....with a laundry pen, since Artsyville says the laundry pen didn't yellow.
Check out her Journal on a T-shirt.

Western Spaghetti by PES

Illustration Voice

Illustration Voice published by Serbin Communications, is an informative online resource. You can subscribe to it on the site. Great stuff.

Valy D. Peintre

Here's a colorful, fresh inspiring blog I just found while discovering loads of European art sites and possible marketing venues. It's in French.

The Father and Daughter Alliance

My husband and daughter are in India working on a non-profit organization that my husband has begun. It is called the Father and Daughter Alliance, or FADA. FADA will appeal to the father’s heart in other men in traditional/religious developing countries so they can help their daughters and other girls enroll and complete primary education and then access the same educational, economic and societal opportunities as boys.
Check it out and get the word out. There is much need, and much interest and support.

Join the Facebook group as well to show your support. It is called I Am a Girl and I Should Be In School.

Inspiring artist's blog Heavenleigh Art

For a breath of fresh air, calm and inspiration, see Julie-ann Bowden's gorgeous mixed media art on her blog at Heavenleigh Art. She also has an etsy shop, but I haven't found the link yet. Her art is also for sale on Zazzle. Here is more at Cristus Gallery

Vintage Niki's Mixed Media Art

I spotted VintageNiki's wonderful mixed media art someplace, maybe twitter first and fell in love with her art. Take a look at her blog and etsy shop.

Linda Lawler's new Art Blog

Check out Linda Lawler's brand new art blog. Linda is a very talented artist who lives in Northern VA and taught an oil painting class that I took awhile back. I'd love to take more classes from her sometime in the future.

Steven Noble's Scratchboard Art

Ironically one of the google ads that is generated by Google on my blog was one of interest to me. I'm not sure how long it will last there, but at the moment it shows up to the right >>>>>>>>

and is of Steven Noble's scratchboard art. I have always enjoyed creating and viewing scratchboard art. I want to create more asap. I'm making a note to dig out my scratchboard supplies this afternoon and get some designs in the works for it.
Another resource for scratchboard is Ruth Lozner.

Illustration Cupboard

The Illustration Cupboard is a site that specializes in Contemporary Picture Book Art around the world. They also have a blog

Total Art Licensing Magazine Online

Check out the Total Art Licensing Magazine online.

TEAWINGS: DESIGNFEST - Digital Image Bank

TEAWINGS: DESIGNFEST - Digital Image Bank
Check out the Teawings blog..great info in this post and more great links and things on the side

Art By Committee..an Online Challenge for Illustrators

Check out Illustrator James Gurney's blog and a wonderful monthly challenge called Art By Committee for illustrators to take a phrase that Gurney chooses from a science fiction manuscript each month and illustrate it. The next illo is due by February 12th at 10:00 am.

E.H. Shepard's Art Background

Take a look at Gurney Journey's blog highlighting Winnie the Pooh illustrator E. H. Shepard's academic background in art. Shepard's figure drawings and portraits are unsurprisingly gorgeous. I had never seen that side of his art.

(off to dig out my Winnie the Pooh books and Wind in the Willows books to study his pen and ink work.)

NVIDIA

Amazing software called NVIDIA (In Spanish envidia is jealousy..and VIDIA is somehow a root of To See or Be Seen...so it's a well thought out name)

anyway...when I saw this link I was already captivated, but here's a woman who creates animations and illustrations with it.
Look at the gallery.

A thought provoking art blog

http://jeanevogel.blogspot.com/

Mixed media sites, artists and other Cachibachis

Ok..I'm going down a rabbit trail of great links and am just going to post the URLs for now since I have to get offline...
(I have some serious painting to do and should not be on the computer, but these sites are inspiring..so it's justifiable)

Pieces Of Me...Mixed Media ATC artist.
Art With Moxie...Mixed Media Artist..tons of wonderful links as well as the gorgeous art...and a wonderful selection of jewelry on her ETSY store.
After Midnight Art Stamps....distressing techniques, stamps for creating mixed media art and way too much for me to look at right now..but I'm saving the link for myself with this post.

on a side note...
do any of you get a sort of shot of adrenaline that brings on a bit of ADD type art craziness...where you want to do everything and you can't stop yourself? At the moment I am in the midst of creating illustrations for a wonderful story by Mayra Calvani..and when I'm not doing that, I bring one of my 5 knitting projects with me everywhere I go to keep myself happy (in waiting rooms at the dentist or in the car waiting for my kids etc.)
I'm in the midst of knitting scarflettes, arm warmers and other small projects of various types of yarn. I can get away with it since they are small and easy..but the results are wonderfully satisfying.

Artsyville's Blog

Check out Artsyville, a colorful fanciful blog by artist Aimee.

Artist's Resolutions for the New Year

Check out Alyson Stanfield's wonderful Artist's Resolutions. Take some time to check her site for the resources and wisdom she shares for artists.