Pen and Ink Rendering

Here's one I just finished as a rush job.

Cloth Paper Scissors Mag

Cloth Paper Scissors is an informative magazine about collage, mixed media and artistic discovery. Take a look at the collage-fabric self portraits, which are fantastic!

Inserting an Image while Blogging via Email

View full size

I'm going to try to insert a rough draft I created for a possible client awhile back. It was never used, so I figure I may as well get some use from it.

It WORKED!

Blogging Via Email

Did you know that you can blog via email at Blogger.com? Don't ask me why it has taken me this long to find this feature, but I'm trying it now. Just go to the section in the dashboard area, click on settings and then on email, choose the email address that is shown as the one you can blog from, and use that email address to send the message. This is going to make blogging a lot more convenient for me. I need all the help and all the shortcuts I can get.
I've tried from my cell phone in the past, but it was a bit tricky.

Sally Jean's Creations

Take a peek at Sally Jean's website to see her creations. Her collage work, jewelry and Don't forget to check her links too. I am hooked....going to go back and visit soon.

Happy Fourth of July

God bless the USA today on the 4th of July. Have a safe and special day celebrating the freedom that has been provided at the highest price. My thoughts and prayers and thanks go out to those who continue fighting for freedom, and who sacrifice for us.

Nick Towers' Children's Illustrations

Nick Towers' digital illustrations are astounding. Check out his tutorials too. And for something fascinating, check the MakeHuman youtube view.

Check out Ruth's Book....Ellie McDoodle-Have Pen Will Travel

Ruth McNally Barshaw's book....Ellie McDoodle...check it out..

Nintendo DS Illustrator Software - Demo...eeency weency digital art

Trend Watching

Here's another great place to see what trends are coming and going. Trendwatching.com

LeBook

LeBook, another trend spotting resource for fashion, color, photography and design trends worldwide. (It's good to keep the eyes open for trends that aren't necessarily children's book related, just to get a fresh perspective.)

International Talent Support

Check out the International Talent Support ....lots of fashion trends, upcoming designers, and photographers, and talent. While you're at it check out E V E, another source of great design, upcoming events, and interesting odds and ends.

Children's Picture Book Database at Miami University

Check out Miami University's Picture Book Database. (I found this through About.com's Children's Books info in my email updates) It's a very informative update every time I get it.

Graphic Arts Federation

Check out the Graphic Arts Federation. (I'm typing this while wearing one contact and leaving the other one out.) I've been going around all day this way..needless to say, feeling very disoriented.
A tip....never sleep with your contacts in your eyes. I forgot to take mine out two nights ago and have been suffering the results in my left eye. extremely painful and a bit dangerous. My eye is finally beginning to clear up, but at my age, this has not been a joke. I hope tomorrow brings a clear view, and no pain.

Behind The Name-Etymology & History of First Names

Behind the Name shows the etymology and history of first names from various cultures.

Etch-a-Sketch drawing of Lebron

">

This is amazing

Make a Face

Check out Artnamtomy for a terrific online source for facial expressions. I've visited it before, but had never seen the advanced facial expression section. It's amazing. Click on application and then go to level II

TwitterLit

TwitterLit is "A site that serves up literary teasers twice daily. At 5:00 AM and 5:00PM Eastern Time I post the first line of a book, without the author's name or book title, but with a link to Amazon so readers can see what book the line is from. "
Warning..it's addicting.

Art Junction blog

Check out the ArtJunction blog. Make sure to click on the amazing Sony Bravia commercial on YouTube there.

Moses- When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom

Carole Boston Weatherford's book Moses, illustrated by Kadir Nelson is something you've got to read. The incredible combination of Kadir Nelson's illustrations (everytime I see any of his work it does something to me. He is my illustration hero. ) and Weatherford's deep, warm heartfelt writing is powerful. I am going to buy this one....gotta have it.

U.S. Freedom Corps Capital PurSuit Drive

This is an excellent idea and opportunity for folks around DC to offer practical help to those in need...

USA Freedom Corps Capitol PurSuit Drive-Washington DC.

Thousands of Americans including: youths in foster care, adults, teens, ex-offenders, and veterans who have come from low income environments are transitioning back into the workforce every day. Affording proper attire for interviews and work is an enormous obstacle for these citizens, so the USA Freedom Corps office will be partnering with the Capitol PurSuit Drive from June 13th until June 25th.

Please bring the following used items to be donated: business suits, dress shirts, blouses (on hangers, please), belts, and shoes. Donated items should be in usable condition. This is your opportunity to literally give the suit off your back to help fellow Americans secure their futures. All donations are tax deductible, and receipts are available upon request.

There will be four collection points for the Capitol PurSuit Drive:
* Ike's Eatery
* 1800 G Street, 9th floor lobby
* West Wing Lobby and Ground Floor
* USA Freedom Corps 736 Jackson Place

The donated items will be distributed among three national charities: Working Wardrobes, The Women’s Alliance, and Career Gear. A portion of the donations will also be distributed in the D.C. area through several nonprofit organizations.

For any questions, please call the USA Freedom Corps office at 456-7381. All suits should be delivered to one of the collection points no later than 5pm on Monday, June 25th.

2 Year Birthday

Cachibachis celebrates two years of being online this month. It doesn't seem possible! What about the rest of you bloggers out there? I know many of you must be at least 2 years old.

For the Kids-Club Penguin

Club Penguin. Kids love it.

Simon Schama's Power of Art on PBS

Check out Simon Schama's Power of Art on PBS. I've been lagging in my blogging due to the end of school and Summer Vacation! It's already been an adventure. Vacation hadn't even started before one of our kids rode in an ambulance to the ER with an allergic reaction. (she missed the last day of school because of it.) Yikes. She's fine now, after 2 more days of hives coming and going. I am so grateful to have her running around full force again.
Give your loved ones an extra hug today.

Virginia Art Education Association

The Virginia Art Education Association has some great programs going on. Check out some of the high school student's art.

A New Biz Has Been Born....Baby Sleep Tonight

My friend Robin has recently started this business (along with her amazing seamstress/sewing abilities). It is called Baby Sleep Tonight. (I wish I'd had this advice when my colicky son was a baby.....)
Congratulations Robin! May the business take off and may many babies and parents sleep well due to your advice.

FugleFlicks-Art Flicks made by Kids

Fugle Flicks....gotta watch them. These are art related videos made my kids. I've only watched one so far, but it was fantastic, fun and hilarious. Make sure to watch Young Sloppy Brush. Check out the Fugle Blog too.
Another of the videos teaches space concepts in art. It's called Deep Space.

Boston Globe Article-Arts skills are life skills

Check out this Boston Globe Article by Jonathan Rappaport June 12, 2007 Art Skills are Life Skills.

Project Zero Research

Project Zero's mission is to understand and enhance learning, thinking, and creativity in the arts, as well as humanistic and scientific disciplines, at the individual and institutional levels. This is an amazing project and the link is well worth saving to delve into at a later time as well. It is a Harvard University Program.

Tagged by Sherry

I've been tagged by Sherry.
Here are the rules:Each player lists 8 facts/habits about themselves. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed. At the end of the post, the player then tags 8 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.
Here are my facts.
I am 5' 8.5 inches tall (just like Sherry!)
I have a twin sister who is also an illustrator (her artwork is astounding..and she is the one who inspired me to be an artist when we were younger)
I am married with 3 kids
I was born in Ansonia, Conneticut
I played the cello and the piano in middle and high school
I lived in La Paz, Bolivia for nearly 5 years where our first son was born
I enjoy the freezing cold water of Maine more than the warmer waters of the mid-atlantic (we vacationed in Maine for many summers when I was young)

I'll be tagging some folks later today.

Hanoch Piven

Hanoch Piven's work is something you've got to see. (I found out about him and last two posts/info on scbwi...thanks to all who posted this info.) Hanoch was featured in this link on Drawger, which I've blogged before.

Mark Kistler's Imagination Station

Mark Kistler's Imagination Station is another fun place to visit online. He teaches kids to draw in 3-D.

Incredible Art Lessons

For a fantastic resource for art teachers, or anyone teaching art classes to individual kids or groups, take a moment to check out IncredibleArt.org. They've got lessons for kids all the way from preschool to undergraduate. There are ideas for art teacher/subs and many fantastic links.

Livia Coloji's Children's Illustrations

I just found Livia Coloji's work online and wanted to share the link to her wonderful children's illustrations.

Book Mooch

If you're a book lover, and your bookcases are burdened with books you've read and can share, check out Book Mooch. You can exchange your books for others you'd like to read. I just signed up and I'm already sending one out, and hope to mooch one soon.

Dan James and Ghostshrimp

Take a look at Dan James' original website and illustrations. Very entertaining quirky stuff. CLick on the voice bubble to enter the site. After entering the site, move the mouse around the image to see all of the options.

Alllison Smythe's Poem on Verse Daily

Congratulations are in order for multi-talented Allison Smythe....graphic artist, poet, (wife, mom and all around gifted woman). Her poem Something In My Eye is online and in the spotlight today on Verse Daily.

Kim Norman's Podcast and Evil Inner Editor

Kim Norman's sense of humor and creativity can be seen and now HEARD on her podcast of songs she's written and sings..and her Evil Inner Editor is also a hoot.

Good Quote

This is encouraging in so many ways, and in the children's illustration and writing field especially so. (It comes from Insight of the Day)

"It is not the straining for great things that is most effective; it is the doing of the little things, the common duties, a little better and better.'"

Elizabeth Stuart Phelps1844-1911, Writer

Kid's Ideas

It's fun to eavesdrop on kids. My daughter recently commented that if Norman Rockwell was still alive, he and Shel Silverstein could have teamed up. She's a big fan of Silverstein, and was flipping through a book of Rockwell's illustrations.
It would have been a rare combination.

Fliptomania

Here's a random cachibachi for ya....Fliptomania Inc. These are flip books that kids (or adults who love things like this) make flip books of various scenes and characters. I like the sock monkey. Of course for all you illustrators out there, I imagine you've made some sort of flip book yourself. It's addictive. ToyDirectory.com has loads of links and info about toys and the newest fads in toys.

Scratchboard and Photoshop Tutorial by Michael Halbert

Michael Halbert's scratchboard and photoshop tutorial highlights his skill in both mediums. Take a look at this link to see the rest of his tutorials...wow.

Jan Thornhill's children's Illustration Q&A

I love scratchboard...both viewing it and creating images in it...so when I saw Jan Thornhill's children's illustration Q&A highlighting her scratchboard work, I had to post it.

Today's Inspiration Blog

Today's Inspiration highlights well known talented illustrators from the '40s and '50s and their work.

Smart Museum- for Kids

Check out the Chicago Smart Museum. They've got a fun interactive art online site for kids to learn about art.

Jeff Hopkins-Pictures Come to Life

Jeff Hopkins is a children's illustrator with an added talent. He brings his pictures to life in active storytelling drawing performances.

The 4OOPS Fine Arts Link Page

Helen Ramsey is an educational consultant with a website called 4OOPS. It's a wealth of info for all sorts of educational links, resources and informative bits. The Fine Arts Links page is fantastic.

Art Instruction Blog

The Art Instruction Blog provides tutorials of oil painting, watercolor and drawing.

Some Good News

I've been working on illustrations for a lovely picture book by Mayra Calvani. The book is titled The Doll Violinist, and has been nominated among the finalists in this year's ABC competition. My illustrations also are included in the nominations.

Central Illustration Agency

The Central Illustration Agency reps some amazing illustrators from around the world...take a look at some of them.

Tom Bagshaw

Take a look at Tom Bagshaw's art and his recent post detailing his work process.

Steven Haulenbeek's Design Concepts

Take a look at some of Steven Haulenbeek's design concepts. My favorite is a zippo lighter that can print typewriter style type. It's called a Portotype....I want one..... I found it from the Designboom newsletter.

Happy Memorial Day

As we set aside this day to remember those who have served our country in military endeavors,wars, and combat from our country's founding, and given the ultimate sacrifice of their lives, words can't express the gratitude and respect for these men and women, and their families. We owe our freedom and the ability to celebrate and worship, work and live in comfort and ease, move around and prosper and believe what we want freely, communicate, travel, study, learn, read and protest, vote and live in a free land....so much that we can't imagine living without, and the price has been dear.
Here is a link at Lines and Colors showing some artwork created by Combat artists of WWII.

Kim Norman's Book...Jack of All Tails

Congratulations are in order for Kim Norman, whose new book just arrived on her stoop....Jack of All Tails.

Animation Mentor

Animation Mentor is an online school for animators. The list of teachers is quite impressive, and for great fun, check out the student showcase.

fair faerie

fair faerie
Originally uploaded by Vanita

I couldn't resist blogging this photo. It was taken by Vanita.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/outerspace/

jali work, sarkhej

jali work, sarkhej
Originally uploaded by prachi_

Another beauty from flickr

Architectfad.com

Architectfad.com blogs unusual and interesting fads having to do with architecture and design.

Good Friends ~ Happy Hour

Good Friends ~ Happy Hour
Originally uploaded by silverfishstudio

Here's a flickr group that many of you may be interested in. It's called Vintage Children's Books. This is one image from it. I have posted before about my flickr addiction, and can't say enough about the photography there.

John Shelley's Illustrations

John Shelley's illustrations and links are well worth the time to visit and peruse.

Dexigner.com

Dexigner.com is an online Eurpean Illustrators forum and gallery.

Illustrators Ireland

It's great fun to see the work at Illustrators Ireland. Here's an article about children's book publication in Ireland.

Across The Board-Skateboarding art contest

Check out Across the Board ...a contest to decorate skateboards.
100 International & Australian artists + 100 skateboard decks = 100% contribution to The Cancer Council NSW.

My Other New Blog

I've started a new blog of my coloring pages, puzzles and craft pages for children to print and color and use. It is called Color It In. I plan to add my own crafts, images, puzzles, coloring pages and odds and ends for children to print out and enjoy. There are two images up so far, and I hope they print out clearly and large enough. I'll be tweaking things there as soon as possible.

Kinuko Craft's Technique

Kinuko Craft is one of my favorites. Here is a section on her website where she describes her illustration technique.

SFG online Forum

I'm not sure if I posted this one before but SFG (Sugar Frosted Goodness) has an online forum for artists.

Vinylmesh

Vinylmesh is another international toy and design site. Lots of great links.

My Plastic Heart

My Plastic Heart has designer toy news galore. Check out the links to all the toy creations and newest fads in international toy designs.

The Brooklyn Art Project

Here's another online forum for artists called The Brooklyn Art Project. ......OK..now I am REALLY going to get offline....I am NOT supposed to be here blogging....I've got way too much art to be doing....but couldn't resist all of these great links today.

Catalina Estrada's illustrations

I discovered Catalina Estrada's illustrations from the MailMeArt.com site. Check out some of her designs...the skateboard designs and others are glorious.

MailMeArt

Check out Mail Me Art.com. They accept submissions of mail art...and the competition is heavy. Make sure to view the winning entries.

An Animation: Special Delivery by Stephen MacLeod

Start Drawing

Startdrawing.org is an Asian Portal for Asian illustrators. Check out the work and links.

Little Chimp Society

The Little Chimp Society is another online illustration hangout.

Illosaurus

Illosaurus is a new resource for Illustrators. Check it out.

Sunflower

Here's an image of a little girl and her grandfather, first in black and white and then in color.

The color image was painted in oils. (I LOVE oil paint..what a joy to be able to paint in oils.) For years I avoided them due to the fumes from the turps, ( and the fact that my studio is in the area of the house that the kids are in during their free time) but finally started using grumbacher odorless thinner which works perfectly and does not have any odor. My favorite oil paints are from Studio Products. The quality and amazing rich colors are unlike any other I've tried. They're a bit more pricey, but worth every penny.

I also buy my gesso from them, which is in powder form and is fantastic....easy to make and a leap above the quality of the normal gesso in stores.

Kids Discussing Angels

Here is something I received as an email message. I couldn't resist posting it...
These are kids discussing angels.


I only know the names of two Angels: One is "Hark"; the other is "Harold". . Gregory, 5

Everybody's got it all wrong. Angels don't wear halos anymore. I forget why, but scientists are working on it. Olive, 9

It's not easy to become an angel! First, you have to die. Then you go to heaven and then there's still the flight training to go through. And then you got to agree to wear those angel clothes. Matthew, 9

Angels work for God and watch over kids when God has to go do something else. Mitchell, 7

My guardian angel helps me with math, but he's not much good for science. Henry, 8

Angels don't eat. They don't like "holy mackrel" but they do drink milk from "holy cows". Jack, 6

Angels talk all the way while they're flying you up to heaven. The basic message is where you went wrong before you got dead. Daniel, 9

When an angel gets mad, he takes a deep breath and counts to ten. And when he lets out his breath, somewhere there's a tornado. Reagan, 10

Angels have a lot to do and they keep very busy. If you lose a tooth, an angel comes in through your window and leaves money under your pillow. Then when it gets cold, angels go south for the winter. Sara, 6

Angels live in cloud houses made by God and his son, who's a very good carpenter. Jared , 8

All angels are girls because they gotta wear dresses and boys didn't go for it. Antonio, 9

My angel is my grandma who died last year. She got a big head start on helping me while she was still down here on earth. Katelynn, 9

Some of the angels are in charge of helping heal sick animals and pets. And if they don't make the animals get better, they help the kid get over it. Vicki, 8

What I don't get about angels is why, when someone is in love, they shoot arrows at them.... Sarah, 7

Mother's Day Message

Here's a Mother's Day message that a friend sent. Click the page each time you are done reading and the next page will open. In case I don't get online tomorrow, may all the mothers out there and Aunts, Sisters, Grandmothers, teachers, step-moms, and women who have stood in for mothers, loved children, served them and cared for children, be blessed and honored for the mothers they have been to children. For all the runny noses, sleepless nights, dirty diapers, colick, fevers, doctor's visits, teachers visits, field trips, prayerful nights, times of anguish, times of wonder, science homework projects, crumb ridden kitchens, repeated instructions, taxi-ing back and forth, tears cried and uproarious laughter, dreams dreamt and hopes failing, sending off to camp, first day of school, worries of failure on your own part or on your children's part, first day of driving on their own, first day of college, wedding days, graduation, vacation memories, wishes made, tooth fairy and santa claus appearing and then dimming, nursery rhymes read, favorite picture books, multitudes of laundry loads, boxes of bandaids, trips to the ER, friendship issues, time outs and corrections, worn stuffed animals, first lost tooth, first hair cut, questions unlimited,
may these times fill your heart with love and hope and the knowledge that you have been blessed above all you can imagine and a blessing to those children you have cared for, even though it is never done perfectly or to the extent that you'd like it to be, but it's the loving offering you've given and you have changed those lives forever, and molded them into strong hopeful confident people, by your time, care, prayers, tears, service and unseen effort.
Happy Mother's Day to you all!

Been Busy

The reason for the spare offering of posts here lately is that I've been more swamped than ever with a variety of things. FIrst of all (and probably all that is needed to explain) is the addition of an SPCA dog to our home. He came into our lives about 2 weeks ago, and things have been more of an adventure than ever. I think he's a mix of German Shepherd and Austrailian Sheep dog, because he looks like a miniature German Shepherd. He was roaming the streets before he was rescued by the SPCA. His name was Grizzly when we got him.
On the art scene, I'm working on illustrations for a picture book, and have been attempting to pick up the pace, while also attending to needs at home with busy kids and husband....so....all that to explain the lack of blog posts. Hopefully I'll sneak a few in from time to time.

Mayra's Secret Bookcase-blog...A New Logo

Check out Mayra's Secret Bookcase-blog. She posted the new logo I've been working on for her. Mayra is a talented writer with many irons in the fire, and awards recently for her writing. I've been enjoying collaborating with her on a children's PB, by doing the illustrations for it.

Hong Kong Toy Design Contest

Here's a toy design contest. I didn't read the details, but thought there just might be someone out there raring to enter one. Seems the monetary awards are pretty good....

Cre8tive Juice blog

Cre8tive Juice is another blog full of great stuff. Also...if you haven't been to ETSY yet....get over there and watch out...time flies while browsing the fantastic hand made items sold there from all over the world.

Book TV.org

Check out this online update of Book events at Book TV.org. You can sign up for email updates on book programs coming up. Check out the list of book festivals. LA has one coming up in the coming week.

Children's Book Illustration-Fantastic Reference Page

Here's a fantastic link about Children's Book Illustration. There are many excellent links as well, such as the Mazza Museum (I am planning on getting up there sometime!)

Early Children's Books and Illustrations

Here's a peek at a few collectible children's books and the illustrations in them. I am a sucker for old children's illustrations. The quality of linework in most of the early books is stunning.

DeCordova Exhibit-Telling Stories With Pictures

Check out the DeCordova Museum's exhibits. One of it's past exhibits was called Telling Stories with Pictures, The Art of Picture Book Illustration and highlighted the work of picture book artists.

Hokie Hope

Support the Virginia Tech community by wearing orange and maroon on Friday, April 20th. (the school colors) for the "Orange and Maroon Effect".

Ruth's Got a Blog

Check out Ruth McNally Barshaw's new blog Ellie McDoodle. Ruth is a children's illustrator and has a brand new young adult novel out as of days ago!

Prayers go out to Virginia Tech

I am sitting here stunned at what happened at Virginia Tech today. My prayers and thoughts and wishes for comfort and help go out to all the students, parents, alum, professors, brothers and sisters, friends, relatives of all concerned.
Many folks from my area have friends, kids and relatives attending VT....Our community is reeling, and will never be the same.
God bless you all....

Oilily Spring and Summer

One of my all time favorite online haunts...Oilily. Check out the Open Studio section. They always have the most fascinating designs, designers, artists, website and links. This time around the artist highlighted there is Linn Olfosdotter...very funky illustrations...offbeat . There is also a story created by the Oilily team. My favorite part of it is the way they've created the pages in the book to be able to be turned or flipped as they say. They've always got cutting edge designers, illustrators and artists involved in their site and clothing. There are also postcards you can send to folks online with their designs on them.

Big Animation Book Signing Event

Check out the Big Animation Book Signing Event in CA on April 19th. Stephen Silver's work will be there. (I love his work)

Pen and Ink Rendering

I just finished this pen and ink rendering for a client.

Mayra's Secret Bookcase-blog

Mayra Calvani, a children's author I am currently working on a project with, has just started a new blog. Mayra's Secret Bookcase. She is an accomplished writer, and I am honored to be creating illustrations for a picture book she has written.

Drawing a Fine Line Blog

Check out Paula Pertile's blog, Drawing a Fine Line. She is a children's illustrator who also has art here.

Been Publishing, I'm Back-Listing of Famous Illustrators

BPIB has a huge listing of well known and lesser known children's illustrators. His Images Magazines are amazing.

Art Junk Girl

Art Junk Girl is another blog you may get caught up in. Lots of great links and things to look at there.

Maximo

Maximo is another fun site to check out. Look at the dolls, and the designers of the items there.

Oh Joy!-blog

Here's another blog with many links that will have you travelling down blog-trails if you're not careful. It's Oh Joy! I found Pedlars from it, and Art School Girl. Have fun! You'll find lots to browse through from Oh Joy! (all of this originated from a fun online newsletter called Curbly)

Creative Times Blog

OOooh. Here's a blog I'm going to be revisiting. It's called Creative Times. Eleanor Traubman, from Brooklyn, is the author of it. She has a variety of cool links and topics regarding creativity (the outside the box type)

Heartschallenger...a Random Cachibachi

Check out Heartschallenger, a random cachibachi I found. The website alone is worth a visit. I just like the design and concept, and the little truck that passes by as you click on the image. Heartschallenger is an ice cream truck with international ice cream toys and candy.
I used to look forward to the ice cream truck every weekday afternoon..it's bells ringing, those funky popsicles and ice cream combos that are only found on ice cream trucks.