Whispering Pines Writer's Retreat

whispering Pines Edit:  I thought I posted this a few months ago! Whoops! I'm posting now because I really did have such a fabulous time!

A couple weekends ago, I went to the NESCBWI Whispering Pines Writer's Retreat. (I actually got married at Whispering Pines, --remember?-- so it was funny/nostalgic/ironic to be there, not only without G, but also as my first time away overnight from my little kiddo. I survived!)

If you're into writing for kids, I highly recommend this workshop. Such a great group of really talented people, and put together with such care. I was kind of horrible about taking photos, so I won't do a whole recap. Don't worry, lots of other people did! However, I got the above shot of a doe and her fawn after they'd safely made it across the frozen lake... It was gorgeous there.

Huge thanks to Mary and Linda for organizing and being such fabulous hosts! I'm already looking forward to next year.

Snow!

If you haven't heard, it's snowing here. A lot. This is pretty much how we all deal with it:

Seriously. I went grocery shopping this morning and everything looked normal except for the missing milk and the empty bread shelves. Ha!

Stay safe and have fun in the snow everyone! It sure is pretty...

PS. Thanks so much to everybody who already signed up for my NESCBWI workshop, 7 Animation Concepts Every Illustrator Should Steal, in May! (Now I don't have to worry about that nightmare I had recently of teaching a class of um, no one. Oh, nightmares...) I really can't wait! I promise, I'm totally gonna bring it. If you'd like to sign up, I believe there are still spaces left, so click here. I'd love to see you!

Illustration Workshop at NESCBWI Conference

NESCBWI 7 Animation Concepts Every Illustrator Should Steal Registration for the Spring NESCBWI Conference opens tomorrow, so I wanted to do a quick plug for the workshop I'm teaching there. YAY!  It's on Sunday May 5th, at 11 am, and I'd love to see you! It's for Beginner/Intermediate illustrators with information applicable to both groups. So don't be shy!

7 Animation Concepts Every Illustrator Should Steal

“Animation” sometimes gets a bad rap in the world of kid lit, but this workshop will uncover 7 commonly-employed animation concepts that every illustrator should steal to improve their work. We’ll examine each one with a mix of lecture – exploring examples from both the animation and illustration worlds - and hands-on activities demonstrating each technique.

Learning Outcomes: Participants will walk away from the event with:

  • A deeper appreciation for the drawing craft through curated examples of illustrators and animators.
  • A thorough understanding through examination and practice of specific animation tools to strengthen their work and produce dynamic illustrations.
  • A detailed resource guide and exercise handouts.

Bring a mirror and your drawing supplies!

Sound like fun? I think it's going to be a blast!

PS. The photo above is of Ollie Johnston, the last remaining artist from the legendary group known as Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men.

 

 

Working Wednesdays: Live Animal Study in Providence

Have you ever been to the RISD nature lab? If not, you're in for a treat:New England SCBWI

Live Animal Study: A Children's Book Illustrator's Workshop Date: Sunday, February 26, 2012 Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Place: The Edna Lawrence Nature Lab, 13 Waterman Street, Providence, RI 02903 Admission: FREE

Bring your sketchbooks, pencils, and light painting supplies and enjoy a rare opportunity to study a handful of live exotic (and some not-so-exotic) animals up close and personal!

RISPCA Humane Educator Laurelin Sitterly will present on each creature's basic anatomy, movement, and habits that will be sure to inspire you and provide a wealth of knowledge for your animal-themed book projects. Taxidermy and skeletal models will also be available to examine, courtesy of RISD's Edna Lawrence Nature Lab.

This is an event to gather inspiration from the animal world, practice your craft amidst an active environment, meet your fellow SCBWI illustrators, and benefit from a critique of your day's efforts by your peers.

RSVP by February 17, 2012 : complete the registration form and send it back as an e-mail attachment.

Coordinated by the talented (and fellow crit group member) Christina Rodriguez. Thanks for putting this together Christina! (and for using my animal sketches on the flyer!)

I hear spots are filling up fast, so register asap!

Illustration News

Happy New Year! Some children's illustration news I thought people might be interested in!

-Have you gotten your copy of the December Zero2illo Zine yet? It's all about children's illustrators and I'm in it! They kindly picked my site for a review and I'm so grateful. 2012 is the year my site will get a proper overhaul and it's invaluable to get some outside perspective on what's working and what needs changing. Thank you so much you guys!

-I just signed up for illustration consulting with...Holli Conger!! I'm so excited!! Last year, I was complaining to G (and friends) about missing a "boss". Which, I know, sounds insane, but it can be exhausting to juggle so many roles. Sometimes you wish for someone to provide some guidance and nudges to keep you on the right track. Perhaps not a "boss", but a mentor. Anyways, thank you Universe! I've been a huge fan and reader of her blog for years. So I'm really looking forward to working my tail off with her!

-Did I ever mention that I found a local children's writer and illustrator crit group? (Again, thank you Universe.) We've had a couple sessions and it's pretty great. If you're in the Providence area, we're looking to add serious kid lit writers and artists.  Please get in touch if you're interested.

-Heads up: Registration for The New England SCBWI conference in April is coming up! Register here on January 23rd. I've never been to this one, but I hear it's been fabulous in the past.

-Are you doing the Kidlitart #PBDummy Challenge this year? It's a 25-week-long online group challenge to create and submit a picture book dummy. It starts January 9, 2012 and ends July 1, 2012. After reading the  inspiring post post by Greg Matusic --who I met in person at the Falling Leaves conference-- I decided to jump in!

And whaddya think of that little dinosaur guy up there? I'm working on a story for him...