Did You Drink My Beer?

What IS a weekend?

2012-01-26T15:04:00.003-05:00

Maggie Smith is just as confused as I am. Deadline season is upon us, friends! Day, night, week, weekend... it don't matter!

It's Been a Bit!

2012-01-23T22:52:00.004-05:00

Well, we are in a new year. 2012. Holy smokes, and today marks the new lunar year or the dragon! This year is a black or water dragon which I am sure will keep things spicy!

The holiday season is now over with and I am desperately looking forward to a productive year. New Years resolutions include even more studio time, experimentation with media and message, a deeper study of language and history, and of course that all important balance between body and spirit. All of this can only happen with the most important of all resolutions... better time management. I find myself increasingly consumed by online diversions and I'd love to replace that with more physical interaction, combined with a successful daily schedule. *sigh* This is a very tough goal!

Ok, I think I am being uncomfortably preachy! I extend the best New Year's wishes for everyone, and the best of health and happiness!

Here are some sneak peeks of a new book coming out this May! Alex and The Amazing Time Machine was an enjoyable project, being able to use my inks. It will be a very fun spring!

Lighted Lawn Dandruff 2011!!

2011-12-25T12:26:00.003-05:00

Our annual Holiday festivities proved to be successful again this year! We noticed a rise in wicker animals and a decrease in inflatable snow globes. This year, the cold cold lights of the LEDs shone brightly over Little Rhodey, showing that us US Americans are indeed, trying to save money on energy consumption. A mid-nugget adventure, capped by a delicious shot served by our friend Holly fueled our fire and thirst to find the best of the lighted lawn dandruff this year. Can't wait for next year!

And as always, flasks up! Pants DOWN!

2011 Fall Painting Demo

2011-12-19T22:18:00.002-05:00

Demo finished!

Old House, New Studio

2011-12-18T12:37:00.002-05:00

So, about a month or so ago, we rearranged the top floor (it's basically a finished attic with slanted roofs). We moved the desks into the room with a wonderful skylight, making it a pleasure to wake and start working in the morning, I am looking forward to spending more time here this winter finishing two picturebooks!

Duncan and Tucker

2011-12-16T19:25:00.003-05:00

Two regal dogs... in need of some artwork. How can you NOT want to paint these lovely beasts!

Hard Stares and Thin Beams

2011-12-16T19:07:00.002-05:00

School's out! No more students dirty looks!! ;)
So here are a few scans of some recent works. MORE ON THE WAY!!!

New York Times Notable Book of 2011

2011-11-26T12:38:00.003-05:00

To add to the amazing news that I've been receiving this week, The New York Times announced their Best of 2011 lists as well. Secrets At Sea received a Notable Book of 2011 for Middle Grade. I could not be happier for Richard Peck, who wrote a fun, engrossing tale of determination and loyalty.

Hooray!

Kirkus Best of 2011

2011-11-26T12:21:00.004-05:00

I am ecstatic this past week. Kirkus announced its Best of List for 2011, and Secrets At Sea made a lot of them!

Best of 2011 Fantasy & Science Fiction
Best of 2011 Books for Animal Lovers
Best of 2011 Graphic Novels & Illustrated Chapter Books
Best of 2011 Novels with Great Girl Characters
Best of 2011 Exploring the Past
Best of 2011 Books to Make You Laugh
Best of 2011 Adrenaline Rushes
Best of 2011 Fiction
Best Children's Books of 2011

I was so excited when news of this came through the grapevine! 2011 should have been the year of the mouse!

Risk! A Sure Fire Way For Family Arguments

2011-11-26T12:16:00.003-05:00

This year's RISK! battle only produced a few shouted cuss words.
Peach and tranquility was achieved world wide by Kelly's pony and kitten loving regiments.

Antoine's last red regiment was enslaved in the Glitter Sparkle Mines off the coast of Madagascar.

Round 2: Jane Au-some

2011-11-16T12:43:00.004-05:00

I guess I am getting into this character design stuff a bit more than I should. But I had the idea for a Jane Austen girl... but named Jane Au-some. Not too sure if it either reads as someone from that time era, or the name itself tells you who she is. Either way, fun to pick up watercolors and swear at them for an hour or so. Such a tricky medium!

Hot Shot

2011-11-10T17:25:00.004-05:00

So, fun things are happening this semester at Montserrat College of Art. Antoine Revoy and I are hositng a battle of characters between our classes. It's been fun seeing the students come up with ideas ranging from the absurd to genius. After finishing the last chapter book today, I leaped at the opportunity to join the creativity. Here's my round girl for the big battle!

I'm having a bit of fun messing around with digital color.
And when match time comes, my lady Hot Shot here can yell, "TO THE DEATH!!!"

Illustration Friday: Scary

2011-11-03T18:39:00.006-04:00

My submission for IF's Scary is an excerpt from my cover sketch process of Creepy Monsters Sleepy Monsters, written by Jane Yolen. Because the finished painting is so iconic after its completion, I easily forget all of the brainstorming and thumbnailing it took to get to that point. Sometimes, I look back at rejected sketches and think... that could have worked nicely. Hmmm. All of my sketches are still kept in physical form, deep inside some drawer in the studio. Although, I am thankful for organized digital files that can be quickly called up for service.

These tiny monsters are so scary... but the older of the two certainly does like to give his sibling the heebeegeebees!

ps.) You can see the book's old working title above!

When projects are done...

2011-10-26T20:33:00.001-04:00

...I may, or MAY NOT... dance like this.

Crac, boum, hu!!!!

Golden Light With Kite

2011-10-17T00:44:00.005-04:00

Late night rhyming is outlawed now, officially. Warm golds have to be one of the more satisfying colors one can use in their paintings. Good ol' Freddy Remmington is the master teacher for bold color usage, especially in landscape. I mean, good God... look at his paintings!! What an amazing teacher for me.

Secrets At Sea Christened Today!

2011-10-13T10:15:00.004-04:00

Today, Secrets At Sea is released into open waters, off to her maiden voyage! Ok, I will ease up on the sailing references. All joking aside, I am please to have this book ready for reading eyes. It's a fun, classic tale involving the secrets side of mice living with their nouveau riche humans. It was a research heavy book, but that's something I looooove to do!

I hope you also enjoy the tiny moments I found endearing in this book.

Lights, Camera...

2011-10-05T12:38:00.004-04:00

My new friends Mark Steensland, author or Behind The Bookcase, and a crew of four Penn State students came to Providence this past weekend.

Kelmurphy.com V6!!!

2011-10-03T10:27:00.003-04:00

Today, we are announcing the 6th version of my website! It's always a bit sad saying goodbye to an old design, but fortunately more work is being created thus more room is needed! I am forever in debt to the master Antoine Revoy for coding and designing a more effective way to display my work. Please, come and take a look! www.kelmurphy.com

Mmmmm... Pie!

2011-09-27T18:27:00.002-04:00

And we're just on the cusp of pie-season! YES!!! LOVE THOSE FALL FOODS!

And that warm fall light. This recent cover finish reminds me of my favorite time of day, late afternoons.

Sketches Flying Off The Desk

2011-09-27T18:21:00.003-04:00

One of the best challenges with each project is the exhaustive sketch process when beginning a project. It's so necessary to try and solve each assignment in as many ways possible, and then narrowing it down which one "feels" closest to home. These are practical lessons for art students. When I was in school, my first illustration assignment was to draw 100 sketches for an apple. You get really creative by number twenty. Professionally, what comes after is accepting which one the publishers chooses. That's why I would suggest only showing your best ideas! You don't want to get stuck working the next three weeks on something your heart and mind is not connected with.

Ok, I'll stop the "tuity fruity" talk. Excited about this recent bookcover finish. Will show when published!

Lords and Ladies

2011-09-18T17:49:00.002-04:00

With the upcoming fall, I myself have fallen into deadline maddness! School has started again, and balancing projects and classes is once again all consuming. BUT! As time passes I can start to share more of the projects that are underway. For now, here are some character sketches of a gentler era. Was it really gentler though? Well, the dresses were prettier.

Get Higher, Baby!

2011-09-05T11:38:00.003-04:00

Kelly's Takeoff from Antoine Revoy on Vimeo.

I think I found a new hobby. I LOVE being in the sky!

Kelly's Landing from Antoine Revoy on Vimeo.

Don't Look A GIft Raccoon In The Mouth

2011-08-21T23:07:00.001-04:00

Hotdiggity, run like the wind Bandit!

Falmouth Heights

2011-08-18T12:40:00.004-04:00

Each year, for one afternoon I head down to hangout ocean-side with my brother and his wife in Falmouth, Massachusetts. It's great to get my one beach day a year... but every time I manage to cook myself to a lovely shade of flaming pink. I'm AWFUL at sunscreen application. I managed to make myself look like a calico cat, AGAIN.

Here's my view, looking south across Vinyard Sound... patiently waiting for Air Force One to arrive. We got to see the helicopters heading to Martha's Vineyard last year, but no luck this year.

3x3 Children's Show No. 8

2011-08-17T00:27:00.006-04:00

What a great week!
I received news that one of my images from Princess and The Golden Fish, published in Cricket Magazine, has received a silver award in the 3x3 Children's Show. I could not be more pleased!

The image is one of 10-13 images for a four part story, written by Eugie Foster. It's from the third installment, and called for a close up as the story's climax neared. Often, I am dreading searching for imagery online, so Photobooth is my best option. I've seen Joe Quinones' great photobooth posts on his blog, and this inspired me to add my own.

Well... you got to make due with what you got, right? More typically, the animals are photo-bombing left and right.

Viterbo's Medieval Wall

2011-08-17T00:12:00.003-04:00

Another of my favorite parts of Viterbo was the quiet, sun soaked road that lead you by the city's outer wall. At this place, a tower built on top of a segment loomed over the wall which historically usually extended outwards slightly so as to be able to observe the exterior of the walls on either side. It had had arrow slits, ballistae, and a place where presumably catapults and cannons could be mounted on top for extra defense. Sounds a tad cheesy, but I liked to envision the townsfolk scurrying along the top of the wall, ready to protect the livestock and people within the walls.

The sunsets here were... brace yourself... truly magical.

2011 Original Art Show

2011-08-15T10:03:00.003-04:00

I am beyond thrilled to be included in this year's Original Art Show at the Society of Illustrators.

"With children's book production on the rise came the strengthened interest in the art behind the book. Founded in 1980 by Illustrator and Art Director Dilys Evans, this annual exhibit showcases the original art from the year's best children's books. Selected by a jury of outstanding illustrators, art directors and editors, this year's show features 122 books chosen from 650 entries submitted nationwide.

Celebrating it's twenty-eighth year, the Original Art exhibit is not only an opportunity for artists to display their work, but has become an important event in the New York publishing calendar. It is a favorite destination for Art Directors and Editors seeking new talent as well as for school visits."

Over At The Castle, written by Boni Ashburn and published by Abrams Books For Young Readers will be on display and hopefully, but not probable, I will be able to join the opening. My teaching schedule makes it a bit complicated. I get soooo nervous at those events, so it might be a good thing to have one less sweaty, shifty eyed illustrator in the room ;). Here are the details:

October 26, 2011 - December 29, 2011

The Society of Illustrators
128 East 63rd Street
(between Park and Lexington Avenues)
New York, NY 10065

Opening Night
October 27th, 2011
6pm

SQUEEEEEEEEE!!!

Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs

2011-08-10T16:21:00.004-04:00

When I was not feeling up to concentrating on my ink washes, I had my trusty sketchbook in hand. Viterbo has more than enough cafe chairs and fountain edges to rest upon. I think it was secretly meant for us journalistic drawers. While taking a seat and sketching the great signs, I was always torn: Diet Coke or Beer. Same price... one's much better. Now, I was able to find a decent beer in Italy. No hating, but it's not a country known for its brews. Menabrea* was quite tasty, and I highly suggest their Ambrata. I'll have a review up shortly!

*Warning: Menabrea's site is teh suxor! Right up there with my queue on Alitalia. It's not really a country born out of efficiency. Just sayin'! But damn, they got siesta right!

Urban Sketchers Feature With Fred Lynch

2011-08-08T14:14:00.002-04:00

Fred Lynch was extremely kind to mention my stay in Italy on the Urban Sketchers blog. Urban Sketchers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising the artistic, storytelling and educational value of location drawing, promoting its practice and connecting people around the world who draw on location where they live and travel. Fred is one of the North American correspondents, and you can check out his other articles by following this link.

© Fred Lynch 2011, Door of Hell

His ink paintings are astounding, and if you ever get a chance to see one in person... they amaze even more!

Masterpiece wins 2011 Children's Crown Award

2011-08-04T12:27:00.003-04:00

Yahoo!

While away, I received the lovely news (complete with a fancy framed award) that Masterpiece had won this year's Children's Crown Award.

The mission of the Children's Gallery, the Children's Crown, and the Lamplighter Awards is to encourage elementary and junior high students to read wholesome and uplifting books by providing lists each year of the best literature.

In 1992 Sandra Morrow librarian at Brentwood Christian School in Austin, Texas, applied to the Texas Christian Schools Association for a grant to establish the Children's Crown Award (the Crown Classic is the runner-up) for children's books for fourth through sixth graders. The grant was awarded the following spring. In 2002 Sandra received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Lubbock Christian University. In 2005 she received the Distinguished Alumni Citation from Abilene Christian University. She was recognized for her distinctive professional achievement for the Triple Crown Awards.

Now students, teachers, parents, librarians and interested individuals are encouraged to nominate titles for this award from books that are published or reprinted within the last two years. At the center of the award process is the criteria developed at the time of the grant. Each year twenty books that convey wholesome values, uplifting characters, and edifying themes that inspire children toward positive goals are selected by a committee of readers from participating schools.

Students vote on their favorite book each spring, and the results are tallied and the authors, publishers and schools are notified about the winners and runners-up. During winter, the lists for the following school year are sent to participating schools, as well as to authors and publishers whose books have been selected.

Thank you to EVERYONE involved! I am so pleased that Masterpiece is close to many children's hearts.

Via di Paradosso is "el gorgo"!

2011-07-31T23:40:00.004-04:00

After settling in and not being so confused by my trusty map, I found one of my favorite spots. Oddly enough, it was just around the corner from where I was living. Via di Paradosso was a longer street that elevated ever so slightly about the ancient stream bed below. It traced the edge of an olive oil bottling company, which then opened up into open fields and crowing roosters. Why I loved this street was because of the gentle distance it offered. Sometimes, I get a bit overwhelmed being IN and SURROUNDED by the city buildings. My rocky roadside wall provided just enough breathing room for me to take it all in.

That, and it was a less traveled road than most, which meant I barely got heckled by on-lookers. Me likey!!!

Parco dei Monstri, Bormarzo Italy

2011-07-30T09:35:00.008-04:00

The Lynch family was very kind to take me to some of the nearby towns. The first we visited was Bormazo, in the province of Viterbo, in northern Lazio, Italy. The Park of the Monsters (Parco dei Mostri in Italian-language), also named Garden of Bomarzo, is a Renaissance monumental complex located in Bomarzo.

Walking through the park was like going through an ancient amusement park. The gardens were created during the 16th century. They are composed of a wooded park, located at the bottom of a valley where the castle of Orsini was erected, and populated by sculptures and small buildings divided among of the natural vegetation. During the nineteenth century and deep into the twentieth the garden became overgrown and neglected, but in the 1970s a program of restoration was implemented by the Bettini family, and today the garden, which remains private property, is a major tourist attraction. The park of Bomarzo was intended not to please, but to astonish, and like many Mannerist works of art, its symbolism is arcane : examples are a large sculpture of one of Hannibal's war elephants, which mangles a Roman legionary, or the statue of Ceres lounging on the bare ground, with a vase of verdure perched on her head.

And this was my subject matter for that afternoon.
A fun surprise was a reclining woman with a dog. I thought it looked striking similar to me and Lily.
And last but not least, I loved the smaller town of Bagnaia. You need to drive through this quaint village on the wasy to Bormarzo, and I highly recommend taking a walk through the medieval section of town. My pronunciation of these Italian words has been atrocious... so if I refer to a town called "banana", I mean this place.

Piazza San Pellegrino, Viterbo Italy

2011-07-29T08:14:00.003-04:00

About one minute from where I was lodging, was the heart of the medieval district of Viterbo. The street are narrow, tall, and maze-like, but I loved that the inhabitants found an opportunity to plant bright flowers that radiated off the dark gray walls.

Here's a really fun link to 360˚ photo of the medieval streets.

Piazza di San Lorenzo, Viterbo Italy

2011-07-27T07:19:00.005-04:00

One of the first days in Viterbo, I set out for the cathedral of San Lorenzo. The cathedral was, according to legend, built on the site of an Etruscan temple of Hercules and although this can not be verified, Etruscan and Roman foundations can be seen on several of the buildings which make up the Piazza di San Lorenzo where the cathedral is situated. An early medieval parish church to Saint Lawrence had formerly occupied the area before construction began on the cathedral in the late twelfth century. Even as it was constructed, the town was already spreading northwards down the hill, leaving the plaza somewhat isolated on the highest edges of town, thus restricting its attraction to the townsfolk, a disadvantage which the local bishops for years attempted to reverse by granting the cathedral special religious privileges.

The cathedral was at the height of its significance during the middle and end of the thirteenth century, when it and the attached Palazzo dei Papi di Viterbo was the home of the papal throne following its flight from Rome and prior to its resettlement in Avignon. Two popes were buried in the duomo: the first was Pope Alexander IV, whose tomb was bizarrely demolished during sixteenth century renovations, and the location of his remains are now unknown = OOPS; Pope John XXI is more clearly marked despite several relocations, with a handsome tombstone originally laid over him following his death in 1277 (when his study's ceiling in the papal palace attached to the cathedral suddenly collapsed into the room below due to structural weaknesses as he slept).

It's a lovely, more quiet location in the city, and for the last two weeks of my stay, was home to an Opera festival. You could hear bellowing baritones and soaring sopranos over the Loggia's walls. A real treat.

Mama Mia!

2011-07-23T03:49:00.009-04:00

They do in fact... say Mama Mia in Italy. I was so excited.
I'm ending out the Journalistic Drawing program in a day or two, and could not be more amazed by such an energetic, dedicated bunch of students. I will certainly offer a link when their work is posted on the Drawing Viterbo blog, this coming fall. I am honored to have served beside Fred Lynch, recalling how great his words of wisdom were when I was his student.

So, I am eagerly awaiting the return to my studio/studiomates (and big scanner!) and hopefully be able show you some of the work I made in Italy. In the meantime... pictures of Rome! Saint Peter's is... you know what... words can't describe how amazing it is inside. These pictures don't even cut it.

Ciao!

I also found a super awesome art store down one of the crooked streets in Rome. I loved the pigments!

A Good Day

2011-07-11T17:10:00.002-04:00

Montefiascone, overlooking the city of Viterbo at sunset. Fred Lynch took a fun photo!

Buono Baffi!

2011-07-09T09:09:00.007-04:00

That line is about the only thing I can say without thinking in Italian. Yes, it's true, I answer questions with the line, "Nice mustache".

It's been one week since coming to Viterbo with the Montserrat College of Art, and I think I am finally understanding the streets and customs of this city. Surrounded by a medieval wall, I am living in an area where most of the ancient buildings are still being inhabited. While it is fairly hot by day, the mornings and evenings are amazingly temperate and ideal to sit by window and watch the city's inhabitants "passeggiatta", the tradition of strolling the streets before dinnertime. Typically I chose my lofty viewpoint instead of participating in this slow walk, since I am one of the only ones roaming the city during sieste (1pm to 4:30pm), therefore exhausting myself by 7pm. I've been drawing/sketching/painting everyday and cannot wait to get some of these scanned. It's wonderful to be in the constant act of creation and I am grateful to get back to observational drawing.

More later, but here's the first few pictures!

Ciao!

Anish Kapoor: Leviathan

2011-06-24T10:47:00.005-04:00

Wooooooah. These images are amazing!

MONUMENTA 2011
Anish Kapoor at the Grand Palais in Paris
Leviathan from 11th May to 23rd June 2011

Each year MONUMENTA invites an internationally-renowned artist to turn their vision to the vast Nave of Paris’ Grand Palais and to create a new artwork especially for this space. MONUMENTA is an artistic interaction on an unparalleled scale, filling 13,500m2 and a height of 35m. For its fourth incarnation, the French Ministry for Culture and Communication has invited Anish Kapoor, one of his generation’s greatest artists, to produce a new work for the Nave’s monumental space, from 11th May to 23rd June 2011.

Thirty years after his first exhibition in Paris, MONUMENTA marks Anish Kapoor’s return to the French capital. He is considered as one of the most important sculptors of our time. His work has profoundly enlarged the scope of contemporary sculpture, as much by his mastery of monumental scale as by the colourful sensuality and apparent simplicity emanating from his works. Born in Bombay in 1954, he has lived in London since the 1970s. His work rapidly gained international recognition and has been awarded numerous prizes, including the famous Turner Prize, which he won in 1991. His career has been the subject of a number of solo exhibitions at the world’s most prestigious museums, including the Louvre, the Royal Academy, Tate Modern, etc. Recently, he has been commissioned to design the key landmark for the forthcoming Olympic Games in London: a 116-metre-high sculpture entitled « Orbit ».

The artist describes the work he is creating for MONUMENTA as follows: “A single object, a single form, a single colour.” “My ambition”, he adds, “is to create a space within a space that responds to the height and luminosity of the Nave at the Grand Palais. Visitors will be invited to walk inside the work, to immerse themselves in colour, and it will, I hope, be a contemplative and poetic experience.”

Here is a link to more photos, taken by Stefan Tuchila. I love the combination of something that feels so thin and brittle, next to something heavy and bulbous. The sense of scale must be amazing. Uuuugh so jealous to not be able to see this!

Illustration Friday: Midsummer Night

2011-06-24T10:23:00.007-04:00

Well, this weeks topic is a great one, but unfortunately I have a frustrating experience with it; a bit fraught with miscommunication. This was a poster for a theater season of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer's Night Dream" and was eventually killed. Sometimes it's those projects you work the most hard on, that end up... well... still being not worth it. I'm still waiting for my kill fee on this! :(

But, it was a fun enough project for me to try out some digital enhancements. I also had a second version that kept more of the under-drawing's grittiness.

I felt as though the first painting (above) was a bit too over manipulated and I wanted it to have a connection to the tradtional media a bit more. So I opted for a limited palette over the drawing. But, I think once again some of the soft gradients just felt a bit too polished for me.

Here's the original under-drawing, with its range of subtle texture.

Wow, sorry to be such a Debbie Downer with such a fun IF theme! I did have fun with the architecture in the piece though!

I'll Tumble 4 Ya!

2011-06-20T21:34:00.003-04:00

I just finished up my second Monster dummy! I was so excited to complete it, and get some feedback, just before the book's release this July. As I was composing the pages, this song keep repeating in my head... and I am glad for it to go away for a bit. Although perky... it becomes a bit too much.

You see, I don't want to ruin the surprise of the theme of the next book... but this should give you a healthy hint.

Typically at the end of illustration projects, I really spoil myself a bit. I get to CLEAN. You see, I LOVE cleaning. It's like a ritualistic purging and a moment to refocus. But, I'll save it for tomorrow morning. Menawhile... Downtown, we'll drown, doo doo doo doooo dooo!

Bleeding Heart

2011-06-12T20:57:00.005-04:00

It's been sometime since I've done a personal piece. Always good to take those hours for oneself. Now back to the grind!

More Dragons!

2011-06-10T15:39:00.006-04:00

This is by NO means a complaint, but I think I may be known as a "dragon illustrator". I soo welcome it! This is for a magazine, and i worked a bit more with an under drawing.

Having the drawing allowed me to be a bit more loose with my painting. It allowed me to have the line weight and depth, but still be able to move the paint on top without losing that structure. I think I am going to involve this more and more... experimenting a bit more with line styles... something fine to something more broad like a chalk or pastel stick.

When I was younger we had a pair of chinese ink landscapes that hung near our fireplace. I flipping loved looking at them, picturing myself walking along the tiny mountain path, or floating high about the river valley. I need surround myself more with these dreamy landscapes. Total brain food!

Charakarts!

2011-06-08T13:18:00.003-04:00

I am pleased to announce studio mate (and husband) Antoine Revoy's newest project, Charakarts! I've been seeing these come alive the past few weeks, and I can guarantee more amazing karts in the future.

Charakarts™ is a character design side project by illustrator Antoine Revoy. Charakarts are an eclectic ensemble of characters driving imaginative kart-like vehicles, coexisting in a videogame-like realm. This project originated in a series of drawings created in 2002 and remained confidential till 2011, the decision now made to present the initial charakart artwork as well as new designs online.

I especially love the first sketches from 2002. He explains here, the inspiration for the project.

Secrets At Sea a BEA Top Pick!

2011-06-07T17:05:00.005-04:00

What wonderful news! I just saw that Secrets At Sea, written by Richard Peck (and illustrated by me) was named one of the top 26 books featured at the BEA (Book Expo America). This is AWESOME news!

Here's the Kirkus review featured with the article:

Problem novels, ghost stories, historical fiction—is there anything Newbery Medalist Peck cannot do? Apparently not.

Helena Cranston, oldest surviving member of her family after the deaths of both her parents and her sisters Vicky and Alice, has her hands full: dreamy sister Beatrice and skittery sister Louise keep sneaking out at night—Helena fears inappropriate liaisons—while brother Lamont skips school for more dangerous pursuits. Worse yet, the Upper Cranstons, dissatisfied with Hudson Valley beaux, are embarking for England to catch daughter Olive a husband. Europe, as Helena knows, is across a very large body of water, and Helena, being a mouse, fears water with all her heart. Yet soon she and her family, secreted in one of the Cranstons' steamer trunks, are carried onboard ship, where they discover an aristocratic mouse society heretofore unknown, including the Mouse-in-Waiting to Princess Louise, Queen Victoria's daughter, who shows Helena that mice can in fact change history—at least on a mouse-sized scale. Peck must have had a blast writing this. Whimsical language, sure characterization, unflagging adventure, even romance—all seen through Helena's relentlessly practical beady little eyes. Think The Tale of Despereaux without the twee.

Sheer delight. (Animal fantasy. 8-12)

Pub Date: Oct. 13th, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3455-5
Page count: 203pp
Publisher: Dial

Ne'er were truer words typed

2011-06-07T11:30:00.002-04:00

ps.) I MIGHT get in trouble for this image.

Illustration Friday: Shadows

2011-06-03T10:24:00.002-04:00

This is an oldie, but there's something about its looser painting style I still like. Got to loosen up!

Dark Sneek Peeks

2011-05-18T15:07:00.002-04:00

I can't say much more about this project, but I am excited to share these with you! Let's hope the higher powers that be like them too!

I can't say much more about this project, but I am excited to share these with you! Let's hope the higher powers that be like them too!

Sassy Cat

2011-05-16T12:57:00.003-04:00

This is a class demo I did many moons ago, and have been slow to tickle in the color. But you know what... I am glad that I did not render the willies out of it. I need someone to take away my paintings, because I feel like I overwork them in most cases.

Here's... Sassy Cat!

Mama, our black cat, has the mouth of a bratty fifteen year old girl. It's impressive.

Trail Of Tears

2011-05-16T12:46:00.003-04:00

This past winter, Montserrat College of Art hosted another illustration theme show, this year's being Wild West. I opted to go for a more somber approach, focusing on the suppression of the Native American tribes, particularly related to the Trail of Tears.

In 1838 and 1839, as part of Andrew Jackson's Indian removal policy, the Cherokee nation was forced to give up its lands east of the Mississippi River and to migrate to an area in present-day Oklahoma. The Cherokee people called this journey the "Trail of Tears," or, as a direct translation from Cherokee, "The Trail Where They Cried" ("Nunna daul Tsuny"), because of its devastating effects. The migrants faced hunger, disease, and exhaustion on the forced march. Over 4,000 out of 15,000 of the Cherokees died.

It might be gentle in color and contrast, but I kind of like the quieter approach that describes something so tragic.

Here's a detail:

Where'd She Go?

2011-05-04T15:57:00.003-04:00

So, this spring is slowly covering me in its dust! I've had some long range projects that I've been chipping away at, but nothing to show of merit! School and my independent studies have also occupied more of my time, and I'll be sad to see some of the seniors gradumacate!

BUT! Here are a few things I can show. Some character designs for a board game, and some book cover ideas!

Some fun news about this summer: I'm headed to Italy with Montserrat's Study Abroad program. I am BEYOND stoked to be Fred Lynch's TA in his journalistic drawing class. My mind is about to explode with sketchbook ideas. Fred maintains the sketchbook blog of the student's work and you can find it here.

Now... to learn Italian. I was just getting a hold on French dagnabbit!

Illustration Friday: Bottled

2011-04-08T10:04:00.002-04:00

Ok, so this one is actually my blog header! But it matched perfectly with this week's theme. A bit of back story: this is in fact my lame version of my little family, complete with Antoine Revoy: dropping our messages in a bottle, Mama; the bewildered black cat, and of course Lily; bravely at the bow of the mighty vessel!

Alleluia!

2011-04-07T15:12:00.001-04:00

My goodness... it's been some time. I've been BURIED! BUT, I am finished with the last project and moving on to the next three. Can't stop now! I'll be back much sooner, I promise!

Mice Sneek Peek!

2011-02-22T10:24:00.004-05:00

Been working away on my next chapter novel, and two others in the wing as well. Lots of work, but I couldn't be more pleased. I also managed to slice the dickens out of my thumb... you know, just to make things more challenging during deadline season. WEE!!!

Five Years!

2011-02-17T06:00:00.002-05:00

It's a big day here at Did You Drink My Beer! It's the FIVE YEAR anniversay! Back in 2006, I decided to start sniveling away for the world to see. All joking aside, I think it's been a fun chronological experiment to see what's been going on these last few years: work, boozin', travel, teaching, love, marriage, animals, cakes, more work, books, and more books. Pretty exciting to still be here (albeit a few pounds heavier and into the thick of my thirties) and ready to continue on.

CHEERS!

Ah, the innocence of youth...

2011-02-17T00:05:00.003-05:00

If there was footage of me as a child... here it is:

Illustration Friday: Sweater

2011-02-11T10:08:00.003-05:00

With a recent trend in ugly sweaters being cool, years of teasing could have been erased from my memory! I still really dig the horrible sweaters I had when I was a kid.

Ahoy! Another Painting Demo

2011-02-07T20:36:00.003-05:00

Here's another painting demo from last semester. This one is on watercolor paper, with watercolors, some colored pencils and gamsol, and then some oils on top. Mixed media is one word for it! Then to bump up some of the dark, I monkeyed with it in the ol' p-shop. Finally got around to finishing it months after class.

I have no idea what it means.

Tough Day At The Office

2011-02-03T10:53:00.003-05:00

Yup, caught sleeping on the job. Cats make THE WORST employees.

Actually, it's been fairly chilly in the ol' house, and I refuse to give National Grid all of my munmuns, so Mama found the warmest place she could.

MINDBLOWING!! GoogleArtProject Insanity

2011-02-01T23:04:00.005-05:00

Ok, maybe I am the last person to check this out, but holy cow... GoogleArtProject is amazing, and I've blown the better par of an evening getting close to the world's treasures. Now, it's one thing to finally be in these museums, but being able to see the art THIS close is amazing. Art Project is an online compilation of high-resolution images of artworks from galleries worldwide, as well as a virtual tour of the galleries in which they are housed.

Check it out!

Marie-Antoinette's lookin' balls are GINORMOUS!

Rogue Ales: Yellow Snow IPA

2011-01-31T22:06:00.009-05:00

FINALLY! A chance to prove my parents wrong. I CAN have yellow snow, and like it! Actually, that's really gross and you should never eat yellow snow. Any color snow in fact.

BUT, let me share the joy that Rogue Ales Yellow Snow has provided me this winter! Like most IPA's, a light kick upon first taste that then improves with each sip. I was introduced to this little fella not too long ago and order it whenever I hear its name. Let me give you some more info!

Rogue Ales is an American craft brewery founded in 1988 in Ashland, Oregon. The following year the company opened their second brewpub in Newport, Oregon where they are now headquartered. They operate brewpubs in Oregon, Washington, and California. Rogue exports throughout the US and internationally. Rogue Ales have been described as "invariably fun and full flavored".The company has also expanded into distilling as well, with micro distilleries in Newport and Portland.

CEO Jack Joyce has described the company's goals as, "We try to do four things - keep making great product, keep trying to make our packaging great, keep trying to integrate ourselves in our communities, and keep creating unique thunder (in promotions)...". Rogue maintains a company manifesto that expands on their values. The company gives back to its community in a variety of ways, for example helping the City of Newport celebrate its 125th anniversary with the issue of a limited edition Newport Anniversary Ale, whose historical label pays tribute to the Yaquina Brewery, Newport's first. Rogue also donates ongoing proceeds of a specialty brew series to the Oregon Coast Aquarium (past beers have included Spiny Lumpsucker Ale, Wolf Eel Ale, Shark Tooth Ale and Sea Otter Amber). One (Whale Ale) was even crafted in honor of Keiko, the orca, the Aquariums most celebrated resident and star of the movie Free Willy before his release into open waters. Heh heh... I love Free Willy Yo Mama jokes. In addition there are ongoing sponsored activities like the annual surfing event "The Gathering Longboard Classic" on Newport's South Beach.

I love that on their website, they have spec cards for each beer. Here's Yellow Snow's!

They also list that Yellow Snow IPA was originally introduced for the 2000 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. It is Rogue’s tribute to winter sports everywhere—downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country, ice hockey, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and even curling. I might add that it's a chance for timid rebels like myself to go against those tried and true warning my parents gave me about my affection for snow. Take that! And getch yoself a pint of the Yellow Snow when you hear it on tap. You'll love the zing!

Ps.) With all that Oregon talk, it totally remind me of this:

You can put a bird on anything, and call it ART!

The End of the Tang Dynasty... well the Tang Project

2011-01-31T21:54:00.002-05:00

I've just completed the fourth installment for the four part series I've been doing for Cricket. The first and second installments are out for January and February, and I think they printed nicely! So now I'll pack up my lavish silks and glittering gold for another project.

Nathaniel Fludd: Beastologist Web Launch!

2011-01-31T21:40:00.005-05:00

I am more than excited to announce the launch of the official Nathaniel Fludd: Beastologist website! It's been a bit in the making, and will continuously have more content added; including more tidbits about Nate family, newer entries into the Book of Beasts, and a downloadable section for teachers and librarians. It's roughly two months before the fourth book's release, The Unicorn's Tale, so keep checking in!!

A special thanks goes out to Antoine Revoy, for his coding mastery, R.L. LaFevers for her wonderful words and creation of such a fun series, and Kate O'Sullivan, editor genius!

They're Dancin' Fools!

2011-01-24T00:43:00.003-05:00

All work and no play makes Kelly drink no beer.
Beer post coming dang soon, peoples!

Here's a sneak peek to what's being finished on the ol' desk!

ps) it's currently 0˚F here. I kinda like it. I won't like the bill from the gas company in 2 weeks time though.

Beastologist Teaser

2011-01-18T22:26:00.005-05:00

So, Shybird's been hard at work creating a special project for R.L. LaFever's chapter novel series, Nathaniel Fludd: Beastologist. We hope to be unveiling it in the next few weeks, but here's a slight teaser!

The Oceanliner Era

2011-01-15T11:15:00.003-05:00

A project I've been working on has allowed me to research the golden age of the Transatlantic ocean-liners. There's something memorizing, yet frightening about the shear size of the ships. Looking at pictures of their construction, and imagining the craftsmen who built them is amazing.

Looking at some of the old pictures gives me the feeling of how cold these ships mght have been in the winter, or how the smell of the cleaning solutions might have been. I grew up hearing stories of when my grandparents came over from Ireland, and how the whole upper deck was covered in ice. About ten years after, the ship that brought them over, the Lancastria, was bombed and sunk off St. Nazaire, France. While lying at anchor in the Charpentier Roads, five enemy German planes dive bombed the ship which sank in twenty minutes taking the lives of nearly 3,000 troops and over 1,000 civilians. The Lancastria had been converted into a troopship and set sail from Liverpool on June 14th. to assist in the evacuation of British troops and refugees from France.

The Last of The Golden Fish

2011-01-07T11:31:00.002-05:00

I kinda really enjoying some of the sketch quality of pencil! Hmmmm, time to start experimenting again! Wencheng was a blast to research. I am in love with the design sense of the Tang Dynasty. Awesome stuff.

Illustrated Classics... PHEW!

2011-01-05T13:40:00.003-05:00

Wow, I know it doesn't look like much in the finish, but for some reason the size and detail level on this puppy took a LONG time! It was fun to paint this cover for Usborne, but I have to admit... I'm not a one hair brush kinda gal! I would love to be but it's just not in the cards!

I do like the detail of their version of Wizard of Oz. I had to stick fairly close to the interior's art of the stories, but it was fun to paint regardless!

Ring Out The Old!

2010-12-29T16:40:00.005-05:00

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
~Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850

This year's theme? A bevie I've had a bit too much of! Blessed eggnog (and a healthy dose of rum).

The origins, etymology, and the ingredients used to make the
original eggnog drink are debated. Eggnog may have originated in East Anglia, England. The "nog" part of its name may stem from the word "noggin", a Middle English term used to describe a small, carved wooden mug used to serve alcohol. The drink crossed the Atlantic to the English colonies during the 18th century. Since brandy and wine were heavily taxed, rum from the Triangular Trade with the Caribbean was a cost-effective substitute. The inexpensive liquor, coupled with plentiful farm and dairy products, helped the drink become very popular in America.

The Captain’s Nog

2/3 part Eggnog
1/3 part Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum
Sprinkle Cinnamon on top to finish. Serve in a champagne flute. Tchin tchin!

Cheers et Bonne Santé pour 2011!

Last Few Paintings of 2010

2010-12-20T20:43:00.003-05:00

Trying to cram in as many finishes before the end of the year! It's tricky, since so many people are out of the office. AND I still have to make my New Years card. I have an idea, just have to fabricate. Eggnog and Rum shall be my fuel!

Nothing Says Happy Birthday like...

2010-12-06T16:28:00.003-05:00

...an anatomical human heart made out of cake?

This was a recent commission, and truthfully... was a BLAST to make! It's frosted with buttercream, and then covered with rolled fondant. When asked to make this cake, I was only told it was for a sixteen year old's birthday party. I decided not to ask anymore questions!

YOWZA!

Wencheng, Again...

2010-12-01T01:14:00.001-05:00

Almost done!

Illustrators 53

2010-11-29T18:30:00.005-05:00

I'm super excited to announce that Antoine Revoy and I will be included into the Socirty of Illustrators 53rd Annual. The collaborative illustration “The Lodge” was selected by The Society of Illustrators during the course of its illustrator competition. The original will be presented at the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators in 2011. We're on cloud nine!

Too Steamy?

2010-11-29T18:25:00.000-05:00

Creating art for juveniles can be interesting. Most times, I can pretty much instinctively know what is crossing the line. I guess with a recent assignment, my meter was off. I think I might have gotten TOO much into the story.

Here's my G rated sketch instead.
I still think the first dude is hunkier.

The Adventures of AMAZINGNESS!

2010-11-29T11:26:00.005-05:00

Much like any other nerd out there, I've recently seen the second to last Harry Potter movie. I'm not about to say it was the most amazing piece of theatrical genius out there, but I will say it was mighty entertaining. What I WILL say is that within the movie was an animated three minute section, called "The Three Brothers". It was gorgeous and so well directed that I had to do a bit of research. Directed by Ben Hibon and created by Framestore, we learn of the story of the Three Brothers and their encounter with Death.

Sorry about the youtube poor quality clip.

Sequence supervisor at Framestore Dale Newton tells us,
"We tried a few things to get a gritty and hand-made feel. The inspiration was the way Lotte Reiniger had the childlike-ness for her animation, but we didn't necessarily want it to look like a stop-motion piece of animation. Because of the camera moves, we couldn't always split things down on twos. So we couldn't rely on any sort of technological roughing of the edges. The one thing we were keenly aware of at all times was the silhouettes which enabled us to play on a certain theatricality. The hands do so much of the talking - Death's hands for example are almost as expressive as his face is.

When we designed the characters, we tried to purposely design puppets. So we didn't give the characters, for instance, whites in their eyes. You didn't want to read them through, say, traditional blend shapes on their heads. It all had to be told throughout their entire pose. We were very conscious that the attitude of the characters at that point had to be read through their entire pose. This forced us into thinking theatrically, and we should feel like we're watching a very clever puppet show, not a traditional character-animated movie."

It's totally stunning, and in case you haven't seen "The Adventures of Prince Achmed", by Lotte Reiniger... YOU MUST. It is the oldest surviving animated feature film (two earlier ones were made in Argentina by Quirino Cristiani, but they are considered lost), and it featured a silhouette animation technique Reiniger had invented which involved manipulated cutouts made from cardboard and thin sheets of lead under a camera. The technique she used for the camera is similar to Wayang shadow puppets (though hers were animated frame by frame, not manipulated in live action). The original prints featured color tinting. The story is based on the elements taken from the collection 1001 Arabian Nights, specifically The Story of Prince Ahmed and the Fairy Paribanou featured in Andrew Lang's The Blue Fairy Book. With the assistance of Aladdin, the Witch of the Fiery Mountain, and a magic horse, the title character reclaims the magic lamp and conquers the African sorcerer. The culminating scene in the film is the battle between die Hexe (the witch) and die africanische Zauberer (the African sorcerer), in which those characters undergo fabulous transformations. All is well in the end: Aladdin marries Dinarsade (Achmed's sister and daughter of the Caliph); Achmed marries Pari Banu; the African sorcerer is defeated; and the foursome return to the Caliph's kingdom.

And last but not least, just a moment of extreme praise for YellowShed, the duo of Todd Hemker's and Soyeon Kim's work. I think it's on the same level of kickassitude that the previous clips have had.

GODS! All of them Gods for me to worship!

October 30, 2010 at Barrington Books RI

2010-10-28T00:51:00.004-04:00

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to announce a great children's literature event in Barrington Rhode Island, happening Saturday, October 3oth, 2010.

Here's the details:

Saturday October 30th, 2010
Barrington Books
184 County Road
Barrington, RI 02806

Guest Authors and Illustrators:
10am - 12pm
Mary Jane Begin
R.W. and Zoé Alley
Bill Harley

12 - 2pm
Alison Paul
Mark Peter Hughes
Pendred Noyce

2-4pm
Jamie Michalak
Kelly Murphy
Ammi-Joan Paquette

In addition to the book signing, the amazing staff at Barrington Books have assembled music, treats, and Halloween fun for the whole family. It would be a pleasure to see you there!

In addition to coming out to support a great local independent bookseller, come by to see children's book author Anika Denise each Thursday for Story Hour. In addition to her own work, she assembles a great variety of books in frequent themed splendor on her blog! I recommend you take a look!

More Tang, Please!

2010-10-25T22:42:00.002-04:00

Here are a few more images from my Tang Dynasty project. I'm really wondering what it would be like to paint on silk. In fact, I've made my mind up to give a shot at watercolors. I think they might be fun!

How Much To Sketch?

2010-10-23T09:27:00.003-04:00

Now, maybe I am being dramatic... but I think 15 sketches for one cover might be considered a good preliminary sketch round! My knowledge of turn of the century steam ships is improving greatly!

How many sketches do you make for one project? Just curious?

Character Sketching

2010-10-01T14:54:00.002-04:00

It felt so refreshing to draw from life. I have to try and schedule a full afternoon, or heck, even a full day of just going about sketching from observation. I really enjoy it. These animal studies are for a potential chapter novel. Hoping they like 'em and give me the job!

Another Desert Piece

2010-09-29T08:42:00.003-04:00

Here's the finished painting. Now, off to school! Two days a week, I have to admit, is kinda killing me. Well, I'm just the kind of person who hates leaving the house. HERMIT.

Childrens Book Illustrations Exhibiton

2010-09-22T20:33:00.003-04:00

The Brush Art Gallery & Studios in Lowell, Massachusetts will be exhibiting original artwork by renowned American children’s book author-illustrators from September 19th to October 24th, 2010. The featured award-winning illustrators are Christopher Bing, David Macaulay, Kelly Murphy, Matt Tavares and David Wiesner. Book signings and talks with the artists will be held on October 1st (Macaulay) and 2nd (Bing, Murphy and Tavares). Please visit the gallery’s event page for more information regarding the exhibition.

Tang Dynasty

2010-09-20T21:04:00.011-04:00

I recently got a project that is about Princess Wencheng. She was a lady of the imperial family in the Tang Dynasty. She became a famous historical figure of China for her marrying the chief of Tubo, a Tibetan King and bringing with her the culture of Han nationality, thus promoting the unity and integration between different ethnic groups. Princess Wencheng is the first princess of peace-making marriage in the Tang Dynasty. It was very fun researching the different costume and custom of this era of Chinese history.

The first great funfact was the importance of color. The garb of many officials in the Tang dynasty had different colors and were used to indicate their official ranks. The robes for the Emperor were yellow, a style that remained the tradition until the Qing dynasty. Generally speaking, the costumes for officials ranked as Level 3 and higher were purple, officials ranked as Level 5 wore red, officials ranked as Levels 6 and 7 wore green, and officials ranked as Levels 8 and 9 wore blue. Why was color such a focus of these costumes? On the surface, ancient people used the positions of king, minister, the nobility, and the characteristic of humility to show the dignity of the different ranks in society. But in fact, in the corresponding dimension of heaven, beings of different colors have fundamental differences—different dimensions, levels, and particles. It's believed that the various colors of the social ranks are the various manifesting forms of the different lives in our universe. Where do all the black loving goths belong nowadays?

After looking at countless images of courtly ladies, I then watched an amazing visual spectacle called "The Curse of The Golden Flower". I was able to see the lavishness of the costume and the intense color palettes that might have existed in the Tang Dynasty. It must be wonderful to have ancestry with such craftsmanship and symbolism.

City of Sands

2010-09-14T15:42:00.005-04:00

I picked up a job form a Spanish publisher to create the cover of their version of this Italian story. Did you get all that? It's super fun to be working again with international publishers, and I am always curious what different take they might have. It's also the third book in about a year that I've illustrated with Dogon, Mali, Tuareg, and desert mysticism. No complaints here, but now I want to desperately visit all of these places. Here are a few of my sketches:

Unicorn's Tale Revealed!

2010-09-07T09:05:00.001-04:00

Annnnnd, here's the fourth bookcover of the Nathaniel Fludd: Beastologist series revealed! Unicorns!! But, I think most people could have figured that out. I am DYING to know what is next!

Samhain Blaze

2010-08-30T17:24:00.005-04:00

With temperatures still in the 90s, it's hard to believe that fall is on its way. But quite often illustrators find themselves mixed up with the holidays since commissions need to be made months in advance. Summer scenes in winter, winter scenes in summer (which are the most taunting), it's a miracle I even know the current month!

This image is for my next promotional mailer. Samhain: pronounced /ˈsɑːwɪn/, /ˈsaʊ.ɪn/, or /ˈsaʊn/[1] meaning “summer’s end”, is an old Irish festival, which takes place on October 31st. With a central bonfire ablaze, the villagers would extinguished all other fires. Each family then solemnly lit its hearth from the common flame, thus bonding the families of the village together. Often two bonfires would be built side by side, and the people would walk between the fires as a ritual of purification. Masks made sure to placate those pesky evil spirits.

I can't wait for apple crisp, candy apples, apple pie... ALL THINGS APPLE!

The Unicorns Are Coming!

2010-08-30T11:00:00.004-04:00

Book four of Nathaniel Fludd: Beastologist is passed in and ready to be born Spring of 2011. Book three will be out on shelves this October.

And, how lucky am I to be able to draw unicorns for a living?

Thirsty Dance Moves

2010-08-27T02:01:00.002-04:00

Who drank all my beer? HOLY MOLY...

THIS GUY! I have now watched this 10 times.

One might even say, he's in a virtual insanity:

Dueling Banjo Pigs!

2010-08-06T14:34:00.002-04:00

Banjo Pigs from Kelly Murphy on Vimeo.

This is a quick cut out animation I created for Dueling Banjo Pigs, a project started as a showdown between friends Guy Francis and fellow illustrator Stacy Curtis. Now, other illustrators have joined the fun with banjo pigs of their own!

Check them out at:
banjopigs.blogspot.com

Coming Soon!

2010-07-29T20:44:00.001-04:00

These dudes will be movin'!

Northanger Finish

2010-07-20T11:21:00.004-04:00

A blend of line work and tonal painting. The scan I made is more on the poor side, but working mono-chromatically always makes me happy! If only I can reduce the glare on the flatbed scanner. Oh well, another battle for another day.

Ask The Alchemist

2010-07-18T15:49:00.004-04:00

Finished up the painting of the alchemist. I kept alot of the linework underneath, just to try something a bit different with my mixed media.

And let's all take a second to remember, it was these talented alchemists that gave us the invention of those fine hoppy carbonated beverages I like to call mothers milk. The rest of you call it BEER.

Oh Non!

2010-07-15T12:41:00.009-04:00

Here's my submission for the eyewitness report of the battle with the toad vs the science fair robot! Mac Burnett and Dan Santat teamed up on this amazing picture book entitled, Oh No! (Or How My Science Project Destroyed The World), and now have asked other illustrators to create their eyewitness report of the scene.

For mine... I saw it was a rebirth of a nation... one without evil robots and corrupt minded dogs! Give us freedom! Ok, looking at Delacroix kind of helped, too.

I can't wait to see what others came up with! They will be at Gallery Nucleus in August. Click here to find out more.

Eye Witness Reports!
Gallery Nucleus
210 East Main St, Alhambra CA 91801
August 14, 2010 - August 17, 2010
Opening Aug 14, 7:00PM - 11:00PM

Winter In July

2010-07-12T17:20:00.005-04:00

Something funny happens in the studio every summer. The season teasin' game begins. I typically receive work that is for winter publication... which obviously involves... WINTER SCENES. Now, this is fine and good, with it being my favorite of all seasons, but it's just plain mean to have me painting cute woodland creatures frolicking in wonderful cold snow when the daily temperature of the studio is between 95 and 105 degrees! Thank my lucky snowflakes the new apartment has a very capable A/C unit. Curses to National Grid Electric for now owning my payment for these projects.

And here's one of my favorite snow critters:

Hahaha, you mean WONDERLAND! Gets me everytime.

Nate Fludd, Broceliande Style

2010-07-08T16:29:00.004-04:00

The timing of working on Nathaniel Fludd: Beastologist 4 was impeccable. I was able to re-read the manuscript while flying to France, and not to spoil the story before it's released... but I was mere miles from where R.L. LaFevers set the story.

Ms. LaFevers has set a fire in me with Nathaniel's adventures. Because of her throughout description of the lands and cultures, I now HAVE to visit all of these places. She describes them so alluringly! As I finish up book four, I am drooling to find out what happens next!

Info about previous Nathaniel Fludd books can be found here and here.

And without further ado... a cover teaser!

Referrence In Real Life

2010-06-26T03:01:00.005-04:00

Another spot I was able to visit was the city of Carcassonne. It's a fortified french town just near the border between Spain and France. First signs of settlement in this region have been dated to about 3500 BC, but the hill site of Carsac – a Celtic place-name that has been retained at other sites in the south – became an important trading place in the 6th century BC. Carcassonne's defenses were strengthened by successive owners. In the 5th century, the Visigoth's extended the Roman defenses and for many years after Carcassonne Castle proved impenetrable to invaders.

Carcassonne France came under control of the French crown in 1247. King Louis IX (St. Louis) and his successor Philip III further strengthened the fortifications of Carcassonne Castle and built the "new town" outside the defenses. English troops laid siege to the city during the Hundred Years War, but once again in Carcassonne history, the fortifications proved impenetrable. For the next several centuries of Carcassonne history, the fortified walls were allowed to fall into disrepair. In the mid-19th century, the French government proposed demolishing the walls. A popular uproar saved Carcassonne Castle and the architect and historian Eugene Viollet-le-Duc was commissioned to restore the medieval fortifications. (Viollet-le-Duc also restored the famed Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.)

To say I was flabbergasted is a bit of and understatement. The place is amazing! True enough, there are some obviously newer parts to the building and shops located inside the walls, but it's fabrication is done with historical preciseness, you can almost imagine what it was like in the 13th century... minus the leprosy, rotting meats, and lack of modern plumbing.

Boni Ashburn's two books, Hush, Little Dragon and Over At The Castle were heavily inspired by cities like this!!

Alchemist!

2010-06-17T08:37:00.004-04:00

While I was visiting Beaune, France I went to the Hôtel-Dieu. The Hôtel-Dieu was founded on 4 August 1443, when Burgundy was ruled by Duke Philip the Good. The Hundred Years War had recently been brought to a close by the signing of the Treaty of Arras in 1435. Massacres, however, continued with marauding bands ("écorcheurs") still roaming the countryside, pillaging and destroying, provoking misery and famine. The majority of the people of Beaune were declared destitute.

Nicolas Rolin, the Duke's Chancellor, and his wife Guigone de Salins, reacted by deciding to create a hospital and refuge for the poor. The Hospices de Beaune received the first patient on 1 January 1452. Elderly, disabled and sick people, with orphans, women about to give birth and the destitute have all been uninterruptedly welcomed for treatment and refuge, from the Middle Ages until today.

Over the centuries, the hospital radiated outwards, grouping with similar establishments in the surrounding villages of Pommard, Nolay, Meursault. Many donations - farms, property, woods, works of art and of course vineyards - were made to it, by grateful families and generous benefactors. The institution is one of the best and oldest example of historical, philanthropic, and wine-producing heritage, and has become linked with the economic and cultural life of Burgundy.

Wow, NO COMMENT on the current state of the U.S. Healthcare system!

Anyways, it was very fun because it tied into one of my projects. I am to design a cover involving an alchemist mixing powders. A visit to the Hôtel-Dieu's pharamacie was amazingly handy!

Le Studio Mobile

2010-06-06T06:34:00.005-04:00

I've been puttering along on a an assortment of projects, whilst I've moved the studio to France for a month. Sounds fun, which it is... but also limiting. I finagled my way to be working on only black and white projects, since I've had difficulty finding the right aerosols and turps to work on my oils over here. So, hopefully, I can keep posting a few of the things that have crossed the ol' desk, but I think it is time to show some good ol' fashioned photos!

Are You On Amazon Yet?

2010-05-28T14:42:00.002-04:00

Yay! Amazon finally posted the cover for "Are You Scared Yet?: Haunted Houses" on Amazon! It's really fun to see both our names on a cover together. I hope it's the first of many.

It's being released this coming July. Check it out HERE!

Lovebirds

2010-05-26T22:51:00.004-04:00

Using a moment to play around with wintergreen transfers, watercolor, and oils, these little lovebirds came to life. This is a fun technique in which I can keep my line structure, but also add translucent color. I will certainly be using on a project coming up this summer! This will be a fun gift for a dear friend upcoming nuptials.

Playing With Color

2010-05-26T14:16:00.005-04:00

Now, if you've ever talked with me in depth if I ever plan on going "digital", you'll know the response. Sometimes, people assume that I have little experience with the medium, and mayhaps that is the reason why. Honestly... I find the pleasure of mixing my paints, layering the translucency, and then ultimately having the treat of keeping the original painting are only some reasons why I am a stickler for traditional media. BUT! And we all have big buts, using programs to help change my color palettes or easily changing small issues is priceless. For instance, my cover painting for Zahir was a bit too on the dark side, and needed that all important "shelf-pop".

Before

I was also able to dramatically change some of the framing elements, and add more of an emanating glow from the planet in the background.

I will save the final chosen image for a later post. So, I may stand by my brushes till the day I die, but I am very thankful for the easiness of what the digital realm has created.

Monsters Are Dunzo!

2010-05-26T14:10:00.002-04:00

I can now successfully say that "Sleeping Monsters" is officially done! I have just completed the cover, after a few sketch revision stages. I am pretty excited, as always, to have a picture book sent off into the hands of the crew that makes the book officially come alive. Candlewick is located close by, so I took the ceremonious car ride to drop off all of the art. I've only shipped two books via FedEx, and my heart was in my nose the whole night it was traveling. Not a comfortable feeling!

Typically when painting for such long hours, I do what I was taught not to do. I watch ALOT of movies. Actually... scratch that. I listen to a lot of movies. Here's a shortlsit of what
Things watched during this books creation:

Prison Break 1, Prison Break 2, IT Crowd 1, IT Crowd 2, Arrested Development 1, This American Life (at least 20 recordings), Fargo, The Wire 3, The Office (UK edition), Children of Paradise, Paulie, Noises Off!, Mystic River, Network, Pepe le Moko, Raise the Red Lantern, The Wrestler, Kikujiro, The Fountain, Le Quai des Brumes, The Greatest Show on Earth, Mincorcosms, Little Dorrit, The Big Lebowski, a recap of Lost season 1, Helvetica, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Reign of Fire, Driving Miss Daisy, Julie and Julia, Deadliest Catch Season 2, Awakenings, One Crazy Summer, The Right Stuff... and you know what, I will stop right there. It's getting a little silly.

Thank goodness for Netflix!