To be an author or illustrator is to live in a world where dreams come true. There is a dragon in my basement and a magic wand on my desk.... almost everything else is fairly normal.
My mother thought music lessons would be good for me. I did try, but when my patient and long suffering piano teacher noticed that instead of practicing I was drawing little pictures all over my sheet music we cheerfully said goodbye to one another.
I was turned loose into a world of paper, paint and beautifully illustrated books. My exploration of art, illustration and media has lasted ever since.
A most important goal for me, is to create an excitement, emotion and little story within each illustration I create.
To investigate new ways to show these ideas in my artwork I study nature, people, animals, books, and the artwork of many others who have inspired me through their work and dedication to that very special art form called the Picture Book.
My educational roots in art are based in traditional painting in oils, acrylics, watercolor and in pen and ink. However, my current work, although a realistic painterly style is created with high performing digital painting programs.
Having been an elementary school teacher, travel agent, doll maker, Religious Education Leader, and set designer/painter for community children's theater, I have been privileged to see and work with many children and experienced many different cultures. I still enjoy working with youngsters of all ages and focus on children through family, friends, and school visits.
I have been fortunate to have worked with and known some amazing artists, authors and mentors. These incredible individuals have inspired me to work hard, constantly be open to new ideas and never give up. I treasure the words of my dad, "Take a Chance!"
A typical day for me is most often spent drawing, painting in the computer or finding resources indoors and out for my illustrations. I love being able to work at home. The commute is now ony two flights of stairs instead of a 40 minute drive through rush hour traffic.
And, of course, I have Henry Hound to keep me company and to remind me to get outdoors and take a walk!
PARTIAL CLIENT LIST
Stemmer House Publishers
Pearson/Scott Foresman
McGraw Hill
Oxford University Press
Sundance Publishing
Parent Brigade Co.
Cali Publishing
FLAX Art&Design
SCBWI bulletin
NH Conference UCC
Stagger Lee Books
Shamwari Publishing
People for Peace-PeaceKidz
MEMBERSHIPS
CHILDREN'S ILLUSTRATORS
Here are other places where you can view my artwork for children.
SCBWI Illustration Fall Contest - New School New Year = honorable mention
FLAX Art&Design cover contest winner for Spring catalog cover
Third place Illustration award in the WIN Smart Writers illustration contest 2006
Third place illustration award in the WIN Smart Writers illustration contest 2007
Family Choice Award
from the Family Magazine Group for the book I illustrated, Zubie the Lightning Bug