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Norman Rockwell Exhibit

You may have seen a previous post of some of my early illustrations ala Norman Rockwell.  Three of my paintings were selected for an exhibit at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center in California.  You can view the website for more info at http://themuck.org/galleries/upcomin-exhibits/.

While many artists of his day worked in a similar style, Rockwell was able to combine character, expression and Americana in a unique way making him the most popular among readers of such periodicals as The Saturday Evening Post.  Illustrators were allowed creative freedom and often generated their own assignments having months to complete a painting.  My illustrations were done for specific magazine articles and completed inside of a week from sketch to finished art.  It was a great opportunity to work in the same manner as one of my illustration idols.

Book Festival

The Hudson Children's Book Festival, in Hudson, NY,  is fairly new and growing in popularity.  This year I was one of the authors and illustrators signing books and I also presented a workshop.  Many people came to my table to buy a book or just talk.  I even had a visit from old neighbors I hadn't seen in about 35 years who had seen an article about me in the local newspaper!  The photos show them as well as my workshop.

Book Festival Report

The second annual Empire State Book Festival, held on 4/2/11, had much to offer attendees.  Great speakers and programs as well as the chance to meet and greet authors and illustrators.  I saw some old friends there and made some new ones as well.  For a number of reasons the attendance was not up from last year but the energy and interest from participants was.  I hope to be back again next year.

New Book!

After a few weeks of solid painting I'm finally finished with the art for my latest book, " Jonah The Runaway Prophet".  This was a great story to illustrate and the research was interesting as well...no whale involved but the "giant fish" was most probably a whale shark.  This creature is a filter feeder with a chambered stomach so Jonah could have lived inside for a time.  That's probably more information than you wanted but that's what you run into when researching even the simplest of stories.

New School Year...New School Visits!

One of my favorite aspects of being a children's book illustrator is that I get to visit with the audiences that read my books.  When I enter a school it's like being a " Celebrity For A Day"! and that's great but one of the things that the people, young and old, with whom I visit learn is that I'm just like them and we get along great!  Many times a few talented students will meet with me at an informal lunch, to share books that they've illustrated.

Here are a few images  from a couple of recent visits.  As the year progresses I'll post some more.  You'll see that young students still love traditional books, especially the pictures!  A chance to meet the illustrator means the opportunity to learn about art and how to use the creative skills we all have!