Organization. . .

I find it helps to organize chores into categories.
1) Things I won't do now
2) Things I won't do later
3) Things I will never do. . .

Ahhh. . .I feel much more organi zed!

Character Design

Kelly Light taught a Character Design 101 workshop at the NESCBWI 2012 conference which Jennifer Morris attended.  In the workshop Kelly had them do an exercise.  They made a grid and drew a random shape in each box, then were asked to see if they could make characters out of each one.  Jenn thought it would be fun if a group of illustrators I belong to did this. So here are the shapes and here are my really quick characters.  

Cup of coffee in hand and breakfast finished I am out to change the way the world views my blog and website. Hoping to combine both!!! Wish me luck! I will be combining both my kids are and my fine art on this blog.  Not sure how I am going to do it yet. . .but I will!

Trailer for The Penguin Lady

Somehow my blog always gets left behind.  I really want to share, and I do think about it and then just don't do it.  Got to focus. 

I have been doing a lot of traditional acrylic and oil painting  Might start showing those here too.

All the sketches are approved for the next book, Deductive Detective and I just got approval to paint the cover.

Illustration Friday - Suspense

From double page spread I illustrated for Ten for Me! Published by Sylvan Dell Publishing

There was no suspense who had collected the most butterflies that day. Ed was not into suspense at least while he was winning. . .

Illustration Friday - Forward

The manuscript says the strong wind helped push me along the way.

So I guess you could say the wind pushed him foward. . .

 

Double spread from:
Newton and Me!

Illustrated by me (Sherry Rogers)

Published by Sylvan Dell Publishing

Illustration Friday - Twirl

From The book I illustrated titled : Kersplatypus

Published By Sylvan Dell Publishing

The little platypus twirls round and round in the water. . .

Illustration Friday - Prepare

Haven't participated in Illustration Friday for a very long time.  

Is there anything that could prepare you for penguins running through you living room with muddy feet!

From The Penguin Lady

Illustrated by Sherry Rogers

Written by Carol Cole

Published By Sylvan Dell Publishing

Available February 10, 2012

Deductive Detective! New Book to Illustrate

I have not always loved to do character studies or design.  I have often thought of it as tedious, but most recently I have found it to be quit delightful and the most fun.

Here mouse is one of the fourteen characters in the book I am currently illustrating.  More to come!

Updated my Blog and Website Design

It has been long past due! Today I updated my blog and website design

Studio. . .

One of the groups on Facebook that I belong to is showing their studios. . .so I thought I would share mine here on my blog too.  Notice the two dog beds under my drafting table. . .love my dog buddies. . .they are usually in there. . .they must be outside playing!!!

Christmas Card 2006

Christmas Card 2006 

Still one of my favorites!

Oh Come all Ye Faithful!

This was my Christmas card and Snowflake Ornament I painted for the 

The Robert Snow Flake Auction  in 2007. 

Done in Acrylic paint.  I really enjoyed it!

Pulling Weeds, Trimming Trees, Wrapping Presents and Drawing

Here is another one of the toy sketches. . .as before there was no wind up on it, but I love them. . .so added it. I believe this is Heckle or Jeckle, which was a cartoon about two crows when I was a very young child. 

One of my favorite pass times in working in my yard and today I spent some much needed time in my yard.  I love being outside and today was just perfect for that.  We were fortunate to have a beautiful yard already in place when we moved in here a little over a year ago, although since that time we have taken our 6 redwood trees and replaced them with three fruit trees and added a raised planting bed.  I pulled a gazillion weeds and trimmed our fruit trees way back.  Net week my husband will put some dormant spray on them.  After our recent day of rain, there are many more weeds, so I will have to spend more time out there. . .love that!

That is the green barrel for my weed and branches. . .

Also on the agenda is wrapping presents.  I still haven't wrapped on present. . .and it's only four more days!!!!

Finding it Harder and Harder. .

I am finding it harder and harder to color digitally. . .since I recently started to explore traditional medium I am finding digital so clunky and hard to love as much as I did.  I will still do most of my art digitally, but have a new love. . .I believe in the near future, like maybe tomorrow, I will explore doing traditional kids art!

Here is another sketch.  Most of these are done early morning either at home or Starbucks or at night watching tv.

 

Have a wonderfully creative day!

Inspiration Comes Again

I have taken the advice of Will Terry. . .so I am going to start blogging as if this were my journal.  Won't get to personal I promise, but he made a great point and I believe blogging is an important step and long been coming. I can't say that each post will be written perfectly and that each thing I post will be interesting to anyone but me. . .but I am gonna do it!!! The process of blogging always seemed so hard for me, but now that I know even if no one else reads it, it is a journal of me as an illustrations and my life.  As of today this blog is about change and progress is expected to happen.

To start the process off I am sharing a sketch done recently.  I have been sketching daily for sometime now and will post some of those sketches here. They are not perfect. . .but these are things I enjoy and I need to start being less afraid of sharing myself.  I often see others who are highly trained and or have huge talent and I find it makes me shy in showing my work sketches.  Here we go. . .I have been really loving wind up toys as of late. . .

CINTIQ 24HD All New and Sooo Wonderful

Newly Released Book Ten for Me Animiated Gif

Another Newly released Book published by Sylvan Dell Publishing. . .An incredible publisher

Hey Diddle Diddle Animated Gif of Book

Whew I just finished the animations for my latest books.  Here is the first one, Hey Diddle Diddle, published by Sylvan Dell Publishing.

For Coffee and Art Lovers

Book Plates are Here!

People have been asking for these and I am so sorry it has taken me a long time on the last few books. All I can say is I have been so very busy with my daughters wedding and life. For anyone who would like me to send them a signed bookplate for any of my books, please send me a private message either via Facebook or email me.

 

W.B. Yeats Reminds Us to Not Tread on Others Dreams

 


Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths,

Enwrought with golden and silver light,

The blue and the dim and the dark cloths

Of night and light and the half-light,

I would spread the cloths under your feet:

But I, being poor, have only my dreams;

I have spread my dreams under your feet;

Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
By W.B. Yeats

Art is a Job

Sadly there is a lot of misconception about artist and their creativity.  I know I am blessed to be able to be an artist for half my adult life, the other half I worked in the banking industry, I am sure most artists feel a double edged sword if they have chosen to try to eek a living out of their art.

Before becoming an artist for a living, it took me many years of practice and going to college before I started on my art career, I used to think that artist were given their talent by God . . .and some are. That alone is probably the reason I didn't become an artist in the first place. I didn't feel I had enough talent to succeed so I didn't give it a go. My talent needed to be developed through classes and many hours of study. I believe that in most cases God has given the artist the desire to learn how to paint and draw. It takes many hours of long hard studying and work. Once I did get through art college I found that the daily structure of having to do it for a living with long days and nights of hard deadlines, somehow hurt that romantic flavor of creating. Not saying I don't enjoy it, I do and I do feel blessed to do it, and I am thankful to God for giving me the drive to succeed. But it is hard. . .it's a lot of hard work. . .and it's just that work. I feel that those who do succeed in having art as a career succeed not only because of their talent but because of long hard hours that other artist may not have put in. Some are given a gift from the get go of being able to create beautiful illustrations, but for most of us it's a long hard journey. One last note. Most artists also find it hard to turn the art machine off, which might be the reason so many of us burn out. It's an addiction to create.

In my InBox this morning: Letter from the CEO of Starbucks

Dear Starbucks Friend and Fellow Citizen:

I love our country. And I am a beneficiary of the promise of America. But today, I am very concerned that at times I do not recognize the America that I love.

Like so many of you, I am deeply disappointed by the pervasive failure of leadership in Washington. And also like you, I am frustrated by our political leaders' steadfast refusal to recognize that, for every day they perpetuate partisan conflict and put ideology over country, America and Americans suffer from the combined effects of paralysis and uncertainty. Americans can't find jobs. Small businesses can't get credit. And the fracturing of consumer confidence continues.

We are better than this.

Three weeks ago, I asked fellow business leaders to join me in urging the President and the Congress to put an end to partisan gridlock and, in its place, to set in motion an upward spiral of confidence. More than 100 business leaders representing American companies - large and small - joined me in signing a two-part pledge:

First, to withhold political campaign contributions until a transparent, comprehensive, bipartisan debt-and-deficit package is reached that honestly, and fairly, sets America on a path to long-term financial health and security. Second, to do all we can to break the cycle of economic uncertainty that grips our country by committing to accelerate investment in jobs and hiring.

In the weeks since then, I have been overwhelmed by the heartfelt stories of Americans from across the country, sharing their anguish over losing hope in the strongest and most galvanizing force of all - the American Dream. Some feel they have no voice. Others feel they no longer matter. And many feel they have been left behind.

We cannot let this stand.

Please join other concerned Americans and me on a national call-in conversation on Tuesday September 6th hosted by "No Labels," a nonpartisan organization dedicated to fostering cooperative and more effective government. To learn more about the forum and the pledges, visit www.upwardspiral2011.org

America is at a fragile and critical moment in its history. We must restore hope in the American Dream. We must celebrate all that America stands for around the world. And while our Founding Fathers recognized the constructive value of political debate, we must send the message to today's elected officials in a civil, respectful voice they hear and understand, that the time to put citizenship ahead of partisanship is now.

Yours is the voice that can help ignite the contagious upward spiral of confidence that our country desperately needs.

With great respect,
Howard Schultz

chief executive officer, Starbucks Coffee Company

It's Finished!

Here is my next painting.  Not sure why it looks washed out a bit on the right side. . .it is 24 x 25 acrylic on hardboard with a crackle medium undercoating before painting. Odd size I know, but it's that size, because that is how big the guy at Home Depot cut it.  I had asked to have the board cut in half. . .the other one is not square either. That's okay. . .I like it. These are totally not real plants or birds. . .felt very creative so I invented my own. 

I love that crackle finish!!!!! 

Now onto the next painting.  I am going to try my hand at more of a painting collage with maybe some other things attached to it. Onward and upward! Might use the crackle finish again. . .but maybe not.

I do have a smaller canvas 12 x 12 all crackled and ready to go too and I might do that one first.  Square. . .I am attracted to square art at the moment. 

Well Here are Some Great Reviews for Ten for Me too!

 I am so over the moon! Both my books are receiving incredibly wonderful reviews!

Thank you Sylvan Dell for giving the opportunity of a Life Time!

Kirkus Review!

Feathered Quill Book Reviews

Reading to Know Reviews

A Wonderful Review for Hey Diddle Diddle!!!

Here are some wonderful reviews for a book that I recently illustrated for Sylvan Dell Publishing! Wahoo!!! What a great start! What an honor to have been selected to illustrate such a fun book!

http://www.featheredquill.com/reviews/childrens/kapchinske.shtml

http://www.heckofabunch6.com/2011/08/hey-diddle-diddle-childrens-book-review.html 

http://www.readingtoknow.com/2011/08/sylvan-dell-new-releases-and-one-to.html

Pretty Cool! Just had to share!

TH15  M3554G3  53RV35  TO PR0V3  H0W  0UR M1ND5  C4N  D0  4M4Z1NG  TH1NG5!  1MPR3551V3  TH1NG5!  1N  TH3  B3G1NN1NG  1T WA5  H4RD  BUT  NOW, ON  TH15  LIN3  YOUR M1ND  1S  R34D1NG  1T  4UT0M4T1C4LLY  W1TH OUT  3V3N  TH1NK1NG 4 B0UT 1T,  B3 PROUD!  0NLY  C34RT41N P30PL3  C4N R3AD TH15.

A Van Gogh Movie I could have watch Twice!!

Last night I watched Van Gogh: A Brush with Genius.  Loved it absolutely love it.

Very few people could actually pull off what he did in his work. Simply marvelous. That is why he is a master I would think. One of reason I really love this film.They showed close-ups of his work and held it there so you could study it. He was so tortured and spent some time in a mental institution per his own doing. He did invite Gaugin to come paint with him for a while, but even Gaugin couldn't handle the high strung Van Gogh. By the end of the movie I loved Van Gogh as a person. . .not only an artist. It is really quit worth watching and I want to watch it again just to capture more of his world. It was done by two people who truly love his work.

I have a new love!!!

I have a new love! Crackle Paste. . .just love the stuff. Hope to show some new paintings with a base of crackle soon. Have two in the beginning phase. One small 8 x 10 and one large 16 x 20! Loving traditional medium. . .I am also very excited to say that I am working on the last double spread of Penguin Lady! Love that book!

 

New Book is Coming!!!

Ordered a new book to read! Should be here Friday!!!

I love old England and can't pass up a good mystery or a romance! Nothing to explicit in the romance area. . .I have never read a book by Georgette Heyer, but hope she is a keeper as she has written so many books.  Her books got great reviews. . .hoping. . .hoping hoping. . .

Traditional Painting. . .Baby Steps

Here is my first painting done in acrylics on hardboard.  I may go back and work on it a bit more, but at this point I am ready to move on in my adventure So I have started a second painting below.  I am attracted to home furnishing that are rustic or primitive in nature. Here is a link to one of my favorite styles. . .

This painting is called Bird Snack

http://www.allysonsplace.com/ 

As I said here is the start of my second painting, which is acrylic on stretched canvas.  I think they are both good paintings, but don't think this is where I am going with my art.  Well you can't judge the second one yet. . .right.  But it's a good start. 

As you can tell there is a certain color palette. . .I like the palette, although it doesn't go with a thing in my home.  I feel like if I am painting it should go with what I have in my home.  That way you can display it until it sells. . .

Next question. . .where am I going with my art? Not sure.  I think I want to go more mixed media.  I love the idea of painting and adding stuff to it.  Even things like tacks. . .Using crackle medium excites me as does getting a little lost in the composition and making it a non traditional composition.  I have already started another painting despite the fact that Coffee Break, painting above isn't even finished. 

It's actually fun. . .but scary to be exploring the new me

What Has Happened to Me?

What have I been working on?

Traditional art for a start.  I have been trying to sketch on a daily basis and find it so rewarding.  I think my understanding of traditional art has helped me with my digital art. I have also begun painting with acrylics again after over 10-15 years of being away from them.  I have also found that a strange balance of reward and pain. . .very painful at times.  But the pain is worth the reward. 

I have been reading about traditional painting and have also made friends with some traditional artists which have been very kind and helpful.  I started out with the standard still life's, but know that is not where my art will lead me.  I can't even say where I will go, but I am feeling a very strong pull and hope to show some of my new art here very soon.

I have also been working on my latest kids book.  A hugely fun book titled The Penguin Lady. I have been working on the color sketches.

A while back I started doing my sketches in color for the educational publishers I work with.  The last two traditionally published books I did color sketches for also. This really has cut down on the revisions and such.  I can see quickly what the composition looks like and it makes the final painting so much easier.  It also helps the publisher see more clearly where I am going.

I love what I do. . .but in the end it is a business and well per hour wages is what it comes down too.

I know that I have promised many times to start posting on a regular basis.  This time I hope to do better. . .
 

On March 15th I Lost My Wonderful Dad. . .

I realized I have not told my blog friends. . .that I lost my Dad.

I truly miss him, but feel so fortunate to have been able to know him. . .just looking at this picture chokes me up. . .

The last couple of years he had suffered with congestive heart failure. He is now in a better place.  He left a true legacy of giving and love.  

Haven't Been Around Much. . .

I have been extremely busy with work lately.  I have had 5 educational jobs and been working on a children's book.  I feel extremely fortunate to be so very busy.  I am enjoying myself so very much! I feel so alive when I am creating. I love my job!!! 

Incredible Review for Newton and Me!

Reviewer: CBC Reviewer
Title: Newton and Me

There's nothing as rare as a great book on physical science for primary students. In this book, a young boy and his dog (Newton )explore the laws of motion in everyday activities like rolling a ball, riding a bicycle, and pulling a wagon. There is not only accurate physical science (basic mechanics) in this book but many authentic examples that can be used in the primary classroom.

From the tiny details (like the boy's address—the same as Newton's!) to the big ideas, this NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book for 2011 illustrates the best in informational science text. It can be used for individual reading, integrated with kinesthetic experiences, or used as a model for a student book or photo display that shows the principles of force and motion.

Funniest Thing I Have Seen in Ages

Illustration Friday - Swarm

When I first saw this suggestion for Illustration Friday I was stumped.  But, then again I usually am.  I am stretching the word a bit, but think it works.  This is an illustration done for Humpty Dumpty Magazine a few years ago.   I would say the question marks are a swarm around her head. . .wouldn't you?

Ready to Work!

I have been in a great mood, but just haven't been inspired to draw. Been kind of worried about that. . .

 Now I am on Fire!!! I have enjoyed all the mindless educational jobs I have had recently. . .now on to a picture book!!! And another educational job too! But now I feel inspired!!! What a relief!

Illustration Friday - Lava

Couldn't believe this when I read the topic.  I did an illustration a while back that had just this topic.  I even made up a story about it. . .can't remember it now though. 

My Studio

A friend of mine Deb Johnson, just got her new Cintiq! I am so excited for her. She asked for people to show their set up.  Mine is fairly straight forward, but thought I would share it anyway. . .

The dog in the picture is my son's dog Bailey.  He is my constant companion. . .love him

Chloe Our 8 Month Old Cockapoo

Thought I'd share an updated photo of our wonderful little dog Chloe.  She is truly a delight and so full of love!

Redwall author Brian Jacques dies aged 71

 

My Son loved this mans work!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-12380763

I got another Educational Job! Hip Hip Horray!

I have been so fortunate.  I have recently had 3 educational jobs.  Got the third one today!!!

The publisher says there is another one coming my way!!! Dynomite!!!

Spring has Sprung! Maybe. . .

Well the weather has been clear blue skies and low 70's the last two days.  The trees are starting to bloom. . .Makes me feel energized!

Love this Pen!!

This is a Sally Hansen nail pen.  It's kind of like a chisel felt pen. . .but it has nail polish in it.  It is a wonderful product.  I find it very easy to use and really makes my nails look finished and feminine. I wouldn't want to use it for the whole nail, but just for the tips it works wonderful.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BRR1KC/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Illustration Friday - Reverse

So this little skunk is doing the reverse of what you would expect him to do. . .he is trying to clean up, smell good and comb his hair!

From Moose and Magpie, a book I illustrated for by Sylvan Dell Publishing. . .

Meet Bailey. . .

This is my son's dog Bailey. Bailey is staying with us until my son can move to a place that he can have him live with him again. In the meantime, we are so enjoying Bailey. He is the nicest and smartest dog. . .just adorable.

Every night my husband takes Bailey and our dog Chloe outside to do their business about 10:30. After which Bailey walks into the bedroom where his crate is and gets in all by himself.  We stay up longer and watch tv.  When we are finished with tv, we go in and tell him good night, close the crate door, we then go put our dog Chloe in her crate and go to bed ourselves.  

Well last night we forgot to close his crate door.  We put Chloe the other dog to bed and went off to brush our teeth and go to bed.  I got in bed first and who walks in buts Baily wagging his stubby tail and looking at us like. . .did you forget something.  Well I am thinking that he is smarter than we are. 

 

 

Illustration Friday - Surrender

I have been gone a long time from the blog world and Illustration Friday. . .Feel really good coming back!

This is an oldie but a goody!! Love this old woman. . .

Do you surrender to the skunk. . .or is it just his smell you surrender too?

After Much Thinking. . .I'm Back. . .

I have had so much on my plate both work and personal that I decided to close my blog.  I am on Facebook now, which takes up a heck of a lot of time and thought I might try doing double duty combining both.  I miss my blogging friends, so I have decided to come back.

I am not sure how the background image will work with me showing art. . .but we will soon see.