Sun Path Elementary School Visit

One of the great joys of being a children's book illustrator is when you get to go and visit schools. There is nothing like the excitement that the kids can bring and bringing back memories of my own school days. Well, last Thursday I had a great time when visiting the kids at Sun Path Elementary in Shakopee. The energy and excitement they had for "The Sick Bug" was by far the best Susie and I have seen. Not only did they create their own sick bugs, but they decorated the entire media center just for our visit! How awesome was that!!!! Thru the course of the day we were able to visit with over 500 kids from K-3 and couldn't have had a better time. Thanks to Bob for the memorable visit! To show you what we encountered when we arrived, here are a few images of the amazing works of art the kids did. Hope you enjoy.

Minnesota SCBWI 2010 Winter Workshop

Thanks to Christina for the post!

Do you think you’re ready to start submitting your manuscript or artwork to publishers? Learn how to put your best foot forward at The Minnesota Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’ Winter Workshop: How To Stand Out: Preparing A Manuscript Or Portfolio For Submission.

Listen as award-winning author John Coy talks about the steps involved before submitting a story to a publisher and ways to stand out when you do. Learn from illustrator and designer Marieka Heinlen as she shares tips from her experience as a creative director to create eye-catching art samples, effective personal branding, and a strong portfolio.

Participants are encouraged to bring a copy of their manuscript or art samples and portfolio for critique. This is a great opportunity for all writers and illustrators to get fresh feedback on their work before submitting to publishers.

Date: Saturday, February 13, 2010
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Place: Brookdale Library, 6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy., Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Cost: $25 members / $35 non-members

Registration will be at the door and light refreshments will be served. We hope to see you there!

Illustration Friday: "Muddy"

Owl sits on a branch covered in dirt. Made for quite the muddy situation!

Illustration Friday: "Focused"

This is an illustration I did from a book titled "The Path to Forgiveness". Trying not to stay focused on the past will lead you to the a happier place!

So you want to be an illustrator?

So you think you want to be an illustrator? Well, look what my world has turned into! I know, it looks bad, but this is actually a good thing(those little chunks of paper are what I use as a collage and texture base for my illustrations). I know I haven't been too attentive to the blog, but please be patient as I get a few things done so that I can get back to the blogging on a more consistant basis.

So you may be wondering what I have been up to lately, well I will tell ya. Currently I am in the midst of finishing two books up that will be off to the design stage in the next week or two. I am also excited to be starting "Sick Bug 2" which will be a really fun project to work on. I just got the final manuscript on Friday and am hoping to get started with that book by next week.

Also, if you haven't seen the note in the post below, there is an exhibit of children's book illustrators from the Minnesota Children's Book Illustrators Guild at University of St. Thomas. I have two illustrations in the show and there are many other great illustrations from friends such as Nina Crittenden, Christina Rodriguez, Betsy Leplatt, Sharon Wagnor, Linnell Esler and more! So if you happen to be in St. Paul before the end of Feb, stop by and check it out.

Well, that is about it for now. Back to work here and will hopefully start posting some more fun images in the next couple of days!

"Minnesota Made" at University of St. Thomas

Happy 2010 everyone. Hard to believe it has been almost a month since my last post, but am hoping to get back on track with some new and fun posts upcoming. With that, I wanted to announce an exhibit that will be opening up in the next couple of weeks that i will have two illustrations in.

"Minnesota Made : Through the Eyes of the Children's Book Illustrators Guild of Minnesota" will be opening up on January 22, 2010 at the O'Shaughnessy Educational Center Lobby Gallery at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. An artist reception will be held on January 24 from 2-4pm. I look forward to seeing you there! Here is all of the information for the show!

"Minnesota Made"

O'Shaughnessy Educational Center Lobby Gallery

University of St. Thomas

2115 Summit Ave

St. Paul, MN 55105

651-962-5560

www.stthomas.edu/arthistory/exhibitions

Another illustration from "Staarabu was Wise, Anana was Gentle"

Just a quick post tonight as it is another working night in the studio. This is another image from my upcoming book titled "Staarabu was Wise, Anana was Gentle". Also am working on a list of books that have been done by members of The Children's Book Illustrators Guild (CBIG). I am hoping to have that done in the next couple of days and will be doing a post about it. Stay tuned.

A sneek peak at my new childrens book

Well it is hard to believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone, but the one thing I know is it is great to have a reason to be thankful. Without all of the wonderful friends, colleagues, and family, I know I wouldn't be where I am today. So a special thank you to all that I have come to know and will continue to enjoy being around for many years to come! So enough of the mush, and time to give a little sneak peak at a new book that I have been working on the last few months. The title of this book is "Staarabu was Wise, Anana was Gentle" written by Daniel Haugen. I have had so much fun with this project and can't wait to show you more. But until then, here is an image from the book. PS, Staarabu is the mouse. Hope you like!

Illustration Friday: "music"

Thought this would be a fitting piece for this weeks topic of "music"

My upcoming book signings at Barnes and Nobles

With the holidays here, there is nothing better to give as a gift than a personally signed children's book for your little ones or others you may know. To that note, here are some upcoming book signings that I will doing and where you can come and visit and say hi! If you can not make the events but would still like to get your personalized signed book, just drop me a line and I will be sure to get them to you.

Saturday Nov. 21, 2009

Barnes and Noble Minnetonka

10:00 am

13131 Ridgedale Drive

Minnetonka, MN 55305

Saturday Dec. 5, 2009

Barnes and Noble Fargo

3:30 - 5:30pm

event details here

1201 42 St SW

Fargo, ND 58103

Sunday Dec. 6, 2009

Barnes and Noble Apple Valley

1:00pm

14880 Florence Trail

Apple Valley, MN 55124

Thursday Dec. 10, 2009

Barnes and Noble Minnetonka

Time: 4-8pm

13131 Ridgedale Drive

Minnetonka, MN 55305

Book Launch Party Thursday!

Happy Wednesday everyone. It is with exciting news that I bring this post of a book launch Party tomorrow night (Thursday) in Apple Valley. Michele Deville is hosting a launch party for our new book "The Path to Forgiveness" at Enjoy! Restaurant in Apple Valley from 5-8pm. We would love to see you there!

"The Path to Forgiveness" book launch party 5-8pm

Enjoy! Restaurant

15435 Founders Lane

Apple Valley, MN 55124

click here for map

Are you a Twitterer?

If you haven't noticed already, the different social media options out there are being used by many members of the Children's Book Illustrators Guild. As a member myself, I have found it to be a very valuable tool to keep up with everyone in the group whether it be via Facebook, blogs, or by twitter. Since most of you are already familiar with the facebook and blog accounts of CBIG, I thought I would let you know about some of our members Twitter pages. If you happen to be a member and find yourself not listed, let me know and I will be sure to add you to the list!


@NVCrittenden (Nina Crittenden)

@carrie_hartman (Carrie Hartman)

@Mixologist (Christina Rodriguez)

@CERodriguez (Christina Rodriguez)

@studiomccann (Shawn McCann)

@Schwab_Alicia (Alicia Schwab)

1 month to go

Well, it has come, the final month on the deadline for my newest childrens' book. I've got a lot of the color added in already on the illustrations and will be looking forward to finishing all the details soon. The book is titled "Staarabu was Wise, Anana was Gentle" and will be excited to share with you more about the book when I can. I know the book will be out in the spring, but not sure of the exact release date yet. Till then, here are a few sketches from the book. Hope you like

Illustration Friday: "Fast"

UMN Kerlan Collection celebrating 60 years!

One of the treasures that the University of Minnesota houses and we are fortunate to have in our backyard is the Kerlan Collection. Regarded as one of the worlds best children's literature research collections, the Kerlan offers a rare glimpse into the world of children's literature like none other. Whether it is a manuscript, drawings, original illustrations, or correspondence between editor and author, the Kerlan is a treasure trove of magic waiting to be discovered. Having visited the Kerlan a number of times, I would highly recommend it for anyone who loves children's literature or who wishes to learn more about it.

With that, I wanted to pass on the news that the Kerlan is celebrating their 6oth Anniversary with an exhibition that runs thru the end of Dec. Here is the info and hope to see you there! PS, if you click on the Elmer Anderson Library link, it will give you more visitor info.

60th Anniversary Exhibit

Elmer Anderson Library Gallery

University of Minnesota

222 21st Avenue South, Minneapolis

Dates: November 12, 2009 to December 31, 2009

Opening Reception w/special guest Leonard S. Marcus

November 6th 2pm

Great things brewing at CBIG MN

Between the show in Red Wing at the Depot, and numerous books that have come out lately by members of CBIG MN, there is no better time to check out their blog than now. Having been a member now for a number of years, it has been great getting to know all of the wonderful artists behind some of your favorite books. So if you get a chance, swing over there by clicking here and leave a note to say hi. I know everyone would love to see you stop by !

Illustration Friday: "Flying"

Don't you ever wish your bicycle could fly? This is an illustration about just that. Created for a poem titled "Two-Wheeler", this piece is called "Plane in the Sky Cycle"

"The Path to Forgiveness" on Reading Minnesota

There are many great blogs out there dedicated to the art of books, but one that I recently came across was not only exciting for it's content, but the fact it was solely about books created by Minnesotans. Reading Minnesota features adult and children's books written by Minnesota authors and illustrators and celebrates Minnesota Bookstores, reviewers, publishers and libraries. This wonderful site is the work of Beth Solheim, who herself is an author of the Sadie Witt mystery series. Thanks go out to all of her hard work and dedication in bringing the many talented authors and artists that reside in the state to her blog! To learn more about Reading Minnesota, click here or you can visit Beth's website here.

With that, I am also thankful that Beth has chosen "The Path to Forgiveness" written by Michele Deville and illustrated by myself to be featured on the site. You can check out the post here

Illustration Friday: "Germs"

click for larger image

In this Illustration, the sicknesses are brewing away in bugland! From the book I illustrated aptly titled "The Sick Bug".

"Walk for Thought" Street painting

Well it was another successful day street painting today. Was a little worried that the weather was going to hold us out, but it turned out to be a perfect day of temp and sun! The event that I was chalking for was the Minnesota Brain Injury Associations annual "Walk for Thought". There were tons of great people around and the conversations were lively! Too bad the event had to end and all, but it was great seeing everyone, hearing their comments, and also getting to work with my coworker Mike McCann(who strangely enough isn't related). So with that I wanted to share some pics. The first one is of the finished 8' x 8' chalking. The theme of mine was achievement and how their are often many who help you achieve your goals in life.

And then this was I think the best part of the whole event. Seeing the kids have a blast with the individual chalk boards and then seeing them create a mosiac of images. I think they turned out great! A special thanks goes out to Lori Peterson of the Brain Injury Association for the invite to this wonderful and worthwhile event!

Illustration Friday: "Pattern"

This is an illustration from one of my books titled "The Sick Bug". In it, Tess is constantly comforted by her favorite pajamas with the striped pattern!

"Walk for Thought" this Sat.

Happy Wednesday evening. Sorry it has been a little sparse lately with posts, but things have been in crazy mode with three different book projects going on at the same time. Insane I know, but I like it that way! So with that, you may be wondering what I am doing in my free time :) Well I will tell ya. I am going to be doing a street painting this weekend for the Minnesota Brain Injury Associations "Walk for Thought" in como park on this coming Saturday the 26th. If you happen to be in the area on Sat. morning, stop down and check out the festivities. We will be going till about noon. Special thanks goes out to Lori Peterson who was kind enough to invite me down there for this very worthwhile event!

Event Info

"Walk for Thought"

Sat. Sept. 26, 2009

8am -12pm

Como Park

Also, I wanted to mention that you should check out the newly redesigned Children's Book Illustrators Guild blog. With the help of Nina Crittenden, we hope that the blog will become a great place to get updates with all that is going on with CBIG. Stay tuned for more information soon.

"The Path to Forgiveness" available to order!

Happy Sunday everyone. Hope you have been able to get some good things done this weekend so far. I wanted to start this post off with the good news that "The Path to Forgiveness" is available for sale now and if you go and order it from the website link above, it will also get signed! Other places that the book will be available will be Barnes and Noble and Amazon to name a few. This book not only makes a great gift for friends and family, but for your own families as well. With that, many thanks goes out to Michele Deville for a great collaboration.

In other news, Susie and I had a great time yesterday with a day long book event at the "Jesse James Days" in Northfield. Having never been there, I was surprised at how huge of an event it was with events and activities all over the city. We had a great time there promoting "The Sick Bug" and many thanks to Northfield Urgent Care for asking us to come down for their sickness awareness area.

Illustration Friday: "Welcome"

Seeing the outline of the cathedral in the distance was a welcoming site. I knew I was getting close to home

MNSCBWI Fall Conference

Well it is hard to believe that September is into full swing already and the "Minnesota SCBWI" conference is this weekend. If you haven't signed up already, I would definitely urge you to. The conference is a great opportunity to meet fellow children's book writers and illustrators and also learn about the industry. Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend this year due to a book event in Northfield that day, but know that all my friends will be having a great time over there in St. Paul! Do check it out


Date: Saturday, September 12th, 2009
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: University of Minnesota Continuing Education Center, 1890 Buford Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108
Fee (Early Registration): $100 members, $125 non-members, $50 students

Illustration Friday: "Strong"

Often times it is hard to forgive someone. You have to stay strong and let yourself be the better person. This is an illustration from my upcoming book titled "The Path to Forgiveness" written by Michele Deville. Only a little more than a week till it is out!

Illustration Friday: "Magnify"

The sounds were magnified in the stillness of the night

Illustration titled "Blues before Sunrise"

Target Street Chalking

Thought I would show you a pic of another street painting that I did recently. This one was for Target Corporation and was a 10 foot by 10 foot piece that was completed in a little less than 5 hours. Not too bad for the time! Hope you like

click image for a larger size version

Progress on "Reno the Palomino"

Well I am back after not posting for a few days. Things have been pretty crazy around here with projects going on and a short trip back home to North Dakota to help paint my grandparents garage and front porch. It was great time seeing everyone and now am back in the studio working away. With three books being worked on and some chalk events coming up soon, things will surely be hectic. But that is a good thing. So with this short little post, I am going to leave you with a progress shot of an illustration from "Reno the Palomino"

Street Painting at Burnsville Jazz Festival

Well another great day provided for a fun street painting at the Burnsville Jazz Festival. It was my first time at the festival and really had a wonderful time. Fortunately I was able to get the street painting completed before the rain set in. Unfortunately this piece is already gone. Oh well, that is what makes the whole process so worth while. The entertainment and the excitement of watching peoples reactions to the event and knowing that it is only temporary. The good news is that the festival director loved it and will be sure to return next year! Here are the pictures of the progress of the painting and also the finished piece.

Street Painting this weekend at the Burnsville Jazz Festival

One of the many things I enjoy with art is when I get out of the studio and do some street chalk painting. This weekend will allow for that at the Burnsville Jazz Festival where I will be creating another chalk street painting. If you are in the area, stop by on Saturday from 12-7 and check out the progress of the piece. I will also have some chalk available for the kids to create some street art of their own! The festival details are below and hope to see you there

Burnsville Jazz Festival (Art and All That Jazz Festival)
Saturday August 15
Nicollet Commons Park
12550 Nicollet Ave So
Burnsville, MN 55337
952-201-3507

Schedule of performers

12-1:30 The Penguins
2-3:30 Steve Clark and the Working Stiffs
4-5:30 Davina and the Vagabonds
6-7:30 Brian Simpson
8-10 Mindi Abair

Reno

Happy Saturday everyone. Looks like it is going to be a productive one today with all the rain out there. That's good though since there is much to do. One of the things that I am going to be working on today is cleaning up some of the images that I am working on for the book with Hoofbeats and Heartbeats. "Reno the Palomino" has been a great book to work on so far and visiting the horses out at the farm has been wonderful as well. Now to get the images cleaned up enough to start the actual illustrations. To give you a sneak peak at the project, here are a couple of sketches for your viewing. Wishing you all a fun and happy weekend!

Interesting article

As a person who works in an art museum, I found this to be a very interesting article about what we truly are looking at when we visit a museum. "At the Louvre, Many Snap but Few Focus, and Mona LIsa Smiles On" from the New York Times.

A quick sketch

Often times I am bound to work in the studio for many more hours than I would like, but when there is work to be done, you just have to get it done. When this happens and there is a shortage of "playtime", then often I will look over and find my studio mate just chillin and keeping an eye on my next move towards the door. So last night, I thought I would do a quick sketch of this relaxing and share it with you. The good thing is that she stayed there for a few minutes before realizing I was looking at her more than usual and went upstairs.



In studio news, there has been a number of great things happen lately with some new projects that are beginning and others that are going to be starting up soon. I look forward to sharing more information with you as it allows, but at least you know I won't be wandering around with too much time on my hands. Until then, best wishes for a fun rest of the weekend

"The Path to Forgiveness" is off to Press!

Happy Sunday evening everyone. Saw some exciting news today that my newest book that I have illustrated is off to Press. It is scheduled to be released the end of next month and am excited to see it in print. You will have to check out the new site that Michele Deville, the author, has put together with the help of Scott Pete. I think it turned out great. You can see the site at "The Path to Forgiveness". Below are a few spreads from the book.

Free Drop in Drawing Class at the MIA Thursday

Hi everyone. Another great "Third Thursday" is scheduled tomorrow at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts from 6-9pm. One of the fun activities that will be happening is a class I will be teaching where you can create a Vintage Bike Poster! And the best thing is the class is FREE! The theme of the Third Thursday is "Tour de Force" and will have many great activities throughout the museum and some great giveaways as well. So stop by and visit my class, and enjoy some great art throughout the museum!