Illustration Friday - AIRBORNE

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Squeezed this one in just under the wire! Let me know if it made you smile!

Illustration Friday - MELT

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This is how I feel during bootcamp class. Like I'm melting.....I don't like to melt......  :D

Sometimes forcing yourself to take the time to do something you love is the best therapy in the world. I have been beyond stressed out lately, and feeling really overwhelmed with so many major events going on in my life at once. Today, as I was heading into a meeting at work, I quickly ran back to my desk & checked to see what the Illustration Friday prompt was for this week. It's been MONTHS since I've participated in an Illustration Friday challenge. First I had a deadline for a children's book I was illustrating. Then I needed to get back to the wedding planning I put off in favor of the book. And now, on top of the wedding planning, I am packing to move into a new house and studio. Lots going on. Not much time for the fun stuff. And for me, Ill Friday was fun.

But today I took that 30 seconds to go back to my computer & check out the prompt. I'm not sure why, but I'm glad I did. I've done it a bunch of times over the past few months, but never took the time to sit down and actually start drawing. Today was different. Maybe because I could feel I was about to reach my breaking point. I don't know. But as the dog above started to take shape on a piece of copy paper I swiped as I ran into the conference room, I got that feeling of excitement I get when I'm really, REALLY into what I'm creating. And it reminded me all over again why I do this.....and that I NEED to do it.....regardless of what else I've got going on in my life.

OK! That was a bit deep for me!
I think I should probably stick to drooling hound dogs! (I bet this guy STINKS!! :D )  But if he made you smile, please let me know in the comments section!

#SCBWIDRAWTHIS BOUNCE!

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I apologize for the infrequent blog posts. 

Saying things have been crazy around here lately is an understatement!

 Between my upcoming wedding this fall that I am behind on planning, and now a big MOVE next month to a new home and studio (plus that pesky thing called a full time job!) I, unfortunately, have had very little time for drawing. (sigh!)

 But when I got an email from SCBWI promoting their new DRAWTHIS program, I knew I'd HAVE to make the time to participate! Similar to the weekly challenges from Illustration Friday that I have greatly enjoyed over the years (even did one solid year straight without missing a week!), they will be providing a new prompt each month, and artists from around the globe will submit their interpretations. 

While I have not had the time to do so lately, I look forward to when I am settled in to my new studio and can get back to regular weekly Ill Friday participation. In the meantime, I did manage to squeeze in this quick drawing to support the new SCBWI program....

....AND, feeling inspired,  just happened to sneak a peek at this week's Ill Friday prompt before entering a meeting this morning, and did some doodling! So stay tuned for that one, too!! :D 

New Book Project! DONE!!!!

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 It's been a VERY busy couple of months, between the wedding planning, and my latest children's book project! In fact, as the deadline drew near, the wedding planning was completely put ON HOLD! (Priorities, right? *wink!*)

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 I absolutely fell in love with the manuscript and signed the contract last Fall. It was a particularly fun and challenging project to work on because I chose to expand the story beyond the literal (there were relatively few words to the text) and tell it through the facial expression and body language of the main character . 

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After several months of work, it was finally been turned in to the publisher and approved last week! 

I can honestly say it was a BLAST to work on, and I think it shows in the end result. I am extremely proud of this one, and hope it brings smiles to the children who read it! And now the wait begins.....it is slated for release this fall.....ironically, right around the time of my wedding!

 (Multiple things to celebrate! *grin!*)

It's snowing. AGAIN. UGH!!!!

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UGH!!!!  Need I say more????

While the record breaking snowfall HAS been inspirational for my illustrations lately, 

I've. Had. ENOUGH. 

Happy Read Across America Day!

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Today is Read Across America Day!

Also known as "Dr. Seuss Day," it is a nationwide celebration of reading and child literacy held annually by the National Education Association on March 2nd; Dr. Seuss' birthday! 2015 marks the 18th year 

of this event that focuses on motivating children and teens to read. 

For more information, click HERE.

I doodled this avid reader during a meeting today! 

National Dog Biscuit Day?!

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Did you know that February 23rd was National Dog Biscuit Day?

Me neither, but I found out just in time to create this illustration on Monday! 

I don't know who sits around and thinks this stuff up, but I bet the dogs sure are happy! If you missed it, no worries. You and your dog can have a belated celebration today! 

I hope this guy made you smile!

Inspired by the weather.....UGH!!!

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Well, 2015 started out a little snowy here in New England......

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And then it got A LOT snowy.....

We are currently at over 90" of snow, and with the arctic temperatures we've been experiencing when it ISN'T snowing, it isn't going anywhere any time soon!!!

On the up side....it gives me plenty of inspiration!!

I hope you are nice and warm, wherever you are!!! As always, I appreciate you stopping by, and LOVE reading your comments!! 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, everyone!

Well, we're one week in, and 2015 promises to be the craziest year yet!!

I've got lots of cool projects slated for the new year, including a fun children's book that I'm really excited about, lots more ACEOs (artist trading cards) & some new model horses. I also broke down and finally replaced my 8 year old iMac, and still need to find time to move everything over to my shiny new one!! My full time job's role has expanded, and somewhere in between all that, I've got to find time to plan my wedding!!! UGH! Can you say *stress?!* But it's all good stuff, 

so let the games begin!!!