Hello June!

I am so excited to share that Skink on the Brink(Fitzhenry & Whiteside), written by Lisa Dalrymple, and illustrated by me, has arrived at the Fitzhenry & Whiteside warehouse! Lalalalaaa!!
There it is smartly sitting on the desk of my editor and publisher, Christe Harkin.
" Hi Stewie!"*waving*
 Lisa and I will be visiting F&W this Monday. :). I can't wait to hold it in my hands!!!
It should be in stores in just a few short weeks.

This all happened yesterday, so I am unfortunately a day late with my June 2013 desktop calendar....geesh, I was kinda distracted, but you understand-right? Sorry guys!

In honour of Skink of the Brink's release, my June 2013 desktop calendar features the one and only... Stewie the skink. As you can see he is very excited to meet you guys too.

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To download, simple click on your desired screen resolution listed above, then right click and select "save to desktop".

 

The launch for Skink on the Brink will be organized in the coming week, so please check back for the details, we'd love to see you there! :-)

 

 

May 2013 Desktop Calendar is here!

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In the nick of time, here's my May 2013 desktop calendar, featuring another illo from Skink on the Brink(due out so very soon!!). We have had a nasty stomach bug here, with one kiddo home from school today,so this post will be short and sweet. I hope you enjoy the desktop!  :-)

April 2013 Desktop Calendar

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It's April 1st, and you know that means...time for a spiffy new desktop calendar, and that's no foolin'! I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter long weekend.

 This month's calendar features the always adorable (and always ready for his close-up) Stewie the skink. This is a snippet from one of the interior spreads from Skink on  the Brink. Can you believe the release date is next month?! We are SUPER excited!!! Stewie is too. Believe me, he worked hard to get this April feature. He kept my shoulder(s) toasty while I worked, serenaded the kids to sleep, dusted the studio (who knew a sliding skink on a Swiffer pad was sooo effective?), and he even rapped for me, it was one cool ditty to a very funky beat -that skink can throw down some mean rhyme, and bust some moves!
With the book release scheduled for May (YAY! :-D) everything is getting "Stewie-fied" around here. We plan to whip up some fun Stewie bookplates, and some other goodies, that Lisa and I would love to sign to personalize your book.  If you have any special requests, Lisa and I would love to hear them, just send me an email or leave a comment.

To download your own desktop calendar simply click on the required screen resolution above, right click, and select Save To Desktop. Oh, and FYI... if you hear a little voice and foot tapping coming from your computer screen, don't be alarmed, it's just Stewie...;-)

March 2013 Desktop Calendar

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I'm glad that March is just around the corner, it is tomorrow in fact! I don't know about you, but I am ready for Spring. I have had just about enough of the soggy sidewalks, stinky wet boots, snow shovelling and now I am dreaming about warmer weather, sprouting plants, and...book launches :)

Yep, the launch date for Skink on the Brink is getting closer- May 13th! I am super hyped!

 

This month's desktop calendar definitely has a more "Springy" feel. There is lush greenery everywhere and a new baby-a mommy with her new baby elephant. I created  this illo for the author of Skink on the Brink, Lisa Dalrymple. Her sister is having her first child, a girl! Yay, congratulations! So after some consultations between Lisa and myself, we decided on an  Asian elephant theme with some pink flowers to compliment her nursery.

I think elephants might be my new favorite animals to sculpt in plasticine, or at least a close second to skinks of course ;)

Creating all of those yummy wrinkles and leathery skin was really fun.

 

To download your copy just click on the screen resolution link you require (links are underneath the illo) then right click and save to desktop. Easy Peasy.

Have a great March everyone.

 





February 2013 Desktop Calendar

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It's that time of month again- free desktop calendar time! I had such a great time creating the previous process post that I thought it would only be fitting to create this month's desktop calendar using the same illustration. It might be a bit early for such a Spring-y illo, but I couldn't resist. Besides, with all of this crazy weather lately, it's hard to know what season we are in. I think my bulbs were trying to poke through the dirt, only to be flash frozen the following day...geesh. If you'd like to read more about how I created this illustration( for my first picture book, Skink on the Brink(Fitzhenry& Whiteside), written by Lisa Dalrymple, due out this May!) please check out the process post.

To download simply click on the screen resolution size you require above, then right click and save to desktop.

Enjoy! 

Happy New Year!!!

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Happy New Year! Can you believe it is January 2013? Where does the time go?

 

Here is my January 2013 desktop calendar. If you'd like to grab yourself a copy to download simply click on the desired screen resolution size above, then right click "save as desktop". 

 

I thought this tobogganing illo was perfect for January.  The kiddos and I have been a regular fixture at the local hills since we received the first snow of the season last week. Gotta get as much sledding in as we can while the snow lasts, right?

 

 I don't know about you but this past year seemed to fly by at lightening speed. It was just last January I drove out to Fitzhenry & Whiteside with sample illustrations in the back seat, to meet with Christie Harkin, my editor, and Cathy Sandusky to share my initial ideas for Stewie the skink. I was SO nervous!  This was my first picture book contract, after all- a dream come true. I had a lovely day meeting with Christie and Cathy, and many of the friendly FitzWits staff. Even the resident cats strolled by to say "hi" and get some cheeky rubs. Although I think they were more interested in curiously inspecting my art boxes. Luckily none of the artwork was squished or "floppled upon" during my visit. ;) 

Since that day, I have been busy working on the roughs, then revising, and revising and revising and now...after lots of fun(erm...work?- hard to call it that when it IS so much fun) I am pleased to report  the plasticine illustrations for my first picture book Skink on the Brink, written by Lisa Dalrymple, are complete. Lalalalaaa!

 We had the test photo shoot just before Christmas with my photographer Heather, of  Heather Hogan Photography. Heather and I were super excited about the shoot and the results look fantastic, I can't wait to do the final shoot.

 

I hope to post some process blog posts, once the book launches, to share some of the many things I have learned along the way illustrating my first picture book. So stay tuned for those.  

 

 Here's to a successful, happy and adventurous 2013 everyone :)



December 2012 Desktop Calendar is here!

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Can you believe it is already December? We were surprised with our first dusting of snow last night, and the twinkle lights are popping up all over the neighbourhood-  sure signs the holiday season is here!!
So being in the festive spirit, I created this super festive December desktop calendar.
I thought I'd try an animal I haven't made before, surprisingly I haven't make very many dogs? Huh... strange I know. I've made lots of plasticine skinks ;), birds, raccoons, and wild animals, but hardly any pets. So this wrinkly, squishable and oh-so-huggable little doggy, with antlers and a not-too-tacky Christmas sweater to keep him toasty, is  for all you pet lovers out there. :-)
To download to your desktop, simply select a link above, then right click and select save to desktop.
Enjoy!

October 2012 Desktop Calendar is here

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My October 2012 desktop calendar is ready. With the fall colours beginning in the neighbourhood, and the cooler days and nights, it is truly feeling like Fall. This month's calendar is from my new Fall promotional mailer, which I just ordered from Moo. If you have never tried Moo for postcards, promo materials, or cards, I highly recommend them. Their products are simply stunning. We are eagerly awaiting next weekend to head up to the cottage for our annual Thanksgiving weekend. I just hope the fabulous colours haven't passed their peak. I'll be sure to post some pics  :)



September 2012 Desktop Calendar is here!

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It's back-to-school time once again! Wow, summer sure flew by, didn't it? I have been making lots of foliage, flowers and ground cover lately.Yup, it's for some of the final art for Skink on the Brink. The illustrations are coming along nicely, and with the kids back in school next week I will have more uninterrupted time to "get in the zone"Yay!

 So in keeping with my thinking about all things leafy, I thought I'd make the quintessential Fall Canadian sugar maple leaf.   I just adore the deep crimson red, especially when the tips start to go darker... just beautiful! I also switched things up a bit this time and hand lettered the calendar in plasticine.

I hope all your kiddos have a great first day of school, and Fall brings you lots of good things. :)

To download a desktop calendar simply click on the desired resolution link under the image then right click "save to desktop". Enjoy the calender!

I'm off to bake a cake and pie. It is my 3rd son's 7th birthday tomorrow. Happy Birthday Little Man!



August 2012 Desktop Calendar

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Tada!! I have my August desktop calendar ready early! Ya Baby!- can you tell we have been watching Austin Powers around here?

I hope you have all been enjoying the summer so far. It's hard to believe it is already half over. My second oldest son has his 9th birthday tomorrow *sniff* my, they grow up so very fast.

 I few days ago I sent out a little request on FB asking which images come to mind when you think of summertime, and I was really pleased with your great responses. Thanks everyone.:) Lisa Dalrymple, the author of the picture book Skink on the Brink which I am currently illustrating, suggested I include some people, since I have been in "animal mode" lately. Great idea! So here is a boy doing a super-humongous leap into the lake- "KOWABUNGA!"

Nothing says summer more than kids having a fun time,  finding creative ways to beat the heat.:)

On the picture book front, my final artwork is coming along wonderfully. But unfortunately I can't share any sneak-peeks just yet. When I get more completed perhaps I can show a few close-ups or something, after I get the OK. And I can't wait to show you all!! I'm so proud of this project.

Enjoy the desktop calendar! To download simply click on the resolution you require, then right click on "save to desktop"- Cheers!



May 2012 Desktop Calendar is here!

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Happy May Everyone!,
I couldn't resist using one of the fun mice from a recent illustration I created for my children's nursery school annual fundraising gala. There have been quite a few "mice in boots" desktop calendars lately...hmmm, maybe I should change it up a bit for next month? This little guy was begging for a close-up. Their fun, exuberant personalities do bring a smile to my face, and I hope they do to you as well :)
To download please click on the required scene resolution above, then right click on"set as background". Easy peasy!
Lots going on behind the scenes, I hope to share some of it really soon.
Bye for now

April Desktop Calendar

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Here is my April desktop calendar.  Isn't Miss Mousy a fun character to sum up all things Spring- rubber boots and all? It will be a very short post today, as I have little ones very "under the weather"...stomach bug :( and unfortunately, that isn't an April Fool's joke).  I hope Miss Mousy brings a smile to your day and finds a lovely home as your desktop calendar.

Keep well my friends!

February 2012 Desktop Calendar is here!

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I don't know about you, but the first month of 2012 flew by like a whirlwind. Maybe it was the combination of crazy hockey schedules(for my 3 oldest boys), plus landing my first picture book contract, in conjunction with the daily hustle and bustle of having 4 busy kids. But I don't mind, the busier I am the more I seem to get accomplished.
I thought for this month's desktop calendar I would use a new favorite image that I created for this year's SCBWI Tomie dePaula award submission. I had a blast creating this illustration. Who knew fowl and feathers would be so much fun to create in plasticine? I thought my lovey-dovey couple, Cocky Locky "cool-man" rooster and his swooning hen, Miss Henny Penny would be the perfect couple to feature.

To download this calendar simply click on your screen resolution link under the above image, then right click and select "set as desktop background". Easy peasy.
Cheers to a Happy Valentine's Day!
I hope you all have a fun, productive, and happy February. :)

Happy New Year! January 2012 Desktop Calendar is here!

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I hope you all have had a great Christmas and holiday season so far. I am very excited to see what new and exciting opportunities come our way in 2012 and I hope you are too. Here is my January 2012 desktop calendar as my gift to you for all you support and friendship over this past year- Thank-you so much! To download this desktop calendar simply click on the preferred screen resolution link, right click, then select "set as background".
 I have met so many wonderful and talented illustrators and Children's Book industry people through SCBWI, CANSCAIP, FB and twitter and  I hope to meet you guys in person at a conference one day soon. Reflecting on the past year makes me a little emotional as I reflect on the supportive, and encouraging relationships I have with so many wonderful people. I am so very thankful to all my family and friends for enriching my life, I love you all :)

Wishing you all a very productive, and happy 2012!!

December Desktop Calendar is here!

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We had our first snow of the season this morning. It was wet and messy, not very fluffy and pretty, but snow never the less.  Time to put on the snow tires!
And as tomorrow is the 1st of December, I thought it would be the perfect time to post my free desktop calendar. Consider it an early Christmas present :)
I showed this image previously, as it was one of a few I created to go into my winter promotional mailer packets. I am waiting patiently for my Moo shipment to arrive, full of all of my goodies; business card sized gift tags, stickers, and postcards....Eeeeeeee, I can't wait to crack open that package and see how they turned out!

 As always just click on the appropriate screen resolution size link below the calender and right click to set as background, or save to desktop.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did making it....doesn't it make you want to go out and hit the toboggan slopes....fingers crossed we get a white winter. While I am wishing, can I also wish for a magical snow shoveling elf to accompany the snow...that one is for hubby :)

November Desktop Calendar

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Happy Halloween everyone! November is just around the corner, tomorrow actually, so I have posted another free desktop calendar for you to snaz-up your computer screen! I used a recent illustration I created for Illustration Rally's Children's Book Illustration Contest. The winner has not been announced yet, but if you get the chance go check out all of the beautiful illustrations submitted! Very inspiring to say the least. :)

To download your desktop calendar simply click on the link corresponding to your desktop resolution, then right click and then click on "set as background".

I hope eveyone has a safe and fun Halloween!

October Desktop Calendar

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Hi Everyone! Well it is the end of another month and you know what that means...free desktop calendar time!! Yipppeeee! I chose to make this month's calendar from a personal work-in-progress illustration that is still waiting patiently to be completed. It's a fall farm scene, highlighting the abundance of glorious autumn colours we are so lucky to experience here in Ontario Canada. As it is the background of this illustration, I've had to zoom in pretty close with my camera, but I kinda like it as you get to really see the details of the mud and wheat fields nicely. Eventually there will be some rambunctious kiddos frolicking in a big pile of leaves in the foreground, which I have cropped out for now.
To download your desktop calendar simply click on the link corresponding to your desktop resolution, then right click and click on set as background.
I hope you enjoy it and it reminds you to get out and enjoy autumn before it gets too chilly. :)

FREE August 2011 Desktop Calendar

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Can you believe August is just around the corner! Summer is half over already!! Boy that just flew by.

For this month's FREE desktop calendar I thought this summer themed illustration of a fun-loving Granny having tea time with her grandchildren would be the perfect fit!  Doesn't it make you want to go run barefoot in the grass to feel the blades tickle your toes? Too bad our grass is all yellow and straw-like due to the lack of rain in our area.Bummer! But we can image it. ;)

I love being able to spend more quality time with both sets of grandparents over the summer holidays. It really allows the kids and the rest of us to build lasting memories to cherish and have a good chuckle over when we reminisce.

As always, just click on the appropriate screen resolution link below the image to bring up the corresponding image size then right click and then left click on "set to background".

 Cheers to creating great summer memories with your family!

Free July 2011 Desktop calendar

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Hi Everyone,

 It's that time of month again- FREE desktop calendar time!! Yippeee :) I don't know about you but I just love checking out all the amazing desktop calendars created by so many great illustrators each month. I have a hard time picking and often put different ones up weekly, so I can admire and get inspiration from all my favorites. A few other links to check out for desktop calendars are Jonathan Woodward (click up top on free stuff), We love to illustrate for children group blog,  and Geninne Zlatkis .

Remember to click on your screen resolution link listed below the image then right click and click on "set to background".

I hope you all enjoy this desktop calendar and it reminds you of how fun it is to play with friends and be silly sometimes. :)

Two FREE June 2011 desktop calendars to choose from...

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I thought my little hummingbird and parachuting mice characters were so much fun that they'd both make great June 2011 desktop calendars. So now you have two to choose from...I might just have to switch back and forth every other week, I can't pick a favorite?!! Just click on the links below each image to choose from 2 different screen resolutions of each desktop calendar, then right click the image and click on " Save to desktop". Enjoy!! :)