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!

Guess what is now listed on Amazon?

It has been an exciting few days. I'm super excited to let you all know that Skink on the Brink(Fitzhenry & Whiteside, Spring 2013) is now listed on Amazon!! I must have danced around the kitchen for a full 30  minutes after I saw it. Here is a screen capture of it, just "cuz" :)

 

And I should also mention that my friend and the author of Skink on the Brink, Lisa Dalrymple just had the launch for her first picture book If It's No Trouble... a Big Polar Bear this past weekend in NL. Way to go Lisa, I can't wait get my hands on a copy. Here is the Amazon listing for it:

 

 

 I asked my editor, Christie Harkin if I might show the proposed final artwork for the cover.
So... here it is. Ta-da!! As you can see, Stewie the skink is quite the little character.  He even likes to dance, but you will have to wait until the Spring to see for yourself :)

So lots happening behind the scenes here. All of the interior artwork is almost finished, and ready to be photographed. I hope to share some sneak peeks with you really soon! Stay tuned...

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!



Canadian Wildlife Federation

Check out the new sidebar widget I put up over to the right. Yup, that's it- the Canadian Wildlife Federation widget.  One thing I cherish most about Canada is our beautifully diverse wildlife. And it is in trouble. There are already 52 endangered mammal species with many more animals at risk. I'm proud to show this sidebar widget in an effort to bring more awareness to the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

I have to give my mom a nod here because she introduced us(my sister a I) to the idea of conservation, to love and respect nature, from an early age. I remember she'd take us on nature walks and cross country ski treks through natural areas like Rattray marsh, Lake Ontario Parks and the Kortright Centre, to teach us about the wonderful wildlife around us.

I know I have said before how excited I am about my current picture book project- illustrating Skink on the Brink( Fitzhenry & Whiteside, Spring 2013) written by Lisa Dalrymple.
Stewie, the main character, has carved a special place in my heart. He is a five-lined skink.
 One of a kind.
He is the only species of lizard found in Ontario.
Well yes, he has a great personality and is so darn adorable, but he is also sadly on the Ministry of Natural Resources endangered species list. Stewie belongs to the Carolinian population of five-lined skinks that populate small areas along the shores of Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair and Lake Huron. Sadly their numbers are dwindling due, in part, to habitat loss from agricultural, recreational and urban development.

Lisa was lucky enough to meet Stewie during a recent trip to Pinery Provincial Park.

 

Isn't his blue tail simply fabulous? 

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!