Merry Merry Merry!

I have been working hard to bring to life a new children's book for a client... and will be working on it until up to Christmas Eve and then right back again once Christmas is over... but the work has been looking good!  And my client is happy, which makes me happy as well!
Meanwhile, piles of other things pile up and in the back of my mind lingers many ideas of Christmas presents I have yet to buy (yikes!).  But I am still feeling merry and blessed!  I do miss my friends and family but I will see them all soon enough!

I wish everyone a Happy Christmas!  ;)

The "Go-ahead"

The "Go-ahead" is what I refer to as the "Ok to start painting" part of project... this makes me both excited and nervous.  I managed to paint the first page of a book I am working on and have here a portion of the painting.  So far, this has promised to be one of my most loved book projects.  I think this girl is someone I am happy to help create.  She is truly lovable... which I keep writing and cannot give more details!

;-/  Some day soon!

Anyway, I am tired... but I am waiting up a bit longer in case my client from overseas wants to give me a call for some quick feedback!  Again, glad for the coming weekend... it means I can spend all my attention on the paintings!! Although Saturday is the Art Supply Warehouse Christmas Party... so maybe I will have to make some time for that event!

Some day I hope to have more time to do art... to do this full time instead.  There are so many things that could be said about having to work a day job... while your love lies in wait... and you struggle with the "day to day" vs. moments of complete sadness/panic that you'll never truly see your dreams come true.  Jeez, that was a downer.

Ok, on a positive note, love the work, glad for it, and enjoying!!

:)

more because I can't help myself!

I found more images of my images on the Fadenrot clothing site and had to post a couple more of my favorites... hee hee.  Don't hate me.  These are cute!

Fadenrot!- Xmas Merch!

Here is a Christmas clothing illustration I recently did for Fadenrot! ;)

Have you already finished shopping for Christmas presents?  How about an adorable outfit for the Holidays?

I also see that a new book I illustrated written by Alex J. Stokas, The Little Weaver (a Christmas Story) is now available on  the web! ;)

Fun! Fun! Fun!
Been going crazy working on new character work and interiors for Lou Lou as well... she has gone through many transformations, but we have finally decided upon her look ♥

I have posted images before as well... but I am really enjoying working on this project so far... I wish so much I could tell you all about her and all the awesome things going on with her island and her adventures and how brave this little girl is... but that will have to wait!

Ok, a quick break... ice cream and Humphrey Bogart with the husband before a weekend of working, cleaning, and pug bathing!

;)

So I got sick last week with vertigo (again) and am now finally 100%.  I managed to paint my last illustration of the Rabbit and the Leprechaun, the cover image, and some character studies for another client!  Not to mention give my whole apartment a sincere once-over... it has been slowly becoming more and more disgusting the more sick or busy I get!  Ha.

But well, here are the character studies:

She looks a lot different now from when I first started her... :) But it was nice to get over being sick and clean and get some work done!

Especially before the Holidays!!!

It's raining at night, then sunny and crisp during the day!  I love Fall in California!!!

Super Punch: Win a copy of Barbarians: A Handbook for Aspiring Savages

Super Punch: Win a copy of Barbarians: A Handbook for Aspiring Savages

Josh's book is featured ;)

Kid Review for "Polka-dot Fixes Kindergarten" :)

Sun 2 Oct 2011
KID REVIEW: Brooke lifts up “Polka-Dot Fixes Kindergarten”
Posted by Pat under Book reviews No CommentsStarting a new school year is always exciting and scary. And that’s doubly true for students venturing off to kindergarten for the first time.Author Catherine Urdahl takes on this topic in Polka-Dot Fixes Kindergarten (Charlesbridge, 2011). Dorothy, who’s better known as Polka-Dot, skips off to kindergarten ready to learn. But she brings a fix-it kit full of her grandfather’s favorite repair tools just in case.
At first, kindergarten doesn’t look like it will be very fun. Her name tag says, “Dorothy,” there are lots of rules to remember and there’s a girl named Liz who doesn’t appreciate Polka-Dot’s name or fashion sense. And, grandpa’s fix-it tools don’t seem to work as well at school as they do at home — at least initially.
Today’s guest reviewer has successfully navigated the waters of kindergarten and, therefore, is thoroughly qualified to comment on this book. So take it away, Brooke!
Our reviewer: Brooke
Age: 8
Things I like to do: Play with my friends and my sister.
This book was about: A girl named Polka-Dot going to kindergarten.
The best part was when: Liz and Polka-Dot made up.
I smiled when: Polka-Dot fixed Liz’s dress.
I was worried when: The boys saw Liz’s underpants.
I was surprised when: Liz’s dress split.
This book taught me: To always be nice.
Three words that best describe this book are: “Fix.” “Help.” “Friendship.”
My favorite line or phrase in this book is: When she said, “Let’s be friends.”
Other kids reading this book should watch for: Stripes and polka-dots.
You should read this book because: It is a good book.
Thanks, Brooke!

(from the Blog "Read, Write, Repeat" by Pat Zietlow Miller)- thanks for reviewing!!! :)

Shop Fadenrot! (my stuff is printed!)

So I was perusing Fadenrot's website and see that they have new product with my images printed on them!!  :) It's very flattering to see them printed and now I think I may have to buy this sweater...!!!
(NOTE: not all images are mine!)

Leprechauns are fun to paint! (especially with dainty shoes!)

He had to have crazy red hair... :)

We've been having rain (which isn't really rain to me after living in Portland... more like very light showers) and then hot afternoons here in SoCal.  However, this morning was crisp, sunny, with that nice cold Fall air... I was walking around in a T-shirt and ran into a couple all bundled up (even their dog) and realized that the Pacific NW was still in me somewhere.  And I'm usually so cold?

Anyway, I'm pooped.  Glad tomorrow is Friday although this weekend proves to be busy anyway with work.

This must be all I ever blog about... hmmm....

Our Netflix came in the mail today - lot's of Charlie Chaplin!  Which should be interesting since we recently watched a slew of Buster Keaton (whom I like more).  When I'll find the time to watch these, who knows...  I still haven't caught up on Dr. Who!!! (ooh, that's so bad).

Pugs are snoozing...  I think they are trying to tell me something... zzzzz....

More work!

I've been sort of "binge" reading blogs and commenting lately... it seems I can't keep up!! On nights when I have a bit of time before bed after just posting something I can usually get a couple reads in... :) loving John Shelley's blog... as well as Amy June Bates!!!  They have the best sketches ever!!  It's hard to really call them sketches as they seem so well finished!

Anyway, I can't believe how LONG it took me to finish these three images!! I must have had this project on my plate for at least 2 and a half weeks!!!  (Keep in mind these are not large).  Although, this isn't the only thing I've been working on...

Actually, I've been pretty slammed and busy... but with these cleared off my plate, I can maybe get a ahead on the next one that's due Friday!!

Still waiting to see what will come of some other projects as well.

Got some time in to help my mom paint the master bedroom in her little townhome as well... she's happier now, which is nice... :)  She's been wanting to get her home looking nicer... after a wave of animals she rescued to living with a toddler and a bundle of other people, her house was starting to fall apart some.  It's on its way though!  I pray I can help her out more and more!!

So on a different note, it's already October!!!  I think we are expecting rain on Wednesday... and it's getting darker earlier and earlier.  I'm looking forward to the smell of winter in the air.. but not so much the gloomy skies... I got kind of over that in Portland.  :p  However, that does mean that we are that much closer to Christmas!!  ;)

Cheers to work!

;)

Fadenrot!

More ideas for a project with Fadenrot... ;)

A Few of my favorite boards so far...

I have been working on a self-published book along with other projects and these are a few of my favorite storyboards so far...
Of course, they are pending approval ;)

Fadenrot!

Here is a new sketch I did for Fadenrot... "Miss Fadenrot"!  Still in the works... :)
Anyway, things are going to get busy!  I have storyboards due Friday, more sketches for Fadenrot, and soon a big book projects involving the little girl from previous posts!

:)

My mom had to put her kitty (a little siamese) Raffy put to sleep after having him for 13 years... This little guy was special.  He slept next to me when I was sick, purring the whole time, and he came when he was called.
I will miss him!

On the other note, he is now in peace- he had cancer so he was withering away.  RIP Raffy!

I do care quite a bit about animals and my pets... I always considered them as part of the family... mostly because they feel the same way!  :)

I am grateful for all the gifts I have been given in life... so I will keep on going and smiling!

Some character sketches for a current project...

Yes, Peter Rabbit was an influence here... :)  I even thought a bit about Gnomes...
Tons of fun!

Finished interiors for another book as well as the cover images...

and now off to do more work for Fadenrot!

;)
Happy Labor Day!

Adendum:

HA, too much like Peter!  Is what the client said... sigh.. I think the clothes definitely!
So it's back to the drawing board again!
:)

Transferring images....

Hello~

Anyone know of a printer that can print onto watercolor paper and it won't bleed?

Here's a sketch I did...

Which I painted...

Which I like... but I feel like transferring the image makes me lose a lot of the original sketch that I liked more.

Or maybe a sure-fire method to transfer onto watercolor paper?

:)

Any suggestions?

Revised Character Sketch

I think I liked her more before... but I did have fun painting this :)

A Week of Work, work, and....work!

Aside from pumping out purchase orders for our CRAZY Back-to-School Month at Art Supply Warehouse during the day, I have then been going home to work on another book project... which I'd love to post interiors of but have not yet had the ok! So far, a cover sketched, two interiors, and one spread done! I also did a dozen or so character sketches prior to this... I can't wait to be finished so I can post some images of this book!

Meanwhile, I just received an initial deposit to start working on another book for a Father-Daughter story. :) I finally get to paint some animals in this book! I'll have to ask if I can post images as they are completed.

Aside from this, I was approached to do a character study/sketch for a large book project as well... See below for my version of what I thought the character should look like:

I wish I could write a bit about the story as it is based on a true story! I wanted to cry drafting some of these images as it has a real tragedy involved with it as well... But it ends with hope!! :)

For those of you who are going or were thinking of attending, I am going to be going to the SCBWI Editor's Day in Fullerton on Sept 30-Oct 1st. :) I already have some new business cards and a brand new portfolio to put my printed images inside! Yikes! Its a bit pricey but I have not attended an SCBWI event in so long!!! I am pretty excited!!

Tomorrow I will be heading to my mother's house to babysit her three cats, two rats, five dogs (one pit bull, one shitzu, one dachsund-terrier mutt, and two teacup chihuahuas). I'm afraid... very afraid... :)

Wish me luck!

another design to die for....

I swear Chad Beckerman kills me...

In case the previous post wasn't enough... check out his blog and then you will understand why he is simply awesome.

He goes through the design of a new book, Peter Nimble and his Fantastic Eyes!

:)

Click here!

Interview with Chad Beckerman...

Check this interview on childrensillustrators.com with Abrams Creative Director extraordinare Chad Beckerman! Click here!

Uncovered Cover Art

I received an email from Heidi Kellenberger regarding a new blog/wordpress site, Uncovered Cover Art!

I have decided to subscribe to this page- it's basically a site where people can submit their own versions of book-covers!

So far, the results are mouth-watering!

:)

So... anyone want to follow/submit as well?

;)

(ex: Artwork by Heather Ross, Inspired by The Princess and the Pea)

A Few of My Favorite Things...

These characters have always been so refreshingly alive to me and I've always loved them.

I am especially in love with Gigi and I think I have read Anne of Green Gables at least fifty times... I'm sure they are all recognizable?? except maybe Eliza Doolittle from My Fair Lady... I drew her when she was a flower girl and then when she's having to practice her vowels.

I might just have to paint one of these...

sketching...

So the summer heats seems to have turned off my brain... (I really need that Mary Blair poster to arrive now!!!!)

However!

I managed to sketch a bit. In-between projects and late at night... :)

I kept thinking of flopping into chairs ... or looking out a window... or reading... blowing bubbles... playing with water.... (can't explain the turtle neck)... can you tell I've got Summer-itice?

Does this ever happen? Your brain is off... but you want to draw... you can get as far as sketching... but there isn't that crazy... "Oooh, want to paint that one!" feeling??? I really hate this.. haha...

Well, the weekend is around the corner... so who knows, right? ;)

And I DO still have some more birthday money to spend...

HMMMM....

Mary Blair!

For those who don't know who Mary Blair is, click here and check her out!

I recently went to Disneyland and was able to view the Colors of Mary Blair Exhibit up-close!

Very impressive..

I was also able to use my B-day present giftcard to purchase a print of the Tomorrowland Mural concepts... :) It's the one on the bottom-right of this image below.

Isn't she wonderful?

I really think that with this hanging in my studio, I will feel truly inspired!

Back from New Mexico

I just got back from a 4 day Family Reunion in Albuquerque, New Mexico... :) Of course, the morning after our 16-hour drive, I was hit with a vertigo spell due to Labyrinthitis... (inflamation of the inner ear that throws off your sense of balance). Luckily, my older sister is a nurse and she gave me some meclizine (like a kind of dramamine). Anyway, still a bit dizzy, but feeling ok.

The trip was to see my Grandpa who is not feeling great as of late... although he seemed in good spirits with everyone around him. I'm glad I got to see him as I don't often get to... sometimes years between visits to see our relatives. I'm always a bit stunned at how awesome my extended family is, too. :)

Well, being back at home is nice, too.

:)

Here are some shots of our apartment and my relatively "new" workspace in Long Beach, not Portland. :)

I also was able to draw a bit. Here is a close-up of the sketch you can see on the desk.

I really should paint some new little paintings and get my submissions out for the summer! I uploaded some pictures... (you can see part of my calendar that I print every month and have scribbled in deadlines... this month hasn't filled up yet, but I'm hoping it will soon!).

Below is Josh on the computer with our two pugs napping in the summer heat... they just got baths... we turned off all the lights and have fans going to help keep their little bodies cool...♥♥♥

Interiors done!

Well, I finished the interior pages... but the cover remains!

:)

Painted this page last night...phew! I am tired!

Weee

some doodles in-between setting up paintings... ;)

I've been looking at a lot of different artists and noticing that there is a loose-ness that I wish more for my finished pieces... and maybe more chances for other textures... color pencil? Crayon? More sketchy work?

Well, that will have to be explored.

Ok, back to work!

;)

Yours Truly- the Cavity Witch!!(character owned and created by Julie Sullivan©2011)

Sleeeep!!!!

Ok...

well, here's another snippet!

:)

So far...

Here is a snippet of the poster I painted for Fadenrot...

I have still more paintings to work on for my client's book.... and the cover sketches!!!

Eep!

I am busy, busy!

I also turned 30 today!

;P

Yay!

Month of madness...

Soooo I am booked solid for the month!

This week I've been diving head-first into a book and this weekend, I'll be working on a poster for Fadenrot!

Lots and lots to do!!

The following weeks will be more pages for the book and hopefully other projects here and there from Fadenrot- my favorite client ever!!

But well, I really had fun painting this... what I am posting is only part of the picture... The main character and her pal on a typical day...before the plot thickens!!!

(I have to say the computer never quite captures watercolors... :( It's a little sad... I keep getting a bit of a neon quality to some colors... - any suggestions??)