Visions of Lizards

    Took a little break yesterday and went shopping for my birthday.
Bought a pair of butt kickin' boots.  NOW I am ready for winter!
     Had to put my brochure on hold again for another project.  Found
out about a week ago on the SCBWI website that the Bologna Book Fair
is excepting illustrations from members.  The submission guidelines include
five illustrations that are related.  Oh boy.  Maybe is was unrealistic (two
birthdays and Thanksgiving being within my deadline) to try to do this but
I felt like I needed a goal like that to push myself.   Still not sure if I will
make it but working like mad.
     I am using characters from sketches I already had in the works, so at
least I didn't have to start from scratch.
     Here is a rough sketch from the series.

                                                                         









The idea of putting the
lizard in a bonsai came to
me so I sketched this...

    It made more sense in the series to do a close up so I used tracing paper and
transferred my work.  Still not totally happy with this one.  I like the boy's face
better in the other sketch. (My scanner cut off their thoughts, those will be included
in the final work.  Also maybe the scene in the window...and the cute bird.?)

I will show you the final in a couple weeks, sorry I need to work 

next weekend so I won't be posting.  

Take care and have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Mischievous Elves Capture Rudolph!

I know it's a bit early for Christmas stuff but this

is that illustration I mentioned (Color Me Merry) doing 

for the  http://www.doodlersanonymous.com

coloring book.  They had over a thousand

submissions and unfortunately mine didn't make

the cut.  No regrets, these elves were really fun to draw!
I used a vintage calligraphy pen and ink.
Stressful, but worth it.
I only spilled a
tiny bit of ink... 

Tried to download as a pdf so my blog readers

could print and color but when I tried to upload it 

gave an error message.  You have my permission to

print the jpg if the quality is okay for your little ones 

(or yourself) to color for fun.

Personal use only please, do not redistribute.

Just registered for a SCBWI picture book workshop! 

Lindsay Ward (writer/illustrator of the 

awesome When Blue Met Egg!) and writer 

Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton (Why Cowboys Sleep 

With Their Boots On) have teamed up

to create a Picture Book Workout Workshop!  

http://bit.ly/1zrqZ7Z

This is just what I need to give me that 

little push!  I have had the honor to meet and 

attend workshops by both Laurie and Lindsay.   

They are both very informative and fun.

I can't wait for this event. 

Very excited to be working on several

projects I can't mention right now.  

Tune in next week for a glimpse!

Arts and Crafts Movement

  Last week's craft show was great.  I didn't make tons of money but met a
lot of nice people and connected with friends I haven't seen in a while.
One customer friend said "I just really like the way you draw."  That made
it all worth while:)
  I shoulda woulda coulda told you in advance I wouldn't have time to post
last week, apologies if you tuned in to see no new post.
  Remember I mentioned I was going to try to do some paintings on wood?
I managed to do two small paintings based on a couple sketches.  These
acrylic paintings were especially fun to paint.

I left a bit of the wood exposed on the

Bright! Elf which I think made it a little 

more interesting.  

The sides of the "canvas" were crying out 

for color so I painted them as well.  

The gold paint is from a tiny bottle of enamel. 

I finished each with a coat of Modge Podge 

avoiding the gold areas-

I found it makes the gold look dull.

     





Be Merry and Bright! 

                                                                                                       Here are a few items in my booth.
If you see any items you would like to purchase
please let me know via email.  I sold a few of these items but I will do custom orders
for your special someone;)

The fun~filled~crazy~world of Rachel B.

Notice the sides of the paintings?

                                                                             Details make a difference.

                                                                  See you next time...

P.S. The Big Bear Chair is a great place to read.