I have not posted any new illustrations in awhile because my husband and I are working on opening a new center for kids books, writing, illustration Studio/gallery... basically everything I love and with the vision of promoting artists! Check us out: www.ZaPow.Net

I now have my very own horse. So, many horse themed illustrations are on the way. In the mean time... I am working on my latest promo mailing post card.

It will be going out to all my fave publishers in the not too distant future.

In addition to drawing and painting I also ride horses. I don't have my own horses. However, what I do have is a super sweet neighbor who let's me play with hers.

The Monday before Thanksgiving my good friend Shannon came and stayed at my house for horsey girl camp. We spent the two days working with my neighbors horses.  My neighbors little boy dragged his "drawing table" out next to the ring and informed us that he was "documenting our experiences". I have to say these are pretty awesome. I love that there is not a single horse or lady to be seen. Later Jackson clarified "These drawings document the HORSES experiences". That kind of makes me love them even more. He is a very talented artist. I am sure you will agree.

Here is the pencil sketch stage of my "Heidi"

SO I am using my Corn Maiden illustration series as an opportunity to try a slightly different illustration style.  I have taken the initial sketch on illustration board and inked it. Next, crazy wild fun color.

I felt fortunate to have been able to attend Kerry Martin and Jamie Weiss Chilton's presentations at Wik 10.  It worked out to be the perfect combo of information for me as a picturebook author/illustrator.

Kerry suggested that we all use the storyboards we created as jumping off points for creating 3 or more finished portfolio pieces. Following her direction I am doing exactly that. Below is what is on my drafting table right now.  Right now I am working out the details of the composition before I move on to the next phase. I would love to hear what you think about the composition so far.

Here is what's going on in my studio now.

So, I just fedexed 5 original pieces of artwork to Bologna, Italy.  I hope that I will be selected for the illustrators exhibition at Bologna Children's Book Fair. 
http://www.bookfair.bolognafiere.it/en/

If I am selected it will be a unique and wonderful business opportunity. For 48 years, children’s book publishers from all over the world have been meeting every spring in Bologna.

Visiting the Fair could mean making contact with a prestigious international community of industry professionals. Bologna Children's Book Fair presents a unique opportunity to learn about the most diverse aspects of a market on a truly global scale of which Bologna is an important reflection.

Here's keeping my fingers crossed!