I have just returned home from a fabulously inspiring day spent doing all sorts of things, but, oddly enough, NOT including any time at the easel. The photo above includes my spoils from a Book Making class I took today. It was led by the miraculous Pat McGraw (how I WISH this woman had a website, becaue you all need to know her). I learned all sorts of techniques and bindings, as amply demonstrated by the 8 samples I brought home. My book binding diploma came in the form of 2 Twix bars, which I immediately knew were lonely. They made fast friends with a glass of red wine, and the night turned even better (if that's at all possible!). All of which is much inspiration for my workshops that start up in a few days. Now it's my turn to create some most excellent lesson plans - my Children's Creative Journalling workshop begins on Sunday, and the grownUP Journalist's get their turn to play on Thursday. (The children's winter sessions are full, I'm accepting enrollment for the children's spring classes, and there are a few seats remaining in the grownUP Journalling sessions.) Meanwhile I'm off to try some new techniques on some of these new books. Thanks, as always, for supporting my artwork! Kim PS You haven't forgotten about the 10% off newly booked commissions, have you ?? the project has to be booked during this January, but can happen any time during 2011. Shoot me an email if you are interested!
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The cover of "A Dog Named Blue," now available from Blurb publishers. When I first painted Amelia I never imagined that she would be re-christened "Blue" and inspire a book. In her defense, Amelia had a number of other partners in crime - animals who's portraits seemed to fall into a specific color category and prompt color-centric names. In typical ADD fashion, my brain started spinning 100mph. What if I turned those muses' paintings into a picture book for animal loving kids? I shared my idea with three friends in the industry, and they eagerly offered their expertise. I am truly indebted to them. Illustrator and author Matt Faulkner and children's book author and literacy expert Kristen Remenar edited an early version of the draft. They suggested key plot/conceptual changes that made it oodles better. Designer Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson worked her magic, pairing the images with perfectly color...
I just love how book binding knowledge can lead to different options in art makeing!
ReplyDeleteeverything I learn opens up new options.... you are SO right, Elizabeth! :)
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's good to get away from the easel, these look very cool! How many kids do you teach? I love working with kids, they are so excited by art!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, my journalling workshops with the kids usually include around a dozen artists. I think they inspire me more than I could ever share or teach to them. I love them!
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