Nice surprise! 

I walked into the Cabarrus County Arts Council gallery last night and four of my kid's book paintings had little red stickers. They'll be in the permanent collection of the new children's book room at the county library in Concord, which makes me so happy that they will be shared with lots of kids. I have six pieces in this current Arts Council invitational show, "Hey Diddle Diddle- art that calls to the child in all of us". And what excellent company I'm in- many artists showing zippy, playful 2d and 3d work! Show is up through December 19, if you find yourself anywhere near Concord, NC.

Illustration Friday: Water

I live in NC, where we're just starting to add sweaters to the wardrobe rotation- a welcome relief from a long hot summer. This is my first submission to Illustration Friday, and in so doing, was moved to finish this image, which had languished in my "in progress" file for months- a real "problem child". I think we're on speaking terms now, as I look out my window at autumn leaves Falling.

Back to School

This is a new illustration for an on-line promotion my agent, Tugeau 2, is sending out.

The direction was to think back to what is best, or worst, remembered about this transitional time of year, when everything changes- the air is crisp, the leaves are turning, it gets dark earlier, and the long slow summer days are history.

My first thought was the intoxicating smell from that just-opened new box of crayolas, preferably the 64 crayons one. It was the smell of limitless creative possibility. I raced out to Walgreen's and bought a new box, brought it home, cracked it open, took a sniff. Just as with Proust's madeleine, I was 8 years old, getting ready for first day of school tomorrow.

Not bad for a $5.35 (tax deductible) investment.

Has anybody seen my skate key?

Salome riding her elephant

I was thrilled to see this wonderful drawing, top, by Salome Lema Franco, six years old, who lives in Colombia, South America! She has books I've illustrated, given to her by our mutual friend, Patricia, and she was inspired by my illustration, bottom, in THE NEW QUOTABLE WOMAN book. I love the energy, the spirit, the flat out joyful friskiness she gave this image!  Love that little dancing tent. Six years old. I'm taking a lesson from Salome, and from Picasso, who famously noted that "All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."  Thank you, Salome, and never stop drawing!

Earth Day

Earth Day came and went. I did not plant a tree, but I drew someone who did. She's my alter ego, Julia. I've mentioned her before. She does everything right, starting with staying 10 years old. She likes to climb trees, collect interesting sticks, rescue spiders, ride into the wind, and draw. Julia is always dressed for adventure; you never know how the day will unfold!

All you need is

http://youtu.be/BAm3D626NLI

Happy Val's Day!

Love, Judy