Octopus Ink Illustration by Meridth Gimbel

Happy 5 Years - A Happy Givaway

2012-01-21T04:57:00.003Z

Hey friendly friends. On January 31st this year I have been blogging for a whopping 5 years! So I wanted to thank all you that have been hanging out with me in the bloggosphere by giving away a free signed print of an illustration of your choice* from my website or blog.

All you have to do to be entered into the drawing is:

To enter ONCE...
just comment here (below).

To enter TWICE...tweet this post, then comment here letting me know you also tweeted it (please include your twitter ID in your comment).

To enter THREE times...
Share this post on Facebook + do the once and twice instructions

To enter FOUR times...

"Like" me on Facebook .

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Please leave your comment by Monday, January 30 at midnight.
I will announce the winner here on Tuesday, January 31!
Thank you and buena suerte!

*Some restrictions may apply.

It's Officially Official...

2012-01-10T19:19:00.001Z

I'm super excited to take part in the KidLitArt's Dummy Book Challange to create a Dummy Book for my Messy Bed story by July 1st. So fasten your seatbelts...

I need all the moxie I can get.

...oh and dear artist/writer friends, let me know if you are joining too and I'll link to you so we can collectively be cool.

Mandala-palooza

2012-01-05T02:33:00.000Z

Well hey there friends. Hope the New Year feels newish, and inspiring and whatnot. Have a whole list of do and do nots. Hmmm. Hope it sticks. Anyway, I have a few of many illustrations I did for my friend Sam's website at Mindful Octopus dot com. Kinda wish I could steal her profile pic for my own site. Shucks.

Hope You Had Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - or Hanukkah, or Whatever

2011-12-28T05:37:00.000Z

Hey there friends, I have to say it is such a relief to be almost completely unpacked in a new, much cooler home. Yippee. And hooray for the season of chocolate and merry making, and super hyper kids. I love it. Hope all went well in your world and I can't wait to be back here a little more regularly.

Yes... :)

Pretzel-tastic

2011-11-10T04:24:00.001Z

Got to hang out with some of my illustration buddies and sketch this yoga teacher. The whole time I was thinking that the only way I could do what she did were if Gilderoy Lockhart preformed Brackiem Emendo on my bones.

...And yes, I am a nerd.

Nirvana is obtainable, if you are an 8 year old octopus that is.

2011-10-21T01:54:00.003Z

Here's a logo I did for a client that has an amazing business teaching yoga, acting out stories and doing art with little kids. I'm sure you can guess that it was pretty fun to do. Hooray for tentacles!

Schmooze Me Please

2011-10-12T04:16:00.002Z

As I have mentioned before, I am so very lucky to be part of an artist support group. That sounded like an AA confessional, but there's something to be said about hanging out with like-minded friends. I'm part of the Midsouth region (Kentucky/Tennessee) for SCBWI, and I get to hang out with some fantastic illustrators monthly to "schmooze." We basically talk art, business, share works in progress and sometimes sketch live models.

It is glorious. I heart what I do.

Thank you universe for art fulfillment. Yay.

Hip Hip Hooray for SCBWI Conferences and Chocolate Covered Strawberries.

2011-09-29T04:24:00.004Z

So happy day. A few weeks ago I went to a phenomenal conference and I discovered and rediscovered a few things about myself.

Firstly, I went to this conference mainly as an illustrator. Jim Hoover, Associate Art Director for Viking Books, did a fantastically amazing job, was so personable, and very very enlightening. This is the first time at a conference that I was able to participate in a month long Illustration intensive where we were periodically critiqued by Jim Hoover himself. Not only was he hilarious and incredibly entertaining, but he was super insightful in the most tactful way. I was expecting some harsh words about the things we had created, which honestly I don't mind. You are only as good as your worst piece after all. But every critique was chocolate covered. He was very insightful and specific, and yet so kind. It blew me away. But I still feel like I came away with some new insights on my creative process.

The pieces we were meant to create was the opening spread to a book. We were all critiqued openly and I have to say that I learned just as much from everybody else's critiques. The Midsouth SCBWI blog has a post with some of the other images from my talented illustrator friends. Aren't they neat? Yeah these ladies are my friends. Which let's face it, makes me a little cooler.

Anyhow. Here's my piece.

I had fun doing it, even though in the midst of the the process I sliced and diced my thumb. (Boo to bean cans!) Unfortunately I still can't feel part of it... but I'm grateful that I haven't had to resign to painting with my toes.

Anyhow. Super inspiring and rejuvenating. And I have to say that I realized at this conference that I actually am a illustrator AND a writer. I have a gajillion ideas bouncing around in my head and I was intimidated that my strengths are more in illustrating and storytelling rather than in writing per se. But I was inspired by Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medal Winner for A Single Shard in 2002. Aside from being delightfully hilarious I was really struck by her motto of NOT believing in myself, but believing in my story.

I'm so excited to leave my piles of laundry and dirty dishes aside and to dive into all the projects I'm working on. Yay for inspiration. I highly recommend it.

Stuff I draw on paper...

2011-02-28T05:09:00.008Z

My kids, for one.

My daughter having fun in the snow.

Felix is pro at this baby thing.

I like sleep...

2011-01-30T19:06:00.002Z

For the curious, this little guy is the reason I've been truant in art world lately. And I have to say that since he makes my life interesting around the clock I'll be MIA for at least a couple of months until Felix has some sort of schedule and I figure out this "taking care of a toddler and a baby at the same time" stuff.

It must be said, that since you and I are bffs, when I do return I think we all need some prizes presizes for being so fiel.

Excellent.

Later gaters.

Hi Friendly Friends

2010-10-10T01:03:00.001Z

Just got done with our 3rd move this year and have unboxed all my art supplies (not necessarily the rest of the house yet). I'm so excited to get going on all my projects and to catch up with The Sketchbook Project (Phew).

Little Miss Medusa

2010-07-13T04:19:00.004Z

Da da da da! Done!

This was fun to do. Who doesn't love Greek Mythology? I'm sure you know that Medusa was turned into the serpent-headed monster because she had "relations" with that frisky Poseidon (also pictured). But the golden donut I found when reading about Medusa was that when she was killed by Perseus , that Chrysaor was said to be born from the neck of Medusa, whereas Pegasus was born from Medusa's blood. Gooey.

Step Two, Buckle My Shoe

2010-06-28T14:49:00.005Z

Totally unfinished mermaid with octopus hat.
Not sure how many out there are interested in the creative process, or shall I say my creative process. I have to say that most of my ideas come from doodles that I make when I'm suppose to be paying attention to something else. Yay for distractions.

Anyway, I'm going to be part of The Sketchbook Project. It's where, "thousands of sketchbooks will be exhibited at galleries and museums as they make their way on tour across the country. After the tour, all sketchbooks will enter into the permanent collection of The Brooklyn Art Library, where they will be barcoded and available for the public to view." I have to fill up a sketchbook by January 2011 and the gallery tour starts the following March.
Super exciting. I can't wait to share the good, the bad, and the ugly that goes on in my sketchbook and gets me to a finished product. For those of you artist/artistan/craftsman buddies out there, give in to peer pressure and be part of the The Sketchbook Project. If you do end up joining please please send me a link so I can blog stalk your sketchies. :)

I wanna be a children's writer/illustrator when I grow up...

2010-06-14T02:48:00.006Z

I just posted advice for all those aspiring writer/illustrators out there on my Facebook page for those that are interested.

Happy day.

Slither-Ga-De

2010-06-02T04:30:00.006Z

At one point in her life, Medusa considered being a carney, but eventually she figured it wasn't glamourous enough.This is a black and white study I'm doing for a color piece. Yay for tween Medusa!

ps. Oh... and a thanks to everybody that visited my Smory. I won 3rd place. Yippee to me and to you. And cookie baths for everyone :)

Are we not drawn onward, we few, drawn onward to new era?

2010-05-13T18:48:00.007Z

Yes I WILL go out of my way to use a palindrome. Welcome to the new era in which Frank Frazetta, classic fantasy artist (art seen directly below), died on Monday the 10th, and in his postmortem I thought I could vent about one of my biggest pet peeves.So Frazetta was beyond talented. Beautiful painter, amazing at figure work, and he certainly got a lot of teenage boys excited about the fantasy genre (a little too excited if you ask me). I have two bones to pick with him. (No pun intended). First he certainly objectified women to high heaven and in my opinion he smutted up one of my favorite genres, but secondly, he claimed to be the Alpha and Omega of illustration, specifically for fantasy. In his biography he states over and over again that he was one of a kind, that he bucked the trend, that he was so unique and such a child prodigy that we humans are blessed to claim him. And all I have to say is this: You are a big fat copycat. RIP. I realize that nobody creates in a vacuum, and we artists are all attempting to recreate what already has been created in order to be innovative. Most everyone, including me and especially the great artists, are inspired and even might borrow the color palette or a composition, or an idea for a costume from the previous greats... But as you can see in these illustrations, Frazetta basically added new background to pieces that he liked of Howard Pyle (pictured above), and NC Wyeth, and certainly others that I have yet to identify. And I wish it were a one time thing, but I've seen many other pieces that directly echo these great masters of the Golden Illustration.

Arg. I HATE copycats.

Over and out.

Matilda McBean Won't Clean Under Her Bed

2010-05-01T00:24:00.003Z

So I'm totally charmed...

I'm in the running for a writing contest online and basically they have the most adorable kids read your story and the story that is watched the most wins millions. (i.e. $1,500). Go check it out. It's at Smories.com Do it. And yay.

ADDENDUM: Apparently you can watch it multiple times and it will increase my chances of winning the contest. It's lasting all throughout May, so click back often and tell your friends!

"Do I have dreams? Do I have aspirations? No, but I have a tiolet bowl that's spring time fresh."

2010-04-22T18:57:00.004Z

I'll send a cookie to whoever can guess where that quote comes from. My life is certainly filled with toilet bowls and baby food... but I'm starting to figure this thing out and am able to fit in some projects that I'm working on, and I have to say it makes me feel giddy.

Yay. I can't wait to share.

ps. For the curious, this is yet again a drawing inspired by life. And yes it was a frightening experience to behold.

A Long Time Ago in a Galaxy Far Far Away...

2010-03-05T00:33:00.004Z

YIKES. Has it really been that long!!! My how time flies when you've relocated to the use-to-be planet Pluto. Actually, things have been interesting around here. I've been trying to figure out that "working while raising a high maintenance child" thing. My baby is awesome and fat, and she's pretty much the cutest thing ever... but I really do have to figure out how to not always get sucked into this adorable baby-sized black whole of time. (So if there are any of you mom/freelancers out there... I'd love to glean advice.)

We also are moving so my art supplies are currently boxed up waiting for us to move to don't mess with me, Texes. We're going to be moving twice this year, so we'll see how I can maneuver that one.

El ultimo on the agenda, I've been receiving the most interesting spam in my comments. Russian spam, Arabic spam, spam about penguins or computers or work out videos. I'm not sure if it's a computer or it's an avid fan communicating the only way he knows how... through heavy advertisements and links to the weirdest places on the web. Anywho, I guess I'd just thought I'd let you know that I'm aware that you're out there... working hard to link me to other stuff.

Ok. I'm done with the rambling. Thanks to the followers... once I get back from Pluto, I definitely will make it worth your while to visit.

The End.

'Tis the Season to be Jolly

2009-10-18T17:14:00.010Z

Wrong season? ...hmmm. Well I really like this one. A lot. I've got a Halloween card up for purchase, so hooray! Due to my schedule with my dear colicky baby, I'm thinking this will be it for Halloween, but that I should have some more up for Christmas.

But yes... tis the season to be jolly. Cause you get to eat dellicious goodies and carve pumpkins, and everything else Halloween-ish. My husband and I are carving pumpkins next week (here's one from last years) and to my dad's chagrin we are looking for a costume for our corgi.

Excellent.

You Threw off my Groove! (I'm sorry but you've thrown off the Emperor's Groove.)

2009-09-04T20:08:00.004Z

So I'm happy to report my absence as resulting in me having a pretty adorable little girl last Wednesday!

Her name's Ursa Adriana (Ursa after the star constellation). We thought it was a pretty strong name for our girl. The Austrian/German nickname for Ursa or Ursula is Uschi (pronounced like sushi without the "s") so that's what we'll mainly call her.

Anyway, I just wanted to thank all of you for being incredibly supportive and I just wanted to say that I look forward to man-handling my schedule so that art wins over sleep ;)

Raining Cats on Dogs

2009-06-21T21:58:00.000Z

Dr. Longbody is sick of the weather and is looking forward to the hot summers without rain cats.

Feed Me Seymour!!!

2009-06-11T06:37:00.008Z

For those of you interested in the status of my pregnancy? ...hungry. I'm very hungry.

I'm definitely working on a few projects right now but I thought I'd flash you some sketchies of some peeps from reality television shows that my husband despises. (I'm into Intervention and Obsessed right now.)

Y hay esta. :)

Maybe Babies

2009-04-28T03:09:00.006Z

Surprisingly enough I have lots and lots of friends that are co-pregnant with me... so this has been an interesting experience. Needless to say babies are a lot of what I think about. (How dorky)

But yeah, this is an illustration that I did for a baby shower.

"What's in a Name?"

2009-04-28T03:04:00.010Z

This is a cover I did for New Moon Magazine. The topic is about ancestry.

So there you have it. :)

Chola-Maid

2009-03-12T19:00:00.003Z

Getting your nails done underwater is tricky. But totally worth it.

The Birthday Bird

2009-02-17T06:50:00.008Z

Lots of people I care about are celebrating Birthdays this month so I decided to make this. Yay for getting older and eating lots of cake.

p.s. Thanks to the patient followers of this blog. Come to find out I've got a bun in the oven and that's why I've been feeling so "sick" lately.

Tag-tastic

2009-01-14T08:42:00.011Z

(My corgi Radar is an emphatic reader! He likes Historical Fiction best.)

So I've been tagged by the very talented and versatile Sylvie Van Hulle to write 6 random things about myself and then tag 6 other amazing artists.... so brace your self for random!

1. When I was a tween I was a recurrent extra for Doogie Howser M.D., and Neil Patrick Harris was in Starship Troopers with Denise Richards who was in Wild Things with Kevin Bacon. Which technically puts me at "4 degrees" from Kevin Bacon. How cool does that make me?! (I guess not very.)

2. I've lived in 4 of the biggest cities in the world; LA, Buenos Aires, New York, and London.

3. Among the millions of jobs I've had before realizing what I really want to do... I've been a secretary for the F.B.I, a Floral Designer, and a Construction Worker

4. Growing up I would draw in my journal instead of write in it.

5. I have a thing for stop-motion animation. It really really makes me want to cry. I uber excited about the release of Coraline.

6. My favorite Shakespearian play is Othello.

Phew... It's official. I can't be tagged anymore because I don't think there are any additional "interesting" or "random" things about me.

Anyway, these artists I command that you visit. Cuz they're cool...

Brooke Sadler

David Habben

Emmalee Powell

Houston Trueblood

Jennifer Eichelberger

M. Scott Hammond

Back from the Abyss... well, sort of.

2009-01-14T08:31:00.003Z

(Here's a sketch I did observing two chatty boys discussing how easy their homework was. They were cute cute cute!) So I've been extremely under the weather recently... and sometimes bedridden which is no fun. And when you are so sick that everything takes extreme effort to do (like sketching or reading) then your mind turns to mush. So I'm glad to be returning from the land of the dead. Yippee.

...hello living.

Another day at the grindstone.

2008-12-31T06:57:00.004Z

Penguin was sick of these clandestine meetings. He was an accountant for goodness sake!!

Ho Ho Ho!

2008-12-22T09:02:00.001Z

...and a bottle of Rum.

Have a delicious holiday everybody :)

Yippie

2008-12-22T08:51:00.005Z

So Lil' Kim gave me an award a little while ago, which made me feel all squishy inside... and I took it because I'm greedy. Thanks Kim and thanks to everybody that follows this blog. You all are much cooler and more amazing than I am, but it's nice to be cool by association ;)

You are all weirdos!

2008-12-04T01:59:00.004Z

That's a random quote from one of my favorite muppets Sam the Eagle. I thought you might like a post from one of my sketchbook pages of nerdy animals.

I've officially decided that everyone is nerdy in some way. I would definitely consider myself an art nerd. I love the history of furniture and architecture and don't get me started on the Golden Age of Illustration. (Really I'm nerdy in a lot of conventional ways too i.e. Harry Potter, LOTR, old school Science Fiction like 1984 and Fahrenheit 451... it's pretty ridiculous.) My husband is a word nerd. He's a linguist and he's pretty fascinated with pronunciation and word structure... and my dog Radar likes to eat paper. Okay so that's not nerdy per se, but he's pretty obsessive about it. Edward and I were eating dinner within Radar's reach and he decided to go for the paper napkins and not the delicious meats nearby.

Anyway what kind of nerd are you?

'Tis the Season to buy lots of crap that you do and don't need...

2008-11-15T17:26:00.012Z

So yeah... it really is that time of year to start on that Christmas Shopping thing. Why you say? Because you don't want to be stuck shopping on Christmas Eve or sending out Christmas Cards out in January. Because... that's dumb.FREE shipping at my Greeting Card Shop for orders of $20 or more before November 21st.

Okay... I'm done with my shameless promotion :)

Tag-errific!!

2008-11-14T19:15:00.014Z

So I got Tagged by the amazingly talented Vanessa Brantley Newton. (Yup... pretty much amazing.) This tagging thing kinda reminds me of all those chain letters that I wrote and received in Middle school that were always carefully folded and written "to a t" so that I wouldn't get some terrible curse that would make my toes fall off. So potential curses and a really talented artist friend have motivated me to respond to this Tag for illustrators.

First off the rules of this Tag (OR BE CURSED!!!!) hehe

1. Link to your tagger and post the rules.
2. Post 7 Random facts about yourself
3. Tag 7 Friends and link to them
4. Let them know that they have been tagged by leaving
a nice little message on their blog.

Okay... so here are some random things that I'm sure you were dying to know about me ;)

1. I wanted to be a truck driver when I was six. Probably influenced by my desire to travel.
2. I was a discus thrower in college and was thinking about training for the Olympics until I got a super lame injury. A very long and even more lame story.
3. I didn't know I wanted to be an illustrator until recently, but I always drew all over everything (my journal, school notes, letters, my arms and legs).
4. I've read and listened to the Harry Potter audiobooks so many times it's nerd-tastic and creepy. I know way too much about the Harry Potter world.
5. I've collected scrap (beautiful clippings of art and photography) since I was about eight.
6. I stare at people a lot. Mostly to look at their interesting features. I've gotten into "trouble" a few times because I was too obvious. (A guy threatened me at a Burger King). Needless to say I need to get sunglasses.
7. I once kicked a kid in the head on a ferry when I was three. Fortunately my head-kicking days are over.

So here are some incredibly amazing artists links that you HAVE to check out, or be cursed (..."that's bad.")

1. Andy Erekson (Amazing Designer for LAIKA Productions and former arch nemesis/school buddy).

2. Ashley Glover (the best nerd-friend ever and a fantastically bizarre and delightful artist)

3. Lida Motamed (A good friend and a very creative artist/graphic designer from Iran.)

4.Shane Lewis (Storyboard artist for Avalanche Software, former character design teacher and pretty much the most hilarious human ever.)

5. Steve Morrison (Former school-mate, currently freaking amazing, quirky, and unique artist).

6. Kathleen Rietz (Delightful and charming Children's Book Illustrator).

7. Kristin Elder (A fantastical and dreamlike artist).

ps. There are a million more that I would tag that are amazing artists. (Some of those you can see on my incomplete link list on the side-bar).

pps. Sorry I haven't posted any paintings recently I'm working on some super dooper top-secret stuff that'll have to be posted later.

Blog Schmog

2008-11-11T05:02:00.003Z

So I get easily distracted by pretty much anything shiny that moves. I will catch up with all you blogsters (so I say) in a jiffy... but here's a random head sketch as a teaser.

'Tis the Season

2008-10-01T23:01:00.007Z

So it's that time of year again... the best time of year. HOORAY FOR FALL! I feel all warm and squishy. Yay for the season packed full of delicious goodies and the best holidays ever. Yay for dressing up and giving/getting presents. Did I mention the food? Anyway... I'm excited. Pretty much.

"Bad news in the chocolate factory."

2008-09-29T16:49:00.004Z

If you can guess that quote... I will put you on my "coolest people ever" list.

So I have some horrible news peeps. So listen up because this will effect the plummeting economy as it will seriously effect/damage all the creative arts community's businesses. The Senate passed their version of the Orphan
Works legislation by hotline yesterday (meaning by phone... the bums). While both bills would devastatethe creative arts communities, the Senate version of the bill (S 2913) is much worse for our cause than the House bill (H.R. 5889). We are
deeply concerned that the House Judiciary Committee might now abandon their version of the bill and adopt the Senate version before adjournment. We are desperately trying to reach members of Congress to implore them NOT to adopt the Senate version of the bill. Given the financial crisis our country is facing, surely this is not the time to risk our nation's intellectual property as well.

What to do?

1. First, decide to TAKE ACTION NOW...

2. If you haven't already clicked on the link to send a letter to
your representative, please do that now. USE THIS LINK

For our international artists and colleagues click this link.

3. CALL members of the Judiciary Committee (see list below) and tell them the following:

a. You oppose this controversial bill
b. This is a VOTE DECIDING ISSUE for you
c. We do not need to have a copyright crisis on top of an economic crisis
d. Ask them NOT to adopt the Senate's version of the bill
e. Ask them not to pass the House's version of the bill without a full and open hearing

4. SPREAD THE WORD- if you belong to an arts organization, please share this information with them. If you haven't yet imposed on your friends, family, neighbors and colleagues to contact their representatives, NOW is the time to ask for their help. (If you have already asked, please do it again.)

5. STAY ALERT-- Check out the Illustrators Partnership website

6. And for those of you who believe in the power of prayer... praying
couldn't hurt.

Thanks for all your efforts... together we can-and must-make a difference.

~Meridth

Zombie Island

2008-09-16T18:06:00.002Z

This is one of those "personal projects" that has been put on the back burner and floundering in the underpainting stage. But here it is. Zombie Island. Not really a fun place.

No. Not really at all.

"Young Fella if yer looking for trouble, I'll accommodate ya."

2008-09-16T05:57:00.008Z

The new Penguin Sheriff is in town and he's ready to clean up this mess. (I wish he would clean up my dirty studio, but he's busy.)

Sorry it's been awhile. I'm easily distracted. But I'm back with a vengeance. In my links you can see I've started up shop where you can buy all sorts of tees and mouse-pads and aprons. (You know, the necessities!)

Anyway, hope all is well on your side of town. I'm busy and content over here.

SCBWI Summer Conference: Pretty Much Amazing!!!

2008-08-11T16:38:00.014Z

“I’m happy to be with people who have devoted their lives telling lies to children.”

That was an opening remark at the SCBWI Summer Conference from Bruce Coville who is probably best known for the My Teacher Is an Alien Series. Really this conference was flat out amazing. It’s a bit pricey for me (being that my husband and I still sleep on a mattress on the floor and our diet consists of cheap starches) but I knew it would be a good investment for my illustration future.

…boy did I underestimate how phenomenal this conference is. Not only did I get to hob-knob with the movers and the shakers of the Children’s Book world and see my art idols: Mark Teague who illustrated

How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? and

Dear Mrs. LaRue. Letters from Obedience School

and Adam Rex

who just came out with Frankenstein Takes the Cake

and one of my most favorite children's novels, The True Meaning of Smekday

...but I got loads of technical boring business information that probably would have taken me years to figure out… and I was also thoroughly inspired to be confident with my own “voice” and to be patient with the ever changing Market, and I’ve acquired some new info that will hopefully will help me get my foot in the door.

Yippie!

ps. Here's a few pages from Adam Rex's book dummy for Dirty Cowboy

ps.2 If you are seriously thinking of getting into this Children's Book Market thing... go to one of these conferences... it'll be well worth your money and your time

"5 hours is never enough...

2008-07-21T20:33:00.010Z

especially when you know pretty much everything."

So this was directly inspired by Jon and Kate Plus 8. A show that I love and that my husband and dad are disturbed by. I was watching Maddy, one of the older twins, blabbing on and on and it reminded me of my hilarious chatty niece and myself as a little girl. I remember one day being incredibly impressed that I talked on the phone for 7 hours. (Sick!)

Piggly Wiggly

2008-06-23T23:15:00.005Z

So I did this quick sketch for Illustration Friday cause I'm crazy busy this week. The topic is hoard. This reminded me of a few childhood memories... When I was a kid I was the queen of manipulating sweets away from my friends. I would tell them that I hadn't eaten for days or weeks even, and that their snickers bar would be the only thing that could save me from a most certain death. I definitely snuck a lot of delicious goodies too. My parents were not as easily persuaded as my school chums so I had to resort to sneaking. I would sneak something delicious preferably way past my bedtime while watching The Twilight Zone.

The Forgotten Tales

2008-06-10T07:34:00.013Z

I absolutely love folk tales. This Slavic folk tale is about a old witch who lives in the forest, who survives by eating small children. She lives in a hut that rests on dancing chicken legs surrounded by a picket fence of bones and skulls.

My dad freaked out when he saw this piece. I pointed out that folk tales are filled with stories of old ladies that eat children. Hansel and Gretel for instance. It didn't make it any less creepy for him... but I suppose that's the point.

Baby Squid

2008-06-04T23:38:00.013Z

So I'm sure you can guess... but I have a thing for tentacles. They're pretty friggen awesome.

Orphan Works Bill: The beginning of an Anti-Renaissance... Please Protest!!

2008-05-04T21:30:00.006Z

Who cares about stuffy congressman and some random bill you say? Welcome to the Anti-Renaissance where anyone's dreams of making a business out of your passion for the arts and your creativity will no longer feasible. Her name is the "Orphan Works" bill. What is that you ask? Well, Not only is the bill, which has been squashed to an extent, and just festering around, in the House Judiciary committee, being open for discussion, BUT, ANOTHER version of the bill is being introduced in the Senate! It basically allows people, who want/find and "creative work", whether it is visual art, music, entertainment recordings of sorts, writings, etc. - a creation by someone that's created it by them and them alone- to be allowed to use it, even for profit, IF they do a "reasonable" search for the owner of the work. Now, the word "reasonable" is in question, because these said infringers could "say" that they did a search, but in reality, not life a finger to find the owner. Alot of photogrophers are up in arms about this, artists of all kinds, illustrators, etc. Even if you own the rights to a dvd or vcr tape, or script, or manuscript- this affects all of you. And the fees AND penalties that the infringer would pay the owner, is pitance, and rediculous, compared to what they are capable of receiving now. Artists would not be able to afford the intellectual property lawyer's fees to recoup awards from the infringers, because of these bills!

My hope here tonight, is to ask you who reads this, to please protest the "Orphan Works" bill, not only up for talk in the Judiciary committee in the House of Reps in Congress ( click here and look for Orphan Works bill) BUT, it's being introduced in the Senate! How the bill just got slid in, into Senate, without House approval, is beyond me.

None the less, go here and can listen to an interview with Brad Holland (famous artist and proponent for Artist's rights) about how dangerous this bill is to artist, plus go to here to see whatthe bill entails.

It's frightening, this bill, or shall I say, THESE BILLS. Basically, it's the "free use" society, if you will, you know the types, the ones that feel if it's out in the public, it's public domain so why pay for it, wanting this bill to go through. It's a lot of publishers and stock image places, like Getty Images, wanting this bill to go through. Also a lot of museums and libraries wanting this to go through.

The IPA (Illustrators Partnership Assoc.) has a lobbyist working against it for artists.

Even if you have, say, photos of your kids, or your vacations, online, well, guess what? Some entity, because they didn't take the time (or just plain didn't want to cut you in on profits) could take YOUR family photos and use them on their products, without asking you or paying you!

Another thing I found out, was that in the Senate's version of the bill. you'd have to register with approved copyright office registries (yes registrieS, plural- apparently the copyright office is outsourcing or going private or something, I still am confused how this can happen, but...) SO, you'd have to not only register with one company, your copyright, but other copyright registries! It already costs $45 per copyright registration, THROUGH the copyright office at www.copyright.gov

Now, you may ask, how does this affect anyone outside of the US? I'll show you. See, the US, and the UK signed this bit of international legislation at the "Berns Convention of 1976" and any country that signed it, would have to use it as law. Basically, it states that once a creation is made, REGARDLESS if it is officially copyrighted, or not, the law says that once created, it is COPYRIGHTED. Period. No markings needed, no copyright fee to pay, etc.

How these bills are allowed, and then making an end run around the "Berns Convention of 1976" is beyond me. I know that alot of big business corps are pushing for at least one of these bills to get through. Surprisingly, some publishers, who are said to be pushing it through, some of them are on OUR side, helping us.

How it affects non-US citizens, to my UK friends, my musician friends- I say to you, contact your lawyer, your entertainment lawyer, and get them to look this over, these bills, because...

Say you're a non- native of the US, yet, you have say, a cd or album released here in the US, under a separate record label, specifically for your US releases, THESE bills affect you! These bills affect your copyright issues here in the US.

So, PLEASE, make some contacts, whether emails, faxes or snail mail, to the appropriate parties in congress, namely to the Senate, and the House Judiciary committee.

If your lazy, like me, and need a quick form letter to send to your Senator or Congressman/woman click here and fill it out.

We are talking about the livelihoods of a lot of freaking poor artists here... and maybe some cute old scrapbook ladies too. If you care about the future of creative works... don't put off writing your Senator or Rep.

Thank you!

Pro Bono stuff

2008-05-03T19:10:00.003Z

Anytime I hear the word "pro-bono" I think of Yoko Ono... and then I think..."oh no!" Okay so that was dorky, but true. This is a "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" Poster I did for my church. They didn't want it to be obvious what play it was. They just wanted it to look 60's musical-ish. So of course the center is Joseph and the lovely blue haired lady is Potipher's wife. Asi es.

I heart Corgis

2008-04-27T22:57:00.004Z

I absolutely adore corgis... so I had to post this piece of a magazine I'm working on.

ps. This dog is so fierce... he'll bite your leg off.

being Saved by an angel in celestial glory isn't so bad...

2008-04-09T16:45:00.007Z

It's official! Only through divine intervention have I been able to start up shop. My website (as seen on the links to the site) is mostly up, with a few kinks to work out. I'm moving forward in the business world of illustration. (Hooray!) I'm looking forward (snicker) to the 8th time I will be moving in the past 2 years... so we'll see how I can balance it all.

Blanket 'o Snow

2008-02-03T00:26:00.005Z

Here's a quick sketch I did for the Illustration Friday's theme of "blanket."

So there.

Mystery Package

2008-02-02T23:33:00.000Z

So I got a surprise package the other day from an anonymous sender. The package was sent to me and my husband in typed lettering from Utah. Since he and I have friends and family in Utah it could be just about anyone. Anyway, whoever that blessed person is...I'm stinking excited. Edward and I both like comic books and Spiderman is an absolute classic. (We fight about DC versus Marvel all the time....and sorry guys...I'm a bigger fan of Batman, Superman and the JLA). Anyway this action figure we got in the mail has 46 points of articulation!!!!! Which means that this is a better model to draw from than...

this.

Hooray for presents and hooray for anonymous donors. :)

"Where's your bathroom?"

2008-01-31T18:55:00.004Z

The crocodile asked most politely.

(This illustration was inspired by Roald Dahl's poem Crocky Wok the Crocodile. Because Roald Dahl is cool.)

Tales and Legends

2008-01-27T07:30:00.002Z

For any of you who love to read fantasy, as I've blabbed on before, "The Black Cauldron" is a must read. It's totally delightful and fantastic in all the good ways. This is Eilonwy who is pissed because her buddies are aiming their swords at her. Honestly I still need to tweak this illustration (composition and Eilonwy's face could be a little less ugly)...but it's on it's way.

Plain Jane...

2008-01-21T04:02:00.002Z

...is irritated that her rat Morty is unbelievably overdressed for the occasion.

Happy Christmas!

2007-12-20T23:01:00.002Z

Here's my Christmas card for you all. Hope you have a happy holiday and eat something really delicious!

Escape from the ZOO

2007-11-29T08:27:00.002Z

Heinrich our dear little rhino decided that he was too good for the zoo. Nobody flosses there. Needless to say he's had some difficulties in the mean streets of San Diego. For one thing he has social anxiety...

This is a fastidious rhino character in one of my future books.

...So there you have it :)

My Dad's Retirement

2007-11-29T08:10:00.000Z

So here's my Dad.

You can see why I would absolutely idolize anyone sticking candy corn up his teeth. He's been doing this as long as I remember...It's still funny.

So my Dad's retiring from the FBI. He's pretty smart, and he's been in on a lot of interesting cases. He worked on the Tylenol Case (the reason why we in the states have our medicine bottles sealed), he went undercover as a hit-man (but he didn't have to kill anyone, so no worries). He's done a lot of interesting stuff. Anyway, my dad asked me last minute to sketch up a retirement announcement. I was just excited because I got to draw a dead body and the infamous J. Edgar Hoover. (I think my Dad's kinda cute too).

More Sketchies

2007-09-12T21:44:00.001Z

This guy and his wife were actually pretty nice, but I decided that I liked them much better as a mobster and his wife.

This old lady's diet consists mainly of mashed potatoes. (Yummy!)

Mo-Tab

2007-09-03T20:20:00.003Z

This is a piece I did awhile ago (last years Christmas Cards). I was inspired by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and their fabulous choir outfits that really haven't changed much since the 80s.

So there you have it.

La gente

2007-07-05T12:06:00.002Z

Here's my good friend Leigh...this started as a sketch of her and cute baby Jack right after she gave birth. He was cute anyway...until Edward made me laugh while I was drawing him...so the drawing of Jack ceased to be cute. Hence, no Jack...

This lady, I call Angry Ingrid, was just that...angry. And she was not too pleased by me staring at her. I've decided I really need to get prescription sunglasses to cover up my staring.

This is just a cute lady. (She didn't notice me staring.)

Geeky

2007-06-26T11:51:00.002Z

This piece that has been on the brain for at least a year and a half is amusing to me because everybody in hind-sight was an awkward pre-teen. And we all know that if we were to see Ariel in her pre-teen years she would be the most shunned adolescent because she was a huge human-nerd.

So there you have it.

Sorry about the color quality...Watercolor is really hard to scan, which is really urksome.

IF: Open...Mouth that is

2007-05-14T21:11:00.000Z

I'm in the middle of moving-with out a car no less so I haven't been able to contribute for a while :( but I will catch up with all you phemominal artists one of these days.

Take care

Shakespeare Anyone?

2007-04-06T16:02:00.002Z

I absolutely adore Shakespeare. He kicks the world's literary butt. This is a book cover I did for the play Richard the III. This play, of course, is amazing. For those that don't know, it's about Richard, who wants to be king, and he basically kills everyone to be crowned. I decided that he was very "thug-like" in this play so I turned him visually into a latino gangster from LA. I personally enjoy this visual version of the play...but it freaks my mom out. (She's not too fond of gangsters.)

Gravity sucks.

2007-03-04T19:21:00.001Z

I like to look at or draw things that defy gravity, like this house...because gravity sucks.

Poor Ichabod

2007-02-20T11:51:00.001Z

This is part of a series of images I did for The Legend of Sleepy Hollow...and as we all know, poor Ichabod kicks the bucket, but this time the Headless Horseman feels pretty bad about it. The version that my husband, Edward, wrote is quite humorous...so I had the dickens of a time trying to make Ichabod's corpse funny. I went through loads of different sketches. Most of the sketches I made ended up looking morbid.

This at least made me laugh...poor Ichabod.

Me and My Art Idol, Brad Holland

2007-02-13T18:22:00.000Z

I had the fortune of being taught by Brad Holland my last semester at school, and for those of you who don't know...he's a genius. It was really cool to listen to his thought process and how he approached his art. He was one of the major illustrators that turned the illustration world towards conceptual art. He's absolutely one of my favorites so you need to check out his website (you can get there quick by clicking on my links to the side.) Anyway...he talked a lot about symbolism and how it's useful in helping the audience understand what you are trying to say visually, but not to overdo it. He specifically mentioned (over and over and over again) that "$" signs are way overused and drawings that depend on such clichés are conceptually weak no matter how visually appealing.

Our assignment was to illustrate an article about doctors profiting from pharmaceutical interests. (Something like that...it's been awhile.) So I tried to find an image that would be less cliché... but used the stereotypical "$" sign anyway. It was a bit irritating at the time and, though I like the way Dr. Dollar looks, I think I could have come up with a better way of getting the idea across. Anyhow, in the end this is what I came up with, and Brad seemed to like it, so what do I know?

Political illustration is less of the direction I want to go in...but I had fun drawing this anyway.

(This is Brad Holland's piece)

You are what you eat.

2007-02-12T13:49:00.001Z

I was the pickiest eater as a little kid. No liver, no fish, no cooked carrots, no nuts, no hardboiled eggs, no onions. You name it, I refused to eat it. These days I'll eat just about anything, but I have to say that I stick with my pickyness in regards to cannibalism. That's just plain gross.

Itchy Wig

2007-02-05T14:13:00.000Z

It never ceases to amaze me what people will do to "look good." I can't imagine the shoulder cramps one might have receieved while wearing a two foot high wig. (I flattened the wig a bit for my character in order to make him a bit more comfortable.)
Yet, sadly, this odd trend of wearing the most uncomfortable articles of clothing in order to be fashionable is not something of the mere past. We've been torturing ourselves to look good since the dawn of time, i.e. horribly uncomfortable pointy shoes with the thinnest stiletto... How can that prop up any normal-sized human body? Corsets, foot-binding, gaged earings, etc. But I suppose to some it's worth it... (Strange)

Ilustration Friday: Twist-ed

2007-01-31T18:37:00.001Z

One of my favorite book series hands down would have to be the Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander. In the second book of the series, "The Black Cauldron," we meet three of the coolest characters in the series. Orduu, Orwen and Orgoch are three nasty witches who are great because they are neither antagonists nor protagonists. So actions of these twisted characters are only driven by selfish motives, which makes them unnervingly unpredictable. (If you are a children's fiction fan...I strongly suggest reading this book series.)
This book is incredibly visual, but I've been a big fan of witches my entire childhood, so it was fun to construct what these weird ladies might have looked like.

Anyway... More later.

Thanks for visiting...