Saturday, January 25, 2014

New Blog

I've started a new Blog at MStella - Illustration.  It's not that I really want a new blog to manage, but needed a website, and needed a link that I can put onto Facebook that stays away from any personnel discussions, angst, etc etc.  Purely artwork and illustration.  It'll undergo many design changes in the future, in fact I'll probably be looking for someone to help me with that project.

So whew.

I hated the fact that this blog, which is personal, would be exposed to Facebook  - where I am connected to people at work.  So this answers both needs I think, and it's a relief to get it done.

And I'd love your comments and suggestions on the new space.

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Getting ready for the Next Challenge

I have, with great trepidation, signed up and paid for a conference in NYC for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.  I want to see what that world is like, I know I'll be overwhelmed with the talent that is out there, but I want to see it all. Plus it's a chance to go to NYC for a few days, see some old friends and have an egg-cream if nothing else.

But, part of what I am doing involves have a critique of my (non-existant) portfolio.   I don't think cobbling together little sketches will make for a great portfolio.  So I am trying to beef it up (past two pages!) and have something that can be meaningfully critiqued.

To that end, I am working on one or two sketches for a few stories.    I'm starting with Peter and the Wolf.  I always loved that story and music, the first time I heard it was at the Children's Symphony at the Brooklyn Academy of Music conducted by none other than Leonard Bernstein.   And he explained to so beautifully to the kids, I just adored it and him.  So I decided to start there.

I'll add some Water Lily Girl pics, and "Dad and his Pizza" and some other stuff.  I don't know what to expect, so I'll just bring what I can.

Pencil sketches below.  I plan to show the sketches and some finished work from each series. (oohh, I just noticed how small the head is in the first shot, gotta go work on that)




(I really think I need a new scanner ) 

If anyone has any experience with this type of conference or critique  - let me know! 

Thanks for stopping by and Happy New Year to all!!!