Mabel and Elky Ride the Orphan Train

Mabel & Elky is now with the printers. This new picture book published by the National Orphan Train Complex is due out in late October, early November. 

This story is based on the true story of a little girl and her toy elephant who rode a train from New York City to Missouri to find a new family as part of the Orphan Train Movement.

I've learned so much through this project: about the orphan train movement, the stories of the riders, about book production and increased my skills as an illustrator through hours and hours and hours of painting. : )

Assignment - 25 Painted Paper Cards

    I've given myself an assignment to create 25 painted paper collage cards.

    I really like painted paper collages. I've been wanting to create some for awhile and finally started making them on my travels this past year. I use gouache and watercolor paints on whatever paper is handy: junk mail, receipts, papers from the past that can be recycled...anything. Sometimes, I put down a base of lines or designs first using ink, crayon, watercolor pastel, or pencil...basically anything that will make marks. I create stacks of painted paper. That process alone is so relaxing and satisfying.

   So far, I've finished 9 in my goal of 25. You should try it...so fun.
   Here are a few of my finished pieces.

        

Behind the Book Workshops

 

   Late July and early August, I enjoyed working with Behind the Book as a teaching artist. I've worked with this wonderful nonprofit literacy organization since 2007 as a visiting author/illustrator. This summer, I added teaching artist to my resume with them. : )

I had the pleasure of working with students on art projects around the books they were reading and studying. The books and art projects included: I Am Yoga by Susan Verde inspired watercolor paintings; Something's Fishy by Kevin McCloskey inspired undersea mobiles; Sea Creatures from the Sky by Ricardo Cortes inspired deep sea water color, wax resist, sea salt paintings; My Mummy is an Engineer by Kerrine Bryan inspired assemblage sculptures; and The Honeybee Man by Lela Nargi inspired mixed media collages.

   What a wonderful time! : )

June Workshops in Kansas

I had the pleasure of spending June at the Lawrence Arts Center in Lawrence, Kansas, where I lead multiple workshops that included: 3 weeks of Make a Play workshops with 1st - 4th grade creators who wrote plays, made costumes and props, designed and drew posters, and performed their own plays and songs. Each group and each performer was wonderful. They all worked so hard and shared their ideas and talents bravely. I also lead an Acting for Dancers Workshop with 14-19 year old dancers. I loved watching these people who move so beautifully understand that the energy, intention and emotion behind a dance are what makes it more engaging for the audience and the performer. They did great. And lastly, I had the honor of leading my Creative Courage workshop for staff of the Lawrence Arts Center. I think they appreciated and needed a workshop that allowed them to give themselves some attention...they work amazingly hard and are so lovely...I was happy to give them some tips on giving to themselves. : )