Summer Fruit on a grid

So this assignment is to draw on a grid. I want to do this again. But I thought this was good start. Next time I will not use the black fine liners so much.

My Garden Shed

I hope to draw this shed many more times. I am only now getting around to spending any real time in the garden. It is overwhelming to tend so many areas. And it is discouraging to spend an hour gardening an not be able to see that anything was done. The front yard has been my focus this year. I planted a rock garden and replanted a hill side with Seanothus. Now I am getting rid of a small dead tree that has been in a huge planter out front. I have no idea what to plant their next. Perhaps something tall and majestic.  I think the trick with gardening is to just worry about one area at a time. Results are what we are after and what is so motivating.

As for this drawing, I am pleased. It is far from perfect but I can see my personal progress over the years and so I sense my own growth. It has been good to keep the focus. And this is always a good thing.

Breathing Lessons

Who's the boss?

Just got back from Costco to buy my lab a new bed, but looks like the Boss  Cat came into check it out. Rita doesn't to share but is too polite to ask her to leave!

More practice painting fruit.

Sketch Skool

The following are results on an online course I am taking in keeping a visual diary. It is brought to you by Danny Gregory called Sketchbook School. Here is the web site. http://www.sketchbookskool.com

I have been sketching everyday since July 4th will continue for 6 full weeks.

Painting my Garden Pots

Results of an on-line art class I just finished with Diane Culhane.

It's NOT Just a Dog! by Pam Torres

 

 Here is the Cover Art for the book that Roxane and I just illustrated for Pam Torres. Below is a bit about the story. If you are looking for a good book for your middle school student to read this summer. Head over to Amazon to order. You won't be disappointed!

In the second book of the Project Madison series, things get complicated as Madison and Cooper try to navigate their new relationship. School has ended and they're spending more time together, blogging, working at the kennel, training dogs—including Lilly. When Jonah, the new neighbor who has moved into Paige's old house, begins to spend more time with Madison, Cooper isn't at all happy.  Jonah's uncle, a Native American, shares his knowledge about Madison's power to see and feel canine memories and emotions. The mysterious white wolf returns and fills her mind with dreams and more questions. Madison starts a dog-walking business and discovers Ben, a crotchety old man whose dog is skin and bones. When the kennel receives a dog that has been brutally injured, Madison is determined to find out what happened. She and Cooper realize they're going to need Jonah and Donald to bust this investigation wide open and save the dogs. But getting to the bottom of the mystery will threaten not only Madison, but everyone she loves

The Calophons

These are chapter headings for a book I just finished illustrating with my good friend Roxane Stoner. It was a lot of work but also a great deal of fun. I was read to do this! But it was great to make the plunge, do a few belly flops and yes somehow learn to swim! I couldn't have done this with out Roxane and I think the feeling is mutual. Large projects are often better and more fun with help.  We each brought to the table our own unique set of skills.

Pam Torres, the author of the book is a very talented writer who has real insight into the mind of young people. She has captured my own memories of what it was like to be 12 years old and I am sure she would capture yours as well. The name of the book is "It's Not Just a Dog" by Pam Torres. It is part two of a two part series. We are just finishing up the illustration for the first book. I know, I know it is a little backward, but when I met Pam she was working on the second book and had the first one was already illustrated and published. We decided to do the new book first and now we are going back for a redo of the first so it will match. 

If you ever think you can't do something, think again and try anyway.