Lawton Elementary School Mural

On the eve of the first day of the Seattle schools' summer, I feel calm, happy, and dead tired. This is the big mural project that has consumed much of my life since May 1st.

I must add how fortunate I feel to have been a part of this. The Lawton Elementary playground mural was in need of updates. One of the teachers in charge of making it happen asked if it was anything I would be interested in or had experience with. Sure, I'd painted some murals. Oh yeah- also they wanted to have every student (430 kids) be involved. I said "No sweat." Right?

The organization and execution of this gargantuan thing was made possible by some very amazing faculty and volunteers at Lawton. I was a little daunted at first, but it happened. We did some planning, we did some talking, I outlined, the kids painted. We finished. (1100 sq. ft) It was so easy.

Here are a few photos of the process and the end result.

Yeah Lawton, High fives all around!

Seattle Spring SCBWI Conference

I am so happy to share that I will be able to attend the Seattle SCBWI conference this year: http://www.cvent.com/events/23rd-annual-writing-and-illustrating-for-children-conference/event-summary-0904b113bc5c48679288c065d709a123.aspx

There is such a great line up for this one, as usual.

I am having a great time adding a few new pieces to my portfolio, and will attempt to construct my own portfolio binder. I will let you know how that turns out.

Here is a new black and white illustration that ties in with my "Sea Captain" story, which is still just forming, but not going away. The nieces come to stay for a while.

What have you been up to? Any other conference goers out there?

SCBWI Illustrator Show downtown Seattle: October 2013- January 2014

If you are downtown Seattle and like illustration, children's books and/or art; you really ought to head to the Washington State Convention center. This show is great, and your friend here (me) has a piece on the wall too!

Hats off to the wondrous Jessixa Bagley for her piece above on show poster- and to ALL the illustrators in the exhibit.

In the mean time- my advice: throw a party, invite the fall leaves and go crazy.