Character Studies

These are some character studies of a bear, from my sketchbook.

Childhood Camping Memories

Summer is camping time, and I have been thinking back on the memorable times camping when I was a kid. 

Here are a few sketches about such times:

When we complained of being bored at the campsite, suddenly fire wood needed to be collected.

Snack breaks.

Canned meats.

Making stuff, "living off the land"

Some people had different priorities when they packed for camping.

T.P. in the wilderness.

Marshmallows of course. Staring into the flames of course. Smoke in the eyes and soot on the face no doubt.

I remember one camping trip with a friend and her family, we brought our bikes and in the evening we biked around the campsite loop with our camp friends until as long after sundown as we could. We felt so mature and free.

Tent secrets and giggling- Lots and lots of giggling.

New Picture Book Dummy

I have been working on a new picture book dummy- here are a few sketches and "finals".

Sister Sketch

Little League, Big League

Springtime reminds me of my little league days. I sketched this last night, a self portrait of my stint on the Schuylerville Allstars.

I feel like reminiscing a little more, if you don't mind. I would also love to hear about any memories you have of little league- or just something of spring.

Some of my best/ most vivid little league memories: 

1. At the beginning of each season we got man sized trucker hats with our uniforms. We always wondered why. Maybe the trucker hats were more affordable.

2. Big League Chew was the coolest- but actually gross- it lost all flavor before you could count the third pitch.

3. One time a big game was about to start but I was starving so I ate a hot dog really fast and choked. My mom's friend Faith tried the heimlich maneuver which didn't work so she had to stick her fingers down my throat to sweep the hot dog out. This in front of a lot of people, and I didn't feel like such a hot shot anymore. It was nice to breathe again.

4. There was a giant mulberry tree next to my team's home field. We'd make ourselves sick off berries.

5. It was fun to play baseball! 

Do you have any memories to share of little league or spring traditions?

I Have The Power!

Sketch from a dummy book I'm working on. 

Taking Some Time

It feels like it has been a while since I posted much, but I have been working a lot. I will be excited to share news of my projects when I can. For now here is a warm up exercise from last night.

Congratulations to Jon Klassen

Some of you are likely aware that Jon Klassen recently won a Caldecott medal for his book This is Not My Hat at the 2013 ALA Mid-Winter Convention which was held at Seattle Public Library this past weekend.  He and Mac Barnett also received an honor for their book Extra Yarn. I am very happy for Mr. Klassen, - his books are so enjoyable and beautiful (and congrats to all of the other winners!)

 Jon Klassen made a library visit in Seattle earlier in 2012 for the release of This is Not My Hat which I took my 2 little ones to. I made a sketch of Jon and his bear from I Want My Hat Back while he was reading the book. 



Yeah, when I flipped back to this sketch entry I noticed my random note: "So I guess this answers your first question: did he have a hat on? Yes."- Which he did, which I had wondered.

Anyway, just cool. This and getting books signed while trying to chit chat and then the knowledge that he was back in this great city to get the award. Kinda nice.

Some of my favorite Klassen pictures: