Bicycling. One of my favorite activities is bicycling. Quick jaunt around the block. Miles down the bike trail. I'll take what I can get. My obsession started at a young age. When my five year old legs became too long for the tricycle my younger sister was anxious to inherit I took to catching a ride on the rack on the back of my older brother or sister's two wheeler. I didn't mind being their passenger around our neighborhood in Madison, as they could pedal farther and faster. The only … [Read more...] about Bicycle Built For Two
Snails
Curious creatures. Seemingly solitary individuals with their carry along shelter. They don't appear to be in a hurry, enjoying the space they are in. I don't know whether I can relate totally to that lifestyle. Lately it feels like I've been racing through each day trying to meet deadlines and take part in all the things I wish to. But I definitely enjoy the space I am in, enjoy some occasional solitude, and often appreciate moments when I don't feel in a hurry. I am a curious creature as … [Read more...] about Snails
Poetry. Language of Love.
Poetry, they say, is the language of love. I definitely think poetry is romantic. My Webster dictionary defines romantic as: 1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of romance. 2. Given to feelings or thoughts of romance. 3. Conducive to romance. 4. Imaginative but impractical: VISIONARY. 5. Not based on fact: IMAGINARY. 6. Of or characteristic of romanticism in the arts. Yes, I must confess, I am a romantic person. I am imaginative, and am especially given to creative visions in … [Read more...] about Poetry. Language of Love.
Smiling Faces
Quick Sketch. Sometimes a quick sketch is the best way to capture the character of the character you are trying to illustrate. Often a quick sketch is all I have time for in preparing for my post. But in this case it fulfilled a dual purpose. I have a sketch for my post and I have a sample of the main character for my next story. Down to Business. I could quick sketch all day. Let's face it, doodling is fun. But eventually I have to get down to the business of making choices for my … [Read more...] about Smiling Faces
Sketching Practices to Try.
Quick Sketch. Initial quick expressive sketching of characters keeps them alive and kicking. Or exhausted and moping as needed. A practice reinforced by Mallory Grigg, Senior Art Director at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, during a breakout session at the SCBWI Marvelous Midwest Conference held in Iowa this past weekend. Her suggestion of flour sack doodles and stretch and squish variations to reinvigorate the liveliness of our drawn characters was impactful. I quickly put the … [Read more...] about Sketching Practices to Try.