Heading to NESCBWI 2015 (Reflecting on ’14)

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At Russ Cox and Renee Kurilla Zulawnik’s fantastic sketchbook presentation

What a year it has been!  As I’m packing for this year’s New England Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators conference, I wonder what the weekend will hold.  I can count on learning a lot from the amazing presenters and keynote speakers.  There will be catching up and laughing with friends who I get to see too rarely.  There will be oodles of artwork to inspire and inspire self-doubt.  But what else?

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With Ruth Sanderson Receiving the R. Michelson Emerging Artist Award – Pretending not to be nervous.

Last year’s conference was an otherworldly experience.  When Ruth Sanderson called my name as winner of the R. Michelson Emerging Artist Award, I had to look at my pal, Russ Cox, to make sure I wasn’t hearing things.  To my horror, he looked at me and began to clap.  I quickly had to turn on the tunnel vision to step in front of a room of hundreds (the spotlight not being my perfect space).  My name was quickly called again for another honor that I didn’t even hear – tunnel hearing as well – and the world started spinning.  My conference experience quickly shifted from collegiality and education to congratulations from strangers, talking with agents, and attention I could not have prepared for.  My friends peppered me with jokes, and I even received a slow clap when stepping into the hotel watering hole.  If you’ve never received a slow clap while walking into a bar, well, I highly recommend it.  Thanks for that, Sean Bixby. Th is was just the beginning of a remarkable year, but that’s a post for another day.

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Holding up some paper with Marlo Garnsworthy. 🙂

So while I pack my bag, trying not to forget my laptop or socks, I wonder what will happen this weekend.  Who’s name is going to be called this year?  Who will be swept up in a whirlwind of attention and excitement.  I know so many who are deserving, and I root for them all.  No matter how things shake out, it’s always such a worthwhile experience.  Here we go NESCBWI 2015!

Bonus Illustration – Created for Zachary Barry Vasconcelos

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The 12 Drawings (and paintings) of Christmas

12 Drawings ContestShare, tweet, or reblog any of the 12 Drawings or Made of Lines in general, and be entered to win one of 3 prints (of your choosing of course). The more you share, the more chances you get. Tag me or email me so I know you’ve shared.

Click on any illustration to see the full post with larger images.


 

The 1st Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 1st Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 2nd Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 2nd Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 3rd Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 3rd Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 4th Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 4th Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 5th Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 5th Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

 

The 6th Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 6th Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 7th Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 7th Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 8th Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 8th Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 9th Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 9th Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 10th Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 10th Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 11th Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 11th Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 12th Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

The 12th Drawing of Christmas- Click to Enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12 Drawings of Christmas: December 24th

12 Drawings Contest: Share, tweet, or reblog any of the 12 Drawings or Made of Lines in general, and be entered to win one of 3 prints (of your choosing of course). The more you share, the more chances you get. Tag me or email me so I know you’ve shared.

Today’s image was inspired by one of my favorite movies by one of my favorite film makers, Hayao Miyazaki’s My Neighbor Totoro.

MNS-Sketch

My-Neighbor-Santa-Claus---Drawing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My-Neighbor-Santa-Claus---BackgroundMy-Neighbor-Santa-Claus---Final-PaintingMy-Neighbor-Santa-Claus---Cropped