An INVITATION

The Picture Bookies, a group of illustrators dedicated to creating imaginative stories and art for children began a group blog about two years ago. This blog featured the artwork of 50 talented children's illustrators. As a weekly feature we have enjoyed the particpation of so many and been amazed at the magnificent artwork presented there. For the time being the gallery is closed to any new submissions, but will remain online as a show case well worth visiting. Be sure to stop in and spend some time wandering the halls of the Picture Bookies Showcase.

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ ROUTINE

The happiest days of the year are back. The morning routine begins again. And Christopher says, "Mari, I know you are going to miss me today, but you can take my truck with you if it makes you feel better."

THANK YOU MONICA

Wow!  The amazing and talented (dog lover extrordinaire) Monica has kindly awarded me this lovely tribute. I DO love dogs...and all kinds of animals, but mostly dogs...cats a little bit too, or was that a "litter bit," anyway, I am honored as is Henry HoundDog. We know there are many other dog loving illustrators out there and I want to pass this award on to them. They are free to honor others with the award. Stop by their blogs, (and Websites) and you will know why it is so worth the time you spend viewing their artwork.
Paige
Sherry
Kate
Amy
Roz

A new Book out soon...

©Ginger Nielson 2008for Shamwari Publishing

I am happy to say that the book I just finished illustrating for Shamwari Pubishing in South Africa is at the printers and should be available in bookstores by November... at least that is what it looks like now. The book is written in verse by Brettell Hone of the Limpopo Province in South Africa. There he has been able to observe animals in their native habitat for many years and is sharing his knowledge in "My African Bedtime Rhymes." My blog will announce the actual release date, but in the meantime here is one of the images of the silly secretary bird attempting to jump on a snake.

By the way, Shamwari means "Friend"

Working late...

Sometimes the family responsibilities and illustration assignments take a full days of juggling. But late at night I like the solace of my sketchbook. These are some of those late night sketches that will hopefully make their way to the painting stage or at least a more finished state. There are times when I really don't know where a sketch is going to take me, where it will end up, or if I will just toss it away and start again. These two survived, and I will want to continue to work on them in some way.

Somtimes we dream

©Ginger Nielson

Work in PROGRESS

©Ginger Nielson 2008

A Study for some work in progress.  The Big Five are a favorite of photographers and, unfortunately for the animals, hunters seek them as well.

Cat out of the bag

Every wonder what a cat is thinking before it jumps into that paper bag?
©Ginger Nielson 2008

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ SAIL

©Ginger Nielson 2008

"WAIT !!!! you forgot the cat!"

The Sweetest Surprise

Today after a drive home from VT to visit my mom, I found a little package on our front porch.
Since I hadn't ordered anything I wondered who could have sent anything. To my delight it was from
JULIA KELLY'S MOONFLOWER STUDIO.

Julia, a terrific fabric illustrator has been a friend for quite a while now, and we often exchange views on each other's artwork, kids, and life in general. I had told her the story of our oldest child, Catherine who played the part of an Angel in the live Christmas pageant at our church. While the adults and others stepped inside out of the cold she was left in charge of the wayward sheep. Of course it got loose and went running through the parking lot outside the church. Our little girl ran after it praying all the while that the angels and saints and the good Lord would help her catch it. And she did. By the time the adults reassembled outside all the actors and "that sheep" were placed accordingly within the live Nativity.

My undying thanks to JULIA KELLY for her creation and for the loving gift she has given to me and my daughter, now grown, but still an angel!

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ POOF