Ooooooooo,...... On their way...

Witches and ghosties and cats OH My!!

Broom sticks are ready to take to the sky.

Scampering quickly on child like feet,

Get out your candy and give them a treat!

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ REPAIR

Henry Houndog needed a repair after jumping before looking. Chasing rabbits is great fun, but you need to watch out for sticker bushes when you are 'hunting.'

Children dancing study

I have been experimenting with some groups of children and refining the irksome details. When I get them right I want to place them in a larger painting...if they cooperate.

Studys

I have been experimenting with some groups of children and refining the irksome details. When I get them right I want to place them in a larger painting...if they cooperate.

Changing times...

With the economy changing in many ways and directions, and with the children's book industry, bookstores, and others competing for attention from buyers, sellers, publishers and consumers, it is a good time to take a look at your portfolio if you are an illustrator. Wise words to this effect were posted by Kristi Valiant on the Picture Bookies Blog.

There is also an article there by Kate Rietz that you will find interesting.

At the same time that we spiced up the Picture Bookies blog, I decided to make some changes on this blog as well. The new banner image is a version of an illustration I am currently working on. Not complete as yet, I am enjoying the process.

More to SMILE about

We have something to SMILE about. All the new articles and postings on the Picture Bookies Blog. If you list Blogs to Follow, you might want to add this one to your following. The artists who contribute to this blog are all members of the Picture Bookies, a group of professional illustrator/authors dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults through words and pictures.
With thanks to Sherry Rogers we have brightened up our blog with a new banner which will change "spots" from time to time.
Interesting articles, words to the wise, hints for productivity in an ever changing economic climate and just great art await you at the Picture Bookies Blog.

Coming Soon... MY AFRICAN BEDTIME RHYMES

My African Bedtime Rhymes, by Brettell Hone is now in print!
Very soon this book will be available in the US. Right now it is in the pre order stage, but I just read a really nice review and wanted to share it. The author of this book was raised in South Africa in the closest proximity to the animals he writes so effortlessly about. A rhyming story this book invites young and old(er) to enjoy the habits of some of Africa's well known and lesser known wildlife. You can read the review HERE.

Soon to follow this book is another, also by Brettell Hone,  THE BIG FIVE COME ALIVE, and I am just as excited about that one as it features some of the wildest creatures and is a challenge to illustrate but a joy as well.

I feel extremely fortunate to have been chosen for these exciting assignments.  I am sure that all illustrators understand the wonderful journey we take when we begin a new illustration project. The research always leads to new learning just as process that we use to create the illustrations always leads to new growth.

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ LATE

At this time of year it gets dark very early...better not be out too late!

King Louie, the Lazy

©Ginger Nielson 2008

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ STRING

©Ginger Nielson 2008

I also have a STRING of books on my bookshelves. What do you have on yours? or, more to the point, what TYPE of books do you save. Take the fun POLL on the right of this blog and let your voice be heard.

Cookie?

If you ever wondered why they call them "HOUNDS" wonder no more.

Everyone needs a "following....."

The Ladies who Lunch

Maybe they are the "ladies who lunch" or maybe the ladies who "lunge." Fall weather can be so unpredictable.

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ SUGARY-( the Pettifour-Pinafore )

Ameila and her grandma spent the whole morning creating sugary pettifours. They were having a lot of company for a special luncheon.

     " I wish I could eat just one or maybe two and then serve our guests, 

 because if we serve them all, they look so good that there won't be any left."
     "I know, and that's too sad isn't it." said grandma. 
      Ameilia thought for a while.
     "I know, we can share them! But, before we do I must have just one!"
     Amelia's grandma smiled and  let her choose the perfect one and then she said,
"I have an idea Amelia. Let's paint some designs on your pinafore. Then you will always have a SUGARY reminder of what we baked today."
    " A delicious idea!" exclaimed the child, and together Ameilia and her grandmother painted delightful designs on her pinafore.

  " What a nice way to remember this day!" grandma hugged Amelia and they carried the tray of sugary delights into the dining room to wiat for their guests.

Signs of the season

This is also the time of year that the monarch butterflies are getting ready for their trip south.

I took photos of the field of milkweed plants where I found the caterpillar and a newly emerged butterfly.




  This caterpillar is a bit late getting started on his chrysalis, but he will soon be enclosed in a gorgeous turquoise shell and emerge as a stunning flying creature.  Up here we have many adults and students that gently tag the butterflies so that their progress can be followed from season to season.  You can learn morehere.

Be sure to visit the amazing site above and check all the links for some fantastic views of the caterpillar metamorphosis in still and animated images. It is a great science lesson for kids and adults.

Are you Ready?

It's getting close to that time of year....

©Ginger Nielson 2008

It is beginning...

We have been waiting for fall to finally arrive in COLOR. It has been here but just sat around doing not too much. Now, however, we are beginning to see the painted leaves in small batches here and there... and every once in a while something spectacular lands in the grass. Where these beauties come from I have no idea, since there isn't a tree like this near our house. But this visitor is most welcome.