Back to School

It is back to school for the children in our town today.

I guess this class in "SPELLING" is an elective.

©Ginger Nielson

What do you feed a Unicorn?

This is the third in a series of five fantasy illustrations.

What do you feed a unicorn?

New mown hay filled with stardust.

©Ginger Nielson 2009

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ MAGNIFY

From the book I illustrated, THE ADVENTURES OF CALI here is Zachary a curious child with a love for nature and all kinds of creatures. His discovery of a tomato worm leads to a cross country airplane ride and the events that follow when he tries to feed and raise his "pet.

"

One more time... *:_

Another Review for My African Bedtime Rhymes has been posted and I am so happy that the book is getting attention for the beauty and humor of the rhymes along with my illustrations.
Working with a South African author has been such a marvelous and educational experience. Brettell Hone is truly gifted and has so much more to share.

The Ultimate Ride

This is the second in the Fantasy Series.

©Ginger Nielson 2009

READING IS COOL

Although this has a timely message, I am going to be doing a series of Fantasy illustrations. This is the first...more to come.

© Ginger Nielson 2009

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ CAUTION

Yes, it's a 'dog day afternoon,' but let's approach this activity with caution. *:)

What happens to Zebras when it gets too Hot?

That's what! And they dance a lot too!

©Ginger Nielson

Opening Night Gallery show

Our Son in law, Michael Leopold Schreiber ( aka Nigel) will have his first gallery showing of his Metal Work Sculpture on Sept. 4 at Atomic Tom's Gallery in Binghamton, NY. 196 State Street from 6-9pm. The opening will be special with goodies and treats for those who attend. If you are in the area or vacationing nearby that weekend, you will be pleasantly surprised by his incredible work. His own blog is coming soon, in case you miss the show you can still view his work online.

Just as an added attraction, Michael's dad is a well known master confectioner. Leopold Schreiber's chocolates are devine! I am sure you will find some at the opening night. If you want to drool browse Leopold's website.

The Bedroom Ate My Homework

Yes, it is that wonderful time of the year. Back to School!

©Ginger Nielson 2009

Adjusting to Differences

Sometimes we aren't all that different from one another ~

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ WRAPPED

Revison decision

I finally decided on this version... at least for today.

And yet... taking a second look at this one with fresh eyes, I think I will extend the boy outside the frame so we can see that he is holding on to a swing rope.

Revision continues

©Ginger Nielson 2009

Revisions are like dying your hair a new color only to discover you have to now change your entire wardrobe.
I have been making changes to this illustration for a couple of days now...hours and hours of decision making. It will all be worth it in the end, but right now it is a question of color, balance, how much , how little...you all know the drill.

Here are some snaps of the saga...maybe if I just add more kids I can use all the different outfits ~

Revision begins

This is the newer sketch for the image I am recycling from an earlier illustration. I loved the idea of just splashing into a cool stream or lake now that we have had a few summer days to enjoy.

A Lovely Interview

The author of the book I illustrated, "MY AFRICAN BEDTIME RHYMES", and I were recently interviewed by the Wandering Educators, A global community of educators sharing travel experiences. Every so often they will interview the authors and illustrators of children's books.

Brettell Hone the author, and I were interviewed and the results are on their website at:

Wandering Educators

I was especially pleased to contribute to this interview because the author has so much to offer children and adults in his tales from his home country. You will enjoy his comments, so I urge you to take a moment to read the interview. A collection of unusual animals populate these delightful rhymes.

Just PLANE fun!

School will soon begin, and with it all the wonderful new ideas, experiments and explorations.

©Ginger Nielson 2009

The equation for coasting may be compromised by the passenger George has chosen for his first experiment.

Announcing Michael L - Gallery Show

Our super son in law, Michael L will be having his first gallery show with an opening reception on Sept. 4. The show will be at Atomic Tom's Gallery in Binghamton, NY at 196 State St.and if you are anywhere in the area I am sure you will enjoy the sculpture he has to offer.

Summer Fun

Just another wonderful summer day....

©Ginger Nielson

This older version of some summer fun is going to be recycled and will appear soon in its new form... revised and hopefully done so for the better *:)

Just so NICE!

Today I looked at my blog and found this lovely award, sent to me by Sherry Rogers...who is not only a wonderful artist, but a gracious and giving one as well as my friend.

This award also comes with a few rules to follow:
Here's the rules for the award
Each Superior Scribbler must, in turn, pass the Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy buds.
Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.
Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to this post, which explains The Award.
Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List (!?) at the Scholastic-Scribe's blog. That way, we'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives this prestigious honor!
Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

___________

So now if you are willing to accept the award and follow the rules I cordially invite:

Nancy Lefko
Bron Smith
Penny Weber
Julia Kelly
Michelle Henninger

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ IMPATIENCE

Dragon surfing can be fun however......
Olivia and Elliott began to show their impatience to get home quickly as they slid further and further down Herbert's tail.

I received a truly lovely award today from my friend and talented artist, Michelle Henninger.

You can read about the history of this award here on Ces's blog. It was created by Ces in honor of her friend, Bella Sinclair, who tragically and suddenly lost her husband. Here is what Ces says about the award:

I designed this award to celebrate art in the blogs and to honor the value of friendship, sisterhood, sharing and caring. It is to be awarded to the gifted, accomplished, eloquent and talented blogger whose friendship and influence inspire us to do our best. That I named it after Bella Sinclair is because she epitomizes all of these things. She is an inspiration to many of us.

I would like to pass this award on to a few others who inspire me and create imaginative images and do so in the spirit of this award. These artists are truly gifted, talented and I am happy to consider them as friends. And while we consider sisterhood, let's not forget brotherhood.

Sherry Rogers

Amy Moreno

Diana DeLosh

Paige Keiser

Mark Hicks

Recycle

I have this sketch that is from a drawing I did a while ago. I am in the process of recycling it. I liked the subject but never really did much with the sketch. You may see an update in the coming weeks. It fits the fall theme now that children are beginning to get ready for school this fall. Up here we begin in late August. Snow days usually take their toll on our attendance and we don't want to be going to school in JULY!

And thanks to my friend Mark Hicks I have been warned about the rip offs of many illustrators' artwork.

Even at 72 dpi it seems that there are still those who delight in lifting and using artwork from wherever they find it. So unfortunately a lot of the work I post will have to have those watermarks posted on them, but I will try to make them light enough so you can enjoy the work. My suggestion is that all of us do something to protect our work. I won't go into details, but it is a good idea to document any work you put online and that includes the date you created it.

Our Postman

Our postman is patient and kind. I know this because I am in there so often sending out mailers, large envelopes, dummies and postcards. I know this too because I have seen how patient he is with the children who come to mail those very special letters and packages.

He has to wear a uniform, but he has the funnest ties!

The Grapevine Connection

Some scenes from practice and the stage set.

Our director is a talented musician and is also our choir director and organist. She could be a concert pianist, but she chooses to work with us and with the children of our community.

For the first day of Summer Theater Camp she engages the children in the FUN of performing and stresses that this is to be fun. They practice songs, movements and enjoy each others company. During the two weeks of camp they will learn about 10 different song productions, a series of stage directions, dialogue and finally perform the play for two nights to a full house. We average about 200 a night in our large parish hall/stage area.

Since the play is about the progress of communication from Way Back when the World Was new... up until today, I designed some basic graphics to show the areas of communication that are presented in the play.
The curtains aren't fully opened but the areas are Gossip, Alphabet, Newspapers, Pony Express, Morse Code, Telephone, Incandescent lighting, TV and computers.
Below are some closer views of the panels. They are 4 ft wide by 8 ft tall and the children are usually no more than 4 feet tall so the images will show up while they are onstage. They are meant to be a bit cartoony and very simple.

Finally ... a warm and lovely LAZY Summer Day

The Information Station ~ Stage set

Every Summer our community sponsors a Children's Summer Theater Camp through our church. This year the children are performing the Grapevine Connection. As a volunteer I am invited to paint any sets that are needed. This is a portion of our set this summer, The Information Station. The painting is 4feet by 8 feet and is one of the smaller areas I have painted over the past 5 seasons. Little chase lights shine through the holes in the flat when the "station" is activated.

Simplify ...

I decided to simplify and update my website. To make the navigation easier for a viewer and potential client, I grouped the animals and children together on one page. My feeling is that editors don't have a ton of time to sort through a number of galleries and by limiting the number of images and placing them in one group it may be beneficial.