Ice Cream Emergency

©Ginger Nielson 2011

Little Charley Thornpaws ~ Sticker pages

This is another set of stickers that matches the new book, "Little Charley Thornpaws."
To download this set just CLICK HERE.  You will go directly to the PDF which you can either print from the site or download to SAVE on your desktop for printing later.

These stickers will print on AVERY Large Round Labels # 5294.  Some of the stickers are left as
line drawings so you can color them in yourself with markers, colored pencils or even with your paints.

Coming this Fall from Stemmer House Publishers

©Ginger Nielson 2010

I have been allowed to share more information about the book I illustrated, Daniel and the Harmonica,

written by Robert Dubreuil.  It is scheduled for release this fall and should make a wonderful addition to any library, school or child's bookshelf.  Just what can happen when  you are given a harmonica with a secret message? You can see and read more here on my webpage.

Let it Snow!

©Ginger Nielson 2010

We are having a beautiful snowy day here in NH. It is supposed to snow for the next couple of days but, mainly for us, a lighter snowfall of only 8-10 inches. Right now we have the best kind of snow. Light, fluffy, blowing around, easy to shovel snow has covered all that we had previously shoveled. Clearing pathways for Henry is easy when we have this kind of snow. And Henry stands and waits for me to create more and more running space for him. This is a dog that hates to get his feet wet.

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.

"

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ CAUTION

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

.... and then, the doorbell rang!

"Oh wait!.... One of them is missing. Is that him ringing the doorbell again?

But take heart... it could be worse!



Or Worse yet!

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ SUBTRACT

©Ginger Nielson 2009

Olive's in a pickle

She needs a dime or nickel

Something to subtract

from a piggy always packed

Alas today she's finding nuttin'

Just one lonely orange button.

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ CELEBRATE

Time to celebrate... in song...





at the fair...




and just way out wonderful! This last image is in Picture Book on Page 56. I was really disappointed, however in the color quality and the way they cut off the bottom of the image. So at least here you can see the full image.

ILLUSTRATION FRDAY ~ FLAWED II

AND while I was turned away from the computer...probably outside with Henry....
Kathy Weller awarded me this lovely tribute. It comes with a rule, however, I must reveal 7 things I love and pass on the award. If you are so inclined, play along with us!


Seven things I love.....
1.) My family, of course, everyone of them from the oldest (94) to the youngest, (just one year) at least that is the youngest we are currently aware of.
2.)MAGIC... I don't care how simple the trick, I love magic and I love to keep guessing and I love to be totally stumped!
3.)Being an illustrator of children's books. My life long dream came true and I am living it.
4.)Chocolate...this has a place on any list I create. It often winds up on the shopping list too.
5.)Dogs...they are so loyal and loveable. I could name them all but then I would be out of blog space.
6.)Teaching. I really enjoy working with young people, little ones especially, but all age groups have a special place in my heart.
7.)Friends...without my dear friends and their support I might not find the constant joy that I do even on a bad day.

And in turn I will award this Kreativ Blogger Award to the following artist friends in the hopes that they also have time to play along.

BRON SMITH
ROBERTA BAIRD
PAIGE KEISER
VALERIE WALSH
ANETTE HEIBERG
ALINA CHAU

Be sure to visit their websites, you are in for a treat..... and check out my blog list of artist friends they are all AWESOME!!!

Polar Moms

When I am working on B&W line illustrations, as I am now for a new Chapter book, I often need to take a break by creating something in color.

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~VACANT

~ Sometimes they would go to the VACANT lot to feed the ducks.  But when the bag of bread was VACANT the ducks would become impatient.  Because Ethan was so much smaller than Jennie he would cling to her for support and protection.    All would end well when the ducks grabbed the bread that fell instead of the tender fingers that had tried to feed them.

PS~   I am aware that this is a stretch of the subject, but I have been working on this one illustration for several days, and wanted it to 'fit.'  It is the fifth version of a much earlier work.  Sometimes when  you think you have a good image and look at it a year later you can see a new way to create the mood.  That is what happened with my old "duckpond" illustration.   I think I may have it where I want it, but who knows it may resurface again at some point.

So.... Kate asked about the original. This is it. It was okay, but I wanted to feature the children a bit more and create an Asian influence.

First I resketched the children and made them larger than in the first illustration.



Next I completely changed the background. I wanted it to be more parklike and even though I did try it with a city scape in the distance I liked the final version better.

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.

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ CLIQUE

They had been together since Kindergarten..... They traded peanut butter sandwiches for carrots, and carrots for twinkies.
The little group shared a common interest. It was how they formed the most amazing clique.

Quickly done in line and digital watercolor. Sometimes the ideas come too fast to slow down.

The Peace Kids

The first two books I illustrated were done about 8 years ago for the talented Robert Alan Silverstein who works closely with various Peace organizations and the UN to promote peace. The first little book was printed in paperback and is now online and translated into over 17 languages. The message of Peace and how children can help to bring it about has been brought to millions of people world wide.



I am honored that the Gulf Coast Women's Club of Panama City Florida is planning an exhibit for their International Day of Peace Celebration that will include images from the books I illustrated for the People for Peace. One Day In Peace-2000, Peace Day and the Peace Department feature children of the world who meet in cyberspace, much as we are doing now. Their goal is to promote peace in various ways.

You can read all these books online at PEACE KIDS.

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ MULTIPLE

Multiple snow storms did not phase Mrs. Rosario. It wasn't shopping for multiple items at the grocery store. It wasn't even having to feed multiple mouths. The thing that required her to engage the services of a Nanny was getting all six children dressed to go out before any one of them began undressing again.

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY~Discovery

Isn't everything you can discover at the Zoo... a wonderful thing! It really doesn't matter which side of the fence you are on either.


©Ginger Nielson 2007

Your comments below are truly appreciated, or you can Email Me ~ at
Ginger*:)

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ "I SPY"

Here's lookin' at you kid!

And if you have come this far, and you love picture book artwork, you owe it to yourself to hop on over to the

Picture Bookies Showcase

and view the wonderful selection from this week's gallery.