ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ CAPABLE

A newborn elephant must be CAPABLE of standing and nursing very soon after birth.  The dangers that are present for newborn calves in the wild are always present.  This image is one from a dummy I am working on and this particular painting was finished today.  I can't tell if it will change before the dummy is complete, but I know that the journey in creating the illustrations for this book will be a very satisfying one.

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ MAIL

©Ginger Nielson

It is almost time....

Soon enough the bears will return to their warm cozy forest places for a long winter's sleep...and we can once again put up the bird feeders.

The Fox and the Grapes

My family name is Fox, and this week is my mom's birthday. For her birthday we try to find cards with Foxes on them, but since I could not find one ... I made one instead. There is something so beautiful about the red fox and at the same time so elusive.  They are in the forest here but we have only seen one in the past  6 years.

In the sketch I had drawn some grasses and reeds, but decided that I would rather have the contrast of a cool stone wall instead.   My next project for the fox is to find him some chickens to chase.  Don't worry, he won't catch any.

A Bear went into the woods

©Ginger Nielson 2010

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ PERSPECTIVE

Taking a page or two from My African Bedtime Rhymes, by Brettell Hone, published by Shamwari Publishing, the first illustration shows a fly resting on the water.

Soon to be chased by two young trout he finds a safer resting place above.

©Ginger Nielson

The POSTER

Recently I learned that Overnight prints was offering Poster prints at 11 X 17 inches. I decided to try this out and was rewarded with the most beautiful prints! The color is perfect and the effect is fantastic. Well worth the money spent and there are always coupons available for discounts. If you have a book to promote or artwork you want to sell as posters this might be right for you as well.

Since I photographed this in natural light in the studio, it may not be as vivid as it is in real life, but I am really happy with the quality.

A little more Black and White

Sometimes you might wonder why your mail looks a little the worse for wear. It is the Holiday seasonal helpers, I am sure.

And I am also sure that some of the help has a distraction or two.

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ WISE

Ah, the owl is known to be wise, but our fast escaping mouse is wise as well. Too quick for the owl this night, he will scurry into his burrow and hide safely until morning. Now who is the wise one?
~ From the book I just finished illustrating, by Brettell Hone, "My African Bedtime Rhymes" published by Shamwari publishing in South Africa.~

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.

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ PACKED

With his cheeks packed for the journey to the mouse hole, Hector faced an unpleasant delay.

Mothers always know best

When it comes to soothing a scraped knee, mothers always know best.


©Ginger Nielson 2007