A revision ... coming together slowly

©Ginger Nielson 2009

This is a revision of an earlier piece. I am working on adding new elements and refining the finished painting.

Behind every tree...

©Ginger Nielson 2009

Behind every tree lies a secret. Some are more interesting than others.

If you have a good enough imagination you will find those secrets. But will you be brave enough to continue the adventure? Will you be imaginative enough to see what others cannot?

Sometimes you just can't sleep

I spent so much time being awake thinking of this image, that it was the first thing I did in the studio today.
I am sure that happens to many of my illustrator friends. You just can't let it go and it nags at you until you
give the image some time. Here is the rough sketch and the image.

©Ginger Nielson 2009

Now children, never do this....

This is one of the illustrations from a book by Brettell Hone, that I had the pleasure of illustrating. The entire experience was a learning one for me and a delight to work with Brettell who is an amazing story teller. MY African Bedtime Rhymes has recently been reviewed again by the Wandering Educators.

This is one of my favorite illustrations for several reasons. I liked the action in the story, and love the sunset colors I was able to use. And I enjoyed researching crocs and African watering holes. There are some great animal cams on AFRICAM.com. You have to go there early in the day as the animals are usually asleep by the time we get to our afternoon.

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ STRONG

It's not magic!

Fresh air, sunshine and vitamins have a direct effect on one's health.

So what do you do in your spare time?

QUESTION: What DO you do in your "spare time?"
In addition to trying my best to keep my work fresh and to keep learning and inventing new ways to show emotion and a little story within each illustration,
I also write articles. Several have been printed in the New England Scbwi Regional Newsletter.

I do this mostly to keep my own mind moving in the right direction, but also to provide just a little help perhaps for someone new to illustration or someone who needs a hint or word to the wise ( or a kick in the .....) . You can find all the articles on my website along with some links to other artists, my sketchbook and online portfolios. Happy reading *:)

Now my question to you dear illustrators... what do you do in your spare time that could benefit other illustrators?

The Truth about Mermaids

©Ginger Nielson 2009