old cabin sketch

©2008

Finished lily pads

©2008

This is a gift for my friend Emily who is moving to Vancouver at the beginning of next month to go to school.

Here's some of my painting process:

Ost Est Ima gig poster

©2008

This is a gig poster I just finished for a local metal band. They wanted a Russian propaganda poster and this was my take on it.

1 down, 9 to go

I taught my first children's book class tonight and I think it went well. Tonight I mostly talked, but next week we draw. I can't wait.

Sketch of my hubby's hand

©2008

New Challenge

One of the possibilities that I was referring to in my last post has become official. I have accepted a teaching position at the Alberta College of Art and Design for an extended education class on Children's Book Illustration. I'm really excited for a new challenge. I feel like I have gained a lot of knowledge and experience over the years and have a lot to offer other people who are interested in children's books and the whole process.

It's an evening class, two and a half hours a week, so I'm keeping my day job and of course I'll be continuing my freelance pursuits. I start this Thursday. Wish me luck!

naked lady

2008 is off to a great start. The future seems to be filled with so many possibilities and it's exciting. I feel good and I feel inspired.

I really want to draw more this year. I'm always trying to draw more but it can be tough to find the energy when you have a full time job. Last night I went to a drop in figure drawing class with my very talented friend, Karen Klassen (to anyone who hasn't visited her blog, you must. It's amazing: www.karenklassen.blogspot.com). It felt so good to exercise my people drawing muscle. The model was great, lots of variety in her poses and she had a very round and curvy body that was fun to sketch. Here are some of my drawings from last night:


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lily pads

©2008

The good stuff from 2007

• I've felt more motivated and creative than ever before
• steady increase in illustration clients and work
• got my first illustration client outside of Canada (Utne Reader)
• illustrated and designed my first children's book
• my closest girl friend returned after spending a year in Australia and stayed with me for about a month and a half which was so nice
• saw parts of BC that I'd never visited
• discovered my new cooking specialty: spicy pineapple-lime chicken
• made some important decisions about what I want to do in my life and have started to take steps to get there
• married my best friend.

Happy Holidays!

Today was my last day of work before Christmas. I'm off for a week and I'm so grateful for the break. The boy and I are going to North-East Saskatchewan to spend Christmas with family.

I will be unable to take on any new illustration jobs until December 31st.