Tanja Bauerle's Blog

Stevie's travels revealed

2012-02-06T12:27:00.000-08:00

Here's a painting I finished a week or two ago. I like where this is going and the process I'm using plus it's a fun surface to work on. The painting was done with Acrylic Gouache over a crackle paste base. Many, many layers but worth it in the end. What do you think?

Happy creating,
T.

Back in the saddle again...

2012-01-30T11:20:00.000-08:00

Finally, after the move and craziness of the holidays, I'm back to work on the next book. Wright On Time -Minnesota, which is book 5 of the series, is finally underway. Here is the cover for now. I've been drawing over the past week and an getting there with the interiors.

More coming soon.
T.

Chandler Christian School, Baby the Llama and Sheriff Joe Arpaio

2012-01-26T20:28:00.000-08:00

Today, I visited Chandler Christian School to participate in their annual "Have A Heart for Books Storybook Station." I was one of their "celebrity readers" spending a little while with the students and sharing with them my love for books. It is always so exciting to read to kids and talk to them about books and what it takes to create them. What a wonderful school and staff to bring such a great event to the students each year! I especially would like to thank first grade teacher, Rachel DeHaan, for organizing and inviting me to the event.

The highlight of the day for me, other than sharing with the kids, must have been Baby the llama. What a little sweetie. I fell in love with her and am now convinced that what our 3/4 acres is missing, is a llama. Oh, that's right, Sheriff Joe Arpaio was also there as a celebrity reader. I didn't get the chance to say hi to him but it was nice to see him being there for the kids.

Happy creating to you all,

Every child in America should have access to an effective school library program

2012-01-13T07:28:00.000-08:00

I received the following from my ARA Advocacy Chairperson, Michelle Parker-Rock. If you are so inclined to advocate for school libraries the following information may be of interest to you. I encourage you to sign the petition and forward the information on so that the needed number of signatures can be reached.

Thank you.
__________________________________________
Dear Colleagues,

Carl Harvey, 2011-2012 AASL president, has initiated a White House petition on school libraries, which specifically petitions the Obama administration to "ensure that every child in America has access to an effective school library program." 25,000 signatures are required in order for this petition to be viewed by White House staff, no later than February 4, 2012.

Please take a few seconds to sign this petition, spread the word to your member groups, ask your colleagues and library supporters in your circles to sign on, and spread the word via Facebook, Twitter and other channels!

The url is: http://wh.gov/Wgd .
A few things of note:

* We've heard that the petition software is temperamental. If you cannot sign in on your first attempt, please log out and log back in. Or, try a different web browser, or as a last resort, try a different computer.

* This petition should not be confused with a petition begun in 2011.

* White House petitions must be authored by individuals, not any association. Therefore, Carl has introduced this petition as an individual, not as a representative of AASL or ALA.

Thank you,

Marci Merola
Marci Merola, Director
Office for Library Advocacy
American Library Association
50 E. Huron Street, Chicago, IL, 60611

Finally back to painting...

2012-01-12T10:13:00.000-08:00

It is so exciting to finally have a functioning studio again. We've been moving so I have spent months dealing with supplies being at two separate houses, an unorganized studio space filled with boxes and design deadlines that I was able to fulfill simply because I had just enough space to sit at my computer. Finally, my new studio is all set-up with much more space and better organization than the one at the other house.

I am so excited to be painting again. It's amazing how getting back into a routine can make you so much more productive.

Happy creating to you all,
T.

The intention of the artist

2012-01-11T08:29:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wonder, what an artist intended when creating a piece of artwork? Art Appreciation teaches us to analyze the deeper meaning of an image, to try and find a connection with the creator of a piece and truly understand her thought process. So I really was stumped when I looked at one of the drawings that my four year old brought home from preschool.

Yes, it really is supposed to be "a rotten chicken with no legs." I don't think that any amount of analysis could have revealed that one.

Have a splendid day.

"The Park Our Town Built" is available on the NOOK Devices and Apps

2012-01-10T10:56:00.000-08:00

The Publisher of my last picture book, Raven Tree Press, just announced that a selection of their titles are now available on NOOK devices and apps via NOOK Kids™. My book "The Park Our Town Built" is one of these and is available for NOOK Color, NOOK Tablet, and NOOK Kids™ for iPad.

Here is a link to the NOOK version of my book:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/park-our-town-built-diane-gonzalez-bertrand/1100478328?ean=9781936299959&itm=5&usri=%22raven+tree+press%22

On the Short List for the 2012 Green Earth Book Award

2012-01-02T20:35:00.000-08:00

2012 Green Earth Book Award SHORT LIST

I am so excited to announce that my picture book "The Park Our Town Built," published by Raven Tree Press, is on the “short list” for the 2012 Green Earth Book Award. Books are still under review, and winners will be announced in late January 2012.

The Green Earth Book Award was created to promote books that inspire children to grow a deeper appreciation, respect, and responsibility for their natural environment. This is an annual award for books that best raise awareness of the beauty of our natural world and the responsibility that we have to protect it.

I will post more info about this as it becomes available.

Happy Drawing
T.

The Park Our Town Built / El parque que nuestro pueblo construyó Wins Bronze Moonbeam Children's Book Award!

2011-10-18T20:54:00.000-07:00

Raven Tree Press (McHenry, IL) is proud to announce that the book The Park Our Town Built / El parque nuestro pueblo construyó has won the prestigious Moonbeam Bronze Medal in the "Multicultural Picture Book" category.

Presented by the Jenkins Group and Independent Publisher Online, the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards are intended to bring increased recognition to exemplary children's books and their creators, and to celebrate children's books and life-long reading. Each year's entries are judged by expert panels of youth educators, librarians, booksellers, and book reviewers of all ages. As our society has gotten more complex and growing up has become more complicated, children's book authors and publishers have risen to the occasion, creating books that not only celebrate the joys of childhood, but also help kids and families deal with its challenges. The Moonbeam Awards recognize and reward the best of these books and bring them to the attention of parents, booksellers, librarians, parents and children.

The Park Our Town Built, released May 2011, is available in an English-only edition and an embedded text bilingual English/Spanish edition in which the story is presented mostly in English with keywords in Spanish sprinkled within its context.

Written by Diane Gonzales Bertrand (San Antonio, TX)
Illustrated by Tanja Bauerle (Gilbert, AZ)

Hardcover English only Edition $16.95 ISBN 9781936299140
Hardcover Bilingual Edition $16.95 ISBN 9781936299126

The mayor wants a community park and safe playground for the children. She enlists a group of kids to join her in asking one of the citizens to donate some of his land. When he agrees, he joins all the families and friends who set out to build swings, benches, gardens, and a fountain. There is excitement and a sense of purpose to build the park for all to enjoy. The whole town comes together to create a beautiful park and celebrate with a grand picnic and beautiful fireworks when the job is done.

The narrative text builds line by line and page by page, using repetition and imagery to create a charming story for young readers. Vocabulary recognition and matching pictures to the text help readers gain confidence in both comprehension skills and predicting a sequence of events.

Raven Tree Press is an independent children's picture book publisher specializing in bilingual books in English and Spanish. The publishing house is a division of Delta Systems Co., Inc. of McHenry, IL.

Each 32-page picture book features family-oriented storylines and beautiful illustrations. The hardcover books ($16.95) and paperback books ($7.95) are available at independent and chain bookstores, online booksellers and at the Publisher's website www.raventreepress.com.

ForeWord Review - "The Park Our Town Built"

2011-10-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

Here is a great review of "The Park Our Town Built" that ran in the August issues of ForeWord Review.

Check it out and let us know what you think.

The US Census Bureau reports there are 17.3 million Spanish–speaking residents in the United States today—thus expanding the market for bilingual illustrated children’s offerings to 4,900 books in print today. The Park Our Town Built/El Parque Que Nuestro Pueblo Construyó, byDiane Gonzales Bertrand, enters the genre with a twist.
The author’s unique format is akin to age–old songs, many relating to holidays, which zigzagacross cultural and religious boundaries, each verse building on the one before. The Twelve Days of Christmas and the Passover song, Dayenu, are well–known examples from Judeo Christian songbooks. In The Park Our Town Built, each page’s vocabulary builds on the preceding page in sync with the story development, using Spanish for significant concept words.

Generally, bilingual books are set up with a clear separation between the languages, with one on the left and the other on the right. A second style displays one language throughout a story tothe end, with a second language version available when the reader flips the book over. Gonzales Bertrand’s convention of accumulation enhances the readability factor in this title.
In addition to the language lesson, the sweet story line encourages cooperation as the public and private citizens of the town unite to build a public park. The narrative conveys some important points to young readers. The female Alcaldesa (the mayor) character, sends the message that jobs are not gender–specific; a woman in a wheelchair enjoying the celebration of the park opening shows a handicapped person fully participating in the festivities; a well–off resident donating the land for the park; another contributing the tools and the children and adultsworking in unison for a common goal.
Tanja Bauerle’s colorful, spirited illustrations convey a strong sense of community, showcasingadults, children, and animals in various hairstyles, manner of dress, and ethnicities dancing and playing together. A town where prejudice of all kinds is outmoded, the pueblo in this story isinspirational. Both text and illustrations are joyful and energetic, entertaining for children and hopeful to an adult reading aloud.
A Vocabulary Page at the end of the story gives readers a concise an accurate translation between English and Spanish terminology. The location of this resource at the back of the book adds to the fun as the reader learns to place the words in context, a vital critical thinking skill.

Julie Eakin, Book Review Editor

ForeWord Reviews

"The Park Our Town Built" is featured in the CBC Fall 2011 Seasonal Showcase

2011-10-18T20:42:00.000-07:00

Great News! The Park Our Town Built will be a featured book in the Fall 2011 Seasonal Showcase of the Children's Book Council. The “Starting From Scratch” booklist will be featured on the CBC website starting September 29th, so our "Park" book will be rotated onto the site within a couple weeks from that date. Check out the CBC site at http://www.cbcbooks.org/ .

Support James Owen's "Drawing Out The Dragons" Project

2011-07-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

If you ever have listened to one of James Owen's presentations, you will understand when I say, he is magical. He has a way of connecting with his audience and lifting your spirits that you leave feeling like you can accomplish anything. When you listen to him describe what he has gone through and what he has a accomplished you begin to feel that anything is possible. The thing that I love most about listening to him is that he always takes the high road which is not always the easiest path. He is truly a "Good Guy."

He is an inspiration and that is why I ask that you support his latest project. Visit the link above and view to his video. He talks about the project, what it is and what he is trying to accomplish. In addition to being an inspiration, he is also the nicest guy you'll ever meet. Let's all support him in bringing this project to life.

Happy Drawing,

Tissue Collage Workshop at Changing Hands Bookstore

2011-06-25T09:51:00.000-07:00

Join me at Changing Hands Bookstore for a fun workshop. We'll be making animal collages out of tissue paper. It will be a blast. Here is all the info:

When: Saturday, July 16th, 2011

Time: 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Cost: $5.00 (but it's redeemable towards the purchase of one of one of my picture books. Isn't Changing Hands awesome?)

PLEASE NOTE: This Workshop is not suitable for children under 5. Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.

Register and pre-pay at 480.730.0205

To learn more check out the Changing Hands Website at:
http://www.changinghands.com/event/bauerle-jul11?utm_source=Changing+Hands+Bookstore+News&utm_campaign=40edaede24-JulyCalendar20116_24_2011&utm_medium=email

See you there.

T.

New Blog Page for Park book

2011-05-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

In order to share more information about my new book, "The Park our Town Built" by Raven Tree Press, I created a new blog/web page just for the book. Check it out at : http://theparkourtownbuilt.wordpress.com . You will be able to find all the games hidden inside the book, as well as any new information about the book as it becomes available. You are also able to leave me comments and suggestions.

Happy drawing.

San Tan Sun News Article - May 7 - 20, 2011

2011-05-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick article that was in the San Tan Sun News at the beginning of May.

Happy Drawing.

BEA 2011 book signing in New York

2011-05-30T13:31:00.000-07:00

Last week I was in New York all week. The main reason for the trip was for my book signing at the BEA 2011 at the Jacob Javits Conference Center. I took advantage of being there and set up some appointments and met up with some friends while I was there. It was a great week!

I'll post some more about my trip later but for now, here are some photos of the BEA signing. The hour just flew by and we went through the entire stock of books that we brought. People really responded well to the book. They especially liked the different games and activities that I incorporated into the illustrations. While there I was finally able to meet in person the wonderful Lorraine Dey. She is a fellow Raven Tree Press illustrators and an incredible talent.

Happy Drawing!

Photo from Changing Hands Reading

2011-05-30T13:16:00.000-07:00

Here's a photo from my recent story time reading at Changing Hands Bookstore. Thank you to the wonderful Becky King for sharing the photo. As you can see my camera was idlely sitting on the table.
T.

IF - sleepy

2011-05-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

After a long exciting adventure, the pups were fast asleep on the favorite pillow.

Detail from "The Adventures of Salt & Soap at Grand Canyon", published 2009 by the Grand Canyon Association.

Thank you for coming to my story reading

2011-05-21T19:07:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone who came along to my story reading at Changing Hands Bookstore last week. It was a great morning spent with wonderful people. Thank you Brandi for all you do.

Join me at the BEA for a signing

2011-05-21T19:06:00.000-07:00

Join me at the Book Expo of America in New York on May 25th, 2011. I'll be signing my new book "The Park our Town Built", written by Diane Gonzales Bertrand, at the Author's Signing Area at table 20.

Hope to see you there.

The exact address and time is:

Book Expo America- Jacob K. Javits Center
655W 34th Street
New York, NY 10001

Wednesday, 25th May
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
The Author's Signing Area
Table #20

What's better than getting a box of your new books?

2011-04-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

Getting TWO boxes of your two latest books. Last week I had the nicest surprise when I came home one day. I got a box from Raven Tree Press that included both the English and the bilingual versions of my latest book "The Park that Our Town Built." But wait... there's more. On the same day I also got a box from my other publisher, Do Life Right, Inc., with the brand new Wright On Time book #4 "South Dakota." It sure feels great to see all that work right there in it's final format. It's been a very happy week.

T.

My new book is now available!

2011-04-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

Check this out! I just got notification from my publisher, Raven Tree Press, that my new book is now available. It's the one on the bottom, "The Park that our Town Built." Keep checking back as I'll be posting my upcoming events.

Happy Drawing.
T.

Wright on Time 5 - Minnesota Cover

2011-04-09T13:06:00.000-07:00

I'm currently working on the cover painting of the fifth book of the Wright On Time series. This time they will be heading to Minnesota. Basic under-painting is done so lots of fine tuning is now needed.

Happy Drawing.

I finally created a Facebook Fan Page

2011-04-03T13:03:00.000-07:00

Ok, better late than never, right? I have finally created a fan page on Facebook for my illustrations. I'll post happnings, events and new artwork there as often as I can. Just click the like button.

Happy Drawing.
T.

Tucson Festival of Books

2011-03-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was the Tucson Festival of Books. It was the third one since it began and each year it has gotten bigger and bigger. I heard people saying that over 100,000 people were expected to visit the festival over the weekend. Staggering numbers.

Most of my time was spent listening to various panels and presentations and spending time at the SCBWI booth. What an wonderful weekend it was. I must admit that I was somewhat star struck when being in the presence of three (yes 3) Caldecott winners.

E.B. Lewis, David Wiesner, Eric Rohman and Chris Gall

On Saturday, I watched in awe as E.B. Lewis, David Wiesner and Eric Rohmann bantered with Chris Gall, who moderated the panel, about their work, inspirations and passion. Each one of these incredible artists shared wonderful pearls of wisdom with the audience about what drives them. Eric Rohman described himself as someone "who sits alone in his room trying to reach as many people as he can." E.B. Lewis, who uses the term "Artistrator" instead of illustrator, at one point turned to the audience and said, "I don't know about you guys but I'm having fun here." What became obvious is that the three of them, all Caldecott winners, had one thing in common. They are all incredibly passionate about the picture book format and entirely committed to process of creating. Storytelling is of utmost importance and they completely immerse themselves in the process of creating an exciting, unique and emotional experience for the reader. The idea of awards, accolades, and success do not even come to mind. It was incredible to watch and listen to.

Chris Gall, Me and David Christiana

Both Chris Gall and David Christiana are illustrators that live in Tucson and I run into them every so often. We were all part of an illustration show a couple of years ago at the Tempe Center for the Arts. Ok, so I'm a geek, but I couldn't resist the photo opportunity.

Adam Rex giving a digital painting presentation

The next presentation I attended was Adam Rex's demonstration of how he digitally paints his illustrations. I work traditionally so I wanted to see how a true professional tackles the digital medium. It was a great presentation and I learned a lot about the process. So, I've now added the goal of digital painting that does not look digital to my list of things to accomplish.

David Wiesner talking about wordless picture books

David Wiesner and Eric Rohman talking about wordless picture books

David Christiana moderating the panel about wordless picture books

Next, I was in for yet another treat. David Christiana moderated a panel with David Wiesner and Erik Rohman about wordless picture books. David Wiesner gave us a history of the wordless picture book and covered many, many artists that have produced them in the past. The list was surprisingly long. They shared many of the inspirations about what drove them to creating wordless picture books. It once again fell back to their love of storytelling. They used terms such as "the ebb and flow" of the picture book and focused, on the importance of directing the reader and building the page turn. I was in awe. One of them quoted Degas: "a sculpture is something you back into when looking at a painting." I don't remember what it was in reference to but I thought it was worth repeating. :)

E.B. Lewis, Wendy Watson and Adam Rex talking about illustrating the stories of other authors.

Michelle Parker-Rock moderating the panel with E.B.Lewis

The last panel that I attended was moderated by our very own Michelle Parker-Rock, and it featured E.B. Lewis, Wendy Watson and Adam Rex talking about the process of illustrating the work of other authors. They talked about what draws them to certain manuscripts and how they tackle illustrating the work of others. Once again it became very evident that they all are extremely passionate about their craft. E.B. Lewis, who is so incredible to listen to, shared that his studio has an entire room filled with period costumes ranging from the 1800's to today. He also came up with a visual that will remain with be forever. I am summarizing but he said that the picture book is a piece of cloth made up of the words (the vertical threads) and the visuals (the horizontal threads). He was so much more eloquent when he said this but essentially he stressed the importance of each of these elements and that only together do they make the whole.

It was incredible to be able to listen to these artists share their passion. I am so inspired right now to get back to work.

Happy Drawing.
T.

Shaun Tan Wins an Oscar

2011-02-28T09:06:00.000-08:00

Did you watch the Oscars last night? How exciting that Shaun Tan won an Oscar for Best Animated Short for his film “The Lost Thing”. I am so excited to see his success with his animation, especially seeing that I have always been a fan or his incredible illustrations. Check out his website:

http://www.shauntan.net/

Here is a link to a page on Shaun Tan’s web site where he talks about “The Lost Thing.” He has lots of sketches and talks about the film as well. http://www.shauntan.net/film1.html

Image from "The Lost Thing"

Illustration from "The Red Tree"

Illustration from “The Arrival”

Illustration from “The Rabbits”

Thank you Bustoz Elementary

2011-02-26T08:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of presenting my illustration program to the second and third grade classes at Bustoz Elementary School in Tempe. On Thursday evening the school had a reading night where the kids actually received books and my group received my Salt & Soap book. It was such a great group. I get so much pleasure out of sharing what I do with the kids and to see their reactions about what is actually involved in the process of bringing a book to life. One of the little girls even asked me if I would illustrate the book that she wrote. That made my heart happy.

I'd like to send out a huge thank you to Jen Robinson and Kim, the librarian at Bustoz, who made this a wonderful visit. Another huge thank you goes to Stephanie Kilgore, from Changing Hands Bookstore, for organizing this event. Thank you for all you do.

Happy drawing,

Children's Art Recreated

2011-01-26T14:43:00.000-08:00

Taking children's art and turning it into current art? Love the idea and it just goes to show how sophisticated artists kids really are. :) Here are two artists that are taking a slightly different angle on this idea.

http://themonsterengine.com/

Dave DeVries, working out of New Jersey, uses kids doodles and drawings, and recreates them with a grown up flavor. His site The Monster Engine has been around for quite some time and has become quite a hit since is was first created in 2005. I love that he truly retains the essence and feel of the original doodles.

http://www.yeondoojung.com/artworks_view_wonderland.php?no=88

Yeondoo Jung, from Korea, takes the same idea but executes it in a completely different way. His "Wonderland" series explores simplistic shape focused children's sketches which he interprets into striking photography.

Happy drawing to all.
T

Mila's Day Dream

2011-01-25T06:59:00.000-08:00

How creative is this? Adele Enersen, while her daughter is soundly asleep, creates a completely different world … from whatever she can find around her! How inspiring is this and how visually wonderful! I'd love to see her come out with a picture book using this vey unique medium.

Her is her blog: http://milasdaydreams.blogspot.com/

Her facebook fan page is: http://www.facebook.com/MilasDaydreams?v=photos#!/MilasDaydreams?v=wall

Enjoy!
T.

Some great School Visit Resources

2011-01-24T11:22:00.000-08:00

My school visit brochure

School Visits. Authors do them; illustrators do them, should you? I would say, most definitely yes! Not only are they a wonderful way to let your audience know about you, your craft and your books, they are a great opportunity to learn about your audience and they are a great way to supplement your income. However, my favorite reason for doing school visits is to see how excited the kids and teachers get when you shown them your books and tell them about what you do. I come away from a school visit excited and inspired about what I do and eager to get back to work. That to me is worth more than anything.

So what is involved with school visits? Well, I won’t sugar coat it, they are a lot of work and take quite a lot of preparation. How do you book a visit? What do you include in your presentation? How much should you charge? How do you tie into the school curriculum? There are countless questions that come to mind, especially if you have never prepared and presented a school visit before.

Instead of writing up a huge long blog entry, I thought it best to provide some web resources from what I would call school visit experts. There is a lot of information on the web but I have found the following to be the upmost best on the subject. If you stumble across additional resource please send me the links as I am working on updating my website, where I am adding a section on school visit resources.

A couple of months ago, my AZ Chapter of the SCBWI offered a workshop with Alexis O’Neill on “Creating School Visits That Wow”. It was a very helpful presentation and offered some great resources. Alexis O’Neill a successful author, Regional Advisor for the SCBWI and the founder of both The Children’s Authors Network and School Visit Experts.com. You can read more about this incredible lady at: http://www.childrensauthorsnetwork.com/author/AO.htm This workshop sent me on a path to find out more about school visits seeing that I am not doing them much more frequently. Following are some incredible resources to get you started. Here we go:

School Visit Experts.com (http://schoolvisitexperts.com/)

This site is a great place if you have specific questions about school visits. The resource page has a long list of articles ranging from Nine Business Basics for School Visits, Promoting Your Availability, Shaping Your Presentation, and The Reluctant Presenter just to name a few.

Children’s Authors Network (http://www.childrensauthorsnetwork.com/)

CAN! was formed to provide meaningful programs promoting literacy and the creative process. This site is incredible when it comes to understanding what is involved with school visits. Check out these to get just a little taste of what you can find on this site:

Author Visit’s Guide and Freebies

Verla Kay, http://verlakay.blogspot.com/

The award winning author Verla Kay, offers a wealth of information when it comes to writing in general and her website, which even has a message board, has twice been named one of the 101 Best Websites for Writers by Writer's Digest. On Verla Kay's Blog, she wrote an entire series of articles about school visits that are all a must read. There is a search feature on her blog. Just type in school visits and you’ll get a list of articles about the topic.

Elizabeth Dulemba, http://dulemba.com/

If you are not familiar with “E” you have to check out both her website and blog. I would say that she is the one to follow when it comes to self-promotion and thinking outside the box. Check out her page on school visits, for great pointers and even a way on how to help your school get funding for the visits. “E” even presents her visits via Skype. She has a wonderful Media section, featuring posters, brochures, and other things that are great for school visits. Her links page, features some great articles that she has written.

I hope this helps a little.

Happy drawing.

IF - Chicken

2011-01-19T10:52:00.000-08:00

This chicken, certainly isn't chicken. :)

I paintined this piece for a workshop a while ago. It's in acrylic. Hope you like it.

Nine Ladies Dancing

2010-12-21T09:26:00.000-08:00

Here is my contribution to the Doodle Diners 12 days of Christmas Celebration. Check it out at:

http://thedoodlediner.wordpress.com/

There are some hilarious interpretations to the 12 gifts mentioned in the song. You still have a few more days left.

Happy Holidays and Happy Drawing to everyone.
T.

IF - Prehistoric

2010-12-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

Aidan was excited about uncovering a PREHISTORIC Allosaurus jaw bone at the dig in Utah.

This is one of the chapter illustrations for the "Wright On Time- Utah" book that I completed a while ago. It's pen and ink with water color washes.

Great Sketchbook and tips from Mark McDonnell

2010-12-02T19:59:00.000-08:00

Take a peek at the video on the Art Center blog. Mark McDonnell talks about creating this sketchbook and has a couple of pointers for artists. I love that he gives himself themes or specific goals for a given sketchbook rather than just a place for sketching. It's worth watching the 4 or so minutes.

http://theartcenter.blogspot.com/2010/11/mark-mcdonnell-mac-sketchbook-sessions.html

T.

IF - savour

2010-12-01T20:58:00.000-08:00

"Dusty's Sky"

"Dusty was SAVORING the sun on his nose as he was looking out the window."

I thought that this one was apropos for this weeks topic. This is a completely different style for me but I really enjoyed this pointillist piece. It will appear on the cover of a book by Linda Fields called "Cody Greene and the Rainbow Mystery" that will be released in March 2011 by Do Life Right, Inc.

T.

P. E. A. C. H. (Party for Educators' Appreciation at Changing Hands)

2010-11-12T17:49:00.000-08:00

Join me at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe this Sunday in celebrating teachers, librarians, and educators and their committment to teaching!

P. E. A. C. H.

(Party for Educators' Appreciation at Changing Hands)

2-6pm Sunday, November 14

Teachers, librarians and educators -- we want to thank you for your dedication to education and for making a difference in our community. Join us for two free workshops, an author reception, complimentary appetizers and beverages, a 20% storewide discount, our recommended Fall 2010 booklist, and raffle prizes.

2pm
WORKSHOP - CHRIS TAYLOR
GRANT WRITING
Author Chris Taylor helps teachers, administrators, librarians, parents and school volunteers discover new non-traditional means to fund classroom projects using the step-by-step processes detailed in her book, Granted! A Teacher's Guide to Writing & Winning Classroom Grants. To reserve a space, please email stephanie.k@changinghands.com.

3pm
WORKSHOP - RAIMIE MANCH
TEACHING WRITING WITH PICTURE BOOKS
Raimie Manch shows educators how children can be taught to write using picture books as mentor texts. When reading picture books, children interpret and use pictures to develop a story's characters, plot, tension, climax, and conclusion. Through encouraging their imaginations, teachers can inspire children -- even those in ELL classes -- to develop stories from pictures. Workshop is ideal for teachers of grades 1-6. To reserve a space, please email stephanie.k@changinghands.com.

4pm
AUTHOR RECEPTION
Meet some of your favorite local authors and get some books signed. Confirmed authors include: Tom Leveen (Party), Laurie Brooks (Selkie Girl), Kaleb Nation (Bran Hambric: The Specter Key), Angela Morrison (Sing Me to Sleep), Conrad Storad (Rattlesnake Rules), Jake Bell (Red Alert), illustrator Tanja Bauerle (The Adventures of Salt and Soap), and author-illustrators Chris Gall (Dinotrux) and Molly Idle (Nighty Night Baby Jesus). Afterwards, enjoy appetizers, wine, tea and sweets, check out our recommended Fall 2010 booklist, and win raffle prizes.

PLEASE RSVP
To reserve your space in either or both workshops, please contact Stephanie Kilgore at 480.730.0205.

Location:
Changing Hands Bookstore
6428 S McClintock Dr.
Tempe, Arizona, 85283

The Marvelous Mrs Lynne Chapman

2010-11-09T07:39:00.000-08:00

Image taken from Lynne Chapman's website

Meet Lynne Chapman, an extremely talented and prolific illustrator from the UK. I originally stumbled across Lynne's work while looking through http://www.urbansketchers.com/ where Lynne posts very frequently. I've been hooked ever since. Not only is Lynne a very accomplished illustrator with oddles of books under her belt, she also is a prolific sketcher and is very busy with school visits and gallery shows. The thing that inspires me about Lynne the most though, is that with all her success, she always finds a way to give back to the rest of her peers. Her web site and blog are filled with wonderful tips and advice and she is always open to share her experiences with other artists. Just look at some of the topics that she has blogged about in the past. Many of them include video clips that are wonderful to watch.

Keeping a Sketchbook

How to Illustrate a Book Part 1 - Getting the Foundations right...

How to Illustrate a Book Part 2 - The Nuts and Bolts of the Job...

Portfolio Advice

Advice on Sketching People

Using Pastels

Lynne's Blog:
http://lynnechapman.blogspot.com/

Lynne's Website:
http://www.lynnechapman.co.uk/

Make sure you swing by Lynne's blog or website to look at her incredible body of work. I for one, am always looking forward to her next post of her blog.

Enjoy!
T.

Best Illustrated Children's Books of 2010

2010-11-08T10:29:00.000-08:00

Take a peek at this. The New York Times Book Review posted this article announcing the 10 best illustrated children's book of 2010.
http://www.nytimes.com/gift-guide/holiday-2010/best-illustrated-childrens-books-2010/list.html

The judges included Robert Sabuda, Elizabeth Bird, and David Barringer. What an interesting and variety collection of books.
T.

Overcoming Self-Doubt in Illustrators

2010-10-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

Here is a great post by Jonathan Woodward, that I stumbled across at the Zero2Illo blog. This post really spoke to me because as an illustrator I can really relate to what he is talking about. When I saw all the comments to his post I felt strangely comforted that so many great artists are in the same boat.

Enjoy and feel better about yourselves. :)

Tango for Leo - Silent Auction and Fund Rasier

2010-09-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

My incredible illustrator friend Paul Mirocha has a most wonderful wife and the most adorable little son you can imagine. They have had gone through the most heartbreaking few months that one could imagine. Just a few days after Leo was born, Christina had a stroke and she is in the process of recovery.

Paul is in the process of collecting art, services, and merchandise for a fundraising event and silent auction. The proceeds will be help pay for Christina's physical therapy. Incredibly, Christina's insurance has already stopped paying for her therapies. She will have to pay full costs until her insurance will start again next January 2011.

If you are in the Tucson area in October, please try to come to the fund raiser. Also, if you can, donate something, anything, to the silent auction. I'm donating some art and will be coming to the fundraiser as well. Here is more information about the event and also a little back story of what happened to Christina.

photo by Jody Crouthamel

TANGO FOR LEO

A Benefit for Leo Robinson Mirocha & Christina Robinson

Sunday, October 24th, 2-9pm

at Casa Marita at the new Mercado de San Agustin

(100 S. Avenida del Convent at West Congress)

To all my illustrator friends out there, please donate a piece of your artwork to the silent auction. Here is more information about it:
Silent Auction

Live Music!

Nancy McCallion with Catherine Zavala
Leila Lopez
Combo Combo with Gary Mackender
Mitzi Cowell & the Valiants
Doug Shelton & Paul Sheldon
Púca
Mandophilia

Dance Performances!

Belly Dance
Flamenco
Hip Hop
Celtic Step dancing
Tango

End the evening with a tango lesson and open tango dance

Suggested donation:

General Admission: $35 (includes tapas bar and paella from 3:30 until the food runs out, as well as all performances)

Formal sit-down Dinner of Spanish/Argentine cuisine by Chef Vicente, 4:30-6pm, $60 (includes everything else as wel)

Cash bar.

to reserve tickets and more info: tangoforleo@gmail.com or call: 520-903-4613

Contributions are tax deductible and administered by Rollin for Niños, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping Tucson's children. Checks may be made out to "Rollin for Niños"with "Tango for Leo" in the memo line, and sent to: 1926 E. Fort Lowell Road, Tucson, AZ 85719.

---------------------------------------------------
Here is a little more background information written by Paul Mirocha about what the family has been through for the past few month.

Christina and Leo's Story

Christina Robinson has spent her life teaching and taking care of children’s needs. Now it’s time for our community to help take care of her.
A multicultural English literature teacher at a charter high school for underprivileged barrio kids in Tucson, Christina entered the hospital and gave birth to her first child Leo Robinson Mirocha, a beautiful baby boy, on May 5 at 2:12 a.m. Just four days later, she suffered a massive right-brain hemorrhagic stroke, which has paralyzed the left side of her body and left her with devastating physical limitations.
Christina showed extraordinary strength after the tragedy and has made great strides during her recovery. She continues weekly therapy sessions, striving to regain her mobility. She was told by doctors and nurses that she was one of the most motivated patients they had ever seen.
Christina says: “I already appreciated what I have been given, but this ordeal makes me realize what we all tend to take for granted—how much energy it takes just to eat or to walk or to hold a baby.

And besides physical limitations, I now have cognitive limitations that cause me to literally see the world in a different way—I have blind spots in both my eyes.

“But the best gift that could come from all of this is Leo. At least I have a happy, healthy baby. I couldn’t have made it this far without my husband and Leo being my motivation—and all my family and friends.”

Christina has faith and hope that she’ll recover use of her left hand. She dreams of being able to pick Leo up, change his diapers, or simply make him a bottle. She also looks forward to the day when she will walk down a beach or dance tango with her husband Paul Mirocha once again.

If you want to help make this happen—and if you like to tango yourself—come dance, eat, and be entertained at Tango for Leo, a benefit party for Christina and Leo on Sunday, October 24, at 2 p.m. Leo and Christina’s family and friends are hosting a fundraiser to help pay for past and future medical expenses.

The day-long event will include live music, dancing, professional dance performances, and delicious South American and Spanish cuisine. Tango for Leo will be held at the newly opened Casa Marita, located at 100 S. Avenida del Convento, Tucson, AZ 85745.

The suggested donation for a general-admission ticket is $35, which includes tapas. For $60, attendees may take pleasure in a sit-down dinner that includes a glass of wine and performances.

The fundraiser will feature a silent auction with donations provided by local businesses, as well as a full cash bar.

Tickets can be purchased by emailing tangoforleo@gmail.com or by calling (520) 903-4613. For more information, please visit our Facebook Page. Facebook search: Tango for Leo, or click facebook link below.

SCBWI-AZ Welcome To Our House Conference

2010-08-23T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,
Just in case you have not yet heard about this year's wonderful "SCBWI-AZ Welcome To Our House", I thought that I had better post the info. The faculty for this year's conference is stellar. Also, as in previous years, you are able to sign up for both portfolio and manuscript critiques. These are well worth the additional rate and give you 15 minutes of one-on-one time with a faculty member. Remember, critiques are filled on a first come first served basis, so get your packets in early. Here is some of the basic information about the, but there is lots more detail on the www.scbwi-az.org website under the "Events" Tab.

I hope to see you there.
T.

Here is the information:

SCBWI ARIZONA PRESENTS WELCOME TO OUR HOUSE 2010
Words and Pictures

A Full Day Conference with Industry Professionals

Saturday, September 25, 2010
8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Chaparral Suites Resort and Conference Center
5001 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85250

FEATURED FACULTY
FRANCESCO SEDITA - Publisher of Grosset & Dunlap and Price Stern Sloan, children's imprints at the Penguin Young Readers Group.
CLAUDIA GABEL - Senior Editor at Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Children's Books.
ANDREA WELCH - Editor at Beach Lane Books, a division of Simon and Schuster
JILL CORCORAN - Agent at Herman Agency representing middle grade and young adult authors
AMELIA ANDERSON - Senior Designer at Chronicle Books. Brogan

REGISTRATION FOR THE CONFERENCE INCLUDES:
Faculty Presentations
Workshops
First Page and First Look Panel Session
Q and A Panel Session
Slide Show
Continental Breakfast
Lunch
Networking
Door Prizes
Manuscript and Portfolio Critiques (at an additional cost)

GENERAL REGISTRATION INFO
There is no online registration. Print and mail forms with checks and critique submissions.
Go to
www.scbwi.org Arizona Chapter Calendar
Arizona Conference Info Pages
http://www.scbwi-az.org/
Events

GENERAL CRITIQUE INFO
Individual critiques will take place before and after the scheduled conference events and presentations. Each critique is 15 minutes. Submissions will be vetted by the conference committee before being assigned a critique slot. Submissions that do not meet the guidelines will not be eligible for critique. Critiquers include the featured faculty and traditionally published authors and illustrators.

Please remember that a critique is not a pitching session. It is your chance to get feedback and suggestions on how to improve and/or market your work. If your critiquer is an editor, art director, or agent, she/he will tell you if she/he would like you to send the project after the conference. However, this is not guaranteed.

NOTE: Two copies of one manuscript submission are required.
Hard copy portfolios must be accompanied by a CD version.

Illustrators requesting a portfolio critique may include one dummy if applicable.
BOOK BASKET DONATIONS: Please donate one new children's book to the SCBWI Book Basket. The books will be donated to a worthy non-profit organization in our region.

Sketch Theatre anyone?

2010-07-26T21:48:00.000-07:00

After finishing some cover layouts and taking a break from painting, I thought that I would catch up on my google reader. Bad idea! I came across this amazing website and am now hooked. Sketch Theatre (http://www.sketchtheatre.com/ ) allows artists to post videos of their drawing process. LOVE IT! All my fellow artists will be able to understand why this is an easy place to get lost in. Alas, gathering inspiration is a good thing and productive way to spend one's time, right?

San Tan Sun News write up

2010-07-21T16:11:00.000-07:00

How neat is this? In the current edition of the San Tan Sun News (July 17 to August 6, 2010) there is a little note about the illustrations on display at the Tempe Youth Library which is downstairs at the Tempe Public Library. I have some of my Pen and Ink work up from the first "Wright on Time - Arizona" book. Molly Idle and several beautiful pieces up from her upcoming book "Circus Fantastico: A Magnifying Mystery" and Sylvia Long is showing a couple of exquisite paintings from her new book "Thumbelina."

I'll try to swing by there next week to take some photos so that I can post them. Also, if you have not yet started reading the "Wright On Time" series, the library now have a few copies of the first two books that you can check out. Book three, "Wright on Time - Wyoming" should be out in a couple of weeks and Book 4, "Wright on Time - South Dakota" is schedule for release around the holidays.

Happy reading and drawing to all.
T.

Great Dinosaur video

2010-07-16T08:58:00.000-07:00

I love this video. It had me fooled until the end. Thank you James Gurney for posting this.
T.

Original Art on display at Tempe Library

2010-07-11T10:09:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I've posted. Projects, books, summer vacation and life have kept me very busy and I've not gotten to posting at all. Here's a quick note about an upcoming event though.

Sylvia Long, Molly Idle and I will have some original artwork on display at the Tempe Youth Library. The exhibition "See and Imagine," will highlighting work from books that we have illustrated recently. The display will be up from July 14 to Nov. 29 in Tempe Youth Library, 3500 S. Rural Road in Tempe.

Gallery hours

9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday-Thursday
9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday
Noon to 5:30 p.m., Sunday
(Closed on city-observed holidays)

There is little more information and one of my illustrations on the press realease posted below.
http://www.tempe.gov/Newsroom/Archive/201007/E7D2A3BC-23E2-4422-B01C-9E75F78B76E0

I'm impressed! Way to go Ohio State

2010-05-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

I just had to share this. Talk about a nice pick me up to make you smile. Thank you Steve Harpster for posting this.

I got a Sunshine Award

2010-04-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

Wow! What great news! The wonderful Megumi Lemons, a most talented illustrator friend of mine, nominated me for a Sunshine Award. Thank you Miss Goomie. You should check out her work as it is so beautiful and sentitive, plus she works in acrylics and acrylic guache, my favorites.

What Megumi found out was that the "Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspire others in the blogging world." Now I have to say double thank to Miss Goomie. Thank you so much for nominating me.

To pay it forward, here is my list of twelve bloggers that I read constantly which inspire and inform wonderfully:

Gurney Journey - James Gurney, creator of "Dinotopia", post daily to this incridible art blog
Lines and Colors - Great blog about drawing, sketching, painting, etc. with wonderful write ups on various artists.
Mikela Prevost - Incredible watercolor/collage artists and a mum to boot.
Elizabeth Dulemba - Daily posts about the illustration world by this incredible author/illustrator.
Lynne Chapman - Lynne posts wonderful sketches, tips and updates about her busy schedule. Definitely an illustrator to emulate. :)
Paul Mirocha - Fellow AZ illustrator and friend posts thought provoking content and glimpses at his work.
Asia in the Heart - Tarie posts wonderful information about writer's, artists and art in Asia.
Illustration Castle - Heather Castle is from Australia, is a mum and an illustrator. Three major pluses in my book seeing that I used to live in Aussie, and am mum and an illsutrator as well.
Rad How To - Rad Sechrist's blog is a great resource if you need help on how to construct characters.
Eric Fortune - Incredible artist.
Princess Tomato - Teri Skrdla is a great friend and an incredible artist.
Dey Studio - Lorraine Dey posts wonderful info for illustrators.

Now it’s your turn to brighten someone’s day by nominating your favs for a Sunshine Award:

1) Put the logo on your blog or within your post
2) Pass the award to 12-well-deserving bloggers
3) Link the nominees within your post
4) Share the news by leaving a comment on their blog
5) Link to the person from whom you received the award

Have a happy day!

PIXELS by Patrick JEAN

2010-04-15T12:37:00.000-07:00

Thank you to James Gurney for posting this video on his blog. This film sure takes me back to my teenage years. Anyone, who has lived through the 80's can no doubt relate. Love this piece.

Happy viewing.

T.

Dominic Catalano - SCBWI-AZ Illustrator Intensive - May 1-2, 2010

2010-04-05T21:32:00.000-07:00

I am most excited to let you all know about this year's SCBWI-AZ Illustrators' Intensive. This year the workshop will be held over one and a half days and it is guaranteed to be filled with incredible information.

If you recall, I attended one of the Highlights Foundation Founders' Workshops a year and a half ago. Here is a link to my post from that event. Dominic Catalano was the one who lead that workshop and it literally was a life changing experience where my art was concerned. I will be attending another of his workshops this weekend and will definitely be at the intensive in May as well.

If you are at all excited about the workshop description, I urge you to attend this intensive. You will not regret it. The event and registration information can be found on the SCBWI-AZ website st:

http://www.scbwi-az.org/Events.html

Here is a little more info about the event:

SCBWI AZ 2010 Illustrators' Intensive
May 1 -2, 2010

The Art of The Picture Book
With Dominic Catalano
Author, Illustrator, Art Educator, Highlights Foundation Workshop Presenter

When:
Saturday, May 1, 2010 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
and
Sunday, May 2, 2010 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Where:
The Phoenix Art Institute
2233 W Dunlap Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85021

Join us for an in-depth and insightful look at the critical aspects of the visual elements of the picture book, designed to help you augment your potential success in the exciting field of illustrating books for children.

For Intermediate, advanced, and professional children's book artists. Beginners welcome.

ABOUT DOMINIC CATALANO

Dominic Catalano is an artist, writer, musician, and teacher. He holds a BS in art education from SUNY Buffalo, an M.A. in fine arts from SUNY Oswego, an M.F.A. from Syracuse University and a Ph.D in Art Education from Ohio State University. Dominic teaches Art Education and Illustration at Bowling Green State University. He is also a featured workshop presenter for the Highlights Foundation. His illustrations have appeared in many children's magazines and have drawn high acclaim in many books for children.

Dominic is the illustrator of Mouse Island by Eve Bunting (Boyd's Mills Press - 2008); Clink, Clank, Clunk by Miriam Aroner (Boyd's Mills Press 2006); Bernard Wants a Baby by Joan Elizabeth Goodman (Boyd's Mills Press 2004); and others. He is also the author/illustrator of Hush! (Gingham Dog Press 2003); and Mr. Basset Plays (Boyd's Mills Press 2003), among others.

INTENSIVE HIGHLIGHTS

Words, Pictures and Design Working Together
Exploring the Form
Isolating Composition
Isolating Character
Putting It All Together
Professional Development; What are your unique talents?
The Marketplace
Networking
Q and A

There will also be a pre-workshop assignment

Next Illustrator Meeting: Tuesday, April 20th, 7 pm

2010-04-02T16:14:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Quick note about our next illustrator meeting. The next one will be:

When: Tuesday, April 20th, 2010, at 7:00 pm

Where: Barnes & Noble at the Tempe Marketplace (It is located in Tempe where the 202 and the 101 meet off Rio Salado.) We’ll be meeting in the café. Here is more info about the location as well as directions on how to get there:

http://storelocator.barnesandnoble.com/storedetail.do;jsessionid=18F9DD089372E8294E9BDB99CB3796D6?store=2243

2000 E.Rio Salado Pkwy #1032
Tempe, AZ 85281
480-894-6954

Here is a quick overview of some of the things we'll chat about:

I'll be back from the Highlights Foundation Founder's Workshop in Honesdale, PA, so I will share all the wonderful things that I learned there.
Bring along any interesting illustration resources or information that you stumbled across since out last meeting to share.
Bring you portfolios along. We've had some new people join and it would be great to show what we are all working on

Please let me know if you are planning on joining us to I can reserve seats.

I hope to see you there.
Happy Drawing.
T.

I am now part of "The Doodle Diner"

2010-04-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

It's been a while since my last post. Work and life have me rather busy right now which is always a good thing. Take a peek at "The Doodle Diner" blog. It's a wonderful blog hosted by some incredible illustrators that is devoted to illustration. I have just been invited to join and I am so tickled about it. You can see my first post at : http://thedoodlediner.wordpress.com/2010/04/02/tanja-says-hi/

Keep checking back. Each month is hosted by a differnet illustrator so you will get a fresh look at illustration each month.

Happy drawing.
T.

Changing Hands Illustrator Panel

2010-03-08T11:48:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the long radio silence. I've been working on a couple of projects and had numerous school visits that have kept me very busy over the past couple of months. I'll try to post some work and photos when I get a chance.

I did want to let you know abouyt the Picture Book Panel that I will be part of at Changing Hands Bookstore this Wednesday. Here is a link to the event on the Changing Hands Bookstore site:

http://www.changinghands.com/event/picturebookpanel

The panel will be made up of the most wonderful illustrator Lynne Avril, author and ilustrator Chris Gall, author Conrad Storad and yours truly. We will explore the illustrating, marketing, and publishing processes involved in creating children's picture books and the panel will be moderated by Changing Hands' children's book buyer Brandi Stewart. If you have some time Wednesday evening, stop on by.

Location:

Changing Hands Bookstore
6428 S McClintock Dr
Tempe, Arizona 85283

Date:
Wednesday, March 10th

Time:
7:00 pm

See you there.
T.

Author Hotline

2010-01-29T12:19:00.000-08:00

Check out this most wonderful online database out of the UK. The Author Hotline is a unique way for authors to connect directly with their readers and a great opportunity to support their work in schools. It is an online bank of author profiles that children can search through. It is being developed by CW4K, or Creative Writing 4 Kids, the company behind a website that enables children to create and publish their own stories online.

It will be launched for World Book Day on March 4th, 2010. Antony Lishak is the creator behind this project and he told me that the website will be accompanied by a resource filled magazine that will be sent to UK schools in September. What a great resource this is and it is absolutely free.

Ok, so the exposure to UK schools might not help us illustrators and authors in the US, you say? Not to worry. Antony noted that there are big plans for Author Hotline in the next few months and going global is one of them.

Here is what your profile page will look like:

You are able to list your book and answer a variety of questions that are geared towards kids. It was quite amusing to complete the profile with questions like: "What were you like at school?" and "What is your favorite word?" There are also other more serious questions that will help kids understand what we do as illustrators.

I found this site through the most wonderful Lynne Chapman's blog who is one of my favorite illustrators working today. When she wrote about Author's Hotline she noted: "The idea (for Author's Hotline) is that, either before or after a school visit, children can look up authors or illustrators and find out more about them. They can show their parents who they met at school and generally add value to the experience of the visit."

What a great tool for any author or illustrator. Check it out and sign up.

David Wiesner's new project

2010-01-25T11:56:00.000-08:00

Take a look at David Wieser's latest creation, ART & MAX, due out later this year. His brilliant mind has created gems such as "Flotsam", "The Three Pigs" and "Tuesday" and have earned him three Caldecotts so far. I'm a definitely looking forward to this next treasure. Thank you Elizabeth Dulemba for the post.

Killing Creativity?

2010-01-18T21:13:00.000-08:00

Thank you to my good friend Tanya J. for sharing this video with me. It is well worth to watch the full 20 minutes. Ken Robinson raises some very interesting points. Why is art and creativty such a low priotity in our schools today? Educate the whole child, what a concept.

Trina Schart Hyman

2010-01-18T13:55:00.000-08:00

I recently decided to go through my collection of illustrated and resource books that I have accumulated over the years. As I’m working on my current picture book project with Raven Tree Press, I wanted to gather inspiration and I have always been able to find it in my old favorites. One of the books, that I purchased when I was going to art school in Australia, was one that Trina Schart Hyman illustrated.

The illustrations in “Tight Times,” written by Barbara Shook Hazen, are black and white and are beautiful. The sensitive line quality and the careful rendering of the characters are inspiring. Every little expression and body pose adds to the telling of the story and the detail in the background is meticulous, yet the entire book has a very loose and sketch like feeling.

Seeing that I so love Trina’s work, you can imagine how excited I was to see a post on Facebook about a current show that features Trina’s portrait work and some of her illustrations. Here is the video that shows a lot of the pieces featured in the show.

If you want to learn more about Trina Schart Hyman I urge you to look at Dylis Evans’ “Show and Tell: Exploring the Fine Art of Children's Book Illustration.” It is a wonderful resource if you are interested in learning more about contemporary illustrators, and what inspires them, their background and how they solve the visual problems they encounter.

If you visit my "must have books" page on my website, I have a selection of very useful illustration books that you might be interested in and I've included the Dilys Evans book there.

Happy Reading.

Some more Online Illustration References

2010-01-08T13:34:00.000-08:00

Here are some more online resources that I've found that have made it into my google reader. Lots of great info here.

Asia In The Heart: asiaintheheart.blogspot.com
This is a great blog that is dedicated to books set in Asia, books with Asian characters, and Asian authors and illustrators. They focus on some incredible talent and it's wonderful to learn more about illustration in other parts of the world.

Escape from Illustration Island: escapefromillustrationisland.com
This is probably one of my favorite blogs I've found yet. Thomas James created "Escape from Illustration Island" and it is devoted to providing useful content, encouraging community participation and help fellow illustrators escape their isolation. A definite must read.

The Tools Artists Use: thetoolsartistsuse.com

A great blog that talks about the tools that artists use. It is a great resource and features many artist interviews.

Dreamworks "How to Train Your Dragon" Trailer

2010-01-08T12:41:00.000-08:00

Here is the next installment of Dreamworks Animation. "How to Train You Dragon" is scheduled for release in March of this year. Looks wonderful. I'vs always like the idea of showing the nice side of not so nice creatures, so this on is definitely on my list of movies to see. Here is the movie website if you are interested in fiding out more about it: http://www.howtotrainyourdragon.com/

Happy Drawing, T.

Alma - An animated short by Rodrigo Blaas

2010-01-07T19:34:00.000-08:00

Alma from Rodrigo Blaas on Vimeo.

Director Rodrigo Blaas posted this wonderful Animated short. "Alma" is a beautifully designed piece that give us a taste of great atmosphere, character and story. Unfortunately, it is only available for a dshort time so take a peek while it is still on the web. This spooky little story is beautiful to watch.

Watch it in full screen.

Next Illustrator Meeting - Jan 12th - 7:00 pm

2010-01-04T10:56:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to you all. I hope that you all enjoyed a wonderful Holiday Season. What a busy and hectic month it was.

Here's a quick reminder about our first meeting for the year. We are still set for next week. Here is the meeting information:

When: Tuesday, January 12th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Where: Barnes & Noble at the Tempe Marketplace (It is located in Tempe where the 202 and the 101 meet off Rio Salado.) We’ll be meeting in the café. Here is more info about the location as well as directions on how to get there:

http://storelocator.barnesandnoble.com/storedetail.do;jsessionid=18F9DD089372E8294E9BDB99CB3796D6?store=2243

2000 E.Rio Salado Pkwy #1032
Tempe, AZ 85281
480-894-6954

It'll be great to catch up again and get inspired for the new year. It's been a while since out last meeting so it will be wonderful to get back into the swing of things again. Please let me know if you are planning on joining us to I can reserve seats.

Here is a quick overview of some of the things we'll chat about:

• The most wonderful Megumi will be talking about the "Illustrators Day" that she attended in California a couple of months ago.
• Let's figure out if Tuesday is a good time to meet for the new year of if you feel that a different meeting day would work better. Majority will win. If at all possible, I'd love to set a calendar for the entire year, so that we will all know about the next meetings ahead of time.
• I'll have so more resources to share that I've stumbled across.
• Whatever else you would like to chat about.

See you next week.

Happy Drawing

More Web Resources

2009-12-13T14:07:00.000-08:00

http://en.childrenslibrary.org/

http://www.asuen.com/blog/blog.central.kid.lit.shtml

Here are another couple of useful resources I've stumbled across while browsing through industry blogs and attending meetings. First, is the International Children's Digital Library. The site features books published throughout the world. It's a great resource if you are interested in what type of books are being produced in other countries. The second is a page on the website of Anastasia Suen. This page is called Blog Central - Children's Book Reviews and features a substantial selection of book reviewers for the children's market. This is very useful especially now that Kirkus is closing it's doors.

I've been keeping track of the online resources that are illustration, art and children's literature specific on my web site. I've you are in need of such resources feel free to visit my resource page.

Happy Drawing.

Tempe Center for the Arts Illusrator Panel

2009-12-08T13:18:00.000-08:00

Better late than never, right? I just stumbled across these photos of the Illustrator panel that I was part of back in August, that was part of our Illustrator show at the Tempe Center for the Arts. Thank you Molly for sending these photos to me ages ago and I'm sorry that I am only getting around to posting them now.

It was a great evening. You can see Molly Idle, Paul Mirocha, me (Tanja Bauerle), David Christiana, and and Ann Coe talking about what we do as illustrators and the industry in general. It was so inspiring to be part of such incredibly talented company but what I liked most is to see how passionate everyone is about what they do. No matter what we do creatively, we share a common thread which is an extreme love for our craft.

Happy Drawing.

Christmas came early...

2009-12-08T12:59:00.000-08:00

What is more fun than getting a box of your own books in the mail? I was so excited to open my box of just released "Wright on Time - Utah" books. They turned out wonderfully. Don't they look awesome? I've been doing the happy dance a lot lately, and it just keeps going...

Happy drawing to all.

T.

Wright On Time - Utah is now available!

2009-12-03T13:09:00.000-08:00

Here it is! Wright On Time - Utah, book 2 in the series, is now available. So exciting to see it in print! You can get it through Amazon or through http://www.wrightontimebooks.com/store/do-life-right-inc/wright-on-time-arizona--utah-books-1--2/ where there is a special Holiday promotion if you buy both books together. Enjoy!

Back to drawing for me.
T.

Meet Molly Idle at Changing Hands Bookstore

2009-11-30T12:19:00.000-08:00

Come along to Changing Hands Bookstore in December to meet our wonderful Molly Idle. She'll be reading her book "Nighty Night, Baby Jesus," which she both wrote and illustrated.

Here is a link to Changing Hand's website with more info about the event:
http://www.changinghands.com/event/idle

When:
December 12, 2009 - 1:00pm

Location:
Changing Hands Bookstore
6428 S McClintock Dr
Tempe, Arizona 85283

See you there,

T.

SCBWI Tucson Writers and Illustrators Get-Together

2009-11-23T19:54:00.000-08:00

WHAT: SCBWI AZ Informal Networking Get-Together for Greater Tucson, Casa Grande, Marana, Green Valley, and all Surrounding Communities

FOR: SCBWI AZ Writers and Illustrators (Guests are welcome to attend one Get-Together before joining SCBWI.)

WHEN: December 1, 2009
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Borders (cafe)
4235 N. Oracle Road
Tucson, AZ 85705
North Oracle Rd. between Limberlost Dr. and Wetmore Rd.
Phone For Location Information: 520.292.1331

INFORMAL DISCUSSION: Mass Market, Trade, and Institutional Publishers:
What's the Difference and Which One Am I Writing/Illustrating For?

Illustrators please RSVP by Friday November 27 to Susan Simon at susan@susansimon.com Illustrators may bring some work to share.

Writers please RSVP by Friday November 27 - to Michelle Parker-Rock at RegionalAdvisor@scbwi-az.org

Hope to see you there.
Happy Drawing.

Wonderful Review of Wright on Time - Arizona

2009-11-22T14:34:00.000-08:00

Check out the link below from Blogcritics. It's a wonderful review of the Wright on Time - Arizona book, the first book in the chapter book series that I am illustrating. They said wonderful things about the book and also about my cover design and illustration.

http://blogcritics.org/books/article/book-review-wright-on-time-arizona/

I must admit, that this has been a most wonderful week filled with the best news. I hope I have many more like this.

Happy drawing.
T.

Salt & Soap Presentations in Flagstaff Tomorrow

2009-11-19T07:52:00.000-08:00

If you are in the Flagstaff tomorrow, stop by the library in the afternoon and say hi. I'll be there with the author of the Salt & Soap book, Lori Rome and the pups as well.

Friday, November 20th 11:00 am

Salt and Soap Presentation with Lori Rome - Flagstaff Bookmobile at Mountain School

Friday, November 20th 4:00 pm
Salt and Soap Presentation with Lori Rome - Flagstaff Library

The Lighthouse Keeper

2009-11-16T12:28:00.000-08:00

THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER from THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER team on Vimeo.

Here is a wonderful animated short from the Gobelins animation school called The Lighthouse Keeper. The artists that created it are Gaëlle Thierry, Jérémie Moreau, Rony Hotin, Baptiste Rogron, Maïlys Vallade, and David François. This piece is a wonderful example of how important lighting is in art, whether it is an animated short or an illustration doesn't really matter. Lighting sets the mood, and suspense beautifully in this piece.

Enjoy!
T.

Maurice Sendak Talks About Illustration

2009-11-15T08:21:00.000-08:00

Here is the father of the 1964 Caldecott winner and cultural icon "Where the Wild Things Are", Maurice Sendak, talking about illustration and what makes his books so special. I love his response. He feels that the idea to add an underlying story to the actual story is instrumental in making the his books intruiging to his audience. This reminds me of Tim Gillner's (Art Director of Boyd's Mills Press) "adding a carrot" concept to making the story and illustrations of a book come to life. Author/Illustrator Dominic Catalano also talks about this idea, by adding tracery imagery to artwork it can beome much more meaningful and inciteful and add to both the character and visual story development.

Happy drawing.
T.

Incredible Online Figure Resource

2009-11-13T12:53:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I just thought that I would share this great online resource with you. The site is called http://posemaniacs.com/ and it is the most useful figure reference resource that I've found yet. This site features interactive poses of people that you are able to move and rotate in order to analyze how a figure is constructed. It's a wonderful tool if you are working on an illustration of a person but you do not have a model handy. I also found this video by Thomas James that shows in detail how this site can be utilized. I especially like the animated portion when you can show a walk cycle, for instance.

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/2097443#utm_campaign=twitter.com&utm_source=2097443&utm_medium=social

Hope you find this site helpful. Keep an eye out for a message about our next meeting. I know it's past due, so I'd like to set one up in the next few weeks.

Happy drawing.

New Illustration References

2009-11-12T08:29:00.001-08:00

Another quick note:

I just added some more illustration references to resource resource page on my website. There are some great sites that focus not just on children's book illustration but on illustration in general. Now my google reader will keep me even more captive. Here's a link to my list if you want to take a peek:

http://www.tanjabauerle.com/resources.html

Happy drawing to all.

T.

Chris Piascik Draws

2009-11-12T08:10:00.000-08:00

Chris Piascik from Quarter Productions on Vimeo.

Take a peak at this great video. Chris Piascik starts with a lopy doodle pattern and continues to fill it in to create a dynamic illustration. It just goes to show that any doodle can become artwork. :)

James Owen "The Shadow Dragons" Book Launch

2009-10-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Just a quick note to let you know that James Owen will have his official book launch for his fourth installment, "The Shadow Dragons", of the Imaginarium Geographica series at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, this coming Tuesday evening the 27th at 7:00 pm. If you go to the link below you can read more about the event. They are expecting a significant crowd so if you plan on going, make sure that you get there very early in order to get a seat.

http://changinghands.com/event/owen

Hope to see you there.

Happy drawing.

T.

Video of Lori with Salt and Soap

2009-10-18T22:01:00.000-07:00

This is really neat. Here is a quick one an a half minute video of Lori Rome, author of my Salt and Soap book. You get to meet the pups and she talks a little about how they came to live with her. Lori spoke at the Prescott Public Library last week and The Prescott Daily Courier reporter was quite taken with her story.

http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=100&SubSectionID=159&ArticleID=73489&TM=39284.47

Enjoy!

Arizona Reading Association Conference was a success!

2009-10-18T21:17:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of Lori Rome, Salt and Soap and me at the author/illustrator reception this past Friday evening at the Arizona Reading Association Conference in Flagstaff. As you can see, the pups had a blast and so did we. It was a great event and there were some excellent speakers including Sig Boloz on Friday and Adam Rex on Saturday to name just a couple. Our presentation on Saturday went really well and our book was very popular. Very exciting!

I also got the chance the spend some time chatting with James Owen, author and illustrator of the incredible Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica series. What a wonderfully talented and inspiring artist but most of a all really nice guy. Here is a photo of him with me. Oh, I'm so tickled having met him.

James will be at the Changing Hands bookstore coming up on October 27th, at 7:00 pm. It will be the launch party for his latest release "The Shadow Dragons". I'll definitely be there.

Changing Hands Bookstore - 6428 S McClintock Dr, Tempe, Arizona 85283

See you there.

Wright on Time - Utah, all done.

2009-10-15T14:48:00.001-07:00

All the artwork is complete for Wright on Time -Utah. Very exciting! Expect it to be available by December. I'll post a note when it's officially released. This one is all about dinosaur bones and teeth. :) I'll post some of the interiors once I return from the Arizona Reading Association conference in Flagstaff this weekend.

Tanja finally has a new website

2009-10-14T22:08:00.000-07:00

Fall break. The temperatures are cooler and we can actually go outside here is sizzling Arizona. Izzy's home from school for two weeks. So what does that mean to this illustrator? Yup, let's re-create my entire website.

Ok, so there is more to it. I will be presenting at the Arizona Reading Association Conference in Flagstaff this weekend and needed to create some promotional flyers to hand out to interested parties. As I started creating the flyer, I wanted to make sure that it visually tied in with my new bookmark for branding purposes. However, my bookmarks moved away from the visuals that I was using on my current site. Uh, oh - do you see where this was going? There is method to my madness.

Above is the old look. I liked it, but the site needed a lot of work. I wanted a cleaner look and wanted to add lots of different areas, so an entire re-design was in order. After a long week with lots of long nights, and a skipped life drawing class (sorry Mr. M) here is the new look:

I added a bunch more reference materials, a school visit and presentation section, added new artwork, re-vamped my books page and more. I like this configuration much better seeing that adding more things will now be much easier.

Take a gander through the site and let me know what you think and if there are any areas that could need impovement.

Happy drawing to all.

More upcoming events

2009-10-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

Here are some additioanl events that I will be participating on over the next couple of months.

Hope to see you there.

T.

October 2009
Fri, Oct 16th - 5:15 pm and on
ARA Author Reception
Arizona Reading Association Conference 2009 - Du Bois Center - NAY - Flagstaff

Sat, Oct 17th - 11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Salt & Soap presentation with Lori Rome
Arizona Reading Association Conference 2009 - Du Bois Center - NAY - Flagstaff

November 2009
Thur, Nov 19th - 10:30 am
Salt & Soap presentation with Lori Rome
Bookmobile Flagstaff

Thur, Nov 19th - Afternoon - I'll post the exact time once we get it finalized.
Salt & Soap presentation with Lori Rome
Flagstaff Library

James Gurney is awesome

2009-09-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I should be working, but I checked my google reader and just had to share this one with you. If you are not already following James Gurney's blog, you really should. http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com is filled with practical advice and plenty of art tips, not to mentioned that it's very inspiring. I love the posts when he walks us through how he creates images.

His book "Imaginative Realism" is almost out so he's posted some promo clips for it. This last one just cracked me up. Enjoy.

Wright on Time - Arizona is here!

2009-09-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

Is there anything more exciting than getting a box of one of your own books in the mail? It was a great day the other day, when my box of WRIGHT IN TIME - ARIZONA published by Do Life Right, Inc. arrived. Don't they look great? The black and white illustrations inside also look wonderful.

The best thing is that the artwork for Book 2 is almost complete, so we will soon be seeing Book 2 as well.

Happy drawing to all.

T.

Mary Grand Pre draws Harry Potter

2009-09-13T09:56:00.000-07:00

href="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=908600606699998849&hl=en#

Thank you to my good friend Tanya Jordening for pointing this video out to me. It shows Mary GrandPre, the illustrator of the Harry Potter series, talking about her work process and inspiration for the characters while drawing a sketch of Harry Potter. It is a really interesting clip. Watching other artists draw and talk about what they do is always so helpful.

Incredible Aquarium

2009-09-05T21:12:00.000-07:00

Kuroshio Sea - 2nd largest aquarium tank in the world - (song is Please don't go by Barcelona) from Jon Rawlinson on Vimeo.

I stumbled across this video on facebook. If you need a little break just sit back and enjoy. This takes me back to my scuba diving days. One of my dreams always was to swim with a whale shark so seeing a bunch in this aquarium is simply amazing. One of these days I'll get back to the ocean and some serious scuba diving.

Sigh....

Molly Idle reads Night, Night Noah at Tempe Center for the Arts

2009-09-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for something to do this Thursday moring, September 10th, between 10:00 am and 11:00 am The Tempe Center for the Arts will have another story time at the gallery.

Molly Idle will be reading her book: "Nighty, Night Noah." Stop on by for the story and enjoy some beautiful artwork while you are there. The illustratior show will still be up until September 19th. There is also a craft activity for kids to create their own picture book.

The Tempe Center for the Arts is located at:

700 W. Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 350-2829

‎Hope to see you there.

How to Write and Illustrate Children's Books

2009-08-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

A quick note about an event at Changing Hands Book Store this coming Monday evening. Great panel with great information.

Time: Monday, August 24, 2009 7:00 p.m.

Location: Changing Hands Bookstore

HOW TO WRITE & ILLUSTRATE A KIDS’ BOOK
Explore the writing, marketing, and publishing process involved in creating first-rate children’s literature with authors J. S. Lewis (The Fall of the Templar), Janette Rallison (Just One Wish), author-illustrator Chris Gall (Dinotrux) and illustrator Amanda Shepherd (Such A Silly Baby!). Joining them is literary agent Erin Murphy, who is not taking unsolicited work but will answer questions.

More info and directions to the location can be found at:

http://www.changinghands.com/NASApp/store/IndexJsp?s=storeevents&eventId=428881

Hope to see you there.

Tanja

Next Illustrator meeting - Tues. Aug 25th, 7:00 pm

2009-08-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

It’s time for our next illustrator meeting. We’ll be meeting on Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 at 7:00 pm in the evening. We’ll meet at the Barnes & Noble at the Tempe Marketplace again seeing that it has proven to be a great location. It is located in Tempe where the 202 and the 101 meet off Rio Salado. We’ll be meeting in the café. Here is more info about the location as well as directions on how to get there:

http://storelocator.barnesandnoble.com/storedetail.do;jsessionid=18F9DD089372E8294E9BDB99CB3796D6?store=2243

2000 E.Rio Salado Pkwy
#1032
Tempe, AZ 85281
480-894-6954

Bring along any work you would like to show, get feedback on, questions you might have, etc. I'm looking forward to another wonderful evening shared with incredible artists.

Let me know if you are able to make it so that I know how many people to expect and try to reserve seats for everyone.

See you there.

Tanja Bauerle
Illustrator
Studio: 480-857-8157
Mobile: 480-518-3338
Web: www.tanjabauerle.com
blog: tanjabauerle.blogspot.com

Story Reading at Tempe Center for the Arts

2009-08-17T11:19:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone.

This Thursday morning, between 10:00 am and 11:00 am I will be reading my picture book “The Adventures of Salt and Soap at Grand Canyon” during story time at the Tempe Center for the Arts Gallery. I'll also be sharing some photos of the actual puppies when they were found at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. There will also be a craft activity for kids to create their own picture book.

The Tempe Center for the Arts is located at:

700 W. Rio Salado Parkway

Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 350-2829‎

Hope to see you there.

Incredible Sand Animation

2009-08-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

Wow, is all I can say. This 8 minute video will amaze you. What an incredible artist and what a uniques medium. She tells a very sad story about Croatia's history, but her creativity will leave you breathless.

San Tan Sun News Article

2009-08-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine how tickled I was when I stumbled across this article? I had no idea that it was running or even being written. Exciting that the exhibit is getting a little extra exposure. The article is in the current issue of:

The San Tan Sun News – August 1 -14, 2009
Artist shares Illustration, reads with children - page 28

It's a free local publication. Thank you San Tan Sun News.

Wright on Time - Arizona on the radio

2009-08-05T14:23:00.000-07:00

The author of the chapter book series that I'm working on, Lisa Cottrell-Bentley, was just a guest on this show! She reads the first chapter of the of the soon-to-be-released book "Wright on Time: ARIZONA" the first book of the series. She's the second guest and also answers some questions about what inspired her to write the series.

Take a listen...

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/RobinFalls/2009/08/05/Robin-Falls-Kids-Story-Time

Paper Cup Exchange - Illustrators' Panel

2009-08-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

Quick note about an illustration event this Thursday at the Tempe Center for the Arts. Some of the artists that are exhibiting in the “Read me a Picture” illustrator show will be participating in a panel discussion. The panel will be moderated by the Changing Hands bookstore and will explore the illustrating, marketing and publishing process involved in creating picture books with the featured illustrators. If you would like to learn more about the children’s illustration industry and the process come on by on Thursday evening.

Thursday August 6th, 2009
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
in the “Studio”
at the Tempe Center for the Arts
700 W. Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85281

Hope to see you there.

PJ Lynch Video - His working process

2009-07-28T14:13:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite illustrators is PJ Lynch. If you haven't yet visited his blog, stop on by and be amazed (http://pjlynchgallery.blogspot.com/). I love to observe other artists while they work so videos such as this one keep me enthralled. Here he describes the process that he goes through as he works on a project. Plus I love listening to his accent. His blog and YouTube show various other videos by him which you might want to take a peek at also.

Enjoy.

Anne Coe reads at Tempe Center for the Arts

2009-07-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

Check out more of Anne's work at www.annecoe.com

Tomorrow morning between 10:00 am and 11:00 am Illustrator Anne Coe will be reading her book “Here Is the Southwestern Desert” during story time at the Tempe Center for the Arts Gallery. She is one of the artists featured in the “Read me a Picture” Arizona Illustrators Exhibition that will be showing there until September 19th. If you would like to meet her and view original artworks from Arizona illustrators stop on by.

The Tempe Center for the Arts is located at:

700 W. Rio Salado Parkway

Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 350-2829‎

Arizona Republic Article

2009-07-20T23:11:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday July 18th, there was a little write up about me in the Gilbert Republic, A second version of the article also appeared in the Tempe Republic. How strange to see one's face in the newpaper. I love that Izzy made it into the article as well. Here's a link to it.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/gilbert/articles/2009/07/17/20090717gr-illustrator0718.html

T.

"Read me a Picture" Exhibition Opening

2009-07-19T12:53:00.000-07:00

Finally, here are some photos of the "Read me a Picture" Exhibition opening at the Tempe Center for the Arts last Saturday. It was a wonderful evening and I got such a tickle out of meeting and chtting the other artists. Here are some photos in no particular order:

Seeing that this was a kids friendly opening there were crafts for the kids to do. The kiddos were able to illustrate their own books and tie them together. It was really cute. If you are planning on bringing the kids to the show the crafts are still set up for them to play with.

Here is Chris Gall and I in front of my paintngs. You porbably know Chris from his books "Dear Fish" and "There's Nothing to do On Mars." You can see some of his work from his latest book "Dinotrucks" at the show. Dreamworks of currently working on an animated feature based on "Dinotrucks" but the movie won't be out for a few years yet.

Here is David Christiana, moi and Mikela Prevost. Both are incredible illustrators and it was wonderful to spend some time chatting with them.

These are the four paintings From "The Adventures of Salt and Soap at Grand Canyon" that are on display at the show.

Some of my dearest friends Jennifer and Tanya. Thank you for coming on by to the opening.

Mikela, Moi, Gail Maki Wilson and Megumi Lemons, more of my wonderful illustrator friends. We have such a great illustrator support group here in the valley. Thank you for all the inspiration.

This is the gallery. It is a beautiful facility and everyone was very happy to be exhibiting there. Thank you Michelle for organizing this great show.

More later.

IF - Shaky

2009-07-03T22:38:00.000-07:00

Shaky, shaky, shake your bootie.

Storytime at Borders - Chandler Pavilion

2009-07-03T14:02:00.000-07:00

Join me at the Chandler Pavilion Borders location for two mornings to enjoy the wonderful story of Salt and Soap and some fun crafts afterwards. This location is right off the I10 and Ray Road. Visit their site for more detailed driving directions:

http://www.borders.com/online/store/StoreDetailView_282

Tuesday, July 14th and 10:30 am

and

Wednesday, July 15th at 10:30 am

I'll read the Salt and Soap book and will then share photos of the actual pups. Afterwards we'll have coloring pages and a word puzzle for those who feel up to it.

Hope to see you there.

"Read me a Picture" Illustrator Show

2009-07-01T17:58:00.001-07:00

If you are available on Saturday July 18th, why don't you swing by the Tempe Center for the Arts for the opening of their "Read me a Picture" exhibition? The show highlights nine Arizona children's book illustrators and features original artworks, hands-on art projects and reading centers for families.

The free public opening is called the "Milk and Cookies Reception."

Wear your favorite Pajamas, meet the illustrators and visit the Changing Hands Bookstore booth.

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

The artists are:

Tanja Bauerle (yup, that's yours truly)

Shonto Begay

David Christiana

Anne Coe

Chris Gall

Molly Schaar Idle

Sylvia Long

Paul Mirocha

Baje Whitethorne

Hope to see you there.

Barnes & Noble Storytime was fun

2009-06-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

Friday's storytime and Barnes & Noble at San Tan Village was a success. There were lots of families. I read the story to the kiddos...

... shared some photos of the actual pups, what they looked like then and now...

... and did some drawings for the kids.

It was a great event. J. Paul Deason, the Community Relations Manager for the location, was wonderful to work with.

Thank you J. Paul for all your help.

"Wright On Time" Book 1 Arizona complete

2009-06-25T18:20:00.000-07:00

Here is the cover art for the first book in the "Wright On Time" series that I'm working on. Yup, the jacket art and all of the black and white interiors are complete. Very exciting! The series is being published by Do Life Right and the author is Lisa M. Cottrell-Bentley. You can learn more about the series by visiting: http://www.wrightontimebooks.com/ . The book should be out soon. I'll keep you posted. Back to drawing to begin work on book 2.

T.