Fine Tuning

Here is a wee update on my ongoing portfolio.  I am trying to put together a cut paper portfolio, as I was advised to do about two years ago, when I attended the Advanced Illustration Workshop put on by the Highlights Foundation. 
My process has been slow because of the book projects that came along.  I'm happy for that!  But now, I'm really trying to put this cut paper collection together.  For those of you who don't have a portfolio.  Let me tell you, it's hard.  It is heart wrenching.  I go back and forth.  Taking things out and putting things in.  Gosh, I'm tired.
Anyway, here is the latest addition.  Idea came from a watercolor illustration I had done for my old portfolio.  But, I thought the idea was good so, I made it again, in cut paper. 

This shows a bit of the process.

Working on my sailor boy.  You can see I had another face made and decided to make him look more surprised.  Another hand is sitting off to the left as well, I was not happy with it.  This little guy is about 5 inches tall, as is.

Now, I did the big fish.  I cut out all those scales.  Seems like a lot of work. But it was kind of fun.
Those grey tweezer type things on the right, are just that, they make it easy to pick up the pieces of paper and place them with glue.

Finished product !  I think it's going in the portfolio. 

Book and Life Update

Well, I have some sad news.  Red Heart Books who is the publisher of Detective Punybutmighty, is closing.  They let us know last week.  I have been letting the news sink in.  So that means the two books I was working on will not happen.  At least not from Red Heart Books.
I was working on a wonderful story by my cousin Robin Morris called Tuti's Hair Cut.  I was so looking forward to that one.  It was going to be done in cut paper.  Also another Detective book was in the works.   Sending out a big thank you to Red Heart Books for giving me such a wonderful opportunity.

Oh well.  Onward I go.

Getting ready for a SCBWI Illustration Retreat at Silver Creek Falls in Oregon, coming up in October.  It should be lots of fun.  I always get a little nervous before going to something like this.  But, I guess it's good to push yourself.
Here are a couple new cut paper illustrations.  Not sure if they will go into the new portfolio or not.

I originally did this in watercolor.  So, I thought why not see what it looks like in cut paper.

This design was one of my greeting cards a long time ago.  Now, redone in cut paper.  I guess I'm recycling my ideas. 

Birthday Cards

Making a few new cut paper birthday cards to take to the gallery. 
I work this afternoon, so thought I would refresh my cards display.
Hope some folks come in today.

Have a safe and happy Labor Day !

New Book

Well, it took us a little while but, the second book that I was lucky enough to illustrate is now available at lulu.com

I used my Dad's old teddy bear as a model as well as a young lady that lives in my neighborhood. Thank you Lily!   This is a picture of Ted with the book "The Quiet Bear".   He seems to be happy with how it turned out.  What a relief.

I'm busy working on two books at once!  Yikes!