IF- communicationCharlotte's Web

As always I've picked a children's story to illustrate the Illustration Friday theme. This week was "communication" and I chose Charlotte's Web.

Mrs. Arable fidgeted. "Fern says the animals talk to each other. Dr. Dorian, do you believe animals talk?"
"I never heard one say anything," he replied. "But that proves nothing. It is quite possible that an animal has spoken civilly to me and that I didn't catch the remark because I wasn't paying attention. Children pay better attention than grownups."

I've always loved this story and read it over and over when I was little. I read it again before illustrating it to make sure to get the details right. One of the hardest parts of illustrating this story was getting over the fact that it was already beautifully illustrated by Garth Williams. My early art education included poring over my collection of children's books and copying my favourite illustrations. I was particularly captivated by the cover of Charlotte's Web. Finding this charming link really took me back to that time.

I decided to just go for it and do an illustration in my own style. Here's a detail:Thanks for visiting!

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Miniature art studio

Whenever I post I have a moment where I try to think about why I'm writing a post about something. Most of the time it seems to just end up being show-and-tellish which I enjoy myself on other people's blogs. But I know people like a little something extra, so I try to throw in some tips and ideas and the occasional tutorial. This post may fall a bit more into the showoffy show-and-tell category because I absolutely adore my new desk and had to post it and show it off.

I've wanted a secretary desk as long as I can remember. I'm not sure if I could give you all the reasons why, but it has something to do with organization, and having lots of art supplies that need storage, and wanting to have everything tidy in one piece of furniture. Because until now I had art supplies in baskets and boxes all over the place and sitting down to paint involved rummaging around to find my paint box, brushes, paper, water jar, pencils, etc. etc.This desk has three drawers at the bottom and three shelves in the bookcase part up top. The inside has compartments for papers, stamps, postcards etc.It also has a lot to do with liking vintage and antique things. I like the design of old things, and the history that shows in them. This particular desk is art deco, and it seems to be a bit unusual because I saw mostly Victorian desks when I was looking. I also have a thing for doors with wooden lattices. I don't know why, but if it was up to me every single door and bookshelf in our home would have glass latticed doors! I also like that the desk was painted white, because it makes it a bit more modern and airy looking. I don't know if you can see, but it also has pretty glass knobs.


In case you're wondering, I found this treasure at Au Lit Vintage, a lovely store on Mount Pleasant. It's one of those pretty stores where everything is painted white and French style. I really recommend this store - they were so nice and helpful and delivered the desk for me. That whole neighbourhood is fantastic for antique shopping, there are tons of antique stores in between Davisville and Eglinton all along Mount Pleasant, with high and low end antiques, along with lots of nice gift and decorating type stores. And it was very quiet - a nice change from Queen West which can get quite crowded on the weekends.

And finally, just in case you're nosy like me, here's a peek inside my desk. I found the green mug recently at Goodwill and I love it! I'm always drawn to vintage green ceramics - the other ceramic jar was found at a flea market on the way home from Montreal last year. That one was $1 and the green mug was $.49! As you can see, I also like vintage rulers.
Here's another detail of my mug. And next to it is a paperweight that was a present from Bradley.
How did this post get so long? I hope you don't mind. Next post I'm going to show you my new curtains. I needed window coverings that were up to par with the desk, and they are also substituting for the wallpaper I'd like but can't afford!

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Baby Care project

I've just finished an illustration project which was a series of illustrations of parents and babies. The illustrations were for a booklet about baby care. I loved this project!

Here are some of my favourites: I've updated my web site current page design so that it's now easier to navigate. Each sample includes a detail of the illustration on the right. Now I just have to finish updating the rest of the pages!

Speaking of getting my work out there, needle book is now included on the web site Jacket Flap, a site which has a collection of blogs related to children's publishing. If you're interested in children's publishing this seems like a great way to catch up.

Also, our friendly group of illustrators, Illustration for Kids, now has a new blog. I haven't posted myself yet, but it's next on my "to do" list. My fellow children's illustrators are a really talented bunch, so be sure to visit!

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