I did some more watercolor tests for my book "Ryan's Truck of Eggs". One page was just random drawings, the other was a test illustration for the book itself. I experimented a bit with brown paper and ink. I like the overall look but am not quite sure how to…
I am working on some sketches for my children's book "Ryan's Truck of Eggs". So far, half of the spreads are done. So far, the story follows Ryan from his boss to the town with ballerinas, over a mountainous construction site, past a fishing party, and into a tornado! He…
It's been quite hot this week (up to 40°C/104°F). So, I spent part of the week watering our garden and getting rid of dry brush. We have a large compost pile, so I stacked parts of the old plant matter there. Compost may not look that interesting, but it's an…
Last Friday was my last day of school and I will not start up again until October. So, what do you do with all this free time? Relax, have fun, and do some things you haven't gotten around to. In my case, I had been very tired, so I started…
I am working on my picture book "Somehow Something is Missing!". Part of the challenge is to find a consistent style that works with the characters and story. I have done several attempts. I think this is version 5 at this point. But I am starting to like the direction…
I have been working on my books. Experimenting with colored pencils and different collage styles. Feeling encouraged one moment, then feeling incompetent the next. Because I can see my progress, but also just how much I still can't do. It can discourage you. It discouraged me. But then, after a…
When you only have little talent or responsibility, you might look up to someone who has more. You might feel jealous or unhappy, thinking that a "next level" would make you more successful in some way. I'm not a super-famous artist (yet), but even now I can tell you that…
I am writing a new children's story called "Gary's Noodles". I first went from the basic idea to an "outline". Here's what I did next: Step 4: First Draft When you have a rough idea where you are going with your story, you can start actually writing. Some people swear…
I like to teach. I like to write. And I like meeting family and new people. But doing all these things in one weekend is a lot of work. Now, I am resting from the events of the past 2 days. Visiting my parents. Greeting my brother who was in…
I told you in the last post that I wanted to write a new children's story. And just for fun, I thought I could show my writing process. This is obviously not the only way to write, but it's based on research from writing vlogs, articles and personal experience. Step…
Today I took a Hebrew test. I am pretty good at the subject and filled out one page after another. Page one - check. Page two - check. Double-checked the answers, handed them in. Since I had extra time, I decided to sketch my Hebrew teacher while I waited.…
Today I went to a critique group for children's book authors/illustrators in Stuttgart for the first time. I had connected to them via facebook and was excited for the day ahead. I had bought the train ticket, made sure I was at the station early and that I had everything…