the kite runner

What started as a three illustration project is rapidly developing into a book (although obviously not 'the kite runner', that's already been done...).

Here's the final illustration for the exhibition in Portugal, but alongside this I have a raft of sketches, a new additional character, a storyline and even some text! An agent in New York has expressed an interest in seeing dummies, so watch this space...

Rotterdam Summer Carnival

Talk about great timing! I got an out of the blue chance to visit Rotterdam. I've heard good and bad things about the city and was looking forward to going (for the old harbour part of town and the architecture) but worried it might be a bit bland and soulless with all the modern buildings. Anyhoo, got to pick my dates and chose 27 - 29 July, and that Saturday turns out to be the day of the Rotterdam Summer Carnival street parade and after carnival party! http://www.zomercarnaval.nl/nl/index.php It looks like a really great atmosphere and I can't wait to take lots of pics. I was looking for some inspirado for my work - looks like I'll have plenty now. Just hope I can still find a hotel room....

Lost

The first illustrations (not the final artwork) for my new book idea. I like to think of it as 'Where the wild things are' meets 'Alice in Wonderland' or something like it! These two, and one others, will go to the Illustarte 3 exhibition in Portugal.

rejection

My first rejection letter! I was prepared for it I suppose (I am a natural pessimist anyway but it was taking so long I was beginning to hope just a little...) but it is still disappointing.

Here is what the letter said:

Veronica
Thank you for sending your work to Little Tiger Press for us to consider. Unforunately, the material isn't suitable for our list.
I'm afraid we are unable to enter into correspondence on material we haven't accepted for publication.
Wishing you success in getting published!
Warm regards
Melinda Tallier
Little Tiger Press

Guess I better start toughening up!

Spent today pondering my idea and looking forward to starting work on the first illustration (one of the downsides of having a two year old - no work gets done while he is awake!)
The sketches for these were done earlier in the week but it's always a bit of a surprise to me how the final artwork will turn out. I always have a very clear idea in my mind's eye but they don't always end up looking anything like it.
At the moment I am happy with them but only time will tell!

I had a lightbulb moment - I quite often drift into a kind of reverie while drawing the dog portraits and this one come to me while drawing little Tiggy and Sam (above). I'm working on it now (and don't want to give too much away just yet!) but I'll also upload some of the draft sketches. I'm doing the final artwork in pastels for a dreamy feel.

As is normally the case, I now HATE the Beltane illustration with a passion and cringe inwardly at the thought that I actually sent it to Italy. It's one of those strange conundrums - while I'm working on something I'm totally absorbed and feel so positive. The moment it's finished I can see everything that's wrong with it and end up thinking it's complete SH***! I'm not sure if all illustrators are afflicted or if it's just me.