BrainVessel, ALA, Artwork, and...
...The Enchanted Princess!
I can’t believe it’s been just over a week since the opening art reception at BrainVessel. A big thank you to owner Doug Koozer for making it such a fun event! I enjoyed meeting everyone who made the special trip to be there. I love talking about the creative process with fellow art enthusiasts. The true highlight was meeting brothers Tobias and Josiah.
In the photo above, you can see how their grandfather took them from painting to painting, asking them what might be happening in each. He also bought each of them a book and a print of their favorite picture. I can’t wait to hear how they like my story and whether it was as good as the one they’d imagined!
My original artwork will remain on display at BrainVessel throughout this month. Let me know if you drop in; I’d love to know which one you liked best!
If you happen to be in Chicago near the end of this month, you will find me signing novels and art at the American Library Association’s Annual Conference and Exhibition. I’m Booth #1652 in Artist’s Alley. It looks like an incredible event with amazing exhibits and speakers. This is my first time in attendance, so I fully expect to be blown away.
I’m told by other exhibitors that I should take time to walk the exhibit floor. If I get the chance, I’ll try to record some of my experiences and share them with you here.
So, what am I doing between shows? Well, now that the manuscript for my second novel is completed, I’m keeping busy with illustrating it. I plan to include even more art in this second novel. It will include 15-17 full-color watercolor paintings, as well as over 30 pen & ink drawings! Below is a sneak peek at four penciled pages that I will eventually ink and watercolor.
I have five additional pages in various stages of progress on the drawing board. Once they begin to look like something recognizable, I’ll show them here, along with a bit more information about my creative process and how I’m developing these pieces.
So between doing shows and creating art, what else am I doing? Well, I’m enjoying many, many new books. Among these is a true gem I found at a nearby antique store, The Enchanted Princess.
Now, when I was a boy, I’m sure the oversized pink cover would have screamed to me, “GIRL’S BOOK!!!” and I would’ve avoided it like the cooties. But, being older, wiser, more discerning, and not nearly as concerned about what my peers may think of me, I pored over this book at the store and finally decided to lay down $10 for this far less than pristine volume of Storytime Treasury. Why? Well, check out these incredible spreads, and you tell me:
Are these not beautiful? The artistry and the storytelling are breathtaking. Whoever the illustrator is, they are taking full advantage of the double-spreads and oversized format. I’m not familiar with the series or the artist, but I am now on the hunt for the rest of these books. Have you ever seen this series? Do you know the artist(s)? If so, please leave a comment below!
Until next time, Always Be Creating!
—Bill