animal magic

So here's something totally unrelated to any of my book projects but it is animal related. It's for a trade with Sarah — she made a spectacular Octopus for Liv. We named him Ollie!



Red Foxy isn't finished (a work in progess) but has definitely been fun to work on. Actually, I took everyone's advice about taking a break from my book work. It's acrylics on collage on maple cradled wood. I still have linework to add, and I want to work on the background some more. Hope it looks okay when it's finished. I never know how these things will turn out or if the recipient will like it - fingers crossed!

Brrrrrrr!

I had a children's story idea I was really excited about. I could see words and images in my head. It came from personal experience and was really original - so I thought. I popped in the bookstore during my lunch break and there it was. My heart sank. Did I mention it was also written in rhyme... stomp on my heart while you are at it.
The story was different but the images were what I thought would really make it cool and it's exactly the angle this artist took. I've all but given up any hope of submitting any rhymes, especially after reading Leeza's SCBWI conference notes and guess what? It was in rhyme.

Here's a new one anyway...

The robin's here.
It's December.
I bet he didn't remember.

PS - I've used light blue backgrounds in this and my last painting and I'm having trouble getting the shade to show up on my scanner. Would this be an issue if this were an actual job? (Better? I rescanned it)

when is a fish more than a dog

One might call me a connesoire of dogs, but I picked a different animal as my absolute favorite. I think it actually has to do with the mood I'm in lately. February is not a good month to be an art teacher. I am faced with so many things that I do not want to be doing, that sometimes the art gets lost. As one could probably guess, I'd rather be creating art, than dealing with paperwork and matting what seems like hundreds of my kids' artwork to shows all around the city. I find myself feeling as if I'm in a fish bowl...and if I can just hang in there until April, it shall be smooth sailing again. I just have to convince myself to hang in there!

Snow Tiger

This came out of my paint play session.

Tiger in the snow,
pulling Jeff and Moe,
keeps his head down low
when the wind does blow.
Which way will they go?
They just never know! (c.Frizz)

Animals

When I read the prompt for this week's topic, I was tempted to post my entire portfolio. (haha!) Instead, I made a couple of collages of my favorite animal pictures.

I do realize that I need to start adding some people, specifically children, to my portfolio in order to be able to seriously get into this "biz." I'm working on it. *grin*

And here's my second in the sequence …

Finally got finished with my New-Look LeezaWorks so was able to get back and wrap this assignment up. I had every intention of working on Hansel & Gretel today, too, sigh.

Maybe tomorrow before SuperBowl madness. Toodlepips!