Early in the Morning

(Coffee not shown.)

New Sample Art

Above, the final color piece from this sketch, coming soon to a postcard near you.

Below, a black & white piece for the back. Steady as she goes!

Just a Sketch

More New Maps

I love getting things in the mail. These arrived recently– maps for an ongoing series of books about the USA for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. More states to come!

(Hairy Little Assistant #1 likes to read.)

Still Life With Cat & Sketchbook

State of the Studio

I'm having a hard time coming up with words lately, since my brain is in total-overdrive-drawing mode. Also, doing a lot of standing and sketching. It's much easier on the spine. I'm a complete Miss Cranky Pants if I sit and work all day. (Note to anyone starting out in this field: Don't skimp on good ergonomics!!)

It's a good thing I don't mind standing, since somebody likes to call my chair her own.
















Here's a peek at a sketch for the new book I'm illustrating:

















SUPER excited about this one.

I See, You See

What you see: Two adorable kitties.

What I see: Eight little paws just waiting to pitter-patter across the art on my drawing table.

What's On My Desk

This week I'm working on endpaper illustrations and a few other bits and pieces for Maggie and Oliver, a middle-grade novel by author Valerie Hobbs.

There's always a stage in the process where I think the art looks like blech. Most times I can work through it. (Figured this out after years of self-torture.)

















Usually my desk looks something like below. My hairy little assistants are always ready to help. (Between nap breaks, that is.) Luckily I also have a standing desk. Keeps the ol' spine happy.






















Here's another piece from the book:

This is a Problem

My assistant is shedding.