Illustrating 7 books in the past 3 years, working with five different authors, has been invigorating. Each book brought new artistic terrain: what do Trolls look like? How do I paint underwater scenes? How to illustrate “Leadership”? Not to mention, how do I interpret words artistically to meet both the author and reader’s vision? I’ve loved the challenge and hope to do more!
Upon finishing my latest book project, I found myself without the “next thing” queued up on my creative agenda.
Each book nurtured my growth as a painter. Recognizing that I haven’t had a chance to follow my own vision… over 150 paintings later… the next blank page looms large… with opportunity. “What do I really want to do?” is a question that is wisely explored with one eye to the future and the other considering my past. (For instance, as a child I loved creating books and cards. A path that only took me 30+ years to rediscover… no regrets.)
I once heard a friend describe how she found herself helplessly floating in an ocean of despair. The only two things she could identify that brought her joy were color and typing. Color and typing. Not too much to go on, but as she said, “When you find yourself drowning, you grab onto any toothpick that floats by!” She is now a gifted computer graphics artist.
So the questions became: what gives me joy? What are my longest held passions? And, perhaps most importantly… what do I want to do now?
In order: Children. The escape of reading. Explore my strengthened watercolor chops following my own creative vision.
I instantly thought of my little grandbuddy who loves books (maybe more than I do!) and recalled this angelic photo I took of him reading one afternoon this summer. Next, I flashed back to my teenage obsession with the work of, brace yourself… Norman Rockwell. Say what you will, but that guy had such a way with capturing personality and the joy of everyday life. I was fascinated by his work and remember copying many of his oil paintings, albeit in my favored medium, watercolor. Immediately, I began this portrait. Hidden within the image are little things that make this little boy who he is… captured in this brief moment in time.
So… portraiture. My next chapter? All I know is that I’m going to follow my favorite quote: “Leap and let the net appear.” Wish me luck. And… if you want a portrait or have a book project, drop me a line.