I received my copy of Penguin's catalog

and was excited to see this in it...

My second picture book, Billy and Milly, Short and Silly, written by Eve Feldman, will be released in June 11, 2009. Here's a peek of a the original illo for the cover.
I'm so pumped, I can't even tell you. Is it June yet?

illo for brio magazine

I'm hosting a giveaway over at mer mag!

hop on over here to enter!

Suddenly Supernatural: Scaredy Kat update

This is the first time I've seen this cover will all the text, etc. So exciting. I can't wait until it will be released in Feb. of 2009.

I won!

I was so excited to hear that I am the winner for the Free People fashion illustration contest. Thanks so much Free People!! I can't wait to see what goodies are in store. I love everything you have!

Halloween paper doll now live!

click here to help Ellery decide what to wear for Halloween!

Eliza

Emma

OK, back to women...but don't fret...I'll do more men in the future.

Heber

I actually drew a man today...can you believe it? After all the girly stuff I've been doing I thought it was time to draw a man. And I guess I rather like how it turned out...might have to be more of a regular thing.

Help Ellery pick a Halloween costume

So I felt it was time I do another digital paper (I've been a paper doll fanatic ever since I was a girl). Meet Ellery who needs your help in choosing what to wear for Hallween. She's not entirely programmed so I'll give you the heads up as to when she's ready but I couldn't help but give you a preview now. Stay tuned.

Free People entry

Here is my entry for the Free People illustration contest. Wish me luck! I could use some fashionable goodies for my soon-to-be post-pregnant body.

leisel

flower girl

drawing for Free People fashion illustration contest

I love the clothing line Free People, so when I heard that they were having a fashion illustration contest (find info here on their blog) in exchange for some Free People goodies, I was so there. Here is the initial drawing I did using Free People clothing (an outfit I would love to have). I'm going to flesh it out a bit with some color, perhaps watercolor, but not too much as I kind of like the light drawing look. What are you thoughts?

glue

some quick drawings I did for a family member's card project.

finally here!

I had to order my copy of Princess Peepers from Amazon and can I just say that I'm sooo excited that it's finally here! I had so much fun working on this delightfully silly story by Pam Calvert and it's such a treat to finally see it in print.

new sketchbooks = a new slew of drawings!

Princess Peepers has hit the shelves!

Go out and get it now! Or call your local bookstore and ask them to order it. Author Pam Calvert is also doing a give away on her blog so you should check it out.

Hope you enjoy!

Peepers Kirkus review

Kirkus gave Princess Peepers a nice review which you can read here. I also love the new, adorable photo of the author, Pam Calvert, reading the book with this young girl, both of them in glasses. So cute!

alice

through the looking glass

I'm working on an upcoming series and wanted to give you a peak at the progress of my Alice in Wonderland painting. As you can see I have my personal assistant helping with the most important decisions on this painting. Can't wait to finish this and more.

Stonewall Hinkleman

As a mother of a two year old boy and another boy on the way, I'm happy to say that I've finally done a cover geared towards boys! Of course this story is universal enough that boys and girls alike will love it (I read the plot to my 12 year old sister and she got so excited and wanted to read it right away). Thanks to author Sam Riddleburger's blog I was able to get a sneak peak of the finished cover and I can't wait until this book comes out. You can read more about the synopsis here and you can sign up to be notified on when the book comes out here.

wedding gift

This past week has been wedding week! As the matron of honor for my best friend's wedding I've been in a state of wonderful frenzy. Amidst all the hustle and bustle I managed to create this portrait of Jonathan and Angie for their big day. Congrats to the love birds! The wedding was beautiful and a joy to be a part of.

character doodles

sketch of the day

Spending time with family, drawing the nieces.

work in progress

Princess Peepers update

The book cover for Princess Peepers is now up on on Amazon with a "search inside" option. Check it out! There will be some fun glittery glasses on the actual cover version. I just can't wait!I also just received the Marshall Cavendish Children's Books, Fall 2008 catalog in the mail today and was so delighted to see the spread on Princess Peepers! I'm out of this world excited for this book to come out. Everyone mark your calendars for September as your little girls will be needing glittery glasses and pink poofy dresses so be prepared :).

Four new Jake Maddox books

Four more Jake Maddox books that I have illustrated (interiors as well as the cover) are up on Amazon for pre-order. What fun!

This is what it's all about

I have to give big thanks to all the younger folks who came out to the festival. This is really what this business is about for me and when a young boy or girl is delighted by my work I feel like I have really succeeded. I read the sweetest thing from blogger Tales from a Domestic Diva about how much she and her daughter enjoyed my work and the festival. Thanks so much Becky and Heather! It's people like you who make this job the best ever.

New, updated website!

Finally, after far too long I have updated my website! It's not completely finished (I still need to add a lot of images and information) but this gives you an idea at least. Take a look at it here.

Drawing Series|Meg #8

Drawing Series|Meg #7

Drawing Series|Meg #6

Reading Festival update

I just got back from a great yet exhausting day at the Knoxville Summer Reading Festival. Thank you to all who came out! I had such a wonderful time chatting with so many new and old friends, young readers and future artists. Jon and Atticus came along and had a grand time eating cupcakes, playing the fountains and meeting characters.

Mo Willems, of Don't Let the Pigeon fame, was there and gave a great presentation. Atticus even got a few books signed by him.
Allan Wolf gave a fun and boisterous presentation as well and it was great to meet him for the first time.
Myself and two other illustrators, Sandra Van Winkle and Adam Parsons, met for a Q&A session. After seeing these pics I'm newly dedicated to working on my posture as well as my microphone handling (according to my husband it was hard to hear me). Good experience though. A big thanks to the Knox County Public Library for inviting me out!