Illustration Friday: Poise

When I think of the word "poise", I think of "elegant balance." My wedding doves are the best example I have of this concept, on many levels.

I created my wedding doves almost six years ago to design a more personalized wedding invitation. On many levels, "poise" is more than just a suspended position. In marriage, everything is a act of balance and teamwork, and on some days it is elegant -- on other days, not so much!

The doves were framed and signed by our guests at the wedding reception. It now hangs in our hallway.

Illustration Friday: Intricate

Lots going on here! This is a page from a kindergarten activity book that unfortunately got shelved.

Illustration Friday: Instinct

I don't know about you, but as a kid leaf piles fascinated me. I'm sure it had something to do with the fact that I was asthmatic and was forbidden from jumping into billowing clouds of dust.

My "Fall Kids" are soft pastel on Canson paper.

Illustration Friday: Foggy

Here is my contribution for this Illustration Friday's theme for "foggy."

"The Fog" was an early reader assignment for Hartcourt School Publishers. It gave me the chance to create some historical pieces, and work with a story with lots of atmosphere. The little boy in the story, Tom, becomes afraid while walking in the fog, so his mother retrieves a lamp from their house.

I would love to see how the finished product turned out. Unfortunately with larger publishers, you don't always get free samples.

Illustration Friday: Hats

I know, I know -- I've dragged out this oldie but goodie from my portfolio archive. Come on -- how can I NOT use this?! It remains a favorite of mine, since it represents one of the first times that I "got" soft pastels. I'm still debating about having prints made of this one.

I'm working on the holiday card for this year, so I should have that ready to show soon!

Illustration Friday: Grow

Hooray! My first Illustration Friday! I'm happy to contribute my concept for "grow." This was my self-promotional piece for my rep's page in Picturebook 2007.