Summer holidays with family are awesome!!

(Thanks Tessa, Olivia and Aunty Lynn for the photos.)

Last week I finally began work on some of the final images for my second picture book. As this time I'm planning a wordless picture book, there will be more than three times the amount of images in the finished book than there was in 'Custard and Carriages'. That's a lot of extra work!

Before leaving on holiday, I received my latest dummy book back from the assessor with her report on my changes to the storyboard. Her response was very encouraging and I think the story is coming together at last. The ending always seems to be the hardest part for me to structure, but I hope I've got it sorted now. Soon it will be time to start approaching publishers!

Also, since arriving home, I've been reading this book 'Show Me A Story: Why Picture Books Matter'. The book consists of twenty-one interviews with some of the leading illustrators of children's books. Compiled by Leonard S. Marcus, the selection of interviews are full of insights into the illustrators themselves and into their techniques and inspirations. 

Since the publication of this book Maurice Sendak has passed away, which makes reading his contribution even more absorbing. Finding out how some of his ideas were first conceived and why he wrote the type of stories he did was illuminating. 

Although I've never been a great fan of his style of illustration, Sendak's contribution to the field of children's literature was immense.

There are only three interviews that I haven't yet read and I can't wait to finish this wonderful book.

The first post for 2013!

While away on our week-long family holiday last month, we were able to drive out to my grandparents old farm in Hastings. They sold the farm 20 years ago and I hadn't been out there since I was about 6.

The picture book that I'm currently working on is set at this farm, so I wanted to make the most of the opportunity to get some photos to use as references for my drawings.

There had been some changes to the farm - hedges extended, swimming pool gone, house repainted - but there was still much that remained from when my grandparents owned the property.

Although we didn't actually go onto the section or into the house, the current owner met us as he was turning up the driveway and stopped to chat for a while.

He mentioned that the ancient blue tractor (which will appear in my illustrations) is still parked in the hay shed. That old machine was very exciting to play on!

Armed with a camera, I walked up and down the road, stopping to admire the view and take photos - I took over 40 pictures in the short time that I was there. The storyline for my second picture book is close to being finalised now, but the photographs will be a huge help as I draw the illustrations that will appear in the book.

       View of the farm house from the road.

The field directly next to the farm.

The driveway - by the yellow letter-box.

Standing outside this same driveway more than 20yrs earlier. I'm wearing the red hat.

Check out this awesome website: http://www.readingstartshere.com/archive  Every day for a year, (starting in August) Candlewick Press are posting short interviews with a selection of authors and illustrators. They are wonderful insights into the process of creating children's books!

When beginning work on a new piece of art, I usually just launch into it without making any preliminary sketches and the picture evolves as I draw. It is very rare for me to practice an illustration beforehand. But this time, I'm changing my process.

After reading through the assessor's notes a few times, I've decided to produce some new drawings to  improve the storyline of my book. As a perfectionist, it is hard to restrain myself to quick small sketches - I want to keep working on the picture until it's completed! Then I have to remind myself it's all just practice and mistakes are fine.

So, here a couple of pastel sketches that I've drawn yesterday and today.

I'm also experimenting with the concept of creating a wordless picture book. I borrowed a selection of books from one of the local libraries the other week by authors such as: Jan Ormerod, David Weisner, and Barbara Lehman.
The artwork that impressed me the most was Ormerod's illustrations in her pair of books 'Sunshine' and 'Moonlight'. Without any words, she tells delightful stories and conveys a sense of humour, warmth and security. I love them!

The books had vastly differing styles and all were a great source of inspiration. I'm hoping to keep up the drawing momentum and get my collection of ideas down on paper so that I can figure out the best way to tell my story.

I've not done any work on my second book for several weeks now. This is partly due to the fact that the manuscript was away being assessed, and also because I have started a new job this month. Hence the lack of posts.

The manuscript has now arrived back, along with a report from the assessor, and I can return to the story. Vivienne (who has been looking at my story) sent me heaps of ideas and helpful comments - there's lots of work to be done!

But no matter how politely or gently it is delivered, a critique is always hard to accept. I automatically read the sections that point out potential changes and advice as negative comments. It takes several readings for me to think critically about the text and report and see that the suggestions are actually very useful.

I put the story and report away for two weeks to let the ideas marinate in the back of my mind without the pressure to rush into creating more illustrations and new text. Now there are numerous ideas taking form and I'm excited about looking at the story again with fresh eyes after my break.

I came across this image the other day and had to share it on my blog. Apparently this book fort is in the Trondheim Library in Norway. I want to go there! The only downside, is that you can't read the books.

For almost as long as I have enjoyed drawing, I've loved playing with Lego. (Note to my American friends: it is LEGO, not LEGOS.) Each of my brothers have their own treasured collection - and they are very careful not to get any of the pieces mixed up!

I stopped adding to my collection a number of years ago, but I still get a thrill from fiddling with the bricks and building new creations.

The weather has been wet, cold and bleak all week - not great for a house full of energetic boys during the school holidays, but perfect for playing with Lego. I'm pretty sure I heard the unmistakeable sound of thousands of tiny pieces being tipped out across the floor this morning.

It is very tempting to spend the day inside surrounded by Lego, letting my imagination run wild amongst the colourful bricks. But, no... there are commitments that must be met, so I will have to resist. Instead of actually playing, I will content myself with admiring creations from other Lego enthusiasts on the Brothers Brick website, who seem to have a little more time on their hands.

http://www.brothers-brick.com/page/8/

http://www.brothers-brick.com/page/2/

 

 

 

 

http://www.brothers-brick.com/page/10/