Kids Book Review writes: 'Sophie Masson is a champion at weaving intrigue and adventure with strong, memorable characters and a touch of romance.' (19/4/17)
Read MoreSCBWI Draw This - Wild!
Going wild, in the wild! I wonder who's having more fun?
Detail of my 'Wild' illustration.
The full image of my 'Wild' illustration for SCBWI Draw This August prompt word.
SCBWI Draw This: Celebrate
Two mice having their own 'celebration'!
My inclusion in the July SCBWI Draw This prompt word of 'Celebrate'.
CYA Conference 2017
I was thrilled to hear today that I was placed Highly Commended by the final Judge Clare Hallifax (Scholastic) for my illustrations entry into the 'Aspiring Category: Graphic Novels, Illustrated Middle Grade Novels, and Illustrated Picture Books'. Thank you CYA Conference organisers and judges!
ICPBS - International Centre for the Picture Book in Society
I'm taking part in the Migrations Exhibition of artwork from around the world, hosted by ICPBS and BIBIANA (International House of Art for Children) in Bratislava, Slovakia.
This exhibition intends to draw attention to the plight of refugee children and families, using artists as visual storytellers and communicators and the theme of a migrating bird.
We were encouraged to create our own unique postcard and send it across the world to the University of Worcester, UK and its ICPBS, the 'flight' of the postcard (via the postal services) also carrying its own significance.
My postcard arrived safely and can be seen on the online map of the world, showing from where each artist's card has originated - a fascinating and truly global response. Many beautiful, whimsical cards, with profound and thoughtful comments.
My Bird Postcard, flown all the way from Sydney Australia to Worcester UK.
Splash!
SCBWI 'Draw This! monthly art prompt for June was 'Splash!' I couldn't resist creating a wet and close encounter of the 'whale' kind...
'Splash!' Whale watching...
CBCA Author/Illustrator Afternoon Tea
I had a fantastic time at Terrey Hills Public School, during the CBCA Author/Illustrator Afternoon Tea. Part of a group of 10 authors and illustrators, I presented to 3 groups of enthusiastic and engaged Years 5 and 6 students. It was wonderful to hear that all of the students had taken a look at my website and work and some had even created artwork inspired by my own illustrations. During the afternoon, we looked at my process of creating the illustrations for Jack of Spades, which included fascinating historical research and the students also had fun learning a little about what life would have been like in 1910 Paris.
Thank you kids and teachers at Terrey Hills Public for a fun afternoon! Hope you've all been inspired to write and illustrate your own stories.
A great group of students learning about illustrating an exciting historical thriller.
One of the period hats I brought along for the children to try out.
Thank you for the lovely flowers! Our CBCA Northern Sydney Sub-branch Author and Illustrator group (L-R): Lindy Batchelor, Wendy Blaxland, Jan Latta, Louise Park, Penny Morrison, Aura Parker, Shelly Unwin, Debra Tidball, Yvonne Low, Belinda Murrell, Lesley Gibbes.
Five Favourites
Sophie Masson asked me to contribute to her blog Feathers of the Firebird and share my 'five favourite' books from childhood. What a difficult choice to make! It was great to revisit this liberating world, where as a child you can read, absorb, escape, wonder and imagine to your heart's content. Interesting to see how the illustrations were so much a part of why I loved these books, and still do!
I still love this book and the charming illustrations.
Buzz Words interview →
Yvonne Low internal illustration for Jack of Spades (Author Sophie Masson, Christmas Press - Eagle Books imprint)
Read MoreMedieval Paris
I was inspired to write a travel article after an in-depth visit to Notre-Dame in Paris. Every nook and cranny of the cathedral is filled with history, from its stones to the rooftop sculptures, carvings and gargoyles and its famous bells. My article includes tips on seeing other wonderful medieval sites in Paris, as well as a great place to stay and eating out in medieval surroundings.
Notre-Dame gargoyles who have a great view of Paris.
Words and Pictures
Following @Artmedieval on Twitter, I've come across a great explanation of the wonderful 'calligrams' from centuries past @PublicDomainRev. The 9th century manuscript Aratea, consists of poetry, text and image, explaining and illuminating the astronomical constellations. Combining science, poetry and art in a beautiful and intriguing way, even the stars' astronomical appearance in the sky is depicted in this work.
Learning new graphic and visual art forms with @ComicsMasterYou, the calligram is a great example of combining words and pictures through interdependence. Just like the best picture books, words and pictures work together to add layers of meaning and enrich the reader's experience.
Love the expression of the Hare - looks like he's in a hurry! (being chased by the hunter Orion or his hunting dogs).
New ways of seeing and communicating to readers
I'm really enjoying learning new ways of seeing and communicating with Comics Mastermind 'How to write Comic Books and Graphic Novels'. One fascinating technique is 'montage', which called to mind some beautiful images I recently saw (via Twitter) from the British Library's Catalogue of Illuminated Manuscripts, in the Harley 647. The scribe/illuminator created this in 9th Century! Writers and artists are linked through the centuries...
May Gibbs' Nutcote gardens
A stroll around May Gibbs' Nutcote gardens offered plenty of hidden surprises and magical moments.
May's caterpillar hedge.
CBCA excursion to Nutcote
On a gorgeous sunny day, a group from CBCA Northern Sydney Sub-branch discovered May Gibbs' wonderful home on the shores of Sydney Harbour. It was a revelation to learn about May Gibbs' prolific life as an artist and writer, especially working as a woman in that male-dominated era and field. She really was ahead of her time, working as a cartoonist, artist, illustrator and author and promoting her own work with cards, illustrated covers and even wine bottle labels! I particularly loved her watercolour paintings of family and friends - a truly gifted portrait artist. Of course her watercolour illustrations and stories inspired by the Australian bush, are her most famous work and beautifully rendered.
We took a guided tour of her house and learnt many fascinating details of her life including her love of Scotty dogs and lack of interest in cooking! I loved seeing May's easel and original cartoons and caricatures.
May Gibbs' home Nutcote in Neutral Bay.
May Gibbs' beautiful artwork.
View from back verandah of Nutcote.
May and her husband watched the Harbour Bridge being built, from the comfort of their own home!
Jack of Spades Teachers' Notes
Wonderful Teachers' Notes are now available for Jack of Spades on the Eagle Books website at https://eaglebooksadventure.com/2017/03/27/something-from-author-and-illustrator-on-jack-of-spades/
Jack of Spades Launch
Fabulous day on Saturday 18 March with my first book launch! Hosted by the wonderful Paul Macdonald at his Beecroft Children's Bookshop and surrounded by gorgeous books, Jack of Spades (Eagle Books, imprint of Christmas Press) was launched by author Pamela Freeman. Despite the continued rain, the afternoon went 'swimmingly' with a great turnout of people! Author Sophie Masson spoke about her inspiration for the book and the historical background of 1900's Paris and I spoke about developing the illustrations for this exciting novel. Sophie's folklore and fairytale picture book, Once Upon an ABC (Little Hare) was also launched by Paul, with Sophie and illustrator Chris Nielsen giving a reading of this beautiful alphabet book.
Paul Macdonald, Chris Nielsen, Sophie Masson and me at the signing table.
A great turnout!
Describing the process of developing the illustrations including researching 1910 Paris - lots of fun!
Pamela Freeman, Chris Nielsen and me.
Jack of Spades Book Launch!
Very excited to announce the upcoming book launch of Jack of Spades, at The Children's Bookshop in Beecroft on Saturday 18 March at 2.00pm! Please come along to celebrate Sophie Masson's wonderful thriller and have books signed by Sophie and me (as the Illustrator). Sophie is also launching her lovely picture book Once upon an ABC (Little Hare) with illustrator Chris Nielsen also attending. Author Pamela Freeman and The Lady Cutler Award 2016 winner and owner of the bookshop, Paul Macdonald will be launching the books!
Jack of Spades Front Cover
Here it is! The finished front cover for Sophie Masson's thriller Jack of Spades. It looks great - can't wait to see the book!
Due out in April 2017!
Jack of Spades by Sophie Masson
I'm thrilled to announce that I've recently completed the illustrations for Sophie Masson's upcoming novel, Jack of Spades, which is being published by Christmas Press under their Eagle Books Imprint. The book is a thriller for 10-14 year old readers and is an exciting read, with romance and adventure! My illustrations include the front and back covers, along with an internal black and white image and chapter header motif. The story is set in 1910 Paris and it was so much fun researching the fashion, architecture and design influences of that time. I'm looking forward to revealing the completed book cover soon! Look out for this wonderful book in April.
My front cover illustration for Jack of Spades by Sophie Masson (Eagle Books)
SCBWI International Postcard Competition
In November 2016 I entered the SCBWI Postcard Contest, which was an international call-out for a chance to be featured on SCBWI promotional postcards. The brief was a postcard including kite-themed art and although I didn't make the final four winners, I certainly had fun creating and entering my piece. Combining my love of all things medieval with stained glass art, I created a knight on a valiant steed with a kite emblem on his shield and card border. Enjoy!
My entry into the SCBWI Postcard Contest 2016