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
Katherine Howell - ASA Creators on Craft
In November 2016 I took part in the ASA Webinar with hugely successful writer Katherine Howell. Katherine's session was focussing on building tension in fiction, which proved to be timely and enlightening. Her tips and suggestions are already helping me to think differently in both my writing and illustrating. Tension is ultimately achieved by creating uncertainty around a character who the reader cares about - great to remember! Katherine quotes Ayn Rand: "If you want to hold your readers, give them something to worry about."
Shaun Tan - ASA Creators on Craft
On Friday 30 September, I was part of a small group of writers and illustrators who took up the exciting opportunity to hear from and speak to Shaun Tan, as part of the ASA's Creators on Craft series.
It was a real privilege to hear about Shaun's creative process and literally to get a glimpse of his own workspace, as he spoke to us from his Melbourne studio. He generously shared moments from his working papers for The Arrival and The Lost Thing, amongst other practice paintings and sketches. Probably the most important thing that came through, was his curiosity with the world around him, his continual need to explore and research, trying new ways of doing and seeing, and always keeping his sketchbook and pen or pencil at hand. Shaun's quiet, unassuming manner combined with his huge intelligence shines through - a true Artist and truly inspirational. Thank you Shaun!
A sketch from the GCS Gallery Exhibition, 'Shaun Tan: The Art of Story - Discovering The Lost Thing Book to film'.
St Ives Medieval Faire 2016
The incredible St Ives Medieval Faire has come around again - this is the third year running and has been getting bigger and better every year. Jousting, melee, tournaments, birds of prey, archery, medieval village life, brave knights, fair maidens, magnificent horses, juggling, feasting... Total immersion in medieval history! This year some workshops were also offered and I grabbed the chance to learn about the beautiful art of 'illumination', along with some fellow enthusiasts (including one re-enactor who was helping at the Faire with the trebuchet!).
Artist/Illuminator Tania Crossingham helped us to create our very own illuminated letter, complete with authentic design and paint colours and actual gold-leaf gilding. I was thrilled to be able to learn about this precise and gorgeous art form, which includes the skills of drawing, design, painting, ink and pen work and working with gold leaf.
Tania showed us some of her own exquisite work which was intricate and breathtaking - a real inspiration. Our own efforts were enthusiastic, if not as fine and controlled, but I'm sure practice makes perfect! Definitely an incentive to do more.
Almost finished creating my first ever illuminated letter! Needs some tidying up.
The finished letter, which is still a little 'rough around the edges'... A finer brush would have helped.
Here's how the expert does it - a detail of some of Tania's beautiful illumination work - part of a 'scatter border'.
Tania Crossingham at work at the Faire.
One of the brave and talented knights with his squire and handsome steed, taking part in the Jousting at St Ives Medieval Faire.
Picture Books @ Pinerolo
Another encouraging and full-on day immersing myself in the art and craft of the children's book world!
This was my second workshop with Margaret Hamilton at her gorgeous cottage, Pinerolo at Blackheath in the breathtaking Blue Mountains. My first was way back, with Margaret and Dee Huxley, as I started my writing and illustrating journey. This time, Margaret co-hosted with the acclaimed illustrator Freya Blackwood, whose work I have long admired.
It was wonderful to receive more tips on publishing from Margaret and to learn from Freya about her artistic journey, how she creates her amazing artwork and see her beautiful original illustrations.
The cottage is as charming as ever and the walls even more covered in Margaret's collection of original illustrations and whimsical owls. Thank you Margaret and Freya for sharing your experience, knowledge and inspiration!
The view from Govett's Leap, Blackheath, not far from Pinerolo. The Blue Mountains - an inspiration in themselves!
SCBWI Sydney Conference 2016
Another fantastic conference and get-together for writers, illustrators, publishers and art directors! Being my third conference, I had high expectations and wasn't disappointed. The wonderful team led by Susanne Gervay and Deb Abela had pulled together some great panels and varied speakers and this year, some particularly inspiring Skype sessions with international industry experts.
Acclaimed illustrator Paul O. Zelinsky provided fascinating insights into his artistic process and Keynote Speaker Tara Weikum (Vice President HarperCollins USA) also helpfully explained the role of editor and how she approaches working with authors.
A personal highlight was being part of the Illustrator Showcase again. This year I pulled out all the stops with my new portfolio. Some exciting interest has resulted, which I hope and pray will take me further down the path towards publication!
I also took advantage of having some critiques (manuscripts and art portfolio), including an international critique with Jim Hoover (Associate Art Director Viking Children's Books USA). Really helpful and positive feedback and again, a welcome chance to fine-tune my writing and illustrating.
What an amazing two days!
Part of my 'space' at the Illustrator Showcase, SCBWI Conference 2016
Shaun Tan exhibition - The Art of Story
The recent exhibition held at Grace Cossington Smith Gallery (based at Abbotsleigh School) provided a fascinating insight into Shaun Tan's amazing artistry. Seeing Shaun's original sketches, roughs and storyboards along with finished art for his book The Lost Thing and film, was incredible and inspiring. The level of detail in Shaun's work, especially in his directions to the animator for his film, was an eye-opener and it was great to learn more about his creative thinking and development of his ideas.
I'm so looking forward to the upcoming ASA Webinar Creators on Craft with Shaun, which I'll be attending in September!
The Shaun Tan exhibition GCS Gallery catalogue front cover
CBCA Sydney National Conference
Back in May, I spent two fantastic days at the CBCA Conference 'Read: Myriad Possibilities!' (20-21 May 2016)
Wonderful speakers included Libby Gleeson, Nadia Wheatley, Margrete Lamond, Australian Children's Laureate Leigh Hobbs and the amazing Jeannie Baker and Graeme Base! A profoundly moving tribute to Julie Vivas and Margaret Wild's picture book 'Let the Celebrations Begin!' was presented by musician/conductor George Ellis and his orchestra/soprano. So much inspiration on offer. What a great industry in which to work!
Another buzz was The School Magazine celebrating its 100th Birthday! A huge birthday cake was cut by Editor Alan Edwards surrounded by balloons and a group photo taken of the authors/illustrators present, including me! (I'm in the back row in red.) The cake was delicious!
Copyright Agency/Viscopy 'Voice of the Artist - Age of the Image'
I attended a valuable forum hosted by Copyright Agency/Viscopy at the Art Gallery of NSW, part of Sydney's VIVID Festival, looking at the impact of the digital world on arts practitioners.
Speakers providing different perspectives included a curator, researcher/lawyer, publisher, TV/Film media artist, creator of interactive digital experiences at museums. Illuminating how all areas of the arts have been both positively and negatively affected by the digital experience. Still evolving responses (social, legal, practical) as technology morphs into yet another new form.
Consumption vs valuing original creativity, promotion vs preserving identity, quantity vs quality. Lots of food for thought!
Magnificent Moreton Bay figs lining the paths towards the Art Gallery NSW, this morning before the Forum. Thank goodness these trees are (hopefully) safe from 'development', unlike their poor counterparts along Anzac Parade/Moore Park.
Buzz Words e-zine - Competition Win!
I was thrilled to learn today that I had won the Buzz Words Illustration Competition, with my 'Bounce' birds illustration. The prize is a selection of new children's picture books valued at over $100, which I'm very excitedly looking forward to reading and enjoying. Thank you so much to Di Bates founder and Editor of Buzz Words, and to Bill Condon who judged the illustration entries!
Look out for my profile in the 'Your Own Work' segment of Buzz Words.
SCBWI February 2016 Word Challenge: Dance!
Theatre, puppets, dance - some of my favourite things! So I've put them all into this little piece.
SCBWI November word prompt - Reflection
I'm always intrigued by drops of water on leaves and so is my inquisitive ladybird - surrounded by liquid mirrors.
SCBWI October Draw This!
SCBWI's prompt word was 'Enchanted', which of course led me to one of my favourite pieces, my princess in the enchanted forest.
SCBWI September Draw This!
'Muse' was the prompt word and 'Sausages' became both the source of contemplation and inspiration for a hopeful dog.
Creating a shop front Window Design
Creating a Window Picture at the Lindfield Learning Hub Bookshop. I was asked to create a 'tree design' to decorate the glass shop front of this wonderful bookshop. The 'tree' is significant as the Hub uses a tree logo and it's gearing up for the arrival of Andy Griffiths' latest instalment in the 'Treehouse' Series, "The 65 Storey Treehouse" on Saturday 15 August.
I spent a week working on the design which includes a friendly rabbit, a wise owl and some inquisitive birds. The Hub plan to 'decorate' the tree throughout the year as the seasons pass and in response to their various imaginative children's workshops.
This was quite a project, but lots of fun too!
Yvonne busy creating her tree design for the Lindfield Learning Hub shop front window.
The finished window.
Detail of the Owl.
SCBWI August Word of the Month
The August prompt word was 'Diverse'.
I came up with a group of little humans and one 'ambidextrous' alien, all with diverse backgrounds but united in friendship. Enjoy!
SCBWI illustrators July word of the month
July's word prompt was 'Adventure'. So many possibilities...
I ended up with a pair of adventurous kids armed with a bucket, spade and a treasure map on a hot beach day. Who knows what they'll find!
