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.
Yvonne Low internal illustration for Jack of Spades (Author Sophie Masson, Christmas Press - Eagle Books imprint)
Read MoreI 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.
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).
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...
A stroll around May Gibbs' Nutcote gardens offered plenty of hidden surprises and magical moments.
May's caterpillar hedge.
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!
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/
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.
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!
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!
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)
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
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."
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'.
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.
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!
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
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
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!
