Head to Toe at the Doodle Diner
November 8, 2009 by Roberta Baird
“I’m a gorilla and I thump my chest. Can you do it? I can do it!”
Head to Toe by Eric Carle introduces children to movement and exercise with his vibrant pictures and rhythmic word game!
Kathleen Rietz at the Doodle Diner!
November 8, 2009 by kathleenrietzHi everyone! I am Kathleen Rietz and Have been a part of this group since the beginning, but I have spent a large majority of the past year illustrating children’s books and traveling. I am finally posting for the first time at the Doodle Diner! Yay!
1.If you could only use one colour to draw or paint with forever and ever, which colour would you use?
Dark Sepia
2.What do you most often draw when on the phone?
I doodle faces mostly…sometimes circles and boxes when I am trying to organize my thoughts.
3.Your studio is…
Full of brushes, pencils, paints, inks, paper, drawings and paintings, and all other things “art” from over the past 40 years.
4.Other than your personal style what illustration style are you drawn to and would you ever consider trying it?
A year ago, while working on 2 children’s books simultaneously, I began drawing simple still lifes. Putting in hours of drawing for children, I felt I needed “adult conversation”, sort of like mothers of young children need. For me that meant rediscovering my roots in fine art in its most simplistic medium – graphite. I stole hours from sleep to pursue my new passion for art, working on the children’s book illustrations during the day and my fine art in the middle of the night. This past September I entered my first fine arts show. I sold 5 drawings that weekend. I am now looking forward to my second fine art show this December.
5.What forms of marketing your work do you employ?
In the past, I have sent out postcards, though I have not had much success with them. Using my blogs, children’s illustration showcase sites, my website, and Facebook has brought me the most attention and ultimately the most projects.
6.Do you have an agent…if not would you like to work with one?
I had an agent for about 6 months and it was not a positive experience for me. I am still open to finding an agent. It takes time to find the right fit.
7.What is the first thing you remember drawing?
Twin girls jumping rope.
8.Do you have a favorite memory from an art class?
I won an award in a statewide traveling art show in high school, and there was a write-up about me in the paper. I still have the drawing. It was a Star Wars scene rendered in graphite.
9.When you go to a diner, what food would you be most likely to order?
A warm slice of blueberry pie with vanilla ice cream and a cup of coffee, black.
10.Is there a certain person from your childhood that especially encouraged you to pursue your love for art?
My Mom encouraged my love of art, nature, exploration and discovery. She will always be with me in spirit, and I dedicated my latest book, “Little Black Ant on Park Street” to her memory.
Celebrating Eric Carle at The Doodle Diner
November 7, 2009 by Roberta Baird
In an interview with the School Library Journal, the beloved illustrator Eric Carle announces his official retirement.
Eric Carle retires at the age of 80 with a list of 40 published books and the creation of The Eric Carle Museum Of Picture Book Art. His career serves as an inspiration to those of us in the industry and to children around the world who read and love his books.
We at the Doodle Diner will be celebrating Eric Carle and his career during the month of November.
You are invited to contribute as well. If you would like to create a piece of artwork, poem or share a favorite memory, we will post it here on our blog as a tribute to one of our favorite artists Eric Carle. Please send your submission to thedoodlediner@gmail.com.
Eric Carle Links
www.eric-carle.com
www.ericcarleblog.blogspot.com
www.carlemuseum.org
www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/
New Illustration: Swine Flew
November 6, 2009 by candacetrewcamling
{Oil on Board, 2009}
I just thought I would share my newest illustration with you guys! Its based on how a child might perceive hearing about H1N1 (or swine flu). Get it? Swine Flew…? Yeah, I have a lame sense of humor.
SCBWI Spring Conference in South Dakota
October 23, 2009 by princesstomato
Once upon a time...
Click here for details.
Illustration Friday ~ Fast at the Doodle Diner
October 23, 2009 by Roberta BairdA fast rise to number one on the charts!
Fall 2009 SCBWI Conference at UND (with a side of turkey)
October 15, 2009 by princesstomato
A few highlights from last weekend:
Shown above left to right: Molly O’ Neill, Laurie Knowlton, Andrew Karre, Janet Spaeth
2009 SCBWI Conference at UND
Laurie Knowlton If ever I met someone who lives in and makes the most of every moment, it is Laurie. She fed our minds and tickled our funny bones with her presentation The Bones of Your Story She taught about story structure and we know she lives by her words…For example, if you give a mouse this author a cookie, she will want to eat it like this:
c is for cookie...Laurie Knowlton and Yvette LaPierre
Molly O’ Neill
Molly gave a fabulous, well-prepared presentation titled What Makes Editors Fall in Love? She had us at “hello” and brought the message full circle with clarity, heart, wisdom, and perfect examples.
At dinner, she entertained us with a true story about a turkey. Yes, a turkey. Real. Frozen. Ready for adventure, turkey. Those of us privy to this kind of inside information, now know why it is imperative to wrap frozen turkeys thoroughly before transporting them via the NYC subway system.
Andrew Karre
Andrew is a walking source of information. Among other things, he shared with us Ways to Survive the Social Networking without Losing Your Shirt. He is the editorial director at Carolrhoda Books, and is particularly passionate about YA. His wealth of knowledge and wit paired with his ability to prioritize and to know what he likes are a perfect combination.
We look forward to many more exciting books from the hearts and minds of Molly, Andrew, and Laurie!
valgal at the DoodleDiner
October 13, 2009 by valgalart
It's pouring in Cali today!
Hi everyone! I am Valerie Walsh and art has been my job for much of my life. I am happy to be part of this group and I hope we inspire each other.
1.If you could only use one colour to draw or paint with forever and ever, which colour would you use?
Blue
2.What do you most often draw when on the phone?
Guess 
3.Your studio is…
a solarium. It’s glass and metal. I have another studio that is a traditional room as well. I pour resin and airbrush in the solarium because it has total ventilation and I have a drafting table and do all of my handwork in the other studio.
4.Other than your personal style what illustration style are you drawn to and would you ever consider trying it?
I would love to employ some digital illustration in my repertoire. My method of painting takes so much time… I love to paint but there are times that I would like to do really quick stuff .
5.What forms of marketing your work do you employ?
I am fortunate in that my husband John manages certain aspects of my career and that is very helpful and frees me up to just paint. I have been painting for 30+ years and I get a lot of referrals and commissions from past clients.
6.Do you have an agent…if not would you like to work with one?
I have had agents, some good some not so … I do not have one at the moment. There are certain venues that I would like to persue that require an agent so “yes” I would like to have one.
7.What is the first thing you remember drawing?
Very brightly coloured pictures with houses and trees and girls in cute outfits.
8.Do you have a favorite memory from an art class?
My favourite art class memories are from teaching children.
9.When you go to a diner, what food would you be most likely to order?
french fries dipped in blue cheese dressing
10.Is there a certain person from your childhood that especially encouraged you to pursue your love for art?
My Mom always encouraged all my loves of art,dance,theater and singing. She made me feel as though I could do anything, thanks mom!
