re-convening with a Master

this past weekend, i got to re-visit with author/illustrator Steven Kellogg who was doing a book signing at new york's amazing independent bookstore Books of Wonder. growing up, Kellogg was a huge inspiration and i used spend lots of time examining all the detail and hidden humor in his illustrations. when i was 10 or 11 years old, he visited my elementary school in Upstate New York and gave an assembly to the school. i can still remember him drawing on a giant easel. back then he signed a book for me and i've kept it. and it only seemed fitting he should sign the same book 21 years later.

Kellogg was extremely gracious and even remembered staying upstate for the visit. as i continue my own quest to get published, i realize that Kellogg's school visit is among the strongest influences on me choosing the path to entertain and educate kids through my words and art.

the original signing:



the new signing:

boredom = snakes

i've been noticed lately, that when i'm bored or restless, i end up drawing snakes. or variations on one snake in particular, Tobey. he's a personal favorite from the "Bludo and Friends" gang and he just seems to pop up more and more. perhaps, i'm on a mission to change the world's view of serpents or maybe he just makes me happy.

next week i'll be working to prepare some drawings to accompany my 2 latest children's book stories.
i've been hard at work all year on "Carla's Crab" and "Jungle Jam!" which have each been through my writing critique group twice now. both are stories i'm really pleased with. i've got a meeting with a few editors coming up in a few weeks as part of my affiliation with CBIG (nyc's Children's Book Illustrator Group).