My second-ever image manipulation

The original.

ROUGH draft.  So rough...but, you really get
a sense of the fluttering.

''A Flock of Swönghúls''

*EDIT*

My first-ever image manipulation.

I just altered an image in GIMP!!!

...or DID I????  

Can you believe this only took me 2 hours???/

Welcome Home ii

I've started using GIMP to alter my photographs.  To get high-resolution images of my art, in the past I've had to get them scanned at FedEx.  But now, I can simply take my crappy digital photos and touch-up the levels to get the colors back to true.

craptastic.

GIMP is a free graphics manipulation program that I have been having a lot of fun getting acquainted with.  I never really got into Photoshop and watching other people use it was dizzying.  GIMP has been a less intimidating introduction to the world of digital graphics and I'm pretty excited to learn more.

thaaaaaaaat's more like it.

Artistically, I haven't had much "professional" development since high school AP Art.  Mostly I've just worked on my skills and techniques on my own or have taken cues and inspiration from others.  But learning this new program has really rekindled my interest in seriously studying art.  Hm.       

Second Piece of 2012

From bad to worse

After such a long period of inactivity, I'm pleasantly surprised by the events of the past week.  I've started and finished two watercolor pieces and am thinking about starting a third today.  I am REALLY enjoying these studies in iconography.  I've been experimenting with borders and patterns, color, and technique.  Lately, I've rekindled my appreciation for the works of Ivan Bilibin.  The richness of his compositions, his bold use of color, and painstaking attention to detail have given me a lot of inspiration.  

I'm thinking of developing a story surrounding these icons...but I don't have anything worth sharing yet.  

More soon (I hope).

First piece of 2012

I like where this is going

With all the writing and art I'd planed to do during winter break (which is now half over), I thought I'd have more to show by this point.  OMGMOTIVATION WHERE R U?!?//1/  

(One of the 50) Best of 2011?!

Got some good news from the undeniably astute folks over at kirkusreviews.com...The Woodcutter and The Most Beautiful Tree has been named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2011!  It's one of 50 or so independently published books to make the list, so that feels pretty good.

Damn.  I guess it's been about a year now since that pallet of 1000 books was delivered to my parents' house. I'm so happy to report that, thanks to my generous, supportive, and all-around kickass network of friends and family, and an incredibly supportive community in Rockford and Grand Rapids, I've exceeded all my expectations for this first printing.

To date, I have sold, given away, or lost track of 900+ copies of TWaTMBT (not the most flattering acronym, I know).  I still have some copies on hand for people I run into that are interested in picking one up; but, for the most part, I tend to recommend people get their books from the local shops.  These small operations in A2, GR, and Rockford have been so incredible in their support of such a small fish in such a big, terrifying pond.  A big thank you going out to:

Aunt Candy's Toy Company (Rockford)
Karen's Candy and Gifts (Rockford)
Hop Scotch Children's Store (GR)
Plaza Essentials Gift Shop - in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel (GR)
Muddpuddles (A2)
Fun 4 All (A2)
Vault of Midnight (A2)
Crazy Wisdom (A2)
Tree Town Toys (A2)

Please check these places out!  And if you're wanting to get a copy of the book, they might have some to sell.  Or, you can get it on amazon.  And if you missed the Kirkus review, check 'er out HERE.

I'm still pretty bad at getting interviewed, further evidence of which can be seen HERE.

Couple of thangs.

1.)  You can now purchase copies of the The Woodcutter and The Most Beautiful Tree at Karen's Candy and Gifts in Rockford, MI.  Karen's a nice lady and she makes some neat stuff.  You can scope her website here: Karen's Candy and Gifts.

2.)  I'll be signing books in downtown Rockford at Aunt Candy's Toy Company this evening from 5ish - 9ish.  Stop by and get a signed copy of the book!

I guess...that's it?  New art coming soon, I promise. <3