sweet

This little boy from my first illustrated picture book looks in the refrigerator and finds something very sweet and cold on a hot summer day!

Speaking of which, A Moment in Time won the Reader Views Literary Awards for Best Children's Book. Part of the award was our very own video trailer for the book which you can see below:


Sorry I haven't posted recently. I've been busy working on a few projects, such as writing curriculum for Disney English and illustrating another picture book (which will hopefully be out by the end of the year).

Until next time, I want to recommend checking out the Sendak exhibit at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco.

The museum has a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge, a delicious cafe, and very inspiring artwork. My critique group, the Picturesques, attended a panel there called "Stealing from Sendak" and the illustrators on the panel were so generous with their insights and experiences! They made me realize how much Sendak revolutionized the concept of a picture book for entire generations: from nudity to honestly frightening characters. I was proud to wear my Night Kitchen shirt that day :).

wild + jungle

Only wild men can tackle wild animals. . crikey, that jaguar's close!

In case you want to place this battle in a different setting, here's a free coloring page:

In other news, I made a little coloring page for the Lake Oswego Arbor Day art contest, so if you're in the Portland area, your kids could be famous!  Click on the image below for the entry form.

Lastly, I made a little illustration for my friend Melissa's wedding last year.  It was such a personal and touching ceremony.  She was featured in Style Me Pretty.  Click on the image below to learn about her story!

Re-Direct

 Hi all!  Here's a few exploration sketches, just testing out the movement of my little tomboy.

I've been busy getting brush-up anatomy/perspective lessons from my uber-talented and charming friend Claudia.  If you live in the bay area and want some concentrated one-on-one training, she's the gal for you!

Also, I'll be migrating my domain to a different website so I can showcase my portfolio in a more cohesive manner.  If you would like to keep following my blog (which will still be updated regularly), please point your RSS/Reader to this URL: http://charlotteillustrations.blogspot.com/

See you on the other side folks!

swim

This gal uses brute force when it comes to converting a reluctant swimmer. The boy character actually popped into my sketchbook during jury duty last week as well.  It's amazing how much creative work gets done when you're forced to sit and wait for two solid days lol.

As usual, this illustration comes with a free coloring page!

And speaking of coloring pages. . are you looking for coloring pages for the Easter holiday?  Well, I've got plenty of Hipster Bunny coloring pages right here.  Happy Easter everyone!

eye glasses

Each pair of hipster bunny's eye glasses comes with a different personality.  Hence, he looks different in the mirror every day.  You see, that's how hipster bunny stays ahead of the trend!

I ended up creating this illustration during four days of jury duty lol.  It was my first time as a juror and I'm glad I went through the experience!  I just wish I got a sticker at the end of the process, much like we do after voting.  I think that would encourage more people to participate because I'm a firm believer of positive reinforcement ;).

And in case you want to try your hand at coloring the different personalities of hipster bunny, here's a free coloring page:

I included the textured background because I think it really adds to the vintage mirror look.  Enjoy!

Yesterday

The word "yesterday" has me thinking back to my Ireland trip in 2011.  To the people there, "yesterday" and 200 years ago are one and the same.  Their roots and culture are still skin deep. . their stories are rich with history. 

For instance, as I was sketching this 400 year old cottage, the people from the pub across the street were able to detail each and every one of its past residents.  One enthusiast even began reciting poetry from a well-known writer who lived there in the 1600s!

Also, I thought I'd share this coloring page, just in time for St. Patrick's Day!  I wonder if those glasses are available somewhere. . I think I'd look pretty hip wearing a pair this weekend ;).

You can see the original illustration here.

And the winner is. . .

And the winner is. . .Rachel!  Congratulations for winning the Hipster Bunny magnet (and also thanks for letting me know who "unknown" is lol).  Thanks to everyone who participated in my very first giveaway.  I hope to have more in the future.  I'll also definitely use the Hipster Bunny ideas for future illustrations!

Rachel, please email me your current address and the magnet will be heading to you soon :).