The Night Before Christmas...

More from the The Night Before Christmas, published by CandyCane Press, released 2004. This book was printed as an accordion style board book. When folded, the inside reads like a book. When unfolded, the backside appears as a 47" x 9" panorama scene of Santa and his reindeer flying over a town on Christmas Eve — Lots of fun to work on.

Backside illustration 47" x 9"

Santa detail

Clock tower detail

Let it snow… Man!

I had the opportunity of illustrating Clement C. Moore’s timeless, “The Night Before Christmas”. This is the back cover artwork.

I'm dreaming of a cup of cocoa...

Book Signing...

Signed stacks of books this past Sunday with the amazing and prolific author Susan Lowell of "The Three Little Javelinas" fame.

Barb Strikes Again...

I made the mistake of connecting a strand of Christmas lights along the backyard fence without considering their proximity to Barb, my resident cholla cactus as well as inspiration for “Jump!” Could this be the start of a sequel? Perhaps, but first — a band-aid.

Another Fall Color Study...

Another fall color study. I figured I'd do two more and make it a series. Then I can have prints made and throw them up on the wall to see if they stick, (not unlike the old spaghetti trick — If they stick, they're done.)

AZLA...

I traveled to Scottsdale for the AZLA this past weekend where I received the Judy Goddard/Libraries LTD. Arizona Children's Author/Illustrator Award — Lots of fun. I got to hang out with author/illustrator David LaRochelle, author Robert Buyea, and author Robin Brande. It’s always great to get to know others in the book business. The unique ways in which creative people make their way into publishing always impresses me. 

Color Sketch...

Just a quick color sketch inspired by the fall foliage.

Rafferty McGill...

This is one of the pencil drawings I did for  “The Curse of Rafferty McGill”.  

Mother Nature Drawing…

My recent drawing of Mother Nature in all her seasonal glory. I particularly like the attitude that comes through. Mother Nature is not to be trifled with. Believe me, I know what I’m talking about, I grew up in the Midwest. This will be fun to paint.

Pencil Drawings…

Two of the 23 chapter opener drawings I had done for the book Esperanza Means Hope.

Shout...

I uploaded my latest new and improved web site this past weekend and kicked it off with a post card featuring a painting titled, “Shout”. Although, I can’t decide whether it’s a shout, or just really loud singing.

Check out my web page and let me know what you think.

A Little Traveling Music Please…

I’ll be in Scottsdale next month for the AZLA Conference. I’ll be there to receive the Judy Goddard/Libraries, Ltd. Arizona Children’s Author/Illustrator Award for 2013. How cool is that? I’m both honored and grateful. 

Book Signing!

I'll be reading and signing my book "Jump!" along with Jean Ekman Adams of "When Dogs Dream" fame at Maria's Bookshop in Durango, Colorado tomorrow from 11am to noon. It should be a lot of fun!

The Invention...

I had the good fortune to be asked to paint this year's Catalina Foothills Falcon Band poster depicting the 2012-2013 marching show titled "The Invention." It took me about half of a second to say yes. The band program at Catalina Foothills is tops, and every year the band's marching show is unbelievably great! This year's program included Piano Quintet No. 5, Op. 81 by Antonín Dvořák, Danzón by Arturo Marquez, and Alegria by René Dupéré. Not exactly what you'd expect a marching band to perform, but it was amazing.

Things dogs really dream about...

This is one of those paintings that was just pure fun to work on. 

Cat...

Character Painting...

Just a quick character illustration for a story idea I’m in the early stages of working out.

Draw...

I bought a batch of new pens for writing. They're so cool. They're the kind of pens that just make you want to write, or, in this case draw. I call this, ball point pen on copy paper.

At the Book Festival...

This was taken just as the panel presentation was wrapping up. Still having fun.

The Results Are In...

Best TFOB (Tucson Festival of Books) ever. I had the good fortune of meeting a few of my peers, that, until now, I had only known by their work. Good people. Glad to know them. Signed a lot of books. Had a lot of fun, and had a few laughs with my co-panel members, authors Charlene Profiri, (no relation), and Midgi Stephenson. Now back to work.

Tucson Festival of Books, March 9-10

I will be at the Tucson Festival of Books at the University of Arizona campus this Sunday, (3/10), signing books and also participating on a panel titled “Delight in the Desert: New Books for Kids”. It should be a lot of fun. 

Sunday March 10: Signing books at the Rio Nuevo Publishers, 12:30– 1:30 booth # 425.

“Delight in the Desert: New Books for Kids”, College of Education room 353, 2:30– 3:30 pm, followed by a book signing.

Stop on by and say hello if you are in or near Tucson this Sunday.

Javelina...

Just a quick painting of one of the local inhabitants of the neighborhood. 

Midnight Serenade...

I've been posting so many pencil sketches lately I thought this might be a good time to post a finished painting. 

And now for something completely Different...

I was in my favorite Pizzeria, in my favorite city last weekend, where I got a chuckle out of this little sign across from the cash register — the operative word being "We". 

The pizza was great, and so was the city.

Attitude Dude...

Beaming Scotty Up...

Lost In Space...

New character sketch for nothing in particular. Just having fun. I've gotten into the habit of doodling in my sketchbook after spending the day in my studio on regular projects. The interesting thing is, just when I think there is nothing left in me creative-wise, I get some of the most fun and thoughtful imagery to happen at the tip of my pencil. It must be due to fatigue. I'm just too tired to care very much. It's as if the art director in me has fallen asleep, and the artist in me takes the opportunity to work unfettered... Yeah, I'm going with that.

New Sketch...

I've been wrestling with a very tough deadline for the last couple of months. So, every now and then I have to steal a little time from myself and do a sketch, just to keep my sanity intact. Sketches like this don't take very long but they're a lot of fun and help me remember why I became an artist in the first place.

The Light...

New Sketch Book...

Today I took my new sketch book out for a test drive. I call this "Scooter Guy", (No Relation). Part of my New Year's resolution is to take a sketch book with me whenever I have to leave the studio. It's kind of nice drawing on something that isn't plugged in.