Cake...

This is what happens when you draw while your mind is on dessert.

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!