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.