Stephen's site (sketch 2 color)

How many can you find?

2012-02-13T08:32:00.000-05:00

I came across this image the other day and I thought about sharing it with everyone.

So how many wolves are there?

P.s. I do not have the answer

happy hunting

Illustration Friday "Suspence"

2012-02-09T07:48:00.001-05:00

Quick sketch for Illustration Friday the subject

"Suspense"

This is my first time doing one I have heard a lot of people say it is fun but since today is Thursday I just did this while doing my laundry.

Medium: Bic pen

25 copies SOLD!!!

2012-02-07T07:36:00.001-05:00

“Why Am I me?” has picked up some momentum and is selling at independent book stores in Oklahoma one is called “Best of Books in Edmond” so far has sold over twenty five copies, this was after a news article came out about Wayne Harris-Wyrick who wrote “Why Am I Me?” I posted it here.

I have also been told that Full Circle Books in Oklahoma City has ordered the book, how many copies I do not know they purchased them through Ingram and that information does not become available till the following month. The store at the Science Museum in Oklahoma has ordered fifteen copies.

All very promising, at the scbwi winter conference I can’t remember if it was Dan Santat or Dan Yaccarino who spoke of doing a grassroots movement to get the book in the public eye but it looks like Wayne as done just that; if you have not guessed he lives in Oklahoma and is also the director of the Kirkpatrick Planetarium of Science Museum of Oklahoma, it is nice to see the museum take care of their people.
Oklahoma is also the home of 4RV Publishing and he has attended some of the conferences held in or around the city signing copies of the book.

Wayne Harris- Wyrick

Side note/ disclaimer:
When I illustrate a book I do not do a web search on who wrote the story I don’t want to be influenced by their web pages or blog, Facebook status whatever is floating out there on the World Wide Web. So the front cover had nothing to do with Wayne love for the universe it is something I picked up by illustrating this picture book.
I only knew one writer before I illustrated her book; it did not hurt my interpretations but her love for the outdoors did influence me in a certain direction.(Hi Rena)

2012 Tomie dePaola Award Part 5

2012-02-03T06:25:00.000-05:00

I used to add color using water color over my pen and ink drawings.

But that all changed when I was taught how to work in Photoshop,

It took me six months to understand how the program worked ; it took me another

six months not to look like I was painting on a computer.

So the question I get asked is "why bother?";

in someways it saves me time. But what I truly like about it is that it gives

me more freedom to play with color with out messing up the original pen and ink.

Nothing less fun then re-drawing an image that took you days to ink, and it never comes out looking as fresh. I also love to layer the color tones overlap them then blend

I feel it gives the artwork some depth.

Depending on the illustration I can use a few layers or many

This one had quite a few layers with all the characters on one page it was easier to

keep them apart then blend them together later.

I think I spent about two weeks from start to finish.

well worth the time!

Almost done

(BTW this is version CS5)

Done!

2012-01-30T06:46:00.000-05:00

I'm tired!

that's me!

Day 2 started at 8:00AM till 10:00PM

And Sunday was the last day stared around 8:30 ended around 3:00PM.

I have no idea how the people who plans this keeps up with all of it
a very

BIG THANK YOU!

for all the planing and hard work.

Also a nice surprise was when this man walked unto the stage.

He was not the only speaker to inspire me to keep going but his own childhood story he shared felt closer to my own.

Also I was and I am not sure why (yet!) moved by

author and illustrator

John Rocco

It was not so much what he said but I guess how he said it, plus he seemed to really enjoy talking to all of us. It made me buy his book

"BLACKOUT"

just won the

"Caldecott Honor"

It will not be hard to stay focused for the next year do to this little gem I will see every day

This is Sophie Blackall illustration; she also spoke to us at the conference.
the illustration is displayed in the subway cars and I ride the NYC subways so something to smile at.
(Beautiful!)

me last day very tired

Day Two

2012-01-28T05:35:00.000-05:00

Getting ready for day two of the SCBWI Winter Conference.

Day one

Yes that is the back of my head talking to my new friend
AP Sabourin

"Marketing Intensive for Illustrators"

was great! A lot of information to process and I met a lot of great people,
also ten of my postcards was taken at the
"Portfolio Showcase"

(it takes only one of those postcards to change my life)

I will post during next week postcards I have been given by other very talented artist and tell you who inspired me from the panel of guest speakers

SCBWI Conference SOLD OUT!

2012-01-26T07:23:00.004-05:00

One more day and the 2012 SCBWI Winter conference will start.

I am looking forward to three full(long) days of lectures, speakers, and meeting others in the publishing world.

Link

I am putting everything I need in my bag today,

so all I need to do is grab it as I walk out the door on Friday morning to get to The Hyatt Hotel by 8:00 AM.

See some of you there!

2012 Tomie dePaola Award part 4

2012-01-24T07:21:00.000-05:00

finshed sketch

pencil drawing starting on inking

finished ink drawing

The Year of the Dragon

2012-01-23T07:26:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!

Illustration done by my friend
Masako Kanayama

The Dragon is the fifth sign in the Chinese Horoscope and signifies luck.

Wayne Harris-Wyrick's "Why Am I Me?" in OKC newspaper

2012-01-20T07:20:00.000-05:00

Wayne Harris-Wyrick's "Why Am I Me?" in OKC newspaper posted
Originally posted by Vivian Zabel in 4RV Reading, Writing, & Art News
In today's Oklahoman, the main paper in the Oklahoma City area, is a short review of
"Why Am I Me?" by 4RV author and editor Wayne Harris-Wyrick.
I've copied and pasted the article below. (And I Stephen Macquignon has recopied the article)
Congratulations, Wayne.

YOUR LIFE Family, friends stand out

Charlotte Lankard CLankard@opubco.com

Being an only child, I never had a brother or sister looking out for me and cheering me on, so I particularly like it when readers give me a glimpse of what that is like. A few weeks ago I wrote about three Oklahomans who authored books published in Oklahoma and sold at one of our Oklahoma independent bookstores. The next day I received an email from Randy Wyrick of Leander, Texas, who asked me why I didn’t mention his brother’s book. So I went right out and bought a copy.

His brother is Wayne Harris-Wyrick, director of the Kirkpatrick Planetarium and author of a children’s book, “Why Am I Me?” Dedicated to his son Ethan, Harris-Wyrick’s book explains the importance of things like dogs and cats, mountains and water, sunrises and sunsets, butterflies and flowers, rabbits and even skunks. About trees he writes, “Trees make fruit to eat and oxygen to breathe, give shade on a hot summer day and a place to climb and study the world from up high, with the birds.” Then he answers the child’s question, “What is special about me?” It is a good book for any adult to share with a child. Since Harris-Wyrick, who writes a column for The Oklahoman, is an Oklahoman and easy to find at the planetarium, have him sign a book for that special child in your life.

And to purchase the book, try another one of Oklahoma’s independent bookstores — Best of Books in Edmond’s Kickingbird Square. Julie Hovis will take good care of you.

While I don’t have a brother like Randy Wyrick, I do have great friends, and because of this column I have met people all across the state. One of those folks is Jacquelyn Duncan, a retired Custer County associate district judge.

Jackie has invited me to her part of the state and we have visited here when she is in town. After reading the column I wrote about my friend Arlene Johnson and her love of animals, I received the following email from Jackie and her own animal companions: “Booray the Bichon Frise dog, Sookie the Maltese mix dog, Diva the calico cat and Red Beard the tiger stripe cat all join me in wishing you a 2012 filled with love, peace, health and happiness.” I wish the same for each of you.

Charlotte Lankard is a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice.
Contact her at clankard@opubco.com.

SM: It was a fun book to illustrate and I am happy it has received some attention from the outside world. Wayne seems to be an interesting person from what I have read on line maybe one day I'll meet him.

Transforming pencil to ink

2012-01-19T07:30:00.002-05:00

Transforming pencil to ink,
I don’t have a lot to say about this section of my artwork so, after I spend time sketching out my characters have them all lined up the way I think it will look good I do a final clean pencil line on a heavier stock drawing paper and start to ink it.
The amount of hours I spend inking one piece of art varies but it would be rare if anything I work on were less than four (4) hours per page. This one took me days the total amount of hours is unknown, I try not to think about it while working.

Congratulating the Winner

2012-01-14T06:01:00.001-05:00

The 2012 winner of the Tomie dePaola Award goes to

"Yvette Piette Herrera".

I would like to say congratulation to the winner of the award the illustration is charming.

When my computer tower comes back from hp repairs center (again) I'll do a better post with links and the three runners up as well.

2012 Tomie dePaola Award part 3

2012-01-09T07:18:00.000-05:00

"I want to be surprised, excited and - Very jealous..."

Those words are hard to ignore, the first thing I did was look up all the different versions of the title “Chicken Licken”, “Henny Penny”, and “Chicken Little” including the specific title/text that the Mr. dePaola used was from “Chicken Licken,” by P.C. Asbjörnsen.

1) How do I make this different?
2) How do I stand out in a crowed of hundreds?
3) How do I make an established illustrator jealous?

1) So how I make this different? As an illustrator you add your own voice I have said it from time to time plus others have said it as well “I tell the story behind the story” This does not mean that you ignore what was written it is just you read between the lines add a background story to the characters. So my little story floating in my head will be different then the next illustrator.

2) How do I stand out in a crowed of hundreds? My style is different from others. However, is that enough?

The hardest one:
3) How do I make an established and respected illustrator jealous?

In October, the contest was announced, I am doodling, and coming up with the same old thing as everyone else a bunch of farm animals, and I am going over in my head the text for the contest,

“they met Turkey Lurkey” “Good morning Goosey Loosey, Duckey Daddles…”

My first good idea was to make Turkey Lurkey into a Thanksgiving Day Turkey (Tom Turkey) with a Pilgrims hat or maybe a bonnet, and then I thought maybe a parade with all the characters as balloons. As I was sketching, I came up with this.

A Halloween Party! I love Halloween!!!

That is when it all clicked the little story in my head not a party a play with the popular boy playing Turkey Lurkey, and the blushing shy girl playing Goosey Loosey.

finished sketch

link: part 1 & part 2

2012 Tomie dePaola Award part 2

2012-01-04T08:18:00.000-05:00

So they went along and went along until they met Turkey Lurkey “Good morning, Goosey Loosey, Ducky Daddles, Cocky Locky, Henny Penny, and Chicken Licken,” said Turkey Lurkey, “where are you going?” “Oh, Turkey Lurkey, the sky is falling and we are going to tell the King!” “How do you know the sky is falling?” asked Turkey Lurkey. “Ducky Daddles told me,” said Goosey Loosey. “Cocky Locky told me,” said Ducky Daddles. “Henny Penny told me,” said Cocky Locky. “Chicken Licken told me,” said Henny Penny “I saw it with my own eyes, I heard it with my own ears, and a piece of it fell on my tail!” said Chicken Licken. “Then I will go with you,” said Turkey Lurkey, “and we will tell the King!”

"You have the challenge, so now, and I’m repeating myself…

I want to be surprised, excited and – VERY jealous that I didn’t think of that way to illustrate it.

I want to see an image, a style, a vision that I’ve never seen before!

Good Luck.

I’m on your side!"

It was not the text that inspired me it was the note Mr. dePaolo wrote :

"I want to be surprised, excited and - Very jealous..."

Those simple words that took my image from this simple sketch to what it became.

This is a link regarding other entry's to the contest I just sent them an email to add mine to the mix of wonderful entries

"Unofficial Gallery of the Tomie dePaola Award"

2012 Tomie dePaola Award

2012-01-03T06:26:00.001-05:00

(Click on image to enlarge)

This is my entry to the 2012 Tomie dePaola Award.

I will do a breakdown from sketch to finish artwork in future post.

The subject of the contest was from this text:

"So they went along and went along until they met Turkey LurkeyGood morning, Goosey Loosey, Ducky Daddles, Cocky Locky ,Henny Penny and Chicken Licken," said Turkey Lurkey, "where are you going?""Oh Turkey Lurkey, the sky is falling and we are going to tell the king!""How do you know the sky is falling?" asked Turkey Lurkey."Ducky Daddles told me," said Goosey Loosey."Cocky Locky told me," said Ducky Daddles"Henny Penny told me," said Cocky Locky"Chicken Licken told me," said Henny Penny"I saw it with my own eyes, I heard it with my own ears, and a piece fell on my tail!" said Chicken Licken."Then I will go with you," said Turkey Lurkey, and will tell the King!"

It is from the story of

“Chicken Licken”

also known as

“Chicken Little” or “Henny Penny”.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T06:52:00.003-05:00

I think David speaks for all of us with his illustration

Happy New Year!

Link to Davids artwork and books:

David Ezra Stein

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-23T06:17:00.001-05:00

Exhibit at Society of Illustrators

2011-12-22T07:42:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I was at the

Society of Illustrators enjoying their exhibit
“The Original Art”.

The exhibit showed the artwork of Children’s book illustrators, it was wonderful to view so many talented artists. Part of the exhibit was the picture books were available to read. One of the books I read was “Harry & Hopper” illustrated by is Freya Blackwood; it is about a boy and his dog the story and the pictures brought tears to my eyes.

There was so many artist that I will not attempt to mention them all. However, I have pulled some artwork off the Internet from some of the artwork/books I enjoyed looking at.

you can see the whole list on the Society of Illustrators web site.

"LINK"

The Many Faces of Santa by Michael Sporn

2011-12-20T05:54:00.003-05:00

I just had to share this Christmas card

The Nutcracker

2011-12-15T08:14:00.000-05:00

Who could forget Mikhail Baryshnikov performing the Nutcracker?
When I was growing up it seemed to be on PBS every year around this time.

Who could forget my cousin Diana Ferrante performing at Lincoln Center as a Sugarplum or as one of the rats? (Depending on the year )I hold those memories close to my heart; it is exciting to be able to pick out someone you know and love who is wearing a rat costume.

Diana (left) not from The Nutcracker

In addition, keeping with my fondness for Maurice Sendak his illustrations from "The Nutcracker" are just wonderful to look at and study.
I do not scan my own books because I do not want to break the spine so I have surf the web to share some of the better images I could find from this book.

(They are not in any particular order)

SANTABEAR'S FIRST CHRISTMAS

2011-12-13T08:03:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I was at a Christmas Fair and I came across this book

Yes I bought the book

This made me think of the special we did when I was working for

Micheal Sporns Animation studio.

original cell from "Santabear's High Flying Adventure"

So keeping up with my Holiday posts this is

"Santabear's High Flying Adventure"

created in 1987

this was my very first job working in animation

it is most likely the only scene I ever animated it is part of the opening sequence.

It was a true treasure to find it on YouTube

part 1

part 2

I won!

2011-12-10T07:09:00.001-05:00

A package showed up on my door step the other day,

Back in December of 2010

I entered a contest to color a squirrel. I found out at the end of December 2010

that I won three tote bags and three picture books, so it took a year to get my winnings

“If This Old Tree Could Talk To Me!”

by Jancy Morgan & Tom Dunn

It is a beautifully illustrated story about what a tree sees in its lifetime.The book is all done by hand even the font is drawn by hand I do not think they used a computer for any of it.

what I was giving to work with

My coloring of the drawing

Picture book cover

Also check out:

"Happy Tales to You"

for more information

During the Holidays

2011-12-09T05:27:00.001-05:00

I have been spending a lot of time trying to get my computer up and running this last month and I think I have narrowed down the problem. So I am hoping this will end very soon, it has been a month since I started to have problems so I think I am done.

However, since I have spent too much time on this, I have spent very little time on my artwork. Therefore, I thought to share more Norman Rockwell illustrations keeping with the holiday theme.As much as I can appreciate Mr. Rockwell sense of humor, composition, and his use of color. It does not hold the same passion for me unlike Maurice Sendak, so I never spent much time learning more about him or his work. However, in the last year I came across a link and enjoyed reading about him.

Links about Mr. Rockwell's work called "Behind the Camera” posted in the New York Times or Brooklyn Museum "Behind the Camera” it shows how he created his work something I did not know myself until I read the article.

Norman Rockwell

Cool Review & 99%

2011-12-01T07:36:00.001-05:00

The first review I found on Amazon about "Ferdinand Frog's Flight";

Ferdinand Takes a Big Leap, November 26, 2011 This review is from: Ferdinand Frog's Flight (Paperback)
Ferdinand is a sad frog. He doesn't like having to stay on the ground but has always wanted to fly. He is jealous of birds, who can soar above the trees. Although the birds try to convince Ferdinand that frogs belong on the ground and that things are not always fun for them, he remains unconvinced. When Ferdinand meets a helpful eagle, it appears his wish will come true. He is in for a surprise when he takes the big leap.The flowing rhythm, catchy rhymes and expressive illustrations are added attractions to this delightful tale that soars with anticipation and suspense. Children can relate to Ferdinand with his dream and learn along with him on his adventure.

Paperback: 32
pages Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC
(June 28, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0983274002
ISBN-13: 978-0983274001
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches

Amazon is selling Ferdinand for $7.62 the list price is $15.55 you save $7.93

&&&

Moreover, who is going to pay for their vandalism?

I am not against the protest down at Wall Street. But! I am no fan of spray painting on the side of a bridge that my
"It is taken me way to long to earn tax $$$"

will have to pay to clean this up.

Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol

2011-11-29T09:14:00.001-05:00

The Christmas season has arrived,

well it really came along on October 31 when I started to see holiday

gift wrap and ornaments going on sale.

But

"Mr. Magoo's

Christmas Carol"

can be considered one of the very first animated holiday special made for TV

according to "Wikipedia" December 1962, yes even before Rudolf.

I love the design and text used to create this animation UPS did some wonderful work that will most likley never to be seen again.

I have not yelled

2011-11-26T09:14:00.001-05:00

I have had this machine for 5 months (HP pavilion), stared out great! I loved it; it did everything I wanted to do. Now it is garbage, my screen started flashing or blanking out on me a while back. For three days I was on the phone with tech support a total of eight hours and seven technicians all to figure out that it needed to be sent back to get fixed. Now I have it backed and still does not work, in fact it is worse. Of course, it is a holiday weakened and No one is around to talk too. HP was nice to give their employee’s the holiday weekend to rest and enjoy there families.

I have not yelled this load or for this long in, I do not know how many years. This is when the fun starts, FedEx calls me and said by 3:00PM on Tuesday November 22 my package is going too delivered; my GF is home to sign for the package. However, they show up very late 7:39PM well after the time scheduled so no one was there to sign for the package. Okay next day second attempt was for Wednesday November 23 by 3:00PM, never shown up and when she called to find out what had happened they claim they did show up and we were not here “Funny!” This did not go well since she was home all day long and made it very clear to Fed Ex that the driver did not do their job. Because of Thanksgiving the next attempt is for Friday November 25 by 3:00PM, I am home tracking the package with my smart phone. I see it been put into the truck and in “Transit” showing that it has been documented that it should show up by 3:00PM. I do not trust that this driver is doing his job and repeatedly check the tracking code for any updates. At 1:40PM “Boom!” Third failed attempt I was not home. Not at all funny, I am on the phone with FedEx so fast and spitting nails. I demand to speak to a hire up and start cussing like there is no tomorrow and demand that I get my package ASAP. I received the package by a third party currier who pulled up in a Nissan and took it out of his back seat of the car.

Added on 11/27/2011 BTW: I have been told that there are 14
Security cameras in my building not one shown a FedEx driver attempting to deliver my package.

I was hoping this would be the end but HP does not know how to fix computers so the drama continues

Happy Thanksgiving early

2011-11-16T06:18:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving early,

Just a quick rundown I will be more or less offline for two weeks due to a “NVIDIA GeForce 530”Graphic Card problem .I have to send it back to HP for repairs as I type this my screen is flashing or blanking out on me kind of a strobe affect not easy on the eyes at all.I spent 3days, 8hrs and 7 HP support technician to come to the reality I could not fix it from my end.

Therefore, I am waiting for my shipping info and box to come and off it goes. I have to say there support is better than Dells when I had my computer with them and needed to contact them by phone I spent about an 1/2hr just on hold HP does not put you on hold they pickup and work with you for hours.

I wish all who celebrate Thanksgiving a very happy and safe one and I will be back in a few weeks (Cross Fingers)

Atumn in Queens

2011-11-14T08:51:00.001-05:00

Fall finally arrived last week to Queens.

A few pictures I took of my neighborhood to celebrate

"G" blends in during the this time of year

The first time they display a very nice wreath it is usually cheep plastic

2011-11-09T07:25:00.006-05:00

Amazon
is nuts!

Nevertheless, take advantage of this great price only

$5.79

this is truly one of my favorite books I have ever done and it shows in the 30 odd illustrations I did.

I do not know how long the deal will last

Review by Katherine Boyer: Midwest Book Review

2011-11-01T08:09:00.001-04:00

Review

The Giving Meadow

The Midwest Book Review

Review by Katherine Boyer:
The Giving Meadow
Stephanie Burkhart
4RV Publishing LLC
PO Box 6482, Edmond OK
73083 9780982588697
$17.99

The life cycle of any aspect of nature written for children can be and usually is a great learning experience for them. Stephanie Burkhart's book, The Giving Meadow is no exception.

When an egg lands in a meadow, the creature that emerges goes through the life cycle of a caterpillar until he wraps himself in a cocoon.

When he was a growing caterpillar, he met and was helped by several very diverse residents of the meadow, a frog, a ladybug, a bee, and a snake.

The lessons depicted in this lovely, brightly illustrated book include, but are not limited to, sharing, friendship, acceptance, understanding and generosity. The friends that the caterpillar makes on his journey to adulthood generously share their bounty with him that he accepts graciously because he knows they understand that he needs their help as he travels on his journey to complete his life cycle.

"The snake told the bee.
The bee told the ladybug.
The ladybug told the frog.
All the caterpillar's friends waited."
The wait was not in vain.
The sight that greeted them was a beautiful creature. You must read this book to learn about this amazing metamorphosis.

Children from 4-8, and even some a little younger and a little older, will want to read this book over and over. Younger non-readers will soon begin to anticipate the story and help tell it. You will enjoy reading it to them and watch in excitement as they discover something new in the story or in the illustrations. Older readers will want to re-read and pour over the pictures as they discover more exciting things.

Stephanie Burkhart, originally from New Hampshire, now lives in California with her husband, Brent and her two sons, Andrew and Joseph. She began writing homemade comic books at five years old and hasn't looked back, as she now writes short stories and novels. This is her first children's book.

Katherine Boyer Reviewer

The Giving Meadow is now on sale for the holidays at the 4RV Bookstore.

You can find "The Giving Meadow" and other titles I have illustrated at 4RV publishing Bookstore at 10% off the cover price till December 5th

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2011-10-31T05:31:00.003-04:00

2011

Halloween past

2011-10-27T05:55:00.003-04:00

Halloween

is around the corner I thought I would post a couple of my favorite

2007

2009

2010

drawings I did for this holiday over the years.

Just random shots I took of pumpkins

2011-10-24T07:09:00.000-04:00

SFC October Issue 2011

2011-10-21T06:15:00.000-04:00

The October issue of

"Stories for Children Magazine "

is out!

You can find some wonderful stories written and illustrated by talented people like

myself ;)

"Mystery of the Grinning Skull"

(10-12)

By: Andrew MacRae

illustrated by: Stephen Macquignon

Pen & Ink
buy a copy to see the color version

Academy Salute to John Hubley

2011-10-15T08:18:00.001-04:00

On the evening of Monday October 10, I was sitting in the Academy Theater. Enjoying a salute to John Hubley animated films from (1914-1977)

What a treat! His work is inspirational.

John Canemaker did a fabulous job Hosting the event

John Canemaker, Emily Hubley, and Michael Sporn

program part 1

The Ragtime bear, par John Hubley by jedall

I did not have a ticket and the show was sold out. I just did not think I would need to order one in advance. I had it all planed out leave work by 6:00 get to the theater no later than 6:30 buy a ticket show starts at 7:00 Done! Easy, it was easy until I got an email from my friend Patti asking if I was going? Moreover, do I have a ticket because are friend Michael told her it looks like the show is filling up fast.

program part 2

(Spit take) Wha? Noooo!

program part 3

Therefore, this is when I became concerned Patti suggested ordering a ticket now and pick it up at the theater. Good idea but I do not carry any credit cards with me, so I text my gal asked her if she would call and order it for me; was text back telling me that ticket sales for phone order closed at noon it was 3:00.

She suggested I call Michael and see if he can be any help another quick email and Michael responded by giving me a phone # to call to see if they were sold out and he wished me luck. I called, They were, but said if I can get there early enough and get on the waiting list usually the first 15-20 people get in.

Now my day job is being a massage therapist I could not leave any earlier then 6:00 because of an appointment that finished up at 5:45 so…

I am feeling like I will not get in. Nevertheless, I go to the theater expecting a line out the door and 21 people on the waiting list, that is not the case no line at all I thought I was in the wrong building. Went to the ticket sales table asked if they had any available seats for sale for the show, they said no. However, do you want to be on the waiting list? I looked at the list only about 8-10 people on the list so I said “Why not!” then waited in the lobby. While waiting I saw Heidi Michael’s wife and my friend.
Michael must of told her what I said to him she asked if I had any luck getting a ticket? I said no I am on a short waiting list. She said to me let me talk to Michael maybe he can pull a few strings (just so everyone knows it is really cool to be friends with one of the most powerful men in animation).

(BTW Heidi pulled the strings)

She went to talk to Michael I waited and then my ship came in a man went to the ticket table and said he had an extra ticket is there a waiting list? One of the women behind the table got up and started calling out the names on the list one by one she called and no one answered except one.

me in the second row taking to a very nice woman,
Heidi one row in front of me
and John Canemaker to the left of Heidi
and Michael taking the picture

That's ME!

I felt like Charley and that I just got “The Golden Ticket”, I pulled out my wallet to pay for the ticket he declined my money and told me to enjoy the show. Within a few minutes, someone is calling out my name Heidi is smiling at me as my escort led me to privet get together. I ate a little something and then went with the rest of the guest from the party into the theater before the rest of the ticket holders.
Did I say how cool it is to know one of the most important men in animation?

More John Hubley Films Link
Micheal's splog link 1, Link 2

Eastern Oklahoma Author Fest 2011

2011-10-10T07:33:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend was the East Oklahoma Author Fest 2011.

I have to be honest I have no idea how successful it was but it is always great to see the books you illustrate on display.It takes time and energy to make sure you complete the work in a timely fashion but in the end when I see them on displayed it brings a smile to my face.
I do not clock hours when I work I just do not want to know how many hours it takes to illustrate one picture book. Except on a few occasions that I was paying attention to the time like with “Libby the Odd Squirrel” were I spent four hours inking fur on one illustration and “The Giving Meadow” I spent at least four hours on inking the snake scales for just one snake, that was not including the rest of the scene. In addition, I have no idea at all the hours I spent drawing feathers on birds and fluffy stuff that came off the cattails in “Ferdinand Frog’s Flight”. However, you do it. And I will keep doing it repeatedly as long as people enjoy what I do.

What a great display!

In this photo is “The Marshmallow Man”, “Libby the Odd Squirrel”,“The Giving Meadow”, and also “A New Job for Dilly” I did not illustrate this one butit sits on my shelf proudly it was written By Rena Jones who wrote
“The Marshmallow Man”.

On this display you can see “Why Am I Me?” and "FerdinandFrog’s Flight” the latest books I finished in 2011.

I count five in total, some I have alreadymentioned. But I also see “Colors” this was the second book I did for 4RV Publishingback in 2008 still one of my top favorites and “Would a Kangaraffe Make YouLaffe?”, and “I Fish Could Drive”. WhenI look at this body of work, I see how I improved with every story. It is importantto keep pushing yourself to be better.

I can also see a book that my friend Diana who illustrated “PriscillaHolmes, Ace Detective” she is an amazing talent and I am grateful for her friendship.

This is Vivian Zable, President and owner of 4RV Publishing,she also write well and is a stickler for proper grammar. Thankfully, someone cares. This picture of her is one of the best I haveever seen. It is also funny that in the three and a half years that I worked forthem we never spoke by phone I have only heard her voice once on a blog radiointerview so that is kind of funny.

A moving interview

2011-10-04T08:27:00.001-04:00

A moving interview with one of the most important people Iwill most likely will never meet.
NPR Fresh Air's
Terry Gross

interviews

Maurice Sendak
about his life and his newest picture book
“Bumble-Ardy”
Shhh & listen

"The Pig Wants To Party"

(I am a little chokedup)

I always learn something new from this man.

Mr. Sendak you will most likely never read this but I wanted to say
*Thank You!*
for being in my life.

New Story

2011-09-27T08:38:00.002-04:00

If the weather holds out I will go into the city early and take more pictures in Central Park before I go to work.

I am working on my own story at the moment, it has been a while since I did anything just for me it is fun and like all things fun it is frustrating, what started out as a single idea has turned into a story I have about 90% of its sketched out.

The story takes place in Central Park NYC and I’m drawing a map I never drawn a map before except giving someone directions on how to get someplace so this is new for me.
But to draw a map and place the characters on the map I need to know my surroundings and it would be nice if other readers can find the places as well.

I didn’t understand why Flickr failed me. My one stop shopping for almost all my reference needs. Until I realized I need to know where they are not just random shots of the park I can recognize most of the pictures shown on Flickr but exactly were they are located is a different story.

So I hope for a change it will not rain and I can get my shots.

This story does not have a Publisher yet it’s not ready to be submitted. I need to get all my facts/story in order and create a dummy book to show potential Art Directors/Publisher before that happens.

A dummy book is also something new for me, when I illustrate other peoples story all I create is a storyboard to make sure I have a solid flow going on.

I was also hoping to share some good news but it has not happened yet so maybe by my next post.

Web search on Ferdinand Frog

2011-09-24T08:33:00.000-04:00

The other day I did a search

Ferdinand Frog

to see what would pop up and this is what I found

Travel page on FB

(click me)

(click me)

This last on has a link to some of the artwork from inside the book

(click me)

I always feel like I'm quoting Alice in Wonderland when I say "click me"

Sunday

2011-09-19T07:03:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend I was in Long Beach NY.
Every year they have a Jazz Festival its free it’s incredible and the talent is over whelming! If you enjoy jazz this is one venue that should not be missed.This is my second year going my cousin who lives in Long Beach told me about it last year, so it was a no brainer going this year.
Next year will be there 10th Jazz Festival and I will not miss it for the world

The Link

Are they needed anymore?

2011-09-17T06:28:00.000-04:00

Are they needed anymore?

With the invention of the cell phone
do we really need them?

A handful of thoughts

2011-09-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

None of this is all that important on its own so I just put it all in one post.

The other day /post I wrote about buying “The Great Song Book” illustrated by Tomi Ungerer, well while talking to a friend of mine on the phone I looked at my book shelf and read a familiar name across one of my picture books I could not believe it I am already familiar with Mr. Ungerer artwork “The Hat” published in the 70’s this is one of those books I have had as a child, it is in great shape a little dented around the edges, what a treat!

I was going to go to Books of Wonder on Sunday (9/11/2011) to support David Ezra Stein at his book signing "Love, Mouserella". I only meet him briefly once a couple of years ago at a local street fair in are neighborhood and been following his success as a writer/illustrator ever since. But let’s face it I was not eager to get on a Subway on that day for two reasons one (1) they never work well on the weekends because of track work and two (2) it was a high alert day and didn’t want to deal with it.Instead in my neighborhood was a group of performers from the “Mortal Folly Theartre” (“theater” it is not spelled wrong) doing scenes from Shakespeare it was enjoyable!!

Also in my own work I have a beginning, middle and an end to my little story that I am working on. It seems to be falling into place now but still no words are really attached to this picture book idea but that will come in time.

New books that came in the mail

2011-09-06T07:18:00.001-04:00

In the last couple of weeks I received two out of the three booksI was hoping to receive in the mail.

The first book is “Photoshop CS5 in easy steps” this bookjust made my life a little bit easier, I used the CS2 version to help meunderstand how that program worked; so it was a no brainer when I realized thatthis newer version changed enough that it took me an (1) hour to find how to cutpaste and resize a head from one body to a new body then I couldn’t remember howI did it. Frustrating!

The other book that just came in the mail is “The Great SongBook” illustrated by Tomi Ungerer I was introduced to Mr. Ungerer artworkthrough Michael Sporn’s blog post the book is out of print but I was able tobuy a copy from a used book dealer.

Sides note: I bought both books from Amazon web site; I haveread and was told in the past how some people have had problems with their customerservice to this date I have not. On the books I have illustrated sometimesthing are wrong like my name misspelled or no book cover artwork both I don’t understandhow that happens but it does. I was told that “Amazon will fix it when theyfeel like it” well not really true you contact them tell them what is wrong andthey fix it within three days. I have sent them the book cover artwork or thecorrect spelling of my name and it is taken care of simple! I have also hadquestions on orders I placed and have had nothing but good response from thepeople I have spoken to.

Illustration from Ferdinand Frog's Flight

The third book I am still waiting for is “Ferdinand Frog’s Flight” this is the last book I illustrated with 4RV Publishing and I am stillwaiting to see what the finished project looks like. If I can swing the cash thereare a couple of contest I would like to summit it too but I’m not going tospend money on purchasing copies of the book if I don’t know what the endproduct looks like.

The illustrations in this post are from the “The Great SongBook” I have taken them from Michael Sporn’s Blog or “Splog” post (click me to link)

A Tree is Born!

2011-08-31T09:45:00.002-04:00

Well it took sometime and I needed to walk away from it for a few days but I am happy on how it came out now maybe I can focus on the rest of the story

Two Days after

2011-08-30T05:30:00.000-04:00

Here are some photos I took on Sunday & Monday after Irene blew through

Tree down

Same tree above different angle

just missed the house

One of the few cars I seen under a tree

Happy it passed by with little destruction I have family members in Long Island and Westchester that still have no power

Hurricane Irene

2011-08-27T15:43:00.000-04:00

Frog’s Then & Now

2011-08-23T07:30:00.004-04:00

As I still wait for my copies of “Ferdinand Frog’s Flight”

it has given me time to reflect on how far I have evolved as an artist.

I had to dust off a very old portfolio for this first frog/toad it was done back in the 80’s; it also shows off my sense of humor the title is “Toad Stool” pen and ink with water color and color pencil

Toad Stool

The next one is a frog I never drew I just colored it, the title is "The Dancing Frog” it was an animation project done back in the day at Michael Sporn Animation Studio. see (Clip)

The Dancing Frog

The third I must of done around 2004/05? Not sure also pen and ink with water color (Tree frog) this one was once part of a stock art company I did a little work for.

Tree Frog

The fourth “Who Let the Frogs Out?” illustration done in 2007? for Stories for Children Magazine.

Who Let The Frogs Out?

Also from Stories for Children Magazine "The Surfing Frog" 2009/10?

The Surfing Frog

The sixth is from “The Giving Meadow” picture book I illustrated for 4RV Publishing in 2010

The Giving Meadow

And of course Ferdinand himself who wants to fly

if the picture book looks anything likes the PDF I have seen it should be stunning to look at.

Ferdinand Frog's Flight

Just a few pictures

2011-08-21T17:09:00.000-04:00

I took this near friends of mine new home

Almost face first in it's web
that would been a mouth full

Well you can all rest easy now Bert and Ernie is not guy!

2011-08-18T07:41:00.002-04:00

They are best friends according to the producers of

“Sesame Street”.

As I was flipping through the New York post on August 12, 2011 I found this article titled:
“BERT AND ERNIE GAY IT AIN’T SO” by Maxine Shen

I find it funny and sad that this is news I knew at one time people were convinced that they are guy, personally I never thought they were anything but Bert and Ernie I never saw them as anything more than characters on Sesame Street making me laugh as a kid and laugh some more as a college student (because in college you watch Sesame Street) ; I shouldn’t of been surprised that there was a petition or is a petition flouting around saying they should get married. In a world that is turned upside down economically people still losing their jobs this is what on peoples mind. Well I guess it is better than worrying about the stock market. The Muppets were/ is a part of my life, I still love seeing them on TV from time to time and I’m happy they are what they have been for me just two friends. Why complicate their lives, I’m sure if Sesame Street ever want to introduce guy Muppets they will do it with the same tasteful integrity they have always shown on their program and I will support it with all my heart.

David Kleeman wrote a tasteful article in the Huffington Post about this as well (full article).

You Tube post 1969 Debut
side note: Have you ever noticed that only Ernie can move his arms & hands?

Babar at 80

2011-08-13T07:04:00.000-04:00

I love when I find things like this!!!

A hand full of things have gone on last week that I thought I would share in one post

2011-08-09T06:29:00.001-04:00

1) I took these two pictures last Monday evening overlooking Central Park I was walking to a client’s home to give a massage. The pictures don’t do the clouds justice but Wow!

2) The next morning in Queens walking the dogs at 5:OO AM

3) This is funny I don’t believe in newspaper horoscopes but the first line of it rang true. Not too long ago I changed my kitchen faucet, well after I threw away the receipt and the box it started to leek from underneath the sink I doubled checked the hoses nothing. But from inside the body of the faucet it was leaking. I went to Home Depot told them my story and the women who was helping me was very helpful she gave me the number to the manufacture (American Standard) of the faucet and they in turn sent me new valves to replace the ones in the handles of the faucet . It seems to have worked all dry

4) I’m still working on my "Find the Faces in the Trees" idea I have done some sketches. This is my second color sketch it is not there yet when it comes to the coloring, but I’m not worried about it at this time.

second color sketch

5) You know that things are slow at work if I am looking through a Vanity Fair magazine. But I am happy I did I came across this article on Maurice Sendak that at the age of 83 and only 30 years later he has written and illustrated a new book called “Bumble –Ardy” yes he has illustrated other stories and worked on different projects in 30 years but this is the first book he has written in that time span.

Photograph by Annie Leibovitz

I am guessing like most we as illustrators get inspired by others

2011-08-02T07:35:00.005-04:00

Those who have taken the time to be tortured by reading my blog know that Maurice Sendak artwork is one of those inspirations.

I picked up a copy of “The Griffin and the Minor Canon” by Frank R. Stockton with illustrations by Maurice Sendak.

I just loved how this book was illustrated with its spot illustrations mixed in with full two page spreads and simple wash of colors, just wonderful!

So when I started to read the text for “Ferdinand Frog’s Flight” by Marvin Mayer I felt I may be able to do something similar in style, I was wrong like most stories this book had a voice of its own and demanded something more from me; so I listened to it after a long struggle within myself to let go of my idea. I feel that it was for the better; I used two page spreads to illustrate Ferdinand and in full color from top to bottom.

This is not to say I was not influenced by Mr. Sendak artwork his Griffin and my Eric the Eagle do share some qualities with each other.

I also realized this format may of worked better for a book like “Libby the Odd Squirrel” well If I only bought the book a year or so ago, I’ll just keep the thought in the back of head for the next time.

I have not yet seen the printed version of the book yet but the PDF was looking good

Happy Sweet 16

2011-07-30T05:09:00.001-04:00

10 good reasons to buy these books

2011-07-26T06:43:00.002-04:00

10 good reasons to buy these books:

ME!

view some of the artwork

here

M A C Q U I G N O N

buy the books please

Amazon

B&N

4RV

It’s out on Amazon!!

2011-07-22T06:58:00.001-04:00

It’s out on Amazon!

Well like everything else I’m once again pleasantly surprised to find "Ferdinand Frog's Flight" is for sale well almost; you can get notified when it shows up. But the title is up so soon enough. :-)
written by Marvin Mayer published by 4RV
This book should look beautiful in all its color. I am looking forward to getting my copies to see how close the printing is to original artwork
I am sure that you can also find it at 4RV Publishing or B&N sites as well

As a side note why "Widget" is full all ten books in the carousel at the top of the this blog are all mine.

Local Wildlife in Queens

2011-07-19T05:47:00.001-04:00

Baby Morning Dove

Because its too hot for anything else I thought I would share some pictures I took of local wildlife in Queens NY

Grey Squirrel

Young Robbin nest just above it's head

Now for some very wild looking animals

Chickens that wonder the hood

Part of the gang of chickens

and what neighborhood would be with out feral cats I never seen so many until I moved to Queens

Sitting in tree

We also have Bats, Opossums, Red tail Hawks, and Raccoons I also seen a Coyote that I nicked name Shadow Stalker

All Most Done

2011-07-12T06:18:00.001-04:00

I have no idea how long it has taken me to ink this drawing this far but I would guess it will take me a few more hours before I would consider it done

Things are starting to become normal again

2011-07-08T06:05:00.001-04:00

Things are starting to become normal again.

sketch

start pen & ink

still inking

And I started on a project just for me; and I thought to share some of it, this may become a picture book if I can find enough inspiration

When you look up

2011-07-05T06:22:00.001-04:00

Open Space between 27th & 26th street off of 6th Ave

When you take the time to look up in NYC you just may find something fun, beautiful, and ugly or get hit with pigeon poop.

Today I’m posting something FUN! (Or ugly) Meet Monsieur Chat or M. Chat
I have seen these two yellow cats for many years and even though I enjoyed looking at them I have never taken the time to learn about them.

I was surprised to find out with a quick internet search that they have quite a history. Created in 1997 in Orleans, France by graffiti artist Thomas Vuille.

A couple of links Flickr and Associated content from Yahoo were you can see more pictures and learn more about Mr. Vuille and of this fun fat cat.

27th street and 7th Ave

Ferdinand Frog's First Flight

2011-06-27T05:46:00.005-04:00

Coming out very soon!

"Ferdinand Frog's Flight"

written by Marvin Mayer

illustrated by "ME" Stephen Macquignon

published by 4RV Publishing

It is about a little frog in a big pond that has even bigger dreams.

A wonderful story that I enjoyed working on it very much

more detail to come when it is officially released

Just a Splash of color

2011-06-17T06:59:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to show a little color.
I was having fun with a friend do not remember the year I created this one.

Birthday Cards from the Past

2011-06-13T07:03:00.005-04:00

Stephen Macquignon retro artwork 2008

Well sometime this week is my birthday and I thought I would share some birthday cards that were made for me by other talented artist who I

worked with over the years at

Michael Sporn Animation Studio Inc.

we would create cards for each others birthday I can only find three that was made for me

This one I made for my friend
Michael in 2011 for his birthday it was a fun party.
This card gave me the idea to share what others created for
me

Made for me during the making of
"Poky Little Puppy's First Christmas",
This maybe the artwork of Jason McDonald
1992

Front cover part 1
not sure the year. But I worked with a lot of magic markers
I was given the nickname
Bikerman
because of my appearance

Inside artwork part 2
I think it was George McClements or Michael Wisnieski
who created this card or both

Created by Masako Kanayama

Created by Michael Sporn
the artwork is from
"Hunting Of The Snark"
1989

(I apologize for the poor quality of the cards but until I get everything working again in my computer system thing are a bit fuzzy)

Conversation With Patti Stren & Stories for Children Magazine (June issue)

2011-06-10T04:58:00.000-04:00

Conversation with Patti Stren,
Patti and I met at a birthday party for a mutual friend not to long ago and have talked to each other ever since via Internet.

Patti has joined the few important people in my world who call themselves fans of my artwork; I just call them friends.

Because of her interest in my artwork I promised to show my sketches of the newest project I would be working on. Keep in mind Patti does not know the story, all I sent her was a sketch after it was approved by the Art Director. So this led to a handful of questions that Patti threw at me and with her permission I'm sharing it with all of you:

PS: you are so kind to include me with your sketches

i wanted to write you and ask

in fact i was working on a little letter about asking you

so in fact i was sketching a letter

so walking up the stairs

long ago when I was a child they used to read

Christopher Robbin poems

do you know them well you should be reading them because there was a poem about being half way up the stairs and something like this
SM: Are you talking about "When We were Very Young" written by A.A Milne? if so yes I have it, Love it!!!!

PS: you know you must know perspective is that right?
SM: I really don't know perspective well I cheat and use graph paper when I want it to look straighter.

PS: I didn't know any any perspective
so other artists used to say wow I wish I could make the perspective crazy like you
If I didn't use the graph paper it would twist in the wind, so it depending on what I'm working I will struggle and make it work or let it go and let it do what it wants

SM: (Do you ever get this said to you? "I can't even draw a straight line" I always like to respond neither can I)

PS: this is a question for me to ask you
have you ever thought of playing with the perspective as if the child sees things
from different VIEWS
hm

LIKE now he looks like he is in suspended animation

hmmm and is the father or does the father have a BRIBE in his hand
I am also
SM: No i just did not Know what to do with the stupid thing

PS: very much into capes
SM: Cape are fun
PS: well i am so so so so grateful for your sketch
is this you
SM: Aren't they all

PS: and do the staircase or does the staircase t ake him
up
into a
new world altogether
SM: The story title is "Ben and the Superhero" If you have not guessed Ben is the kid; Ben asks his father if superheros are real and through out the story the father always seems to be there to help the son out. (get were this is going)
Anyway I took three sequential lines of text and created the one illustration for the story

1) Father fixed Roboman "You fixed my toy! Ben shouted happily. "Thanks!"
2) Father tells Ben time for bed
3) Ben ran up the stairs Two by Two

I like movement in my illustrations when I can find it in the story

PS: his like circular world
hm
sorry to ask so much
SM: No Problem ;)

PS: but also
his father looks like he secretly is a ballet dancer
or secretly watches the black swan or what is it.
wuv
and more wuv from me
SM: The father was a professional dancer until.... well he does not like to talk about it.

PS: does the little boy also turn into the toy
SM: Not that I'm aware of

PS: hmmm i'm a bundle of questions
oh the banister does it have a smiling face in the bottom tingy
oh sorry to ask so much

my mind is now afire

but the ch ristopher robbin poems

read jame james robinson robinson etc.
love
ya much very muchly my young writerillsutrator
me

The June issue of "Stories for Children Magazine" is now available for only $3.99

Almost to the year

2011-06-02T07:44:00.003-04:00

?1995/6 - May 14 2011

Almost to the year, (click here)
I would like to take a moment to thank the staff of the NYC Veterinary Hospital of Queens, NY for taken such good care of Hamlet in the last few hours of his life. they are an incredible group of people and I'm very thankful I have them in my neighborhood.

Doubt thou the stars are fire,

Doubt that the sun doth move,

Doubt truth to be a liar,

But never doubt I love.

Hamlet

Act III, Scene II

Well May sucked! and I am thankful it is over. One thing to beware of is this lovely virus that attacked my computer with a wrecking ball. It was a big hit with me, and im feeling a little stupid because I hit "FIX" (don't hit "FIX")

I thought I got rid of it two or three days before it reappeared and well my computer is now running on two cylinders instead of eight; I'm almost confident I killed it this time. But I am not going to attempt to repair all the damage it has caused. I don't have the disc to rebuild my favorite program and I was going to start looking for a new system anyway since this one is 5-6 years old. So I have this one running well enough to check emails and checkout websites (for a new computer)

Good news!
"G" is now walking up the ramp instead of jumping to the top of it. Just think it took only thirteen years to convince her it is not evil and it would be okay to walk up it she never had a problem walking down it.

Color Breakdown

2011-05-25T07:13:00.001-04:00

My computer was attacked and I have been working on retrieving lost information plus getting certain programs up and running again. I feel lucky that over 90% of my artwork was backed up and I was able to retrieve all of the rest with some effort.

Start with the pen & ink drawing

This is not the program I use to create my multiple level colors scheme but I lost my program and with out a back up disc I’m out of luck. (one of the two I can not fix)

But this should give an idea on how many layers I work on to create one colorful page

Bottom Layer

Layer One

Layer Two

Layer Three

Layer Four

Layer Five

Layer Six

Each layer sits one on top of the other bringing to life the pen & ink drawing adding some depth and texture to my artwork.

Finished Artwork

"Hamlet"

2011-05-21T05:37:00.002-04:00

Hamlet with his pack

Twenty-one things my dog taught me about being a better man:

1. Be true to your own nature. There’s no point in faking it. A golden retriever isn’t a chihuahua or a pug or a greyhound, and for good reason. Being comfortable in your own skin is 90% of the trick to rocking out your life. Not everyone is meant to be Rintintin or a seeing eye dog or an Iditarod racer. It’s okay. Find yourself and embrace your nature. That’s always a great place to start.

2. Be true to the ones you love. Your friends, your family, your tribe, your pack. A life lived for others is a life well-lived. Selfish pursuits aside, ambition often grows hollow when turned inwardly instead of outwardly. It’s one thing to want to be pack leader, but there is just as much value and honor in serving than in leading. When in doubt, see item number one.

3. Never say no to a chance to go on a car ride. When the days grow short, I guarantee you’ll wish you’d have gone on more car rides.

4. Leashes are the enemy. Avoid them at all cost.

5. People are strange. So much potential, yet here they are, doing everything they can to complicate rather than simplify their lives. It’s puzzling.

6. Belly scratches.

7. The end isn’t pretty, but if you can face it with dignity and grace, none of your body’s weaknesses will matter. Your heart, your courage, your spirit is what people will see and remember. This isn’t only applicable in your last days and weeks. It’s applicable every day of your life. Adversity happens. It’s how you deal with it that matters.

8. Forgiveness is easier for dogs than for humans, but humans have opposable thumbs and the ability to speak, so it all balances out in the end.

9. Your bark is your own. No one has one quite like yours. Own it. Love it. Project it.

10. Trust your instincts. They rarely steer you wrong. The feeling in your gut though, that’s probably just something you ate.

11. Just because you’re meant to live on land doesn’t mean you can’t feel at home in water. Play outside the safety zone. Swim in the deep end. Dive in. We’re all designed to do more than the obvious.

12. Play more. The game is irrelevant. Just play. Tip: Exploring is play. Having adventures is play. Finding out what’s behind the next hill is play.

13. Your body growing old doesn’t mean you can’t be a puppy at heart. Actually, the first should have no impact on the latter. If you find that it does, take a step back, regroup, and restart. Always be a puppy at heart.

14. Humans aren’t all bad. But they aren’t all good either. Choose yours wisely.

15. Always keep that 20% wolf in you. If you ever give it up, you’re done. A dog without a little wildness in the blood isn’t a dog. It’s a furry robot. The beauty of a great dog doesn’t lie in its obedience but in its loyalty. Loyalty is a choice. Dogs choose to be dogs and not wolves. That’s what makes them so special.

16. Running full bore across a field in the rain.

17. There are no mysteries. Take cats, for example: Half rat, half badger. Crap in a box. Eat rodents. Where’s the mystery in that? If you look hard enough, you can figure most things out for yourself. The world isn’t as complicated as it sometimes seems.

18. Sometimes, you have to back up your growl with a bite. Go with it. Some people like to test your bark-to-bite ratio. With those “inquisitive” types, a little education goes a long way. As much as it sucks to have to go there, it is sometimes necessary. (It’s what the fangs are for.) Your territory, your space, your safety… They’re worth defending. Make a show of it once, and chances are you’ll never have to teach anyone a lesson again.

19. Being alone is no way to go through life. We’re pack animals. Humans, dogs, same thing. We need others to make all of this worthwhile. As an aside, if we live through others, why not also live for others, even if only a little bit? It isn’t that much of a stretch.

20. When you chase the ball, CHASE the fucking ball. Two reasons: a) It’s a chase. You don’t half-ass a chase. You go all out. It’s what you do. It’s the point. b) You don’t want some other mutt to get to the ball before you and slobber it all up, do you?

21. In the end, you will revisit your adventures, your battles, your chases, your voyages and all the excitement of your life with bemused pride, but it’s the quiet moments with loved ones that your mind will settle on. The comfort of those days when all you did was spend lazy hours with them, your head on their lap, their on yours, taking in the afternoon sun and the hundreds of fleeting stories carried like whispers on the breeze, those are the memories that will stay with you to the end and beyond.

Never give up on your thirst for life, on the beauty subtle moments, and on chasing that ball as hard and fast as your legs and heart will carry you.

A note from my editor:

2011-05-20T06:05:00.002-04:00

A note from my editor:
""Stephen, I thought you'd like to know that "Why Am I Me?" is selling nicely.
People love the illustrations as well as the story.

I love notes like this!

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC (March 20, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0982834624
ISBN-13: 978-0982834626

Book Description
Why am I me? Children want to know the answer. Where do they fit in the world and the universe? Why Am I Me? helps them understand.

Why did it take me so long to look this up?

2011-05-18T07:43:00.003-04:00

Why did it take me so long to look this up? It’s beyond me it is also embarrassing. Not for the first time I was reading Michael’s Splog and he showed artwork from the 1940 version of Fantasia

While looking at the artwork it kept reminding me of a book I have in my home of another’s artist artwork, I have had this thought in the past but I never did any type of search nor asked anyone if he did work on the film well today I finally took the time. So now I’ll share it with you. The artist name is Heinrich Kley I’m posting his work against the film grabs that I have taken from other Internet sources.

According to Wikipedia: Kley's artwork was an inspiration

Link to Michael's splog

I have always found Heinrich work inspirational and hope you do as well

The Breakdown

2011-05-17T06:23:00.002-04:00

This is the breakdown from sketch to ink drawing from "The Marshmallow Man"; it kind of speaks for its self. I like to keep the artwork looking fresh.

Sketch

part of Storyboard

You can see I don’t waist a lot of time with a clean pencil drawing. I rather add in the details as I ink my artwork and save time. Why draw it twice?

page 8 Pencil

page 9 Pencil

Using a Light box I ink the drawing onto a clean heavy stock drawing paper at one time I would have inked it onto watercolor paper but that was a long time ago now that I color digitally.

page 8 Ink

page 9 Ink

Things you should read

2011-05-10T05:47:00.004-04:00

I am sharing a couple of links today one is about one person journey on Internet Harassment it has a lot of great links to help others.
The other link is about poor walk cycles and unnecessary violence in animation.
So off you go, go on, shoo, get out… I’ll post something new in a few days.
I'm off to fix my faucet

1) Are you a Victim of Internet Harassment?

2) Bad Animation

added #3 on May 11, 2011

3) Animondays: ASIFA-EAST

PS I fixed my faucet

I create a flow for the story by using a storyboard

2011-05-02T06:07:00.000-04:00

After taking the time to sketch out the main characters, I started on the breakdown on how the story will unfold with pictures. It is kind of having a little movie in my head and I start to grab frames out of the air on what is the most important part of that particular scene to illustrate. You will hear from other illustrators “I’m telling the story behind the story” I’ve said it my self, another way of saying it “I am looking for the story’s voice”.
It was not a hard thing to find with this story, Rena writing is amazing and that helped me create the fun characters.

The Marshmallow Man manuscript came with instructions; example: Page 1 of text (illustration facing page of text).

Once I started to create the storyboards I realized that the page instructions could be different what if instead of one page of text facing an illustration, that it may work better by using both pages to illustrate the story and having the text worked into the body of the illustrations. I sent an email with an attached sketch of my idea to my publisher asking if it was okay to change things around. A response of yes came very quickly and I just created a lot more work for my self.

Marshmallow Man storyboard

You are looking at two storyboards I created. I used them both for the finished work picking what I felt worked better.

second storyboard for Marshmallow Man

Continuing how I breakdown a story part II

2011-04-28T08:48:00.002-04:00

““I don’t have a friend, so I’ll make one.” she said. She formed his body out of fluffy white marshmallows. She used chocolate chips for his eyes and nose. For his mouth she curled up a piece of red licorice. Finally, she gave him a bow tie made from a fruit roll and buttons made out of jelly beans.”

Q) What images comes to mind from the text?
A) “Ghost Busters”, “Michelin Man”

or even this little guy?

I don’t have a lot to say about the sketches and they are not in any order. Except it is not easy to have strong iconic images like the ones above and the original story of the “Gingerbread Man“ over your head and still try to come up with something different.

Easter Weekend

2011-04-25T06:18:00.002-04:00

We were close, very close

closer then we have ever been before.

But age is agents us as we neared our pray, our arthritis kicked in and the

Easter Bunny hopped into its SUV and sped off

Quick trick with Photoshop

I hope everyone had a very nice Easter

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T05:34:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter

Still on a R. Crumb Kick

2011-04-21T07:35:00.002-04:00

I am still on a R. Crumb kick, after seeing his artwork last Saturday I was searching the Internet and I stumbled upon this piece of artwork done by Marc Palm who redrew the CHEAP THRILLS album cover to be used for a upcoming Muppet Rawk II group show at Ouch My Eye Gallery back in 2009.

So I had to share it.

From Marc Palm blog “Let Me Draw My Stuff for You”

R.Crumb Album cover

How I breakdown a story from start to finish

2011-04-19T07:46:00.001-04:00

Finished Art Pen and Ink Sketch

"The Marshmallow Man"

by Rena Jones

Well I finally decided to use some of the artwork from the picture book The Marshmallow Man.
The Marshmallow Man is a retelling of the “Gingerbread Boy/Man”. It was not an easy decision on what story to talk about.

I have been thinking about how I breakdown a story from start to finish, and what project would I use to help me show my thinking process.

I loved this story from the first read and I laughed myself silly coming up with all the wonderful new and old characters for this book.
I also have kept a lot of the sketches some bad some good but I think I can pull it altogether and give a good idea how I do it.

Wish me Luck!

Saturday with R. CRUMB

2011-04-18T06:33:00.001-04:00

Saturday with R. Crumb

Last Saturday In between my two jobs I got a chance to see Robert Crumb’s artwork at the Society of Illustrators. The exhibit is called “lines Drawn on Paper” the show ends on April 30th 2011.
Go see it!
It was a treat to see his original pen & ink artwork created long before computers were part of the how we work now; the paper yellowing from age the use of whiteout to fix a mistake (that is still white after all this time) or one of my favorites was cutting out a whole sections of a panel or part of the title and replacing it with a new one. This was part of how most of us worked then. So it brought back good memories of all the comic artwork I did back at the School of Visual Arts.

I met Mr. Crumb once back in 1987 while I was a student. He did a lecture at SVA. I still remember what he said “Don’t give up your day job” I can remember a lot of the students not liking to hear those words. What the students didn’t realize was “don’t give up your day job” was sound advice, he was telling us you don’t have to compromise your artwork if you can pay your bills or being a Cartoonist is not an easy path with very few of you are going to make it so have a plan “B”. If anyone read “The Village Voice” articles this statement still holds water in 2011

So in 1987 I came away with those words and R.Crumb's signature on my album
“CHEAP THRILLS" by Big Brother & The Holding Company, it was a good day back in 1987 and on Saturday 2011.

2011-04-15T05:28:00.001-04:00

Easter is just around the corner and Angeline is still my #1 choice for the Holidays

Angeline loves jellybeans. In fact she wants to eat nothing else, until she learns a startling and colorful lesson.

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 28 pages

Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC (November 5, 2008)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0979751381

ISBN-13: 978-0979751387

Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.3 x 0.2 inches

"If Cartoons Are So Big, Why Don't The Pay?"

2011-04-12T05:38:00.001-04:00

The Village Voice

has a great article about the comics industry
The Comic Issue:

"If Cartoons Are So Big, Why Don't The Pay?"

the link

ARTIST: Mitch O'Connell

Retro Artwork

2011-04-09T05:28:00.003-04:00

"Retro Artwork"
Pen & Ink with water color

"Key Hole"

size 11X14

"Fairy Dance"

size 11X14

What was I thinking?

2011-04-07T09:38:00.001-04:00

What was I thinking?
How often do you say this line in your life? I lost count. In the world of emails, blogging, chat rooms and so on there seem to me I’m asking this question more and more. Did you read my last post? I just did, and have no real idea what I was trying to say. I am not a writer nor do not portray one on TV. I am just a guy who loves to draw and would love to make a living at it.
Blogging was not my idea (it was my editors at 4RV that suggested it) I do not enjoy typing away at a keyboard for hours just to relay a few paragraphs to entice you (the public) to buy one of the picture books I illustrated or hire me for your next job. I do enjoy showing off the newest artwork that is always fun. But when it comes to the written language it always was and is a challenge for me.

So I have made up a few rules: Most I have stolen from other people so I can not take credit for others intelligence.

1) I do my best not to respond to an email when it makes me angry. I try to wait 24hrs
(I have a smart phone so it is not always easy to let it go since I can with in seconds tell you what I think with a few clicks of my fingers on a keypad)

2) If I do not have the time I will not post on my Blog. When I am feeling rushed or tries to convey more then one message none of it will make sense.

3) I will not ask a question nor answer a thread in a chat room for the same reason above.
I once asked if anyone else received a certain email that looked like a scam. The answers I got were so off what I thought I wrote that it took me four moths to ask another question.
It was on the same day I wrote the last post I should have stuck to just one topic.

4) I don't have #4 yet but I'll think about it.

With all this said I break the rules often I have gotten better over time BUT! I still do it. So what happened yesterday that did not allow me to correctly convey my thoughts?

Answer: All the above,

If anyone has read any of my past post you will read that my 15 year old dog gets seizures, one happened on Tuesday after an attack it takes him a few day to pull himself back together. That means my girlfriend and I need to keep an eye on him to make sure he can walk a straighter line and he is not having any new episodes.

"Lack of writing skill", in the comment section of a past posts someone "Anonymously” suggested I should use spell check I am assuming they meant it to be helpful I do use it and often blogger spell check does not always tell me if a word is wrong or if I am using the correct sounding word or if I need a comma (,) I am typing this out in Microsoft Word and a great friend of mine told me about “After the Deadline” an online tool that will do the same thing Hi! :D
So even thought I think there intention was good the fact that they wrote it anonymously bothered me.
So hopefully all the “T’s” is crossed and my “i’s” dotted

It is not easy to explain what I do as an artist. I have a formula on how I work but like my rules I break them sometimes it work sometimes it doesn’t. So saying it is fun to work in Photoshop is okay but it will not convey the emotional contact I have with the artwork and my lack of writing skill will always have difficulty expressing them.

For those who work in Photoshop you will know that there is no one way of doing things. It took me six months of playing with it before I showed my first illustration. You will also be aware of the use of layers I’ve been told that some artist have had a hard time using layers at first. The concept of layer was one of the first things I understood right away I think it must be from working in animation were you can work with a multitude of cells (clear plastic sheets of paper) to create one drawing or a whole scene.
(I can use a lot of layers)

So I think in a future post I will attempt to give some kind of breakdown on how I work but I will post it over a few days instead of one just to keep my thinking clearer.

PS buy my books I am a much better illustrator then a blogger

From sketch to color "Why Am I Me?"

2011-04-06T07:31:00.001-04:00

One of my coworkers asked me while working on this book about how do I paint the artwork?

My answer has always been the same "I scan it and paint/color it digitally".

sketch

And what does that mean?

Well after I sketch out the page I might do a tighter pencil drawing if whom I'm working for requires it;

(4RV Publishing does not I just send finished artwork and cross my fingers)

then I ink it by hand using Pigma Micron 01, 02, 03, 05 size/style ink pen. I scan the ink drawing to complete it using Photoshop.

pen & ink

Photoshop has opened new doors for me it has allowed me to experiment with color, brush textures that I was once hesitant to try. You can't damage your original ink drawing and you don't need to worry about re inking the drawing over and over if you make mistakes. Also you don't need to use whiteout to correct a pen line that went astray.

in photoshop

In this book I play a lot with color and textures as I have written in my last post (Link) each page is its own world so I had a lot of worlds to create.

So after my coworker made me explain what I meant by "I scan it and color digitally" I took photos to show some of the break downs of how I color on the computer so if anyone else who went "WHA?" may understand it a little better.

finished artwork

B&N, Amazon, 4RV Publishing bookstore

Here is a few more Photoshop work in progress you will have to buy the book to see how they came out.

Recommendations

2011-04-02T05:56:00.001-04:00

For anyone who has a LinkedIn account would know that there is a section for recommendations from people you have done business with. What I found out not to long ago is if the person deletes there account profile you lose the recommendation. So I lost two, I thought what a waste of good recommendations so I thought I would just post them on my blog.

From Marie Letourneau:

"Stephen is a talented and creative individual. We've worked together on several illustration projects at Stories For Children Magazine where he successfully meets deadlines, and has a fast turnaround time. He's also a pleasure to do business with. I highly recommend Stephen for any artistic job."

From Gisele LeBlanc:

"Not only is Stephen a joy to work with, but he is professional, reliable, and always delivers quality work. We look forward to featuring more of his amazing artwork in our publication again."

Service Category: Illustrator

Year first hired: 2010 (hired more than once)

Top Qualities: Great Results, On Time, High Integrity

The start of "Why Am I Me?"

2011-03-29T07:15:00.003-04:00

Well if everything is on track "Why Am I Me?" should be out in April. So I thought I might start showing the break down on how I put this book together. I have written in the past it all starts with the text.

Written by Wayne Harris-Wyrick, published by 4RV Publishing.

This is the first time I illustrate a question "Why am I me?" and I don't think by adding this quote I am giving anything away "I have a question. It is a big question. A really big question".

Wayne is asking the audience to solve one of the most ask question outside of Whats for dinner?

Wayne has done a great job allowing the words to flow from one sentence to the next I would have to say seamless. They do carry you from one page to the next; so I needed to be just as creative.

When I started reading the text I was trying to come up with a single character who would keep the audience company through out the book. But the more I reread the text the less that was happening, I kept seeing more and more faces asking this question. It is "A Really Big Question" and I felt it needed to be voiced by many.

Commuting to work on NYC Subways were you see hundreds of faces different sizes and colors may have had something to do with what I was feeling about the characters, why should only one person ask this question? So my new challenge was to create many faces to ask this question, in some ways it made things easier I didn't have to worry about recreating the same person over and over again. But not creating the same character over and over again made it difficult for the same reason each face needed to be fresh every scene needed to be different I felt I was on the Disney ride "It's a small world".

No reuse of backgrounds or or color schemes, there is a total of 31 pages of artwork for this book that is including cover art as well as half and full title page and copyright page so 25 is dedicated to the story and even though I used mostly double page spreads it still comes out to be a lot of personalities.

The sketches are from the book not the whole book but it does give you an idea of how the book flows.

"Berry Blue Haiku" March issue

2011-03-22T07:14:00.003-04:00

The March issue of "Berry Blue Haiku" is out for the taken and it is FREE! in fact all the issues are now free. You can find my artwork in the September 2010, December 2010, and March 2011 issues.
Just go to "Currclick" to download your free copies its easy.

I would like to take a moment to thank Michael Sporn for the use of his studio. My monitor decided to stop working at 5:00AM Friday morning, after some choice words and a melt down
(hoping it was just the monitor) I gave Michael a call around 7:00AM.
I needed to get this project done, the deadline was about a week away but I like to get the artwork in early just in case there are needed changes.

I had the finished pen & ink drawings so all I needed to do is readjust the sizes and add a splash of color
I was thankful he was there and with his comforting voice over the phone he said "come".
I would also like to thank Katrina Gregorius, who is one of the animators at the studio; she was a great help to me getting my drawings scanned and into the correct computer that I was using to finish the project.
Katrina's help and patience was appreciated.

Step 4

2011-03-21T06:48:00.000-04:00

Step 4

color

(quickly done)

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

2011-03-12T06:15:00.000-05:00

Step 1

sketch

Step 2

pencil

Step 3

pen & ink

December issue artwork for Berry Blue Haiku

2011-03-02T07:01:00.000-05:00

Soon new artwork I did for the March issue of

"Berry Blue Haiku Magazine"

will be available so I thought I would post what

I did for the last issue done in December.

Why Am I Me?

2011-02-26T06:39:00.000-05:00

Look What I got!

This is the cover art for the newest picture book I illustrated,

written by Wayne Harris- Wyrick,

published by 4RV Publishing

I think out of all the books I have illustrated this will be one of my top favorites

more to come about this book

Coming out Soon!

Stephen's site (sketch 2 color)

How many can you find?

Illustration Friday "Suspence"

25 copies SOLD!!!

2012 Tomie dePaola Award Part 5

Done!

Day Two

SCBWI Conference SOLD OUT!

2012 Tomie dePaola Award part 4

The Year of the Dragon

Wayne Harris-Wyrick's "Why Am I Me?" in OKC newspaper

Transforming pencil to ink

Congratulating the Winner

2012 Tomie dePaola Award part 3

2012 Tomie dePaola Award part 2

2012 Tomie dePaola Award

Happy New Year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Exhibit at Society of Illustrators

The Many Faces of Santa by Michael Sporn

The Nutcracker

SANTABEAR'S FIRST CHRISTMAS

I won!

During the Holidays

Cool Review & 99%

Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol

I have not yelled

Happy Thanksgiving early

Atumn in Queens

Review by Katherine Boyer: Midwest Book Review

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Halloween past

Just random shots I took of pumpkins

SFC October Issue 2011

Academy Salute to John Hubley

Eastern Oklahoma Author Fest 2011

A moving interview

New Story

Web search on Ferdinand Frog

Sunday

Are they needed anymore?

A handful of thoughts

New books that came in the mail

A Tree is Born!

Two Days after

Hurricane Irene

Frog’s Then & Now

Just a few pictures

Well you can all rest easy now Bert and Ernie is not guy!

Babar at 80

A hand full of things have gone on last week that I thought I would share in one post

I am guessing like most we as illustrators get inspired by others

Happy Sweet 16

10 good reasons to buy these books

It’s out on Amazon!!

Local Wildlife in Queens

All Most Done

Things are starting to become normal again

When you look up

Ferdinand Frog's First Flight

Just a Splash of color﻿

Birthday Cards from the Past

Conversation With Patti Stren & Stories for Children Magazine (June issue)

Almost to the year

Color Breakdown

"Hamlet"

A note from my editor:

Why did it take me so long to look this up?

The Breakdown

Things you should read

I create a flow for the story by using a storyboard

Continuing how I breakdown a story part II

Easter Weekend

Happy Easter

Still on a R. Crumb Kick

How I breakdown a story from start to finish

Saturday with R. CRUMB

"If Cartoons Are So Big, Why Don't The Pay?"

Retro Artwork

What was I thinking?

Just a Splash of color