Happy New Year!

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

Exhibit at Society of Illustrators

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"

Kevin Henkes

Helen Oxenbury

Lauren Castillo

Will Hillenbrand

Paul Schmid

The Many Faces of Santa by Michael Sporn

I just had to share this Christmas card

The Nutcracker

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

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!

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

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%

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.