LunchboxQuestions.com

Beginning January 1, 2014, I'm launching LunchboxQuestions.com. When you visit every week day, you'll find a question to ask your kids in lunches, around the dinner table, or in any other fun way. I'd love it if you took a look (it's free!). And if you like what you see, spread the word. My two boys love these questions, and I've loved reading their answers! It would thrill me to know that other people are building great familial relationships through LunchboxQuestions.com. Come visit and let me know what you think!

Sent Off

After some frustration in figuring out pdfs, I sent off my latest book to some agents this Halloween morning. Here are three sample pages. I drew the pictures on paper and painted them in Painter. My favorite picture is probably the one in the middle, although I'm also pleased with the one on top. Do you have any favorites?

balloon boy

wishing for warmer days

I sure wish it was warm enough to enjoy the beach like these two. We had snow last weekend and, although things have warmed up a bit, there are still icy parts that haven't had a chance to melt.

bike ride

Here's my latest.

I'm still working on achieving effects in Painter that I could do by hand, and learning techniques that I think are fun. Yesterday, I was frustrated trying to get what I wanted with hair, but I think I found some brushes to achieve a look I like. I used a separate layer for the light yellow highlights (using the Wet on Wet Paper brush), then created another layer for more color and texture. For shadows and darker hair colors I used the Dry on Dry Paper brush in various colors, and then the Dry Bristle to get the texture. It's not perfect, but it's getting closer to what I'm aiming for.

As for the picture as a whole, I think it's just a little bit too busy. I like the background and the shirt, but I'm not sure they work with the picture as a whole.

picnic fun

Here's my latest illustration. I drew it years ago but repainted it in Painter 12. I'm still experimenting with the effects I can do in Painter, so I've been using things I've already done to expedite the process. 

The latest technique I've been working on is figuring out how to use light in my work, and how much line I want to use. Feel free to share your opinions about what you think are working and what aren't.