Apple barn in Crow Valley

I, like many other people, have been in love with the Apple Barn on Crow Valley road ever since I first saw this island landmark. Its' striking red sided structure over a rocky foundation set in the fields (usually with some sort of livestock) is really too much to pass up. On the far side (left, in this case) of the barn are a couple of poplars that I am in love with as well. The didn't make it into the painting this time, but perhaps the next.

10x14, oil on board.

Raul Martin

Just a quick note - I've been meaning to bring your attention to this guy for a couple of weeks now and thought I'd do so before I completely forgot: Check out Raul Martin, Paleoillustrator. I found him by chance while doing research for the children's book. He has some lovely illustrations. I'm particularly fond of his pencil work. His copyright watermarks are a little annoying, but if you can look past that, it's worth the visit.

~S

Fallen tree and SCBWI

I pass this tree every day on my way to and from work. It sits near a bridge that I drive over on Channel road and I get a good view of it from the car.

It seems to me that it appeared shortly after one of our more intense fall storms, but I'm not sure. It may have been there longer, though I don't think so. My first recollection of it is sometime around November. The weather was particularly fierce then, so it may be that this tree was knocked down from the lagoon bank.

Regardless of how it got there, it's been a striking image to see everyday. To me it evokes some sort of sea monster or creature that has taken residence near the bridge waiting for an unwitting passerby (wasn't there a car commercial to this effect?)

I love the shape of the curve and twist near the base of the tree where it was up-rooted, and the texture of the bark. Both were great fun to draw. The sweep of the trunk as it lie in the water, arcing skyward instead of resting on its side was of special interest to me – this was really what set it apart. It should have fallen flat, but didn’t. Balancing on it’s limbs, they become almost like legs, supporting the body of some great, groping beast as it looks for it’s next meal among the waters.

Or maybe I just haven’t had enough coffee yet :o)

Anyway, the final illustration is graphite, 9x12, for sale if anyone is interested, and is what is going to be the first in ia series of nteresting Orcas Island Trees that I’m plan on doing in pencil. (click the thumbnail for a larger view).

Also of note, back in January I applied to the 4^th Annual Professional Retreat for Illustrators hosted by the SCBWI. In the application process you are required to submit five finished pieces of artwork (copies, never originals) for one of 25 slots for the retreat, where you get cozy with Caldecott winning artist Paul O. Zelinsky and Stephanie Bart-Horvath, an art director for HarperCollins Children's Books to learn more about Children’s book publishing, critiques on your work and general networking opportunities. The pieces I submitted where Dragon Tag, The Explorer, Mom’s Gonna Freak, Party Animal, and Galloping Diplodocus.

I found out yesterday I was accepted. Yay! Now I have to put a move on and finish the children’s dummy, as they want to see that (Ack!)

Anyway, in and of itself, this really doesn't mean much, but it is an opportunity to learn something new and perhaps make a few connections. I'll keep you posted.

Cheers all,
~Shane

WaFed Show Closes

A big thank you to the fantastic people over at Washington Federal. I may work there part-time as well, but everyone was has been so supportive of my work, I can not express my thanks enough. My art show there began in January, but when we didn't have a February artist, Lisa (the assistant manager) asked if I would keep my work up for another month. Of course I couldn't say "no" :o)

Having a fly's eye view of people's reaction to my work was a lot of fun. Not everyone knew that the Artist of the Month was also helping them with their transactions! When they found out (if they did) I took great joy in watching their surprise. I was also encouraged to play "curator" and talk with people one on one about the various pieces, which was a great pleasure.

But one of the best things about this past show for me was the all ages aspect of it. I mixed in some of my illustrative work with the fine art to bulk things out. I did this because I was concerned (needlessly) that I wouldn't have enough work to fill the walls, but that proved to be an unfounded fear. By doing this, however, it allowed an interest point for just about everyone. Mixed in with the still-lifes and portraits were fantasy and science fiction pieces, and I included my "sketchbook" portfolio which had forty some odd game cards I illustrated for Fantasy Flight Games and the box art for Space Empires V by Malfador Machinations.

Ultimately, though, this section of the post isn't about my art. It's about a big "Thank You" to Rollie, Lisa, Jen, Elinor, and Madeline for their support and tolerance of two months of my stuff on their walls and letting me goof off when I should have been working! Thanks guys!! :o)

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One of the things I enjoy doing are portraits - pets, people, whatever. I took some time out from the children’s book to work on a drawing of our dog, Bella.

I worked from a photo of her sitting in the snow we had in November. Something she seemed to really enjoy.