Hairball

I've had a few emails and questions about how I paint.  I do all my work now in Photoshop along with a lot of sketches. One of these days I'll do a tutorial, if there is any interest out there? . . . one of these days. :)

And another

Another sketch

Nothing in particular.  Just another sketch. :)

Concept sketch

I was trying to come up with a little character for a story I have bounding around in my head.  This is what came out.  :)

7 weeks and going strong!

The Christmas Sweater has been on the Best Seller's List for 7 week straight!  Have a Merry Christmas!

My Missing "The"

I have received quite a few emails and comments on about the missing "the" in Santa's Stowaway.  Yes, sadly (while in China being printed) one of the "the's" was abducted from the first printing of Santa's Stowaway.  However, I've received word from my publisher that  we've rescued the poor "the" and it will take it's place once again in the story as Santa's Stowaway is up for reprinting.  Yeah!

Elf Dude

In the spirit of the Christmas season here is a little elf dude.  :)

Scooter Lady

What if the lunch lady scooted around on a little scooter?

Fablehaven 5

And it's out!

Why A Witch Kicking a Pot?

Just because!

Inside Story

So, on Wednesday I was privileged enough to participate in SCBWI's Inside Story held at Third Place book in Lake Forest WA.  It was a great event to get to mingle with fellow illustrators, librarians, teachers and booksellers.  The local Examiner had a little to say about it here.

The Christmas Sweater

So, I have another Christmas book coming out. Today, The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck, is out in stores. Glenn has a promo on his site for it, check it out here.

This was a fun one to work on. Not sure how I have two Christmas books coming out this year, but hey, we did it. :)

Inside Story

This coming Wednesday, Oct. 28th I'll be participating in the SCBWI's Inside Story at Third Place Books in Lake Forest, WA. It's a great opportunity to show off my three picture books I've done this year. If you're a librarian, book seller, teacher and or media person it would be great to see you there!

Just another sketch

Here's something just sketched up.

Halloween Is Here!

It seems appropriate to start off October with a post about Halloween. Last year my first Halloween book came out, Halloween Night, and I received and email from a mother with a picture of the pumkins her girls had carved. Anything look familiar? It's always fun to get emails from readers!

Santa's Stowaway

Alrighty, I think it's about time I got this exciting news up on the blog. Next week my first picture book that I've both authored and illustrated hits the shelves! It's called Santa's Stowaway. I think the 22nd is the offical date.

I wrote Santa's Stowaway as a classic Christmas story that hopefully gives it's readers the "warm fuzzies" over and over each year.

I've updated the site to help get the word out. Hope ya like it.

Later!

Anyone got a tag line?

A while ago I posted a small B&W illo ( Snorer ) and garnished it with a one line tag line. Thought I would see what one-liner those of you who check the blog out would add to this.

Let's see what'cha got!

Pingo's Big Debut

Alright! Today is the official publication date for Pingo!  Both Brandon Mull and I are super excited to see this book out for everyone to enjoy.  I know Brandon Mull is signing copies at the LDS Booksellers Association Convention today.  Wish I could be there as well, however I'm finishing up the art for J. Scott Savage's next Farworld book, Land Keep; yet another great read from Shadow Mountain.

Go Pingo, go!

Small Town Church

Here is something a little different.  This cover was for a warm-n-fuzzy story.

Textbook Cover

Here's a text book jacket I did a bit ago. It was fun one to paint up.

Later!

Clip from the sketchbook

The Uke

While in Hawaii we stopped by a small shop that sold ukuleles.  After a very enthusiastic sales lady and $150 price tag, I was the proud owner of a such an instrument. . . 

I can play 5 songs now. So, my son got Happy Birthday ukulele style.  :)

Someone is watching . . .

Just a little sketch.

Pingo is out!

Online that is. . . .  I just ran across this!  http://pingobook.com/

You can view every wonderful inch of the book!  I hope you all enjoy it!

The Karate Kid

Mister Miyagi was my mentor as well . . . Hawaii was awesome.

Sketchitysketchsketch-sketchums!

 

Pingo!

Here's a spread from Pingo.  You can see another on my site.  It hits bookstores the first week of August!  

Sketchy-Doodle

Haleakala

My wife and I visited Maui's Mt. Haleakala yesterday.  Pretty sweet view. . . . 

Later! 

Nothing In Particular

This wasn't for anything in particular.  I started three cone shapes and a couple hours later . . . whala!  This is what came out.

Later!