10 minute break from work

A quick Saudi guy

Remember when . . .

tying your shoes was a giant accomplishment? Yeah, I can't either. :)  This is a sketch I did while waiting patiently for a very large file to upload to Simon and Shuster's ftp site.

Arrggh. . . .

No Virus Stands a Chance.

No much out-foxes the Fox.

Sometimes when I am

sitting at my desk and just can't come up with any ideas, I feel like this . . . :)

Who's Up Fo A Party?

Tomorrow is the long awaited Fablehaven Book 5 release Party.  Shadow Mountain and Brandon Mull are have quite a show planned.  So if you're anywhere near Cottonwood High School in Murry Utah, come on down, or up, or over. There's no admission. It'll be in the auditorium at 6:30 tomorrow ( the 23rd ).  Promise you won't be disappointed.

See you there!

I Just Can't Get Away From . . .

Pirates.

Photoshop Sketch

13th Reality Cover

Here's a cover I just got done working on for Jame's Dahner's The 13th Reality. Cool? It was fun to do :) It was a bit of a rush ( when I say a rush, think, 2 days ) because I did a completely different cover over a much more reasonable schedule, but as fate would have it the 1st cover went all the way to the top and was thrown out -- well maybe "thrown out" is to harsh because I think the plan is to use it inside, but it was decided that we needed a different direction.  I'm grateful to the Shadow Mountain team that they asked me to the second cover. Often if the 1st get's the axe, the publishers will throw the baby out with the bathwater and hire a different illustrator.  So, thanks for the second chance Shadow Mountain.

Later :)  

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.