IF - Resolve

Let's resolve to take more time to
smell the flowers in 2009.

"Tickled"
pastel on paper
8 x 10

Some "smell the flowers" moments from 2008 for me are:

• Reading a story to a child.

• Sighting a pair of Blue Birds in our back yard for the first time in 25 years of living here.

• Soaking up the sights & sounds & smells of the California Coastal Redwoods, taking a million pictures as if I could capture some of it's grandeur in my little Canon.

• Receiving a long distance "Happy Birthday song" on my voice mail from a grandchild. That was August - I still can't delete it :)

• A summer evening walk by the beach with my one and only.

• Spending the afternoon at the Discovery Science Center with the grandchildren and watching them explore with wonder and excitement. Spending the evening collapsed on the couch!
  

• Waking up early one December morn to find a fresh cut Christmas tree adorned with lights that my husband had set up during the night to surprise me.

• Playing Secret Santa and "Kris Kringling" a friend with a six year old.
  

• Serving (at least) 20 cups of hot cocoa to my 2 year old granddaughter made in her Elmo kitchen. She drank every last make believe drop, then we made some more for Elmo.

• A big pot of soup on a cold rainy day.

I'd love to hear about your "smell the flowers"
moments in 2008.
Your comments are always welcome!

Appreciation for Children's Books 7 Illustration is Thriving

This is the 7th year that I've been involved with the Chemers Gallery Children's Book Illustration Show in Tustin, CA. I have to say, the enthusiasm of our community is amazing! Visitors came from all over LA and Orange County. It's always a popular event, in fact we have customers ask as early as July if we've chosen the illustrators for the December show yet. I look forward to this event too. The illustrations are new, exciting and inspiring every year. It's always such a pleasure to meet the artists and observe as they happily meet their peers & fans and how they admire one another's original artwork with awe. Art buyers eagerly anticipate this time of year too, and are tickled to find treasured illustrations that speak to them and become part of their collections.

Melissa Sweet signing for a delighted fan (photo by yours truly)
Beth Krommes, Holly Meade, Elisa Kleven & Zachary Pullen were also present

At the opening Saturday, I couldn't help but notice, more than ever, what a grand celebration this event is for so many different kinds of people. It is a celebration of the craft of storytelling through illustration, a celebration of children's literature, a celebration of the love of reading, learning, and exploring our world. It is a celebration that is enjoyed by children and their parents and/or grandparents, together. Educators, librarians, children's book enthusiasts, art collectors, artists and writers all love viewing the original art, reading the stories, and listening to the artists as they share their insights. And, of course, giant piles of big, fat delicious cookies and Ronald McDonald magic tricks help add to the fun too!

Ronald McDonald entertaining visitors. (photo by Jennifer Geisert)

The impression I come away with is that even with all the razzle-dazzle of modern media, a love and appreciation for a good old fashioned "hold in your hand" children's book, and hand drawn illustrations are alive and well!

More about the Show

More pictures

IF - Similar

I met these three pals while experimenting with black lines on a not so long plane flight.

IF - Balloon

Sometimes a person's just gotta doodle. This little guy reappeared from childhood memories.

Nap Time
graphite

Maybe one day I'll finish him in color. If I do, he'll be powder blue with a little fuzz missing.

IF - Wise

This WISE chef encourages children to taste
new fresh fruits and vegetables.

Pastel on Paper
by Cathy June

This is from the new book I illustrated, "We Eat Food That's Fresh", which will be released in early 2009. It's written by Angela Russ-Ayon, published by Our Rainbow Press.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

IF - Vacant

This is my entry for Illustration Friday - VACANT

copyright cathy june 2008

There may be a vacant spot where her front tooth used to be,
but her mouth will soon be filled with fresh, juicy fruit.

This is the original cover illustration that I did for "We Eat Food That's Fresh" by Angela Russ-Ayon. Of course, it's been changed some to suit the needs for the cover. Click the image if you'd like to know more about the book, soon to be released by "Our Rainbow Press". Thank you for visiting my site!

IF - Late

Here is my Illustration Friday entry of a late night star gazer,  Chandler, who loves to ride horses.  The sky's the limit, Chandler!

Chandler Star Gazing

12 x 9

Pastel