Illustration Friday: Focused

The beacon slowly focused in the small beam from her flashlight.

Masterpiece in Chinese!

I was so thrilled to find a copy of Masterpiece in Chinese in my mailbox the other day! The other exciting things... it's in PAPERBACK and in its FIFTH PRINTING! Yahoo! Marvin and James are selling pretty decently, and I could not be more happy about it. I am really dying to see if it ever gets translated in French. I might be able to read that one.

Zombies!

At Montserrat College of Art, what typically happens every mid-winter is something magical. It's the Illustration Theme show. It's that chance for students to create artwork over the break in any media/technique that they want, all in the name of one subject. This year... ZOMBIES! I don't consider myself a zombie aficionado (oh and they do exist!), but I decided that I should also take this opportunity for creating something fun and different.

My idea: Chihuahuas are the only animals zombies can own, because they don't have a brain. I can say this because I have one that I love very much, but let's face it... she doesn't have a whole lot going on up there. Well, ok, to be fair to her... she does constantly have the words "pupperoni", "ride", and "who's here" stuck in head.

I am very excited to see what all of the students, alumni, and faculty have for the show!

If you want to see the show:
Montserrat College of Art
301 Gallery
301 Cabot Street Beverly, MA 01915

February 8-19, 2010

Evolution of Matilda's Cover

I've been putting together a smattering of sketches for an upcoming show (which I plan to announce soon) this coming February. It got me pulling out all of the padded envelopes and plastic bags that hold the past sketches for book projects. It's amazing where I can shove this stuff! Under couches, in between bookcases, behind cabinets... I truly fantasize the day I can have a nice flat file. Right now, the majority of all my past art lies in a small closet in the eaves. Not exactly the best place, but at least I know where the majority of the artwork resides. To find exactly WHERE and in WHAT envelope is another story.

I had come across the series of cover sketches for Dancing Matilda, and thought it might be fun to share the different version that came before the printed cover. To be frank, I like the other versions a little bit better. But what I like and what the marketing departments think/know what will sell are two different things. I typically don't make a fuss and trust what their experience knows!

Monday Night Sketching

The best part about moving to a new place was our downstairs neighbors. Evan Larson and Ann Smith Larson are fellow graduates , co-workers, and long-time friends. I was so excited when we committed to having sketch nights together. It was an excuse to pick up the sketchbook again, put down the other deadlines for about two hours, and just talk and draw. Naturally, not having done this in sometime proved to be quite difficult. I ended up drawing their magical cats, Professor Rufus Devious Esq. and Donald Duck Don. Hopefully next time I can get to some more sophisticated concepts.

Oh, and ps.) I've had to go on a beer diet. The acceleration of weight gain this winter has been in direct relation to the amount of malted bevies. I might start to make Mastadon noises if I don't drop a few pounds!

Alma

Soooo pretty and a little bit creepy! I knew there was a reason I've always hated dolls since I was little!

Alma from Rodrigo Blaas on Vimeo.

Written and Directed by: Rodrigo Blaas
Produced by: Cecile Hokes
Music: Mastretta
Art Director: Alfonso Blaas
Lighting Supervisor: Jonatan Catalán
Character Technical Supervisor: Jaime Maestro
Character Design: Bolhem Bouchiba, Carlos Grangel, Sergio Pablos, Santi Agustí
Animation: Daniel Peixe, ManueBover, Remi Hueso
Sound Design: Tom Myers and David Hughes
Post Production Coordinator: David Heras
Special Thanks: Keytoon, Next Limit, UserT38

Full credits: almashortfilm.com

The Little Match Girl

Had to post and share this beauty. A little bit of animation, a little bit of ballet... and a boat load of awesome music.
Sigur Ros to a classic depressing children's tale? It's pretty much the bOmb (even if it is a little on the "artsy" side).

Reading With Robin: Hosted by Mary Jane Begin

A few months ago, I was asked by my former teacher and illustrating guru Mary Jane Begin to come and visit with Providence, RI radio station WHJJ. It was a total blast, but I am really embarassed with the conditon of my voice. I had just come down with a cold, so the nasal is in full force! Mary Jane brings up some very important issues with pubishing today, regarding the influence of new technology and electronic versions of books. I'll stay positive and say that for childiren's picture books, the physical-ness of reading can never be replaced.

Take a listen if you want to hear more, and to hear some call-ins from fellow illustrators Grace Lin and Jarret Krosoczka.
Just don't judge me by the honkity honk honk of the voice!

Click HERE to listen to the whole show!