Flag Samples Came

I just got my spring flag and mailbox cover samples. Now it feels like Spring!

Illustration Friday Topic- Danger

This is a painting of a young elephant seal. One of the writers in my critique group wrote a great story about this adorable creature and I was inspired. One of the grave dangers for them are sharks. There is a place in California, Ana Nuevo where you can go and see these extraordinary creatures. It is incredible.Here's a link to the park. http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1115

Amanda and Max, Friends Blog Article

There is a really great article about my e-book, Amanda and Max, Friends on the Kate Harper Design Blog.
http://kateharperblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-to-publish-childrens-e-book-one.html

illustration Friday Topic-Swarm 2

After seeing my bees posted I was informed that I probably had something better to fit the topic. It was suggested that I post the koi fish painting I have. It is truly a swarm. This is an oil painting on Masonite. I love the brilliant color and textures of these fish. It was an exercise for me regarding how water works and light and how things look under water.

Illustration Friday Topic-Swarm

Okay, technically this isn't exactly a swarm, but they are bees and bees do swarm. I think if these bees did, it would only be to give you honey.

Illustration Friday Topic-layers

I've been busy working on a new book, so I thought I'd pull this image out of the archives.One of the first things I think of with the word layers is onions. I did this painting after buying these beautiful onions at the farmers market. It's oils on canvas. I just loved the colors in these and enjoyed painting and eating them!

Amanda and Max Friends is an E-book

Amanda and Max Friends is now an e-book for young children. It is about an orange tabby cat and a wee dachshund pup exploring what it is to be a friend. I am really excited about this. I have been reading about all the changes that are happening in the book industry and this seemed like the right thing for me to do. The book is priced at $2.99 so that it will be inexpensive for parents to put on their reading devices for kids. I think this would be great if you are traveling with a young child instead of bringing a ton of books along.I am also starting a blog that will be in the voice of Amanda and Max with hopefully fun things for kids. I plan on putting coloring pages up. The first thing I did was an interview. The address for the new blog is http://amandaandmax.blogspot.com/. I will keep you all posted on how this venture is going.

Illustration Friday Topic-reverse

Hey, does this thing go in reverse? Just playing around with creating a character in watercolor.

Illustration Friday Topic-chicken

The chicken dances alone at this ho down. Does that mean he's doing the chicken dance? I did this image a while ago just for fun.

Illustration Friday Topic-Resolutions

My resolution is to eat at least 1 vegetable a day. Does tomato sauce on pizza count? This image is oils on canvas. I was interested in doing something with a strong light source and a mix of the warms and cools in colors that work together.

Illustration Friday Topic-Winter

I did this image a while ago. A bit of a whimsical take on winter and all the little creatures that inhabit the landscape. Our winter is a bit different. We are getting rain. Winter means green. I did however live in the white stuff for quite a few years. I like looking at pictures of it. Happy Holidays to all.

Illustration Friday Topic-Mail

I did this illustration a while ago as part of a story idea I was putting together. It is done in oils on illustration board. I think it fits the Illustration topic, mail. I had fun creating the characters.

Illustration Friday Topic-Phenomenon

I thought considering the time of year that this image would be a good choice to represent the topic phenomenon. This was a really fun piece to paint. I love painting both animals and Santa so it seemed like a good combo at the time. Hey, they are both at the North Pole so why not?

Illustration Friday Topic-Prehistoric

I thought it might be fun to think of those toy dinosaurs coming to life. Image having a 5" T Rex as your birthday gift after the paper has been torn off.