JEN KELLER ART

Kitty + Laser Light = Mesmerizing! I haven't done an Illustration Friday entry in awhile, but when I read the word this week was mesmerizing I couldn't stop thinking of my old kitty (and almost every cat I've known) chasing her laser light until she couldn't chase anymore... Enjoy!

It's all about the illustrators! This year was the fifth annual Illustrator Day hosted by the SCBWI San Francisco South Chapter. At so many conferences, the emphasis is put on the writers (which isn't bad since they outnumber the illustrators by around 10 to 1) but admittedly sometimes we feel a little short changed. Hence: ILLUSTRATOR DAY!! This year was fantastic! From speakers like Joann Hill, Art Director of Disney-Hyperion to Agent Linda Pratt with the Wernick & Pratt Agency, to the Illustrator Andrew Glass and Illustrator/Art Instructor at San Jose State, John Clapp... my brain was completely full by the end of the day! This year was pretty special because our Regional Advisor had something super special planned for our Illustration Coordinator, Lea Lyon . For the past five years she has been organizing and putting together this fabulous day exclusively dedicated to the illustrator and to thank her for her hard work we all plotted to put together a wonderful pi...

So after 10 US cities, 7 months, and countless miles, The Sketchbook Project is now drawing to a close. I am so glad I participated in this National Phenomenon. Not only did the actual process of making the sketchbook force me to open up, use my imagination and have fun putting it all together, but watching my book travel all over the country was a great thing to see! Form/Space Atelier in Seattle, Washington - Pic Courtesy of Michelle!! I had so many friends and strangers pull out my little Storybook Sketchbook. Hopefully it all gave them a quick laugh and brightened their day a bit. (Honestly, I don't know whose mood wouldn't improve with the sight of giant cupcakes and glitter.) Sister-in-law at the Madrone Studios in San Francisco, CA - Thanks Suz!! My mom was also featured on the Art House Co-op's blog about their stop in Chicago!! Mom at the Hyde Park Arts Center in Sweet Home Chicago It was really neat the way the Art House Co-op managed to keep...

So this past weekend I was able to travel to Los Angeles for the 40th annual National Conference for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators . And BOY - was it a conference!! I left full of information and inspiration... Among the numerous and talented authors and illustrators that were there, legends walked all around. I was inspired by Jerry Pinkney (2010 Caldecott Medal Recipient & 5-time Caldecott Honor Recipient), moved by David Small (Caldecott Medal & Honor Recipient), laughed with John Scieszka , amazed by Gary Paulsen (3-time Newberry Honor Recipient), and my breath was taken away by Richard Peck (Newberry Medal Recipient). Within all of this great talent was a surprise visit from the Queen of Children's Literature - Judy Blume !! It was an amazing weekend filled with great speeches, good information, and a few fun gatherings including a big party on Saturday night with dinner and dancing... ...plus a lovely lunch on Sunday whe...

So after 72 drawings, 72 inks, and 72 digital enchantments - plus 3 full color paintings and digital enhancements - my coloring book project is complete and on its way to being published! This process and style isn't like anything I've done in the past, and I'm really excited that I had the opportunity to explore this venue. With most of my monochromatic work done in graphite with tone, I'm happy to report that through many trials, errors, numerous conversations and advice from my peers, I was able to establish a strong line-work style. Here's a little sample of "What are the Seasons?" section on Fall showing the three step process I used to create the line work. The books should be out in the fall, and you can check the publisher's website, BooksbyKathe , for updates on its status. They are great activity books and I have to say that I even learned things (especially about volcanos!) that I might not have known before. To see more samples of this ...