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I think it's okay to read reviews, but don't be affected by them. If they're fantastic, great, if they're terrible (which is impossible), so be it. The important thing is to have your own standard for the way your work comes out, and stand by it no matter what. Too often, reviews make humble artists grow gigantic heads, and happy ones miserable.

By the way, your pirate ship is adorable! It reminds me of a little paper boat, floating in a puddle.

Thanks Ambera! I think you've got a clearer head than me.

Oh wow, congrats on the new contract!
I've noticed that art reviews can be extremely subjective so it's really hard to base hard and fast rules on what they say.
Especially since the reviewers are mainly experienced reviewing the writing itself.
Your work is beautiful, I hope you don't take anything said too much to heart...or read too much into what WASN'T said. I'm good at that. Reading more between the lines than necessary. (not as in reviews, just generally)

Thanks Roz! I had the funny sense that you knew me really well when I read your comment. I entirely read into what isn't there.

I am personally terrible at taking reviews. It's funny how you can get 25 great reviews and the one tepid one is the one that sticks in your head. I have to comfort myself that even my favorite artists get negative reviews so clearly the artists just had to soldier through. Your art is lovely, though and the contract reflects your caliber far more than a random sentence by someone paid to come up with critical assessments!

Yeah new contract! More work! More pictures for us to enjoy! Good luck with everything and don't miss Christmas - I'm envisioning pirates giving each other presents!

Thanks Emma, you're right, my favorites get tepid reviews too.
Thanks Mary Beth, there's a pirate rat sleeping under my tree.

Great Eric, glad to hear you have a good new contract.You will just fine.

Reviews...read them, stand back then read them again. Never take personally but there may some good info in them so look for returning comments. As to regional reviewers, hey, you live in the Maritimes where maritimers are shunned and one has only reached stardom if you move to Toronto, Montreal or New York.

Congratulations on the new contract Eric.
I am with Roz. I always read more into what is NOT said. That often leaves me feeling dumb when I realize I was totaly wrong.
Your work is great.

Thanks Frank! Thanks Hilda Rose! I think it's another new thing to adjust to. It's a bit like a critique in school but the whole world can read it.

Congrats on the new contract Eric! Yay!

About reviews, check out the quote on critics I posted a few days ago. It's from the movie Ratatouille.

http://paigekeiser.blogspot.com/2007/11/ratatouille-quote-about-critics.html

Take reviews with a grain of salt--although I'm sure that's probably hard to do. You're a talented artist so I'm sure you don't have anything to worry about anyway.

Very nice painting!

http://paigekeiser.blogspot.com/2007/11/ratatouille-quote-about-critics.html

sorry about the broken link--this one works--I hope! :-D

Thanks Paige! I read the post and that helps put things in perspective.

Wooo! Cangratulations on the contract!

Don't pay attention to reviews. Just do what you do.

Thanks Ben. I don't want to give the impression that I'm recieving bad reviews. It's just another thing to adjust to. I more or less am ignoring them.

HI ERIC!!!
CANGRATULATIONS for the contract!!!
=))))))))))))

Thanks Olgi!

How wonderful Eric! A new contract, great news! You are on a roll.... ;o)
Don't pay attention to reviews... I know is easier said than done.. but really, you have to trust yourself and your art. Keep doing what you are doing and enjoy the ride :o)

Thanks Alicia!

Congratulations on a new contract. I like that you are excited. I get ecstatic when I get a new job even if it is a little one. Then usually I don't tell other artists because I think it happens to them every day, and they probably don't care. So any way, Yeah! I new contract I am excited for you.

Thanks Manelle! I think all artists worry about their next jobs, unless you've made it to a place you don't have to any more. I try not to get excited about new jobs. But I can't help it.

New jobs are always encouraging. (It shows that *someone* is liking your work enough to pay you to do it!) Congrats on your latest one. (*I* will probably be working through Christmas for the second year in a row. I don't recommend it).

Lots of good review input in the comments. As you've noticed, the words will nearly always take precedence over the art. Unfair, but typical.

I only pay attention to them in a very general sort of way (the bulk of the reviews found the artwork favorable? Ok then. I probably didn't completely botch that book...) They are so subjective, and who knows the credentials of the person doing the reviewing and if s/he is having a bad morning or their cat just got run over - there is no point in taking anything too much to heart. Either positive or negative. But like the rottentomatoes site, it can give you a feeling when taken over all of how your work is effecting people.

Ok - probably way more info than you were asking for... Congrats again.

Thank you so much, Tara. Your thoughtfullness has really helped put things into perspective. I'm glad others see that reviews concentrate on the words, I don't have a problem with that, after all what I do is in service to the written story and I've always known that, but now I know not to read into that.

wow! I really love your work!!! it's an honour you have seen my pictures! I'll pay attention to your blog, it's fabulous.

Thanks Gemma!

I only ever remember the bad reviews. Years ago one that said " at last Jackie Morris is beginning to find her own voice", a comment that wrote off all my work to date.
I have done reviews myself and prefer not to comment on things I don't like. I know how long it takes to do work, and I see no reason why anyone should take notice of my likes and dislikes. My favorite review I ever heard was for the film, Terminator 3, " not as bad as it could have been!" wonderful. And I liked the film.
I never am satisfied with what I do. I have been lucky with good review of late. Luckily I don't review my own work, but I think the dis- satisfaction is what keeps me going. Maybe next time I will get it right, or the next time, or the next time, or......

Thanks Jackie!

And I love the Snow Leopard by the way.

So cool and touch feeling, as always.
I love the statue :D His expression is :D

Im loving the gargoyle, epsecially his expression as if he is wondering what the bird is up to on his head. lovely understated style too!

Hmmmm...5 Random facts about Ambee. Lets see.
1. I don't have my drivers license either. (I think that's why we're such good friends!)
2. I chew the insides of my cheeks when I'm bored/thinking/frustrated
3. I had a bunny named Elvis when I was little
4. My dates for my grade 8 & 9 proms stood me up, and out of embarrassment for not having a corsage, I faked illness at both in order to go home early.
5. My earlobes aren't attached to my head like most people's.

By the way, I agree, these new paintings for the pirate book are your best. They strike a beautiful balance between your dark and your bright paintings, and I love them.

ps. did you want me to post these random facts on my blog or yours?

Post them on your blog, although I like the sneak preview! Thanks for the complement Ambera.

I love the pirate pieces Eric. I (we) can't wait to see the book. When will that one be out?
Good luck with the book launch this week.
What are the prints that you are making?

I don't have a driver's license either, AND I have a library fine of 120. I can't wait to see this book, thanks so much for the sneak previews. This is one of my favorites of your actually. Really exceptional piece!

Driver's License? Eh? Who has one? Not me... :D

Thanks for sharing this Eric!
I can imagine you making the list with your wife at dinner...that is very sweet :o)
Wow! That's a pretty big library fine! That's so interesting you know all about wine... My husband would love that.. to work on a place like that. He loves wine and knows some about it.

By the way, this illo is just amazing. Love it. The book is going to be wonderful!!

I love your last pirate illustrations, They're amazing! Cheers!

Thanks Eva!

Your pirate illustration is amazing. And what could be more fun than drawing about pirates??? Good luck with the book launch - I'm keeping my eye out for when it hits down here (in NJ).

Thanks Mary Beth!

Hello, I found you through Alicia...I love your style! I hope you don't mind that I add link to your blog on my blog.

Hi Mika, I'm so glad you found me. Your work is fabulous! And you live in one of my favorite provinces. I'll link you up to my site right away.

I see you get a lot of comments from other artists.. I'm not an artist myself. i'm a teacher who love books- for adults and children; doesn't matter, I must be both at the same time- and the illustrations that wonderful artists add to books. I visit your blog regularily- and must tell you that your art brings me right into a different world every time! It's just like when I was little and forgot everything around me because I was studying an illustration or reading a story- and sort of living it. I so admire your work!

Thank you so much, LØb! You've really made my day. I was feeling a bit down about things today, so much work and things like that. It makes me feel especially good to get a complement from a teacher and a mother, two of the hardest and most important jobs in the world.. I would love to see Norway some day. The folk stories of Norway are very special to me. And you lived in Canada for a while! My Wife's family lives in Ontario.Thanks Again!

Aaah and good luck with the signing!!! I totally would be there if I were on the right continent!

Thanks Viviene, i wish all my blogging friends could be here.

Your work is Stunning!
Sandra Evertson

Thanks Sandra!

Hi Eric.. don't know how I missed reading you p.s. on this post about your book launch.. How exciting!!! And just realized it's today... Congratulations Eric! That's wonderful news.. enjoy that signing :o) You are going to make lots of kids so happy and dreaming with your books :o)

Thanks Alicia, I can't think of a nicer thing to say!

HI Eric!

I've been M.I.A. for a little bit, but just finished my list of 5- thanks for the excercise- it's good to come up with these things...So- after your wine experience, do you have favorites and recommendations?? I want to order some of your stuff- what are the titles??

Steph

OH and I have a thing for Appalachian folk music too- my favorite 2 albums are the last 2 that June Carter Cash recorded before she died- do you know them? I know Viviane does-

So how did it go?

Hi Stephanie. my favorite wines? That's a hard one, for just pleasant drinking I really like Spanish wines from Rioja, they use the tempranillo grape which is really smooth. I also like gawurtraminers (which is a great word!) from Alsace in France. They can be a little sweet but lovely. For very special occasions Rocha Svava Valpolacello from Italy is amzing. And as you probably know there are tonnes of great wines from Califonia. Leaping Frog, some of the mid range Robert Mondavis I still really like, and La Crema, I think La Crema is from Oregon though. I feel a bit silly recommending U.S. wines to you, you're probably more aware of the good ones.
And I don't have June Carter Cash's last couple of albums, I'll certainly check them out though. I've really been into Elizabeth Cotton these days.

Hi Frank, thanks for asking! It went really well. I felt like a celebrity for a couple of hours, not a feeling I could get used to. It was held at an art gallery and shop called the Black Duck. The books sold out and I sold a lot of prints and Christmas cards which I had made up. A lot of my Friends came to support me, which was amazing! And we all had dinner at a pub after. Later that night an illustrator friend from Ontario was in town asked me to go out for coffee and that was a great cap to the evening. My friend Keram tok photos which I'll post later.

Stephanie,
I forgot to list my boks for you. I only have one released- A forest For Christmas, written by Michael Harris. It's available on Amazon. I have another book done- Anything But Hank, Which is waiting for publication- the designer still has it. And I'm nearing the end of my third book-The Horrible, Terrible, Stinky Pirate, which should be out by Spring. I'll post links soon for ordering stuff.

Wow Eric... good for you :o)
Busy is good!

By the way, I tagged you to write up 5 random things about yourself on my blog. Hope it's ok :o)

Sure Alicia! Thanks.

This is great Eric! It reminds me of one of my favorite books when I was a kid: "Leo The Late Bloomer."
It's about a lion who's the last one of all his friends to learn how to write, draw, etc. There's a scene where he's leaping through a pile of flowers, and this totally reminds me of it. Love it!

Thanks Ambera! I don't know that book.

Thanks Ambera! I don't know that book.

Congrats on your book launch! (Do I know what it is? Can't remember if you've discussed it? but then again my brain is in a deadline induced haze...)

Hi Tara, the book is called A Forest For Christmas and I haven't gone on too much about it because I completed it almost a year before I even started this blog. It is on Amazon. Apparemtly the writer was on Oprah for sometrhing or other.

Eric, muy lindos tus personajes !! En particular me gusto mucho este dibujo...es muy tierno tu dinosaurio !! Besos de Buenos Aires !!

Eric, muy lindos tus personajes !! En particular me gusto mucho este dibujo...es muy tierno tu dinosaurio !! Besos de Buenos Aires !!

Thanks Merce!

Great illo. It's a unique color combo. and works really well!

Thanks Abigail! I'm wasn't sure about this one and I appreciate your comment.

congrats on your first book! how exciting! love this painting of the dinosaur!

Thank you so much, Claudine!

I like the fact that he's smiling, you can tell he is a trickster... :o) And love how you handle the nightime lighting, is so beautiful...

Beautiful work Eric.



Jillian

Happy Thanksgiving to your family.

Thanks Alicia. This is a character sketch for a publisher.
Thanks Jillian, Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

Happy Birthday Eric,
Love your tree branches, they have so much character. I imagine that the wise old racoon is trying to teach that young mischievous one a thing or two about the dangers out there.

Why would you want the battles to be easier? I think one learns more from the hard ones.

My gauge on how much I should be doing is a flexible one ( especially with a four year old running around wanting to play) I always feel like I could have accomplished more. Set your goals real high but don't let it wreck your world if you don't reach them all.

Thanks Frank. I don't really want things to be easier, I think I'd be very worried if things felt too easy. It makes me feel better that you too have that sense that you could have done more, when I think about most artists probably have a similar sense. Last year I devoted a lot of time to self promotion and travel to help get things moving and to pick up some contracts. It worked, but I only finished one book last year and wish I had more to show. I think setting higher goals will help.

Oh, that self promotion. That one is not that easy for me. It is a necessary evil though. Getting the contracts like you have to get would be the killer for me.

I work hard to get contracts, but I'm still suprised when I do.

Happy Birthday Eric!

Your work is really beautiful. Happy Birthday!

Thanks Rusty!
Thanks Phyllis! Your work is lovely. Is it gouache?

Happy Birthday! I love this picture - I see the older, much wiser raccoon trying to impart wisdom, and hopefully some caution, to the younger one.

Thanks Mary Beth!

Happy Birthday Eric.


Right now I'm working on a sequel. I wrote a little bit about it on my blog, a piece of it from in the middle of the book. And then I thought of you. I would love to see how you would draw the characters I described in those pages.


I'm sure they would be remarkable.

Jillian

Oh Happy Birthday Eric!!! Although it was yesterday... hope you had a wonderful day :o)

I love this...is so beautiful. Love those lovely shades of blue from the nightime and the wonderful light were the racoons are. Your trees in the background are amazing. Look a those branches!

I know what you mean... that happens to me too sometimes. Don't know why really. Think we get to be really critical of our own work and sometimes if you just keep going at it you get to go above that, and finally see it in another light.. you know? And yours is truly wonderful!

Happy belated birthday from me as well. Hope you got treated and celebrated thoroughly.

I totally relate to the struggle (I wouldn't mind it being a *bit* easier... Or at least being more pleased with what I end up with at the end of it).

Pretty amazing goals for the year! Best wishes. As much as I've enjoyed having a lot of work the last few years, I'm rather missing the downtime. At least occasionally... It's always something, eh?

Happy happy birthday to you, Eric! :)

Thanks Jillian! That's a big compliment.
Thanks Alicia, it's a funny thing. When I paint a picture it's like an epic struggle sometimes but it's never boring.
Thanks Tara, I think it's balancing things that I find really hard. I want to paint all the time and I want to read all the time and I want to hang out with my wife all the time.
Thanks May Ann!

Oh... Happy Birthweek!!

I think enjoying the battle of art may be a great gift for an artist. Good luck - may your plans be fruitful, and may any change of plan be a pleasant and exciting surprise!

Thanks Viviane! That's one of the most thoughtful things anyone has ever said to me.

Happy belated Birthday Eric!!

Love the raccoons. :)

I haven't yet taken the plunge into full-time freelance work, so my dayjob still steals most of my time. Success like yours inspires me to keep working towards my goals.

Thanks Angela! I have to admit that I have to work part time to make ends meet. I teach art at a private school. But I am working toward just doing art.

oh wow...what a fantastic mood Eric.
Oops! and Happy Belated birthday to you!!!!
HUGS!
Marjorie

Thanks a million marjorie!

happy birthday! this is a beautiful illo! I feel the same way about each piece I work on too :)

Thanks Claudine! I'm really happy to see you here!

A big HAPPY birthday (belated) from me too!! Celebrate well- I think it's important to celebrate all month...I mean, you need time to recover in between celebrations, and you need more that one celebration to properly include things like favorite foods, favorite people, contemplate, and to make sure you've done it right (you know an extra celebration to make sure you covered your bases)...


GREAT painting by the way-

Thanks Stephanie! Thirty one is kind of a non event but I'm always up fpr celebrating.

Lovely picture. We don't have racoons over here, badgers is our closest creature I think. Do you have badgers Stateside? Well, racoons are very lovely,like your painting.

We do have badgers, I think. It never occurrd to me that raccoons are a north american animal. They're a bit maligned here as they rifle through our garbage. I love them. They wear masks, how can not love them. Thanks Andrea (is Andrea Joseph your full name? Should I address you as Andrea Joseph?)

The dramatic lighting on this is really eye catching. Nice job.

Beautiful job. I came across your blog just a few days ago and I fell in love. Your art is so spellbinding. Love the lighting in this piece.

If I could turn back time I think I would have had you illustrate my book.


Jillian

Thanks Manelle, I was going for dramatic in this one.
Thanks Jillian, I'll take spell binding. What have you written? I need new stuff to read.

Love this one! She does look a bit worried about the whole stowaway thing here, though!

It's a pirate ship! Thanks Liz!

...Such an exciting picture!!

I just wondered... Do you ever get told off by publishers for joining the nose lines to the eyebrows? I really like that look - when I do it I often have to edit it out, keep getting told it's "scary". Tsk!!!

I haven't been told that but I do get "the noses are too red" a lot. I find it funny what publishers think is scary. I started using audio books and they are effectively keeping me tied to the drawing board.

Hah! Red noses! That's funny.

Mmm. I often have to edit out all marks except these:

. .
-
v

What's left is then always really neat and cute, and I keep being surprised but it's like I didn't actually draw them.

Haaa yes, audio books are great - I can't believe I didn't realise that earlier! I am really enjoying SF radio plays at the moment...

Oh - that was supposed to make a face! :S Looked good in the editor but when I posted it all the empty spaces got eaten!

I just listened to a Pillip K Dick story. Lots of fun.

!!! I have a new favorite! This one is great.

Thanks Stephanie! I've always loved this composition but I just never got it finished.

Every time I come here there is something new to think about and a lovely new picture to enjoy. I will go away and ponder the realistic v expressive issue.

Hildegard von Bingen?

Hi Eric, Nice piece. I couldn't agree more with that quote from Sendak. I think an artist should be like Felix the Cat, the more tricks in their magic bag the better. I would get bored painting with just one formula style all the time. The trick is to make all of your styles recognizably "your" style. I think you do a good job with that.
I was wondering how large these pieces of yours are?

I really like this one! He's such a beary bear.

It's not "Snow-White and Rose-red" by any chance? There's two girls in the story but they do let a bear into the house and beat him with a hazel-switch (he doesn't mind).

East of the Sun, West of the Moon has a girl and a bear in it (although many times it's a polar bear). Snow White and Rose Red have a brown bear.

If you are interested, the best fairy tale reference on the web can be found at www.surlalunefairytales.com

Thanks Gretel.
My pieces vary in size Frank, I work pretty small though. The largest piece being around 11/17 inches but usually I work around 8/10 inches.
Ah! Thats it! Thanks Viviene, I knew it wasn't super obscure but not one of the really well known ones either.
Thanks Tara! The riddle is now solved.

Very good advice from Master Sendak. Thanks for posting it.

And the painting is nice! You should finish it -maybe by doing some black inkwork over the top of the paint...?

Thanks Ben, I really do feel I should finish it.

Lovely. I agree with Gretel, it's not just that there is great pictures to look at on your blog, you always give me something to think about. I like that.

Just looking at your list of books, some I know some I don't. A book I'd recommend for anyone of any age is The Red Tree by Shaun Tan. SO beautiful. Well worth checking out.

Thanks Andrea, I just ordered The Arrival. I can't wait.

Really lovely! Definitely captures that aloofness and mystery of the Snow Queen.

I kept thinking we were going to loose power down this way, but looks like the worst of it went up towards the maritimes!

Thanks Abigail, I think a part of me is looking forwrd to winter. Beer tastes better and the bed seems a little warmer. Things weren't too bad here.

Brrrrr, she's beautiful! The branches coming from the top of her head are such an inventive little detail, I love it!

Thanks Ambera.

Lovely, chilly piece. (I hope you had a nice fireplace and a few amenities to keep you company with out power. After too many wind storms, we have invested in lanterns, candles, a gas range, etc... so that it is at least bearable when the lights go out...)

Thanks Tara, We never seem to think that far ahead. The barbecue and 100 candles served fine.

Gorgous, beautiful and really captures the icy feel and mystery of winter.

Thanks Mary! I think I did it in preparation for the long winter to come.It already snowed here! It's not even half way through November!

Another nice drawing Eric, I like how the bird is reading along too. This is my first post to your blog, but I have been checking it out for a while. I like sharing your drawings with my 4 year old daughter. She likes the Pink Cloud one and the Stinky Pirate. My favorite is the Pumpkin Troll. You have a good style that is easy to recognize.
Thanks for sharing the list about your favorite picture books. We have some of those, but it gave me a few ideas for new ones we should pick up.

Thanks Frank! You've made my day. It makes me so happy that you and your daughter like my pictures. You're welcome to print anything off my site if you'd like. I know your site as well and your work is fantastic. I love the glimpses into Mexican life.

Thanks Eric, Erin is excited that we heard back from you. I'm surprised that you have seen my blog. I just started it Thursday. I'm still trying to get the hang of it and trying to get some content on there. I'll link to your blog once I get my blogroll going.

I love the grass monster! My three-year-old would be seriously entranced by it.

Thanks Abby Jane!

I love your grass monster and now I'm intrigued ... What do monsters read? Landscaping books? Hmmm.

You've really captured a lovely casual setting here. I like the details of the bike leaning on the tree, and the little bottle in the grass, it adds so much to the painting. What do monsters read? I like to think they'd read something like a dictionary on squashes or root vegetables.

Your illustrations are enchanting ... really delightful.

For horror, I suspect grass monsters read about lawnmowers and rototillers.

Hope your storm was enjoyable, rather than horrific (and if you don't mind, I think I'll join you on the couch with a book... I'm sick of the studio...)

Hmmmm... Thanks Mary Beth.
Thanks Ambera.
Thanks Becca!And thanks for coming to see my site.
I like the lawn mower anser the best. Thanks Tara. The storm was fine, only a few trees down. Apparently at 6 am that morning 2 firetrucks were parked in front of my house and giant fiery embers were flying through the air. But I slept through. I'm kind of sorry I missed that.

Es muy linda esta ilustración !!!..Cuanto talento junto en una sola persona...debes ser muuyyy alto !!..Un cariño desde Buenos Aires, Merce.

Grazias, Merce. Your work is wonderful too, so full of life and fun.

Oh I love this Eric. Your illustrations have a wonderful sense of place. Really amazing... I want to be there sitting by his side with that adorable monster. :o)

Thanks Alicia! That means a lot to me, that's the spirit I like to convey. I saw on your profile page that you like Sarah Maclauchlan, She's from the same city as me!

Oh really? Thats great. I love her...I'm listening to her as I type :o)

I love visiting your blog Eric, hope you don't mind but I linked you. I was looking closely at your Snow Queen and she has the most beautiful and expressive look in her eyes!! Just wonderful!

Gosh, this is brilliant. How long do your paintings take?

They usually take about 4 or 5 days altogether. I generally paint on small pieces of paper.

I've always liked this one. Looking at it actually brings back memories of what we were doing professionally 2 years ago. Great paining!

Thanks Ambera. We weren't doing much.

Love it. I especially like her twiggy hair, up in the back. Muted colors are perfect.
I want to know what she's looking at, curious about, sneaking up on...

I really like her hair, too. Excellent highlights and hairdo.

These neutral browns are soooo lovely. And the washes and splotchyness on her coat are mesmerizing up close, I love it.

Yes - her coat is my favorite part too. You and your scrap paper paintings! I'm inspired when I read about them -but seem to conveniently forget about them when actually in the studio working... hmmmm.....

Thanks Pixie! I hadn't thought about what she's looking at. I think when I do something quickly like this, unplanned things happen that I don't notice till much later.
Thanks Abby Jane, the highlights are in gouache.
Thanks Ambera, I'm gonna try to return to a more nuetral pallette on my next paintings.
Thanks Tara, I don't allow for many mistakes in my work these days, like the splotches on the coat, which I guess is the point of these pictures, to make more happy mistakes.

She's adorable! I love the face shape.

Thanks Liz!

I love Arthur Rackham's work, and this looks like an early Brian Froud illustration when he too took inspiration from Rackham. Really lovely character and colours, I think I'd like to try some subtle colour work too, for a change.

Thanks Mary! It so easy to get seduced by bright or intense colours. That piece does look a bit like early Froud, I didn't even notice... I actually got Froudian artist of the month on the Froud web site in August.

I really like all the patterns of your piece. The dog looks seriously distressed. Is that swan attacking him or the other way around? :)

Proper blood sports this time.

hey, thanks for your words on my blog...Blue is my favorite, great style and feeling!

Salud!

Good job Ellis. Really love the colors and the pattern you get out from your brain.

A piece clearly fuelled by your Recent Art Rage experimentation. Interesting how you've brought the Rage out of the digital back into the painterly.

Well I think so anyway.

What the....? Ellis, I don't think I have ever seen a painting from you before; just your ink drawings. This is so interesting and cool! I love it!

Arte astratta per definire una tragica parola; accostamento dei colori ben riuscito. Mi piace quell'albero - sarà l'albero della vita? - che è raffigurato nella parte destra del dipinto.

Complimenti

Rino.

wow...a completely different side to you...amazing color and feeling, cata. i especially like the blues...something really provoking. really nice painting. :)

Nice abstract. You captured the feeling of the word well. :)

good emotional picture to illustrate the theme!

These are beautiful reds, Paula. I've been doing something in the same vein with my paintings lately. Adding a bit of the same color to most of the other colors. It does help to harmonize the whole thing.

Thanks Anonymous, whoever you are!

Love the flying feathers and crazy dust cloud! They are perfectly intense for the action!

Gorgeous illo!

Wonderful perspective... adds to the motion of the piece.

Amy I just love this book so much! The color palette is gorgeous!

ooops! great colors.

ouch! yet too funny, great illo!

Poor rooster, great illo !

Great work! I love the energy here. :)

Great colors and composition!

I must be getting here a bit late.... this is wonderful, Amy. I love the action,the color and the bewildered look on the rooster's face...and all that dust and the teeny stars. Excellent!

Tell Max I think he is a great painter. I love his use of color.

Wow, none of my own kids got any of my "drawing ability." This is pretty impressive for a 4 year old. I love the complimentary red coconuts to the green leaves. Common...kids know coconuts are brown...but look what he did.

Conversation while viewing Dad's blog from Mom's computer:

4-year-old (with a big grin): "Hey! That's my picture. Did Dad stuff it into the computer?"

Mom: "He scanned it."

"When he scanned it, did it stuff it into every computer?"

Elk and the elephant are great... I'm glad you stuffed them into my computer.

I love your son draw :D
Yet again I feel the name of the Guy is Perfect he is so perfect, I love your style!
ciao

I would have named the first one "Guy."

wow that kid is good. and i love elk

Great work! The kid has talent!

Wow great elefant! I am glad your drawing has been stuffed in my computer too. The Elk is cute.

That is an awsome elephant. Keep those paints handy! This kid is going places!

"Elk" looks remarkably similar to the goat-innkeeper on "Stardust" - if you haven't seen it, I recommmend it. It was delightful.

Love her attitude and the more angular style!

I love this lady. Very crisp and authoritative. I can see her bossing a squad over Storm Troopers around. Or, I guess, less evil military peoples.

...suck your blood?

another great one!

Love the bold colors and the textures created by the gouache. Fun picture.

This is a great illustration. I've been lurking for a while and I think I owe you a comment finally. I really like the way you have dug deeper for a really original idea behind a basic word.

Can't wait for more!

very nice! My son just lost his first tooth yesterday, thought it ironic to see you post this today!

great idea! my daughter is losing teeth left and right and that idea never occurred to me! Love your color palette and paint technique. I'll definitely be back to peruse your portfolio further. BTW, your palindrome is waaay cooler than mine!

I love how excited she is. Very cute!

the expression on her is priceless!

The expression on her face when her parents asked her if she wanted them to pull it out for her wouldve been equally fun too ( oh how I remember the horror!!! ;)

This is one of my favorites Guy. There's so much energy in this piece. You have a rare and marvelous gift my friend. Keep up the great work.

It was great seeing you again, we'll have to do that again soon.

so cute

Great illustration, love the expression on her face.

what an awesome look of pleasure on her face - those days are long gone for my children, but someday grandkids...fantastic painting!

Great work!

What attitudes! Great kids. I am envious of your drawings, they're just terrific!

-stacy.

finally a boy, and with the proper "leaning" attitude, skull-head t-shirt and dashing red hair. Where can I get one of those skull-head t-shirts?

hey. I like that kid.

Lorien probably told you...

Very nice sketches.

Very good! i like very much all this... You have been working as a freelance for several years don´t you?

These look familiar... they both seem to have the 'youthful angst' going for them. Or is that bordom from trying to appear cool? I never can tell the differance. Great stuff as usual Guy!

These are great!

Hey, I like the lately girls ;o)