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Illustration by John O’Brien from his picture book THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

Upon seeing the picture that Kathy sent me for Free Fall Friday, I burst into laughter because I identify with the man pushing on the cow. In preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Irene—minus my husband, who is in California for business reasons—I feel like I am trying to lift a cow into a tree without much success. Normally, my husband is diligent about clearing our yard and porch of anything that might blow away in high winds. Without him here, I bear all my weight against our heavy outdoor furniture and shove it against the edge of the garage, praying for Irene to lose her strength before she arrives in Connecticut.

When you are not clearing your yard, running out to stock up on groceries, or making sure your flashlights have new batteries, take a moment to study this picture. Enjoy writing to the prompt.

I look at the picture and wonder how many cows are waiting to be lifted into the tree. How does the cow feel about this? Are the cows and the birds connected in some way? Ultimately, what are the woman and man trying to achieve by doing this? Is a child watching the couple? Would the child have a better idea how to get the cow in the tree, and if so, what might that be?

Stay safe in the storm, and if you lose electricity, pretend you live in the old days and enjoy writing by candlelight. You may find it inspiring!

Thanks Betsy! It looks like all of us on the east coast may really have to write in the dark this weekend when Irene comes knocking. I hate losing my electric and have my fingers crossed that it fizzles out, but the outlook looks dim.

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

2 Comments on Free Fall Friday, last added: 8/27/2011

What We Wear Under There   by Ruth Freeman Swain  illustrated by John O'Brien  Holiday House  2008  A picture book history of undergarments over the ages that provides some basic coverage but nonetheless has a few holes. This was a book on my radar some time ago that dropped off and resurfaced mysteriously.  All I could remember going in was how I thought this was the perfect subject for a

John O’Brien is a longtime cartoonist for the New Yorker magazine. He’s also a senior lieutenant in the North Wildwood Beach Patrol, an illustrator of dozens of children’s books, and a banjo/concertina player specializing in Celtic and Dixieland tunes.

John O’Brien, who lives in Delran New Jersey, says his beach work doesn’t often inspire his artwork directly: “This job is public safety, the total opposite of drawing.”

But the picture on the right, which appeared in the New Yorker on Aug. 13, 2001 had to be inspired by his time in on the beach.

Then there was Beach Patrol that you wrote with Max Bilkins and illustrated. That book came out in May 2004.

It’s obvious his job influenced that book, so I am sure the beach will show up again in John’s art.

I asked John about his process. This is what he had to say, “I begin my sketches using Bienfang Graphics paper, pencil and kneaded eraser surrounded by research material, text and type, if available.

“When I’m satisfied with the design, I ink over my pencil lines with a Rapidograph pen. Then, I erase the pencil lines and tape down the text.

“For the finishes I trace my sketches in pencil onto Strathore 4-ply 500 Series vellum surface paper, using a light box.

“Next, I ink over the pencil lines with the same Rapidograph pen used for the sketches.

“If color is required, I tape the drawing to canvas board using masking tape.

“I apply color to the inked drawing with Doctor Martin’s Hydrus water colors. I occasionally use liquid or low tack frisket to mask out certain areas. A blow dryer is also a useful tool to speed things along.”

Sketch to Final

John’s latest book.

Sketch to Final.

POO