By: Jessica Lanan,
on 12/24/2013
Here’s hoping that you all have a wonderful holiday season!
I painted this for some of my relatives to send as a greeting card. The big star on the side of the mountain is a Boulder tradition that has been going on for longer than I can remember. It’s always a cheery sight on the darkest days of winter!
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By: Jessica Lanan,
on 12/21/2013
Winter got off to a frosty start in Colorado back in November, but the weather pattern has changed and despite the encouraging start it’s looking like we might be in for a warm and balmy Christmas holiday. Everyone seems to love it, but I’d honestly rather have cold weather and a snowstorm to make things cozy. There’s nothing quite like a fresh blanket of snow covering the landscape to make the world quiet and soft. Life seems to move at a slower pace.
However, there is a small chance of snow today (according to the weather report) so I’ll be waiting for it here with my mug of tea and my fingers crossed.
These images are two halves of a very wide website header, which I’ve cut in half here into a diptych. Happy Solstice everyone!
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By: Jessica Lanan,
on 12/19/2013
If you’re an unpublished or aspiring author or illustrator and have attended a few conferences or follow publishing blogs and the like, you may have come across at one point or another a story that goes about like this:
“Meet Jane Doe. Jane Doe was a totally unknown talent. Then one day, on a whim, she sent her manuscript/portfolio to (insert name of extremely famous and talented agent or editor.) Suddenly she became a whirlwind success! She was perfect! Her work was perfect! Everyone loved her! Her manuscript was immediately sold to the highest bidder and she subsequently won the Caldecott medal. And all that under the age of 30! Amazing!”
This story usually follows with something along these lines:
“Aspiring writers and illustrators will find her story very uplifting and inspirational.”
Now, this is kind of the opposite of how I would expect that story to make people feel. If you ask me, I think aspiring writers and illustrators want to hear about how hard work and perseverance pays off, not about some insanely talented person’s fairytale story. Usually the fairytale story makes you feel like you ought to just give up and go jump off a bridge.
However, people who want to devote their lives to making books for children (or at least the ones I know, with the conspicuous exception of myself) seem to be delightful human beings. If they feel envious they don’t show it. Before long they pick themselves up, look their friend in the eye and say, “I’m so happy for you! That’s really wonderful that you are an overnight sensation and have twelve book deals.” They smile and clap for their friends and go home and feel grateful that at least they can use their rejection letters to heat the house over the winter and save on utilities.
Feeling envious is normal. I’m convinced that most everyone does it, and if they claim that they don’t, it’s either because they’ve been very lucky and had a Cinderella-success-story of their own, or because they are lying. Those who can be extremely gracious and happy for the success of others are just more adept at letting go of the negative feelings. The important thing is is not to feel guilty for being jealous. Just accept that it’s a feeling that happens, and move on.
After all, these universal human feelings we struggle with are just the stuff of which great stories are made. Nobody wants to read about a perfect character who is gracious and charming and ideal in every way. It would be utterly bland. If you think about it, Cinderella is rather one-dimensional. What mistake did she ever make? How can a real person, full of faults, relate to her? Characters need imperfections, heroes need demons to conquer. Don’t hate yourself for your darker moments, just learn from them, and let them go so they don’t hold you back.
And just remember that if you ever end up on a stage giving a keynote address about your success, tell the audience what they need to hear: that you are not Cinderella. You got to where you are by working hard, by not giving up, and by truly loving what you do.
They will love you for it.
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By: Jessica Lanan,
on 12/16/2013
For all of you looking for some reference material or inspiration, the British Library recently added millions of images and illustrations from 17th, 18th and 19th century books onto their Flickr page. All of the images have no known copyright restrictions. The images can’t yet be sorted by key word, but they are working on finding a way to navigate the images in the future. I could easily spend hours looking through all the interesting old illustrations!
Read about it here: http://britishlibrary.typepad.co.uk/digital-scholarship/2013/12/a-million-first-steps.html
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By: Jessica Lanan,
on 12/11/2013
I’ve recently returned from an inspiring few weeks in New Zealand and have struggled to choose just a few photos to sum up the experience, so this post is going to be a little picture-heavy. The little country makes the word “scenic” woefully inadequate for describing the splendor of the landscape. Our trip took us through a wide range of environments, most of which were, by Colorado standards, extremely green.
The bird above is a Kea, the intelligent alpine parrot notorious for trying to steal lunches and for nibbling on rubber car accessories. I photographed the bird while it was sitting complacently on the top of our rental car, hoping for us to bring out the snacks.
There were also plenty of gorgeous alpine vistas to admire, like this one…
…and this one.
What trip to New Zealand would be complete without mention of sheep? It was spring, of course, so there were plenty of lambs around. The strange rocks in the picture below are left behind by an ancient volcano.
Since it is a volcanic land, there were plenty of active volcanoes and bubbling pits of alarmingly colored water to admire.
All in all, I thoroughly recommend visiting!
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By: Jessica Lanan,
on 9/11/2013
It’s pouring outside here in Boulder (really pouring…like a monsoon. Seriously, there are flash flood warnings in effect.) This turn of events has ended a streak of blistering hot days and put me in the mood for autumn. Bring out the galoshes and wool sweaters! Serve up the hot tea and warm soup! I’m ready.
So, without further ado, here is an illustration I made at work today to celebrate the changing of the seasons:
You’re probably wondering why I haven’t updated my website since February. Yes, February. As in, A LONG TIME AGO. My only excuse is that I became slightly busy with little things like changing jobs and getting married. (I know, some people manage to still update their websites while doing other things, but some of us are a little more bloggingly-challenged.) Anyway, that’s what I have been up to. I can now happily say that I am now a full-time professional illustrator for a company here in Boulder, and I can also happily say that I have been married for a whole 10 days. Hooray!
My new employer is called Mocavo and is a genealogy web searching service where you can find out all sorts of delightful secrets about your great aunt Mildred and so forth. Unlike other web start-up companies I have encountered, this one had the good taste to hire a full-time illustrator to be on staff. Brilliant! You can find the Mocavo website here.
So, folks, I’m glad to be back here posting again. I have a ton of illustrations to share since I draw and paint almost every day now, so stay tuned for more to come!
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By: Jessica Lanan,
on 2/14/2013
Happy Valentine’s Day! This watercolor valentine goes out to all of the socially awkward engineering students I see at work every day. (Although they don’t generally wear tweed coats and bow ties.)
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By: Jessica Lanan,
on 2/12/2013
Here’s a little sketch I did to go along with a story I wrote a while back. I found the story in an old notebook from about 10 years ago.
Here’s an excerpt of the story:
“Even here, in the bottom of the world—a place that nobody visits and nobody wishes they were and everybody pretends doesn’t exist—even in this dark place we can still find a few hours to tell stories beside the fire. The darkness of these tall tales sometimes keeps me up at night even now. There were times when I would run to Miss Hazel’s bed and dive beneath the covers (for even the thinnest, most threadbare blanket is the best protection from monsters.) But some tales told of great hope along with darkness. A distant hope, like the light of a glimmering star that somehow makes through the thick exhaust of the machines and sulfur-orange lights of the factory to reach me. It is a hope that burrows into your heart and makes you stronger, for everybody knows that hope is the hardest thing in the whole world to kill.”
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By: Jessica Lanan,
on 2/6/2013
I thought this would be a fun way to recap my experience at the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators winter conference in New York City (SCBWI New York.) It was my first time at the conference and in New York in general. If you’re interested in writing or illustrating for kid’s literature, the SCBWI offers tons of opportunities to help you develop your craft, find community, and get industry exposure.
Strapped into an uncomfortable airplane seat. I’m on my way!
Finally after wind-related delays that kept us at the gate, we start moving.
First glimpse of the city from the plane window. I have a great view of the statue of liberty and Manhattan. I’m too tired to make it to the city tonight, so I crash in a hotel across the street from the airport.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Wake up over an hour late. Panic. Frantically get dressed and pack whilst muttering expletives. Mad taxi dash.
The taxi driver dropped me off here.
Greeted by some giant distorted head sculptures in the lobby.
I grab a bagel and join illustrator talks with Shaun Tan, Barbara McClintock, Floyd Cooper, and David Ezra Stein. Shaun Tan kicks things off talking about how to find and foster your style.
“I’m always trying to strip back my style and see what is left when all the cleverness is removed.” – Shaun Tan
Barbara McClintock talks about being self-taught. She would check out art books from the library, copy the pictures, then return them, repeating the process until she learned how to draw.
Floyd Cooper makes a drawing with an eraser.
David Ezra Stein talked about creative hurdles. “Being an artist,” he said, “is not for the faint of heart. The measure of a great artist is how fast they get back on their feet again.”
Lunch with awesome friends and illustrators in the Grand Central terminal. There are a billion people because it’s the 100th anniversary of the station, and certain goods are being sold for 1913 prices.
We opted for the Panini place. I’m not sure Paninis existed in 1913.
We stop for a “cool hipster band” photo. Image by the wonderful Debbie Ohi.
David Diaz moderates the industry panel about when to quit your day job, and we hear from The Brothers Hilts and Mark Teague.
My notes from this portion of the day.
Meet up with my friends Arree Chung and Andrea Offermann and check in to our hotel. We’re staying here.
Head to Onya with the mentee gang for some fresh, handmade udon.
Photo from Yelp, because my camera died. Thanks, Yelp user “Jared C.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Back for more.
The day begins with Meg Rosoff making us all crack up, and a bookseller’s panel. Meanwhile, my cold is starting to kick into high gear.
Breakout session with Isabel Warren-Lynch, Art Director of Random House. She shares many examples of illustrations that hook her. They must capture emotion and subtlety. “Remember what you are trying to say to your audience,” she says, “and how they will feel about it.”
Lunch break. We all end up back in the Hyatt lobby.
With 2012 mentees Lisa Anchin, Maple Lam and Jen Betton.
Shaun Tan takes the stage to talk about internal migration. He explains: “It’s about passing into a place of dreamlike thinking.” He describes his work as realist, but passing through a strange realm. “Comprehension is overrated.”
Back at our hotel, getting ready for the Gala cocktail party.
Schmoozing at the SCBWI cocktail party. The space was organized with tables according to your region. My region wasn’t anywhere near the food, however, so I didn’t see much of them.
The hall had some impressive lighting.
We spent most of our time standing beside the mini-cupcake station.
Illustrator social. Special guest Tomie DePaola gave us a talking-to:
Tomie is the one standing at the podium. (The woman in front is the sign language interpreter.)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Our own mentee tribesmember Andrea Offermann wins the best portfolio award! We aren’t too surprised, because her artwork rocks. Everyone does happy dance.
I hardly feel cool enough to stand next to you now, Andrea.
Keynotes by Margaret Peterson Haddix, the picture book writing team Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton, and entertaining Mo Willems.
In a really, really long line to get our books autographed. But it’s worth it, of course.
Shaun Tan puts little drawings in with his signature.
Nap time.
Thanks to Debbie Ohi again for the photo (and the nap facility.) By this point I am quarantined to the other bed so as to not infect everyone even more with my cold. But it’s probably too late.
Hang out with the other SCBWI mentees to reflect on the conference, talk about how we’re all feeling about our artwork and share ideas and advice. Slowly sip peppermint tea and wish for a more powerful decongestant.
Back in our hotel, we go through each others’ portfolios and take out a few images, leaving only the best. We’ll be dropping them off at Penguin tomorrow.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
We meet up to head downtown.
Mentees on the 6 train. Do I look as sick as I feel?
We meet up with the others for brunch at Balthazar.
I had the hazelnut waffles with sour cream and stewed berries.
A secret plan unfolds.
We attracted the interest of innocent bystanders.
A mentee tribesmember shirt is about to get tagged.
With our matching shirts done, we head to Books of Wonder to browse. I decide that all picture book sections should be organized by illustrator instead of author, as they are at Books of Wonder. I admire the extensive rare/out of print section.
Books of Wonder, full of wonderful books.
Stop at City Bakery for their famous hot chocolate festival. The flavor of the day was Chili. It was a little too rich for me (you practically needed a spoon) but I enjoyed my free sample and picked up a gift for someone back home.
The delicious-looking pastries.
Appointment at Abrams Books. Tamar Brazis, Chad Beckerman and Maria Middleton were kind enough to talk with us about the process of finding artists. We bribe them with cookies.
Chad shows us which promo pieces end up on the bulletin board, and which ones end up in the recycle bin. We leave our cards, hoping for the former.
We head to Penguin.
Ooooh… Shiny…
They let us set up our portfolios in a conference room for the art directors to view.
Seeya later, portfolio.
Talk with art directors from six different Penguin imprints. They explain the differences between what they publish and show examples of their books. I get a much better grasp of what the different imprints are and what “mass market” and “trade” mean. There is a great Q&A discussion. Plus they give us coffee and cookies! How nice are they?
Some important stuff probably goes on in here, but I’m not sure what it is.
Time for me to head to the airport. The discussion is still going on, so I leave my portfolio behind to be sent to me later. I say my goodbyes and head back to the subway to start the trip home.
The office has a nice view of New Jersey.
Fly to Washington D.C.
Fly to Denver. Try to not cough too much on neighboring passengers.
After a malfunctioning jet-bridge, a malfunctioning airport train, and a mysterious police highway roadblock, I finally make it home and to bed.
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By: Jessica Lanan,
on 1/30/2013
I just heard that Good Fortune in a Wrapping Cloth has been selected as the winner of the 2012-2013 Asian/Pacific American Libraries Association (APALA) Award for Literature in the Picture Book Category. Hooray! Thanks (and congrats) to Joan Schoettler for her wonderful story and Renee Ting for her guidance and for making everything happen. Also, congratulations to the other APALA award winners in other categories. I look forward to checking out the other books!
The awards will be presented at the APALA Award banquet in June of 2013. Read the the press release here.
In other news, today I am packing, finishing last-minute errands and putting the final touches on my portfolio before the 2013 SCBWI New York conference. Hopefully I will not end up stuck in some airport somewhere. (Traveling to the East Coast in winter always makes me nervous.) Wish me luck! I promise to take lots of pictures to share.
- j
2/8/13 update: Click here for the SCBWI NY recap!
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By: Jessica Lanan,
on 12/27/2012
I hope you stay warm and cozy this holiday season! I’m heading off across the country to visit far-flung family, and am looking forward to immersing myself in a good book. See you in 2013!
By: Jessica Lanan,
on 12/17/2012
About a month ago I was invited to the home of Caldecott-winning illustrator (and friend) David Diaz for a weekend illustrator getaway that we fondly refer to as “Lost Weekend.” The idea began in 2011 as a simple studio tour for the recipients of the SCBWI-LA mentorship award, and quickly escalated into a magical gathering of the “Mentee Tribe” to eat, talk about illustration, hang out by the fireside, and eat some more. Naturally, a year later it has practically become tradition.
This year the group nearly doubled with the addition of new 2012 award-winners, who quickly became adopted as new friends. It was such an inspiration to just talk about art all weekend, to compare techniques and tips, and bounce ideas amongst each other. I realized that more than anything, I am grateful to this group for simply being the “tribe” that they are! Even if we are geographically separated most of the time, it is so lovely to have a group of people with common goals all rooting for one another and offering genuine support.
For a full recap of the weekend, check out 2012 mentee Lisa Anchin’s post about it! She did such a great job summing up the weekend that I could hardly attempt to match it. Instead, I will only add that the perfect ending to spending an awesome weekend with equally awesome illustrators is taking the time to soak up the Southern California sunshine afterward and let the whole experience sink in:
Since the weekend, I have been trying new techniques and experimenting with new materials. I am now busy finishing a new dummy and some new portfolio pieces, thanks in part to the inspiration and encouragement of the “tribe.” And they even talked me into attending the SCBWI New York conference, so I’ll get to see everyone again soon (on my very first ever trip to New York!) I am so very grateful to have such an awesome group to support me. If you have a critique group or gang of illustrator friends, I highly recommend organizing a weekend getaway to just bond and share your work with each other. Since artists and designers so often work alone, it is definitely worth the effort.
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By: Jessica Lanan,
on 12/12/2012
I’m just going to say it: I’m not as drawn to black and white images as I am to color ones. Not that it can’t be done beautifully–it certainly can. But when I sit down to make art the first thing I think about is color! Needless to say, this year’s Tomie Depaola contest was a welcome challenge to get me thinking about black and white.
I started out trying to paint the same way I always do, using only black paint. The result was…lackluster. My critique group finally helped me pinpoint the word for it: wishy-washy. Somehow it lacked the energy and zest that it needed to FEEL colorful, even though it could not BE colorful. (If I were brave, I’d put the bad version here, but I’m not brave.)
Back to the drawing board, I tried again with a new technique, using black India ink to hastily draw the scene with emphasis on speed over caution. The Arches 140lb cold press paper holds the ink beautifully, keeping crisp lines and preventing bleeding. I then filled in with watercolor in lamp black. All in all it was a fun exercise and was well worth trying. Maybe I’ll do more with pen and ink in the future!
For those not familiar with the contest, the challenge was to illustrate one scene from a classic book (we could choose between Tom Sawyer, Little Women, and The Yearling) with the text on one side and illustration on the other. I chose the Yearling because I hadn’t yet read it! This is the scene where Flag, the deer, has gotten into the sweet potatoes (with disastrous results.)
By: Jessica Lanan,
on 10/14/2012
I can’t believe it’s already been two months since I last posted! Igot carried away working on some new projects, including a piece for a show focusing on Elana K. Arnold’s new YA novel, Sacred (Random House/Delacorte, November 2012.) The work will be featured at the book release party on November 13 at 7:30 pm at the Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore in Redondo Beach. If you’re in the area, check it out!
Elana is featuring all of the participating artists on her blog, so click here for the full post and interview and be sure to see the other pieces as well.
By: Jessica Lanan,
on 8/18/2012
I recently had a conversation with someone concerning those times when we get caught up in too much nothing and overrun our circuits obsessing over the things we cannot control. We try so hard to figure out the Shoulds and Oughts and the Mights. And once we’re on that path, it’s all too easy to start considering the Can’ts and the Won’ts and even the dreaded Why Bothers. Why is it so hard to start thinking about the Go-For-Its and the Why Nots and the What-the-Hecks? How do we learn to see possibilities instead of problems and to just stop taking everything so darn seriously? He calls his solution “Punching the Bag”: going back to the basics to practice, work up a sweat, and rediscover the reason you’re doing what you’re doing in the first place.
This month marked another international SCBWI-LA conference, in all of its overwhelming and overstimulating glory. This year was my third conference, and marked the end of my official year as a “Mentee” with the portfolio showcase mentorship award.
The first year I attended, I had pretty much no idea what I was doing or how to illustrate (I still cringe at that old portfolio.) I couldn’t afford to stay nearby since the hotel costs a bazillion dollars a night, so I couch-surfed with strangers in all different parts of LA. I left my portfolio on the top of the rental car and it flew off in the middle of the street and was run over by cars. My takeaways? Mostly technique-related. I was too overwhelmed to absorb very much. Also noted: Don’t leave things on the top of your car.
The second year, I was a little more organized. I stayed in a hotel nearby, making it easier to meet people. My portfolio did not get destroyed during the conference. I did not get lost on LA freeways. I was totally shocked to hear that I won one of the portfolio mentorship awards, and remain convinced that I was somehow “accidentally” chosen, and that I did not belong in the group. (Imposter syndrome, anyone?) My takeaways: put together a better portfolio. Make better work. Tell better stories. Be better at being mentored. Be better in general. I felt pretty excited but oh, the pressure!
And this year? After stressing for a year about wishing I could get more done, cursing those without day jobs (I am sure they have no worries and spend their days dashing off illustrations effortlessly, right guys?) sending my work out and collecting terse rejections, refining and refining a dummy book only to turn on it a moment later as I compare it to the work of someone else–this year my illustration demons were at their best. The conference stirred up a concoction of complex emotions; I wasn’t sure whether to be excited, happy and inspired or disappointed and ashamed or even, dare I say it, bitter.
Sunday afternoon came and brought the last breakout session of the conference. I had chosen to attend a talk and Q&A with Steven Malk of Writers House, about agenting in general and his thoughts on the business. Among many other things, he said the following:
1. Be patient. (Some stories need time. Some illustrators need time. Sometimes it’s not time yet.)
2. Loosen the grip of fear on your heart. (This quote speaks for itself.)
3. Focus on what you can control. (So this means my vague goals like “be successful” or “get an agent” are, um, less than helpful.)
If you don’t want to tweet, or facebook, or blog, or whatever, then don’t! If you want to keep you day job for now because you need the financial security, then keep it! If you aren’t ready to write as well as illustrate a book, than just stick to your portfolio for now!
It was a liberating moment: the first time someone had given me permission to do it my way. I don’t have to be an overnight success. I can be a really gradual success. Or I can make my own definition of success. We don’t all have to be an Erin Stead or a David Diaz, hitting a home run on the very first try.
So now I’m trying to loosen the grip of fear, and stop caring so darn much. I’m reading more picture books, not because I should, but because I like them. I’m drawing more, not because I need to practice, but because it’s fun. I’m experimenting and trying new things. And when each day is done, I may not have done something huge or impressive or spectacular or perfect, but at least I punched the bag.
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By: Jessica Lanan,
on 8/18/2012
I recently had a conversation with someone concerning those times when we get caught up in too much nothing and overrun our circuits obsessing over the things we cannot control. We try so hard to figure out the Shoulds and Oughts and the Mights. And once we’re on that path, it’s all too easy to start considering the Can’ts and the Won’ts and even the dreaded Why Bothers. Why is it so hard to start thinking about the Go-For-Its and the Why Nots and the What-the-Hecks? How do we learn to see possibilities instead of problems and to just stop taking everything so darn seriously? He calls his solution “Punching the Bag”: going back to the basics to practice, work up a sweat, and rediscover the reason you’re doing what you’re doing in the first place.
This month marked another international SCBWI-LA conference, in all of its overwhelming and overstimulating glory. This year was my third conference, and marked the end of my official year as a “Mentee” with the portfolio showcase mentorship award.The first year I attended, I had pretty much no idea what I was doing or how to illustrate (I still cringe at that old portfolio.) I couldn’t afford to stay nearby since the hotel costs a bazillion dollars a night, so I couch-surfed with strangers in all different parts of LA. I left my portfolio on the top of the rental car and it flew off in the middle of the street and was run over by cars. My takeaways? Mostly technique-related. I was too overwhelmed to absorb very much. Also noted: Don’t leave things on the top of your car.
The second year, I was a little more organized. I stayed in a hotel nearby, making it easier to meet people. My portfolio did not get destroyed during the conference. I did not get lost on LA freeways. I was totally shocked to hear that I won one of the portfolio mentorship awards, and remain convinced that I was somehow “accidentally” chosen, and that I did not belong in the group. (Imposter syndrome, anyone?) My takeaways: put together a better portfolio. Make better work. Tell better stories. Be better at being mentored. Be better in general. I felt pretty excited but oh, the pressure!
And this year? After stressing for a year about wishing I could get more done, cursing those without day jobs (I am sure they have no worries and spend their days dashing off illustrations effortlessly, right guys?) sending my work out and collecting terse rejections, refining and refining a dummy book only to turn on it a moment later as I compare it to the work of someone else–this year my illustration demons were at their best. The conference stirred up a concoction of complex emotions; I wasn’t sure whether to be excited, happy and inspired or disappointed and ashamed or even, dare I say it, bitter.Sunday afternoon came and brought the last breakout session of the conference. I had chosen to attend a talk and Q&A with Steven Malk of Writers House, about agenting in general and his thoughts on the business. Among many other things, he said the following:
1. Be patient. (Some stories need time. Some illustrators need time. Sometimes it’s not time yet.)
2. Loosen the grip of fear on your heart. (This quote speaks for itself.)
3. Focus on what you can control. (So this means my vague goals like “be successful” or “get an agent” are, um, less than helpful.)
If you don’t want to tweet, or facebook, or blog, or whatever, then don’t! If you want to keep you day job for now because you need the financial security, then keep it! If you aren’t ready to write as well as illustrate a book, than just stick to your portfolio for now!
It was a liberating moment: the first time someone had given me permission to do it my way. I don’t have to be an overnight success. I can be a really gradual success. Or I can make my own definition of success. We don’t all have to be an Erin Stead or a David Diaz, hitting a home run on the very first try.
So now I’m trying to loosen the grip of fear, and stop caring so darn much. I’m reading more picture books, not because I should, but because I like them. I’m drawing more, not because I need to practice, but because it’s fun. I’m experimenting and trying new things. And when each day is done, I may not have done something huge or impressive or spectacular or perfect, but at least I punched the bag.
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By: Jessica Lanan,
on 7/26/2012
Sorry for the delay, Melani–I’ll get it in the mail to you this week. I’ve removed your personal info so it isn’t out on the internet for all to see, but I have it written down here. Thanks!
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By: Jessica Lanan,
on 7/9/2012
By: Jessica Lanan,
on 7/5/2012
Oh how beautiful! Yes I do want it! I can’t thank you enough!!!! It is beyond special and so incredible!!!!
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By: Jessica Lanan,
on 7/4/2012
Very moving…loved the illustration… Interested in illustrating for my children’s book?
I can’t pay til the book sells…
Virginia
By: Jessica Lanan,
on 6/30/2012
By: Jessica Lanan,
on 6/29/2012
P.S: For friends–if you want a print, let me know. I’m offering the original to Makana’s mom for free if she wants it.
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By: Jessica Lanan,
on 6/29/2012
Today’s painting is a little different from the usual. It’s not for building up my portfolio, or for a promo piece. It’s not to practice improving my craft, to try some new technique, or to impress anyone. It is to remember and honor a friend in the only way that I know how.
(click for larger version)
Dear Makana,
Just over a year ago, you went hiking on a Colorado mountain and never came home. Last weekend, a group of us made the climb in your honor. We had a small memorial service, and while we were spreading some of your ashes there was a little Gray Jay hanging out nearby, who just never left us. You know, you always reminded me of a bird–light and carefree, flitting from place to place. A jay is perfect; they’re silly and always causing trouble, kind of like you.
Maybe that little jay was with you, Makana, when I couldn’t be. I’m sorry I couldn’t help you. I miss you. I’m glad you spent your last day in such a beautiful place.
Thank you for being my friend.
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By: Jessica Lanan,
on 6/29/2012
Today’s painting is a little different from the usual. It’s not for building up my portfolio, or for a promo piece. It’s not to practice improving my craft, to try some new technique, or to impress anyone. It is to remember and honor a friend in the only way that I know how.
(click for larger version)
Dear Makana,
Just over a year ago, you went hiking on a Colorado mountain and never came home. Last weekend, a group of us made the climb in your honor. We had a small memorial service, and while we were spreading some of your ashes there was a little Gray Jay hanging out nearby, who just never left us. You know, you always reminded me of a bird–light and carefree, flitting from place to place. A jay is perfect; they’re silly and always causing trouble, kind of like you.
Maybe that little jay was with you, Makana, when I couldn’t be. I’m sorry I couldn’t help you. I miss you. I’m glad you spent your last day in such a beautiful place.
Thank you for being my friend.
Add a Comment
By: Jessica Lanan,
on 6/12/2012
