Today was a fun day of various art adventures with my good friend, Heather.  She introduced me to a few places in Long Beach that I wasn't aware of.  We began at Art Exchange, a community arts center, where we make snowflakes for the surviving students of Sandy Hook.  It was amazing to see people walk in off the street and begin making art together.  There was definitely a feeling of a community in that room.

Inspired by our first activity, here are Dune (on the right) and Sparks (on the left) making paper snowflakes.

We made our way to a cool music store, Fingerprints, and had brunch and browsed the shop.  Then, she introduced me to The Long Beach Depot for Creative Re-Use.  This is a store with odds and ends that normally people would throw out, but artists may want to use in recycled art work.  It was a bit overwhelming to walk through.

We ended our Art Adventure with a trip to the Museum of Latin American Art.  I love this museum.  It is small, but it definitely puts on a big show.  If you haven't been to there, you should check out their current exhibits.  I love their permanent collection exhibit.  It always changes.  They find fun and innovative ways to display work in the permanent collection.  Last time I was there, they told a tall tale with the paintings and sculptures.  This time, they have connected work to cards in the game of the lotteria.

It was a fun and exhausting day!  I can't wait for our next Art Adventure.

Add a Comment

Just to warn you, this post has no purpose other than to share my drawing for the day.

Add a Comment

Creating a drawing daily isn't as easy as one would think.  I feel like it was a lot easier to achieve last year. I seem to find myself wanting to fall back on drawing the same things.  I might have to create a list of themes or things Mizzles might do.  Last year, most of my drawings were inspired by current life events.  But, I'm not feeling inspired by my own life at the moment.

This drawing was inspired by a photo I saw on the National Geographic Photography Facebook page.

















This next drawing wasn't really inspired.  It is a drawing similar to one I've done before.  It is just a slightly different take on it.  I'm trying to spend more time including my newer Mizzles in my drawings.  I tend to fall back on the Mizzles I've gotten to know and am comfortable drawing.  It's time to give attention to the other Mizzles.

What activities, events, or themes would you like to see the Mizzles in?

Add a Comment

Happy Place: a location, real or fictional, where worries, problems, and anxiety melts away and alms you...makes you happy.  I like creating "happy places" in various locations.  At work, I have a real tree standing behind my desk, along with reproductions of Claude Monet's waterlilies, and a poster of Fraggle Rock. At home, I have photos, drawings, or paintings of trees and my Mizzles. I think for many people Facebook has become their happy place. Facebook has become a bit boring to me.  People post the same stuff and most of the time it isn't very interesting.  I keep going back to the website because every once in a while an illustrator or writer friend will post something FANTASTIC!  It was last month artist, George Littlechild posted this photo:

The vibrance of the magenta is so amazing!  I just cannot stop staring at this photo and find myself smiling or daydreaming. Now if I can only recreate this in my livingroom!  Wouldn't that be awesome? This photo was so magical that it sent me on a wild Google search for magenta cherry blossom trees... And I found these beauties!

Add a Comment

When the shootings began happening this holiday season, it broke my heart there were so many innocent people being hurt.  People on Facebook were posting quotes about light in the darkness.  Here were a few that stuck with me:

They made me think.  It is so true that no matter how dark the situation is, there is always a ray of light.  There is always a bit of hope for us to find and hold onto.  It is when that light is found the darkness doesn't seem to be quite as dark as it originally was.  I began creating a Mizzle painting to illustrate it, but it was put on hold due to other projects.  I figured I could paint and sew while spending the evening with my family.  I wasn't sure if I would actually have time to work on anything, but I took it with me anyways. My night consisted of sitting on the couch next to my little sister surfing the web, laughing with my mom and dad, and answering my dad's cell phone, which seemed to go off all night with calls from family members upset or concerned about his current situation, and playing with all 5 of their cats.  Soon I was sitting on the floor painting while my mom worked on her knitting. It seems appropriate that this ended up being my final painting for 2012.  My dad seemed to enjoy watching me work on it and watching its progress.  Every once in a while my mom would ask me a question about the painting because it wasn't making too much sense.  I kept laughing and telling her "Just wait and trust me.  It will make sense soon. (Pause, a sigh, and a confused look on my face) I hope."  She just laughed.  At some point, I was a little afraid myself that I had ruined it.

This past week seemed to be the darkest.  To be honest, I haven't quite found the light, but I have decided I would create it. I ended 2012 laughing with my family and I woke up calm, centered, and hopeful for what 2013 may bring my way.

Add a Comment

Instead of sleeping in, as I normally would when I'm emotionally exhausted, I woke up early and attended my 5am Fit Body Boot Camp class.  It was funny because the only people there were our fitness instructor, myself, and one other person.  It felt good to start today this way.  Afterwards, we stretched and discussed how I despise the month of January and February because of people's New Year resolutions to exercise.  They crowd my fitness and yoga classes making it too close for comfort.  Don't get me wrong.  I applaud those who make the choice to add fitness to their daily life.  I just don't like it when they encroach on my fitness routine.  :) Selfish...I know.

After the workout, I returned home to begin my day with my healthy breakfast of oatmeal and a hot cup of yummy coffee.  I relaxed, hoping that I would be tired enough to take a nap before taking on my day of pampering, making art, and preparing for a nice evening with my family.  In the past, I used to spend New Year's Eve making a final piece of art for the year.  I haven't done that in a while.  Maybe I will get that chance today.  I did finish creating 3 new Mizzles.

This year I'm staying home...well, my second home. I thought with the news we received earlier in the week about my dad that it would be best to spend tonight with family.  I don't believe in making New Year's resolutions.  They are created with the intentions of changing one's self.  Although, to change is well intended, but we are creatures of habit and I feel it is best to spend the time to acknowledge who we truly are and create realistic goals.  I haven't really come up with goals for myself, but I will soon.  At the moment, I am hoping 2013 brings me new worthwhile friendships, stronger bonds with current true friends, an unbelievable amount of laughter, tons of new happy family memories, lots of art, maybe love, and a healthy, tumor-free dad.

To all of my Mizzle Adventures followers, fans, and greatest supporters, have a safe and fun New Year's Eve!  I wish all of you a happy, healthy, successful, and fulfilling 2013! 

Add a Comment

I have been meaning to update this blog on a more regular basis.  I have been considering returning to my daily posts and daily drawings and see how long I can keep it going this year. But it has been very difficult to find things to be positive about right now.  I know life could always be worse and that our nature is to view the grass is greener on the other side. I find this scenario strange.  I've never had difficulty seeing others in difficult heartbreaking situations. I feel for them and can maintain an objective point of view where their hardships never took a toll on my own emotions. But to see my parents so vulnerable has taken such a toll on me.  I experienced this a little 2-3 years ago, when both parents lost their moms. I saw them in a completely different way.  I have always known my parents to be strong and unbreakable.  Losing their parents revealed the cracks.  Right now, those cracks are huge holes. They are both unbelievably strong, but now I see the fear in their eyes and hear the sad tone in their voices.  It is hard to see and hear the truth they worked so hard to keep from us.  I think I'm doing as well as I can be in this exhausting situation, but I'm tired of people's words of comfort "stay strong," or "be the strong Nadia I've always known you to be." What they don't understand is that I'm always the strong one.  I'm always the one people rely on.  I'm tired of "being strong."  For once, I would love for it to be okay for me to be fragile. This is where my art comes in.  My art, along with my cats, seem to understand my need for vulnerability. It is in my art I'm allowed to be whoever and however I want to be.  Art does not have an opinion.  It listens and it heals.
 
I began by creating a new drawing for my dad. For the past year, I have been creating charcoal drawings of old Native American photos. This is the 3rd of an on-going series.

I also made a painting for my best friend.  I wasn't sure what to create for her, so I just let the painting take control.  It turned out well and she loved it!  I found it interesting the words she used to describe it.  She said it made her feel hopeful, calm, and uplifted.  I also found it interesting her view of the fairy v. an angel.  She said an angel made her think of death, but a fairy made her feel hopeful. I kind of agree because fairies hold a child-like innocence.  I can't think of an instance where fairies are feared.  Angels on the other hand can be thought of as miracles, but can also be associated with death. 
I enjoyed the freedom I felt in creating the painting for my best friend that I decided to start another one.  Here is another, but it is still in progress.

I have this desire to work on specific projects, but I just can't seem to get myself to work on them.  I find myself looking for distractions or other projects to fulfill my need to create, but not the ones I should be working on.  I have just finished creating 3 new Mizzles and have a few more in progress.

Add a Comment

I have noticed that every once in a while a theme(s) appears in my life.  Sometimes they are very subtle and I don't realize it existed until it has passed.  Then there are times, like now, where they are blatantly obvious.  This month's theme is "reflection."  It is time for me to sit down and look at where my path has taken me this year.  This last half of the year has definitely taken me a little off course. 

First of all, I'm unbelievably grateful for the life I have.  It is not perfect, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  I love the challenges life throws at me and the people who come across my path.  I love the friends and family, who have strengthened me by showing me how much they believe in me.  I know my life would not be as colorful as it is without all of their wonderful personalities!

This year began on a positive note.  I began this blog and started my "well-intentioned," but not entirely realistic drawing a day.  I am proud to say that I lasted a lot longer than I had truly anticipated.  I figured I'd putter out around February, but it was around May that the daily drawings came to a halt.  The drawing became more difficult to complete daily because it was around that time things at work began to change.  My department chair announced his retirement and decisions had to be made.  I then took on the challenge of becoming department chair, teaching AP studio art, and I moved to a different classroom.

Changes didn't end there.  Some changes were not so good, but there were a lot that have been great.  The not so good news was my dad had a tumor in his liver.  He's doing well, but it looks like this is going to be on-going issue.  The great news began with my first nephew, Noah, being born on Friday the 13th!  He is an absolute cutie and is going to be extremely spoiled!  Then the unexpected happened.  As I prepared to attend the SCBWI summer children's conference, I was contacted by a representative from RawArtists.  They had found my ETSY shop and wanted me to participate in one of their shows.  To be honest, I was hesitant. I wasn't sure if my work was strong enough.  Also, they really loved my Mizzle dolls, and wanted them to be displayed in the showcase.  After talking to a friend, I decided that in participating in showcase I really had nothing to lose.  This led to a second show and being nominated as one of their Semi-finalists for their annual RAWards.  Although, Mizzle Adventures did not win at the competition, it was a great experience.  It showed me a few things.  One, how much I finally believe in myself and my artwork; Two, what I'm truly capable of achieving; and lastly, it made me realize I didn't have any idea of what kind of outcome I wanted from showcasing my work.  Originally, I just wanted allow the journey to take its own course and see where it would take me.  As much fun as that has been, I think it's time to make some more choices, but about my career as an artist.  What is it that I truly want to achieve as an artist?  And where do I want to see it take me?

The interesting part is that my school qualified to apply for distinguished schools. In addition, this means we are able to apply for another award, which is an Exemplary Arts Program.  For the past few weeks, my department and I have been putting together information about our department to apply for it. I didn't think writing this document would be as difficult as it has been.  I know we are a strong Visual and Performing Arts program, but it has made me notice that we don't have any particular goals for our department.  We don't have a true vision of where we want to go.  I think we have all shared ideas with one another about things we think would be great, but we have never put anything into effect.  I think we all have ideas of what we would like to see happen in our department, but we have never sat down together and verbalized it out loud. When this process is said and done, whether we win this award or not, it has been a great opportunity for us to reflect on the state of our department.  Now we can have a real conversation about short and long term goals for our department.

With 2012 coming to an end and 2013 peeking at us from the horizon, it is a good time for reflection.  It is the perfect time to look at our flaws with complete honest and to take the time to figure out what we need to do to make ourselves and our world better. It's a good time to be thankful and appreciative for what we have and the people in our lives.  And it is the time to make choices about our future.

Add a Comment

 For our first coloring contest, I am going to call it a success.  It was fun seeing all of the entries come in.  I am hoping to hold another ALL AGES coloring contest either for Valentine's or Easter.  So, stay tuned for updates!

Now for what everyone has been waiting for!  Here are the winners!

It was a difficult choice for my judge.  All of the entries were great! We didn't have any entries for the age category of 4 and under, so I transferred those prizes to the ages 5-11.

For Ages 18+ our winners are:
 

John, age 23

Jessica, Age 18

For Ages 12-17, the winners are:

Jeanine, Age 16

Geovanna, Age 17

Lastly, the winners for Ages 5-11 are:

Diego, Age 7

Logan, Age 7

Lais de, Age 11

Ryder, Age 8

Display Comments Add a Comment

This is the last week to get your entries in for the Mizzle Adventures coloring contest.  You can either scan or take a photo of your entry and email it to [email protected].  I'm looking forward to seeing all of the entries.  I thought I'd share with you some of the possible prizes for the coloring contest.

Possible Prints to choose from:

Mizzle Prizes:

Meet Fable. He is bee whisperer; listening to the cares and concerns of all bees. He loves to eat honey with lemon juice. In his spare time, he loves drawing lines in sand.

Meet Miss Lava. She is a Mizzle beauty pageant winner. Her personality resembles that of a Stepford house wife...perfect in every way. But secretly, she loves to play in mud.

Meet Lady Dragonfly.  She is a sophisticated Mizzle, who enjoys all of the finer things in life.  She folds napkins into cranes, lines her tea cup settings with doilies, and irons her curtains.  But when no one is looking, she loves to grab a hairbrush and sing to heavy metal songs in front of a mirror.

Meet Otis. He is an energetic Mizzle, who loves to cut silhouette portraits of people using extremely sharp scissors. He is faster than Edward Scissor Hands, and way cuter. In his free time, he enjoys taking long bubble baths and making bubble sculptures.

Meet Jamina. She loves to make up songs, which detail her daily activities. In her spare time, she enjoys helping bees collect honey.

Add a Comment

I am beginning to get entries for the coloring contest. I am going to wait to post them, but I promise I will post all entries and the winners on this blog.  I am loving these entries!  I can't wait to see what else people have for me!

Just a reminder, you can download the images from http://www.mizzleadventures.com/contests.html

The last day to submit your entry is December 14th!

Good Luck!

Display Comments Add a Comment

As a teacher, I am "supposed" to be neutral and not have favorites.  Well, I have completely failed at this because there are too many great kids, so I have favorites.  To those of you who have been one of my favorites in the past, no worries, you still hold a special place in my teaching world.  But, I do have an ultimate favorite at the moment.  Her name is Kimberly Vance.  She is one talented and ambitious kid. She is my art club president and is in my Intermediate Art class.  She has taken animation on our campus for 4 years.  Like every artist, she doubts her drawings and paintings, but continues to keep making art.  She has an open mind and is willing to give something a shot knowing that it is okay to fail. 

Knowing she is in love with animation, I had asked her if it was at all possible to create a simple animation of Larry Mizzle dancing a bit.  I didn't want color because I knew it would take longer.  She loved the idea and began working on it.  In 2 weeks, she created this cute 4 second animation of my character.  I am so in love with it!  I had it playing on my computer all day when she gave it to me.  I took her animation and added music.  He seemed to move so well to The Black Keys as he danced.  I had discovered something about Larry I had never knew before. He loves The Black Keys, but who doesn't, right?

In return I created a special Mizzle just for her.  She loves pigs!  I found socks with flying super pigs on them.  With them, I create Maggie Mizzle.


By Day, she is a farmer.  She mainly grows carrots, squash, corn, and acorns.  She loves pigs so much; she had pig faces tattooed onto her wings!  Her favorite hobbies are singing at tea parties, playing hide and seek with Hubbert, and teaching snails how to draw.

Hubbert is her pet pig that was rescued from being slaughtered, which is why he doesn't have ears or a tail.  But he is a happy little pig, who enjoys sleeping under the acorn tree, nibbling on corn, and discovering cures for diseases.



By night, Maggie becomes Super Pig and Hubbert become Sidekick Pig!  They are a duo super hero team who rescue pigs around the world from any type of harm.

Add a Comment

I have had this idea in my head for about a year now.  It seemed a bit ridiculous because after I accomplish such a task what the heck would I do with the end result?  I have always thought it would be amazing to create a life size version of one of my original Mizzles.  Crazy, I know, but I've always imagined a room with a few life size dolls so kids can sit and read story books.  I never thought I'd actually find the time or motivation to attempt it.  But then I was announced as a semi-finalist for the RAWards.  I thought "this is it"!  This is where I go big!  So, I began by consulting with my best friend, who had made my Halloween costume.  I had questions.  Some were logistic and others were just questions of doubt.  I needed the reassurance that I could finish this in time. 

It all started with a doll and some fabric.  I realize that I should not pretend to know what I'm doing.  I don't know very much about sewing machines and found trouble at the beginning of my adventure.  I thought I couldn't go wrong with sewing stripes together, but I was wrong.  Bunching occurred and it took talking to many people and "googling" to fix the problem. 

Once I got the hang of it, things really began to pick up and taking form.  My excitement began to grow as each stripe added to the form.  But then at some point, it didn't look right.  It looked short and pudgy.  I had realized I mixed up my measurements.  Never debate between a 2" and a 2 1/2" strip.  I had multiplied some measurements differently, so he wasn't as proportionate.  It really helped stuffing him to see where I had gone wrong.  I had to take him in a few places to get his shape. 

The stuffing came from a failed art club project.  It had been sitting in our storage for over 4 years.  We wanted to use it up so rats wouldn't make it a home.  I wasn't quite sure if there would be enough to fill him up.  I actually had a little extra.












Creating his mouth was the most challenging part of the whole project.  My needles were too small and had to find a really long one.  Also adding the arms were a little difficult having to hand-stitch them on.



The buttons were created with air dry polymer clay.  They were fun to create and paint.

I think the best part of the process was watching my students' reactions each time they came into my classroom to find him put together a little more.  Unfortunately, they never did get to see the final product, but they were eager to hear about him.



Here is Life-size Larry chillin' on the couch with original Larry and Calico.

My mom and Life-size Larry at the Semi-finals Art Show!

Regardless of the struggles I had in creating this oversized Mizzle, I find myself eager to make another one.  I'm thinking Stargazer would make for a fun life-size adventure!

WHAT?



Add a Comment

Coloring Contest

Choose one of the two images to color. Email entries to [email protected]. In the email, include the name and age of the artist. All entries must be received by Friday, December 14th, 2012. Only one entry per person!


Winners will be notified by email and displayed on my blog, www.mizzleadventures.blogspot.com by December 19th.

Award categories:
Ages 5-11
Ages 12-17
Ages 18 and older

Winners of each category will win a Mizzle doll or a Mizzle print!

You should be able to right click and save the images to your computer.  If you want the document, email me at [email protected] and I will reply to you with the image of your choice.  Make sure to let me know if you want the turkey or the christmas image.

Display Comments Add a Comment

So we all know about my obsession with squirrels.  Well, it went a step further.  I was a squirrel for Halloween!  I think this was the most amazing costume I have ever worn and that is because it was made my one of my best friends!  She is an amazing seamstress!  It was a really warm costume too, so for most of the day I went without the head piece.  I had made the tail, but I think I need to play with it to make it stand up a bit more. 

I had a lot of fun being a squirrel.  It was hysterical!  Maybe next year, I can be an actual Mizzle... or have my friend be one!

One of my intermediate students was a monkey!

Best Bud and Co-Advisor dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow!

Add a Comment

Raw Artists has an annual award call RAWards.  The whole thing begins with 2 weeks of voting.  People get to vote every day for their favorite artists in the following categories: Visual arts, photography, music, fashion, make-up artists, accessories, hairstylist, performance art, and film.  Voting took place October 1st through October 15th.  Yesterday, they announced who made it to the semi-finals for each region...Mizzle Adventures was on the list for Orange County!

Now we are part of the Semi-finals showcase on November 17th.  It will be at the Avec Nightclub in Huntington Beach from 5-9pm.  All of those who attend get to vote for their favorite artists in each category.  The audience votes count for 50%.  The other 50% comes from the 3 judges who are asked to come down and look at our work.  By the end of the night, they will announce who are winners and will be moving on to the National level.

This is so exciting and nerve wrecking at the same time.  To top it off, I had signed up to do a Mud Run that day with one of my best friends.  :) We are currently making arrangements to change our wave time.  So, November 17th will be a typical over the top kind of day for me.  I think doing the Mud run in the morning will help alleviate any nervousness or stress I will feel that morning.  I've never really put myself out there like this.  It is all new and exciting. 

I want to make something specifically for this show.  I have a few things in mind, but I know the one thing I've wanted to make.  I don't think I should reveal it right now.  It will just be something for everyone to look forward to!

If you would like to attend the show, tickets are $15.  Make sure you list Mizzle Adventures as the artist you are planning to attend for.  Here is the link: http://www.rawartists.org/orangecounty/rawards2012 

I would appreciate the support!  And see your reaction to my project for the next month!

Display Comments Add a Comment

This is what they look like before stuffing!

Their cute back sides!

I'm including a photo of just their shells.  I had posted this image on my Facebook page and was a bit surprised how shocked people were by what they look like before being stuffed. It never occurred to me to show the process of one of the actual Mizzles.

It has been raining off and on today, so I'm feeling inspired to make more Mizzles or to get some more paintings started.

Monday, October 15th is the last day to vote for Mizzle Adventures at www.rawartists.org!  I hope you get a chance to vote!  And a big THANK YOU to those who did!

Add a Comment

The drama teacher has decided on Night of the Living Dead for the first performance of the school year.  I am so excited about this!  They did this play a few years ago and I loved it!!!  For every school play, the Visual Art department puts together some student artwork for the reception/ticket room of the drama theater.  This year we were asked if it was possible to do zombie/ 50's monster movie posters.  We loved this idea and ran with it.  My Intermediate/Advanced/AP art students are creating zombie self-portraits.  The teacher who took over my Intermediate/Advanced drawing class is having his students create zombie portraits of their favorite teachers...with our permission, of course!  I was going to do a zombie self portrait as a demonstration for my students, but one of my students is in both advanced classes.  I felt it was kind of cheating since he is creating my zombie portrait.  Then I remembered the drama teacher asked me to make 3 zombie mizzles to be used as props in the play.  I then decided I need to make a Zombie Mizzle painting.

This is just one sketch that I began playing with.  I think I need to add more Mizzles.  One of my students mentioned having the cotton stuffing falling out. I love that idea.  I'm finding this idea funny, but very morbid considering my characters are so sweet and fun. This makes them extremely dark.
I'll have to come up with a few more sketches tonight before committing to one.  I'm just not sure I'll be able to use it as a portfolio piece.  

Add a Comment

I've been MIA from the networking, digital world for a little over a month.  It has been a crazy time with family stuff, work, and Art.  In August, I participated in the Raw Artists show RADIATE.  Here is my video interview from the show: RADIATE video  It was a lot of fun and not what I had expected.  Then the school year began and for some odd reason the beginning was overwhelming and intense.  I'm not sure why.  Maybe it is because I'm in a new room?  Or perhaps it is because as a department we decided to make sketchbooks?  I don't know. Regardless, I was asked to do another show with Raw Artists!  It was very different from the August show.  I sold prints, dolls, and one original painting at this event.  It felt amazing to have people crowd around my work and to see their eyes light up when they realized I was giving out stickers.  Here is the video interview from the show: ENSEMBLE video  Now, Raw Artists has opened their nomination voting for the RAWards.  If you love Mizzle Adventures, please vote for me.  You need to register your email address and create a log-in in order to vote.  Go to www.rawartists.org.  Then you can either search for Mizzle Adventures, or go to my profile at www.rawartists.org/roldan and click on VOTE! You can vote once a day for each category until October 15th!  I hope you find the time to vote.  Through all of this I became the webmaster for the La Habra Art Association.  I'm still figuring it all out, but I'm excited to try to help prevent the gallery from going under.  I'm still working on my manuscript, but I'm feeling more confident about it.  Being busy is usually a very good thing, but I'm looking forward to a little down time to catch my breath.

Add a Comment

I'm in my last few days of summer freedom.  I've been trying to embrace laziness.  I haven't been very successful and just recently come to realize that I didn't delve into any books this summer.  This summer has seemed lazy to me, but it is probably because I didn't go exploring as much as I would have liked to.  I've been creating a lot of work this summer.  Between finishing my online art class with Mira Reisberg, getting ready for the SCBWI summer conference, then the RawArtist artist showcase, I have been in a constant state of creation.  Even now, when I desperately want to embrace the feeling of doing absolutely nothing, I can only continue creating.  So, I've decided to do a recap of this summer's work.

Hero's Art Journey with Mira Reisberg
This online course really helped me break out of a creative fog I was experiencing.  I was still being creative, but just didn't have any particular direction and needed something to push my boundaries in a different capacity.

 In the next piece I had originally had a little girl in the painting, but after attending an illustrator's portfolio workshop; it had been recommended that I change her to one of my Mizzle characters to keep the piece consistent with all of my other work.  The original is on the left and the altered piece is on the right.













For my portfolio, I also, finished a piece I had started working on earlier.

For the RawArtists artists' showcase, I made about 30 Mizzles.  You can find many of them on my Esty shop, Mizzle Adventures.  Here are a few of my favorites:





And as for the remainder of what should have been two weeks of a lazy summer, I continued to explore creating mixed media pieces.  Here is what I've created:

This first illustration I wanted to play with the idea of Tree Pose in yoga, and hiding amongst trees.  Here the Mizzles are playing hide and seek.  Stargazer is attempting to camoflage herself as a tree.


To continue with the tree theme, I thought it would be fun if the Mizzles went camping.

This last one is a work in progress.  I am introducing my newest Mizzle, Fawn.  She and Belinda are going to picnic amongst the peacocks.




Now, I'm starting a Picture Book Writing Course and have to push myself to work on my story. It's time to begin editing!

Add a Comment

Add a Comment

This summer has been filled with some really great moments and a few really bad moments, but it is all part of life, right?  I have spent most of my summer vacation making art and getting ready for the SCBWI summer conference.  Then life threw in something unexpected and that was being part of a group art show. 

I have been fortunate to have grown up with an extremely supportive family; people who have supported and nurtured my artistic career; people who believe in my and my abilities.  But sometimes it is difficult to truly accept their opinions about my art and talents because they love me unconditionally.  I have always known what I am capable of, but it wasn't until the past few years that I believed I could do more...even create art professionally.  Within my pursuit of illustrating children's books, mostly my own, I have challenged myself and can see growth in my work.  I think if I was presented with the opportunity to show my work 4 years ago, I would have turned them down.  I wouldn't have believed I could truly be successful.

This summer has been about getting more exposure as an artist and networking.  When RAWartist approached me about being a part of their show, I, honestly, had some reservations about participating.  In the past, I have never pictured my artwork in a gallery setting.  But I believe that life presents us with opportunities that we are meant for us to experience, whether they are good or bad.  I decided to just go with it because in the end there is nothing to loose.  So, the past 2 weeks, I have been preparing for the show. I had to figure out lighting, how to display my art, and what to display.  Part of my art was my Mizzle dolls.  I went into intense Mizzle production only to break my sewing machine.  (I don't really have much experience with sewing machines and didn't know I needed to oil my machine after long bought of sewing.)  I managed to make 27 Mizzles in 4 days...not including the days my machine was out of commission.

I became extremely nervous the day before the show, beginning to fear that my work would look too crafty.  I began doubting what I really knew about presenting my artwork.  I think the real source of my fear came from not knowing where the show would lead me to.  I've allowed myself to accept and trust the journey that my art has taken me on.  I just wasn't quite sure how this art show was going to alter that journey.  Luckily, I am fortunate to have friends who are capable of talking me out of my mini freak outs. When I arrived to set up the show, there was no time for any freak outs. I immediately went into problem-solving mode and within an hour, I managed to organize and create a beautiful Mizzle Shrine!

The show was at the Avec Night Club in Huntington Beach.  I, along with everyone already familiar with me and the Mizzles, knew the place was going to be magical because when you first arrive you can't help but notice a huge tree in the middle of the bar.
And magical it was!  Friends and family came to show their support and share in the fun!  My friend, Victoria Burnett, a professional storyteller, was my biggest promoter of the night.  She was so proud of me that she talked me up to every person who would listen to her.  People were drawn to the Mizzles.  Everyone commented on their faces and the personalities they exuded.  Many were delightfully surprised to find that each doll was named.  They also loved my illustrations.



But the magical moment of the night was when I was talking to a woman about the Mizzles and my journey from doll making to my goal of writing and illustrating my story about them.  She asked what my story was about, then told me she worked for a very large children's book publishing company and that I should submit my manuscript to her when I finished it.  This just shows how important it is to network and to take advantage of opportunities that are presented to you.  I had feared that being a part of this art show would take me away from my children's book journey, but it only encouraged me more.  I have never felt so confident about my abilities and my path. 

It seems like the planets are aligning just right.  Next week, I begin Mira Reisberg's Picture Book Academy, where I plan to work out the problems of my Mizzle story.  Then I'll have something to finally submit.  I can't wait to see what opportunities will arise next.  This art journey is becoming very exciting. 

Here is a link with photos of the show! http://encore.orangecounty.com/2012/08/19/slideshow-art-music-fashion-and-more-at-raw-orange-county/

Add a Comment

On Saturday, August 18, 2012, I will be participating in a group show.  I haven't been in a group show since college.  I used to be an active member of the La Habra Art Association and participate in their juried group shows.  But I eventually moved away and stopped.  Lately, I have been showing my illustration portfolio at children's book conferences.  That alone has been a bit nerve wrecking, but it is the closest thing to exhibiting my work.

Sometimes when you begin thinking about your future, what you want, and all of the possibilities, the thought alone is enough to make it all happen.  I had decided to rejoin the Art Association.  I thought it would be nice to begin showing my work again, even if it is in an itty bitty little place.  But what started it all was starting an ETSY account.  I have been playing various materials, making paintings, drawings, and collages and all of the art work had been piling up in my apartment.  Space was becoming scarce.  My idea was to just sell my work to get it out of my apartment.  It wasn't about money.  It was about the love of making my art.  To my surprise, I was contacted by RAWartists about the possibility of showing my work in a group show.  I find this whole scenario odd in an exciting way.  Usually artists have to go out in search of finding someone to show their work.

So, now is the dilemma of choosing what to put in the show.  I think I have it figured out. But changes could still occur.  I have no idea what to expect, or what could come of this.  But I feel that there is something serendipitous about this art show.  I've been painting and drawing these characters for so long now.  There is just something very special about how things seem to be coming more together as I continue on my journey and the artwork that drew attention to me were the very paintings and Mizzles that began it.

 If you get a chance, you should come out and join us!  It sounds like a fun event.  There will be art work displayed, a fashion show, and bands playing.  Tickets are $10 online and you can get them at http://www.rawartists.org/roldan.  (Please make sure that the artist listed says "Mizzle Adventures") Otherwise tickets are $15 at the door. 

I went to the walk through today to see the set up.  I think the fact that there is a huge tree in the middle of the bar is a really good sign. (I love trees!)  It sounds like it is an entertaining event.  There will be booths for the visual artists, but there is a fashion show and 2 bands playing.  If you get the opportunity to go, make sure you get there at 6pm when the doors open.  If not, you could miss out! 

Add a Comment

I am just beginning to recover from the crazy (as in an exceptional kind of crazy) 4 days of the SCBWI 2012 summer conference.  There is just so much to report, which will be done, but not all at once.  I'm still processing it all.  This was my second year attending this spectacular conference.  Last year, I was completely new to this world and didn't know anyone.  I had to jump in and make friends.  This year was different.  This year,  there were many faces I recognized and knew from my region's writer's and illustrator schmoozes.  But more on this feeling later.

I began looking through my many notes and decided to look for the inspirational quotes I wrote down.  They stay with me all year long.  Here is my recap from authors, illustrators, author/illlustrators, agents, editors, and art directors:

Tony DiTerlizzi  "looking backwards to go forwards"

E.B. Lewis  "If you don't have the love of what you are doing, then you don't belong here."

Patricia MacLachlan "Children learn to speak to tell us the stories that are already in their head."

Bryan Collier "Artists, the whole world has been waiting for you to dream."  (This was my absolute favorite quote!  He spoke with such passion about artists and the "seed" of creativity inside all of us.)

Karen Cushman "To attain your hearts desire you have to help someone else."

Clare Vanderpool quoted an Siberian Elder "If you don't know the trees, you'll be lost in the forest, but if you don't know the stories, you may be lost in life."

Jon Klassen "You can't worry about the stuff you can't control.  You have to keep working and creating."

Ruta Sepetys: "You can't break the broken, but it's when you glue the pieces together you become stronger."

Antoinette Portis "Tell kids the truth."

Gary Schmidt "Write stories to give the reader more to be a human being with."

I noticed a commonality amongst all of the speakers.  It seemed as though the following phrases were heard in every keynote speech and breakout rooms.

1. Be open to surprise
2. Tell the truth
3. Create what the child version of yourself has always wanted

These things might seem like common sense, but in a conversation with a few of my fellow illustrators, we discussed how you hear the same things at every conference, but depending on where you are on your journey some words resonate with you.  We hear what we need to hear.  Sometimes we need reaffirmation of our path.  Sometimes we need guidance on a new direction.  Sometimes we need encouragement.  We all leave with something different.

What did I leave with?

-A stronger sense of community and a new friend, Laura Hoffman.  We had met at a variety of illustrator schmoozes, but we never really knew each other.  We were roommates for the conference and became good friends.  She introduced me to people, and I connected all of her social media.  She is extremely talented!  Check out her blog at http://www.laurahoffmanart.blogspot.com/.


-More confidence in my illustrations.  People had such wonderful reactions to my postcards and business cards.  I'm exactly sure how I thought they would react, but it was always fun to see them smile.

-A better understanding of how to write.  I have been struggling with my original Mizzle story.  I have been over thinking and over writing.  It was helpful listening to all of the author/illustrators, but Antoinette Portis seemed to help me the most.  At one talk, she said: "If it can go into the picture, then it has to go." At the illustrator intensive she told us: "Take out all of the words that are already in the picture and say the words that need to be said."

But before I end my post for today, I thought I'd end with my doodles and drawings from the conference.  There were more as the day came to an end. Here they are! :)

I was exhausted the last day of the conference and could not stop thinking about being home in bed :)

more sleeping

I'm not sure where she came from, but I find her adorable.

Add a Comment

There are some things that I love about summer:

• relaxing
• the freedom to get up and go
• swimming
• going to museums
• going to the beach
• BBQ's
• sleeping in
• morning yoga

But my favorite part is that I can wake up and spend the whole day painting and drawing.  I have time to spend solely on my work.  I'm a bit sad that there is only one more week of the Hero's Art Journey online course.  I feel it has given me the push I need.  I finally finished the painting from week 1.  It took forever, but I think this is one of my favorite pieces. It is the first time I used inks in this manner.  I have drawn with pen, but I have never painted with inks until now.  It was surprising fun, but tedious.


This next piece was fun to make.  It is acrylic on wood.  I forgot how much I loved painting on wood. There is something soothing and perhaps magical in how the paint glides on the wood surface.  Again, a painting of firsts, I used glazing medium to paint parts of it. 

Add a Comment