How to use this Page

It’s been about 4 months since I’d last posted anything on this ‘ere blog. With back to back deadlines and prepping for the arrival of our first newborn, the end of 2014 throughout the beginning of 2015 has been at the least to say chaotic and life changing..

If you follow me in any of my social media accounts you’ll notice an exorbitant amount of pictures {I apologize by the way..new mom syndrome you know..} of this little peapod,

Meet the new little addition to our growing family, Aria {yes we’re Game of Thrones fans} Rose. Born March 25th 2015 at 3:15 in the morning. It’s been a whole month since her arrival and aside from being sleep deprived, the late night feedings, milk vomits and spit ups, and her constant need to shriek at the top of her lungs..like ALL THE TIME…she hasn’t stopped putting a smile on our face since then.

she finds this all too amusing..

Now to top all that off I’m officially back to work! Hopefully the transition from old schedule to new schedule won’t be too bad

…who am I kidding!?..

..Ah well..wish me luck!

In the meantime here’s the artwork I did for Highlights this past month!

Happy Monday!

I spent most of the day working on the Christmas card in Photoshop. I am not sure where to go now as I have been looking at it too long. I am going to put it away for a day or two then see if there is any changes I want to make. In the mean time I will finish off one that I started some time back I think or perhaps do some sketching for a book project. Feedback is welcome (I won't be offended)

some vigilantes just don’t know how to share…

As soon as Capee-tan America turns his head to see the the baby in distress Batman pointed out to him…b.m pulls a fast one on old capeetan.. Oh that sneaky sneaky Batman…

This is probably the closest thing I will ever get to doing any kind of fan art. I was going to do a turkey for this weeks quick sketch and color but by tomorrow afternoon (and for the next few if you’re hosting) I bet you’d probably be up to your gizzards in turkey. So instead here’s a little homage to a couple of my fave characters growing up…

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY THANKS GIVIN! ENJOY!

What links this image together? A poem Les Chats (Cats) by Charles Baudelaire…or perhaps it’s the mean old cat who wants to link its claws to helpless Malvo the doll? …hmmm.

Growing up watching Bob Ross I was always fascinated with the creative process. There’s something oddly tranquil about watching something unfold right before your very eyes…although I can usually finish a painting in less than one day, this one actually took me a lot longer to finish because I was little miss mopey head for three weeks…but whatever! Its finally done! This is the first of a few videos so I’m hoping the quality and production should get better once I get use to this new software. But in the mean time…Enjoy!

The video linked was suppose to be a lot longer and had included the coloring and pattern design of the doll but the file got corrupted sorry kids. I forgot where I got that instrumental so I don’t know who to give the proper credit to..but whoever you are…you rock.

“Let’s go to where no drifter has drifted before!“

Where’d they end up? I’m thinking somewhere between Australia and Fiji…Yes they’re controlling a Dharma station right now, they’re LOST.

Mice on the RunI am working on the first Christmas Card Illustration for 2009 this week. Using what ever came to be while sketching in Photoshop I came up with these cheeky little mice stealing the gifts. I think they must be on Santa’s bad list. This illustration is also appropriate for this week's IF theme - pattern. This is my sepia drawing. I am working on the colour version and adjusting

Hooray!My new Children’s Illustration business cards are printed. It is exciting to get printed material back after deliberating over the design. Using some of my illustrations I overlapped them like a collage for back of the card using Photoshop. I used a simple cute illustration of a bird on the front. I wanted the information to be read easily but a more descriptive impression of what I

Scribble Freakys Do you remember how Mr Squiggle (a children's T.V character who drew with his nose) used to create a picture from a child's scribble? Have you ever looking at the clouds and visualised animals and shapes in them?I finished this children’s illustration with fifteen strange characters I call my "Scribble Freakys". Their name derived from the process in which I created them. Most of

Yesterday I finished three more illustrations for the game I posted about earlier. I have also altered quite a few of the earlier ones. It does pay to have a few days break and come back to revisit the Illustrations with a fresh eye. Some are quite different now. These cards are printed small and as a result the image lost some detail. I needed to print them out to see the impression reduced.

This is a classic example of how much we may modify our original idea. I was flicking through some old sketch books for some inspiration for a double page children's book spread. I spent the day playing with the image in Photoshop scribbling away in my imagination. This is what I came up with. It is hardly finished but I managed to get a bit done. Pretty tired again at 2.15am though. I need is a

IDLE"Of course your idle. All you do is sway in the breeze, drop a few leaves now and then and watch the gardener rake em up"I am working on a set of designs for a Children’s Christian game for young children. I am really enjoying creating the little cards for this. The tree is as idle as you can be I guess…he is not going anywhere! I will post when I have finished but for now here is a sample

Thank you to those who took the time to comment on the last post.Future progress on my Tango Illustration. I am not sure if i have finished with it yet but if not it is pretty close. The second image shows the detail better. I have tried to preserve some of the sketchy line work.To see earlier stages click here

It has been ages since I submitted to Illustration Friday and I have been itching to get into my painting more, but in particular Illustration, in fact this is the area I have recently decided to concentrate on. I have always wanted to illustrate children’s books so now I am going to devote as much time as I can to getting some work up and pursuing this professionally. Although I have yet to

Work in Progress. This is a painting I have been working on in Photoshop using one brush (different sizes and opacity). I started this portrait of my eldest daughter some time ago. At present I have little room to pull out the paints and after having a serious attack of artistic withdraw I decided to do something on the PC. When finished I wouldn’t mind painting the portrait in oil. Here are the stages so far.

Lauren Digital Portrait Painting by Kayleen West I completed this portrait tonight. I was using a program I mentioned in the previous post to record the painting in progress however it distorted the image and so I am yet to provide you with a video. I am using (or trying to use) Capturix 5.61.630 but it was difficult to paint with it as I noticed it slowed the brush stokes down and as a result

Timothy Digital Portrait Painting by Kayleen West I have been testing digital recording software to create what is known as fast-forward or speed paintings. I had hoped to have something to post this week however I have had difficulties with trail versions. One screen recording software shut down at the end of a painting and as a result I lost all the files. The one I trailed today would not

This month, children’s writer Margot Finke will present a special teleclass for members of the Children’s Writers Coaching Club. Margot will talk about How to Self-Edit Your Middle Grade Novel.

Margot Finke is an Aussie who writes mid grade adventure fiction, ghost mysteries, and rhyming picture books. For the past 25 years she has lived in Oregon with her husband and family. She began serious writing the day her youngest left for college. This late start drives her writing, and pushes her to work at it every day. Margot says, “I really envy those who began young, and managed to slip into writing mode between diaper changes, household disasters, and outside jobs. You are my heroes!”

Her “Musings,” column can be read monthly in The Purple Crayon and the SCBWI NewsWorthy magazine. Her Critique Service helps writers iron out plot and character problems. “Nothing gives me a greater thrill than to find out an editor bought a book I helped polish.” Early on, many people offered Margot help with her writing. These days, she tries to return the favor whenever she can. Her workshops, at writer’s conferences, are enhanced by the use of a PowerPoint presentation, as are her frequent school visits.

Margot’s series of 6 rhyming picture books are available as downloads or on CD: “Kangaroo Clues” - “Never Say BOO to a Frilly” - “Humdinger Hummers” - “Mama Grizzly Bear” & “Don’t Eat Platypus Stew” - “Prairie dog’s Play Day” - published by Writers Exchange E-Publishing. Fun and educational, they bring kids closer to neat animals in the US and Australia. VIEW excerpts, illustrations and great reviews on her BOOKS page, along with instructions on how to BUY
Gardening, travel, and reading fill in the cracks between her writing. Her husband, Alan, is supportive, and their three children are now grown and doing well out on their own. Visit her website for more information about her writing and writing services.

How to Self-Edit Your Middle Grade Novel will take place on Wednesday night, July 25, at 7:00 p.m. (Central time). To join the Children’s Writers Coaching Club and attend this special teleclass, click here.

This month, children’s writer Margot Finke will present a special teleclass for members of the Children’s Writers Coaching Club. Margot will talk about How to Edit Your Middle Grade Novel.

Margot Finke is an Aussie who writes mid grade adventure fiction, ghost mysteries, and rhyming picture books. For the past 25 years she has lived in Oregon with her husband and family. She began serious writing the day her youngest left for college. This late start drives her writing, and pushes her to work at it every day. Margot says, “I really envy those who began young, and managed to slip into writing mode between diaper changes, household disasters, and outside jobs. You are my heroes!”

Her “Musings,” column can be read monthly in The Purple Crayon and the SCBWI NewsWorthy magazine. Her Critique Service helps writers iron out plot and character problems. “Nothing gives me a greater thrill than to find out an editor bought a book I helped polish.” Early on, many people offered Margot help with her writing. These days, she tries to return the favor whenever she can. Her workshops, at writer’s conferences, are enhanced by the use of a PowerPoint presentation, as are her frequent school visits.

Margot’s series of 6 rhyming picture books are available as downloads or on CD: “Kangaroo Clues” - “Never Say BOO to a Frilly” - “Humdinger Hummers” - “Mama Grizzly Bear” & “Don’t Eat Platypus Stew” - “Prairie dog’s Play Day” - published by Writers Exchange E-Publishing. Fun and educational, they bring kids closer to neat animals in the US and Australia. VIEW excerpts, illustrations and great reviews on her BOOKS page, along with instructions on how to BUY
Gardening, travel, and reading fill in the cracks between her writing. Her husband, Alan, is supportive, and their three children are now grown and doing well out on their own.

How to Edit Your Middle Grade Novel will take place on Wednesday night, July 25, at 7:00 p.m. (Central time). To join the Childrlen’s Writers Coaching Club and attend this special teleclass, click here.

If you’ve been thinking of joining the Children’s Writers Coaching Club, now’s the time to do so before our special one month FREE membership offer expires tomorrow.

To join, and enjoy all the benefits of Level 1 membership, at no charge for the first 30 days - click on the link in the right sidebar of this page.

To learn more about the benefits of membership in the Children’s Writers Coaching Club, click on the link that says “join our club” at the top of this page.

Yesterday I attended a local children’s writers’ conference sponsored by the Kansas Chapter of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s book Writers and Illustrators). It was a wonderful conference with an impressive lineup of speakers - including successful children’s authors, agents, and editors. The presentations were excellent and they reminded me that one of the best ways to learn about children’s writing and publishing is from those who are already successful writers, illustrators, editors, and/or publishers.

Every month, members of the Children’s Writers Coaching Club are provided with many chances to listen, learn, and interact with successful children’s authors and/or illustrators.

Last week, children’s illustrator Elizabeth O. Dulemba was our guest for this month’s teleclass with a children’s illustrator.

Dulemba shared her secrets of success with our club members. And, even those who aren’t illustrators, learned a lot about the way a children’s picture book is created through this teleclass called The Nuts and Bolts of Children’s Book Illustration with Elizabeth O. Dulemba. Visit Dulemba’s website to view some of her amazing children’s book illustrations.

This week, our monthly teleclass with a children’s author will feature children’s educator and author Maureen McQuerry.

McQuerry’s poetry has been published in many journals including: Smartish Pace , The Atlanta Review, Southern Review, North American Review and Nimrod. It can also be found in the anthologies Margins, Pontoon 8 and The Washington Poetry Association collection Tattoos on Cedar. Recently McQuerry won the New Eden Chapbook Competition for her collection Wingward.

In her role as a teacher, McQuerry was appointed the McAuliffe Fellow for WA State in 2000 and that fellowship gave her time to write two non-fiction books, Student Inquiry, and Nuclear Legacy. Nuclear Legacy was written with a class of 8th grade students who all became published authors. The book took McQuerry to Chernobyl, Ukraine to look at how lives were impacted by the world’s largest nuclear disaster. McQuerry’s family spent one summer working in the United Arab Emirates, and another traveling through France and England.

McQuerry’s first YA adult novel, Wolfproof, started with one of the characters in a poem she wrote. The poem “Greenman” was based on carvings of foliate heads found in old churches throughout the British Isles. Eventually the greenman character from the poem worked his way into the story Wolfproof. And if you’re wondering about the title Wolfproof, well, it came from a poem too! The sequel to WP should be out next year.

Every month, members of the Children’s Writers Coaching Club are given the opportunity to attend two LIVE teleclasses like these. Members also receive a CD of each recorded event, so they can listen and learn from that month’s featured children’s author and that month’s featured children’s illustrator whenever they want.

In addition, club members are invited to weekly manuscript critique telesessions, and receive a monthly membership packet with other helpful materials for children’s writers and illustrators.

Best of all - the first month’s membership in the club is FREE - so anyone can try it out for a month to decide if the club is right for them.

To try Level I membership in our club FREE for one month - and receive CDs of both of these exciting teleclasses this month - click on the link in the right sidebar of this page. You won’t be billed a thing for 30 days. If you decide the club is not right for you before then, simply let us know and we will cancel your membership.

Join the Children’s Writers Coaching Club today and start learning from the best. You’ve got nothing to lose - and everything to gain!

Have a great day!

Suzanne Lieurance
Founder, Director, and Coaching Coordinator
The National Writing for Children Center
Home of the Children’s Writers Coaching Club

Elizabeth O. Dulemba received a B.F.A. in Graphic Design from the University of Georgia after a lifetime of art training. She spent fifteen years in the graphic design industry, mostly with child related businesses, before creating children’s picture books full-time. You can see Dulemba’s work in Glitter Girl and the Crazy Cheese and The Prince’s Diary, named Number 1 2006 Valentine’s Day Pick by Book Sense in conjunction with the Association of American Publishers (AAP). Haley and the Big Blast was released in November 2006, and Paco and the Giant Chile Plant is one of 5 books Dulemba has coming out next year. Visit her web site to learn more and download free coloring pages: www.dulemba.com.

Elizabeth enjoys talking to children of all ages, 1 to 99, about the journey of creating picture books. She also teaches beginning drawing at the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina. She and her husband, Stan, live in the Atlanta area with two big dogs and a tiny cat who rules them all.

Wednesday night, June 20th, the Children’s Writers Coaching Club will have a special teleclass with children’s illustrator Elizabeth O. Dulemba. Club members can attend the LIVE teleclass and ask Elizabeth questions about illustrating for the children’s book markets. Each club member will also receive a CD of this recorded teleclass.

Join the Children’s Writers Coaching Club today so you won’t miss this exciting teleclass Wednesday. You get to try membership in the club for one month FREE - so what have you got to lose?