Saturday, March 16, 2013

finally available: 4 new books!

Last summer I made art for four new Duopress titles which, in recent days, finally became available in bookstores: Chicago Baby, Doodle Texas, Doodle Washington DC, and Beach Doodles.

Last spring, I'll admit, I was a little nervous about the work load. I lined up a bunch of interns to help, and decided to share one of the assignments—Beach Doodles (a SUPER cute book, written by Puck)—with my friend and former student, Paige Garrison.

I *painted* the illustrations for Chicago Baby (written by Jerome Pohlen—it's absolutely adorable), a process that was lots of fun, and quicker than my usual routine. The break from Photoshop was refreshing. Listening to Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash while inking Doodle Texas (also written by Jerome) was relaxing, and oh-so-very TEXAS. What's not to like, y'all? I've been pining for cowboy boots ever since.

Doodle Washington DC (written by the prolific and lovely Laura Krauss Mehlmed) is a very classy book and I'm proud to be a part of it. Meanwhile my son has discovered John Philip Sousa, his new favorite composer; between the marches and the red, white and blue book, I've never felt more American.

All of the work finished itself, despite my family's last-minute decision to MOVE a thousand miles in August. And at this moment Team Duopress is finishing up another work season, for which I illustrated FIVE books—not four—and this time, without sharing any assignments. It just never pays to worry. 
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Paige: I will send you a box of books as soon as I can get out of this studio. This week, I promise. Same for you, Elizabeth and Melissa (my wonderful interns). Be watching for packages from me!

1 comment:

Kim Rosen said...

Amazing! Congrats, I can't wait to buy the books for the kids in my life.