Lori Taylor Art

Books and More BOOKS!

2012-01-31T15:05:00.000-08:00

I wrote in my last blog how my granddaughter, Kyah, fuels me to continue writing my Holly Wild series for kids. I originally had wanted to write more about how I started on this writing path because I was around her age when I really got into books. But I figured that subject deserved its own blog, just as Kyah deserved her own blog. So to celebrate the completion of my first draft of Holly Wild Book 2 today, I dedicate this blog to those who helped set me upon this bookly path!

Today, Lisa was on her way to the Pinckney Library to pick up my books for me when she came into my office and said, "Whoa, we have so many books." My response: Yes, we do.

We have a library on every level of the house. Just yesterday, Marie jput a new book shelf in the living room to hold more! Yes, books we have. Books on nature, art, science, kid's books, picture books, fairy tales, Native American legends, philosophy, poetry, nature guides, painting guides, nature writers, nature artists, writing, animals, wild and tame, cats, chickens, crafting, skinning, hunting, fishing and how-to-do all of the above books, and the list goes on and on. I think books are holding this house together. I told Lisa, "I don't trust a house without books."
When did this start, how did it all begin?

Baby Lori, Dad, and 101
Dalmations

One Hundred and One Dalmatians. My father read this to me. It is what was done before bedtime, bathroom time, anytime. I craved more story. Bobby Dog and Tommy Goes Camping. Picture books were a an important staple. We lived in Pontiac until 1964, when we moved to Clarkston. And during those days in the city of Pontiac, my mother made sure my brother and I had outdoor adventure. Picnics were had in our yellow Lone Ranger Pup Tent. So this is where our adventure was born as well as the love of tents. (My brother, Mark, grew up to be a Ranger in the Airborne and did all kinds of nifty outdoor adventure.) We owe it all to the Lone Ranger.

Then on to Clarkston we went, a wildlife and wooded wonderland. Five acres of ponds and pines to play in and camp in. At age 9, my mother took me to the Clarkston Library (in a small white building today next to the old township hall) where sunlighted streamed in through the windows and shone upon shelves of many books! Glorious books! (I worked as a Page for the Goodrich Library in 2000--their little library reminded me of this tiny library that had had such a great impact on my life).

The first books I checked out were Paddington Bear (I ordered an Anniversary copy today--I love the original art) and The Waterbabies. I poured over the illustrations repeatedly and checked out the mximum limit I could get. We didn't have many books at home, so when my mother went shopping she would bring home an encyclopedia or a sale book from the local parochial school. (We had ten encyclopedias A-Am, and I learned to speak German from that sale book). On those shopping trips she might find magazines for us and I got Jack and Jill Magazine and Mark got Golden Magazine. But I usually took his magazine. I was so desperate for the written word that I once pulled his arm of socket on the way to the mailbox to get the summer Weekly Reader.
Storytelling ran strong in my blood and brain. These books helped that along I think. My imaginative tales once had my sister and cousin quivering in a corner when they babysat my brother and baby sister, Lisa, and me. After coming up with a whopper of a tale and seeing their panicked response...well, a storyteller and performer was born.

Lori age 4, Mark age 3, in Pontiac

I was a book junkie. Fifth grade brought Charlie Brown Peanuts Treasury and book fairs. We had a real, live poet come in to school and I bought a signed copy. It's still on my shelf today. Then came Jean Craighead George, My Side of the Mountain (I went to an Illustration talk at Kendall last week and heard that Jean still writes, traveled to Alaska for her latest book and she is 92 years old!) A book of adventure in the forest. I lived in a forest. And it was a chapter book with pictures! Love it. I reread it last year and the sequels, too.

In 6th grade, my teacher Mrs. Jordan helped push me onto this literary path. I can still see the green construction paper-covered Twelve Days of Christmas book I made in her class. But I will never forget her words. She told me that this is what I should do when I grew up. I have held on to those words for an entire lifetime...watch what you say to children, you just might affect their lives and plant dreams!
My grandmother brought National Geographic magazines when she visited me and also gave me books every Christmas--those books were gold to me. I still can see their covers. Lassie and Bobbsey Twins. Birthday books I remember; one from my sister, Joan, Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. (I treasured that for its art and lyrical writing. It may be the first book that got me into myth and legends. I wish I had that version today) and 365 Short Stories Book from my friend Connie (see below).

As an adventure loving, nature child, storyteller, art making child (I made puzzles, mazes, board games and books from scratch) my life was steeped in the world of story and secret language. I partly took shorthand in high school because it's cool to write and have no one else know what you wrote. They should bring that back! Secret languages also includes petroglyphs and runes--but they came later as an adult. While I'm on the subject I won't even mention my love for secret decoding or the fact that I "borrowed' my friends secret PF Flyer (tennis shoes) decoder ring as a child. Sorry, Connie. Such was my desire for the written word--secret or otherwise. Oh, and I always wanted to be a comedian as a kid and adult and perform. of course, it's all about story and delivery.

So by taking all those things and dumping them in a bucket, I came out a children's writer and illustrator. I can crack corny jokes about scientifical things and draw pictures to help kids learn about the natural world. It's a perfect fit. And all these people and many more, helped me in small ways. This is why with every book I sign, I want to say something that will connect with the reader. Something that will give them some word of encouragement--just like those who encouraged me.

Lori Eiden, Kindergarten,
Andersonville Elementary

So remember those who gave you a special book.

A book that impressed you, made you laugh, made you cry, that taught you something, made you feel something or care about something and then tell that person thank you. Send them an email or better yet a card with stickers and drawings.

Now say a silent thank you if they are no longer here.

Thank you,
Love,
Lori

Happy Birthday Kyah!

2012-01-28T09:08:00.000-08:00

Just like the days when it was hard to sit down and work on a painting, there are days when it is hard to sit down and write. Writing a book is not easy. But with teamwork it gets easier and gets done.

Writing is hard work. Beside multiple revisions, spell check and grammar check, planning and layout, not to mention promoting and marketing--there are a lot of hats to wear. (It's a dang good thing that I like to wear hats. I have a special hat hook in my office and studio just for them.) Anyway, throw in all of those jobs and then the illustrating part when you are author/ illustrator. Toss in part-time job and a pinch of family time, and I find my days, weeks, months are full.

Then I hear my granddaughter, Kyah, say something like, "Gram, my friends and I started a GeEK club in school." It melts my heart, melts my stress and makes me crawl back to the computer and continue writing. And I think, "This is what--or better, who, inspires me to write my Holly Wild series."
It is Kyah, and kids like her, who inspire me to write. She is so caring, so full of life and full of love. For family, animals, anyone she meets. She is my shinging star, and I am thankful and grateful for her every day.

She has had a tough time in this world, not the easy going life like my kids had. This kid started off a fighter as an infant. I rmember, the doctor coming in the room after her birth, that she had serious doubts of things coming out OK. Scary business!

Then Kyah went on to handle all kinds of familial issues and strife throughout the seven years of her sweet life. But always, she was strong, forgiving, accepting--loving. It helps that she's had a pretty danged good team help raise her. From ALL of her grandparents, to aunts and uncles and friends, Kyah has had undying support of those who love her--and what's not to love about a kid who has more wisdom, patience, intelligence and love than I've ever seen.

Kyah, is at the top of her class and is a pretty good dancer too. And being of artistic lineage--both sides of the family--she wows her family and teachers with her attention to fine detail. Already she is winning coloring contests in school and her drawings and humor sparkles. OK, you get it, the child is precious--like all of them. And so it is for her--them, I that I write. Kyah told me yesterday, as I called her for her 7th birthday, that she had to choose a favorite book in school and write and draw about it.

Of course, she chose Holly Wild. (Need to make her head of marketing that one!) She drew Tierra and Sierra and Holly--perfectly, she says. And that she drew Holly's hat button, "get up" and the others. Detail! I can't wait to see that drawing--it makes my heart skip. It also reminds me once again, that my books connect with kids.

For the few hours that I have their imaginations and minds, I had better say what I have to say correctly and in a humorous, loving way to teach them well. I am delivering story, art, nature and science and these kids will decide what they keep and what they will discard--so it better be good! These kids are the future stewards of the Earth, starting right now. This is an awesome responsibility and gift that I have to give. Gulp! Times ten! I wonder at times if I can deliver, but with my Team Wild behind me, I know they won't let me fail! I may trip or stumble on this book journey, but Kyah will help me up:) To that I say, "Thanks for being part of my team, Kyah!"

Happy Birthday Kyah! You rock!

Love,

Grandma Lori

Kyah "rocking out"

Putting the Pen to the Paper and Feet to the Ground

2012-01-12T08:15:00.000-08:00

Happy New Fantastic Year of the Dragon 2012 to all.

Hatchling Dragon Illustraton by Lori Taylor

Time to blog again, oh how time flies! 2012--the Year of the Dragon. A year filled with luck and energy. Dragons are the doers of the world and don't sit and wait for things to happen, they make things happen!

I don't know about you but here is my Dragon Bucket List for 2012:

Apply for the Isle Royale Artist-in-Residence Program so I can get good stuff for Holly Wild Book 4.
Outfit myself and train and get fitter--er--fit for backpacking Isle Royale.
Use less 'em' dashes in my writing for 2012.
Stay focused on my books in 2012. Working on Holly Wild Book 2 and Book 3 is in the mental, as well as the notebook, works. Less art shows, more family fests.
Get out more, do more, learn more, see more, experience more--draw more. Oops, there goes an em dash! Pencil on the go this year.

OK, I guess that's a good start and not too much or overwhelming. I have to get the dragon-share of this done before my daughter gives birth to grandchild number two this August. Grandma may be running into the hospital with muddy hiking boots.

I've been working out and hiking--without a pack on for now. That comes next month. Right now I am waking up my knees and letting them know they have serious work to do. Also, I'm excited about Big Agnes and Lulu who will be going with me on my journeys this summer. They sound like barroom bouncers but in actuality they are my tent and sleeping bag.

I have been promoting Holly Wild and have classes coming up in February http://www.pinckneyschools.org/community-education/winter-brochure (that was on my list by I crossed it off ten minutes ago)--but who am I kidding--that's a full time, never ending job. I also revamped my website, another to do that got done!

THINGS TO DO and SEE! This weekend we are running up to Tawas to look for Snowy Owls. I also hear tell that there is a Great Gray Owl in Essex County, Ontario. Day trip!

When we get back there is an Illustration Exhibit at Kendall College in Grand Rapids and I still hope to get to the Great Lakes Zoological Society's new home on Jackson Road in Ann Arbor http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/GreatLakesZoo sometime this month to see their reptiles and amphibians. WHEW!

Sounds like the Year of the Dragon is going to keep me on my toes! What does your 2012 Dragon Bucket List Look like?

Rahhrr! Good Health & Good Energy!
Lori

PiBoIdMo Almost Over!

2011-11-29T13:37:00.000-08:00

What a busy month for me! PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month), my birthday, going to Detroit for the Thanksgiving Day parade and general life around the Bear Track Studio den. PiBoIdMo was a blast and it all comes to a close tomorrow. I gathered many new and fresh ideas for future possible picture books. Here are a few:

The first colorful picture book character that came to mind was our new kitten who adopted us. Oskar Wilde Kat. OK, drawing him was like drawing a droplet of water bouncing on a hot skillet. Then I read about from PiBoIdMo folk how kittens and bunnies are overused in story land so I went on in my search for new, fun story characters. Ideas began to trickle in and then tumble in like crashing waves.

Nov. 11, 2011 "Pinky" Porcupine

One such idea stemmed from my birthday celebration when I spent the day with my granddaughter and son at Rain Forest Cafe at the Great Lakes Crossing.

Fortunately my granddaughter, Kyah, is full of songs and stories and made the day memorable. It began with her singing every verse of "I Got the Joy, Joy, Joy Down in my Heart..." and ended with ice cream at McDonald's because the mall had closed all of its ice cream stores and was far too crowded for our likes.

When I bought Kyah a blue-striped plush top hat with hot pink fur trim (snazzy, right?) it made her little six-year old going on seven day. She had been enumerating her first grade woes of not making many friends at her school. Ouch! That hurt my grandma heart. And so when she asked for the hat--what's a grandmother to do? She was wild with excitement and wore the too big hat in the mall making people smile at her. BINGO! Story gotten! Now I hate to use my lil grandpup's problems as a story but these are real big deals to kids her age and older. So I went home and sketched some scenes from our big, day out. I liked the idea of making us porcupines--one of my favorite animals that I've had a few run-ins with. Before I even wrote a single word the images came to mind. The hat, the day, the song.

Then along came Thanksgiving. It got me to thinking about being grateful and giving back. November was becoming an emotional month for me for many reasons and now was the time to be thankful for everybody and everything I have in my life and for who I am. So out popped, Pickles Possum.

Nov. 22, 2011 "Pickles Possum" is in the Pits

This time Pickles got more character development perhaps because the character was closer to home--me. I drew pages and pages and wrote words and dialogue and pretty soon a story was being born.

As the days went by I noticed things more, especially after reading PiBoIdMo emails and posts from other authors. From settings to unusual characters my mind raced. Which is why I haven't slept well in a month from my brain racing like the engine of a race car. Besides designing new creative art pieces for work I was doing this picture book challenge, writing the Holly Wild and prepping for an art show we are headed to on Friday--in the snow.

So I went for a short walk at Howell Nature Center in their Wild Wonders park and took photos of critters like opossum, coyote and beaver. Then went back the next day to draw the porcupine.

She and I had a nice chat on that warm day. Each of regarding the other. She hummed to me and I hummed back as I sketched. I must have bored her though as she yawned and stretched and turned her back to me. But then she looked back and gave me a nice profile. Porkies have an unusual face and oddly human eye and appearance as if she were wrapped in her quilt decorated with quills. After our session I left with sketchbook in hand to visit the flying squirrel. OK, so you can't actually draw a flying squirrel--he actually was like a drop of water on a hot skillet. Cute fellers they are.

So the month of story ideas nearly over has brought new settings; Detroit, and weird characters; mosquito larva. Stories are buzzing in my mind and will boil over at some point--but for now I have them on paper--as sketches.

PiBoIdMo, NaNoWriMo and AnFaMigMo--OH MY!

2011-10-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

"I'm doing PiBoIdMo starting next week," I excitedly told Lisa (BarTraStuWoGir--Bear Track Studio Wood Girl) at breakfast. She smiled weakly into her weakly weak coffee.
"I thought you were already doing NaNoWriMo. Is this new acronym an ancient art form of self-defense?"
"AHA! PiBoIdMo stands for Picture Book Idea Month," I shouted. "NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month, that's different. See, I can write Holly Wild Book 2 in one month and get picture book ideas and short stories for magazines at the same time. Let things jump out at me and sketch and write notes about them."

I merrily made my way up the hill to scoop the chicken coop when it occurred to me that last month was AnFaMigMo--Annual Fall Migration Month. All month long I noticed migratory action of many species of animals preparing to head south for the winter. There were the late-leaving Monarch butterflies flitting in a line (only thing to sip on was that noxious invasive Spotted Knapweed to keep them on their journey). Noisy cranes, geese and tree frogs. Hummingbirds long gone, but snakes were still moving to and fro looking for their wintering hibernacula (many roadkills spotted on these). But the most fascinating migration I witnessed was last weekend in TC Traverse City and Empire, home of the great SLBD--Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Marie (BarTraStuBirGir--Bear Track Studio Bird Girl) and I (BarTraStuNuClo--Bear Track Studio Nut Clown) had spent the week in TC painting a mural at the Boardman River Nature Center and planned to do a little kayaking on Saturday with family coming to town. A nice break after a looong week.

http://natureiscalling.org/river-wall-mural-at-the-boardman-river-nature-center/

We had heard that Chinook and Coho salmon by the thousands had already been harvested and many more were still in the rivers. So we got to see some in the Boardman River whilst perusing the autumnal harvest of fruits and flowers at the Farmers Market. The mix of delicious fruit and dead fish was interesting.

But Wow! What a fish! I'd never seen such a large, colorful and hideous-looking fish. And to think that we were going to kayak among them on the Platte River in the SLBD--Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park was an extra treat--especially since my daughter who has a big fish aversion had not yet arrived to the said kayking rendevous place. (Oh, this would be a treat once she realized she would be surrounded by them.) She pointed out one smallish salmon when we entered the river. I chuckled. Just you wait girlfriend...heheh.

Once on the river, schools of the large shiny hook-jawed torpedoes shot past us--and move they did--you could hear a slightly audible "swish-swish-swish" as they passed. Some leaped from the water and the water was black with them at the Fish-Thingy-Ladder-Tower-Gate. (see photo)

"Yes, my love, that is exactly where I shall flip my kayak. Yes, down there with the salmon."

This spectacle of finned and gilled nature made my daughter anxious. It also kept her in her kayak. But, not so with my son-in-law, Matt. He felt he must join the salmon on their run and promptly took a river swim after tipping his yak among them.

It was a quick bonding moment. One he will never forget. Tipping into a river in summer is shocking. But in the FALL, with chilled water, not so fun. Fortunately for him my menopausal ways found me with many layers of clothes packed into my yak. He dressed in the prickly brush on shore in a variety of clothes while the others emptied his yak. He did look like a wild man emerging from the bush after two months on the river. In my fleece shirt, jacket, and water shoes; his wife's "beaver fur hat" and socks, and BarTraStuWoGir's pants (she was wearing long johns beneath them for those of you concerned--she did look like an elf when we got out of the water at the end of the trip).

So where is all of this going? PiBoIdMo and NaNoWriMo? Ummm, notice, experience, write, record, sketch and photograph the events happening around you so you have something to share.

Life in layers (keeps you warm).

The Book is Born!

2011-09-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

Yay! Hooplah! Celebration!

Holly Wild came home this week. What a long journey it has been for that kid--and me--and Bear Track Press!

A list of thank yous go out to Marie Rust and Lisa Ramlow--Team Taylor!

Thanks to Karin Fish--for fielding all of my InDesign questions--

and teaching me about 'em' dashes--and stuff.

To Kathleen Dougherty--thanks times ten. She has taught me much in the

nature realm for the last almost 30 years!

To my SCBWI Critter Crit group for looking over my ms. and

giving their helpful crit--times two!

Thanks to all!

So before I head off to Mackinac Island this weekend for the annual SCBWI-MI Fall Conference for Illustration Boot Camp, I've made sure that I've gotten all my ducks in a row. Holly's book has special buttons on my website to order books and here on my blog. She also has a Kid's Page with cool stuff for kids of all ages and her own Facebook page to keep you informed.

And there will be school/libraryprograms, book signings and more in the future!

And you can bet Holly will have something to say about Mackinac Island in the future!

HOLY CREEPS! It's A Go with HOLLY WILD!

2011-09-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

HOLY CREEPS! Holly H. Wild is ready to go--to press that is! As we speak, her story, her games, her activities and her words are rolling along the press. In fact, she will be showing her face to the world as of next week! So there's STILL a LOT more to do to get ready for bringing her home. We at Bear Track Press are all so excited, but no one more than me.

Just who is HOLLY H. WILD? She's a cross between Raggedy Ann and Charlie Brown with a hint of Peppermint Patty and Lil Orphan Annie thrown in. OK, so maybe not, but she kinda looks like a combo of all of those. Holly is her own kid, with her own style! A tough and tumble, redheaded geek in hiking boots and hat who likes snakes and is ready to take on the world.

She's HOLLY H. WILD and she's awesome, times ten! She's fearless, brave, creative, bright, loyal and curious and--OK, she's a bit stubborn and clutsy, but that's because she is in a hurry to see the world and tell it to others. It's a dang good thing she has a Team like Tierra and Sierra Hills to keep her on track.

Holly may trip and fall, but she always get back up.

These last few months, weeks, and years of writing, revisions, illustrations and redoes, copyrights, ISBN and Library of Congress numbers and bar codes and setting up the files of the hundreds of illustrations is cause for CELEBRATION! Whew! To give you an idea, when we started writing Holly's story, Kenny was seven inches long and now he is five feet long! It's about time Holly comes to life! It's about time to celebrate her Wild appearance.

What does Holly have to say about all of this?
"Get UP, get OUT and get Wild!"

WATCH for Holly's arrival next week by following and liking her on Facebook. She will have her own page and fun stuff for kids to do. Kids can follow Holly and can become a GeEK (Geo Explorer Kid) and learn more about the nature world. Watch for Holly's fun promotional stuff, too.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Holly-Wild/174022782675624

HOLLY WILD: Bamboozled on Beaver Island will be available for $12.99 at www.loritaylorart.com or Bear Track Press: http://www.beartrackstudiosllc.com/bear_track_press.html.

Birthing HOLLY WILD!

2011-08-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

Lots of possiblilites here. Decisions, decisions!

This will be the last post before I get Holly published. Let me just say what a lo-o-ong journey it has been. A much longer labor and delivery than both of my own kids put together!

So I am putting together a scrap book of the beginnings of Holly Wild (and I'm sure that there are more in notebooks from way back). It was fun to gather these up, like putting together a baby book for Holly--which is more than what I did for my own children's baby books. Sorry kids.

But in order to develop a character and know her well and draw her with ease it takes at least 100 or more sketches and then at least 100 more times ten. Easy peasey right? Enjoy my trot down memory lane!

EEKS! Too cute--too clean.

Sketch pads, note paper, bank slips, stationery,
receipts--all held Holly Wild concepts.

Lots of paper and COFFEE!

HOLY CREEPS! A breakthrough! I was sick at the time of the coffe stain sketch when I saw patterns in the chimney bricks. It simplified Holly's look. This is the very beginning of the Holly Wild look, but she NEEDS to be more lovable.

AHA! Holly is lovable and perfect. But wait--she is too young.
Back to the drawing board.

HOLLY H. WILD 8-20-11

I can understand Holly's look as I feel the same way. We are both ready for her to be a hit and get into print. Besides Kenny was seven inches when we started this and now he is five feet long.

So back to work. There are files to be wrangled and ISBN numbers and copyrights to be wrassled. The next time I write I hope it's to say, BUY the BOOK!

Critters and Pets and Holly, Oh, My!

2011-08-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

As the deadline for Holly Wild is looming ever closer, I've been sketching, scribbling, and drawing and redrawing on paper and in Photoshop to get this book put together. So before my hand fell off, I took a break from the routine yesterday to go to the Detroit zoo with my daughter, her husband and my granddaughter, Kyah, who was visiting them.

Even though we did the zoo early because of the heat, we still got hot and found ourselves scouting about for the next blue water fountain to cool off. But the best cooling came from visiting the Dinosauria exhibit in the shady woods. As we gladly stepped back through the mists of time (enjoyed by everyone from 1 to 91) we entered the forest of giant, ancient herps! We had a fun time moaning and roaring at the animated rubber dinosaurs and posing in front of them. It made me think of some giant herps introduced in the Holly Wild book.

Gigantic toads on Beaver Island the size of squirrels!

Willy-Nilly, a small rodent pet.

Beaver Island is much like a Jurassic Park--only not with herps the size of T-Rex--but amphibians and reptiles. Giant toads and larger than average snakes have been discovered there in the last few years.

Castor canadensis, a modern day beaver.

Speaking of giant critters, we got to see a Capybara at the zoo. They must've been hot too, because they hit the beach and dove in the water. After the Capybara, our modern day beaver is next in line as the largest rodent. However, our acient beaver relatives would dwarf them both. Those bad boys were once the size of our Michigan black bears and roamed the shores in search of soft foods, not trees.

As we walked along we got to visit the Bush Dogs. They are tiny little scrappers that look like shaved wolverines with stubby black tails. These lil fellers had a well-traveled grassy trail in their enclosure and were running their route when we spied a small rabbit eating clover near a stump in the their pen.

We wondered how long the bunny had been in there and how long it would be until the bush dogs discovered the critter. If their sense of smell and hunger was like Hunter, the hound in Holly Wild, it wouldn't be too long. Yikes! Run bunny, run.

Queenie, a not so wild dog.

It also got me thinking about how poodles were once used as hunting dogs and are now the size of rabbits and get dressed up in sweaters.

Of course we did visit the Herp House at the zoo.
Inside, we ogled the variety of snakes, turtles, and lizards
--from big gators to a dwarf caiman.

So after three hours at the zoo, four Ibuprofen, two quarts of water and a good night's sleep, I'm back in the chair working on the book today--just to get ready to hit the road north tomorrow in search of BEARS!

And did I mention that I forgot my camera at my daughter's house and I will have to DRAW the bears and wildlife we see?! Better rest my hand up again.

HOLLY WILD: Poking it with a STICK!

2011-07-21T10:24:00.000-07:00

In my last blog, I mentioned that I was illustrating the science portion of the book. Simple science. No big gadgets or apps. Pure and simple Holly Wild curiosity and a good poking stick is all that is needed. In order to get in touch with nature, you need a few other good things like a good notebook and a good pencil. but that's it--anything else is mere icing on the nature cake. A hand lens, specimen collecting system (Ziploc bags and plastic medicine bottles) and you're in business.

A few tools of the naturalist trade

Speaking of getting in touch with nature and science, the "poke it with a stick" Holly Wildism has been around longer than she's been around. And since we are talking poking sticks, my editorial team would like me to touch on polite poking stick etiquette:

'Nuff said!

Science and nature study need not be complicated. Observation and experience is key. With homemade explorer kit in hand, I can't tell you how many trees I climbed, places I explored and how many snakes I tailed a kid. I grew up in a naturalist's heaven on five acres of pines, hardwoods and ponds and had a wild neighborhood of lakes and more woods--without NO Trespassing signs around. Ahhh--nature! Ahh-mothers! My mother had us kids watching out for wild snakes, wild badgers, wild cats, wild dogs and anything else wild that might harm, bite, scratch or otherwise maim us.

NEVER poke a snake, especially an EMR--just saying!

And, yes, we did grow up with Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes (EMR) and lived to tell the tail--so to speak. We knew the dangers and were careful. OK, we knew the dangers.

But in order to get kids outdoors and stay outdoors today, we need to have them out simply for adventure. Not for a specific study or learning purpose. They need unstructured time to make stick forts and eat lunch in them like explorers. OK, so explorers didn't have Kool Aid and chips, but by golly it helps add to that adventurous feel. Time outdoors for kids to collect things, dig for bones (been there--done that) and make fox traps (been there--done that and punished for it). It doesn't take much in the way of tools or cost much and the benefits are wild, crazy cool.

Notebooks hold feasther, fur, skin, leaves, and small bones nicely.

Kids (and us adults) need adventure without the push of a button or a beep of digital notes. Keep science pure and simple.

Keep it Holly Wild style and POKE IT WITH A STICK--politely!

HOLLY WILD: The Countdown, Part 2

2011-07-11T16:07:00.000-07:00

Even though I have been working on the "science" portion of the book right now (snake species, scientific method, tools), I wanted to introduce you to the book's lively characters. Each one is quirky, quaint and down right vibrant. These folks are the guts, the juice, the fire, and the glue--that help and hinder Holly with her adventure on Beaver Island.

Let the journey begin. And with every story and journey comes the good, the bad and ugly! First the good. Our hero, Holly needs a trusty team to help her on her adventures. Twins, Tierra and Sierra fit the bill and do a good job of keeping Holly on task. Holly's brother adds color--er--black, and ugly smell to the story. Brothers do that--proudly.

*Left to Right: HOLLY, Boy (Holly's big bro) and the twins, Tierra and Sierra.

*Remember these faces as they are early illustrations and will change as we go along. Another clean-up act for me to do at the drawing board. Redraw the characters so they look consistent throughout the chapters.

Now, for more good. The twinkly, sparkly, nature-fairy kind. Aunt Kitty. The bigger the hair, the bigger the heart and the bigger the brain. Aunt Kitty is a sweet, smart, flower-loving naturalist with a warped sense of humor. Yikes!

"Tee-hee!" (good friends make the best characters!)

And one other good fellow who unknowingly helps direct Holly in her pursuit of saving Beaver Island--artist and storyteller, Charlie Bird.

(One never knows what kind of characters lurk behind bad art and balloons!
The lines of good and bad can often be blurred.)

And what evil are all these good folk battling? What, is right. That unwanted, unliked family who shows up like a noxious, spreading invasive plant specie that is impossible to eradicate. The Buckthorn clan. (Yes, that's where their names came from!)

Spoiled Ivy Buckthorn has been a thorn in Holly's side since the second grade. But what makes Ivy so delicious is you despise her the moment she walks on "stage". From her ponytail scythe to her sharp tongue, you can't wait until this Buckthorn specie moves on--far away.

Then there is rest of the Buckthorn clan, Mr. and Mrs. B (Fern and Alder) and their sniveling poodle pup, Queenie. Queenie is annoying and Mrs. B can be obnoxious, but it's the greedy Mr. B who is the bad seed here. And Holly must help Beaver Island

outsmart, outwit and outlast Buckthorn Builders in order to SURVIVE!

Even though no one is REALLY bad--everyone learns lessons on this adventure. And good vs. evil makes for a great tail--er tale. And everyone is needed to tell this story especially when the story has environmentally educational material in it.

The science is hidden among all the humorous antics and

adventure like a snake or herp in the grass! Which is the best way to learn.

Back to the drawing board for me. I have more good, bad and ugly species to illustrate.

COUNTDOWN to Holly Wild!

2011-06-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

So after three years in the making (even more if you count character development and research) HOLLY WILD: Bamboozled on Beaver Island (a mid grade fiction) will become a reality. Rejected by Michigan publishers who I am certain only one even looked at, we are going INDY...as only Holly would like. After all, she is a do-it-yourself, explorer kind of girl. That's right. Indy (independent publisher-of self-pub). BTP, (Bear Track Press) who put out Lissy-Lost! (L2) in 2011 after she went OP (out of print) in 2010, is going at it again.

Each week I will blog on the progress of Holly Wild, the characters, the setting, the plot and how this indy book will be put together. So after twenty plus revisions, my editorial team decided to go with the new ms. (manuscript). And let me tell you how many gazillions of illustrations that girl HW (Holly Wild) has me doing.

Who is Holly Wild? Well, if you haven't heard or seen hints of her by now, she is a feisty, earthy (muddy, dirty, scraped-up), ten-year old, in hiking boots and auburn hair (she hates being called a red-head or maybe she hates it when her ultimate enemy, Ivy Buckthorn calls her that).

HOLLY H. WILD: Curious, mischievous and always at my side. Did I mention annoying? (But, only to me.)

Holly's outlook and thoughts on life: "Just poke it with a stick and see what happens." Holy creeps, everyone knows that. This could also be the reason why she gets into jams and trouble so often.

HOLLY H. WILD: Brave, creative, inventive and knows no danger--or at least doesn't recognize it.

Holly keeps me up at night, pesters me during the day and is more loud and needy than any BTP pet running around here. She wants kids (and parents) to know about herps, poop (scat is the polite term), and bones and gross nature stuff. She wants someone to hear her. She wants company--kids to GET UP, GET OUT and GET DIRTY--especially in Michigan's wild places with her.

HOLLY H. WILD: Determined and focused (for maybe ten seconds)

Me. I can't wait until she gets what she wants and get this first book out. But, then I will have to start on book two, because she is already hinting at book three and wants to know where we are going for book four. Hold on Holly--one indy at a time. Speaking of indy if you the reader has ANY comments on ANYthing (the cover, design, or illustrations) please feel free to let me hear about them. I'm open to suggestions and criticism (although I'm not so sure how Holly will take it.)

Look out Michigan--this is one kid to watch for this September in HOLLY WILD: Bamboozled on Beaver Island. She just might have your kids getting dirty, poking things with a stick and searching for "herps"and asking, "What does the H. in Holly H. Wild, stand for?)"

My Book an eBook

2011-06-24T06:45:00.000-07:00

So after eleven years in the making, Lissy-Lost!, my first book written and illustrated by moi, has taken the digital leap to an eBook.

"L2" (Lissy-Lost!) as my daughter so lovingly calls this book, is now available from Barnes & Noble for the mere price of $3.99. (And you can even download free eBook reader apps at BN for your PC, Android, iPad and Pod and more!)

When I purchased my Nook color I never really thought about having L2 go digital. But after getting the book reprinted I thought why the heck not jump on the bitmap bandwagon.

It started off as an experiment to see how it would go. I download books on my Nook every so often--OK all the time--but only to see how other books look: illustrations, layout, overall feel. (OK, I love story.) But the L2 paperback book is glossy, colorful and can be flipped to pictures and passages. Pages can be dog-eared, bent and even colored in if you are six (my first book altering art pieces had coloring and signatures in them--Marie still laughs at me as I still sign my name in my books--in a family of six as a kid you had to claim your things).

So now that L2 is out there floating on the waves of electronica, how do I market it? Any suggestions? I have read a few blogs and such going over the same problem or challenge. Blog about it, tell folks on FB...umm I ran out of ideas. Why? Because my brain is usually in CREATE mode NOT market mode and moves on to the next shiny thing.

I have a book signing at our Pinckney Library next week and will have books there to sign and do a small program for kids and I will mention the new "eL2". But how do you sign an eBook? Collect signatures in a drawing program? I did download a kid's coloring program on my Nook and actually thought about having Ruth McNally Barshaw of Ellie McDoodle fame sign her name with her finger and draw her Ellie at the Comic Jam in Chelsea last week.

Will my next book be an eBook? Perhaps not. I like the paper. Heck, L2 is a 30% post-consumer waste and the printer supports the Plant a Billion Trees Program. But with Holly Wild, or HW, you will be able to stick it in a pocket, it will need no batteries or charging and can get it wet in a tent on a dark and spooky, stormy night. And I want kids to draw in it, fold it, color it--interact with it. Make it personal and sign their own name in it. Afterall, reading a book is a personal experience.

Like we writers, illustrators and editors said when we met over a month ago over dinner, we (the public) won't be handing down eBooks to Grandma's grandkids when she dies or saying fondly, "Oh, that was Grandma's favorite app! Who gets it?" There will be no wear and tear and aging of these eBooks. My daughter and I collect old, old kids books and run and fight over who saw what first when we shop for them. I can't see this happening with eBooks. (AND the names and coloring of pictures in those books make them more so endearing.)

Sign my Nook drawing program?

I love my Nook because I do love books. I still use our local library (mostly for a pickup point for MEL books) and even request books from them on my Nook. I'm not right, I know. But my Nook is handy--a portfolio, email and FB at a WiFi touch and I can pull it out and jump into a book at any time--and the kid drawing program occasionally soothes my artist ADD--but give me paper or a paper book anytime for pure fun.

I still love the creating process of sketching and drawing and try to stress this to folks young and old that I meet. After I sold a book to a family last weekend at the Ann Arbor Artisan Market I showed them the sketches I did while doodling and how they became the final illustrations for the book.

I'll always like the primitive feel and smell of pen and pencil on paper. And to draw with a Nook finger is a bit like an Etch-a-Sketch. So I can't see doing any eBook signings anytime soon.

But if you purchase a copy of L2 online at Barnes and Noble, I'll email you a bookmark!

But if you want the old-fashioned paperback it is available for purchase at many fine stores listed on my website.

People Watching at the Market

2011-06-08T05:24:00.000-07:00

What does an artist/illustrator do when they can't hit the woods to study wildlife? They study and sketch "People Life" while sitting in a booth at an art show or artist market. People watching.

It's a fun change of pace from birdwatching. And people can be just as entertaining and colorful too, as they go about their nesting, food gathering and flocking activities!

And sometimes illustrators need illustrations of "extras" for backgrounds. An interesting array of characters, footwear, hats, clothes and characters are set before you.

(Music making, talking, looking and watching specimens)

Varied body types, ages, cultures are all on parade. Enjoy. Get in on their fun. What are all of these people talking about? Pick up snippets of conversation. What is happening? From these sketches you can see that it is summer. Just like "field notes" in the wild, date your sketch.

(Food and art gathering activities and specimens on the move.)

What was the weather like? This was a hot Sunday. Sunglasses, shorts and sandals? Even the day of the week can tell alot about how people dress. How people carry things goes beyond paper or plastic. Backpack, belly pack or bag? How do they move. Are they coming home from church, shopping, going fishing...

(Get front, side and back shots before the flock senses danger and scatters.)

(Flashy male specimen with plumage)

...or selling their art?!

Whatever the occasion take time to take notes. As you People Watch, you may get people watching you watching others. It's a great conversation starter. People are fascinated by someone putting pen to paper.

Go to the beach, go to a fair, go to a farmer's market. Get out and people watch and draw them before they know it.

Spring Memories

2011-05-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

I was going through my sketchbook on this blustery chill morning after we built a fire in the wood stove. Ah, memories of days gone by!

One of the ultimately important reasons to carry a sketchbook anywhere. Getting down the story of the BIG in SMALL moments. Can you remember spring?

Now that the morel mushrooms are gone and the nesting bird's homeland security songs are done let's take a walk back in time and sketches to the SMALL moments that made the BIG jump from a yellow-green world to full vibrant green. It's a good rainy day (another) to put off laundry and gardening and instead dream, create and finish projects begun in the winter. So here is to spring and all of the firsts.

The first hummingbird sighting.
The first tiny mouse ear maple leaves wrapped up in shimmering spider webs. Webs that H.B. (what my mother used to affectionately call hummingbirds) will make into a tidy nest. Then there is the first dandelion and the first violet that come with the first toad trill and tree frog song. Singers who come after the first spring peepers and chorus frogs.

The BIG Spring Picture

The first blooming wildflowers along the creek at Brighton Rec Are. The first warblers in search of bugs and nesting places. Skunk cabbage and marsh marigolds poking between the scouring rush pencils. The smell of cut grass and cherry blossoms comes before the fragrant cursed autumn olive blossoms.

The SMALL Spring Picture

And the first beginnings of the first warm, green small worlds hidden in the grass. Warm. Remember warm? Time flies and lately so does rain, so take time to investigate your world and enjoy it when the warm weather does return.

Get out and draw on nature. May you make each moment a beautiful memory--to call on later.

HERE There Be MONSTERS!

2011-05-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

OK...so I went from a spring frolic through he woods in search of herps--to a hunt for MONSTERS!

As a an illustrator and artist, my IMAGINATION often runs amok! And this time, with the aid of my cheap microscope and pond water, my imagination certainly ran a-muck and stayed there.

Cyclops, and worms and larva OH MY!

What started off as an innocent day of exploration at the local marsh transformed into MONSTER MANIA! MANIA! MANIA! What wonders lie in a drop of pond water. Beings like cyclops, water fleas, worms and the best and most FEARED of all...mosquito larva.

Water Monsters! What a great way for kids to learn about microinvertebrates...and also an important lesson about NOT to drink pond water. YIKES! I could not even begin to count all these hairy, wiggly, swimming, twirling, darting and dashing creatures that lived in my cup of pond water. More than once I had to make sure that my coffee cup was not at hand and mistake my portable "Monstarium" (A McDonald's yogurt cup used as an aquarium) for my beverage. Despite these creature's grossness and ickiness, they are necessary and important to the health of our vernal ponds, marshes and lakes.

With my Mad Scientist Laboratory up and running I used my pink plastic dropper to place the squirming fellows onto a slide to sketch them. Ah, high school Microbiology I all over again! After every "visiting" session under the 40x objective I returned the creatures to their watery nursery. One day after the Monstarium had been in the sun, I spied a "wiggler" (mosquito larva) hopping about underwater. My little Frankenstein monster seemed happy in his home. It was after I added moss to the cup that things got kicking (Moss is the fave food and habitat for "water bears", a creature I have been hunting for over a year.) The "wiggler" got bigger and more tiny water bugs danced about.

Now, any monster that can breathe out of its butt has my vote. Especially when it transforms into a flying, blood-sucking creature feared by many and is an annoyance to all. I must say, that when I went back to the Monstarium a few days later to check on my creature it had hatched. I opened the lid and out it flew--the wiggler was now a full-grown mosquito--and out of its watery nursery. Oops! Wait til the rest of my Bear Track laboratory pals catch my hatchling buzzing their noggins at night. Now THAT'S scary.

With that experiment over I decided to put away the microscope and sketch my new pet crested gecko, "Peaches". The crested gecko was thought to have been extinct until recently. It was discovered in 1994 on the island Caledonia and has come back with such gusto that they are up on the pet trade market. This amazing reptilian acrobat has a prehensile tail like our opossum and is arboreal--and has cute "eyelashes".

As a cold-blooded, cricket-eating tree climber that eats its own skin, I say you could not ask for a better dragon/monster model. What a great model. (It does look kinda like a reptilian Chihuahua.)

Then I met a young fellow citizen scientist (age 10) in Petoskey. He had two geckos of his own--and proud of them. Their names were "Lightning" and "Strike". Dang! Now those are super-cool names. Why didn't I think of that? But I guess "Peaches" (with his side-kick "Kenny")could strike fear into hearts if he is someday transformed into a dragon. And I may even borrow the name "LightingStrike" for his cartoon dragon character name.

But for now I will continue my "water bear" search and sketch creatures big and small for creepy characters.

Chasing Ideas and Characters All Over the Place

2011-05-02T07:52:00.000-07:00

So I'm off to an illustration workshop in Petoskey, MI tomorrow given by Matt Faulkner. Our assignment was to illustrate a pencil sketch of a dream within a month of the workshop. OK, I have colorful dreams. But let me tell you, when someone says, "Drop everything and Dream!"...I can't!

Oh how I tried. I drank lots of water before bed--that just brought about lots of midnight trips. I tried eating spicy foods--nope, nothing. I tried to fill my mind with crazy images and read before sleeping.
The result was a silly cat dream, a mastodon and a raging buffalo. Nothing to write home about or illustrate. It was the toughest homework ever. So while chasing this dream across the land and through the swamps, an image and story struck me like a hammer blow.

Chasing this dream all over was the work of The Trickster. And this time it was not Coyote who called me. Images poured in and sketchbooks came out. Rabbits! Tricky rabbit. My favorite story, The Adventures of Great Rabbit, an Algonquin Tale. It was perfect. It made me realize that sometimes we chase our dreams, our ideas, our illusions and our anger all over the land. And during this focused chase, we lose a bit of ourselves and always seem to come back full circle. We end the chase where we started it, get frustrated and continue the chase again and never let it go.

Rough sketch of "Muchabig Rabbit"

In the story, Wild Cat lost his tail chasing his enemy, the Great Rabbit with biggish ears. So I pulled out my sketch from when I had actually seen Rabbit in the tree above whilst riding north on M127. I had sketched the scene as we zipped by. Ah, the beauty of quick gesture sketches. Then last week on our way to Petoskey we hit that stretch of highway and I started sketching plants and trees along there to go with the tale.

Pencil sketch of "SpitFire Cat"

Coming up with an interactive scene to illustrate, I was reminded of memories of sitting around a campfire and smoke annoyingly wafting into our faces. A friend told me that when that happens, just say, "I hate rabbits!" and the smoke will change direction. Ever since then, it has been a silent chant of mine around a bonfire. I don't know where he got this idea from, but it works and it works for a story illustration.

A scene where SpitFire Cat is about to be tricked again!

So now I have my homework done. It was more than a pencil sketch. And hey, it was a day dream and not a night dream. It got me to rewrite the tale in a colorful way and something to illustrate for a magazine story or portfolio piece. Now I am ready for the class and excited to see what Matt has in store for us on Wednesday.

Like wildcat, if you sit still long enough, the bunny will run down the trail right to you!

Springtime and the HERPING is Fine!

2011-04-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Herping one and all! It's that time of year when we run outdoors in search of eggs and hidden surprises. OK, if you're me that's what you do.

And last week was no exception--especially after having done a brief hospital stay. I was more than ready to get UP and get OUT and the Brighton Rec. Area, our first choice, is one of our favorite hiking and herping places.

So, Lori, what the heck is a herp? A herp (short for herpetology--the study of amphibians and reptiles) is a turtle, frog, salamander, or snake. The day had warmed nicely, (remember warm weather?) so by the time we hit the trail the frogs were in tune and were having a grand ol time. There were the chorus frogs (sounds like a thumb running over a comb) and the spring peepers (high, shrill peeping song) and wood frogs (sounds like quacking ducks). I could tell it would be a good hike if I kept my ears and eyes open .

When herp hunting and hiking don't forget to do some "log rolling". This is a great way to spot tiny red-backed salamanders. I was successful in finding a few this day. It was Marie and Lisa's first time to see a "red-back" and were surprised to see that the lil guys are no bigger than a worm. Tightly coiled under rotting logs they stay cool and moist. While you're investigating look the red-back salamander neighbors, worms, mites, sow bugs and of course the small white, round "sally" eggs.
And, while you're "log rolling" don't forget to "roll back", meaning replace the cover material over the herp to keep it safe and moist. If the cover item is too heavy, roll it as close as possible and keep the disturbance of the habitat to a minimum.

Spring creepy crawlers

As the day went on, I sprawled out on a fallen oak and took in the sights, smells and frog song and watched vernal pond life waking. Water mites, mosquito larva and beetles danced in the sun on the water surface and below. Very hypnotizing and calming. That's when Marie, who was on her own wildflower hike, called me over to see a Blanding's turtle making her way to the trail through the leaves.

Spring Hide and Seek

This turtle, Michigan's species of special concern, is known for their bright lemon-yellow throat. Whew! I knew this female was safe out here in the woods, but out in suburban areas her kinfolk would be crossing the roads to lay eggs and dodging cars. I've seen so many of these beautiful Blanding's end up a scarred and dead turtles. It's not pretty. And it's not like they are a small turtle and easily missed. Some folks seem to think of them as a disposable, moving target and this valuable herp is at risk this time of year. So keep an eye out for turtles as you go about your day.

As this was a day of "sally's", frogs and turtles--and no snakes, I decided to go back the next day and try my luck at another vernal pond.

Crossing a stream and up through whispering pines I came to another popular frog pond and went into the woods.

I had taken my exploring equipment and a McDonald's yogurt parfait (which after emptying and wiping clean, makes an excellent mini aquarium for observation) into the woods for a relaxing pond sit. I was kept company by racing chipmunks and thumbnail-sized spring peepers who hopped like popcorn through the leaves.

Sitting there, I was entertained by the wood frogs and their never ending circular spinning and chasing and warbling song, I noticed EGGS in the oak leaf-carpeted water! Round, jelly-like globs with dark centers were attached to submerged oak leaves here and there. What a find!

After scooping and sketching the eggs I placed them carefully back in the water and collected a take-home water sample in my official "McDonald's parfait and specimen observation container" for my microscope.

Once home with my sample, I was amazed to see creatures doing their own springtime dance under a 40x power microscope objective on the glass slide.

Squirming, jerking, zipping, rolling, squeezing and propelling endlessly.

All in all it, was a fascinating and complete look of vernal pond life and end of adventure. Life above, below and on the surface.

I hope you take time to GET UP and GET OUT for an egg and treasure hunt this month and see your own Spring Show while it's still playing at a pond nearest you!

Hospital ART!

2011-04-11T11:14:00.000-07:00

"When I was sick and lay abed, and had two hospital pillows at my head,

All about me pen and paper lay

And my new NOOKcolor on which to play!"

Down to my "beaver boxers"!

HOSPITAL! Disrobe and put on this crazy cool gown. Now lie still as nurses plaster more sticky pieces on you than checkers on a game board!

The weekend went from going to Barnes & Noble for Advanced Nookcolor classes to a trip to the Urgent Care clinic in a heartbeat (pun intended). After battling 8 weeks of a bronchitis thing I got light-headed whilst driving myself to the Nook class. And to make a painfully long story short, I went in with heart palpitations, low pulse, chest pressure...and VOILA! I ended up with an Ambulance ride to St. Joe's in Howell when it was suspected that I might have a blood clot in my lungs or legs.

Marie and Lisa were in Saline doing a show there and hurried their tushes down to the hospital with my sketchbook (bless you girls!!) and my NEW Nookcolor (bless you again girls) and underwear. I can honestly say, I could not have made it through without my Nook, and perhaps my underwear. But the Nook certainly made the stay fun.

While nurses were poking me with needles every two hours and keeping my arm straight with my IV in, I had my Nook. Now let me say here, that I had until two weeks ago, SWORE that I WOULD NEVER own one of those new-fangled contraptions. Wrong! It turned out to be a fab marketing tool. "Here let me show you my website, Nurse Margaret!"
From, soothing Pandora tunes, to downloading new ebooks from the big kid book on the caves of Jean Auel to mid-grade kid fiction of Katie Kazoo, to checking my email and updating friends and family on my condition on Facebook. I was spellbound. And I had the time to explore my Nook and all of its crannies and apps more. I am hooked on my Nook!

Then reality set in. Dum-Dum-DUM!!!

What am I in here for anyway? Health scare! ARGH!

It hit me. I better take care of myself better! I had just gotten an all clear on my chest x-ray and was awaiting a heart echogram. I better lose weight. So who did I turn to? My Nook. I downloaded the 17 Day Diet. I had been reading the sample pages and everything seemed to jive with me. And while waiting for heart tech Frank to show up with his machine, I read Dr. Phil's book on my nook.

Rest, relaxation, eat right, and some butt-scratching exercise!

OK, maybe not butt-scratching exercise. But you get my drift. Get OUT and move is the key here. I have been having leg problems (which the prednisone has been helping now, too) and this was a good scare to get me going and resting occasionally. We here at Bear Track Studios, like most folks, sit at a desk or work too durned much! Not good, especially for artists and advocates of nature. Oh, for shame! Tsk, tsk.

A Happy Ending! Daylight at the end of the tunnel!

So after my ride home from the health hoosegow, it hit me: what matters is family & friends and most of all--YOUR SELF and Your HEALTH! And having a sketchbook and Nook close at hand doesn't hurt either!

Take care of YOU!

Florida UNLEASHED!

2011-03-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a whirlwind trip that consisted of visiting the swamps and shores of Florida, on foot and in kayak.

The first place to visit by kayak was Blue Springs State Park. Blue skies, beautiful weather and the rush of a gator toward us made for a breathtaking trip. We were watching local turtles performing their ballet when the gator splashed us back into reality. We were in the water with things bigger than us! Including manatees that could knock us over in a heartbeat.

This event preceded a spooky trip down a canal through floating plants of water celery and green beds of large duckweed. As we worked our way--usually pushing our kayaks with the paddles through the green stuff and around, over and under fallen trees--the thought came to mind of snakes. I wanted to see snakes on this trip--maybe dangling from branches, but became more disappointed as we went along.

Plenty of anhinga, black-crowned night heron and even wild turkey--but no snake. Until... We were hungry, exhausted and tired of sitting in our "yaks", when out of the corner of my eye, in a hole in the bank, a face stuck out and stared at me. Huh! Strange--almost toy-like, with a black band. Something told me NOT to go back and check it out. Which is good that I listened to that voice--as water moccasins live here--or cottonmouth. Whew! I'm glad I didn't investigate the snake that watched me.

Next, on to the beach. How dangerous can that be? OK, so the rip tide was strong and I did get in to the ocean, but I also didn't want to mess up my knee again like I did last summer, so I sat out on swimming. But while sitting on the beach--hello, what's this? Floating on the water, a curious thing that looked like a puffed up Jiffy Pop container. Maybe it was a message in a bottle. So I followed it in to shore with binocs. I got up to investigate and was quickly thwarted by Lisa and Marie who informed me that it was a Portuguese Man-o-war--very dangerous. I stayed clear of the long six foot tentacles but was still intrigued by the rich color and wanted to get a closer look. Oh, that urge to touch! Dang. Not this time either. (The prickly pear cactus was nothing compared to this guy.)

So the next trip was hiking a path filthy with 'Beware Gator' signs. Here I got to see a ring-necked snake and a water snake. Tons of little lizards, the green anoles, and of course a larger three foot lizard, a gator sunning itself. Pretty cool. But there was more to explore. Pelican Island, the very first National Wildlife Refuge and Merritt Island and Barrier Island Sanctuary and finally the Intracoastal waterway of the Indian River Lagoon.

This was the most fantastic trip yet. To be in a kayak and having dolphins fishing mere feet from your vessel. It was breathtaking as osprey dove, pelicans dive-bombed and herons lunged for breakfast. Dolphins were everywhere as were the mullets and snooks leaping clear of the water in the clear blue sky.

THIS was Florida UNLEASHED!

NEW Spring Release of LISSY-LOST!

2011-03-03T06:51:00.000-08:00

I haven't gotten around to blogging in the last week because of the tumult of activity here at Bear Track Studios. Usually projects fly in and out the door, but this past week has been a doozie! Bear Track Press, now a new subsidiary of Bear Track Studios, LLC, is about to re-release, Lissy-Lost!

THE NEW COVER

THE NEW Lissy

I wrote and illustrated
Lissy-Lost! over 8 years
ago, and as an idea and suggestion from friends, got the story published.
However, the original story came along 3 years

prior to the publishing. It was

all about three little old witches, then after taking classes at the Institute for Children's Literature, and my daughter's insistence, a child hero character entered the tale--Lissy.

THE NEW Witches Three

When it was decided this year to redo the book, the

race was on! Lissy-Lost! went through somecosmetic

clean-up work and got a new face--new cover, new art,

new publisher--all of which happened in the last 3 weeks!

This project, though fun, had me at my drawing table at
6am redoing and redesigning--everything. Then to
complete the book, it took MUCH work from many
people. Combining the time and talents of an excellent
editorial team (Lisa Ramlow, Marie Rust, and Karin Fish)
we had to rush to get this book finished in time for

MARCH IS READING MONTH! and spring
school programs.

What I've posted here are a few original scans of the new book art. The new characters have an updated, warm, humorous look. I had great fun in re-creating this new cast.

When I started playing around with Lissy's new look last year, I never imagined that the book would ever be redone (Publish America took it out of print). This year, when I started toying around with the serious notion of a Lissy-Lost! sequel I figured that they all needed a little primping.

THE NEW Twiggedy Jig

And so, next week, Lissy-Lost!, will once again, wander the wild with wonder!

PS: Many thanks Editorial Team!

Golden Spring on My Drawing Table

2011-02-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

Oh, the surprise of realizing that the snow had pretty much vanished when I looked outside this morning. Ah, the ever approaching golden spring nears!

But wait, that means art work needs to get finished for shows this summer. I had started a series of art pieces, Sisters of the Earth: Honoring Michigan Habitats, this past winter when inspiration hit like a bolt of Lori Lightning. In usual fashion, paper flew, paint spattered, knives and scissors flashed liked Edward Scissorhands, and gel mediums spillethed over as various sized rocks and stones held pieces in place to dry. Then they sat. For two months.

Today, after a slew of writing and county projects near completion, I got up the nerve to walk into my studio and ready myself to be reinspired to work on them again. I tried. Really. But something keeps pulling me away. Maybe something was not working in the current stage that they were in so what better thing to do than take photos to see at a distance. That's kinda working on them, right? Well, it did give me something to blog about.

Here they are. Pieces that sit on my studio drawing table. Artwork in progress.

Northern Fen-Promise of New Life

Northern Fen (detail)

I took the experiences and photos of our Rifle River trip last spring and creating watercolors, I cut and layered them onto Aquaboard that I had previously prepped with Daniel Smith watercolors.

River of Life (work in progress)

Detail

This piece was reworked from a previous painting I had done and sold around seven years ago. It was a personal favorite and I have tried redoing it several times--but could never quite be satisfied with them. So I pulled out the image again and changed the theme to the river.

This shot, taken without a flash, shows the layers of watercolor images more clearly. The watercolor cast of river characters were cut and torn and then I altered them with colored pencil and gouache. I found that using the Aquaboard as a substrate was fun and sturdy for my layered process. I can use different
watercolor techniques to get the look I want. It was the first time using this board and I was happy with the results.

Now if I can finish the panels that would be great. Maybe they will get done by the time dragonflies fly and pitcher plants bloom and certainly by the time rose hips drop.

Shiver on the Detroit River!

2011-02-07T14:36:00.000-08:00

Brrr! Cold, early--I better see something good. We, Marie and I, were headed to Detroit's Belle Isle for a Saturday morning of "Audubon" birding. A rush to get out of the house and into a warm van is usually chaotic at best, but boy did we screw up today! To start with, neither one of us brought warm hats. I don't know if you've ever been in Detroit in the winter, but DANG the wind is horrible cold. At home, I can run out to the chickens and scoop their coop in nothing but my wool shirt, longjohns and bandana--no problem, but Detroit--it's a different story.

Along with not bringing hats (this is winter, right?), neither one of us brought a bird book, (waiting for sighs and gasps here! This is a birding trip--yeesh!!!) and Marie forgot binocs (more sighs and gasps--"What are they thinking?" I can hear you saying--BUT luckily I brought mine), and we did pack snacks. Hey, important stuff like that counts, right? A birding expedition and no binocs, no hats, no books, but we had Triscuts and cream cheese and nuts and water!

When we arrived, die-hard birders (the real deal) were flinging Latin names around of birds I never knew existed. I suddenly became quite interested in squirrels and tried to watch them intently in case anyone wanted a comment from me on some specie I knew nothing of. I kept looking at trees and saying things like, "Oh, a sycamore tree. Ah!" or "Look, a melanistic-phased gray squirrel". I did alot of squirrel watching.

So as my feet turned to ice blocks standing and waiting outside (Marie had had the heat on in the van--and we got too warm) we at last piled into vehicles to drive out to see the fabulous birds and waterfowl Detroit has to offer at this frigid time of the year. The leader mentioned that the birds are here at Belle Isle because the river is the last to freeze so this is where they hang out. Now I need to tell you, that the leader of this group also mentioned that it would be good to have spotting scopes as opposed to binocs (remember I brought mine) which were not strong enough to see the birds today. Look Mister, I had my binocs and by golly I was going to use them. I would simply make up detail.

Well, by Jim, he was right. We pulled to the side of the river and the pepper flakes in the distance near the Ren Cen were geese and gulls. Now, that does not excite me. Geese and gulls. All they do is eat and poop--all over. Why these birders were so excited, I could not imagine. More Latin spilled out at the thrill and excitement of their spotting a Greater and Lesser Black-backed Gull. A gull, I thought. Those annoying guys that eat McDonald's fries and rip up donut bags in the parking lot of Walmart?

After that stop, my cheeks became so numb from the needle-poking icy wind that I did my "birding" and sketching in the van. Every so often I would yell out the window to Marie, a real trooper, "Whatcha got? Anything interesting?" There were some golden-eyes out there--somewhere--I think. In my binocs they looked like paint flecks spattered across the water.
But it was the dang gulls that seemed to have everyone in awe. Folks blissfully withstood the cold to gaze at them--long, long gazes. Sure, I did get out once and took a peek. But come on, how long can you stare at a gull?

Suddenly, a Long-tailed duck was spotted! Marie's camera clicked continually as she swung from left to right, shooting in the direction of their cries of delight. (We never spotted it in her photos when we got home.) Finally, we moved cars over to the Canada side. Aha! Canada! Surely there must be some wild and rare specie here! It's Canada for crying out loud. The home of wolves and wolverines and bears and--mute swans! Those guys that--never mind--I won't get into it.

At this point, I must say that my morning cup and a half of coffee was getting to me. The trip had started at 9am and certainly it must almost be done. No. It was 10:30 by the time we got to the "mutes". Then around 11a.m., the Audubon leader told us we were going to look for a saw-whet owl in the nearby "forest of Detroit" on Belle Isle. Aha! Just what I have been waiting for! An owl! Yes!

Marie drove the van past the porta-johns and parked up the road--a long ways. Um. I had to really go, by now. The group started off through the foot deep snow to the trail to owl-spotting, while I trekked to the porta-john. Cold plastic. That's all I can say. ('m surprised that the group didn't hear me HOOT!) When I got out of the the lil blue house, the group was looong gone.

I will track them--the group, I thought. Huffing and puffing over snow drifts, down the trail, through the woods--alone. (A helicopter flying overhead made me nervous.) I walked and walked. Then I spotted our group! But they were heading back. What? I fell in line behind Marie who was hauling her camera and tripod.
"No owl," she said.
"What do you mean?" I wheezed and coughed and used my abdominal breathing to get back to the van.
"They didn't see it where they thought it was, so they turned around," she said marching with the group.
At this point--left behind again--I was so warm I had taken off my baseball cap, and my coat, and had rolled up the sleeves up my wool shirt (I still had two other shirts on underneath and my longjohns, too).

To sum up the morning: Owl-0, Gulls, geese and swans-450,402.
But I did get my cheese and crackers and watched alot of squirrels.
Birding in Detroit--for me--not so much. At least not in the winter!

Cabin Fever? Go Hunting!

2011-02-03T08:27:00.000-08:00

Birds at the feeder...

Lisa Making Fire...(tee-hee)

What are some things an artist can sketch while stuck inside during those post blizzard, pre-spring wintery days?

Go hunting! Sometimes the best material may be hidden out in the open or sitting right next to you!

Lisa Napping...(tee-hee)

WARNING! Those living with artists have to put up with us sketching them when they least expect it. It's fun for us having ready models at beck and call.

Then again you can always sit and stare at the four walls or chimney bricks and find scenes hidden there. I did these last winter recuperating from my toe surgery. It was like artist television--sitting in the winter quiet and letting the shadows and your imagination do all the work.
BTW, we are NOT nuts, we are creative!

Ideas for Graphic Novel Story and Character!

What will you and your sketchbook find in the
shadows or corners in the next few weeks?

A Stalking Quilt Lion!

There maybe a character
or story waiting to be told right there in front of you!

Set your sights. Happy hunting!

Capturing Moments & Doing the Peace

2011-01-24T07:47:00.000-08:00

Wow! This past weekend I attended another conference. But this particular conference spoke to my heart as it was the Stewardship Network's Science, Practice & Art of Restoring Native Ecosystems 2011, held in East Lansing. Talk about sketching and notetaking. I had to act fast to capture quotes, moments and story as speakers took the podium.

In the past, I doodled out of boredom as scientist spoke to scientist, something that scientist Rachel Carson warned her scientific communtiy against. To paraphrase Rachel, "Do not speak to the scientists...but speak to the homemakers, the grocery clerks, and the hairdressers of our environmental message."

Snow-on-cherry-tree-with-woodpecker-
outside-the-window!

This year the conference theme, Sense of Place, had a different focus. It seemed to be on the artistic and spiritual aspect of land ethics and restoration. Connecting people--age and cultural diversity. Speakers and conference attendees alike, often made their case in an emotional manner.

As an artist, I have lived with being being moved by landscape, subject and human connection and story. But here were scientists sharing their intensely personal and emotional stories. Bear Track Studios, Marie and I, were there for the conference poster presentation. As a collaborative business of wildlife and nature artists we were attempting to show the science community the importance of art in conservation and to recognize our efforts and how we can assist them with our contributions. As artists, we connect nature and the science world to the public--who are the ones who need to hear this environmental message that Rachel spoke of.

"Fireside Chat" of Elders 1-22-11

That night after many sessions, I relaxed with a pencil sketch that captured a moment in history as different ethnic and age groups met for the sake of not just our planet, but for us, the humans who live here and call Earth home. This Fireside Chat brought together nations discussing how we as stewards can connect with more folks spreading our message of land ethics, conservation and restoration.
Seated in Council Circle are:

Henry Lickers (Haudenosaunee and representative of the Dept. of Envirorment for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne), Guy Williams (advocate for environmental justice), Frank Ettwageshik (Odawa pottery artist and elder of the United Tribes of Michigan), Steve Apfelbaum (conservation developer) and James Crowfoot (UofM's School of Natural Resources and Environment). And I apologize that I did not include Peg Kohring of the Conservaton Fund (I did not have enough paper space to add her where she sat next to Jim).

The next day I sketched Henry's hand gestures and relaxed attitude during his storytelling.
Conferences are exhausitng and there is so much to absorb and digest. So after returning home, I worked up a "memory sketch" of Henry's message the memorable highlights of his talk. I was particularly struck with the Haudenosaunee concept that "PEACE" is a verb and to "DO THE PEACE" is an action of keeping and maintaining peace--peace is not something that you acquire and store away.

Go sketch, "Pass the Joy Forward" (giving freely to the other) and "DO THE PEACE"!

S.C.B.W.I. Networks Weekend is HERE!

2011-01-20T06:55:00.000-08:00

WRITERS! Pace Yourself for the Big Race: Networks Weekend 2011
WHEN: Sat., February 26, 2011, 10 a.m. WHERE: Bear Den Gallery
WHERE: 1877 Brandes Lane, Pinckney, MI 48169

I will be hosting the Networks Weekend for Mi-S.C.B.W.I . writers and illustrators in this part of the state. For a general headcount please email an RSVP if you think you can make it! See more about Networks Weekend below!
YOUR HOST: Lori Taylor

Writing is a lot like running a marathon. You can't just wake up one morning and decide you are going to do a marathon when you've never run before. Writing for kids is the same way. No matter how good you are, you can't pen the great American novel in a day. It takes discipline, hard work, lots of practice, training, revision, revision and more revision, along with blood, sweat and tears to make it to the finish line (publication). In honor of the 2500th anniversary of the running of the first marathon, the theme for the 2011 Networks Weekend is "Pace Yourself for the Big Race."

What is Networks Weekend? It's an opportunity to informally meet up with others who love children's books as much as you do! You pick the day and time during the weekend of Feb. 25-27, invite fellow writers to your home (or other location in your area) and schmooze for a couple hours. You do not have to be an SCBWI member to attend, in fact, we encourage non-members to come and learn more about us at: http://www.kidsbooklink.org/id22.html

So You Want to Make Childrens Books

2011-01-18T08:54:00.000-08:00

Strike a Critter Pose

2011-01-11T11:08:00.000-08:00

Pooh Corner

So I tried the "drop-everything-and-

draw a corner of a room project from my

last posting. It turned out to be more

like a study of bears.

And just like the lesson mentioned, we go around these

familiar things every day and are not totally

concious of what is REALLY in our space.

("I didn't know we had a bear with antlers!" said Lisa)

Yoga Pets

All of us walk past the familiar daily and fail to really take notice. Or maybe we try not to notice--say the dustballs on tables, kleenex bunnies, or ledges of fantastic spiderweb architectural wonders (that are so intricate that you hate to remove them)!

So, to honor the familiar folk--how about sketching pets. OK, so a pile of bears is easy--they sit still. How about tackling (artistically) a house-bound pet or two? Pets happily pose for us daily! Do we really notice their antics?

When we do yoga in the morning, everyone has to get in on the activity. (It's hard to be mindful of breathing when a cat tail is tickling your nose and to stretch out in corpse pose and compete with the dog for the floor.) Try sketching your own Buddha kitty or Down Dog some time.

Our pets have it easy--warmth, food. What about the wild ones? Wild critters make themselves known but you can't see them. They leave "sign". Scat, food leavings or tracks. Tracks are the next best thing to being there. We've had wild critter action here all week.

The night before last, we had a predawn concert production from a local family of coyotes. It was rather exciting to hear them so close, although our chickens might have been a tad nervous.

The 'yotes held a party on the hill--and all were invited. Rabbits, too.

I went out early in the 16 degree morning and sketched the fresh tracks and activity I found there. Tracks are fabulous for telling animal stories, especially in snow! Later in the day I took out my long sketchpad to get more of a landscape scene. It was warmer to sketch then and as I climbed the hill I was greeted by a turkey call from the marsh directly across from me.

Another moment of nature caught on paper. It doesn't hurt when you have a fresh canvas of snow--perfect for getting animal track stories.

This morning there were turkey tracks on our deck!

No Time Like the Present

2011-01-06T12:45:00.000-08:00

Now that ii is the new year, everyone talks about exercising, improving skills and bettering their life. Even we, Bear Track Girls 3, are doing yoga here on an almost daily basis. And now that post-holiday mayhem is settling down, it's time to get to other exercises--the task of illustrating.

I found an excellent book, Drawing Words & Writing Pictures at the library on drawing comics and graphic novels. I highly recommend it. My own used copy is in the mail as we speak. In the book were exercises that I found helpful. One such sketching project has the artist filling 5 pages with drawings. Try it.

Heads - all angles, front, back, above and below.
Hands - yours or someone elses.
Poses - have a friend, SO, or stranger pose for you. Ex: holding a cell phone, sword play, sweeping.
People - in a group or cafe-visual note taking of a scene.
Mirror - look in the mirror, sketch yourself at all angles. Try a silver Christmas ball ornament for extra fun!

Well, I went to the Brighton Art Guild meeting last night and sketched a plein air artist while he painted. Too bad I was sitting behind him. Still, it turned out neat--and he never knew!
But this simple sketched scene tells much. From the paper towel on the floor, to his paintings of herons in the front of the classroom to his open paint box with a pine tree landscape and brushes. A lot of information was captured here in this quick 5 to 10 minute sketch.

Now try this the next time you go to a conference, gallery opening, grocery store parking lot, or oil change garage. I once got a wizard character for a book I had to illustrate while I waited for an oil change. The gentleman next to me in his SUV had the perfect face, nose and look I needed for a wizard.

I am excited for the next conference I am attending. Of course, I will have sketchbook in hand.No one ever knows that they just might make it in my sketchbook. Here are a few from last year's Stewardship Network Conference.

Tire Change Gossip Lady

Pancake Breakfast Bunch at Art Show 2010

Wildflower Woman

Fish and Wildlife Guys

Faces, hands, poses, props all tell the tale of a scene. It is very exciting and you may come up with story characters in the process.

ART CHALLENGE!

"No Time Like the Present"

sketchbook
drawing tools.

If you are reading this post, RIGHT NOW, drop everything and draw! Right now. Drop everything and draw. No one has to see it but you (unless you followers want to send me a scanned sketch--which I would really like).

The corner of your room, a nook or cranny of geegaws, what-nots or nick-nacks. RULE: DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING OUT. Even though it is your own familiar space, you don't really know it as well as you thought you did. I challenge you to try this.

The idea is to get to the busyness of drawing. DRAWING FROM LIFE IS VISUAL NOTETAKING!

Flex your sketching muscle and remember to breathe, stretch and exercise life notetaking in 2011.

Forces to Bring Change!

2010-12-13T08:21:00.000-08:00

Art is the child of Nature; yes,
Her darling child, in whom we trace
The features of the mother's face,
Her aspect and her attitude.

--Longfellow

I just had to share this quote that I got from an email last week as I work with ideas of symbol as story. I have been working on a manuscript that deals with Michigan's Sanilac Petroglyphs (pictures etched in stone) and their interpretation and also rereading some Rudyard Kipling stories on how symbols as a written language tell their own story.

Snow Runes in the Trees

I wanted to finish up what I started in this
blog with the last set of the runes. As you
look outside I'm sure you will see a few of
these without much trouble!

After our snow and ice gift yesterday we
were left with beauty and treacherous
conditions (beauty and chaos).

Here now are the 2nd Aett of runes, the
Forces to Bring Change.

Hagalaz - "hail", the seed of ice, is disruptive and causes change. Protect home and barn with this one as it staves off astral attacks. I imagine ice and hail sliding off the slanted roof, and being safe and sound down below.

Nauthis - "need", go within and bring forth personal inspiration. A rune to stop incoming attack or a warning that maybe something unacknowledged needs to be attended to. (As the letter Y it reminds me to ask myself Why? in help in remembering the meaning here.)

Isa - "ice", frozen a time to slow down, to stay the same, freeze things or another's actions means to stay in the present situation, but can also be destructive by not allowing needed movement. (I think of this one as an icicle-which also brings caution while walking under!)

Jera - "year", harvest time, cyclical rune of reward, a gentle flow of change (year) not a fast pace. (I see the balance of the seasons in this one, almost like a chain link or two hands holding the year.)

Eihwaz - "yew" the tree of life, eternity, world without time. A rune that says GO FOT IT! The rune of the Hunter, searching for person, place, thing, job, home. (To me, this runic tree branches at the top and roots below createing balance.)

Perth - "dance", secrets and hidden knowledge. Rebirth and childbirth. Evolutionary process. A GREAT changes is about to take place. (I see this a a bowl, pot or cauldron where cooking takes place.)

Algiz - sign of negation, the protective rune is the elk staghorn and shield. Need I say more?

Sowilo - SUN! inspiration from divine source. Message needed to accomplish a goal. Kind of a light bulb going on, Aha! moment which can be a slap in the face or wake up call. (Looking like Harry Potter's scar this lightning bolt could be a ZAP! in the right direction.)

Pictures tell stories and the letters of the alphabet and runes are no different. Especially after reviewing sketches, notes and past writing on the petroglyphs I have found wonder again in those ancient drawings. Who made them and what were they trying to say? Much is left open to interpretationa dn imagination.
We all leave our stories whether in rock, tree, paper or electronically to pass on meaning.

In Kipling's story where Taffy and her father create the first written language (they illustrate a story as a message that gets them into trouble), they they take those early drawings and simplify them into symbols which hold sound. The story is one of sweetness and imagination as they work out each sound.

Often just trying to interpret my grandaughter's drawing is pretty much the same. Sweet, imaginative and pure in meaning--even with rhinestones!

Books and art are windows that take us into another world and illustration is the universal visual language that helps us understand customs and people!

The Forest Speaks to Those That Listen

2010-12-11T11:40:00.000-08:00

Preparing for the winter storm that is supposed to hit--meaning keeping a sketch journal handy and doing a little pre-holiday shopping. The wind is blowing through the pines out my office and it's beginning to rattle the window. Ah, Michigan winter, how vital. A good time to reflect and to reacquaint myself with the first runes.

With my last post having to do with this mystic "air mail", I thought that I would go ahead and drop in the 1st Aett of the runes. These ancient divination runes are called the Elder Runes or "futhark".

This past week the rune, Gebo, is an 'x' that marks the spot. Coming to me at different times throughout the day, I thought I should review this message from my creative unconcious! Gebo, the gift rune, is that of balance and partnership. Use to enhance an exchange of data, ideas, or feelings, whether between two opposing or agreeing forces. As an air element, it moves swiftly in many situations. Honor self-sacrifice (give and take) to have harmony. The crossed twigs do give a feeling of balance and also partnership.

Fehu - is the female rune. The cattle goddess of fertility meaning new beginnings, wealth and possessions. (I have a sketch of this rune with a woman raising her arms to the sky to help me remember its message.)
Uruz - the auroch rune symbolizes the glacier and ice, a rune of determination, fertility and strength. (If you look at this rune it does look like a glacial wall of strength. And I must say that a glacier would be determined in its movement.)
Thurisaz - Chaos! a rune of forces of oppostition. Negative balance in the scales of nature. The shadow self of each person or deity. A rune of fire. (A good way to remember this one is perhaps a guillotine sliding downward--just a suggestion :)
Ansuz - wisdom and occult knowledge and god rune. Known as Odin's rune (the All Father of Scandinavian folklore who hanged from the world tree, upside down, and gained the knowledge of these runes, this language of the forest). This air rune signifies sacred breath and highest vibration.

"Green Man" (Odin-The One-Eyed Norse God) by Lori Taylor

Raido - makes things go, a rune of movement and horseback. In charge and in motion to control particular situations. A pathway to travel. The fire element of the beginning of new projects. (Another rune that has made it to the forefront lately.)
Kenaz - is the fire pit, the torch or bowl of light. (Pretty easy to see the symbolism here and light is pretty easy to interpret.)
Wunjo - Joy! Pleasure, fertility, gifts and light. (One can imagine this rune design as a torch or light or perhaps that triangle-like blade at the top before it falls and becomes the rune of chaos, Thurisaz :)

It's been fun to find these runes and drag out my old sketchbooks and recall the pictures I drew of each to help me remember their meaning. I find that with chaos comes balance (see above), something that has hit home closely with me and my family lately--let's face it, that dance of chaos and balance never ends! Yet, through this season of decreasing light, we still burn brightly as we make or purchase gifts to lift hearts and spirits. So it's only natural that Gebo has hopped into my mind and re-minded me of that give and take in order to stay in balance.

And so it is with light, joy and fire we go inside to stay warm recharge our batteries. We have loaded up the groceries and the firewood and now we wait. (There is an excitement to this first real snowfall!) After the snow begins to cover the brown of the past years growth, we know that that brown will compost and fertilize bringing new life in only a few short months.

May you keep your fire burning through this energy consuming time and enjoy the quiet moments!
(Rest up, next week's runes are the 2nd Aett, forces that bring change!)

The Language of TREES! Going Within

2010-12-02T15:26:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season--to go within. Nature does this going within--naturally! Animals migrate, hibernate, or adapt to the winter season, so why don't we? At a time to conserve our energy and go within, most people are stepping out and the holiday shopping, cards, baking and general running around has folks in a dizzy spin.

This is a time, especially after our first snow, that I slow down and go inside. Because of this going within time it becomes a time that I get air mail, or himmelsbrief ("letters from heaven"). The black and white, or I should say, the gray and brown and white world outside is silent and stark. Trees bare of leaves are interesting and form interesting shapes. It is easy to see how Germanic folks saw runes so readily in trees, especially in the winter months. (I recently saw an art exhibit in Canada where the artist used twigs to spell words.)

Because of my love for language and art, it is easy for runic signs and symbols to catch my eye during the day. I draw down the ones that seem to speak to me. For years I have tried learning runes and it seems every winter is when I am drawn to them. As an artist and writer, I am drawn to the stick shapes, meanings and the idea of a magical alphabet and language that the subconcious mind delights in taking note of. Runes have an interesting history and there is lots written on them. The runes above are the 3rd Aett that deal with human nature and conditions.

Lately, Dagaz and Ehwaz have popped into my mind as I kept running into them during the day. What was my mind trying to tell me? Dagaz (Day) is the rune of the end of a cycle or era, a new day's promise of something better or new by bringing light and transformation into a situation. And Ehwaz ((horse) is the horse or warhorse rune that can bring people together (or split apart) but means you better take control of a situation and create links of goodwill.

To me, runes are the language of trees especially if you look outside. This week I began work on a boreal forest wildlife series of paintings, a large boreal forest piece in addition to a Avian Alphabet/Rune Card set. At a time after book manuscripts were sent out I finally got to play with some creative projects that had been set aside. Hopefully, I will have time in the next few months to complete these. During this quiet time, I review the past year, I create and I listen, to the subject, the medium, the message as it comes out in word and symbol.

During the holiday hustle and hubbub, watch the frozen outdoor world around you for messages in shadow and symbols that appear from nowhere. Collect them in a sketchbook or simply take note of them. They are fun greeting cards from within!

Tiwaz (Tyr the sky god) -Justice! Invoked for courage, honor, bravery in a difficult situation.
Berkano (Birch) -Maternal rune, patron of mothers, children and women's mysteries. Emotional and physical security.
Mannaz (Man) -The people rune. One of cooperation between people for beneficial end.
Laguz (Lake) -Sorcery or sending thoughts. Visualize some in dream time to talk with on an issue honestly and lovingly.
Inguz (Ing god of fertility) -Vessel of creation, doorway to astral world.
Othala (Possession) -Traditions, values, the light of knowledge is carried on.

Critter Thanksgiving Stroll

2010-11-24T08:03:00.000-08:00

Day before Thanksgiving and out to Howell Nature Center for animal sketching and creative blockbusting. I wanted to get over to see the coyotes this frosty morn and thought the animals would be a little more active.

It was early and my nose alerted me to the fresh pine scent of a shipment of Christmas trees. It was quiet, too. A few birds and little activity. Entering the Wild Wonder Park I saw that the deer munching on a pile of pumpkins as the coyotes paced their pen.

A young coyote I called Little Big Head, with an injured forepaw, ran the loop of his pen on three feet before stopping to nibble on a bone. The other bigger yote with her face and snout poking out from her thick winter coat seemed interested in the Christmas tree goings on and nibbled from a bucket every so often. Both were different and interesting characters to sketch. Each with their own personality.

Then off to see the rest of the animals. When we come out here to cage clean we seldom get a chance to see the rest of the animals so this was a fun and relaxing stroll with just me talking to the animals.

The beaver who had been active last week was nowhere to be seen this morn. The wild turkey pair dined quietly. The bobcat sat staying warm and its head would snap around at the crunch of a leaf. The motionless female fox stared out from her curled body wapped in its warm fluffy tail.

But the curious male cocked his head and following me about posed quite prettily. He seemed to be enjoying the crisp day and gave me plenty of photo opps. Gray squirrels rifled through leaves looking for acorns as I waited to see if the porcupine would come out. Today, even the beaver slept in and must have been in his hill condo and not his usual place.

Everybody was sleeping in or staying snug--which sounded good to me--an animal holiday, a critter day off. Then it's back to performing for visitors when they come to pick out their Christmas trees.

Crossing Borders

2010-11-18T06:20:00.000-08:00

November. Thanksgiving. What does this bring to mind? Falling leaves, frost, winter? Turkey, family, eating? Now add to the end of those pyschopompish words-school kids. Ah! Pilgrims and Indians (American or Native Americans or First Nations). Why is it that it seems at this time of year Native Americans are mentioned most? Does it have to do with that first Thanksgiving and stereotypes?

I attended the Crossing Borders 33rd Annual Mary Calletto Rife Youth Literature Seminar on Nov. 5. (See last post) and was interested in what the guest speaker, Cynthia Leitich Smith, a tribal member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, had to say and how that relates to my work as an artist, author and illustrator. The focus of the seminar was helping readers undstand, appreciate and relate to others--the crossing of borders--from racial ro cultural to economic and more.

The final speaker of the day, Debbie Reese, who is tribally enrolled at Nambe Pueblo in northern New Mexico, gave us all valuable information regarding American Indians in children's lit. For more information see her site: http://www.americanindiansinchildrensliterature.net/.

This talk not only interested me as an author/illustrator, but as a Michigander, long influenced and inspired by Michigan Native tales. As a child, I traveled to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Park. The Odawa or Ojibwa legend, depending on who you talk to, sparked my 5 year old imagination as my brother and I posed in front of a gift shop next to a man in Plains regalia. (Notice that I said, "man", not warrior or brave, and "regalia" not costume.)

"Sleeping Bear: The Legend" (detail) 2007, Lori Taylor

Since then, I have spent my life studying, reading, going to powwows, and talking and sharing with people about the Great Lakes Peoples and their stories. Heck, I grew up right here and spent my life running through the woods and waters of Michigan, how could I not try to understand the voices of the People and the land that I was raised on.

From artist, Frank Ettawageshick, to writer, Simon Otto, to a healing lodge in Ann Arbor and Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways, and more I have gleaned understanding from native teachings. Debbie gave us a great list of kid's books to read by Joseph Bruchac and Louise Erdrich and recommended the PBS, "We Shall Remain", for us all to understand their stories better.

I have studied the Sanilac Petroglyphs (I love the art there) and crawled across rock walls with Lake Superior at my back to see pictographs in Canada. These are images that speak with powerful emotion reaching out to touch others that witness them. As an artist, all art that speaks is art to be shared.

"Wisdom of the Elders: MAEOE Conference" 1993

Yesterday, I crossed the border--to Canada, to visit the Art Gallery of Windsor to see the Group of Seven exhibit of Canadian painters. Inserted in the exhibit was a piece from Canadian artist, Emily Carr. As I sketched her work, Yan Mortuary Poles, I realized that here was a Canadian artist, like me, with a strong desire to preserve the history or her home and the stories of its Peoples, as well as her love of the deep, dark coastal forests.

As a storyteller, I will continue to learn and tell these stories of my Michigan home in art and word. If these stories inspire and fire our imaginations for us to do great things for each other and care for our home--our land and waters--then is that not what those stories were preserved and intended for--to make a better place for all? I have learned alot in the past 30 years and I am thankful for the sharing of all Native stories of their home--which is my home and my grandchild's home.

November? Curling up at home--all of our homes, with good books and good stories!

Kalamazoo Conference with Kids, Cows & Coyotes!

2010-11-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

Is it any wonder that we illustrators and artists are the way we are? While attending a seminar in Kalamazoo's Western University last week for children's books, I saw the eight-year old school girl, Lori, come out. The topic of cultural diviersity was fascinating and helpful for us all--writers, illustrators and librarians, and gave us all much food for thought.

But as words rolled from the speakers, thoughts rumbled in my head. You know--that "Never-ending, Story Telling, I'm-Bored-Kid" voice that shouts--"Doodle!" As the librarians reviewed the books--alphabetically, I began sketching in my notebook margins--instead of listening and taking notes. (Mind you, I was there to hear the key note speakers and gave them my full--OK, semi-full attention, of which I came away with much appreciated and valued thought.) And I did get some notes taken. Book titles, key meaningful phrases that jumped out at me and the like.

But it was my doodling that carried me away in a pen and paper canoe!

Kids, cows

and coyotes filled the pages.

Suddeny--a new story idea hit me! I began sketching that out and came up with the skeleton of that tale. It's amazing how creative you can be when it comes to the droning white noise of a speaker speaking. I'm not dissing the speakers, the others there got a lot out of the review, but I was thankful for the time spent letting my mind go. A rare treat these days.

The only problem I had, came at lunch. Having lunch with SCBWI - MI members: Ruth McNally Barshaw, Leslie Helakoski, and Jennifer Whistler and others was great fun. We laughed, we shared, we discussed the topic.

Then Jennifer, who puts together the SCBWI-MI "Mitten" newsletter asked me if I was sketching and taking notes. I answered YES! excitedly and rather proudly. Then she asked if I could put them in the Jan.'11 newletter.

Yipes! Double Yipes!

I was sketching things that had nothing to do with the seminar. Once again, eight-year old Lori got caught red-handed and red- faced! I could hear, "Would you like to share your notes with the class?"

Oh well, at least I got a story to work on--and January is a long time away!

*Notes I took:

Books are windows that take us into another world.

Illustration is a universal visual language that helps us understand other customs and people.

Autumn Zoo Sketches

2010-11-03T06:14:00.000-07:00

Heading to the zoo for a pre-Halloween photo shoot and sketch. What better way to practice sketching than on moving animals! This puts your patience and hands to the test.

Elk pair resting.

Brown bear looking around.

Gesture sketching is the only way to capture these scenes. I don't even have to tell you how valuable the sketches are later on. You can capture resting and not so resting animals. Your hand records the movement as it happens.

Fiesta fun--wolverine and pinata.

While watching the wolverines, Marie had to reload a camera card while I sketched the playful pair wrassling a pinata. She missed that shot--I sketched. Of course, later on, I was quite thankful for her photos for wolverine details. But there is no replacing that attitude and gesture when it comes to illustrating animals.
Needless to say, the wolverines were the highlight of my day.

Restless weasel--try sketchig a wolverine in motion.

All in all, it was a lucky day for me. For all the times I had been to the zoo, I'd never seen this duo so animated. This dynamic Gulo gulo duo were a pure delight to watch and LISTEN to. From grunts and groans, to snarls and happy snapping jaws as they ripped apart pumpkins.

Full of spunk, the beautiful wolverine.

So grab your sketchbook, drop everything and draw. Any season will do. The more diverse the better. Visit the zoo or local nature center, your subjects await!

Wild Field Notes and Sketches

2010-09-10T07:18:00.001-07:00

After returning from Canada's Lake Superior Provincial Park I went through my notes and sketches. Whew! I needed a tutorial in note taking. I have always taken field notes and stressed the importance of them in every class I ever taught to young and old!

I later found a Tutorial on line to refresh myself. It discussed the Grinnell (as in Joseph Grinnell, one of the dedicated fathers of our national parks) system of field note taking through Notes and Journal and Species Account and Catalogs. But I was impressed with the simplicity and importance of the simple act of the Field Notes in a Field Notebook. Here is what I gleaned from the article.

Carry a notebook everywhere. That's super. I can do that. My problem was though, I took FOUR notebooks to Canada, actually FIVE if I count the one I carry in my purse. I had sketches and notes scattered everywhere. What can I say, I'm a sucker for a pretty blank book. So I need to limit my sketching to at least TWO when I go out. A small pocket notebook and 8.5 x 11" spiral bound to put those notes in (stapled or glued) and any map, text or travel guide, etc.

STATE, DATE, TIME the Field Note author suggests--(I do the who, what, when, and wheres)I failed to put dates and times in my Canadian sketches. Maybe I was smitten with the wild Canadian scenery or the thought of being surrounded by wolves in the mist that I forgot this essential data. I added it later to my scanned sketches and realized then that the date was wrong. A matter of a day or two, but this could be bad if it was something of vital importance. So, add DATE, TIME of DAY and weather in your sketch.

I did quick, quick sketches that caught the moment. "I'm not writing it down to remember it later, I'm writing it down to remember it." was a quote I found online. Later, while looking at photos, you may not catch the moment like you did with a sketch. The lake sketch was a simple and quick contour outline. Without words, it tells the weather. And this was a quick sketch because the drifitng kayak and scene kept moving!

The other sketch of the fallen log shows life and time of day and weather and season by the plants and animal activities. (The log had 4 trees and 1 shrub specie growing out of it) How cool is that? When I see the sketch I am instantly reminded and sent back to that day of the dragonfly laying eggs in the water, the smell of joe-pye weed and the small sparrow foraging on shore and the sound of the kayak bobbing in that cove. HOW COOL IS THAT? All from a sketch.

DRAW WHAT YOU SEE!!! Oh, so important. In the evening resting at a picnic table I noticed "v's" in the water moving across the lake. This sent the camp into a scramble for binocs and cameras! "Beaver!" I shouted. "Otter!" Lisa shouted. "NO! A sea monster!" I corrected myself. What looked like a brown beaver head suddenly turned into THREE lumps on the water. What the heck!

The brown thing(s) swam for the shore and I headed for my journal and spotting scope. I needed bigger guns now to see what crawled out! Marie and Lisa walked/trotted/ran down the shore with camera and binocs. I set up my scope. The mysterious brown beings crawled out onto shore. Two brown lumps--or rather two brown butts climbed over a log and into the brush. I drew what I saw. (*Sketch what you see before consulting a guide book! This will prove your sighting more accurately.)

Afterward, we compared photos (some blurry and the others really, really blurry) and my sketch. Hmm. Beaver or Otter. Then we discussed behavior. Beaver do not roll onto their backs and play. Otters do this. This was the "sea monster" pose that I saw (before I found binocs). I was convinced. Conclusion: Otters x 2.

These sketches become vital for future illustrations, discussions, stories and art. At the time, they are great fun to do. Later, when you reflect upon them you truly see their value. It's time to go get another sketchbook. For more info, Google--Field Notes and Joseph Grinnell.

Summer Time and Bitten By the BOOK BUG!

2010-08-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since last I wrote---my blog that is. However, I have been writing. Stories, snippets, words, phrases. And drawing many characters and character sketches. It's summer time and I have bitten by the BOOK BUG!

It all started...when I went to Hartwick Pines State Park for a solo camp. Me a tent and pens, paper and books. I read and wrote for two days. From the moment I started my engine to the time I tore down camp and hit the road for home, I was writing, formulating and concocting stories. It was a great time---not to mention the sweat lodge heat. I wrote and fed ground squirrels, my only camp-anions! I had no idea what this trip would bring, but it brought it on. The happily dreaded Book Bug. And I haven't stopped yet!

I am bringing out old stories and polishing them to make them new. I am writing new stories and polishing them for publishing. Old books will get a new face. And new faces keep popping up. Writing and illustration is my focus now. As summer swings into a silent pre-fall, I am excited with new work and new experiences and new faces.

October 8-10, I am attending the Society of Children Writers and Illustrators Fall Conference in August, MI. This is a mouthful to say the least, so I merely refer to the group as SCBWI (pronounced-"skib-weeee"). I am excited to participate in workshops and critique groups and to be immersed in a weekend of creative writing and drawing. The theme this year is "magic". I am decorating my "magic wand" for the conference as well as turning my "Magic" portfolio into a magical tome---much like a magical Book of Shadows.

With this renewed, refound writing quest, I have attended NON-SCBWI events, such as an Official Shutta Crum Schmooze in Ann Arbor and met writer and illustrator kindred spirits.

This past Sunday Artisan Market, I met folks who wished to attend the SCBWI conference and talked writing talk and who we knew. This is all very exciting, walking this new, old path. Pop in a Canadian WILD vacation and it will be fun to see what happens in the month ahead.

I will be hitting the book trail again by taking my new, old book, "Lissy-Lost!" to Ann Arbor's BookFest and PerryFest in September. The adventure, begins...again!

BEAR Den Life!

2009-05-01T08:01:00.000-07:00

What a wild week after our wild open house. We did have wild "pine needle tea" and garlic mustard pesto as promised. Eat your invasive species is my motto! Everyone who visited the gallery enjoyed the wild eats and wild art. Then came a wild storm or two and that made things even more exciting. You never know with nature!

Upcoming Bear Den Gallery Events:
Thursday and Friday, May 21 & 22 (9:30 am - 3 pm) "Once upon a Collage!"
This workshop is geared for beginners in the wonderful world of mixed media. We will explore different mediums, make papers, and how to use and apply them to illustrate.
Bring a sack lunch, watercolors or acrylics, a story or idea/theme to work on. Materials provided.
Fee: $100
Call to register: 734-223-8612.

Bear Track Studio Open Den! OPEN HOUSE!

2009-04-14T05:51:00.000-07:00

Come celebrate!

The grand opening of Bear Track Studios is slated for Saturday, April 25 from 10 am to 4 pm. Wild art, wild refreshments, a wild good time in the Bear Den Gallery/Studio 7477 Farley Rd., Pinckney. Three artists, three mediums celebrate the season and Earth Day with this special open house.
Come out to see art, talk art, talk nature, or simply visit.

Hope to see you there!
Lori

On Finding Wildness...

2009-02-21T08:59:00.000-08:00

I just found a site, Illustration Friday, that interests me. A sketch each week is posted to a new theme. This week's theme is "Intuition". Now as an illustrator and naturalist I find this fun and challenging on how to interpret "intuition".

At the time I decided to take part in this weekly scramble of illustrating a topic I pondered the idea of posting an illustration a day on this site. It may be too much to do one sketch a day, (although it's been done before by many artists online). So I will attempt one a week and then may-y-ybe move to one a day.

Yesterday I began my quest of a unique thing to share on my blog and find something to draw. But as the life of a mother and busy artist, I started off in the nature-filled county park in Clarkston delivering work and ended up in Detroit tending to my sick daughter around noon.

As I drove my thoughts turned to: "What will I see and possibly draw on such a busy day?"

Out my daughter's back window on Beaubien Street, in the heart of Detroit, grew an island of true wildness. Nature managed to find here a place to hide, to grab on, taking hold amid the helter skelter of city life. This was perfect for my first sketch; "Detroit Wilderness".

Staghorn sumac holds a crow nest, box elders cradle a leafy squirrel nest not far above a jumble of brick and cement. The color in this drab scene was pink insulation topping off the scraped together pile like icing on a wild urban cake. I wish now that I had had more time to invesitgate the scene and find more artifacts.

And as I drove away and headed back home to deer, fox, and pines, I remembered the scene and was remined of this week's Illustration Friday's theme of "INTUITION"!

Migizi-giizis Eagle Moon

2009-02-19T14:11:00.000-08:00

Eagle Moon,February,a time of cold, biting winds yet you know the promise of spring is around the corner---hiding behind each tree.

On the day of the Backyard Bird Count I sat for all of maybe 15 minutes. Cardinals and finches hopped in and out of the wind. Then---time's up. We all go back to work. With the cold and gloominess of the weather it is easy to get alot of work done. OK I need to do better than that for crying out loud!

So the day when the temps soared last week, we ran outside excitedly with jugs and spiles and looked for that tree hiding spring. There it was, a red maple. The sap poured from the hole in the tree waist high. Spring in a bottle! It flowed with gust until the sun set.

Cranes dance in the field by day and geese honk by night overhead. Spring brought in on wings whether by sunlight or starlight, it comes. Open water nearby brings bay ducks it looks like, or is it wishful thinking? Then today bitter winds and gray sky shroud the world and we all drop back into hibernation, seeing our shadow again, we nibble on crackers and chocolate and plan warm Florida trips.

For art, I try to get projects started finished up so that there is more time outdoors and adventure. All the year's plans are put in place. With workshops approaching I fill my head with color, textures, and line, gathering inspiration to share with others.

Color, texture, warm cocoa, nuts, and working in flannel and hoody, drinking coffee watching snowflakes spin, spring can wait a little longer because I need more time. Because right now I am a snug dormant seed that will all too soon peek out.

February is For the Birds

2009-02-06T18:56:00.000-08:00

As I go about my day from studio to work space I walk past windows of birds. Waiting to be noticed. Lately there has been a procession of cardinals and strings of juncos. Chickadee sings a spring song and nuthatches on tree trunks honk their horns as if caught in tiny traffic jams.
Michigan Audubon's conference theme is "Michigan's Magnificent Birds" this year. I am excited to go and fill my head with avian knowledge. But what I need more is to get out more to enjoy our marvelous Michigan birds more. Not just for knowledge, but to purely enjoy their being---their song, color, and behavior.
My favorite bird story was about a blue jay that I watched in Mio one day. It ate corn from a deer feeder my father had set up. But the feeder attracted more birds and plenty of squirrels. The jay soon learned that after it made a hawk cry sound, the squirrels and birds would scatter. Then the clever jay hopped down to the feeder to dine.
Join in the Great Backyard count. Do it for yourself and the birds! Maybe they are waiting to see if anyone is noticing. http://www.birdcount.org/ And if you have a great bird tale to tell, let me know.

January Ice Art

2009-01-15T12:09:00.000-08:00

What do you do when the temps drop below,

WAY below freezing?

Make icy watercolor art ... OUTSIDE!

Step 1---Dress warmly and pack your

water, brushes, and paints outside.

Step 2---QUICKLY do a watery wash

(while the paper is elevated at an angle...)

Step 3---Drop vibrant color (I use a triad of

pthalo blue red shade and violet and turquoise blue)

Step 4---Watch the wonder of ice crystals

form in the color and spread out.

Step 5---Let dry and get inside to warm up!

This art was done while

it was 14 degrees inside

my studio.

Happy January painting!

Porky Art Thoughts...

2009-01-13T13:09:00.000-08:00

“In Wildness is the preservation of the world” is a quote from Henry David Thoreau.In this quote, Thoreau is saying that wildness preserves, not that we must preserve wildness. Wildness was a task for Thoreau to touch and express. “The wild was a project of the self” Jack Turner writes about HDT.
Thoreau understood wildness as a quality, wild men, wild nature, wild friends, wild dreams, wild house cats, wild lieterature. Wildness was associated with other qualities–the good, the holy, the free.
The human connection, the human as nature, you and I, has been largely forgotten I feel. We humans as nature, are a part of the wild. In my own way, I have lived as Thoreau speaks–Wild thoughts, wild laughter, wild song. “Wandering in the wild”, means intuition is at work guidiing you, being free from plans, expectations, duty and more. Being in the moment, wildly in the moment.
For 2009 and beyond there is a need to practice wild self! To preserve the world.

This all I read after the painting developed. As with most art work, the art takes shape before the true meaning sets in and is revealed.

"for the love of nature & art!"

2009-01-13T11:09:00.000-08:00

"Wilderness...Preservation of the World" mixed media donation (work in progress) to the Friends of the Porkies.
The 2008 Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park Artist-in-Residence 20x 24"
Watercolor, gold gesso, charcoal, graphite, fern, on canvas and masonite with the quotes from the public during the Sept. 2008 presentation on "Wilderness" as well as the famed Thoreau quote: "In wildness, is the preservation of the world".
Signed Limited Edition Prints

AVAILABLE in Feb. 2009!

frog on a BLOG

2009-01-13T09:08:00.000-08:00

Mixed Media Work in progress from October 2008 on the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park artist-in-residence stay in August 2008. You can see how the forest is layered and begins to become altered and decays as the human and wildlife elements appear.