heidi

study in animals #1

raven

thank you ogden!

I am one of eight recipients of the Ogden Mayor's Awards in the Arts this year. If you knew me, you'd know that I'd rather be in the background working and not in the limelight...but I am really honored to be recognized for all the work I have done in the background. I've been doing volunteer work since the age of 15 and it continues to be the hardest and most rewarding job I have ever had (next to being a mom of course!). And it would never be as enjoyable if it weren't for the like minded fun people that work along side me. On that note, I share this award with all those who work really hard bringing and maintaining the arts in the community. Every picture hung, every costume danced in, every piece of scenery, every short local film made most likely has a volunteer or two in the background simply doing it for the love of art...

dear gabrielle,

When your dad asked me to write you a letter I was very excited. I spent time sorting through all the lessons I'd learned in life, and tried to pick just one that I could wholeheartedly share with you. All of a sudden writing a simple letter became the most difficult thing in the world. I wanted to say something really meaningful. It was difficult to not simply give you a bunch of advice. It's even harder to share one lesson and just let it be.

In any case, here I am a year later and finally finished writing you that letter. And though the lesson I ultimately chose to share is unavoidably cliché, it is timeless. I am grateful for every day I'm here and I can look back and say "Whew, made it!". So whether you are six or sixteen I hope it's those three words that inspire you to keep going in, through and forward in life.

I'm still excited about the letter and I thank you & your dad for reminding me of that very lesson.

Your friend always,
Lisa

bidding for good fundraising auction

If you ever wanted to own an original (collectible) painting, an actual panel from a published picture book, now is your chance! Up for bid is an autographed book and one of my paintings from The Daddy Longlegs Blues. The fundraiser supports our local pre-professional ballet company here in Ogden UT.
If you are the winning bidder, and you mention you saw this on my blog, I will personally add three more copies of the book for you to donate to your favorite local school, library or charity.

Spread the word, spread the love, thanks!

Bidding has now closed. Congratulations to everyone on a successful auction, and my heartfelt thanks to the patrons who purchased my piece!

on my desk

Auction is over but the inspiration from it still lingers (thanks Dan and all!). It's a reminder to turn off those editors in my head and just have fun with my projects. I was working on a series of art for the Bologna Children's Book Fair recently and noticed a creeping resentment towards my art table. I successfully avoided it on a daily basis. One painting done, I just couldn't bring myself to do the remaining four. It was a case of avoiding something I felt like I SHOULD be doing.

So my point to the story is: I'm not doing the series for Bologna this year, I'm doing it just because I want to. It's a series called "The Paper Boy" and I'm excited again. And if you know me this is a big break through! Ahh, the zen of art....

Stay tuned for more.

it's on!!!

The Eyewitness Art Auction benefiting 826LA has officially begun. My art piece is up for bid now, along with a bunch of really great illustrators. Go to Ebay to view the art & place your bid now! More information can be found on the auction website. Thank you for your support!

In the mean time, watch the video below to learn about the tutors...

The Tutors of 826 LA from Judd Apatow

pass it along!

eyewitness reports: auction 1 begins next week!

EYEWITNESS REPORTS: EYEWITNESS REPORTS: AUCTION 1 BEGINS NEXT WEEK: "Starting Monday August 23rd you can begin bidding online for the artwork created by a whole slew of amazing picture book artists who have cr..."

My piece will be available in the first auction. Please follow the link above for more information.

Spread the word! Spread the love!