Gabby & Gator

James Burks and Me @ Comic Con 2010

I was fortunate enough to meet James Burks this year at Comic Con.

He has created a very clever graphic novel.
At first view of his black and white illustrations, in two other smaller publications, I knew the new book (Gabby & Gator) would be fantastic!

James is a very talented artist, animator and all around great guy! http://www.jamesburks.com/

His new book, due out in September 2010 (just weeks away) will capture your hearts!
Hardcover with 192 pages. This book is full of great illustrations and a story line that will stay with you even after you've closed the book!

Gabby & Gator is perfect for all ages!!

 I was lucky to receive an early released copy and have since read it several times to my students and even once to my boyfriend (yes, it's really that good).
They all love Gabby & Gator so much that I'm frequently asked to read it, nearly everyday!

I do hope you go and visit James' website soon http://www.jamesburks.com/
and pre-order your copy of this really fun book.
 Cheers~

James signing one of his books for me :)

and happy reading!

Comic Con, My Kids and Me...

Comic Con 2010 was a family affair! Usually I am the only one attending comic con. Joyfully, this year I was not alone.
My son volunteered for four days! And I was so happy to have him join me!
To my uttermost surprise, my daughter also came for a one day visit!!
She and her friend came for a full day and nearly left midway through because of the enormous crowds! I would not let her go and insisted she let me take her for a walkabout on the expo floor!
Within minutes she was spotting celebs and posing with them!
Eventually both my kids met up and as they have always done, began acting silly!
No great surprise, I am their Mum after all ;)
My son was overtaken by a group of Superhero Woman...kissed by a lovely lady in a Steampunk costume (whom he then decided to hang out with at the Costume Ball).
My daughter made it through the great Hall with her mate for a third time only to finally give up, due to sore feet and a grumbling belly.
Happily I have a few pictures of these events.
My heart leaps with joy everytime I see them too!
Comic Con 2010 was so much fun for me and happily my kids too!

Comic Con 2010

What a great surprise to meet Noah!

Another surprising moment at the Psych panel.

Just isn't Con without Harry

Love this, his point of reference via cell phone!

I was so happy to make it to at least one panel this year, actually I made it to more than just...

While in San Diego...

So much to do and see while one visits this fine city!
I'm lucky enough to live here...and for the 6 days I spend in hotel, downtown
during Comic Con festivities there is sooooo much to do out and about!
The San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art is hosting a graffiti exhibit that is
in house and out and about the city, and outlining neighbouring towns.
Go to their web site for a map. http://www.mcasd.org/
Just a few pictures from my quick adventure around town!

Colourful mix

My usage of
lime green, sky blue and pink really
enhance "spring fever" in my drawings.
Funny how the various seasons influence my
choice in colour pallet.

My favourite medium of late; watercolour pencils.
Along with my extremely fine line perm markers.

Acco brand pencils (made in UK) are so wonderful. I couple them with
Staedtler pencil (made in Germany).

On a whim, I bought discounted markers from a local
art/crafts store. They were so marked down, I just
thought I could trash them if need be.
However, I have found these Martha Stewart brand
markers to be GREAT! With their .1mm tips, I love the
very fine line I am able to make.
I do have several Koh-I-Noor Rapidograph pens,
which have an array to nibs/tips I love.
But for the easy carefree use, these Martha Stewart
writing pens are delightful!

Well I'm off for now. To create more and enjoy this lovely holiday weekend.
Cheers~

Wee Blue Bird Inspiration...

Having finally found the parcels mailed to many moons ago AND
unexpectedly seeing the wee flirty blue bird upon leaving work (see previous post).
I've been inspired and motivated!

Life changes, losses and unexpected events can turn
a person inside out!
Happily, once the shock of this has subsided life resumes
a natural progression, happily.

Birdie

As I was leaving work
yesterday, I noticed this wee bird near my car.







This feathered cutie would fly from the mirror to the sign post, and back.




While at the mirror, the bird would flirt with itself.




During this whole ordeal, there was another birdie who sat near by, watching!



Nature is so silly at times!