Category Archives: Picture Books

Jim Aylesworth’s, Cock-a-doodle-doo, Creak, Pop-pop, Moo, takes place on a farm, and although Jim doesn’t specify when the story takes place, I imagine the early, 1920′s.  I always”picture” the paintings in my mind as I develop sketches for the dummy … Continue reading →

A few sketches from the dummy book…

The picture book begins to take shape in the story board phase.  This is where text separation and page format comes into focus.  The illustrations at this stage are small and rough. The spare text for, Cock-a-doodle-doo, Creak, Pop-pop, Moo … Continue reading →

It’s very important that characters in a picture book are consistent throughout.  Little Johnny had better look the same on page two as he does on page 22!  To make this easier, I begin by creating a series of sketches … Continue reading →

     Illustrating a story requires a vivid imagination.  Initially my imagination is sparked by the words.  The words build a framework for the illustrations, providing facts (and sometimes mere clues) about who and what is in the story as well … Continue reading →

I signed on to illustrate, Cock-a-doodle-Doo, Creak, Pop, Pop, Moo!, a story by the talented Jim Aylesworth! As you may have guessed simply by reading the title, I’m going to be depicting life on the farm. I hope to update … Continue reading →