Impressions of NY

(photo from the roof of The Pencil Factory - studio of Sam Weber)

When I was planning to go to NY, I was really anticipating the things I would see - galleries, shopping, buildings, and such. Now that I am back what really effected me the most were all the lovely people I met! From the helpful people on the streets, the wonderful art directors and editors that took the time to meet with us, and the other artists I had the opportunity to talk with. I wish I had been better at talking to the other illustrators at the opening but I was glad to talk to the few I did.

(Eric Carle's speech was great, now I want to go to his museum!)

Here is a list of links to some of the illustrators,

Jillian Tamaki and Sam Weber. Jillian and Sam were kind enough to have dinner and coffee with us, it was a lovely time talking about illustration, New York, and home.

I've always loved the work of Taeeun Yoo and it was wonderful to meet her in person!

The work of silver medal winner Carson Ellis really stood out, so vivid and fresh.

Silver medal winner Dan Santat was such a great speaker, he really took off the pressure for me!

It is easy to see why Hyewon Yum received the Founder's Award. Super work and so happy I met her.

At the very last moment I was luck enough to meet Lauren Castillo, Alfie Runs Away looks so adorable! I look forward to reading it. (and she has an adorable website!)

Paul Hoppe = cool work!

We have always admired the work of Raul Colon so it was great to have a conversation with him.

Thanks to Rian Sias for stopping to say Hi!

And thanks to everyone else that I met, it was a pretty sweet night!

Gold Medal from The Society of Illustrators

I was in New York last week to accept a medal from The Original Art, an annual children's book exhibition at The Society of Illustrators. It was so exciting! I never did sports or such as a kid so this is the first time I have ever won a medal.

The opening was lovely - I met many great illustrators, editors, art directors, and old friends. My only regret was that I didn't talk to Eric Carle, he was there to accept a lifetime achievement award but somehow I missed him before he left!

I went back later to see the show and it is truly wonderful! If you are in New York I highly recommend visiting the gallery, it is amazing to see the original artwork in person! (and they have the books too)

"The Original Art", an exhibit celebrating the fine art of children's book illustration, is on display at the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators from October 20 through November 24, 2010.

http://www.societyillustrators.org/At-the-Museum/2010/2010-Original-Art/2010-Original-Art.aspx

Peek at my creative space(s)

I was very happy to be able to contribute some pictures and thoughts about my studio and how I work for From the Mixed Up Files. A blog by Jennifer Bertman where she interviews creative types about their work spaces. Very Fun! Thanks to Jennifer for the invitation to be on her wonderful blog.

Visit my interview here:
http://writerjenn.blogspot.com/2010/10/peek-at-creative-space-of-renata-liwska.html

A martial arts bear

From my sketchbook,
I don't remember where it came from before that.

Sketching

Mike and I went sketching with another illustrator, Byron Eggenschwiler.

A very cute little baby boy was interested in watching Mike and Byron draw. (top left of sketchbook)

Byron's work can be seen on his website HERE.