Character

This drawing was inspired by the owner of a pizza shop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. He stopped at our table to chat when we were having dinner with fellow illustrators Jillian Tamaki and Sam Weber. I mentioned that I was visiting from Calgary, and the pizza man said he had been through Calgary to go skiing in Lake Louise. He then brought out his iPhone and showed us some pictures.

But they were pictures of sandwiches! He had taken them at a little cafe in a strip mall in Lake Louise, if you have been there you know which one, the pizza man really loved the sandwiches.

This is what is great about traveling, you get to meet interesting people.

Deborah Underwood

Here is a lovely link to Deborah Underwood, the author of The Quiet Book, giving her perspective on the importance of children reading picture books.

Go HERE, KQED Radio

Birdies

Saw some little birds outside this morning, I don't know how they do it! The temperature was -29 °C/-20 °F

Finalist for the Governor General's Award !!!

My illustrations for The Quiet Book were named as a finalist for the Governor General's Literary Awards this year from the Canada Council for the Arts!
It's unbelievable, and I am very honoured and humbled to be nominated for this prestigious award. It is a big thing for an artist in Canada and for me.

When I first heard about it a few weeks ago, I received lovely email's from several of the other finalists including Jon Klassen. It was a treat to hear from him because I am a big fan of his work and enjoyed reading the book he was nominated for Cats' Night Out.
Congratulations to Jon, he was chosen as the winner of this years GGs for illustration! I am very happy for him and I don't mind losing out (too much) to his wonderful work.

As for me, I will have to cross my fingers for next year and enter Red Wagon and The Loud Book!

Congrats to all the finalists, it really is an honour to be nominated.

Some Jon Klassen links:
http://www.burstofbeaden.com/
love this VIDEO he designed alongside the director David O'Reilly

Drawing in Times Square

Good place to draw at night, lot's of light and character(s).


You may notice in the photo below, Mike has his bag in front of him!

How to identify a Tourist

Mike had this idea, I just drew it and added the different ways they carry their bags.



On another note, I came across these awesome commercials on swissmiss I know it's stupid but it makes me laugh.