September Catch Up 2020

Is it a sign that I’m getting older that each year find myself saying , Wow this year have gone fast! Well even in this, strangest of years, I find myself saying it again! I felt it was high time for a catch up of all things children’s bookish so I hope you enjoy looking back with me over the past few months.

I have found some remarkable opportunities this year for catch ups via zoom with like minded kidlit lovers. The pandemic has forced the rethinking of ways to get together and I have been grateful for the way various groups have put so much effort into keeping members connected and informed. Here’s a few but there were many many more….

Juniper & Daisy

SCBWI- What an amazing organisation!

Illustrator critiques gives us the opportunity to come together and discuss our latest works. It’s such an encouraging group where knowledgable leaders are so keen to share their experience. SCBWI has also run online weekend conferences which have given the chance to hear from a variety of those in Kidlit with so much to share.

CYA

During the month of July, I was learning from the CYA conference in Queensland. Being online was a tremendous way to hear from so many others without having to leave my study ( or change my slippers!)

To my great delight…

I had the honour of receiving second place in the CYA open illustrators competition!!!

CYA Second Place for Fleur

Kid Lit Vic

KidLitVic has been postponed but there has been the opportunity to meet with publishers and it’s also very exciting that there is to be an online showcase! I believe publishers with have access next week and then other KidLitVic folk the following week- squeeeeeeeeee!

Pinerolo

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go to the Pinerolo cabin in the Blue Mountains for a day of learning with Margaret Hamilton and author illustrator Tohby Riddle. There is always so much to learn! I went a lovely friend with her own interest in the Kidlit world, and we enjoyed a beautiful crisp Blue Mountins day and a wealth of information. The charming cabin is filled to the brim with picture books from over the years and original artworks.

As I said a t the start there is too much to mention in one post but I’m so thankful for the community of children’s writers and illustrators.

SCBWI 2019!

Wow! I’m still getting my head around the excitement that was SCBWI 2019! I thought I would do a little write up while the experience is fresh to those interested in hearing all about it.

On Sunday 24th February 2019 the conference began with a trip to the Children’s Bookshop at Beecroft. It was an exciting event as we saw the launch of any new Australian picture books. What a lovely time catching up with friends in the kid lit community. Anticipation was building for the conference.

Monday morning arrived and by 6.30 I was on the bus clutching my portfolio on my way to the illustrators showcase in the Novotel Sydney city. I made the journey in one and a half hours and walked through the doors about 8.01. Phew!

Upstairs in a dedicated room, illustrators were doing the set up for the Showcase. Portfolios, business cards and postcards were being lined up. Anticipation filled the air! I set up in haste as did the other illustrators, with a final glance back at my portfolio, I walked out the door. The room was then only accessed by publishers for the entire day.

After an introduction by the amazing Susanne Gervay, the day was full of day was full of wonderful workshops by leaders in the Kid lit industry.

At the end of the day we were able to wander through the showcase. I was amazed at the variety of styles and the high standard that was set. It was an honour to be included!

The day ended with a dinner dance and a chance to let down our hair after such a big day!

The next days conference took place at the Mitchell library section of the State Library. I attended two workshops that added to the wealth of knowledge I was gleaning.

I also had the privilege of having a portfolio done by the super talented and super lovely Sarah Davis. Her encouragement meant the world and her guidance will continue to assist me into the future.

The Excitement Builds!

It’s hard to believe that it is only about 1 1/2 weeks till the Sydney SCBWI Conference begins!

For the past few months I have been busily grabbing any time I could to build a portfolio of artworks to show at Illustrators Showcase. I am getting into the final stages but will need a last minute push along to complete all that I am hoping to get done.

I am very excited, possibly a little nervous for the adventure to begin…

Bring on 2019!

What a lovely break I have had over the school holidays. There has been time with family and friends. Lots of precious memories to revisit!

I’ve also been working diligently, preparing for the Sydney SCBWI Conference at the end of February. This has involved the planning, sketching and finally painting a portfolio of works for the Illustrators Portfolio. It has really kept me very busy but ‘fun’ busy! Along with the physical issues of finding time there has also been those nagging questions that creatives sometimes find themselves pondering- Will anyone like my style? What will I include in my portfolio? What will 2019 hold for my illustration? Time will tell..

Morning Flower

The weeks of Term 3 are flying by and I can't believe the first Christmas food is available in the supermarkets! Can it really be that time already?

In the studio I have been very busy working on an exciting  project I will be revealing in my next post! I have had small pockets of time for other pieces but here is one that I recently completed using watercolours and pencil. I called it 'Morning Flower as Emily is giving the flower a gentle hug. 

Happy day all!

watercolour, pencil