Sample Piece

This was a sample piece created before starting on the "Goal" book with Candlewick set to be released in April of 2010. After creating this image, me and my editor were able to talk about what we did and did not want as far as the imagery for the book in regards to color, textures, landscapes, etc.

Sneak Peak at "First Family"

Deborah Hopkinson is the award-winning author of many books for young readers, including Stagecoach Sal, Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek, Sweet Clara and The Freedom Quilt, winner of the IRA Award, and Apples to Oregon, winner of the Golden Kite Award.

Deborah did a great job writing this book and I surely enjoyed illustrating it! It hits stores Dec. 22 and is available for pre-orders. Pick one up this holiday season for your family and closest loved ones!

Pre-Order Now!!

Old Time Photo Sketch

While doing research for a book cover that I am working on, I ran across this photo and decided to do some quick sketches of the characters!!

More quick sketches

quick sketches

Michelle Hits stores Tuesday 9/29/2009

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Smart and sure, hardworking, talented, professional and passionate, loving wife and mother, daughter, sister, friend.

This is the story of a girl from Chicago who dared to dream big, worked hard to make things happen, and grew up to be an extraordinary woman: Michelle Robinson Obama.

Deborah Hopkinson and AG Ford capture the inspiring story of the first African American First Lady in this beautiful picture-book biography.

The Progression

Here are a couple of progression shots of paintings that I was working on for the First Family book I just completed that will be released later this year. I am basically painting very directly to work quickly, mid to dark thin layers of paint, and then opaque lights, wet into wet oils, usually just in one sitting for each portrait in order to work quickly to meet deadlines.