Hide and Seek

I know it's been a little quiet around here recently, but I've been quite the busy little bee--especially since I was determined to finish up a certain artistic project for the holidays!

And now, I am oh-so happy to present my newest illustration, "Hide and Seek!"

You can call this either my magnum opus, or the bane to my existence.  Both are equally appropriate!  I started this piece over a year and a half ago as a gift for my newborn niece.  (Who is now almost two, but thankfully still loves woodland critters and duck tushies!)

This piece was a challenge every step of the way.  I'd open it up in Photoshop, move some animals around, tweak this and that, get discouraged, then put it away for a few months and do it all again.  Over the course of all those months, I altered (and altered, and altered...) the composition, added animals, subtracted animals, re-added animals, and drew that grass about a bagillion times.  It took me sixteen months just to decide how to tackle those leaves.  I cursed my over-ambition and wanted to scrap the entire thing on more than one occasion.

But 20 critters, 300+ Photoshop layers, and 60-70 hours later, it's complete and framed and now in the hands of a very happy little girl.  :)

And that makes every challenge totally worth it!

In the end, I'm glad this piece took me the better part of two years so I could apply everything I learned from my other illustrations along the way.  This piece is a mix of old styles and new techniques, texture experiments, and as much cuteness (and duck tushies!) as I could cram in.  It taught me to try new things, think big, and keep at something even if it seems impossible.  (It also taught me that sometimes a raccoon just wants to be a fox, but that's a story for another day!)

I hope you enjoy my newest illustration and artistic swan song to 2013.  But above all, I hope those duck tushies make you giggle as much as a certain niece of mine.  ;)  
    

COSCBWI Meeting November 2013

This month's COSCBWI meeting combined the general and illustrator meetings.  While it was a chance to wind down the year, it was also an opportunity to celebrate the successes of COSCBWI's writers and illustrators, especially those who participated in the Member Exhibition.

If you missed the Member Exhibition that took place on November 2nd, you missed one amazing event!  The Amy Clark Photography Studio provided the perfect space to hold the gallery, and attendance was nothing short of impressive.  The studio was packed with friends, family, and all sorts of passerby from the Short North Gallery Hop.  Everyone was fascinated by the showcase of work and had wonderful compliments for all the pieces on exhibit.  It made me so proud to be a part of such an amazing and respected organization.

The exhibition pieces all ready for the gallery opening!

Anyone who couldn't attend the event, or had to leave early, was invited to pick up their exhibition piece at the monthly meeting.  In addition to sharing stories about the gallery night, the group members also put on their thinking caps to discuss some writing and illustrating goals for 2014.  (The new year is just around the corner!)  Lastly, members who participated in "NANOWRIMO" (aka National Novel Writing Month) gave the group updates on their progress.  Writing an entire novel in one month is no easy feat, and it's always impressive to hear success stories from writers who conquered the 50,000 word goal!

Due to the busy holiday season, there is no COSCBWI meeting in the month of December.  But the COSCBWI board (myself included) is busy planning meetings and events for 2014!  Remember to "like" COSCBWI on Facebook or check out the group website at coscbwi23.wildapricot.org for all the latest updates! 

I hope to see you all at the next meeting in January!

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's that time of year again!  Time to stuff our faces with DELICIOUS food and give thanks for all the blessings in our lives.

I hope you have a lovely time celebrating with your friends and family, chowing down on turkey and pumpkin pie, and remembering all you have to be thankful for on this wonderful holiday. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Presenting the NEW BLOG!

Hello dear readers!

I want to officially welcome you to my new (and very much improved) blog!  I've tidied every page, cleaned up all that cyber dust, and am rolling out the party cannon to celebrate this occasion.

If you have a moment, I invite you to please take a look around.  There are some handy new gadgets on the side (like following me via email!), and spiffy new pages at the top.  And did you notice that new HEADER?

Yup!  I've officially thrown my hat into the illustrator ring.  Now what do you think about that, world?  ;)

At first, I played around with the title, "K. S. Powers, Writer & Illustrator," but it just didn't seem right.  While both terms accurately describe me, they don't describe all of me.  I added "Dreamer" because that's who I am at heart, and always will be.

So kick off your shoes, have some cyber punch, and click around 'til your fingers droop.  I hope you enjoy my new blog!

Happy Halloween!

Remember how I like to cram my dog into silly costumes where she can't see every Halloween?

Well, say hello to.... 

DRAGON PENNY!

Penny says, "This is even worse than last year!"

As utterly confused as she looks above, I promise Penny doesn't mind the costume the second the doorbell rings.  She looooooooves trick-or-treaters!

Penny says, "Spiderman!  And princesses!  And another Spiderman! I love this!"

And the moment the door closes, she stares at us like we're big meanies who just ruined all her fun.

Penny says, "Why'd you make all the Spidermans and princesses go away?"

Happy Halloween!

I hope you seize this opportunity to cram your favorite doggy, kitty, kiddo, or other unsuspecting victim into a ridiculous costume with googly eyes!

Penny says, "At least I can see again!"

Construction Zone!

Please excuse my cyber dust for the next few days.  I'm going to be spiffing up the ol' blog, and I have no idea what's going to happen.  As you can see above, I've got my rain hat on and plenty of caution tape, so I'm clearly prepared for any issues that may come my way.  Don't be surprised if I somehow blow up the entire internet.

COSCBWI Meeting October 2013

This month's COSCBWI general and illustrator meetings were combined.  With the big, awesome, super-exciting member exhibition coming up ON NOVEMBER 2nd, it was an opportunity to go over some last minute details.  The illustrators brought in their framed (and beautiful) pieces and participated in a little show and tell.  Then postcards and fliers were passed around so everyone could spread the word! 

If you don't already know about the COSCBWI Member Exhibition, it's a collaborative project between the COSCBWI writers and illustrators.  First, the illustrators created works around the theme, "Open A Book To Find The Road Less Traveled."  Then, the writers chose an illustration to write an accompanying jacket copy or book text.  The illustrations and writing pieces will be on display together at Amy Clark Photography Studios during the Short North Gallery Hop next weekend. 

I am sooooooo excited for the event and very much hope you plan to attend!  The Gallery Hop runs from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, so do stop by anytime to mingle, enjoy some light refreshments, and see the talents of the COSCBWI members. 

You can find out more about COSCBWI (and the gallery event) at coscbwi23.wildapricot.org.  I hope to see you next weekend!