Illustrator bio now available on Lerner Publishing website! Get behind the scenes from my latest children’s book, Hush Harbor, which was cited in Booklist Top 10 Religion Books for Youth as well as “Best Book in the Language Arts” by Society of School Librarians International (SSLI).
My Oak Island illustration was just printed in Prague magazine JUNIOR, my debut in the Czech Republic!
A few years ago, I created an illustration for The Weekly Reader that accompanied an article about the ongoing treasure hunt at Nova Scotia’s Oak Island. “The Money Pit” (as it is affectionately called) is considered the longest running treasure hunt in the world. I learned about the project through this illustration, and was flattered that my piece has started getting attention from followers of this legendary quest. Recently, I was contacted by a UK website called Oak Island Treasure, which wanted to feature my illustration on their site. Of course I was thrilled to add my piece to the collection of articles, news stories, archives, photos and video. It is probably as close to a treasure find that I will ever get…
Excited to be among several children’s book illustrators in an exhibition at the Asheville Art Museum. The show is titled “Nouns: Children’s Book Artists Look at People, Places and Things” and also features Eric Carle, Remy Charlip, Leo Espinosa, Gail Haley, Gordon C. James, Leo Monahan, Robert Quackenbush, Faith Ringgold, Edel Rodriguez, Art Spiegelman, Vera Baker Williams. The exhibition runs from Feb 13rd – July 11th. The pieces that I’ve contributed are from my first book, The Patchwork Path.
Finally finished painting the first of a series of international fashion ladies. This one is set in London, quoting old Art Nouveau posters that I adore. Next on my easel – Venice, Paris and New York. This has been a work-in-progress for the last few years. No deep message, just enjoying the iconic nature of this era.
My latest project was an editorial illustration for Clubhouse Magazine (Focus on the Family), which was published in their November issue. I love working with Clubhouse, they are so easy to work with, and their projects are always so meaningful. This piece was a full spread illustration about Richard Wurmbrand, a clergyman who was persecuted for his faith, then later founded the organization Voice of the Martyrs. The concept was an intentionally limited palette, my favorite kind. This painting has special meaning for me as well, because I recently gave it to my Grandma and Grandpa Costanzo, at a celebration for my Grandpa’s 90th birthday. It reminded me of them. It’s amazing how many lives can be reached in a lifetime.
Grace lounging on decorative pillows
Contemplating a new business venture with Tim – Dog portraiture. Envisioning a small side business with canine close-ups and Anne Geddes esque poses. Pugs wrapped in lettuce leaves, golden retrievers running on the beach. What American dog-owner wouldn’t indulge? And perhaps the added offering of personalized dog websites, poochie albums, even oil painting portraits based on original photo shoots. Perhaps this commercialization of man’s best friend would trump all of our efforts at surviving on our artwork. Or at least pay the bills, while we strive to exercise true Bohemian values in our illustration work. A random day-dream or brilliant business gem, who knows.
