LoveBiscuits

Okay, So Here it Goes

2009-10-03T18:43:00.000-07:00

For the most part, I usually try to keep my personal life, well--personal. But every now and then, events rear their head, whether they be ugly or not, and kind of take over my life. So, this post won't be art-related, but mostly Christina-related.

*FYI, I'm writing this post mostly so other women who are going through what I'm going through can find this blog and know that they are not alone.

This point in time is a bittersweet one. No, there have been no personal or family tragedies, per se, but life hasn't exactly been as blissful as is usually expected when you are--EXPECTING. Yes, I am 11 weeks pregnant which is the very "sweet" part. We're so excited to be bringing our nearly 3 year old boy a sibling to stride and leap through life with. We will be a complete family unit of four--okay six, if you count the dogs.

Now here's where the "bitter" part comes in. Just as with my first pregnancy, I am experiencing a disease called Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Yes, it sounds "grave" and it can be if not treated, but what it really boils down to is that I have an extreme version of morning sickness. Yuck. Yuck to the 5 millionth degree. Yuck to the power of infinity...

Hyperemesis is a disease that only 2-3% of pregnant women get, and is marked by severe nausea 24 hours a day and a lot of weight loss in a short period of time due to vomiting many, many times a day. This of course leads to dehydration, which can lead to a bunch of other dangerous body reactions if left untreated. I, myself, lost about 8 pounds in just over a week, and that's a significant amount for someone with a naturally small frame. In a matter of only a few weeks, I had to be admitted for 3-day stays in the hospital a couple of times. It renders you pretty much useless as by the time you've been diagnosed with the disease (if you manage to have a doctor who is aware of the existence of the disease to begin with), as your muscles and fat have already been burned by your body for energy which has technically gone into starvation mode. Oh, and I forgot to mention the fact that many women (including myself), cannot eat or drink much of anything. I, for example, couldn't even keep down 3 or 4 sips of water without it coming back up.

So, now that the messy details are out of the way, we can move forward with how I'm progressing and what avenues I'm taking to feel better!

I originally thought I 'd be able to journal my progress from the beginning, but the severity of my case is just now starting to lift, so now 11 weeks in, I am finally able to sit on the couch with my laptop without getting nauseated by just the glow of the screen! Small steps, small steps.

I'll explain my methods to dealing with this madness in the next post. So if you are visiting my blog looking for art-related stuff, you know you can skip my next post.

This is a good time for a break. Time to change my I.V. before I start the next post...

Ciao!

Frog and Pig Finished

2009-06-28T01:25:00.001-07:00

This has been pretty much finished for a while now, but I'm just getting around to posting it. I still feel like there's something missing though. Actually, it feels like there's a lot missing. But, there are a few things that I really like about it and will channel those things into the next painting. This is what happens when I don't have a very stable drawing or idea to base an illustration on. I was kind of flying by the seat of my pants on this one with a "not very focused" idea. So in retrospect, there's not a whole lot of substance here. This is only a portfolio piece and not for a client, but my next piece will definitely be fleshed out a whole lot better. I've been looking at a ton of visual development artists from the animation world and am dying to get some more drama into my pieces, but I'm always afraid to push values and points-of-view too far (even though I know that's what I really need to do). Maybe I'll do some "master studies" to get more of a feel of how they accomplish so much drama and atmosphere in their work.

Here is Lou Romano's work...an absolute incredible artist who has all the elements which make intriguing art perfectly wrapped up in each piece (lighting, atmosphere, tension, composition, drama, camera angle, color, value, etc.).

Well, on to the next painting which I will try to make a bit more Romano-like...

In other news, I attended the lovely OC Illustrators schmooze this morning and got pretty inspired by my fellow artists' work. It's always motivating to get together with like-minded people and spend some time talking shop.

I Never Have Been Much of a Journaler...But I Had to Blog About This!

2009-04-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

Every day small adventures come and go and every day I think, "ooh. I should blog about this". But life carries on in it's tidal wave fashion, and blog updating gets sloshed around in the undertow.

I've known for quite some time now that I am not the journaling type. So why do I constantly question myself as to why I never update my blog? Over the years I've been given many a journal. Each one I managed to sporadically fill to, oh, the third page or so. I guess there's no hope for this until I set an appointment to update my blog on a regular basis on my iCal. Three alarms will be needed to light a fire under my bum for blog updating. I do realize it should be part of my marketing strategy, so iCal, here I come.

I do have some great news to share since I've last posted: I have an agent! I am now represented by The Bright Agency--a really cool agency based in London. I'm super excited about this opportunity and curious to see what illustration life has in store for me around the bend!

On that note, it's time for me to get moving on my illustration work and get some sketching done!

Here is something I'm working on at the moment. Still have to finish up the background and add the final details to the piggy and frog:

Illustration Friday: Rambunctious

2008-12-15T21:27:00.000-08:00

No doubt this guy has been rambunctious today. This is a crop from a project I just completed about "The Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe". Click for a larger image.

Some Good News and Other Fun Stuff...

2008-11-22T17:29:00.000-08:00

About a year and a half ago, I became involved with a book project for the group Kids Konnected. It is an amazing support group for kids whose parents have or have had cancer. Previously known as Komen's Kids, it was founded by a 11 year old boy who found himself feeling alone as he dealt with his mom's battle with cancer. Everything about the organization is truly inspiring and I really suggest a visit to the website for any child or teen who might be going through a similar time in their life. There are now chapters of this group all around the U.S. where kids can get together and share their feelings with one another.

So more about the book: it's titled "Moxie" and is a picture book that helps to educate young children on dealing with the difficult subject matter of cancer from a child's perspective. It is educational, but is not at all "scary". Here is a summary as taken from the Cancer Connected website where the book can also be found:

"Moxie, a blue racoon, lives up to her name in this story about facing difficulty with spirit and courage. She also sees this in her friends, Kelly and Jon, who are learning how to do the same through the bond of having a parent with cancer. There’s also a journal within the book that was “written” by Jon when he found out his mother had cancer. His insights and examples provide an easier way to explain cancer, as written from a childs point-of-view."

The printed book has finally come to fruition and is available for purchase at the Kids Konnected site and at the Cancer Connected site, with $5 dollars of every book purchased going to the Kids Konnected organization.

Here are a couple pages from the book:

In other news, on Saturday I headed south for a "schmooze session" with my O.C. Illustrator buddies at the studio of (soon-to-be famous) Marilyn Scott-Waters. It's always fun to get out of the house and hang out with fellow illustrators--I always leave feeling inspired and ready to paint! Everyone in the group is at a different level in their career and it's fun to hear about the exciting projects that everyone is working on.
After our schmooze, we took a field trip to the *AWESOME* bookshoppe A Whale of a Tale. I had never been there before, but had heard lots of good things about it. Everything I heard about it was true--it's a cozy shop with tons of really cool kids books and a friendly and very knowledgeable staff. They also have a really cool bunch of authors and illustrators come through to speak and sign books, which is always a fun thing to experience. Saturday, one of my all-time favorite illustrators, David Shannon was there! He did a great presentation for the packed house of young 'uns and I even got to meet him (even if just for a minute) while he signed three books for my little one. I decided a year or so ago that I would start a signed book collection for Wind Up Toy and now his collection is up to about thirty signed books. He's a bit too young to handle them on his own now, but hopefully he'll appreciate them when he's a bit older!

Also, check out the lovely illustrator, Yuyi Morales' blog and Senor Calavera's new website for some really cool stuff!

I know this is an illustration blog, but...Kidney Stones are EEEEVILLLL!

2008-09-13T20:06:00.001-07:00

I am interrupting this illustration blog to bring you a public service announcement.

You know, I was thinking today. You see I had a lot of time for it: my husband is out working a 72-hour shift, and Wind Up Toy is at his grandparents house. Oh, and as for myself-- I'm sitting on my bed, trying to recover from having a kidney stone laser-blasted into oblivion (hopefully).

Anyhow, I was thinking that maybe from time to time I could throw in some posts that aren't just illustration related. So here goes the public service announcement for y'all:

If kidney stones run in your family and you haven't yet had the lovely experience of one rip-roaring through your innards, bringing you the most intense, vomit-inducing pain you've ever experienced in your life, you better be drinking plenty of water to keep them at away. Far, far away.

And just to get this info straight, no, I am not a middle-aged, beer-bellied man. So, it can happen to anyone.

No joke.

This is the third one I've had this year, and this time it took me out for, oh, five days now. They suck, they are excruciating, and they are EEEEVILLLLL!

Illustration Friday: Routine

2008-08-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs a bedtime routine--milk and cookies and a good book...

Illustration Friday: Detached

2008-08-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, admittedly, this one's a bit of a stretch. But here goes...

I bet that water buffalo would love to detach himself from that cart he's pulling around.

SCBWI Summer Conference...Short Review

2008-08-09T23:39:00.001-07:00

I know this is coming late, but just about two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the big SCBWI Summer Conference here in Los Angeles for the second time. It was all at once extremely energizing and extremely exhausting (in a good way).

This was my second time attending full-time. Last year, I attended full-time as well and though I came away with a ton of information, I felt as though I hadn't made the most of the weekend. So this year, I decided I was going to be more proactive. I promised myself that I would make more of an effort to mingle, meet new people and hand out lots of business cards--quite the task for someone who is usually on the "quiet" end of the spectrum. I actually ended up accomplishing all those things and ended up making a bunch of new friends. I also met and exchanged business cards with a few "giants" in the children's book world: award-winning writers, illustrators, agents, editors and art directors. It was a blast.

I also decided that I need to broaden my horizons and learn more about the ins-and-outs of the industry, so I attended some workshops held by agents, editors and art directors. I'm realizing now that I really need to read those Publisher Weekly's and Horn Books on a regular basis to become more aware of the going's on in the Children's Book World.

Of course, I did attend some workshops geared only toward illustration...I just had to see what one of my all-time favorite illustrators Mark Teague had to offer up. He was so generous in sharing his tricks of the trade and answering tons of questions. Among others, I also went to John Rocco's workshop on self-promotion and Yuyi Morales' presentation Magic Tricks and Secret Potions: An Illustrator's Palette of Techniques--both so inspiring! I left feeling ready to paint and get my name out there even more!

The single biggest thing I took away from the weekend though, was a common thread I picked up at almost every workshop, presentation and keynote speech: create from your heart. I know that may sound corny and trite--even obvious. But in retrospect, I don't feel I've painted for myself or trusted my artistic instincts for a long time...and to me, it shows in my work. I'm excited to begin painting again with a new sense of freedom and fun.

So, I met the goals I set for myself at this year's conference. So, what are some goals I'm setting for next year's conference (and the 12 months in between)?

1. PAINT, DRAW, PAINT, DRAW! I want to have a whole new portfolio by next year...

2. As my knowledgeable, encouraging friend (and awesome artist) Mac McCool tells me: keep on the radar of the industry people I met this year. Send postcards regularly...

3. Read more books (children's books, y.a. novels, etc.). There are so many great y.a. books out there I want to read...

4. Read more industry magazines (Publisher's Weekly, Horn Book, etc.)...

5. Keep in touch with my new art buddies!

6. Oh yeah, and next year: take pictures of all the cool people I meet and the fun events that go on!

There were so many other great things that happened: a cool illustrator's social, a big gala on Saturday night, a portfolio contest (go Patricia!), great keynotes and just an all around fun environment with fun people!

But, alas! There's no more time for blogging, I've got to get to painting!

Happy Little Elephant

2008-07-10T22:39:00.000-07:00

I'm currently getting ready for the annual SCBWI Summer Conference held here in Los Angeles. That means finalizing my portfolio, and getting business cards, etc. together. I ordered some fun things from here this year. I'm curious to see how they turned out. I should be getting them in the mail soon! Ooh, it's like Christmas in July!

And just to add some imagery, here's a happy little elephant I did for an educational workbook earlier this year. He's cute, if I do say so myself!

Illustration Friday: Seeds

2008-05-05T21:56:00.000-07:00

I think "beans" count as "seeds" in this case...

Something a little different

2008-05-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

I haven't even attempted any sort of landscape or outdoor painting since college...and that was quite some time ago...
Here is a "speedpainting" of Cambria, a small coastal town here in California. It's one of my favorite places to go--it's quaint and relaxing. Actually, my parents are there this week...hmmm, nice of them to invite me!
Well, this is a first in what I hope to be a series, of sorts. I guess my aim is to loosen up on my paintings and to use bolder, more visible strokes. This is a beginning, but I definitely have a long way to go.

Hansel and Gretel Contest!

2008-04-28T02:50:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I entered a local SCBWI contest (the Los Angeles Chapter). It was a scholarship contest in which the winner would be able to attend either the New York or Los Angeles annual conference for free. I always try and enter the local SCBWI contests--it's usually good exposure and a fun way to network.

For this one, we had to illustrate a scene from Hansel and Gretel. I went for a sepia-toned color scheme in order to keep it a bit mysterious/scary. Now that I look back at it, I suppose there are a few things I would change, but overall I'm pretty pleased with it.

Well, I didn't win first place, but I did get an honorable mention. Its always nice to get some sort of recognition. I'm glad I entered!

I do have good news from one of my illustrator friends, Mac McCool. He won first place in the "picture book" contest category for his graphic novel manuscript at the L.A. SCBWI Writer's Day event! Yay Mr. McCool!

Illustration Friday: Wrinkles

2008-04-28T02:45:00.000-07:00

Don't exactly know what this is, except that it's another old one...Just trying to keep up with posting more often here.

Illustration Friday: Fail

2008-04-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

Here's an old style I don't really do anymore. Me thinks the kid in the back isn't going to pass the test...

Bruce Springsteen Live in Anaheim!!!

2008-04-14T02:13:00.000-07:00

So, I had the fortunate experience of being able to attend a concert of a Rock Deity this past Monday evening. I feel kinda corny calling him that, but honestly, I've been to a few shows by a few "heavies" (Eric Clapton, Santana, among others) and this was definitely one of the best I've experienced. Period. Actually, lets just add to the title of Rock Deity, Poetic Deity.

On April 7th in Anaheim, my dad and I attended our first Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band show. It was my Christmas gift to him--I knew we'd both have a great time together--and we did.

I had always been a casual listener and fan by default: I've got quite a few fond memories of my dad playing "air drums" and screaming the lyrics of "Born to Run" on hot summer days (I promise dad, I won't go into embarrassing details such as the short corduroy shorts sans shirt, and the red bandanna you wore during these singing escapades...)

Anyhow, some of you may still have the impression of Mr. Springsteen as just an icon of the 80's, but let me assure you that after listening closely to his work as an adult the other night, I heard something completely new, fresh and relevant. The man is not only an incredible musician and performer, but an incredible writer. I think, in a way, he has actually sparked my imagination, something that an illustrator could definitely use from time to time. Since Monday, I've gone back through a lot of his catalogue and am excited to re-experience his work from a different viewpoint.

Not to mention, the dude has some serious stamina and charisma--a non-stop two and a half hour performance he gave us...I'm (practically) half his age and I felt tired for him. Definitely impressive. So if he comes to an arena near you, GO!

Okay, enough of my raving; it's 3am and I'm sleep deprived, hence the wordy entry. I better quit while I'm ahead, or else a 50 page expository essay on the man could very well be the result of this post...I've caught my second wind.

Check him out here if you'd like. This is not my video--unfortunately I wasn't that close...hopefully next time will be a different story. I've got some of his old and new stuff on my music player on the right too!

More Illustration Inspiration

2008-02-22T01:13:00.000-08:00

At the moment, I'm really enjoying surfing around the many animation industry blogs. More specifically, the layout and environmental design artists. Thankfully, many have blogs where they post their art. I discovered Vincent Massy's blog recently and I'm really impressed by the way he creates these complete environments with so many layers: forground, middleground, background, etc...It's just really beautiful how the lights and shadows play such an important role in creating atmosphere. As I look at his art, I wonder how much visual reference he has--is he looking at photographs? I'm guessing most of the time the answer is "no". I'm sure he's good enough to be able to relate these images without much reference. If only I could have the technical savvy. One day, I hope.

New Header

2008-02-13T20:19:00.000-08:00

I've just updated my header for this ole' blog here. You may need to refresh your browsers...

Wiping off the Dust

2008-02-13T17:07:00.000-08:00

So, here it is--February already. A new year, a fresh start. I've got some major goals for my illustration career jotted down on my to-do list and I'm ready to go. Already, I've got a few really cool projects in the works. I'll share more about those later.

In the meantime, I've updated my website. I used the really easy and fun-to-use iWeb '08. It can't get any more simple than that! Please go on over and take a looksy at www.christinaforshay.com. If you notice any glaring errors or slow load speeds, please let me know!

Otherwise, I'll be posting again soon...

Some Illustration Inspiration

2007-10-28T22:24:00.000-07:00

I've noticed a lot of people come here via a search on "illustration inspiration". So, in honor of them, here are some links to blogs I frequent...Make sure you peruse these when you've got some time, because you will most likely get sucked into a VORTEX OF BLOOOGGGSSSS....

There sure is some pretty amazing art out there. Go check it out.

More to come...

Craft:
Dantat
Flight
John Nevarez
Noah Klocek/Imageblock Blog
Alisa Haggard
I am Addam/Adam Ford
Blog o' the Barroness/Maryn Roos

Graphic Novel Day!

2007-10-21T22:48:00.001-07:00

Graphic novels are becoming a hot item in the world of children's publishing these days. If you have a chance, come and learn some more about this growing field at the Southern California SCBWI Graphic Novel Day on November 3. See you there!

New Project I'm Starting

2007-10-04T01:20:00.000-07:00

Here is a piece from a new project that I'm beginning to work on. I'll be in full swing with it coming up in the next couple of weeks. Maybe later, I'll let you all know what its about. Until then, here is the title spread. I know there's a few things I need to tweak, but here it is in progress (about 90% complete).

Hope you like it!

its been a while...as usual

2007-06-30T18:14:00.000-07:00

well, i'm gearing up to attend the SCBWI annual summer conference. my portfolio is undergoing a major overhaul over the next month. I've decided I'm going to try to complete a "speed painting" a day to keep up my creative spirit. Here is a quick 15 minute painting...

Illustration Friday: Green

2007-04-11T00:31:00.000-07:00

Here's something way off of what my style usually looks like. I'm posting it because the overall color scheme seems to be green, though there are lots of blues in it too.

This is the only piece I've ever done in this style. I experimented a bit when I took an Art Center at Night illustration class. Maybe I'll experiment a bit more with this look.

busy busy busy

2007-03-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since I've posted...I've been super busy. When it rains, it pours as they say! Well, here's a little project I finished up recently--some invitations for a baby shower with matching envelopes.

I found a really great printer online that I've been using. They are super inexpensive and the quality and color is great! I've been experimenting with a sort of collage look: using fabric patterns for clothes, etc. I'm looking for some royalty-free books of fabric patterns to use in my illustrations. Does anyone have any suggestions?