Picture Books and Public Libraries

Do you often go to a library? In library activities, I love a story time best. 
Probably, this sketch is the most beautiful scene we hope to see in a daily life. 
Particularly, it's a bliss for me, a picture book illustrator to see reading books enhancing a family bond. Printed picture books can bring a shared joy in space. Great to see children and parents singing, gaming and listening to picture book stories. My joy to see children and parents enjoying my illustrated picture book, "Moon," too. 

In a digital era, printed picture books will survive or remain, I expect. I agree with this passionate Mem Fox's thoughts on books, comparing a television with a book, Flashing Screen or Turning Pages. Her presentation is very interesting and fascinating. When I attended it, kind Mem celebrated my work under the supervision of the mentors, Helen Chamberlin and Ann James. Furthermore, she signed it like below. Yes, Mem Fox wrote "Possam Magic" and Julie Vivas illustrated it. It has sold more than millions all over the world. 

I'm getting busy though, our publishing team is looking forward to a new picture book, "My dog Socks," in October by schedule. Other books I was involved, too, are on the way to be published. I hope my books will bring others love, hope and dream. Libraries will offer the place for people to access books all over the world. 

Friends, Happy Painting and Happy Reading!  

BIBLIOGRAPHY 
Fox, M (2017) http://memfox.com/for-parents/for-parents-flashing-screens-or-turning-pages/

Picture Books and Public Libraries

Creating Picture Book Workshop on 1 July

News! Publisher Margaret Hamilton and multi-award winning illustrator/author Freya Blackwood  will run a creating children picture book workshop on 1 July @ Pinerolo. It will be wonderful and helpful. Margaret, the so supportive book launcher of my illustrated "Moon," and Freya whom I've admired are lovely! I sketched Freya at the book launch, "Look, a book!" written by Libby Gleeson in Sydney uni. It's a great chance to learn "how to" in their mentorship.   

Friends, happy painting and happy learning!  

Creating Picture Book Workshop on 1 July

INSPIRED at Festival Centre Adelaide

Hi, Friends, the exhibition runs from May 18 to July 9 and coincides with Dream Big Children’s Festival and the performance of MATILDA. There should be crowds!
Adelaide Festival Centre, King William Street, Adelaide.
Time: 9am–5pm, Mon–Fri and during show times. 

Thank you for including my work, Moon in Australian celebrations. A great honour. 
Indeed, these names are Australian and international superstars in picture book industry. They've always inspired me. 
Image taken from River by Marc Martin, published by Penguin Books. 
When you come near, please drop in at the exhibition. Thank you! 

INSPIRED at Festival Centre Adelaide

Transport Heritage Expo

In Transport Heritage Expo, children and adults got excited to the locomotions at Central Station! We all love steam and choo choo trains. On 26 September 1855, the first passenger railway line opened from Sydney to Parramatta in NSW. In the event, the steam engine operated between Central and Hurstville in 60 minutes for return. All the passengers, young and old looked so happy. I waved at them all. 
Children and family often came to me and enjoyed a chat. They delightedly took a photo with this work -- that made me very happy.   

Special thanks for all the event staff who handled so many people and assisted people with disability. It was beautiful to see an event crew friendly leading children into a locomotion and another crew assisting people with impairment in eye sight. No accident, no injury! Cleaners did a great job. The team appreciated my feedback and we've become friends! Wooo, hooo!    

I will develop watercolour paintings from these sketches. Steam and washes are very interesting. I want to put colours on the black and white below. 
It was nice to relax myself after the illustrations. Now, I will move onto other projects and commissioned work.  
Friends, Happy Painting! Have a creative week! 

Transport Heritage Expo

My dog Socks completed!

I sent all the illustrations to Ford St Publishing run by Paul and Meredith. Thank you very much for Ford St Publishing, author Robyn Osbourne and all the supporters. These are my doodles for "My dog Socks." Have fun! The story shows the bond between a boy and his dog, Socks.  When time comes, I'll let you know the publishing date and the front cover. Please share joy with us.  

The project was a great fun for me, a dog lover and the publishing team, dog lovers, too! Daily sketches and research have helped to develop characters. Many people, dogs owners have encouraged me on streets, when I sketched their doggies. 

I also thank for my mentors, Ann James, Helen Chamberlin and many friends in an Australian publishing industry.  I greatly appreciate the support of peak bodies : Accessible Arts NSW, Australian Society of Authors, National Association for Visual Artists, Ku-Ring-Gai art society etc, etc. 

Look forward to the publication and more information! 

Friends, Happy Paining!  

My dog Socks completed!