1) Helen Chamberlin, My Great Publisher/Mentor 2) Bologna Children's Book Fair

My publisher/mentor Helen Chamberlin is an Australia legend who has revolutionised Australian publishing industry. This shy lady has created so many awarded Australian picture books that have become classic. Helen was awarded 2001, Pheme Tanner Award for her outstanding personal contribution to children's literature. This depiction of Helen is really spot on. 

"Helen epitomises the best of editorship, a quiet voice standing in the shadows behind the public faces, shaping, guiding, challenging and demanding."  

Furthermore, 2009 Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) = The APA Pixie O’Harris Award for her distinguished and dedicated service to the development and reputation of Australian Children’s Books. (*APA = Australian Publishers Association). 

Other awards are, 
2009, George Robertson Awards for her distinguished service to the Australian publishing industry.

How many people on earth could get all those incredible awards in life? Helen did it. 

In Hachette / Lothian Books (1990 – 2008), Helen nurtured soooo many brilliant Australian illustrators that have become big names such as Gregory Rogers, Anne Spudvilas, Peter Gouldthorpe, Neil Curtis, Narelle Oliver and Shaun Tan. Too many to write up all though, "Shaun Tan" is best known and anyone knows their beautiful working relation. So, no surprise that Helen got those amazing national awards mentioned above.
After retiring, Helen was welcomed by Windy Hollow Books in 2009. She has been working there to the present. Helen is a trainee editor, too. 

Very generous Shaun signed my "graffiti" at his book launch of "Arrival." 

 He gave me his "graffiti", too. A great bonus! 

Now, you've got how great my Editor/Publisher Helen is! You have no wonder Helen and Ann got me Shaun Tan signed "Rules of Summer" for my birthday present last year. My Publisher/Editor and Mentor are such accomplished key persons in Australian publishing industry!

Study of a central character for "Moon," my first trade picture book 
to be published  by Windy Hollow in Augst 2015

Yes, publisher/editor Helen is one of the most highly respected persons in Australian publishing industry. She entered the publishing industry in 1971 as a trainee editor at Heinemann Educational Australia (= Pearson). She has worked in both education and trade picture book publishing. Originally, Helen was a secondary teacher of English and languages : German and French. Helen's language assets is astonishing. She also employs Italian. Helen and I have the same interest, "linguistics"! Also, I've started my illustrator career from education picture books. Coincidence. I did my first illustrated work "Stuck!" written by Janeen Brian divided from Pearson/Harcort. Last year, I finished up an ACER's commissioned work (*ACER=Australian Council Research Project), whilst working on a trade picture book "Moon" under Helen's supervision. She very well understood my situations and kindly supported busy me. So sweet! Helen always inspires and supports me.  

Helen's working history is full of prize-winning picture books and significantly glorious. Today, any big names in our industry celebrate me, "You're lucky. Helen is your editor! She's great. I look forward to your picture book." Helen has assisted many of those Australian "star" illustrators and authors. I'm certain illustrators and writers are dreaming to work with Helen. So, I've been extremely happy and very blessed that I have had the superb Editor and the wonderful Mentor Ann. 

My picture book illustration is at the final stage. In my ongoing colour for "Moon," a double spread rough (A2) is done = a half way through. WOW... amazing... from these (see below) tiny dummies to this final stage, we've climbed up to. How many story boards did I ever try? Plus so many roughs for each dummy. Quite demanding work. Always Helen has encouraged me to HAVE FUN in work at the tough time. She has tried to maximise my strengths! 

Now, other topics! 
2) "Quotable Winston Churchill" becomes "e books" as well as print. 
From Running Press (USA Publisher) 
This tiny tome is filled with Winston Churchill's biography, his most inspirational quotes, and excerpts from some of his most famous speeches. 
My work is at the title page!

3) Human Rights Organisation, "Right Now in Australia" and I have been working for a publishing project (*soon will be published).

My images are included for their homeless issue. Honoured and very happy. I hope my work will call public awareness on human rights issues.  


4)Bologna Children's Book Fair (Sunday March 23 - Thursday March 27) 
Friends, it's time for the world biggest and prestigious kids' book fair!  My publisher and editor Helen Chamberlin and I sent best wishes to my mentor Ann James leaving for Bologna. 
You can check your own country's information here, Exhibitors List 2014. 

My mentor Ann James (Book Illustrated) is heading for Bologna. She's leading an Australian team. Here's our section! YEY!!!

Hello! From Australia - Bologna Book Fair 2014

Ann James/Book Illustrated is updating LIVE news by face book!  Exciting!
If you are near to Bologna, say hello to our Australia team!!

Another study of the central character for "Moon"

With my good news, I've popped up at local libraries. Librarians celebrate the ongoing illustration and other publications. So nice to share my joy with others, especially, who have encouraged me at a tough time. Librarians will HAPPILY give a further support, when I do book launch = Libraries and I will enjoy "author talks" and "exhibitions" in 2015! Wow! Exciting!

I'll take a break for blogging and concentrate on the projects, taking care of the hands. I really appreciate your warm cheers. 

I'll post on the personality of editor/publisher Helen Chamberlin later and how she helps me, an illustrator. Look forward to a post!
Friends, you, too, make your dreams come true. 
Thank you for a great support and patience. 
Good news, my hands are improving. 
Happy Painting!!

NOTE

*Helen has been awarded, "Dromkeen Medal" on 23rd in October, 2014. One of the highest honours in children picture book publishing industry. I was invited to her ceremony. 

** I also wrote about her personality from my sweet experiences with her. My blog post is here, "Helen Chamberlin, mastery of editorship dedicated for children's and young adult literature." 
***A "publisher" choses what to publish, commissions authors and illustrators etc.
    An "editor" works on the book with an author and an illustrator. 

1) Helen Chamberlin, My Great Publisher/Mentor 2) Bologna Children's Book Fair

Holiday Leave for Blogging

Friends, we had a long weekend, Australia Day ( = happy birthday, dear Rhonda!). I have bad news and good news. Joints' pains in hands bother me. Need a break for typing. Keyboard work hurts hands. Hand specialists are helping me ( *two yrs ago, the doctor did my hand surgery! Great success.) So, please pardon my blog's holiday leave for a while and keep patience.

Good news is, I submitted "most colours" for the picture book project! Yey!! Author Matt Zurbo gave me wonderful advice to make these images. Now, my mentor Ann James says, "Great work Sadami, I like the feeling. I'll print them out and see how they work as a book. Have a break, treat yourself! RELAX!!" Yes, indeed, her say is right on a spot! My editor/publisher Helen Chamberlin says, "Gorgeous. You are so advanced with it ( in the process of picture book illustration) " 
Next, a publishing team will give me feedback. Then, we will work on images more, if necessary. Friends, get surprised? Yes, creating a picture book takes such a long time and a lot of processes. 
The publishing team, Editor Helen, Author Matt and other staff are very caring and so sweet. They kindly give me time as much as I need to get better. 

This break will be a good time to keep away from my own work. And come back to it to examine the images like a third party or in an objective view. I really look forward to feedback and to working with my wonderful publishing team!
One day,  I'll post on my editor/publisher, so sweet, very thoughtful and wise. Helen is already an Australia legend and highly respected in publishing industry.  Shhhhh?! Friends, I've already made her portrait in a loose style. She said with a wonderful humour, "I'm honoured!" and added, "20 yrs younger than me!" Well, Friends, I'll leave it to your decision if it looks younger or not. Look forward to my post on Helen with her portrait in the near future! ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ I feel I'm very blessed to work with brilliant Author Matt, admirable Editor/Publisher Helen and superb Mentor Ann.  

Now, my hands will take a rest. 
Thank you for understanding and I really appreciate your great cheers. Please pardon my few comments/responses or only short "text" messages on your blogs. BUT I always enjoy your blog posts! 
Friends, take care. Happy Painting!!

Holiday Leave for Blogging

Tips for Loose Up Watercolour = Show, Don't Tell

This week, I'll chat over "Show, don't tell." It is famous advice for writing. We know the difference between writing that involves the audience by showing what’s happening in stories and simple telling/reporting information that holds the reader back. I keep "Show, don't tell" as a guide for my art work. 

Technically, this is my way to loose up work. 

1. Value study of selected theme. One topic per work.
2. Simple drawing. Lines are the fewer, the better.
3. Colour use, as above. Limited palette. Play up contrast and play with paints/water.
NOTE: If you're confident to use many colours, go for it! The point is how to handle value with colours.
4. Quick brush strokes, the fewer, the better = enjoy washes.
5. Play with water and paints. Use "plenty" of water.

Below, when I started sketching the busker at market, I thought, "Wooops, did I make a too strong contrast and a too thick colour?" But it went not bad! The player's face expression was my main interest. His fingers and body movement were my second interest. I sang and danced together with the band, while sketching!

In my view, the beauty of a loose up watercolour style is the beauty of omission that comes from ambiguity created in soft edges. Technically, in order to loose up work, an artist is very selective of visual information. I choose one topic/interesting thing and omit or delete a rest of others in sketch and work. Too busy information never works for a loose style. When I wonder if I should put more or not, I stop brushes. It's hard and a great temptaion, but I try not to do overwork. The simpler, the better. No trick. (*I hope even little kids understand my work!) Brush strokes and colour use are the fewer, the better. Value study is the key for a successful loose up style. When I get stuck, I always sketch in black and white and check my value.

Below, my sketches of other buskers in the band.
That's enough for my painting. You'll find very a few lines. I always sketch only necessary points. Later, the band members said, 'Wow, it's me!" "Hey, that's you!" and we had a cheerful laugh together. Nice! Having fun is very important for happy watercolour!

Interestingly, once, my Mentor Ann James said, "You're a painter, rather than a drawer." I think she understands my playing with colour paints in water and her say implies I put on weigh on paints more than lines in watercolour painting.  Also, I've realised that my eye remembers value and does correct drawing mistakes in colour painting! Does it make sense? My colour use and value compensates my drawing mistakes and amends drawings. Yes, my brush strokes fix drawing lines.  So, I do not care drawing mistakes and move on colour asap, before a subject has gone out of my sight. A work results in freshness, my most strength. 

I also assume a loose watercolour style provokes viewers imagination and involves viewers like "Show, don't tell" suggests. When I play up one interesting topic, I leave work to readers imagination. We know when artists tap viewers imagination, work will become rich than simple facts. When artists try hard to "explain" about something in art work, art work results in very poor and not so interesting nor touchy.  

I'm exploring watercolour, while working on the picture book project and so ons. Now, the picture book project's colour is more than a half way through. I want this picture book to stand between imagination and reality or come and go between mood/emotion and fact.  It's very challenging for me. Oh, I've made lots of messes in a studio. It's really good to check them again to create good illustrations. It's worth trying experiments. Of course, I sometimes feel down and out. But your warm cheers through this blog really lift me up. Yes, your cheers always remind me, "Joy must come first."

Thank you, Friends!!!
You, too, enjoy drawing. I'd send you my warm cheers, too! I hope we will enjoy "swimming" DEEPLY in watercolour.
Friends, Happy Painting!!

 

    

Tips for Loose Up Watercolour = Show, Don't Tell

Sydney Festival Inspired Seduced Elated in Summer

Come join Sydney Festival (9 - 26 Jan) This art festival celebrates visual art, music, dance, performance or whole art areas. Event locations are varied in Sydney. Many programs are in City and Parramatta.

Some events and programs are free and very fascinating : Project 28 : Roman Ondak ( we, laypersons mark our "names" on a wall that makes art and eternity!), Sacrilege (Interpreted "Stonehenge" in a contemporary way --"JUMPING CASTLE"!!),  Rubber Duck (5 story-high, not Ernie's one!) and Library (secondhand books exchange!). Which event do you like?

First, "Project 28, Roman Ondak (artist's name)" that has fascinated me most ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ. Friends, don't we wish to mark our existance as eternity in universe? If so, this creative public art is yours. Anyone can leave a name and a date on walls set in Parramatta Town Hall. I wondered how the artist would decide my name's position on a wall? Friends, by an individual "hight," staff puts a name on a wall. According to the project team, hight is "Measuring the Universe." Neither assets, race, gender, age, religion, social class nor any social filters set in society.

I also ponder about Nazi concentration camps that completely denied both individuality and humanity of Jewish people. Individuals were recongnised only by numbers, not names. This beautiful work already has fascinated visitors at some of the world's greatest museums and galleries.

So wise and clever! 
Interestingly, our own hight looks individual, in fact, it is quite similar among adults. Consequetnly, the art becomes collective and inclusive. Our names come together at a very similar position. How thoughtful the artist is! All participants look very happy and often take photos of their names. Of course, you can interpretate this art work freely and differently. What do you think or feel, Friends? The art work makes me think of eternity, our existance, similarity/equality and difference/individuality on the earth and in universe. The staff and volunteers invite me to come again to see the finsihed work at the end of the Festival. Sure! I will!

Second, Sacrilege or Stonehenge, but a huge "JUMPING CASTLE" in a festival village in Hyde Park at the heart of Sydney City. This stunningly big jumping castle faces St Mary Cathedral. The artist might think of the same common element, "spirituality" between Stonehenge and a big gothic church. What a unique and great humour!! ~(*o*)~ Who can connect Stonehenge to a jumping castle, so much our everyday stuff? Oh, creativity is amazing. I always wanted to sketch Stonehenge. Now, my dream has come true! Children get excited so much and enjoy bouncing. But after the playing time, all participants get so exhausted. Jumping seems energy consuming work! Friends, you have to come and see and jump!

Third, Rubber Duck comes back and up on Parramatta River. This rediculously enormous Rubber Duck makes us smile by its mismatch between seirousness and humour in art. It always reminds me of Ernie in Sesami street. But who can imagine this size? -- only artists can do ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ. Many people come around and look at it, enjoying picnic in Parramatta park.

Last, "Library" in a festival village in Hyde Park under beautiful and cool shades. Sydney Council runs this project. They set freebie secondhand books on shelves and visitors can pick up books. One person one book. Children's picture books are very popular and quickly gone! Many people enjoy reading books that makes me very happy. Around a library, people play chess and kids play wooden blocks (what a healthy and safe idea!). Cheerful voices and laugh often come up. Lovely, so lovely. 

Librarians/staff are looking forward to my blog post. ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ·.•*•♫°•♫·.•ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ

**Special thanks for Festival Team and City of Sydney Library. They have kindly put "Sadami's Graffiti" on City of Sydney Library Facebook.

Oh, yes, in Hyde Park, a guitarist plays beatuiful classic music for visitors before a fountain. We really love his live music.

I'd say special thanks for volunteers and staff and all backstage players who have been carrying out this wonderful festival for us.

 

Friends, if you can, come over Sydney and let's have fun together and join art work!! Or do you have any event like Sydney festival? Let me hear about yours.

Finally, my colour for the picture book is going steadly. Editor and Mentor patiently encourage me. We happily discuss about my submitting work. Thank you, Friends, your cheers always lift me up and I can come to this stage.
You, too, enjoy drawing.
Friends, Happy Painting!!  

Sydney Festival Inspired Seduced Elated in Summer

Resolutions & Life Drawings

Hi, Friends, Happy New Year! Thank you for visiting my blog in 2014. Did you have a wonderful Christmas and a new year's eve? I had! Now, 2014 has started! 
"You can’t do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth." – Evan Esar.

OK, my new year resolution -- practical and realistic.

1)  Complete the picture book
We'll get on work from a next week.  Editor said like a last whip, "Sadami, if you have a question, ask your Mentor! (whilst her Christmas leave)", but Editor never forgot to give me sweet, adding, "Have lots of swims and Happy New Year. Love." What a lovely Editor! Good Girl, Sadami has been working on colour!

2) Book Launch
My dream is to have a picture book's book launch at uni and else where. I'd invite wonderful supporters to say special thanks. 

3) Enjoy Upcoming Projects
Yes, already interesting projects have come to me in 2013.

4) Enjoy Figurative Work in Sketch & Watercolour
My most favorite genre is figures. We all know "being honest with ourselves" is essential to make a good work.  Go, figures, make snap-shot-like portraits more.

5) Try Competitions More 
I tried only a few competitions last year, really. The picture book project has occupied me. This year, I'd try a bit more, say, at least, five. 

6) Walk Well 
No, not a cat walk. 
Yes, I've been challenging walking without a stick. Although balancing is not easy, I'm optimistic and positive. Then, dress up! I want to put on sexy shoes!  
But my dear and very wise blog friend said, "No, Sadami, you do not look sexy(*Ouch!), but cute - and believe me, cute lasts all your life while sexy fades pretty quickly :)  So you are much better being cute!" ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ·.•*•♫°•♫·.•ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ
Ooooohhhh!!!!! I did not know it. That's true! OK, this year, I'd go on this way, go cute! Lalalala~~!

All my resolutions are achievable. You do not find such as "bring back the moon," "lose **kgs/weight," or "conquer Mount Everest." It means there should be solutions and strategies for my objections. (BTW, Friends, is a successful diet much harder than climbing up Everest, don't you think so?~(*o*)~)  

Friends, what is your goal in 2014?
Finally, I'd share this say with you.

"Life is constantly testing us for our level of commitment,

and life's greatest rewards are reserved for those who
demonstrate a never-ending commitment to life.
As simplistic as this may seems,
it is the common denominator separating
those who live their dreams from
those who live in regret."
---Anthony Robbins

May 2014 will be a wonderful and fruitful year for you, I pray with all my heart.
Dear Friends, Happy Painting, 2014!

Resolutions & Life Drawings

Through 1st Round World Watercolour Competition!

Very good news, I'm ONE of 600 artists selected from all over the world! WOW!! I got through the first round for the world biggest international watercolour competition held by "The Art of Watercolour" magazine!!!

The submitted works are two. The letter does not tell which got through. 

The notice is below. 
"Dear Artist friend,
The first selection stage of the World Watercolour Competition is now over. You were approximately 2,000 artists from 80 countries to take part in the competition.

The significant number of participants shows how much you were involved in this event aiming at highlighting watercolour and watercolour artists throughout the world. We deeply thank you for it.

After the first validation of the registration forms, we are pleased to inform you that you have successfully passed the first selection stage of the World Watercolour Competition organised by the magazine The Art of Watercolour."

Here's the info. I'm certain many blog friends have seen this ad on net, haven't you?

This is the wesbite on the comp. Big prizes, offered articles+exhibition for winners. 
http://www.artofwatercolour.com/competition.html

Q&A = entry condition
yes, they do until 4 rounds.
http://www.artofwatercolour.com/pageconcours/questions.pdf

In addition, the competition entry condition is very tolerant.

1) any subject, any style will do

2) watercolour dominant but also with any medium use will do

3) works created in the past five yrs

4) 2 paintings

5) anyone can submit work

6) no fee for a first round

I'm certain so many, really tens of millions watercolourists, armatures, other medium artists tried. 

Oh, too good to be true. Pinch me! Ouch!! Yep, true! 
Then, a second round will soon start in a next year. Only 250 will be left for a second stage.

What a wonderful way to end the year and start 2014. 
This achievement encourages me so much. (*They do selection until five rounds. So, I do not expect I will get through them. But very happy, I'm one of 600 prestigious and honoured artists in the world!)

I've been working on the picture book project as you know. But I want to work on figures, too in 2014. 

Friends, thank you for your warm cheers that have enabled me to go forward in 2013. Oh, I cannot depict with a language how much blogger Friends, YOU have backed up me. My achievements are, in fact, yours, too. BTW, I have a sore right hand and will consult a specialist in 2014. So, please allow me to take a rest well and keep patience for a new post in 2014.  
Wish you a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!
Friends, Happy, Happy Painting!

Through 1st Round World Watercolour Competition!

Christmas Carol & "Fair Go" Sketching

I've submitted colours done so far. A short break! Yey!
Now, a Christmas season! I love listening to Christmas carols, especially, organised by school kids! Oh, their voices are so cute and beautiful. (*I personally believe their chant is an angels' hymn!) Audience appreciate their singing and dancing. Certainly, children have practiced for so many hours. We should say special thanks for teachers, too. 

When school children realise my sketching, they have a great interest in me. Some pupils nudge each other and wave at me. (Hey, kids, look at your teacher, not me!) After the choir, they dash to me. 
"Can I have a look?" Sure, why not!
They try to guess my models and tell each other, "That's you." I was sure that modeled children would be happy and not focused kids could get disappointed. That bummer was easily gussed before sketching. So, I did a bit "trick"!

BTW, Friends, have you ever heard of a "fair go"? In Australian English, "fair go" implies equal rights and egalitarianism.
According to a Macqrie dictionary, 
In Australian and New Zealand English, (Colloquial) 
Noun 1. a fair or reasonable course of action :
Eg) Do you think that's a fair go?
2. a chance to get on with something without interference or distraction :
Eg) The chairperson pleaded for silence and a fair go for the speaker.

Interjection 3. an apeal for fairness and or reason.
Eg) Fair go, mate!
Friends, do you notice something in the sample sentences above, particularly, in conversations? Yes, a speaker asks/demands a information reciever to do a right thing in a speaker's disadvantaged contex and unfairness.

Now, you get a phrase, "fair go" user actually wants for justice, equality and accesibility of resources. So, a "fair go" comes up in a welfare, a social system, politics, sports and almost in any Ausrtalian social phases. It is an interesting expression and a controversial topic from time to time in Australian society. 

Back to the topic, sketching! I do fair go sketching for kids. How do I do it? I secretly mixed up some children's appearances and made one picture. I do not choose a specific child for a model! Yes, it means my singing child is no one in the choir. I keep it private for children and just let them guess as they like. (they are having a fun to guess who's who.)
A brave boy asks (commands?!) me to "Draw me!" Sorry, dear, I cannot pick up one person. "Fair go."

Regarding fair go, may that phrase will be fully achieved in society. Christmas is really a lovely time in a year. A city is full of love, joy and fun. We enjoy parties, catching up, family reunion, exchanging cards, charities and events. I hope we can keep this sweet feeling whole through the year, every day. May love, peace and fair go will pour out on the earth. 
Thank you so much for warm cheers and a great patience for a new post.
Friends, Happy Painting!


**In addition, a "Macquarie dictionary" is our nation pride! That's the best dictionary on Australian English and edited by Macquarie uni in Sydney. If anyone wants to study Australian English, look up a Macquarie dictionary! And my hidden hobby is reading dictionaries. Cheers, wink, wink.

Christmas Carol & "Fair Go" Sketching