Artwork in Children's Books

I've been reading books to my little one for at least 3 years now, but I was never struck with how wonderful and beautiful some of the artwork in these books is until just the other day. We were reading a book called Circus Train by Jos. A. Smith who is a fine artist and art professor. He wrote a note at the beginning of his book that tells all about the paintings telling the story.

Now, the story itself is not the best, but the artwork is really wonderful! After reading that book, I started to pay more attention to the other books we had checked out from our library (which is hard to do with an impatient 4 year old wanting to continue the story!) and discovered that I've really been missing out on some great artwork.

Check out some of these artists and see what YOU think:

1. Jos. A. Smith
2. Helen Oxenbury
3. Anne Mortimer
   
4. Tad Hills
5. Macky Pamintuan

Great stuff!

I know there are those of you out there who would say, "How could you be so blind?!" Well, I dunno.... just blind, I guess. LOL

Looking at all this great artwork has made me want to get out brush and paper and get back into is myself. Only... who's got the time and money to do it? Maybe one day I can do it... when I'm retired.

I've been talking a lot with my good friend, Doug West, who is a phenomenal artist. He lives in Kansas City with his wife and 2 (soon to be 3) children. Doug does a lot of paintings working in oil and even takes requests. He wants to try sculpting in bronze someday and I hope he gets to do that. (He's also very reasonably priced since he's still trying to break into the market.) So, if anyone is looking for a custom painting, give him a holler.

School is just a very few days away. I think Chris and Bee are beginning to look forward to it. They're tired of being "bored" at home. LOL And they're both really looking forward to their art classes this year. I did try to talk them into home schooling, but neither one wanted to do that... for different reasons. That's ok, it's still an option when/if they want to take a deeper look at it.

Josh also starts school soon. His open house is the 21st and I can't wait!!! This is terrible to say, but "Peace for 4 hours a day!!!!!!" LOL I'll be able to study!

Activities I'll be doing today: Pulling weeds in our small vegetable garden, getting ready for dinner tonight (hosting Mom!), hopefully reading more books with wonderful illustrations!

Forgive Me My Time Away

Hi, everybody. Sorry I haven't posted a blog in such a long time. There are a lot of excuses running through my mind, but I admit it's mostly procrastination getting in the way.

I've enrolled in classes at Ft. Hays State University and am taking 4 classes this fall. I'm excited! (although my classes aren't the most exciting ones around.) So, I am a full time student and a part time teacher! How's that? lol

I've been looking into Internet Marketing recently. Since I'm going to be doing my classes online and working on the computer anyway, trying to make some money along the way would make sense. I'll be letting everyone know how it's going with that. I do know people who make money doing it.

We are also in the middle of county fair week. We entered several things for the kids yesterday morning (Josh did some crafts and drawings, Chris and Mike both entered "doodles" and Bee entered a three dimensional portrait of a Spartan and her quilt. Josh won 6 blue ribbons and 1 red, Chris and Mike both got 1 blue ribbon each and Bee got 2 blue ribbons. (Blue ribbons pay $3, red ribbons pay $2 and white ribbons pay $1.) Congratulations to them!!!

We also enjoyed looking at the chickens and rabbits. They even had a funny looking duck and two turkeys this year.

Looking through all the pictures was quite confusing. Some of the photos that didn't place very well were, in my opinion, very good while others that won blue ribbons were, again in my opinion, just awful. Thinking back on it, though, I guess that's what happens when you enter something in a county fair... family votes for family, amateurs don't know what to look for in quality, etc... Even, or maybe especially, in a small town it's all about who you are and who you know.

Here are my tips for a great photo:

1. Make sure your focus and lighting are optimal.
2. Pick a subject that speaks to you or that you know the judges will like.
3. Always remember the 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 rule. (Don't center everything!)
4. Don't afraid to be creative.

I've noticed that people in Scott City like certain things: Agricultural themes, nice or pretty images, feel-good subjects. Some of the better photos this year weren't the "pretty" ones, but ones that evoked emotion that wasn't necessarily happy. None of these photos won a blue or a red ribbon.

Last night we had watermelon at the Watermelon Feed sponsored by Farm Credit. (They do this every year.) Tonight will be the Beefiesta which is roast beef sandwiches, baked beans and potato chips along with water or iced tea sponsored by several Scott City businesses. And then, on Saturday, we will have the County Parade, Tasting Booths (lots of free food, but also lots of standing in line!), the Kids Pedal Tractor Pull (Josh is old enough this year!) and Kids Day at the Grandstand where the kids run races and win prizes. (Last year Bee tried to catch both a greased pig and a chicken... she missed! lol)

I'll have some pictures to post after Saturday's fun, so be sure to check for them!

Activities I'll be doing today: Researching Internet Marketing, housework (YUK!), pulling weeds and County Fair stuff!