MNSCBWI Fall Conference

Just a reminder that the Minnesota SCBWI Fall Conference is almost here! Saturday, October 11, 2008. For more information, please visit here for conference details!

Coloring Page!

After submitting my storyboard thumbnail sketches to the folks at Alma Little this week, I received some great feedback and now have a few sketches to revise. Very cool! As I am still not 100% certain what I should or should not post pertaining to the book, I will instead offer up a coloring page for any kids who might like it. My oldest daughter has trained me to scan in my images before I paint them, so she can color them. I am happy to. Plus, my friend's daughter has been itching for a picture, too. Emma, this one's for you!

Saturday Evening Post

Here I am standing next to my paintings at the gallery in Owatonna. I think I might use my Blue Jays for my next postcard... Hope you are having a nice weekend!

Chapter One

After being contacted by Alma Little, sending in sketches, and signing the contract; I am now starting to work on the storyboard and layout for the book. I feel a bit relieved because everyone I have talked to at Alma Little has been extremely nice and helpful. Plus, I can always count on my wonderful art friends for advice and support. The artist's reception for the gallery show was nice, and I did a lot of painting this weekend (in my kitchen and dining room). I am bummed that my mentorship with Christina is almost over, and I am excited for the next mentorship winner because they will get a chance to work with Shawn McCann. So cool.

Owatonna

Hi! This is a tiny bit of one of the paintings I have in a gallery show in Owatonna, MN with CBIG. It is really great to be affiliated with such a nice and talented group of people. I am still at a loss for words as far as illustrating goes, but have been working on gathering my thoughts and questions together to send off to the publisher. Presently, my husband is watching Harry Potter and I am having a hard time concentrating on anything else... Hats off to J.K. Rowling!!!

The Cat Is Out Of The Bag!

First of all, Christina Rodriguez is way too wonderful for words! I just read her blog and all the nice things she said....wow! It took me a while to clear off my desk, but I have officially begun working on my very first picture book! I can honestly say that I am winging it, but feel very lucky to have Christina and the rest of the Art Ninjas to lean on, along with all the super nice people at Alma Little (who have been supremely supportive and helpful already). And of course, my family and friends (am I having my Sally Field moment or what!?!). Stay tuned for more exciting updates from Nina's desk....
p.s. Alma Little is an imprint of Elva Resa Publishing, based in St. Paul, Minnesota!

Flower Power!

I had a fun time painting these flowers for my friend's daughter. I like acrylic paints because they are so fun and bright. I feel very lucky, I was asked to illustrate a picture book and just signed the contract. I am excited and nervous all at once. Mostly, I feel very humbled and am still trying to absorb it all. With lots of luck, paper, ink, and paint.... I might just make it.