tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7774049874954112902024-02-19T02:56:11.461-05:00Debbie Palen IllustrationDebbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-18263401461493922342019-10-07T05:42:00.001-04:002019-10-09T13:37:34.306-04:00How to Start First Grade <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Four and a half days without the internet is probably enough to make you want to write a blog post or something when it comes back on, right? The sheer gratitude of having a connection can be an inspiration.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> The weather is turning cooler, kids have already been back at school for a while spreading new virulent strains, and recently the nice people at Random House granted me permission to show some of the final illustrations from my latest book, a 32 page leveled reader featuring a first grader who struggles to come to terms with his waning popularity when a new girl comes to school. The title is<i> How to Start First Grade</i>, and it is scheduled for release on 6/9/20.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I really enjoyed the playground chalk art scenes, drawing kids yelling at each other, (anger is so much fun) and the challenging scenes which required me to draw the backs of kid's heads.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I have a strong aversion to looking at my work after it is finished. I'm sure I'm not alone in that feeling. I think enough time has passed since I finished these in July and August, that I can look at them; even if it's through slightly parted fingers. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A postscript: after I wrote this, the electricity went out for a few hours. But now I'm back, and with a little luck I may actually get a blog post out for Monday morning.</span></span><br />
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Cover. The blackboard is obsolete, but the bulletin board lives on.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve and family and Dad the waiter getting fortified for the first day of school.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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All of his friends are happy to see him again.<br />
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He's still got it...<br />
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... until Hannah from Alaska shows up with her gold nugget.<br />
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Celebrity is fleeting.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> So he draws his house which is also a rocket ship. The kids have their doubts.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> He challenges Hannah about her house. Shouting ensues and teacher steps in.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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" Don't worry about it", Steve says to Hannah. "I get sent here all the time." </td></tr>
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The moral of the story is: If you are going to make a shark out of paper mache´ for Show and Tell, don't stuff it in your backpack because it will crumble, patch things up with your enemies before the principal opens her door, and remember: "He who has the gold makes the rules".</div>
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Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-24811605124270496312019-02-18T05:53:00.000-05:002019-02-19T02:28:41.717-05:00 Good Kid inTraining I'm finally taking time to blog about my work again. The holiday season was super busy, mostly with this book. Please visit me<a href="https://www.instagram.com/debpalen/" target="_blank"> <span style="color: red;">on Instagram</span></a> for more frequent posts. <br />
My illustration has usually been geared to a younger audience, but in November I was asked to illustrate a middle grade novel, for <i>One Elm</i>, a new division of <a href="https://www.redchairpress.com/home" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: red;">Red Chair Press</span>. </span></i></a>It's 121 pages with 17 interior illustrations in black and white.<br />
I've had experience drawing pre-teen girls, for the Period Book and a few others for Bloomsbury. So illustrating for the 9-13 age group seemed like visiting old friends, except with bikes, boogers and frogs this time, and bunnies to even it all out! Boys can't be entirely gross, after all. It's a story about how difficult it is for a fourth grade boy named Roosevelt to be good no matter how hard he tries, and ultimately, the lessons he learns about the value of friendship.<br />
The first step was to create some character sketches, based on their personalities and emotional tenor in the manuscript and a bit of direction ( Roosevelt is white and has glasses, for example).<br />
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The art director suggested that Spaghetti Eddie could look like Eddie Haskell from Leave it to Beaver. Sounded good to me. I tried to keep him from looking older than the other kids, though.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You look beautiful today, Mrs. Cleaver."</td></tr>
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I did a couple of tiny thumbnail sketches for the cover. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KMLfud4xzmmKQrmCrPtcnWHzV7H18a7XzEDuzIptUp8B5_XZb8_4JWhH9ElWOFY94c_OA01CFlXMZj8mxj8c7BISyLIlbOegneDiT8LnuW9owpNjuEMcFkLfffjFxZkoIuHuYd8f-4s/s1600/+cover+sketch+3+roos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="1020" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KMLfud4xzmmKQrmCrPtcnWHzV7H18a7XzEDuzIptUp8B5_XZb8_4JWhH9ElWOFY94c_OA01CFlXMZj8mxj8c7BISyLIlbOegneDiT8LnuW9owpNjuEMcFkLfffjFxZkoIuHuYd8f-4s/s320/+cover+sketch+3+roos.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A captured frog jumps out of his mouth.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMwoTCFahYNxutW_LWYeatw9RaERXZlhSzJfKSoGc3-WB_n0HEJFJ8z7ifq8A3R0jQtD0p72o24-tFeNPqSbCkwmtwHoWjSrey1tZGOLXL4dhHc347ToyTovj-xVQJra7s6jRME9rkn0/s1600/cover+2+sketch+roos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="1050" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMwoTCFahYNxutW_LWYeatw9RaERXZlhSzJfKSoGc3-WB_n0HEJFJ8z7ifq8A3R0jQtD0p72o24-tFeNPqSbCkwmtwHoWjSrey1tZGOLXL4dhHc347ToyTovj-xVQJra7s6jRME9rkn0/s400/cover+2+sketch+roos.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Wreaking havoc with rabbits.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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They chose the second one. So I went to final art, first as black and white. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNe7n6i01GzkVL7N_hOHNHFgZ3kufM45atHOhjL17WnIOoJ8hcOyoqIxYSEoE0O-d_-PAjKzjnWCHkhu5imFQ-OQ6kYkRNj0GArbNUOGGr4Pm816EolcCkoAykS5Tc0WBfP_EMLqaobm8/s1600/cov+roos++bw++type+layout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1600" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNe7n6i01GzkVL7N_hOHNHFgZ3kufM45atHOhjL17WnIOoJ8hcOyoqIxYSEoE0O-d_-PAjKzjnWCHkhu5imFQ-OQ6kYkRNj0GArbNUOGGr4Pm816EolcCkoAykS5Tc0WBfP_EMLqaobm8/s640/cov+roos++bw++type+layout.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Type layout was overlayed to make sure the positioning of the art would be accurate. Adjustments were made on the back cover text to give the art more space.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6YXszMWAogsDbusQ5uVOCbu3gGrUQxSSjA3e7hBaupt35pLl1FTfi2NlsGeyuJgzrSRU4F-TL0TbFjyC7IdDxTvrzCk1QNL_gfy6aG-_jf3QThGn0QP1Z0ywHO74CSGfTO5qv0ncIlo/s1600/+roosevelt+cover+fin+150+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="1600" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6YXszMWAogsDbusQ5uVOCbu3gGrUQxSSjA3e7hBaupt35pLl1FTfi2NlsGeyuJgzrSRU4F-TL0TbFjyC7IdDxTvrzCk1QNL_gfy6aG-_jf3QThGn0QP1Z0ywHO74CSGfTO5qv0ncIlo/s640/+roosevelt+cover+fin+150+blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color applied digitally.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1INjyHyHstdruo3-AXqsueh4_XQT4Ri6ySJaKsVogn8k5JhTgHNaIYXD-n-ypNjLZIe4UHgbIKE62LUmCgMphJcPA40kRMXvk58nrDeIP_Lulqdt67vFj4I1cOV7_yS1RrycUVJ16N-g/s1600/+roosevelt+cover+houses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="1600" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1INjyHyHstdruo3-AXqsueh4_XQT4Ri6ySJaKsVogn8k5JhTgHNaIYXD-n-ypNjLZIe4UHgbIKE62LUmCgMphJcPA40kRMXvk58nrDeIP_Lulqdt67vFj4I1cOV7_yS1RrycUVJ16N-g/s640/+roosevelt+cover+houses.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of houses (click on picture to enlarge).</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjp1lVkZjoOJdt7az9xqlD_veDnkbdoOEtNEqaNIDI0ehOG-qw44cFVOlde4d5Kjucp9uUE-emYM9hFjsqS5Cl5uhQiDWoLY4KJfF90EpQT-PRWtf_3N_JYOO64xouMWddtGYsducc5bU/s1600/detail+roos+bike+cover+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="907" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjp1lVkZjoOJdt7az9xqlD_veDnkbdoOEtNEqaNIDI0ehOG-qw44cFVOlde4d5Kjucp9uUE-emYM9hFjsqS5Cl5uhQiDWoLY4KJfF90EpQT-PRWtf_3N_JYOO64xouMWddtGYsducc5bU/s640/detail+roos+bike+cover+blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roosevelt's dog has accidentally knocked over Mrs. Crabapple's rabbit hutch. Guess whose fault it is.</td></tr>
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Here are a few of the interior illustrations: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6puJGS9qhZaMl7cFJkJx1E5udOc4avNb8ei5t1RLlRBowR4C2NRqYz2MM7RIinaIDsyoTV7QhPM4hHZN_cCehIR0XtZPiZkw3ws8DmIRb5-8KS5LgXUV5yszQRrveEek7Yep2rhtTf4/s1600/p.+1+rock+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="517" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6puJGS9qhZaMl7cFJkJx1E5udOc4avNb8ei5t1RLlRBowR4C2NRqYz2MM7RIinaIDsyoTV7QhPM4hHZN_cCehIR0XtZPiZkw3ws8DmIRb5-8KS5LgXUV5yszQRrveEek7Yep2rhtTf4/s640/p.+1+rock+blog.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXibeUwSM2AsEHKX6hTZEYQ4VwZGw6ZEqgAnSx8F5qtfVswx40It37w0EM_zKmfcb24kCns8PTEIbl1VgUJXoG6ZHY75T6pMaa4aD2Pdab-SC32wf-dEkdOKKj3UmglN7eVR-Z2PNXS28/s1600/p.9+blog+frog150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="1050" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXibeUwSM2AsEHKX6hTZEYQ4VwZGw6ZEqgAnSx8F5qtfVswx40It37w0EM_zKmfcb24kCns8PTEIbl1VgUJXoG6ZHY75T6pMaa4aD2Pdab-SC32wf-dEkdOKKj3UmglN7eVR-Z2PNXS28/s640/p.9+blog+frog150.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnbsamYTqQob6gLrQKgNtK0VgSQGmsY3WM_Fwd2_IcQbrw3mq43jJfkSV8ht06GqM-M9zkDKl6q6d4kxVGNnJcSSmbugFd-9ivhDntYSsU9-difUTAp0xIrg0-uHdFbORLMUbGdS4_k4/s1600/roos+dinner+p.26+72+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="503" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnbsamYTqQob6gLrQKgNtK0VgSQGmsY3WM_Fwd2_IcQbrw3mq43jJfkSV8ht06GqM-M9zkDKl6q6d4kxVGNnJcSSmbugFd-9ivhDntYSsU9-difUTAp0xIrg0-uHdFbORLMUbGdS4_k4/s640/roos+dinner+p.26+72+blog.jpg" width="474" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2fc9np_wgGdVNJSr-kizX2kLudIUZSatZ700Gi7OR6a2xKdNiSiN2oAEGUfwxhV6bzhp3gQ9ciqZkGHz8GKlVrVlDhDwitD0NN5TZnidGDn_XrnlaU62ZlPy7jL8oEKYpl1RV8SuXy4/s1600/+crying+roos+p.30+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="575" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2fc9np_wgGdVNJSr-kizX2kLudIUZSatZ700Gi7OR6a2xKdNiSiN2oAEGUfwxhV6bzhp3gQ9ciqZkGHz8GKlVrVlDhDwitD0NN5TZnidGDn_XrnlaU62ZlPy7jL8oEKYpl1RV8SuXy4/s640/+crying+roos+p.30+blog.jpg" width="628" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwAvfDeSuG5lWTIYkGU-beuoCa-FlHyB5zFiutDt1v5WrYi9p3mpPgv7QE32-GF3UvmFvd__p5FHqUsWM_27kS_koQ8jKepq1862DBpfffU9qwZYlu7d1Qu8iGyQFkH_hBOgXE82SA90/s1600/+tots+p.44+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="878" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwAvfDeSuG5lWTIYkGU-beuoCa-FlHyB5zFiutDt1v5WrYi9p3mpPgv7QE32-GF3UvmFvd__p5FHqUsWM_27kS_koQ8jKepq1862DBpfffU9qwZYlu7d1Qu8iGyQFkH_hBOgXE82SA90/s640/+tots+p.44+blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun with tater tots</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_fzsL9BOE2VCqkWQqHfMRPF0IDTrlThWiKLZONJKfSeKxrqspv1dy1IeUVIfyl1l4n94KvH0pM9EbDtlV7CRwHKpxYI6qcozm0hE8yoRsfkPa9eQ01Sxu7jVf-CsG-Ep5wbJ5_MyC4A/s1600/+choir+p.54+blog150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1596" data-original-width="1176" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_fzsL9BOE2VCqkWQqHfMRPF0IDTrlThWiKLZONJKfSeKxrqspv1dy1IeUVIfyl1l4n94KvH0pM9EbDtlV7CRwHKpxYI6qcozm0hE8yoRsfkPa9eQ01Sxu7jVf-CsG-Ep5wbJ5_MyC4A/s640/+choir+p.54+blog150.jpg" width="468" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun with imaginary boogers. Mozart's booger is chewing gum. Who could have done that?</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXLyPHA4cnL5Xjh9EKR6NVvnWmKs2VNnCufM_gULGwTSM7E9SWs8upIihXD0macUnKLMpggtGqQqGcZgWE68eFAddpoS3i0bOzeFxB7fGhV_qKzVztvBIGjf1ctMN9fUMsZ0IrTGHZp0/s1600/+principal+p.81+2+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1577" data-original-width="1270" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXLyPHA4cnL5Xjh9EKR6NVvnWmKs2VNnCufM_gULGwTSM7E9SWs8upIihXD0macUnKLMpggtGqQqGcZgWE68eFAddpoS3i0bOzeFxB7fGhV_qKzVztvBIGjf1ctMN9fUMsZ0IrTGHZp0/s640/+principal+p.81+2+blog.jpg" width="514" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's impossible to stay out of trouble, no matter how much you want that new bike. Tell that to Principal Esposito.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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That's all for now until the book release! <br />
Thanks for visiting!Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-28492409858222202922018-06-10T18:16:00.000-04:002018-06-11T02:36:36.549-04:00 How to Start First Grade My blog posts have been getting a little sparse!<br />
It's not for a lack of activity on the illustration front, but maybe it's for a lack of an exciting personal life, I'll admit to that. I've been spending alot of time on Instagram lately, so feel free to check out my work <a href="https://www.instagram.com/debpalen/" target="_blank">there</a>.<br />
Spring and summer always presents me with plenty of household errands encouraged by the light and air opening up the house. And the front porch is always beckoning! The roses are in bloom despite not tending them at all.<br />
But I'll leave the new geraniums sitting there unplanted for one more day, so I can show what I've been up to in the past few weeks.<br />
This is my 5th reader with Penguin Random House featuring the antics of Steve. The previous book, <i>How to Start Kindergarten</i>, is available for pre-order<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/549394/how-to-start-kindergarten-by-catherine-a-hapka-illustrated-by-debbie-palen/9781524715519/" target="_blank"> here</a>.<br />
I've just completed the sketches for this 32-page book about entering First Grade, or as Steve puts it, "REAL school." As with any book about school, there are plenty of kids. The one new kid in town that is unintentionally stealing Steve's spotlight is Hanna, a girl from Alaska, who has arrives on a dogsled and has a gold nugget in her pocket.<br />
I sometimes provide only one sketch for a cover, but this time I supplied 3.<br />
I think the chalk drawing scene is my personal choice for the cover. I'm looking forward to starting the color on these soon! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsGAdfysFiMoH21eIPh5jE46XljkFw27hh712mKfeynHEK8FnHUC5Yz9FS5JpxwY9_y-O94PuEMj7OEf4LdPliKVU1hIr-4t3-8iSmwSHjBOnpcMUT5pDewmeeAco7cy3e18UnN7s8ys/s1600/cover+sketch+playground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="438" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsGAdfysFiMoH21eIPh5jE46XljkFw27hh712mKfeynHEK8FnHUC5Yz9FS5JpxwY9_y-O94PuEMj7OEf4LdPliKVU1hIr-4t3-8iSmwSHjBOnpcMUT5pDewmeeAco7cy3e18UnN7s8ys/s400/cover+sketch+playground.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cover #1</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cover #2</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cover #3</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZo42EpLwa0osvPZHLy30nvDJMQCIShYqEQUN_HB9OzJyKz8XdNlqV88Ea_0gSNvyst2nyonxLcz-gf_WprdBTMi9RDsweZLgqN9kVG94USAAqtyf0x1pScP6P8-B8JiBeBtkrK_lDbNg/s1600/4-5+72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="720" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZo42EpLwa0osvPZHLy30nvDJMQCIShYqEQUN_HB9OzJyKz8XdNlqV88Ea_0gSNvyst2nyonxLcz-gf_WprdBTMi9RDsweZLgqN9kVG94USAAqtyf0x1pScP6P8-B8JiBeBtkrK_lDbNg/s400/4-5+72.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenTaLs-kv4rYLDfuthJuJCVgscb4GQMLmS3okWU9VfjwZ4NbR5kUFHxFFHTbOQuV1AL5Jixw9jtWDdxWYTC3wYzn7vDy5aShJD_jfmkQ0PWSnmdpt7V_M21T8ohZQvqf0ay3WMpph_2Y/s1600/6-7+72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="724" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenTaLs-kv4rYLDfuthJuJCVgscb4GQMLmS3okWU9VfjwZ4NbR5kUFHxFFHTbOQuV1AL5Jixw9jtWDdxWYTC3wYzn7vDy5aShJD_jfmkQ0PWSnmdpt7V_M21T8ohZQvqf0ay3WMpph_2Y/s400/6-7+72.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Everyone is glad to see Steve again...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3gPFeEdhlEdo3Ug3Fd2BZpFwe4kbvujh7KT7r_9kD0sa-AE5N05lpuScMEeq5EdsuMwlBGjvu66L_8nPAVPErHEo4GKYNQwWIWnrAtAF_ZHdQWXZDa-TwbdZn5dMxVYeL34-sZPzegI/s1600/18-19+72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="722" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3gPFeEdhlEdo3Ug3Fd2BZpFwe4kbvujh7KT7r_9kD0sa-AE5N05lpuScMEeq5EdsuMwlBGjvu66L_8nPAVPErHEo4GKYNQwWIWnrAtAF_ZHdQWXZDa-TwbdZn5dMxVYeL34-sZPzegI/s400/18-19+72.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">until they set eyes on the new girl Hanna's gold nugget.<br />
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<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption"> To regain his fanbase, Steve invents a rocket ship that doubles as his house. But even his best friend is skeptical. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanna draws her Alaskan house with snow up to the roof, Steve calls her a liar, and the shouting match begins.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And it ends up where all good schoolyard fights end, outside the principal's office.<br />
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<br />Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-13772050519448493972018-03-12T05:16:00.001-04:002018-03-14T16:40:03.701-04:00 How to Start Kindergarten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> It won't be on sale until July, but here's a sneak preview of <i>How to Start Kindergarten</i>; a fun little reader I illustrated for <a href="http://www.stepintoreading.com/book/how-to-start-kindergarten" target="_blank">Penguin Random House</a>. I'll be starting sketches for the next in the series, <i>How NOT to Start First Grade</i>, continuing the antics of Steve as he negotiates<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span>manipulates,<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and </span>charms his way through<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>school, ultimately learning some lessons in the pr<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ocess.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the first few days of</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> kindergarten, Steve deals with his emotions and<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">boundaries</span> </span>as he realizes he is being copied in every <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">deed </span>by his <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">new</span> friend<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">th</span>e very same fr<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ie</span>nd he encouraged to " j<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">us</span>t do what I do:"</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A</span>hhh<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">....</span> imit<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">at</span>ion<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">; </span>the sincerest form of flattery. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But</span> in this case, <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">it becomes the </span>most annoying thing<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">that could ever happen to a kid. Here are a few of the illustrations <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">from </span>last spring. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMoOeEHPZ6ESJlUt0-P6LVEpaiHwqnANjTWrL5YJS9ihv31P3KyQV53rNyW5uLn7nTWdi4mNaQJX3zDJxRNBwdedIiWl1s9gD9xTKDIKfphLBSNAkPd1w23TzsOf8PhDNv152gnuOk9w/s1600/Kindergarten+cover+RH+fixed+crop+150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="895" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMoOeEHPZ6ESJlUt0-P6LVEpaiHwqnANjTWrL5YJS9ihv31P3KyQV53rNyW5uLn7nTWdi4mNaQJX3zDJxRNBwdedIiWl1s9gD9xTKDIKfphLBSNAkPd1w23TzsOf8PhDNv152gnuOk9w/s320/Kindergarten+cover+RH+fixed+crop+150.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzF9CFaAQlhEXcGY71U0k6AbDMXlytcSsgNt3xWg78UncBM9Yb7sfE8FzyT4ja9RuqHcXCqk68Ld9PhEmYgIprrAlQDkYGM6UtMlJl6jZgOV9OwyvojiFlLESnJFwqZ3Orgu9CEqlaSo/s1600/kgarten+sketch+second+cover+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="638" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzF9CFaAQlhEXcGY71U0k6AbDMXlytcSsgNt3xWg78UncBM9Yb7sfE8FzyT4ja9RuqHcXCqk68Ld9PhEmYgIprrAlQDkYGM6UtMlJl6jZgOV9OwyvojiFlLESnJFwqZ3Orgu9CEqlaSo/s320/kgarten+sketch+second+cover+crop.jpg" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">first cover design sketch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDOdJjxp0rDvEJHKI0ksuJa1FW2INaTRS90Gpo1AlvJBNDkiLZQr9EA0TUfm-k9GEW6iFFW7xj8YwJIU0ZhhhH5dFUwxzzNR72VuP9bR19h2iLsrvGnK0b9NhyphenhyphenKbk5tuWn4qKUoPPbwU/s1600/kgarten+walking+to+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="960" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDOdJjxp0rDvEJHKI0ksuJa1FW2INaTRS90Gpo1AlvJBNDkiLZQr9EA0TUfm-k9GEW6iFFW7xj8YwJIU0ZhhhH5dFUwxzzNR72VuP9bR19h2iLsrvGnK0b9NhyphenhyphenKbk5tuWn4qKUoPPbwU/s400/kgarten+walking+to+school.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Walk this way!"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> When doing a beginning reader, <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the illustrator</span> is often dealing wi<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">th the rule of text on a white background, for the sake of easier readability<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But for </span>scenes w<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ith </span>backgrounds it <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">can be </span>a challenge. As much as I understand<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> th<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e need for the white space</span>, I alw<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ays have the de<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">sire to complete the scene<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnwpoUjHcE-HXj8cbRor00zDo4VRdtf1bUMIByTGBX62ZzQa2H_-48WJyUVQ0mNOSrK47KaFcX2RQpBXciYE8IsY6_FWbbXF3VThw6tvJCg3TMoDW8OraeDyGw_-WGwVvf6J2Pctgfzo/s1600/kgarten+blocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="732" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnwpoUjHcE-HXj8cbRor00zDo4VRdtf1bUMIByTGBX62ZzQa2H_-48WJyUVQ0mNOSrK47KaFcX2RQpBXciYE8IsY6_FWbbXF3VThw6tvJCg3TMoDW8OraeDyGw_-WGwVvf6J2Pctgfzo/s320/kgarten+blocks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Wait a minute, <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tha<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t's <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">looking </span>like MY tower".</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQWiVP1B27tgaYcMQRId_3eW-BoXSeu4csKKkBnaHN_Y_LZifyyzlK0zcT68r_2k9ewdbeVmMHKC7Z2P7NpwJ6QTlN1pch2byvBGSisxewGpFsz3KTIfMq-OYPYXthD5E9LrpV0hqmWA/s1600/kgarten+color+class+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="960" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQWiVP1B27tgaYcMQRId_3eW-BoXSeu4csKKkBnaHN_Y_LZifyyzlK0zcT68r_2k9ewdbeVmMHKC7Z2P7NpwJ6QTlN1pch2byvBGSisxewGpFsz3KTIfMq-OYPYXthD5E9LrpV0hqmWA/s400/kgarten+color+class+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> The teacher has something to announce, but Steve isn't interested.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve tells his older brother Will all about his problem and Will listens intently.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I am definitely going to complete these backgrounds just for my own satisfaction! There are many more illustrations to accompany this adventure, but I'm going to wait until the book release before I post any more. In the meantime, I'm going to reminisce about the matching dresses my Mom used to sew for my girlfriend and me. <br /><br /> </span></div>
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Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-22558471194039807842018-02-11T20:09:00.000-05:002018-02-11T21:26:17.200-05:00 The Reading Nook A few weeks ago I was asked to illustrate a Highlights Workbook cover; kindergarten level. The original sketch was done for a cover layout, but it ended up as an interior with hidden objects.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QRuM0xNEm5_LAwrnF_ve_K3OsVYwItNkmf3Qki46diKlXN3LljhLmzQMCiMHLa0zhH44ntxb4IXqD5DqwyRcBZ1bwaY8ZGS2S2Oj3yiuupWdLy5bQWrmQtH_1XXEQ5lHmhVJWPnHlJQ/s1600/Reading+Skills+sketch+fin+email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="1252" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QRuM0xNEm5_LAwrnF_ve_K3OsVYwItNkmf3Qki46diKlXN3LljhLmzQMCiMHLa0zhH44ntxb4IXqD5DqwyRcBZ1bwaY8ZGS2S2Oj3yiuupWdLy5bQWrmQtH_1XXEQ5lHmhVJWPnHlJQ/s320/Reading+Skills+sketch+fin+email.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cover sketch</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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A few adjustments were made. I contained that guinea pig; added book baskets, more books, and 10 objects were hidden. There was some debate between editors, but the fish got to keep his book.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3P2fs769rckEv1Ow2Sqq5-7f5KZqgk8UiEyD2kRQuRwCPzvxsYNOxWIDcJMRb-uTQxA417pZZYLPuJdeEZkuz3-T4hzQ4fv0End40sRggwXV1QfifSNxqCzfx0Z-HF_242MGg3Cm3ZI/s1600/++workbook+reading+hidden+fin150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1523" data-original-width="1600" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3P2fs769rckEv1Ow2Sqq5-7f5KZqgk8UiEyD2kRQuRwCPzvxsYNOxWIDcJMRb-uTQxA417pZZYLPuJdeEZkuz3-T4hzQ4fv0End40sRggwXV1QfifSNxqCzfx0Z-HF_242MGg3Cm3ZI/s400/++workbook+reading+hidden+fin150.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">final art</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Hidden objects: wooden spoon, ring, comb, fried egg, ruler, drinking straw, lime, waffle, fan, toothbrush.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTOdPw97nnyrt-TDol_BlhqpAHiEBwKfwWOiY1cpTubq8NCd-BR4pUdb2w2XIcNEh8O_gMn7_5XAOe6bVRUeD-f_ZxsR_mU9E-tLhCwQUI3_iod2lnpVHC9yijrBpCIqsTiaSSSuJSPI/s1600/++workbook+reading+hidden+fin150+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="1079" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTOdPw97nnyrt-TDol_BlhqpAHiEBwKfwWOiY1cpTubq8NCd-BR4pUdb2w2XIcNEh8O_gMn7_5XAOe6bVRUeD-f_ZxsR_mU9E-tLhCwQUI3_iod2lnpVHC9yijrBpCIqsTiaSSSuJSPI/s320/++workbook+reading+hidden+fin150+crop.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">detail</td></tr>
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Happy reading and finding!</div>
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Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-10227432862469362602018-01-14T22:04:00.000-05:002018-02-11T19:19:00.692-05:00Ratty For an upcoming feature on water voles for Ranger Rick magazine, I was asked to portray "Ratty" or "Rat", one of the characters in The Wind in the Willows.<br />
I loved that book as a child, and hope to revisit it. <br />
I looked at many wonderful illustrations, including EH Shepard, Robert Ingpen, and Inga Moore ( her version is my favorite, although I do not own it; must get). <br />
Then there is this comprehensive ''best-illustrated'' reference<a href="http://www.readalouddad.com/2015/01/the-wind-in-willows-best-illustrated.html" target="_blank"> book.</a><br />
For those who have not read this classic, Mole decides go out to the river, and meets Ratty (a <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Water_Vole" title="European Water Vole">water vole</a>),
who at this time of year spends all his days in, on and close by the
river. Ratty takes Mole for a ride in his rowing boat. They get along well
and spend many more days boating, with Ratty teaching Mole the ways of
the river. <br />
Water voles used to be common over all of Great Britain, but in the 90's began to disappear. People brought American minks to Great Britain to raise them for their fur. Many escaped and were so good at hunting voles for prey, the numbers of voles dropped fast. More of their habitat was ruined when livestock trampled their banks and ate the plants that the voles needed. Conservation groups are working hard to reestablish their numbers, and hopefully they will not only live on in the pages of a book!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmAUV8ydlaOiruleir8BXtWSgNYzDRv5HJbNGdputqohbyKi57ktXo9r82FOBgp9sqHriRUrpPXum0Hn3uPg269xyR_Fa39t97COvQHhQzqacWTPGekgeHcZc9y32BVezF1R-K-RnPtQ/s1600/+ratty+with+photo+vole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1203" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmAUV8ydlaOiruleir8BXtWSgNYzDRv5HJbNGdputqohbyKi57ktXo9r82FOBgp9sqHriRUrpPXum0Hn3uPg269xyR_Fa39t97COvQHhQzqacWTPGekgeHcZc9y32BVezF1R-K-RnPtQ/s400/+ratty+with+photo+vole.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look out, Ratty! Rapids ahead!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I love being able to merge illustration with an actual photo. Great fun!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZyhZa_BfHTBh7JIjFz0ybT35obWpIrHgDjd27SsBds-RKlyhqyZpMlp-B9LOrWps6JF84MkCWIR38R6E2XR4x57s_YunlFTqkjIGk_cJ47FvgLovUwH8WbWhJV3Inckevz1BhBB6TFQ/s1600/ratty+1+fin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1011" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZyhZa_BfHTBh7JIjFz0ybT35obWpIrHgDjd27SsBds-RKlyhqyZpMlp-B9LOrWps6JF84MkCWIR38R6E2XR4x57s_YunlFTqkjIGk_cJ47FvgLovUwH8WbWhJV3Inckevz1BhBB6TFQ/s320/ratty+1+fin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Hi; I'm Ratty, your river guide.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gxDXpCETbVRNig4KFaRHVtoVG8SZTTUcxq1DnnMSHzfXqWxDC3Fp6dAgWhidXg0C-E_5ytp_8JMZkY3ffoaGoqvEkOXK5O6qDsBs59W7J-XNCqsoOSvDj6kjZgmSjFsRh4e5dGtfAYU/s1600/ratty+2+fin+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1156" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gxDXpCETbVRNig4KFaRHVtoVG8SZTTUcxq1DnnMSHzfXqWxDC3Fp6dAgWhidXg0C-E_5ytp_8JMZkY3ffoaGoqvEkOXK5O6qDsBs59W7J-XNCqsoOSvDj6kjZgmSjFsRh4e5dGtfAYU/s320/ratty+2+fin+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye, little voles! </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMxoEJYANvcGyoZ_HJMYVXeitsEJmAij_luDkYnfly37A0SnNniPjMVkrrgi5_HCdKGMcY2sHQQcSXb1DKvvzuZXgCRNZi804a4JXyyXu9leMisTzBYxgy5UHMK2eWgncAfcw2caa53M/s1600/The%252BWind%252Bin%252Bthe%252BWillows%252BShepard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1087" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMxoEJYANvcGyoZ_HJMYVXeitsEJmAij_luDkYnfly37A0SnNniPjMVkrrgi5_HCdKGMcY2sHQQcSXb1DKvvzuZXgCRNZi804a4JXyyXu9leMisTzBYxgy5UHMK2eWgncAfcw2caa53M/s320/The%252BWind%252Bin%252Bthe%252BWillows%252BShepard.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDRngvY1C6s9-AU9UyCzLVx8PVg-vpzxzK8SCsQlEWySoWtn_OtK90J6cYNroKXBUkYeIe5fhfFs6PpEITMio8JLlwM19nE_lc1KHs7e53Upja9qa4fwDCDFMLzQTgfrBNcm9S1YgIbQ/s1600/Wind%252Bin%252Bthe%252BWillows%252BRobert%252BIngpen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="950" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDRngvY1C6s9-AU9UyCzLVx8PVg-vpzxzK8SCsQlEWySoWtn_OtK90J6cYNroKXBUkYeIe5fhfFs6PpEITMio8JLlwM19nE_lc1KHs7e53Upja9qa4fwDCDFMLzQTgfrBNcm9S1YgIbQ/s320/Wind%252Bin%252Bthe%252BWillows%252BRobert%252BIngpen.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7X-cmPQ_cKhK2QqG3nWia7RHWyk4yDuhIpPVzd6vgojt2F7-dKvh9vzwZxqRnetAygFNIIOTXjmaoREAuLPq3nx6U2J_JslVxOh2sVNSvGLmEFf2uyfrIqT-FTpxkCZDxhv_aDwo2I8/s1600/The%252BWind%252Bin%252Bthe%252BWillows%252BInga%252BMoore%252BCandlewick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7X-cmPQ_cKhK2QqG3nWia7RHWyk4yDuhIpPVzd6vgojt2F7-dKvh9vzwZxqRnetAygFNIIOTXjmaoREAuLPq3nx6U2J_JslVxOh2sVNSvGLmEFf2uyfrIqT-FTpxkCZDxhv_aDwo2I8/s320/The%252BWind%252Bin%252Bthe%252BWillows%252BInga%252BMoore%252BCandlewick.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-79112280421709442692018-01-01T21:59:00.001-05:002018-01-02T13:38:54.793-05:00 New year, new postcards It's been a while since I sent out any promo cards. It's always so hard to decide which images to use. So this time I guess I let the season and the weather decide. Brutal "polar plunge" temps here in Cleveland, and across much of the country. I wish safety, warmth and cozy dreams for you in the new year. These brave souls on my cards will be celebrating outside only in the imagination, I'm afraid.<br />
Oh, except for the penguins. They will be happy. This one is a work in progress so far... and taken from a riddles piece originally created for Ranger Rick magazine. We had pancakes this morning, courtesy of Dave. He makes the best pancakes ever. The key is fruit, walnuts, vanilla, almond extract, cinnamon and a good apron. Flip me one.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PoAfZFbYPpVVBSODqxtk518Aoj2Gw86ibRp-J1EO6RHr7RMVoimfAIyG79vk4UhVDy6bqwnUCWWi5_KqJwZuBRhP180CQeXl4Ge_qZigAE_7ofg-3a2SQ36Ucjl3ahnfQnFmNiEyMHk/s1600/penguin+postcard+4x6+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PoAfZFbYPpVVBSODqxtk518Aoj2Gw86ibRp-J1EO6RHr7RMVoimfAIyG79vk4UhVDy6bqwnUCWWi5_KqJwZuBRhP180CQeXl4Ge_qZigAE_7ofg-3a2SQ36Ucjl3ahnfQnFmNiEyMHk/s400/penguin+postcard+4x6+blog.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">postcard in progress</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TwJyZ_ETNUEOyc5D4sGB7zUHotQhj1nAH9thHxL0PNMhOo6tOJ4WEk8loCfoWT09kyn70aTU1c5d8j4_rVpeN4fvcfCZBDCHDke8olR1oFmoIgnHhZLalvtwqZNaYl0SAlnmE42yvww/s1600/12009838_10153719138822446_2825527856638878178_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="488" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TwJyZ_ETNUEOyc5D4sGB7zUHotQhj1nAH9thHxL0PNMhOo6tOJ4WEk8loCfoWT09kyn70aTU1c5d8j4_rVpeN4fvcfCZBDCHDke8olR1oFmoIgnHhZLalvtwqZNaYl0SAlnmE42yvww/s320/12009838_10153719138822446_2825527856638878178_n.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">original work<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwqw_p5XxtiCsIU-hQfuXFtHuktZ1OqHoLPmgGugqxIhJdL3hXpaPlo9_5cdo5gPyL4zsn-acfmZbJLs0CuNSocNzhFhd3pYLGVyv-dqZ7u1oH3uyrg2DvnSZlRj143kK-rYiuVcI_E8/s1600/postcard+magic+hat+email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwqw_p5XxtiCsIU-hQfuXFtHuktZ1OqHoLPmgGugqxIhJdL3hXpaPlo9_5cdo5gPyL4zsn-acfmZbJLs0CuNSocNzhFhd3pYLGVyv-dqZ7u1oH3uyrg2DvnSZlRj143kK-rYiuVcI_E8/s400/postcard+magic+hat+email.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">postcard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Pa2p0eHWH9L1N1mTMtW8JhhOADRCOUfj3zjfxKh82QBo8b2KmUh5_z4x43Gyyw0rWM_DYg6QkO9HXFkI6GABP0jVFQJaEh7IdyfFNr0o0c8N9Ynvo5isqQvSlQRRTmrHNFOyc1u-4QI/s1600/+snowtime++first+version+hal+leonard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1103" data-original-width="849" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Pa2p0eHWH9L1N1mTMtW8JhhOADRCOUfj3zjfxKh82QBo8b2KmUh5_z4x43Gyyw0rWM_DYg6QkO9HXFkI6GABP0jVFQJaEh7IdyfFNr0o0c8N9Ynvo5isqQvSlQRRTmrHNFOyc1u-4QI/s320/+snowtime++first+version+hal+leonard.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">original version for Hal Leonard</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlzXJpLZEff7p_G-0nmWeefTg4ercZCVoZvCR6MakJk7he36BBZKDSTSVEaMjeKAKLBFJuy5eg65oj_GkQQDXJpHU-GOMzySoD3N2GEgkDB8pvoTuEnYibJaIzB2ARpjXX_KlsmXaRQs/s1600/fox+postcard+72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlzXJpLZEff7p_G-0nmWeefTg4ercZCVoZvCR6MakJk7he36BBZKDSTSVEaMjeKAKLBFJuy5eg65oj_GkQQDXJpHU-GOMzySoD3N2GEgkDB8pvoTuEnYibJaIzB2ARpjXX_KlsmXaRQs/s400/fox+postcard+72.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">postcard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYkHyVFdo5MhfU4jb8GR1beaCHEjlMrnXRBQqj3BU49vbUYedJ0EkyGI_3D0adUfqWKm3TWOCZpWgS7vu2BEWYM5kFOR7f5Ewi3cjPv8DFm665HdlPakrjVSAp6U_sO72bGSHnSUAHtk/s1600/fox+dance+72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1411" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYkHyVFdo5MhfU4jb8GR1beaCHEjlMrnXRBQqj3BU49vbUYedJ0EkyGI_3D0adUfqWKm3TWOCZpWgS7vu2BEWYM5kFOR7f5Ewi3cjPv8DFm665HdlPakrjVSAp6U_sO72bGSHnSUAHtk/s320/fox+dance+72.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">original for Highlights</td></tr>
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<br />Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-25594697864536076112017-12-06T01:40:00.000-05:002017-12-06T02:02:01.881-05:00 Nesting in Style<div style="text-align: justify;">
Maybe it's because the snow is going to fly, that I've finally found the time to get this illustration on my blog. Nesting instincts are kicking in, and birds are fluffing up their downy feathers. About a month ago I was fortunate to illustrate a piece for Highlights called <i>Spring Search</i>, which will come out in....wait for it... the spring! The challenge for the young readers is to find as many shiny, sparkly things as they can, just like the bluejay has.</div>
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But they shouldn't actually try to steal people's jewelry. They can climb a tree and make a nest though, and surround themselves with their own possessions, and look down on the passersby on the street and make bird calls at them. That would be fun. But later. Now it's winter, so they will have to fluff up their feathers and wait.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskwLBVlaTEwofh-m15Lsn3mZIno0a9o_4xkXnkutbd_KM47burk47qE79yK5jZ-06kvZf6vqbmyXhKBT6X_KAsABemvjPdKNZeAyCYrlL_Rn5ZrnUZi0YtN3hn2pCxoZJF7LjwSmMJLo/s1600/+high+five+spring+search+150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskwLBVlaTEwofh-m15Lsn3mZIno0a9o_4xkXnkutbd_KM47burk47qE79yK5jZ-06kvZf6vqbmyXhKBT6X_KAsABemvjPdKNZeAyCYrlL_Rn5ZrnUZi0YtN3hn2pCxoZJF7LjwSmMJLo/s400/+high+five+spring+search+150.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photoshop color </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWM38y4uoyJqFMTSw0hnQ2c5qqeXLa-r27XX7if0_VEyPuAAUlrHc2Vsu1GyGa1TAt72ks8Azyw8mEQ8RZQwz5HNvKhzG770ziEUKxo9P9xaO1j0HTZf9z28NAuHIOQqHgLjtnVibzGbA/s1600/+high+five+bird+fin+monochrome+150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWM38y4uoyJqFMTSw0hnQ2c5qqeXLa-r27XX7if0_VEyPuAAUlrHc2Vsu1GyGa1TAt72ks8Azyw8mEQ8RZQwz5HNvKhzG770ziEUKxo9P9xaO1j0HTZf9z28NAuHIOQqHgLjtnVibzGbA/s400/+high+five+bird+fin+monochrome+150.jpg" width="400" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">base drawing: graphite pencil and white pastel pencil</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-21086257820759941052017-11-20T02:56:00.001-05:002017-11-20T03:05:32.170-05:00 Really Bright Kids It's only November and I miss the sun already. <br />
Recently I had the pleasure of working on a cover with Hal Leonard, a company that creates and publishes music for schools.<br />
The art director took my finished illustration and further embellished it on the page. When I saw it, my first thought was that it looks like they are looking down through a skylight. I wonder if "Up on the Roof" is one of the songs.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqR8aZ8F3otVNa0KBFazlVQIxAk_1NqYeQQEyqyon6aU5cFF1wkV2pA0lgfI6U5xr9si_HoeVRZsu60grrdUBtI1s1UOw0Yr95s427ZJS2TsLkay-9CJm06WhkTknoerEqW-mlgxTPOkg/s1600/bright+cov+HL+sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="577" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqR8aZ8F3otVNa0KBFazlVQIxAk_1NqYeQQEyqyon6aU5cFF1wkV2pA0lgfI6U5xr9si_HoeVRZsu60grrdUBtI1s1UOw0Yr95s427ZJS2TsLkay-9CJm06WhkTknoerEqW-mlgxTPOkg/s320/bright+cov+HL+sketch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sketch</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8UApbENBFsilqmlj7mYgoA_J9crhIkVH3heqxZZ-uJGAsWiymqctvsGLr7RwAwO4xuk10D4ZqkkC1wynjRzIr-opRsYwkJvKpBNzp0NZBj7Ts5dpUpMPHe7wLJqHxwOK2OaT-iUtNrc/s1600/+bright+cover+fin+150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="1600" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8UApbENBFsilqmlj7mYgoA_J9crhIkVH3heqxZZ-uJGAsWiymqctvsGLr7RwAwO4xuk10D4ZqkkC1wynjRzIr-opRsYwkJvKpBNzp0NZBj7Ts5dpUpMPHe7wLJqHxwOK2OaT-iUtNrc/s400/+bright+cover+fin+150.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">final</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir63ip9t72C6XGYQ-BRvsUpb1Kf84VEUTT0Xfj_COqA4sjuaWIL7gtUhBv8DyqDeITw6SOEQ-MJJciFRRWXxmgeIAH8iy1YXt_VVqb6EsXEdCrbzDbMIJaIgPfUWk8rML4s9zbScbN3Sg/s1600/peace+sign+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="725" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir63ip9t72C6XGYQ-BRvsUpb1Kf84VEUTT0Xfj_COqA4sjuaWIL7gtUhBv8DyqDeITw6SOEQ-MJJciFRRWXxmgeIAH8iy1YXt_VVqb6EsXEdCrbzDbMIJaIgPfUWk8rML4s9zbScbN3Sg/s320/peace+sign+girl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXqRlmxYkObRLTS3ujDe0jMRnIGdjPVFYZ7WzXGAFa-ZBCUJcMSExJ82WXvphPls82-ijn6bn1YkTbHUCx5txOR2lXW0wrO147_wMWEwY31JcZJawrtbwvmqHkYJOZu07vqjLtVuiYoY/s1600/Cover+bright+hal+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1233" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXqRlmxYkObRLTS3ujDe0jMRnIGdjPVFYZ7WzXGAFa-ZBCUJcMSExJ82WXvphPls82-ijn6bn1YkTbHUCx5txOR2lXW0wrO147_wMWEwY31JcZJawrtbwvmqHkYJOZu07vqjLtVuiYoY/s400/Cover+bright+hal+final.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cover final</td></tr>
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<br />Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-92097217061309591782017-11-06T00:42:00.000-05:002017-11-06T01:59:09.548-05:00 No Words<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last month I illustrated a small wordless book for Scholastic, that teaches words starting with certain letters of the alphabet; in this case Y and Z. Each story was told in two images.</div>
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Enough said.</div>
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<br />Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-51016097323001687862017-10-15T23:36:00.000-04:002017-10-15T23:51:58.051-04:00 Packy Derm<br />
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Elephants never forget ... to blog. September was an incredibly busy month with work, and I'm playing catch up. Recently I finished illustrating two readers for Scholastic, one immediately after another. ( Phew!) This one features an elephant who is getting dressed and carrying his stuff to an unknown destination. He does not forget his mittens! I call him Packy Derm, but the actual title is "Packing Up". <br />
Each of the 16 pages says "I have my ______." ( hat, jacket, iguana, etc.) To expedite the process I copied and pasted many of the background elements, such as the house, trees, stepping stones, flowers and leaves, changing their sizes, shapes and positions as needed. I had a library of leaves from previous work which I could recycle. <br />
It is not until the final page that the reader realizes he is loading his car with his belongings<br />
(although the title is a clue to that). The cat co-stars as she watches his every move from a different vantage point each time. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5pS7W5yYWvbOF14-rlXqcXmd9K9wOipdZroENReb_u9S26BIAwLyOF-j-yb416h0FwHORi9r_4RjVlTOsleBDqKMvBpyYWvXu8XMzHQEY_s0rigRjqfjUHfbJV2vtg8mSL1dQmv4TlM/s1600/+kanga+ele+mono+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="496" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5pS7W5yYWvbOF14-rlXqcXmd9K9wOipdZroENReb_u9S26BIAwLyOF-j-yb416h0FwHORi9r_4RjVlTOsleBDqKMvBpyYWvXu8XMzHQEY_s0rigRjqfjUHfbJV2vtg8mSL1dQmv4TlM/s320/+kanga+ele+mono+for+blog.jpg" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> first step</td></tr>
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I began by drawing each pose traditionally with pencil on grey pastel paper which made it easy to establish highlights, values and details. I added the pinks and a few colors, then went on to silhouette the figure, copied and pasted the ties and hats, and added the rest of the color in Photoshop. I placed the isolated figures in their scenery, adjusting each environment as I went along, based on the layouts of my initial sketches.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3P9AksgmYhFUkNxU3vZytns_kJnYpt9RgK_GTfI9MZ8edgyXntvf32AjZXfzM0CvV1jo-1Wvm80n-jVX6rjwzeaJYtUdZ4VN2uEfNvFx0hTI3DtNbFGRqyE2gtOoGo5bIZHGUaFwP-1s/s1600/ele+vest+72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="846" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3P9AksgmYhFUkNxU3vZytns_kJnYpt9RgK_GTfI9MZ8edgyXntvf32AjZXfzM0CvV1jo-1Wvm80n-jVX6rjwzeaJYtUdZ4VN2uEfNvFx0hTI3DtNbFGRqyE2gtOoGo5bIZHGUaFwP-1s/s400/ele+vest+72.jpg" width="356" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have my vest.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHqtT29ux5sLM4c3yc3PHFpPltRiIcINHzlgvMzshO9AkwzCgoko1KZSGsZ3pkZo4WEYlz-qXbqcRyzAL04aoefmiJs0JnVQMnk9OOtCAsMll2xv2F93ahbSXJumbdfdT36r-_b4jI1Y/s1600/+ele+jacket+72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="827" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHqtT29ux5sLM4c3yc3PHFpPltRiIcINHzlgvMzshO9AkwzCgoko1KZSGsZ3pkZo4WEYlz-qXbqcRyzAL04aoefmiJs0JnVQMnk9OOtCAsMll2xv2F93ahbSXJumbdfdT36r-_b4jI1Y/s400/+ele+jacket+72.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have my jacket.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVQuUxmCcOlH55dNWTY2rYG93JzvDM4lRyZa2leGQYSL9hogLVsZztHUOnb1sW0XJhH7IE7yDBjojfL8MpXvEj2KPlrU8pIBCmZoK3p6u7FqlDiPm-C6CcaWYtHZoscjRf8kA4r4AbCk/s1600/bike+ele+72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="826" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVQuUxmCcOlH55dNWTY2rYG93JzvDM4lRyZa2leGQYSL9hogLVsZztHUOnb1sW0XJhH7IE7yDBjojfL8MpXvEj2KPlrU8pIBCmZoK3p6u7FqlDiPm-C6CcaWYtHZoscjRf8kA4r4AbCk/s400/bike+ele+72.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have my bicycle.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTxiLJxG2QGQnNkexDeiLo5VAuskpuTuU67k0YCj0FdFXs86WTQsQm2ApaF49t3GbKK-13XN36U_5AXJzO5wXeRUFP0kpBtsBmSLfz7wchqOuNTwLpwBSq1_VpXZGVoaUpMxce3rGxUI/s1600/jam+ele+72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="825" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTxiLJxG2QGQnNkexDeiLo5VAuskpuTuU67k0YCj0FdFXs86WTQsQm2ApaF49t3GbKK-13XN36U_5AXJzO5wXeRUFP0kpBtsBmSLfz7wchqOuNTwLpwBSq1_VpXZGVoaUpMxce3rGxUI/s400/jam+ele+72.jpg" width="355" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have my jam.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUkPr0cH7O_GEx1-x_cxyS4mI-WEbPahkLsMz6K_BtxTitgE4tGAqN4b7iBxtvBRGvOXAfqA_ZWaR7N5RqqV_d0PfIPuYp483bdpjNUExSk-pbGbeoPLbcJ6AetIIMo7Gl-K5Xila-Uw/s1600/72+ele+iguana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="827" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUkPr0cH7O_GEx1-x_cxyS4mI-WEbPahkLsMz6K_BtxTitgE4tGAqN4b7iBxtvBRGvOXAfqA_ZWaR7N5RqqV_d0PfIPuYp483bdpjNUExSk-pbGbeoPLbcJ6AetIIMo7Gl-K5Xila-Uw/s400/72+ele+iguana.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have my iguana.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUjKCWI9PHoh7fuS8xpoPOfGALt713IaYW40BCoq4o5nXdG7SJZ6Ub9l05mGq2DUw_Xa1uO77Y2j8KlIf_z_EtTW-W6Wn9WZUqAfXzLiJDezPY7UOlB2eM4mtUuQcxM1E1Q210_0aKGg/s1600/cat+final+new+72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="828" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUjKCWI9PHoh7fuS8xpoPOfGALt713IaYW40BCoq4o5nXdG7SJZ6Ub9l05mGq2DUw_Xa1uO77Y2j8KlIf_z_EtTW-W6Wn9WZUqAfXzLiJDezPY7UOlB2eM4mtUuQcxM1E1Q210_0aKGg/s400/cat+final+new+72.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have my cat.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYZgCI9r3Eh15teGYinIilwXvtKw9PAr-XpLDaeiebruaujQM_5dlvV9dQoeRmFn_fTDaTQX3SEiIMpX0rVex1E1XyswmAxQGq5QJPV0Gelp0FOi-8BT0Ciq3-_u0jsDQ_9_P-k34qlM/s1600/ele+car+72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="897" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYZgCI9r3Eh15teGYinIilwXvtKw9PAr-XpLDaeiebruaujQM_5dlvV9dQoeRmFn_fTDaTQX3SEiIMpX0rVex1E1XyswmAxQGq5QJPV0Gelp0FOi-8BT0Ciq3-_u0jsDQ_9_P-k34qlM/s400/ele+car+72.jpg" width="355" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> I have my car.</td></tr>
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Vroom.....Bye bye for now!</div>
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<br />Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-46444109136416745122017-07-26T03:45:00.000-04:002017-07-26T13:44:32.202-04:00Garden Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpy_TTS7S8VFWg2A38VWrs93IjCpnVMrWedwO02Mnoo0aj2a85HQdn-KYXDbb0E6nAl-MIUSfzcNAAtShsQKPruGtUhQZqGRMnVhQVQLvJa5wt7ziS1_SCv7NEksiGJwMjGDdtgat-k4c/s1600/cover+garden+150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1451" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpy_TTS7S8VFWg2A38VWrs93IjCpnVMrWedwO02Mnoo0aj2a85HQdn-KYXDbb0E6nAl-MIUSfzcNAAtShsQKPruGtUhQZqGRMnVhQVQLvJa5wt7ziS1_SCv7NEksiGJwMjGDdtgat-k4c/s640/cover+garden+150.jpg" width="579" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cover</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My latest illustration assignment, <i>Garden Party, </i>was for Pearson Education's reading program. This family covers some ground recruiting their neighbors to start a community garden, and young Jamal discovers that people are more than willing to help.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjhpyjk5CTCoJk3Z8196k6cFACWNJqUzi1UNde2-ahdWO1KAc99zyqBpN2BsS4B25ENua6yJP_4-Mqa4Cxdyy5UUq406FYScW2EfGM8Dbf5jBKC0BKutrdTb5pHxk5g1CDdcdFcazjHM/s1600/cover+garden+fin+mono.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1393" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjhpyjk5CTCoJk3Z8196k6cFACWNJqUzi1UNde2-ahdWO1KAc99zyqBpN2BsS4B25ENua6yJP_4-Mqa4Cxdyy5UUq406FYScW2EfGM8Dbf5jBKC0BKutrdTb5pHxk5g1CDdcdFcazjHM/s400/cover+garden+fin+mono.jpg" width="347" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">These illustrations began as traditional media: monochromatic colored pencil drawings with a bit of pastel overlaid to add depth. They were then scanned and became the base layer for color added in <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">P</span>hotoshop.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhpuzcj-Ko6dSBSRnUa5KYwVg6mOPiIKk0J56SzJTmOo_yv11Agz0gq3UqV8Olw77Z74g8vYo1Pmr6bP0ASifB1leXrMS2xJrhKf5mD8_0d7cPpHj7b_1M0nVPAv20PaBUqKwpq-OXMo/s1600/+street+garden+150+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1433" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhpuzcj-Ko6dSBSRnUa5KYwVg6mOPiIKk0J56SzJTmOo_yv11Agz0gq3UqV8Olw77Z74g8vYo1Pmr6bP0ASifB1leXrMS2xJrhKf5mD8_0d7cPpHj7b_1M0nVPAv20PaBUqKwpq-OXMo/s400/+street+garden+150+blog.jpg" width="357" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gearing up<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRNLZKprH1sa53_9UCKaV4H2oys-7szvaRAIN0h-0v_jjrEODqoqaw6IAYm9JlIDfenetc_kR7SyJ6qAwYMq0VV1Lw7utzOaGeebszzlE2MmKDNgmeSE-hrvU-jjnNoE5uLt8PdIAFxM/s1600/++garden+spread+150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1600" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRNLZKprH1sa53_9UCKaV4H2oys-7szvaRAIN0h-0v_jjrEODqoqaw6IAYm9JlIDfenetc_kR7SyJ6qAwYMq0VV1Lw7utzOaGeebszzlE2MmKDNgmeSE-hrvU-jjnNoE5uLt8PdIAFxM/s400/++garden+spread+150.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> joining in<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQghIWz2OUBXkBkNy_x2JWoB8-shRD0UUQ5yUJLDqNk9JeVcLKJF6bTa3_aymV7A-OpUq5LgVQHPX7y_E64uIrI0bn_0bXy5YAO0nyxFgx7_228G3ZdEzU-HxQIisAwBRQv6oJSIIBCvQ/s1600/birthday+wheelbarrow+new+150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="748" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQghIWz2OUBXkBkNy_x2JWoB8-shRD0UUQ5yUJLDqNk9JeVcLKJF6bTa3_aymV7A-OpUq5LgVQHPX7y_E64uIrI0bn_0bXy5YAO0nyxFgx7_228G3ZdEzU-HxQIisAwBRQv6oJSIIBCvQ/s320/birthday+wheelbarrow+new+150.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">detail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJxv9NkfFDLZ0maJwKWXZQ7xAQgTY_7KCh_n8AcsmIxGFgfEgB59j2hijRPYEoUcxj2b98-Y9pgx6OblN2QaCtv2Vqnxu1lHmkG8mNbKYj5oKLx4yjlCfXw21w7Vr7h9yf0GRt2jmeDU/s1600/p.+153+garden+party150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJxv9NkfFDLZ0maJwKWXZQ7xAQgTY_7KCh_n8AcsmIxGFgfEgB59j2hijRPYEoUcxj2b98-Y9pgx6OblN2QaCtv2Vqnxu1lHmkG8mNbKYj5oKLx4yjlCfXw21w7Vr7h9yf0GRt2jmeDU/s400/p.+153+garden+party150.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"You were right, Dad!"<u></u></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Illustrations © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc.</i></span></div>
Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-40875596954460231962017-01-16T01:30:00.000-05:002017-01-16T01:32:50.566-05:00Dig In<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEedThyo9yQr08auXfvW0-0PVGlMtoCMXJKVNV8LBjRjblJQJSwhIaxNa7mmpUsfDx7R_aFQLGOS18-apDk0VY8-HYMILjEqsdo1C2QFNf4y5795VIgy2EZnyboJx7HqB6bammPD86fU/s1600/dig+in+blog+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEedThyo9yQr08auXfvW0-0PVGlMtoCMXJKVNV8LBjRjblJQJSwhIaxNa7mmpUsfDx7R_aFQLGOS18-apDk0VY8-HYMILjEqsdo1C2QFNf4y5795VIgy2EZnyboJx7HqB6bammPD86fU/s640/dig+in+blog+copy.jpg" width="489" /></a></div>
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Groundhogs Day is coming early this year, and it's followed closely
by spring planting. My latest cover for High Five's June issue provided
me with some good clean colorful fun in the dirt. If you can find the
hidden H, you win a nasturtium. Can you dig it?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZG84uR8qF243Pil9Mv26jsEQX0j3QvDU9lTJa8th26KrDExSW-rGBgtfM6WFP4wq2NUblmWMt964jabce1OBL4_fc0hzDHgICA1ut24h8tN-IDKVxH08v5Z7i_gzytgVsDpZe-utMtWw/s1600/dig+insketch+fin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZG84uR8qF243Pil9Mv26jsEQX0j3QvDU9lTJa8th26KrDExSW-rGBgtfM6WFP4wq2NUblmWMt964jabce1OBL4_fc0hzDHgICA1ut24h8tN-IDKVxH08v5Z7i_gzytgVsDpZe-utMtWw/s400/dig+insketch+fin2.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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sketch</div>
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Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-31168165762075574002016-11-03T08:50:00.000-04:002016-11-03T08:53:12.762-04:00Gettin' Down with Mama Goose <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Cover for a school music book with classic rhymes, including <i>This Old Man</i>,<i> Humpty Dumpty</i>, <i>Jack and Jill,</i> and<i> Little Bo Peep.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkNYrJ24BvhktT_JBN4PsmNlVqg8WW4SsiSNZ0Iu2NZ0zwTVMVXFigkKZeeZl-jT7pOVeVo9FlXHjCTthKm9L0b_YHaBFrZTJz2EpzBNBqHpJOJ6uZxV0UG0tLibm1-7HUedxJiW0c9I/s1600/goose+fin+72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkNYrJ24BvhktT_JBN4PsmNlVqg8WW4SsiSNZ0Iu2NZ0zwTVMVXFigkKZeeZl-jT7pOVeVo9FlXHjCTthKm9L0b_YHaBFrZTJz2EpzBNBqHpJOJ6uZxV0UG0tLibm1-7HUedxJiW0c9I/s400/goose+fin+72.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
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Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-90926120259947903642016-10-02T20:59:00.000-04:002016-10-02T20:59:38.807-04:00 A New Period <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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An important book for girls growing up, The Period Book, is getting a much needed update and redesign from Bloomsbury. This book has sustained its popularity since its first printing in 1996. It was probably the second actual book I illustrated, and I could be a grandma to the girls it is reaching now, but that's cool. I recently completed the cover illustration, and I'll be working on some new interior illustrations next.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctcLDt5RttWQ2mjT8nRRtpPRhemkXsFUyCvRoB1A2_lLZFoeIFhTPnaud_Xm83DrzKLqSAOHNkTmQuS7cIEFsHa4AO03-BNHuvz48NZcubVWZvxzEYfC7n6bUc1RekdXfNP917z4E444/s1600/+first+per+bk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctcLDt5RttWQ2mjT8nRRtpPRhemkXsFUyCvRoB1A2_lLZFoeIFhTPnaud_Xm83DrzKLqSAOHNkTmQuS7cIEFsHa4AO03-BNHuvz48NZcubVWZvxzEYfC7n6bUc1RekdXfNP917z4E444/s320/+first+per+bk.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First cover and a few interior illustrations</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new cover</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduf4ofHlNadFwiTNJGUHsxo4TGqNcvk9UiqKpd9JGovuLhP2055iSs6UZrK84D9Eia4eOXZwC_tX7lzKpKS1x_b8DNZaNtuaQb5fHqJwfiVPC_wKpyW2s811hOrbiSoqCLyYWt1tV398/s1600/hiker+period.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduf4ofHlNadFwiTNJGUHsxo4TGqNcvk9UiqKpd9JGovuLhP2055iSs6UZrK84D9Eia4eOXZwC_tX7lzKpKS1x_b8DNZaNtuaQb5fHqJwfiVPC_wKpyW2s811hOrbiSoqCLyYWt1tV398/s320/hiker+period.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXN3QlDiRc_2A2S970ATPLkEqfOfTBSkauD3XaCdN3_JMwWudrmwiKkS4DeFfhyb4SeSJeuyC2cO3uGT8km9-becrq2NI8UdTCtvsbzPRpADzF-nmVK5AksMzVq6EtQsEYGJEiYH-eqA4/s1600/sporty+period.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXN3QlDiRc_2A2S970ATPLkEqfOfTBSkauD3XaCdN3_JMwWudrmwiKkS4DeFfhyb4SeSJeuyC2cO3uGT8km9-becrq2NI8UdTCtvsbzPRpADzF-nmVK5AksMzVq6EtQsEYGJEiYH-eqA4/s400/sporty+period.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7vTH5wDc8aCZaznYS2B8LRxnWmU9BfAqJtGGdmzjCuAg00H-lh67QE8Wuk5mGaL5eOxM288jEm4CGhEz8yR-l7BqyaO203w8uip89Xkeef5898wiHiYwtKBirNIy0iirbW0hfDwl8TQ/s1600/period+fashion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7vTH5wDc8aCZaznYS2B8LRxnWmU9BfAqJtGGdmzjCuAg00H-lh67QE8Wuk5mGaL5eOxM288jEm4CGhEz8yR-l7BqyaO203w8uip89Xkeef5898wiHiYwtKBirNIy0iirbW0hfDwl8TQ/s400/period+fashion.jpg" width="338" /> </a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnCjU9BPYxPaq1sXZvuFKKJoo8PguiyPILMHtg4OoLHm_tabc0aOOqYKPxd-CPN-yqg3mzJ57yI8pDMwPCXi54P9rsLno5FQIVU3Afzu92eoTTVGMRQXzFDMfsGmjRW-diq0NxExVi9o/s1600/writer+period.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnCjU9BPYxPaq1sXZvuFKKJoo8PguiyPILMHtg4OoLHm_tabc0aOOqYKPxd-CPN-yqg3mzJ57yI8pDMwPCXi54P9rsLno5FQIVU3Afzu92eoTTVGMRQXzFDMfsGmjRW-diq0NxExVi9o/s320/writer+period.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">details</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsV7rUgUJ6ihfmtmRg6cEpt7gaxLStPgpm3SRHU-a80px2vE2XEVgNWWuIfvlBTIGiCqY4RUH-EUIU9mCg0PcO1NmYZSa9pFE6QSYBoyTVdUum1yi7oMXvMzz4_cSfrIAzhrfXyUtxE4/s1600/period+cov+sketch+cats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsV7rUgUJ6ihfmtmRg6cEpt7gaxLStPgpm3SRHU-a80px2vE2XEVgNWWuIfvlBTIGiCqY4RUH-EUIU9mCg0PcO1NmYZSa9pFE6QSYBoyTVdUum1yi7oMXvMzz4_cSfrIAzhrfXyUtxE4/s320/period+cov+sketch+cats.jpg" width="227" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">alternate sketch</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkplc9jXuToob2ze7_7sRx87FrNifiMi_cNPD0zO-MYVaOrk1wlb09SCqs4mBQLLvZ6iauHy6f18ffLGdW842NZIW_7AG77dYOFuGf55gOOCy0yTiCpwJCLdvH8IsinbATF85X-sRNj9U/s1600/per+cov+hang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkplc9jXuToob2ze7_7sRx87FrNifiMi_cNPD0zO-MYVaOrk1wlb09SCqs4mBQLLvZ6iauHy6f18ffLGdW842NZIW_7AG77dYOFuGf55gOOCy0yTiCpwJCLdvH8IsinbATF85X-sRNj9U/s320/per+cov+hang.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">alternate sketch</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-13989923020348667282016-08-18T08:00:00.000-04:002016-08-19T12:39:06.139-04:00 Halloween is Hiding <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /> A short wandering today led me into my favorite indie bookstore, Mac's Backs... and BOO!-- I was surprised by a solitary copy of Hidden Pictures smack dab among the magazines. It was spooky fun doing this illustration a few months ago. Look for it at your local bookstore if you know some kids that are fans of puzzles. Tell them not to be afraid as they look for the scary hidden objects:<br /> A cane, a drumstick, a fan, a comb, a bowling pin, a zipper, an envelope, a wristwatch, and a bone. Just kidding, there's no bone.<br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br />
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<br />Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-49931328845702556702016-06-06T16:30:00.000-04:002016-06-06T16:31:50.238-04:00 This Candidate is Such a Loser!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdc24Be4SGFF0tM0V9DEOAZRnMlSqWsn087cxkmmBnTJhv5fVlh8uN6NvBU6TE6LDGylmObruo24itedKnqwUGy7WRYK72fHX9V1vANMeMX3Tuf6eK_M4ksr8TSGtxsnWV1bSQ6-gun0/s1600/pres+46-47++detail+72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdc24Be4SGFF0tM0V9DEOAZRnMlSqWsn087cxkmmBnTJhv5fVlh8uN6NvBU6TE6LDGylmObruo24itedKnqwUGy7WRYK72fHX9V1vANMeMX3Tuf6eK_M4ksr8TSGtxsnWV1bSQ6-gun0/s320/pres+46-47++detail+72.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What??!! OH NO!!!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> It's true, this story tells of a disastrous campaign. But despite the all-too popular notion, winning isn't everything. (It's NOT?)<br /> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I was pleasantly surprised to get this boxful of books from Penguin Random House a few days ago.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> It was j</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ust released and available for purchase</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <a href="http://www.randomhousekids.com/books/detail/258398-how-not-to-run-for-class-president?isbn=9781101933626" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> I had previously illustrated two others books for this publisher, featuring the same characters, for their <i>Step into Reading </i>imprint. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This book, <i><b>How NOT to Run for Class President</b></i>, is for kids who<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> are old enough to vote in their school elections, and</span> can read paragraphs and simple sentences.</span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Sentences like</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">: </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Don't forget to promise pizza and a movie every <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thur<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">sda<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">y, " Steve whi<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">spered.</span></span></span></span></span> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> A brief synopsis: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> Will is reluctantly running for class president against his more qualified classmate Chelsea. He is unexpectedly embarrassed by the enthusiastic but unsolicited campaign advice of Steve, his younger brother, who enlists the grass-roots support of his kindergarten friends. Hijinks and mayhem ensue, pets invade, and ultimately Chelsea wins. Will learns some lessons in the process yet Steve remains irrepressible.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> Here are some of my favorites from the 29 illustrations.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cover</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> "Why don't<i> you</i> run, Will?"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0qHd8U4E2r-S7h8Y_-UzkEWz4tolErVWdImco60bdipfgeQgcS_CKqVJa8p8d-KvXpuNUif39Lklk9SA4vvVgSJUp72U7mWPpZDd7PPYpICC1lyYHAZbWW_XjPNwd_HF-gwh3Hqjteg/s1600/p.8-9+pres+72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0qHd8U4E2r-S7h8Y_-UzkEWz4tolErVWdImco60bdipfgeQgcS_CKqVJa8p8d-KvXpuNUif39Lklk9SA4vvVgSJUp72U7mWPpZDd7PPYpICC1lyYHAZbWW_XjPNwd_HF-gwh3Hqjteg/s400/p.8-9+pres+72.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chelsea is running on a platform of reading to the kindergarteners.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will thinks that's a bad idea.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Professional campaign posters, courtesy of Steve.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Steve promises: " If you vote for Will, you can bring your pets to school!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Stampede!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Principal Smiley fails at crowd control. Amazingly, nobody gets injured. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> One of Chelsea's most passionate supporters.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behind the scenes. </td></tr>
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Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-15018243291362377112016-05-09T15:23:00.000-04:002016-05-09T17:11:15.190-04:00 Build dams, not walls.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuhGU6V6OazkOK9YyZ-vtGI_ftBpWGJXmkLwprntC4fa-ikq2-8ohS2cD6RMkTun0a9hH5Ao19lM2wTtDME61M7D2ZrKVVg7Dx2cFQ3YI9rrLtkRl-kDE2gcZc9S2YCRAQc9CZ8sOY4U/s1600/beavers+fin+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuhGU6V6OazkOK9YyZ-vtGI_ftBpWGJXmkLwprntC4fa-ikq2-8ohS2cD6RMkTun0a9hH5Ao19lM2wTtDME61M7D2ZrKVVg7Dx2cFQ3YI9rrLtkRl-kDE2gcZc9S2YCRAQc9CZ8sOY4U/s400/beavers+fin+blog.jpg" width="350" /></a></div>
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A new cover for the October issue of High Five. Art director: Kelley Cunningham. </div>
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Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-18819859720952652492016-04-04T23:41:00.003-04:002016-08-28T17:46:00.370-04:00 Hey...That's not FAIR! (said the boy to the bear)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Artists are blessed and cursed in the extreme sometimes, but I think the important thing about living in that duality is the word AND. The last few months have tested my sanity on a personal level. I'm usually busy, but I can't remember ever being really busy and also dealing with a traumatic thing like a molar extraction ( not an easy one).<br />
But now that two books are finished, one on the heels of another, I can say a few things are becoming clear : One: The ability to focus on art is a gift; it channels the mind/body into another world and in that sense is a meditation that can transcend pain. Two: I was very fortunate to have had cool clients and art directors who worked with me on the scheduling so that I did not have to abandon the work entirely because of a villainous tooth making an entrance into the story.<br />
Sketches to come later for the tooth character, but for now, here's a few of my favorites featuring the unfair bear. Despite his role as a cheating jerk to the boy, he also became the hero I needed. For McGraw Hill, in their pre-K Social- Emotional program. Thanks for being incredibly supportive, Janet!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBJy2nnr88sJSUBH0g1CYE851u-jJoqlVaLHUnVa82-pntoU4FQiL8oaNJHmt83VaTXE_NIiomSv_5awl-0qjRix2hIput82vWjbJTVy3FdkCdPERQsDqBQMHUFmyOOKpFAB0796go3Q/s1600/p.4-5+blog+bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBJy2nnr88sJSUBH0g1CYE851u-jJoqlVaLHUnVa82-pntoU4FQiL8oaNJHmt83VaTXE_NIiomSv_5awl-0qjRix2hIput82vWjbJTVy3FdkCdPERQsDqBQMHUFmyOOKpFAB0796go3Q/s400/p.4-5+blog+bear.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilr8brO8nnwiahE4oOyzL2lb2hU2lXh3I-Edds3bCKpva8dGa4n2FZ942M3uOa-IeHeKbzn2_rUSctDlAiXVThMdSJV5OkHqpgkfMd9YQvCU3TZcReKIgyw-S1ib5ozpmzT3YIPoKJIIo/s1600/p.6-7+blog+bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilr8brO8nnwiahE4oOyzL2lb2hU2lXh3I-Edds3bCKpva8dGa4n2FZ942M3uOa-IeHeKbzn2_rUSctDlAiXVThMdSJV5OkHqpgkfMd9YQvCU3TZcReKIgyw-S1ib5ozpmzT3YIPoKJIIo/s400/p.6-7+blog+bear.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyV-tPqQsQuWxrSJrZdRA3MJvrqwCWrg6DCEj8Ry3ztfgISyvQYTUfdTFKWUej5wWhM_bb0lgHo77JCLHQ7Mq5L4c9heKIxkruBolgNEPv0KtP8u0dUNFU-ah4nOanbkipBqg01okYgsI/s1600/p.13+bear+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyV-tPqQsQuWxrSJrZdRA3MJvrqwCWrg6DCEj8Ry3ztfgISyvQYTUfdTFKWUej5wWhM_bb0lgHo77JCLHQ7Mq5L4c9heKIxkruBolgNEPv0KtP8u0dUNFU-ah4nOanbkipBqg01okYgsI/s320/p.13+bear+blog.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
<br />Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-8080642303181800892016-03-07T01:37:00.001-05:002016-03-07T01:48:14.452-05:00... and the winner is...The Girl Squirrel! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some selections from <i>The Contest</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I recently had the pleasure of completing illustrations for a 16 page book for Dinardo Design and Heinemann Publishing. Naturally I was so pleased to have a hand in a book that shows a girl winning. The boys, Chip and Flip, learn in the end that they were outsmarted by a girl whom they had laughed at as not capable, and vow to let Tulip go first the next time they have a contest. I really had fun with the limited palette and expressions in this animal fantasy fiction. I'm hoping to illustrate more girl-centric stories in the future. <br /> Can you guess how she carried the most nuts?<br /> </span></div>
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<br />Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-37729571201262118742016-01-27T10:08:00.000-05:002016-01-28T12:09:50.078-05:00 Arf! Arf! Pupperoni and Muttzarella <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original art created with pastels, prismacolors and photoshop.<br />
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A piece for a riddles page in Ranger Rick magazine for their May issue. I really got hungry doing this. I think Pupperoni and Muttzarella are good names for them, actually. The background is loosely based on our Little Italy here in Cleveland. Lettering by Jim Paillot. I'm getting hungry again. Ciao bella!<br />
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<br />Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-67603241762512009652015-11-24T16:32:00.000-05:002016-04-06T18:07:07.441-04:00 NO Peeking... well maybe just at the gift tags.<div style="text-align: right;">
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I just finished these new gift tag designs for a holiday promo. Everyone ends up regrettably using generic tags, or cutting up old ugly greeting cards after those run out, so giving a gift of artists' gift tags seems like a pretty good idea. I won't be able to use the back designs this time after all, because I didn't realize at the time the backs cannot be variable. But maybe they will make good fronts too.<br />
The kids are from a Ranger Rick assignment , and the moon and owl from <a href="https://www.redchairpress.com/sunrise-band" target="_blank">The Sunrise Band</a>.<br />
Small ( they will be printed much smaller than shown here), but as they say... good things come that way.<br />
I'm wishing Peace, a Happy Thanksgiving and a Happy Tofurkey Day to all.</div>
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Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-90399072511835489622015-11-09T14:26:00.004-05:002015-11-09T14:26:55.141-05:00 Winging It<br />
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It was great to get a sample of this musical for kids.<br />
The play features four baby birds: Orville, Wilbur, Amelia, and Harriet (all famous aviators). "Winging It" is about taking smart risks and leaving the nest with the support system of family and friends. If you're an educator looking for a musical review for your fledgling songbirds, you couldn't do better than this one.<br />
Seeing my birdies on the CD rom was an extra tweet - I mean treat! I'll have to get the additional Preview CD too with vocals and dialog for the full effect. Produced by Hal Leonard Corporation.Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-31694869951987330372015-11-01T23:45:00.002-05:002015-11-02T00:56:25.631-05:00 How Romantic!<br />
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A few weeks ago I was asked to illustrate another Hidden Pictures cover for a special newsstand edition. A few of these are really challenging. Even some of my big kid friends were stumped trying to find all of the following: a saltshaker, a ladder, a hairbrush, a spool of thread, a lime, an artist's brush, a cinnamon bun, and a horseshoe.<br />
The art director suggested the contrast of big and little, and I love that dynamic. Love.<br />
Did I say this as a Valentine's issue? Yes, it's the day after Halloween and Christmas is over already.<br />
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I concentrated some on the strolling kitties a bit while sketching. I thought a question mark hidden in her tail would be fun but it turned out the editors were not too fond of that idea. But they loved the rest of it. <br />
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Did I say love?<br />
On the heels of this one I was asked to contribute again to Ranger Rick magazine with a spot regarding the mating and dating habits of albatrosses. The color palette turned out to be very similar, which I think shows how one piece can influence the next, even though it happens subconsciously. Or maybe it is because the theme of Love just demands pink. <br />
I collaged a photo of the Eiffel tower in, initially because the one I drew was looking wobbly and inadequate. After I did I was pleasantly surprised with the juxtaposition of elements and the blend of cartoon and photo. Bon Voyage!<br />
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<br />Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-777404987495411290.post-78000358728595493512015-10-26T14:36:00.000-04:002015-10-26T14:36:29.027-04:00 Not your normal pumpkin patch <br />
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If you're ever rotting in a doctor's waiting room for 3 hours while he fritters away, wasting your precious time while he looks at someone else's injuries, just pull out your sketchbook and take it out on the page.<br />
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I like drawing ghoulish people; somehow half human, half something other. What are these women doing? I'm not sure yet. I like letting things possess the page and surprise me.<br />
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Took a wrong turn with baggy pants and velcro sandals (not a good mix if the velcro comes loose) , fell and mildly fractured my non-dominant elbow a few weeks ago. It's practically all better and I am grateful I can type without pain now. I have also figured out how to tie shoelaces. With a double knot.<br />
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Happy haunting.<br />
<br />Debbie Palenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13156542390822619185noreply@blogger.com0