Monday, November 24, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Jennifer's Picks!
Our 17th Annual Children's Book Illustrators' Show & Signing is almost here! We have around 200 original illustrations from our five wonderful illustrators, and about 40 books for signing and dedication.
Brazil
Wish is a delightful look at the many wishing traditions throughout the world, and takes you from the United States to India, Japan, Israel, Russia, even Australlia. The above illustration shows the wishing tradition of Brazil, where people jump seven waves on New Year's Day and throw flowers and combs into the waters. These are offering for the goddess of the sea, who will grant their wishes. Elisa Kleven has created beautifully intricate collage artworks to highlight the many cultures of the world. For me, the best thing about Wish is that it gives children an early awareness of the world around them. The pictures are engaging, so not only do you read about the traditions, you also see the traditions in action. Besides, who doesn't love making wishes?
Sleeping Dog
The House in the Night is the newest book illustrated by Beth Krommes. This is a soothing good-night book for little ones, taking them through a journey to sleep. Based on the nursery rhyme "This is the key of the kingdom" from The Oxford Nursery Rhyme Book, The House in the Night follows a similar progression in it's narrative. Beth's scratchboard illustrations are stunningly sophisticated in this black and white and golden yellow book. I love the way the words to The House in the Night draw you directly into the pages and into the illustrations. You can almost make up your own stories when you look at the images, opening the gateway for sleepy-time dreams.
Theodore Lying Down
A sweet story about friendship, That's What Friends Are For is the tale of Theodore the elephant, delayed from meeting his cousin by an injured leg. All of his forest friends are more than willing to give helpful advice about how he can make the journey to the other side of the jungle, like swinging from the tree branches with his trunk (from the monkey), or growing a new leg (from the crab). Finally the opossum stands to be the voice of reason, urging the others to help Theodore instead of offering advice. Holly Meade composed these adorable illustrations out of watercolor collage, creating a wonderfully three-dimensional and textured effect. I think this is a great book for all ages because it reminds us exactly what friends are for, to help us when times are tough.
Grease Monkey
A wonderful story about the bond between father and son and the power of dreams, Friday My Radio Flyer Flew is the first book both written and illustrated by Zachary Pullen. While exploring the attic together, the pair discover Dad's old Radio Flyer, and his son becomes determined to make it fly. Zak's incredible oil on canvas illustrations are so delightful to look at. The figures are so very expressive, and each image is full of little details that keep you coming back to look again. I think this is a fabulous book because you can tell it's been a labor of love for Zak, and it feels like a very personal story. It makes me remember trying to emulate my dad in the garage when I was little, just like the young boy in this book does. I'm sure I'm not the only one who can relate to this lovely story.
Piggy & Zebra Greeting
Won't You Be My Hugaroo is an absolutely adorable book about the different kinds of hugs to give and receive. Follow friends and their parents to an amusement park for a fun-and-hug-filled day. Together, they give twirly hugs, off-we-go hugs, tickle hugs, and best of all, a cozy hug at the end of the day. This is a great companion to Won't You Be My Kissaroo, about the different kinds of kisses there are. Melissa Sweet's mixed-media illustrations are youthful and uplifting, and make you smile as you flip through this book. As a big fan of hugs myself, this book immediately spoke to me and made me want to share it with those that I care about. In this way, Won't You Be My Hugaroo is another kind of hug you can give.
Don't forget, book pre-sales end November 29th!
BrazilWish is a delightful look at the many wishing traditions throughout the world, and takes you from the United States to India, Japan, Israel, Russia, even Australlia. The above illustration shows the wishing tradition of Brazil, where people jump seven waves on New Year's Day and throw flowers and combs into the waters. These are offering for the goddess of the sea, who will grant their wishes. Elisa Kleven has created beautifully intricate collage artworks to highlight the many cultures of the world. For me, the best thing about Wish is that it gives children an early awareness of the world around them. The pictures are engaging, so not only do you read about the traditions, you also see the traditions in action. Besides, who doesn't love making wishes?
***
Sleeping DogThe House in the Night is the newest book illustrated by Beth Krommes. This is a soothing good-night book for little ones, taking them through a journey to sleep. Based on the nursery rhyme "This is the key of the kingdom" from The Oxford Nursery Rhyme Book, The House in the Night follows a similar progression in it's narrative. Beth's scratchboard illustrations are stunningly sophisticated in this black and white and golden yellow book. I love the way the words to The House in the Night draw you directly into the pages and into the illustrations. You can almost make up your own stories when you look at the images, opening the gateway for sleepy-time dreams.
***
That's What Friends Are For
Written by Florence Parry Heide and Sylvia Van Clief
Illustrations by Holly Meade
Written by Florence Parry Heide and Sylvia Van Clief
Illustrations by Holly Meade
Theodore Lying DownA sweet story about friendship, That's What Friends Are For is the tale of Theodore the elephant, delayed from meeting his cousin by an injured leg. All of his forest friends are more than willing to give helpful advice about how he can make the journey to the other side of the jungle, like swinging from the tree branches with his trunk (from the monkey), or growing a new leg (from the crab). Finally the opossum stands to be the voice of reason, urging the others to help Theodore instead of offering advice. Holly Meade composed these adorable illustrations out of watercolor collage, creating a wonderfully three-dimensional and textured effect. I think this is a great book for all ages because it reminds us exactly what friends are for, to help us when times are tough.
***
Grease MonkeyA wonderful story about the bond between father and son and the power of dreams, Friday My Radio Flyer Flew is the first book both written and illustrated by Zachary Pullen. While exploring the attic together, the pair discover Dad's old Radio Flyer, and his son becomes determined to make it fly. Zak's incredible oil on canvas illustrations are so delightful to look at. The figures are so very expressive, and each image is full of little details that keep you coming back to look again. I think this is a fabulous book because you can tell it's been a labor of love for Zak, and it feels like a very personal story. It makes me remember trying to emulate my dad in the garage when I was little, just like the young boy in this book does. I'm sure I'm not the only one who can relate to this lovely story.
***
Piggy & Zebra GreetingWon't You Be My Hugaroo is an absolutely adorable book about the different kinds of hugs to give and receive. Follow friends and their parents to an amusement park for a fun-and-hug-filled day. Together, they give twirly hugs, off-we-go hugs, tickle hugs, and best of all, a cozy hug at the end of the day. This is a great companion to Won't You Be My Kissaroo, about the different kinds of kisses there are. Melissa Sweet's mixed-media illustrations are youthful and uplifting, and make you smile as you flip through this book. As a big fan of hugs myself, this book immediately spoke to me and made me want to share it with those that I care about. In this way, Won't You Be My Hugaroo is another kind of hug you can give.
***
We have many more books to offer, all with stunning artwork. If you need recommendations, just ask! For a complete book list, please follow this link:
We have many more books to offer, all with stunning artwork. If you need recommendations, just ask! For a complete book list, please follow this link:
Monday, November 10, 2008
Signed Books and Original Illustrations, Oh My!
The invitations are out! If you're on our (snail mail) mailing list you should receive yours Monday or Tuesday of this week. Don't worry if you didn't get one, everyone is welcome and there's no charge for admission. All the details are below...
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Children's Books and Original Illustrations
Available for Pre-Sale NOW Through Nov. 29th!
Our 2008 illustrators!
Elisa Kleven, Beth Krommes, Holly Meade, Zachary Pullen and Melissa Sweet
Enderle Center
17300 17th St, Ste. G
Tustin, CA 92780
714-731-5432
info@chemersgallery.com
You've been waiting, we've been working hard to select a great group of illustrators. This year's illustrators promise to bring a diverse mix of techniques. Don't take our word for it. Come in and see for yourself! More than 40 books are available and about 200 illustrations for presale until November 29th. Pre-order your books today and we'll have them signed and dedicated for you. They'll be ready and waiting for you at the show on December 6th. Don't wait until the last minute to pre-order your books because we get grumpy!
If you can't make it to the event on December 6th, you can pick up your pre-ordered books after the show at your convenience.
The day of the event you'll be able to meet the illustrators, view and purchase their original illustrations and listen to their presentations throughout the afternoon. There will still be an opportunity to make last minute book purchases, though we can't guarantee a supply of all titles the day of the show.
The original illustrations used to make these extraordinary books are also available for pre-sale. Here's a sneak peek at our featured artists:
Elisa Kleven: Returning for a third time to Chemers Gallery, Elisa brings an almost primitive charm to her illustrations. She creates magical worlds out of watercolor, cut up paper and bits of fabric. She has always wanted to fly like Peter Pan, and does so through many of her characters, including the award-winning Paper Princess. Her newest book, City of Angels, highlights all the great sites in Los Angeles.
Beth Krommes: Beth's delightfully unique illustrations are made using a combination of scratchboard and watercolor. She has illustrated The Lamp, the Ice, and the Boat Called Fish, which won numerous awards including the Golden Kite Award for Illustration. Beth's intricate illustrations in her latest book, The House in the Night, are receiving rave reviews.
Holly Meade: A Caldecott Honor Award winner, Holly uses a variety of techniques to create her stunning illustrations, including paper collage and woodblock prints. She has also been awarded
The Charlotte Zolotow Honor for the creative writing of John Willy and Freddy McGee. The artwork shown to the left is a woodblock from her newest book, On The Farm.
Zachary Pullen: As the creator of wonderfully expressive character-oriented illustrations, Zachary has transitioned from editorial work to children's book illustration. His just released Casey & Derek is an action-filled hockey story sure to delight the boys. Zak's use of oil on canvas and paper is masterful and stunning to see up close. Friday My Radio Flyer Flew was both written and illustrated by Zak.
Melissa Sweet: Melissa uses a wide variety of materials to create her adorable illustrations, from watercolors to collages of ephemera. Carmine: A Little More Red, the first book that she both wrote and illustrated, won the Lupine Award Honor for 2005. With more than 40 books to her credit, Melissa's most recent book, A River of Words, is a true story about the poet William Carlos Williams.
10% of art sales go to the Orange County Ronald McDonald House, a wonderful children's charity that provides comfortable and affordable housing to families who need to seek medical treatments for their seriously ill children at nearby medical facilities.
Hurry into Chemers Gallery to check out all of this year's books and illustrations!
Book publishers include Candlewick, Chronicle, Dutton, Farrar, Harcourt, Harper, Houghton, Knopf, Marshall Cavendish, Penguin, Putnam and Simon & Schuster.
To view this year's BOOK LIST, CLICK HERE.
If you'd like to be added to our email list to receive more information about this wonderful show, or any other gallery events, please click the link below. Or just give us a call!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
17th Annual Children's Book Illustration Show
and Book Signing
Saturday, December 6th, 2008
1:00pm-5:00pm
Show Continues through Dec. 20th
and Book Signing
Saturday, December 6th, 2008
1:00pm-5:00pm
Show Continues through Dec. 20th
Children's Books and Original Illustrations
Available for Pre-Sale NOW Through Nov. 29th!
Our 2008 illustrators!
Elisa Kleven, Beth Krommes, Holly Meade, Zachary Pullen and Melissa Sweet
Enderle Center17300 17th St, Ste. G
Tustin, CA 92780
714-731-5432
info@chemersgallery.com
You've been waiting, we've been working hard to select a great group of illustrators. This year's illustrators promise to bring a diverse mix of techniques. Don't take our word for it. Come in and see for yourself! More than 40 books are available and about 200 illustrations for presale until November 29th. Pre-order your books today and we'll have them signed and dedicated for you. They'll be ready and waiting for you at the show on December 6th. Don't wait until the last minute to pre-order your books because we get grumpy!
If you can't make it to the event on December 6th, you can pick up your pre-ordered books after the show at your convenience.
The day of the event you'll be able to meet the illustrators, view and purchase their original illustrations and listen to their presentations throughout the afternoon. There will still be an opportunity to make last minute book purchases, though we can't guarantee a supply of all titles the day of the show.
The original illustrations used to make these extraordinary books are also available for pre-sale. Here's a sneak peek at our featured artists:
Elisa Kleven: Returning for a third time to Chemers Gallery, Elisa brings an almost primitive charm to her illustrations. She creates magical worlds out of watercolor, cut up paper and bits of fabric. She has always wanted to fly like Peter Pan, and does so through many of her characters, including the award-winning Paper Princess. Her newest book, City of Angels, highlights all the great sites in Los Angeles.Beth Krommes: Beth's delightfully unique illustrations are made using a combination of scratchboard and watercolor. She has illustrated The Lamp, the Ice, and the Boat Called Fish, which won numerous awards including the Golden Kite Award for Illustration. Beth's intricate illustrations in her latest book, The House in the Night, are receiving rave reviews.Holly Meade: A Caldecott Honor Award winner, Holly uses a variety of techniques to create her stunning illustrations, including paper collage and woodblock prints. She has also been awardedThe Charlotte Zolotow Honor for the creative writing of John Willy and Freddy McGee. The artwork shown to the left is a woodblock from her newest book, On The Farm.
Zachary Pullen: As the creator of wonderfully expressive character-oriented illustrations, Zachary has transitioned from editorial work to children's book illustration. His just released Casey & Derek is an action-filled hockey story sure to delight the boys. Zak's use of oil on canvas and paper is masterful and stunning to see up close. Friday My Radio Flyer Flew was both written and illustrated by Zak.Melissa Sweet: Melissa uses a wide variety of materials to create her adorable illustrations, from watercolors to collages of ephemera. Carmine: A Little More Red, the first book that she both wrote and illustrated, won the Lupine Award Honor for 2005. With more than 40 books to her credit, Melissa's most recent book, A River of Words, is a true story about the poet William Carlos Williams.10% of art sales go to the Orange County Ronald McDonald House, a wonderful children's charity that provides comfortable and affordable housing to families who need to seek medical treatments for their seriously ill children at nearby medical facilities.
Book publishers include Candlewick, Chronicle, Dutton, Farrar, Harcourt, Harper, Houghton, Knopf, Marshall Cavendish, Penguin, Putnam and Simon & Schuster.
To view this year's BOOK LIST, CLICK HERE.
If you'd like to be added to our email list to receive more information about this wonderful show, or any other gallery events, please click the link below. Or just give us a call!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Three Paintings by Three Locals
Three local favorites, Mary Aslin, John Sawyer and Jim Wodark, have recently brought Chemers Gallery a few new tidbits of their latest work. Keep it coming, we can't wait to see more!
Morning on Main Street and El Camino Real
Mary Aslin
After a breif hiatus from her hectic summer Art-A-Fair and Sawdust Festival schedual, Mary Aslin has given us a beautiful pastel depicting the clock tower from Old Town Tustin. Morning on Main Street and El Camino Real contains her characteristic warmth and light. Mary has created an image that is so inviting it makes you want to stroll down the street to take in the sights. By the way, this painting recently won 2nd Place at the First Annual Old Town Tustin Art Walk. In fact, just before publishing this blog, Libby Panky strolled into Chemers Gallery and snapped it up. You snooze, you lose!
Open Fields
John Sawyer
We're always delighted to see John Sawyer, especially when he's got something new to show us. Open Fields is a small scale, intimate view of the Saddleback Ridge, purple in the distance. For Orange County residents, the views of Saddleback with the clouds just peeking through are a familliar, tranquil sight. John's paintings of Orange County are modern yet reminiscent of Gustav Baumann, and easily resonate with locals and those further afield.
Sunset on "Morning Light"
Jim Wodark
Jim Wodark has turned his attentions to the nautical, with his stunning oil of small boats moored for the day in Moro Bay. His reflections in the water are so realistic, you can almost hear the water lapping gently against the hull of the boat. Jim is probably best known for his California Plein Air landscape paintings, but every once in awhile he'll throw something new in the mix. Can't wait to see what's next!
Are you interested in receiving emails about these artists and other local artists? Just click the link below to join our email list! We promise not to bombard you with emails, just a couple a month. You can change your preferences at any time just by signing in again, or you can call us and we'll do it for you!
Morning on Main Street and El Camino RealMary Aslin
After a breif hiatus from her hectic summer Art-A-Fair and Sawdust Festival schedual, Mary Aslin has given us a beautiful pastel depicting the clock tower from Old Town Tustin. Morning on Main Street and El Camino Real contains her characteristic warmth and light. Mary has created an image that is so inviting it makes you want to stroll down the street to take in the sights. By the way, this painting recently won 2nd Place at the First Annual Old Town Tustin Art Walk. In fact, just before publishing this blog, Libby Panky strolled into Chemers Gallery and snapped it up. You snooze, you lose!
Open FieldsJohn Sawyer
We're always delighted to see John Sawyer, especially when he's got something new to show us. Open Fields is a small scale, intimate view of the Saddleback Ridge, purple in the distance. For Orange County residents, the views of Saddleback with the clouds just peeking through are a familliar, tranquil sight. John's paintings of Orange County are modern yet reminiscent of Gustav Baumann, and easily resonate with locals and those further afield.
Sunset on "Morning Light"Jim Wodark
Jim Wodark has turned his attentions to the nautical, with his stunning oil of small boats moored for the day in Moro Bay. His reflections in the water are so realistic, you can almost hear the water lapping gently against the hull of the boat. Jim is probably best known for his California Plein Air landscape paintings, but every once in awhile he'll throw something new in the mix. Can't wait to see what's next!
Are you interested in receiving emails about these artists and other local artists? Just click the link below to join our email list! We promise not to bombard you with emails, just a couple a month. You can change your preferences at any time just by signing in again, or you can call us and we'll do it for you!
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