Thursday, November 10, 2011

Let's Count Kisses - Children's Picture Book















It is with mixed feelings that I post all these illustrations onto my blog. This has been the most rewarding and satisfying of projects to work on, and I feel a sense of elation that for my part, these illustrations are pretty much completed, but also a sense of sadness that this lovely project has come to an end. Hachette will be publishing this picture book as a flap book which is why the spreads are so long - most of them need to cover three full pages. Let's Count Kisses will be available in shops from May 2012 and is targetted at the 0-2 year old age bracket as a combined counting book and bed time book for parents/grandparents to share with their little ones.

Special thanks must go to Geoff Walker who kindly allowed me to use his beautiful butterfly photographs as references for these illustrations http://australianbutterfliesphotographed.com/defaultIframe.htm.

I apologise also, for the long stint with no postings, but working on these illustrations has left little time for anything else, and hopefully I can now catch up on a bit of networking and blogging.

18 comments:

Unknown said...

What a magnificent collection of drawings and a great concept, congratulations karen on a beautiful creation..

Mona Diane Conner said...

Karen, congratulations! The work looks beautiful, and you have been so productive within such a short time-frame. Most books of this complexity would take 6 months to a year to complete!

Unknown said...

Thank you so much Maria - the concept wasn't mine, so much as the Publishers, but I certainly loved taking his vision and putting it to paper :)

Thank you heaps Mona. The Publisher did say they normally would allow 6-12 months for a deadline, but they needed this one urgently. I would certainly welcome a bit of a longer time frame, as this wonderful project has had me working day and night 7 days a week for the last 2 months. It has been so worth it, but not something I could sustain long term!!! :)

Unknown said...

I have just been catching up on so much of your work that I have missed while i was on holiday.

WOW you have been so busy and the latest collection is wonderful.

Congratulations on a wonderful collection for "Lets Count Kisses"
Your the best.

Unknown said...

You're a darling Dors - there's really not much to catch up on with me, as this is my first blog entry in ages, but hopefully I will have a bit more time for blogging now. Thank you so much for your kind words!!! :)

Tracy Hall said...

Absolutely beautiful Karen and well done indeed for completing it so fast!

Sue Clinker said...

Wow .. what a mammoth undertaking Karen and all beautifully drawn.

Real 'butterfly kisses' ... I hope the book is a huge success.

Unknown said...

Thank you so very much Tracy and Sue - Your lovely feedback is very much appreciated!!! :)

Cindy Lane said...

I can hear your sigh of relief from here!

That was a huge mountain you've climbed - and in a mind-boggling short time as well!

You must be so proud - it looks amazing. Pop the champers!!!

Unknown said...

Thanks heaps Cindy - I thought I wouldn't want to pick up a pencil or brush for months after finishing these illustrations, but last night I was itching to do some art again - we just can't help ourselves can we!!! :)

Debra Keirce said...

Karen, this is GORGEOUS!!! I don't know any 0 to 2 yr. olds, but the next one that gets born, I would love to gift them with this. If I paypal the cost of the book and postage to you, could you get me a signed copy when it comes out? DebraKeirceArt@yahoo.com is my email. Let's talk! :)

Unknown said...

Of course Deb - I'd be honoured to - thank you heaps!!! :)

Barbara A. Freeman said...

Congratulations, Karen! How delightful these works are! It's really hard keeping up with creating the artwork AND blogging about it! I'm glad I checked in with you. You've definitely made me smile with these happy illustrations!!

Wendy Mould AFCA said...

WOW!! The pictures are great, I am sure you must be very pleased with your work. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much Barbara and Wendy for your wonderful feedback!!! It has been a delightful project to work on, but it is nice to surface and touch base with everyone again.

Bridie said...

congradulations Karen. what a treat to look through these works.are they done with coloured pencil. amazing what u have achieved.... they are so so so beautiful. congrads again.

Anonymous said...

Love this collection Karen. Really love your talent. I have another blog called Art Inspire Today. Let me know if you'd like to be a part of it. Again...beautiful work:)

Unknown said...

Thank you so very much Bridie and Scott and I will definitely check out your site Scott - thank you!!! :)