R.W. Alley's Blog
May 2, 2014
In London
Just last month Zo� and I had the chance to meet up with Michael Bond and his wife Sue at the HarperCollins offices in London. What a cheery reception! Who knew that such a clever editorial, art and marketing staff would also have great chefs hidden in its midst. Many of the treats from the Paddington Cookery Book were on offer. As was a bit of bubbly. Clearly a good time was had by all.
We saw the new-look Paddington books, to be released with the upcoming film, and they look very sharp, indeed!
As always, Mr Bond was his usual dapper and happy self. The equally charming Sue took us around to Paddington Station where there is not only a lovely statue of Paddington and his suitcase, but also a large shop of all things bear related. Near the station, in a little park, just flowering, is a statue of Mr Bond holding a bear, very much in the same pose as in the above picture.
For those that don�t know, Mr Bond also authors a children�s series concerning the adventures of a guinea pig named Olga Da Polga (newly illustrated by Catherine Rayner), as well as a France-based mystery (and culinary) series for adults featuring Monsieur Pamplemousse and his faithful bloodhound Pommes Frites. Take a look.
We saw the new-look Paddington books, to be released with the upcoming film, and they look very sharp, indeed!
As always, Mr Bond was his usual dapper and happy self. The equally charming Sue took us around to Paddington Station where there is not only a lovely statue of Paddington and his suitcase, but also a large shop of all things bear related. Near the station, in a little park, just flowering, is a statue of Mr Bond holding a bear, very much in the same pose as in the above picture.
For those that don�t know, Mr Bond also authors a children�s series concerning the adventures of a guinea pig named Olga Da Polga (newly illustrated by Catherine Rayner), as well as a France-based mystery (and culinary) series for adults featuring Monsieur Pamplemousse and his faithful bloodhound Pommes Frites. Take a look.
February 22, 2014
Erik Blegvad
Erik Blegvad, one of my all-time favorite illustrators passed away last month. He was a pen and ink master. Both in black and white and in adding color to a drawing.
On the web, when you search images of Mr Blegvad�s work, you�ll find a remarkable
breadth of work.
However, one book doesn�t seem to be represented; PETER AND THE TROLL BABY written by Jan Wahl, published by Golden in 1984. As I was teaching myself the art of picture book illustration, this book was a pivotal find. The combination of ink and color, the widely varied perspectives and the equally varied tones presented from spread to spread provoked hours of study. I hope I learned something. For this post, I�ve stolen a few examples from PETER that demonstrate the range of this book.
Thank you, Mr Blegvad for taking such care in your work and expanding your readers� worlds.
On February 10th, 2014, The New York Times published an obituary by Margalit Fox.
On the web, when you search images of Mr Blegvad�s work, you�ll find a remarkable
breadth of work.
However, one book doesn�t seem to be represented; PETER AND THE TROLL BABY written by Jan Wahl, published by Golden in 1984. As I was teaching myself the art of picture book illustration, this book was a pivotal find. The combination of ink and color, the widely varied perspectives and the equally varied tones presented from spread to spread provoked hours of study. I hope I learned something. For this post, I�ve stolen a few examples from PETER that demonstrate the range of this book.
Thank you, Mr Blegvad for taking such care in your work and expanding your readers� worlds.
On February 10th, 2014, The New York Times published an obituary by Margalit Fox.
February 7, 2014
Nutcrackers in February
Well, finally, to accompany the Thanksgiving turkey featured in the last post and only a few months past the end/beginning-of-the-year holidays, here�s a few pictures of another three-D project.
Right after Christmas, on the shelves of the local CVS, you find the deep discounted remains of decorative holiday cheer. A little sad. Over the past few seasons, I�ve made a point to rescue at least one nutcracker from the pile of faded joy. Once on my worktable, the fuzzy beard and glossy paint comes off. ( Although the beard sometimes returns.) The arms are rearranged, a coat of white gesso goes on and in a few days a new nutcracker emerges.
Right after Christmas, on the shelves of the local CVS, you find the deep discounted remains of decorative holiday cheer. A little sad. Over the past few seasons, I�ve made a point to rescue at least one nutcracker from the pile of faded joy. Once on my worktable, the fuzzy beard and glossy paint comes off. ( Although the beard sometimes returns.) The arms are rearranged, a coat of white gesso goes on and in a few days a new nutcracker emerges.
November 8, 2013
Thanksgiving in 3-D
Well, it�s time for the Holiday Decoration Post, Thanksgiving Edition.
Most days I live in the two dimensional world of book illustration. The blank white page of possibility. The pencils, the inks, the gouache. Bristol board and tracing paper. Electric eraser shavings and full wastebaskets. And, finally, the happy buzz of the scanner when all goes well.
It�s a very nice world. But, still, consistently creating in two dimensions can make one a dull boy.
But, this time of year -- I think of it as �Holiday Decoration Days� -- is a handy excuse to create in three dimensions. The local crafty stores -- in our case, Michael�s -- are full of bits and pieces begging to be combined into something new.
Pictured here is this year�s Thanksgiving table centerpiece. In this case,the bits and pieces include a paintable vinyl turkey, two bags of feathers, styrofoam gourds (1/2 off), a wooden wall plaque of rustic quality, a bag of some straw-like stuff and a film canister. A little drilling, a little painting, a little gluing did the rest.
Next up... my favorite... nutcrackers!
Happy Holidays!
Most days I live in the two dimensional world of book illustration. The blank white page of possibility. The pencils, the inks, the gouache. Bristol board and tracing paper. Electric eraser shavings and full wastebaskets. And, finally, the happy buzz of the scanner when all goes well.
It�s a very nice world. But, still, consistently creating in two dimensions can make one a dull boy.
But, this time of year -- I think of it as �Holiday Decoration Days� -- is a handy excuse to create in three dimensions. The local crafty stores -- in our case, Michael�s -- are full of bits and pieces begging to be combined into something new.
Pictured here is this year�s Thanksgiving table centerpiece. In this case,the bits and pieces include a paintable vinyl turkey, two bags of feathers, styrofoam gourds (1/2 off), a wooden wall plaque of rustic quality, a bag of some straw-like stuff and a film canister. A little drilling, a little painting, a little gluing did the rest.
Next up... my favorite... nutcrackers!
Happy Holidays!
October 20, 2013
Zo� B. Alley visits Mr. Pig's Crooked Cottage
The charming Zo� B. Alley made a visit today to Mr. Pig's Crooked Cottage. The clever porcine has reported the proceedings on his blog
The Little Crooked Cottage
. This was only fair since Mr. Pig had visited my studio in early September.
Zo� discusses her literary upbringing and favorite childhood picture books as well as her own two fabulous books There's a Wolf at the Door and There's a Princess at the Palace.
Visit Zo�'s website at zoeballey.com .
Zo� discusses her literary upbringing and favorite childhood picture books as well as her own two fabulous books There's a Wolf at the Door and There's a Princess at the Palace.
Visit Zo�'s website at zoeballey.com .
October 7, 2013
PADDINGTON film shooting now
Filming for the live action part of the new Paddington film has begun at Paddington Station.
The Daily Mail Online
has published an album of behind the scenes photos. This one, in particular, is a bit unnerving. But, that�s movie-making!
September 15, 2013
NEWS: PADDINGTON on the Big Screen and at the British Library
Here's two bits of Paddington news:
Actors for the leading roles in the upcoming Paddington film have been signed. The movie will feature live action for the humans and CGI animation for the bear. Scheduled release date is late 2014.
Paddington will be featured with other classic popular British children�s characters in an exhibit at the British Library. The exhibit, PICTURE THIS: ILLUSTRATED CHILDREN�S CLASSICS, will run from October 4th, 2013 through January 26, 2014.
Read more about both items on my NEWS page.
Actors for the leading roles in the upcoming Paddington film have been signed. The movie will feature live action for the humans and CGI animation for the bear. Scheduled release date is late 2014.
Paddington will be featured with other classic popular British children�s characters in an exhibit at the British Library. The exhibit, PICTURE THIS: ILLUSTRATED CHILDREN�S CLASSICS, will run from October 4th, 2013 through January 26, 2014.
Read more about both items on my NEWS page.
September 4, 2013
Mr. Pig Visits My Studio
The very perceptive Mr. Pig came to visit my studio the other day. He took a few pictures. Asked a few questions. And came up with a very cheerful description of what he found. He posted it on his new children's book blog The Little Crooked Cottage.
I think Mr. Pig was particularly fascinated by the rolling ladder. His cottage may be a bit too low-ceiling to accommodate one. That may be a good thing. Pigs are not noted for their climbing skills -- at least as regards ladders. But, he gave it a good try. I made a quick sketch. Then I picked up the books.
I'll look forward to reading more of Mr. Pig's wanderings.
I think Mr. Pig was particularly fascinated by the rolling ladder. His cottage may be a bit too low-ceiling to accommodate one. That may be a good thing. Pigs are not noted for their climbing skills -- at least as regards ladders. But, he gave it a good try. I made a quick sketch. Then I picked up the books.
I'll look forward to reading more of Mr. Pig's wanderings.
July 26, 2013
Baby Cambridge�s Book
That�s not really Prince Andrew. Nor is that his son, Prince George. And, nor is that exactly a Paddington book -- right title (PADDINGTON AT THE PALACE is an actual book), wrong cover (in no event is Paddington likely to sport a pink suitcase).
But, somehow it all makes sense when you understand that this is a photo from a People Magazine article celebrating Britain�s newest royal birth. It was culled from a page of royal imitators imagining private palace moments.
Below is the actual book cover. As always, Mr Bond has created a clever story of Paddington�s persistence and his ensuing brush with royalty (maybe).
Congratulations to the real Cambridges.
But, somehow it all makes sense when you understand that this is a photo from a People Magazine article celebrating Britain�s newest royal birth. It was culled from a page of royal imitators imagining private palace moments.
Below is the actual book cover. As always, Mr Bond has created a clever story of Paddington�s persistence and his ensuing brush with royalty (maybe).
Congratulations to the real Cambridges.
July 18, 2013
Picture Book Artists Association
I have just rejoined the cheerful gathering of children�s book illustrators called Picture Book Artists Association. It provides a great format for professional illustrators to share experiences -- chatting electronically about everything from advances to how to drive editors nuts. Very useful topics.
PBAA also maintains a very useful home page highlighting the work of its members and providing links to their individual web pages.
Well worth a look !
PBAA also maintains a very useful home page highlighting the work of its members and providing links to their individual web pages.
Well worth a look !
