Change of season

Summer officially ended a few days ago, and I for one am glad to see it go.  There is only so much sweltering and sweating I can stand. Hello autumn, my favorite season! Doesn't it always feels like a new year starts with the autumnal equinox?

But still, I'll be sad to see the end of jacaranda season. In the part of southern California that I find myself in, the streets are lined with jacaranda trees which bloom with glorious purple blossoms from April to September-ish. And over the last few months I've photographing them...

On my street. 

This is on Hollywood Boulevard. A different kind of glamour!

Fallen blossoms on the grass.

The fallen blossoms have been my playthings over the summer months, too —

And with that, I am ready to dive into autumn— bring on the woolens and the pumpkin pie! I'm buckling down for new work, so stay tuned!

PS. Speaking of playthings, have you seen stop-watch? Tineke Meirink has a very playful eye!

SCBWI Portfolio Showcase Award!!!

My blog and I are still in summer mode, but I want to poke my head in to say hello....

...and to make a happy announcement: my portfolio won the Grand Prize at the SCBWI* Conference (held in Los Angeles every August). WOW, talk about an unexpected turn of events!!

It is of course a massive honour — and the prize is an all-expense paid trip to New York City, as well as an "Open Sesame" to publishing houses for children's books.  I can't wait!! More on all of this later, of course.

Here is that winning portfolio (btw, it wasn't easy to find a "landscape" oriented portfolio of just the right dimensions—thanks to Juana** for all the great advice!).  It contained 17 images, many of which can be seen on my website, while others have yet to be uploaded... stay tuned!  I also showed a full-colour dummy of Crocodile Shoes (which I both illustrated and wrote). Some images are here and here.

The Portfolio Showcase was held in a huge pavilion/ballroom at the Hyatt in Century City, with hundreds and hundreds of portfolios (and book dummies) all laid out on rows of tables.  A lot of people came to look, as you can see...

A lot of talent under one roof!

Here I am, beaming.

More soon.  Thank you again, SCBWI —I am so delighted!!!

PS.  For my readers in Europe and elsewhere: *SCBWI = "Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators".  This organization has chapters all over the world, hosts many interesting events and is regularly present at the Bologna Book Fair. Just sayin'.

PPS. **Juana Martinez Neal is a fantastic illustrator from Arizona by way of Peru.  She was awarded the SCBWI Grand Prize for her portfolio in 2012... and just recently, she did a wonderful cover for the SCBWI Bulletin.  Check her out!