tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236254882012-01-16T19:28:05.266+11:00The business of fine art and children's illustration.Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.comBlogger2521100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-67877278960860055492012-01-16T19:28:00.000+11:002012-01-16T19:28:05.275+11:00

As I prepared for this year I decided to journal more. I find an artist journal for me is more of a playground or holiday away from expectations. I can just mess around with anything and explore what is personal to me. I put up the start of my calendar in case you may want to start the year doing the same. Page from my journal using the letter K as the main feature. A little image that

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-88471856882870385122012-01-10T16:21:00.000+11:002012-01-10T16:21:12.468+11:00

I had a few hours of peace today as my hubby took the boys out so I could have a break from the holiday noise (something I am not sure I will ever get used to). I finished the cover for The Sketchbook Project sketchbook so I can officially say I have finished YAY!!!I did video it but my IPad battery went flat half way through and I was so disappointed I couldn’t share the whole process with you

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-20639141195587898702012-01-07T14:41:00.000+11:002012-01-07T14:41:29.681+11:00

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Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-53309598062342901962012-01-06T06:25:00.002+11:002012-01-06T06:25:47.152+11:00

I have launched into 2012 with great enthusiam creativly and spent some time on my much-needed journaling sketchbook. This and the play time on my Ipad has been fun to say the least. I have my 2012 goal list at my right and I have used my first week in January well. The kids and I have cooked up a storm and I have finished a logo for my hubby who is to start a personal training business this year

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-10218835198789007202012-01-03T09:34:00.003+11:002012-01-03T09:34:49.145+11:00

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Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-26987034683671172242012-01-02T11:33:00.000+11:002012-01-02T11:33:09.865+11:00

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Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-19033131340454025202012-01-01T02:00:00.000+11:002012-01-01T02:00:12.243+11:00

My first post for 2012 is one of the last pages of my Sketchbook. Happy New Year everyone. Remember to have some fun this year and be more playful with your art.I scanned this page as I went as it is always fun to see what can come out of a random splash of paint or scribble. I started the page with paint dobbed on the page and squashed the pages together. You can see that the two images on each

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-38159570439954592162011-12-29T20:12:00.003+11:002011-12-29T20:12:59.115+11:00

The Sketchbook Project 2012 pages 31-32 <!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-46874729978203231472011-12-29T20:03:00.000+11:002011-12-29T20:03:13.841+11:00

The Sketchbook Project 2012 pages 27-28 I used a lunch docket I had scribbled two ladies on while waiting for my lunch and messed around in my sketchbook for something different.

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-29516623239951915072011-12-21T14:52:00.000+11:002011-12-21T14:52:03.504+11:00

I know this is not the usual creative post but I wanted to do this incase this is successful and may help someone. I have also decided to try a natural method to remove a 3cm gallstone that has had me in emergency care a few times over the past few months. I am definitely not having my gallbladder removed and at the worst I will have the stone shattered so I can pass it. I scoured the

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-88991306746871686552011-12-19T08:19:00.000+11:002011-12-19T08:19:48.509+11:00

Page 24 "Separated" The owl was inspired by a recent purchase of a couple of back packs I bought on Ebay. These cute owls I use to hide away my scrap painting rags and shopping plastic bags. They brighten up my studio and hide away plenty of bags and rags. (Nifty stuff) You can see 3 scribbles here before I added the water and extra lines. Click to enlarge photo Pages 25 (Sink) & 26

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-61224103125206251592011-12-18T16:22:00.000+11:002011-12-19T08:35:50.689+11:00

This is my entry for the SCBWI Tomie dePaola Competition. I had a dilemma scanning a full sheet watercolour/ink work as when I went to do it I was warned that it could be damaged in the drum scanner. I was faced with the decision do I risk it and get a nice scan or opt to photograph it and not take the chance of damage. I chickened out (excuse the pun) and photographed the image so the original

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-55615520758279170752011-12-08T08:00:00.000+11:002011-12-08T08:00:04.295+11:00

I am getting closer to finishing my little sketchbook for The Sketchbook Project 2012 which is a good thing as the deadline is drawing closer. I did these couple of sketches at the Lilydale Lake during a bit of quiet time. I had been very unwell and hardly slept and needed to start the day quietly. I played some beautiful worship songs on my car radio and sat in the heated car in front of the

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-36476759793594710492011-12-06T10:19:00.000+11:002011-12-07T10:29:30.894+11:00

Illustration Friday's theme this week is Brigade. I have missed a few weeks and feeling convicted, I sketched out this illustration in my Sketchbook Project book. I have been focusing on the 30 day writing challenge this past month. I wasn't that happy with the position of the boy fire-fighter. He blends in with the baby elephant too much. I hope you can work it out. That is the beauty of

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-19416283405374650852011-12-05T09:33:00.001+11:002011-12-05T09:41:47.661+11:00

I realised I completely skipped these pages from my sketchbook. I did these whilst my kids were beading. I messed around with the first image with mixed media on the second page by photocopying the image and layering over it. I could have done a whole series of images from the one sketch really. The Sketchbook Project 2012 pages 13-14

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-23492026312112526202011-12-04T12:06:00.001+11:002011-12-05T09:16:17.879+11:00

I have been collecting boxes lately to test out the brown backing for sketches. I have always loved sepia drawings and using a coloured surface such as this enables me to use white pencil also. I did these two drawings from ice-cream and muesli bar boxes. I intend on taking these scanned sketches into Photoshop for some work at a later stage. It just goes to show that you can use anything

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-52827704113890482112011-12-04T12:00:00.001+11:002011-12-04T12:20:55.552+11:00

The Sketchbook Project 2012 pages 17-18 Gumnuts & Koala IllustrationOur little people (children) feel so small at times. Take the time to stop and notice them. Eye contact is a communication skill we all need to adopt more. When a child has your full attention it says "You are important to me, more important than anything else"

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-10238837437048540432011-11-24T14:47:00.001+11:002011-11-24T14:58:44.463+11:00

Sketchbook Journaling on my day off. <!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-25795773519652092852011-11-14T15:52:00.001+11:002011-11-14T15:58:19.974+11:00

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Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-15433904162876776032011-11-07T17:59:00.000+11:002011-11-07T17:59:49.584+11:00

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Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-81279458719369153292011-11-04T06:24:00.000+11:002011-11-04T06:29:19.339+11:00

I am SCARED but am so going to try to do this but I am terrible usually doing a daily project everyday over a long period if I am not being paid. I am always cramming. This is a great idea to brainstorm ideas for manuscripts. It can be as small as a heading but gets you going (a bit like a blank canvas I guess). The signup date is closed now but anyone who wanted to try it still could do it

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-45698700400612832872011-10-22T12:50:00.001+11:002011-10-22T12:59:30.165+11:00

Fuel - I LOVE coffee and use it to fuel me as I work. It is my drug of choice. Sketchbook Project Page - Wild Creative Passion Illustration Sketchbook Project Page - Miss Sketchbook Illustration What have I been missing? Collage is so much fun. I feel like a kid again playing with paper, paint and ink. Not to mention I have found a great way to recycle the ridiculous quantities of junk

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-63051178085000320662011-10-20T16:19:00.001+11:002011-10-20T16:19:11.556+11:00

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Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-5826655158607214932011-10-17T20:44:00.003+11:002011-10-18T13:32:33.494+11:00

They scattered and poor skunk was more embarrased than ever before. I spent the day finishing a children's illustration for my portfolio. I used the Illustration Friday them "Scattered" and created this poor little skunk. He reminds me of a certain little boy who often vacates the room with his gassy behind.  I can't tell you how much I enjoyed doing this illustration. The theme was so

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-62165632379399191332011-10-16T10:37:00.001+11:002011-10-18T13:41:09.341+11:00

Oil painting commission: Dog Portrait - Bear Cox Animal owners are pretty fussy about their animals and I have been reluctant to do animal portrait commissions for quite some time. Someone asked me recently if I would and I relented. This portrait was for a special 21st gift. I have to say I did enjoy doing it and maybe will consider future commissions. My fee for a portrait this size is

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-91473857434611344932011-10-13T18:44:00.002+11:002011-10-18T13:32:33.515+11:00

2B pencil sketches. Pages 11 - 12 The first one of the caterpillars in the nutshell evolved as I waited at the hairdressers, a long process made more enjoyable by passing the time with the sketchbook.  The fun part of sketching like this is that I never know what I am going to come up with. I start with a scribble and just look into it to try and see the start of something tangible. The second

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-47943327541977609622011-10-12T09:50:00.005+11:002011-10-18T14:01:39.425+11:00

I have been looking around at the other sketchbooks on the go and of past projects and noticed some artist using only one side of the paper when working in ink. I have continued to use both sides and avoid ink. If I use penitrating media I am going to work on separte paper and paste it in. Here is another page spread completed for The Sketchbook Project 2012 sketchbook. Here are my other pages

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-20593512616471859612011-10-11T10:56:00.002+11:002011-11-05T23:56:35.403+11:00

After much thought I decided to use my sketchbook for this week's IF theme Contraption. I did this little pencil sketch while watching TV last night after reflecting on my boy's day of rivalry. I am starting to count the days when they go back to school now. In a nutshell has not been an easy theme to pick I must say. I think it will test me.

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-39004593264634942342011-10-08T17:41:00.002+11:002011-10-18T14:05:12.117+11:00

Today I wasted hours trying to get my Cintiq monitor to work. My PC was not displaying the monitor. It did not even recognise it. I would start up windows and it would appear to be working until the Windows screen finished and then a box with "no sync" would quickly appear and then another saying "go to sleep". FRUSTRATING! I scanned the Internet and everything I tried did not work. I change

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-14787342536153699002011-10-07T16:49:00.002+11:002011-10-18T13:27:51.721+11:00

These arrived in my driveway today. My clever dad built these painting racks to my specs. Now I have a place for all those frames and finished paintings. These 3 units that were much needed as I have had to downsize my storage space. Thanks daddy :-)

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-17418206095388956312011-10-03T18:27:00.003+11:002011-10-18T13:37:43.936+11:00

As you can see the sketchbook doesn't take too well to water media. From now on I will use watercolour paper and paste it in. Click on images to see larger.

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-76925230984105374462011-10-01T15:40:00.002+10:002011-10-18T13:22:46.542+11:00

From back left to right: My reading/prayer corner; a place I really treasure. My office where I do all things Internet related. The easel is one of 2 I use in my studio. I have a box easel for field painting too hiding behind my chair. The tale in the foreground is where I do my drawing, watercolour and mixed media work. I had a request to see my studio space and you are seeing it after a BIG

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-13562236979617879232011-10-01T14:57:00.001+10:002011-10-18T13:26:45.394+11:00

I am currently hibernating in my studio as the Grand Final is on and the boys are watching it but I am totally disinterested in football. IF's theme this week is hibernation so what better than to post my watercolour done while enjoying the peace of my studio today. Enjoy Watercolour & Ink: Page 1 for the Sketchbook Project Sketch for page 1 Sketch for page 2 I finally made a start to

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-28010800432237618812011-09-27T15:15:00.001+10:002011-10-18T14:04:30.363+11:00

What do you do with a damaged stretched canvas? How do you get the dents out? First of all don’t throw them out! No they can be saved. There is an answer and it occurred to me to share it today as I was repairing a canvas that had been dented in storage after our move. The method is easy and are as follows: Spray the back of the dented area with water (I use a water atomiser). If the dints are

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-89950437386614316902011-09-24T18:05:00.001+10:002011-10-18T12:00:09.070+11:00

In this bedroom there is an air-conditioned above othe bed instead of a painting. Not to be defeated I prepared a canvas that would cover the air-conditioner when not in use. I used the wall colour for the painting background and set the main cousins from othe bed beside my easel to keep the colour pallet in mind. The sketch I chose was one of 6 I did. It was really fun to do. You cannot see

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-86524882910388396842011-09-17T17:37:00.000+10:002011-10-18T13:38:58.384+11:00

But they crossed the boundaries! Boundaries. "No water balloons on my side either Nathan!" Tara said dripping wet Better late than never. I am posting my sketches for Illustration Friday's them "Boundaries". Enjoy

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-32262840198429326422011-09-12T20:11:00.001+10:002011-10-18T13:37:28.428+11:00

My entry for Omnibus Books Illustrated Envelope Competition. Omnibus Books, an imprint of Scholastic are running an illustration competition. I amused myself today creating an envelope entry. The senior editor Dylan Blacklock will soon have a lovely collection of original illustrations. Painting on envelopes is definitely more of a challenge to using nice watercolour paper but fun no less. I

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-29106064843387536082011-09-07T12:05:00.000+10:002011-10-18T13:39:19.099+11:00

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Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-85889030489263219452011-08-23T05:28:00.001+10:002011-10-18T11:49:49.149+11:00

Painting by Jodi Pratt - Highly recommend the exhibition at Wyreena! Cutting loose from the daily grind I ventured out yesterday to visit Jodi Pratt's solo exhibition at Wyrenna Gallery. I really love Jodi's work and apparently I am not the only one. Most of her paintings were littered with those wonderfully rewarding red dots an artist enjoys after hours of hard work. I was delighted to see

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-47998480890515194702011-07-28T21:46:00.001+10:002011-10-18T13:32:33.535+11:00

How cute are Dummy books? I think I have a fetish for them. They come under the category of sketchbooks and for me sketchbooks are like good dark chocolate – YUMMY! I don’t know what it is about them, but if I even get the slightest glimpse of one, I have to have a peek.  I get a super kick from every little creation in them. I have a stack of them and they hold memories, experiences and random

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-53972390280135084242011-07-23T11:54:00.003+10:002011-10-18T13:32:33.555+11:00

Yesterday I ventured over to Maroondah Gallery to hear an artist talk by Shane Jones. Shane has a solo exhibition worth seeing called Self Portrait in the contemporary World. I was particularly attracted to his quirky trompe-l'œi l work such as the imitation bubble wrapped paintings and the laptop sculpture called website created out of MDF and painted to look like a mac laptop with a website on

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-73560272073071492802011-07-21T11:13:00.002+10:002011-10-18T12:49:20.727+11:00

It has finally arrived! The solution to my very being functioning with sanity. Drumroll….. It is my reading place, my chill out, reflection space, my go away word I need to recharge place; my new barrel chair. Recently I was prompted to writing my personal vision and one of the dreams I had was to have a place in my studio to relax. I have found more and more that I need a quiet place away from

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-34706217667362481392011-07-20T08:01:00.003+10:002011-10-18T13:36:57.919+11:00

This tool is great for searching images and keeping an eye on your art work. Drag and drop images and find any copyright breach. And as you can see BINGO! Gotcha!

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-20031628314837044492011-07-18T19:42:00.002+10:002011-10-18T12:58:16.098+11:00

Just a quick invitation I knocked up this week for the kid's movie night/sleepover later this week. Watercolour and a touch of Painter oil pastel. I have to say the scan is terrible though.

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-87290484939109223732011-07-09T17:50:00.003+10:002011-10-18T13:24:43.448+11:00

May the place you rest be blessed. May the place you stay be somewhere to play A friend of mine just moved and so I finished this illustration today while messing around in Adobe Illustrator. It has been a while since using Illustrator for me. For this reason I decided to approach this week's Illustration Friday's theme STAY as a digital illustration. Again combining my to do list and saving

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-36819884292462940782011-07-07T23:30:00.001+10:002011-10-18T12:43:49.260+11:00

This colour version of my illustration for the theme Remedy would make a good get well illustration. I might turn it into a card yet. "We will tie the string to a door handle now , it won't hurt a bit" said mouse. Donkey wasn't so sure. I spent the day sketching for a toy design contract and this evening while kiddies were asleep and hubby out I had a digi play. It was a bit of a break from all

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-45547935768683912992011-07-07T20:05:00.001+10:002011-10-18T11:56:39.613+11:00

A friend of mine is holding a publishing seminar and I wanted to share it with you all. If you are Melbourne based this is worth a trip. Book Publishing Seminar "It's been said that everyone has a book inside them" -Have you ever dreamt of having your own book published? -Do you have a GREAT book inside but absolutely NO IDEA how to get sarted? -Would you

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-72047741351102850502011-07-05T23:43:00.001+10:002011-10-18T13:40:35.307+11:00

Remedy: With Ted's eye lying on the floor, Sarah hoped Mum had a remedy for poor Ted. I did a few sketched for IF this week. I haven't had time to do any entries lately as I have been working soley on book illustrations. I was going to have a break from oil and work in watercolour but decided to paint one of the skectchs in oil. "We will tie the string to a door handle now , it won't hurt a

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-29568850577293172902011-07-05T17:05:00.002+10:002011-10-18T13:32:33.576+11:00

This week I finally made it to the half way mark. I have half the illustrations finished for the book I am working on. Most of the illustrations are double page spreads but here one of the single pages.

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-89343477282358462132011-06-29T21:47:00.001+10:002011-10-18T14:01:39.446+11:00

I can’t tell you how good it feels to see a book taking shape. There is something so exciting about colourful a freshly painted illustration that just makes me eruption with joy. I love my work and I love seeing each painting unfold ready for little eyes to enjoy. After a very long day yesterday I was relieved to get a finish on 2 double page spreads today. I finished one I started yesterday and

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-64943016747216635052011-06-07T21:36:00.001+10:002011-10-18T12:06:58.506+11:00

I know this has been a long time coming and people have been waiting for the images so I do apologies. This past couple of months have been unbelievably busy. These paintings were created in oil for the Palm Sunday services at Careforce Church in Mount Evelyn Victoria. I very much rely on prayer to direct my painting when it is for a service and this one was a bit of a testing time for me.

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-1573256517650190462011-06-07T21:00:00.002+10:002011-10-18T12:09:38.199+11:00

This week's Illustration Friday's theme is Shadow. This is an oil painting I did inspired by the following scripture: Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; - Colossians 2:14   The man's shadow is his past and the cross is erasing his past through the promises of God in scripture represented

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-88753309101610882592011-04-06T15:21:00.001+10:002011-10-18T13:41:56.455+11:00

I wanted to design an Easter card this year that was sweet but honest. We all love the Easter eggs which are symbolic of new life however as a Christian, I believe that Easter is all about the intentional sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for all of us and that he was raised from the dead conquering death. Although the suffering was horrific, the victory was is something to celebrate. Out of

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-79709111998299593542011-04-04T12:34:00.001+10:002011-10-18T13:33:36.614+11:00

Trying to manage my work wish list is a challenge. This afternoon I finished an illustration for a painting friend's 50th birthday. I belong to a group of professional artists called Valley 10 who have been meeting monthly to critique and encourage each other for over a decade now. On occasions have painted together locally and on holidays and shared our lives with one another. We decided some

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-24619837702690711802011-04-01T14:21:00.001+11:002011-10-18T12:44:53.119+11:00

I spent time over this month earnestly assessing what is priority in my life. The reason is that I have found I have been seriously overcommitted and fragmented too much to work properly or keep up with all the important things. I made a list and decided to let some things go. I am passing my web design business over to a generous Christian man I met recently to bless his business and know

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-9577520309051417342011-03-31T09:44:00.003+11:002011-10-18T12:34:31.605+11:00

It better be quite a few because as from late February this year Google is getting tough on duplicate content. I will explain. Recently I submitted my profile to an art website listing (as you do often enough when promoting your work). I pulled one of my paragraphs from my website profile. The site owner contacted me requesting that I re-write my profile so they do not get penalised by Google

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-46236767272046151702011-03-08T16:18:00.001+11:002011-10-18T13:32:33.638+11:00

This is my first finished illustration for my book "Adoptive Father". I am nearly finished another double page but I worked on this one while I reflected on the first one. This page is about how God loves children because of the way they can love. The photo is reflecting the canvas so I apologise for the poor reproduction on my blog. I find photographing oils is difficult. The canvas always

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-73272409147251580502011-03-05T11:03:00.002+11:002011-10-18T13:02:21.244+11:00

This illustration is suited for a gift card perhaps?Experimenting in Photoshop this morning I messed around with a little bee I sketched out last night while watching T.V. I decided to set a task of making little bugs out of a thimble shape. I ended up rounding out the bee shape. The next page in my sketch book I played around with stylised trees. I am trying to experiment with more simplistic,

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-69696284698447754152011-03-02T22:13:00.001+11:002011-10-18T13:15:46.407+11:00

The hand-made lunchbox notes were a hits with my children. The children's lunchbox notes for this week were predominately watercolour illustrations. I did use a fine liner for the outlines. The children loved their first notes last week and were asking for them on Monday but I decided to give it to them at the end of the week. This allows me more time to prepare each week.  Today I picked up

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-46506369110175324172011-02-28T13:15:00.003+11:002011-10-18T13:23:38.434+11:00

I can't believe it has been another month already. It has been a busy one as well. I have been continually adding actions to my journal for you to inspect my February actions below. Any suggestions are warmly welcome and encouraged. As I have now made the brave move to focus on this as full-time as I can, March should see some momentum. I am working from my home office/studio full-time as

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-36889486511536922882011-02-27T09:41:00.001+11:002011-10-18T11:45:57.368+11:00

Here is a freebie I found this morning for you. Choose from an assortment of cute illustrations of owls from 30 artists and make your own free 2011 calendar to download. No sign up required.Just click the cute owl below and start creating your own. Enjoy! Just click the owl below and start

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-1189414848725279132011-02-24T12:47:00.006+11:002011-10-18T12:52:29.263+11:00

Layers of paint, paper, oil pastel and a few hours of tremendous fun! I had an amazing afternoon on Tuesday. After reading a post by my Facebook Illustrator friend Holli Conger on lunch box notes I decided to warm up and do 3 little notes for my new step-children. Holli has been helpful to me recently with some needed advice - Thanks Holli. I decided to bless my family in this way and use it

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-53603865527893731272011-02-20T17:32:00.004+11:002011-10-18T13:29:23.303+11:00

Jamie tried to dress up as an invented super hero. Balancing on the fir ball she imagined herself to be The balancing hero. It was hot business being the balancing hero! I think if a super hero turned up looking like this I would be worried! This week’s theme for Illustration Friday is Layer. I had fun illustrating layer in three ways in the one illustration. The child in the illustration is

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-4737554248798383392011-02-17T11:25:00.008+11:002011-10-18T13:32:33.657+11:00

“Why chickens give up crossing the road" Children's road crossing safety illustration I watched a video recently on the dangers of texting while driving. This was in my mind when I sketched up an illustration in my visual diary last night for Artday Monday’s them “Horse with hands on a bike”. I have titles it “Why chickens gave up crossing the road” I worked on this children’s illustration this

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-83368099739441288152011-02-15T19:29:00.006+11:002011-10-18T16:36:09.609+11:00

Illustration for this week's IF theme This week’s them for Illustration Friday is sweater (we call them jumpers in Australia). I took the easy road and did a literal illustration with this one. I was going to be clever but as my sketches for the last 2 week’s themes (surrender and reverse) did not make it out of my sketchbook and onto my blog in time I thought I better just get painting. I will

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-11763646705536795232011-02-08T12:06:00.016+11:002011-10-18T13:32:33.676+11:00

Book Illustration from - Lachlan's Circus Lesson by Kayleen West Cavill Time Management How? This is how my working day looks. I have several chores to do like returning library books and shopping after picking kiddies up from school and a meeting tonight I cannot cancel. The next few hours I want to achieve a ton of artwork BUT I have committed to today being a blogging, marketing, networking,

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-44548733600494711562011-01-22T18:31:00.005+11:002011-10-18T12:02:02.042+11:00

Word bubble reads "Are you sure you have been dusting regularly?" This is the first chance I have had this month to participate on Illustration Friday. I had to tell myself today "Just a quick one" and so I got out the charcoal and Cont'e and my small sketchbook. This is the children's illustration I came up with. It was inspired by a character called Lachlan I am working on for one of my

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-5590460304991548592011-01-22T15:35:00.003+11:002011-10-18T12:26:53.023+11:00

I think I could put myself in the starter category. This doesn’t mean I can’t finish things but it is more natural and easier for me to start things as opposed to finishing. To finish I have to avoid being distracted and bring it to a conclusion. Once in gear my creative mind is always suggesting new and exciting things and like a child in a candy store – I want them all. I fear losing the moment

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-40182308805660678432011-01-20T21:09:00.010+11:002011-10-18T11:43:58.954+11:00

I am really glad I started noting all the little things I have been doing to invest in my future in Children's Illustration. I feel worlds away as a result and really pleased with all I have done last month during the busy Christmas season. The bulk of December was spent on the business and research side of illustrating however I did get a lot of writing and sketching done for my children's books

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-88883357091035497172011-01-01T11:56:00.004+11:002011-10-18T11:15:58.609+11:00

I ended 2010 measuring up and cutting out canvas ready for the final illustrations and compiling all my preliminary material. Over the next couple of weeks I will be working on the illustrations for 3 children’s book manuscripts I have written. I am still working on the sketches but wanted the canvas prepared and at my fingertips.You maybe wondering why I am working on several at once. This is

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-41169795670736583102010-12-31T09:53:00.003+11:002011-10-18T12:45:23.369+11:00

I came across this website after watching a few videos by children's illustrator Lynne Chapman. I got totally distracted by all the information on there. If you are after free tutorials on Illustrator, Photoshop and all sorts of interests then it is worth popping your key words into their search box. That should keep you busy until my next post :-) http://vimeo.com/

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-52400789073212699602010-12-30T11:41:00.009+11:002011-10-18T13:29:23.347+11:00

It has been 20 days since my last post (sounds like confession lol) and I have done an incredible amount of work toward building my illustration career. I have been equipping my studio ordering reference books on card publishing, children’s writing and illustration, a Rhyming dictionary and a CMYK reference book for printing. I bought some art supplies and finally a good calibrator for my

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-38417406940155809542010-12-09T18:30:00.005+11:002011-10-18T13:29:23.369+11:00

I spent most of the day working on the Christmas card in Photoshop. I am not sure where to go now as I have been looking at it too long. I am going to put it away for a day or two then see if there is any changes I want to make. In the mean time I will finish off one that I started some time back I think or perhaps do some sketching for a book project. Feedback is welcome (I won't be offended)

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-67166524723325722702010-12-09T10:17:00.004+11:002011-10-18T13:13:42.782+11:00

1. The initial sketch developed from baby Jesus to a full-on nativity scene. Seeing i hadn't sketched in a while I think I wanted the lot and got carried away! Ok now it is time to get active on my blog. No more messing around. Time to get serious! Today I would like to share with you the beginning of a Christmas card design I am doing. Late I know but better late than never hey? Some time

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-54500886876484099452010-12-06T23:10:00.007+11:002011-10-18T12:21:34.963+11:00

Have you heard the saying "What goes around, comes around"? I remember teasing my mother when she turned 30 calling her an old fossil, thinking she was so old. I also remember my first payback when my son was about 5 (now 22). He pointed to a framed record on the wall and asked: " what is that big CD mummy? Obviously he had never seen a record before. I thought this would make a great them for

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-8297915925956752422010-12-02T23:16:00.005+11:002011-10-18T13:29:23.391+11:00

Gee what a year. I have moved and had so much change in my life. Poor blog neglected! Tonight I fiddled with my new set of Copic sketch markers, then the watercolour pencils and a little play in Photoshop. I ended up with a coloured image appropriate for this week's Illustration Friday "Savour". Next time I will use better paper when testing the Copics as you couldn't blend too well on the paper

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-30671966806815659592010-05-01T08:13:00.001+10:002011-10-18T11:00:53.481+11:00

Art Gallop Gallery Opening/drinks & nibbles 2pm today. Exhibition: "For the Love of Animals in Art" Exhibition Dates: 1st May - end June Address: 3a Reservoir Road Narre Warren North (Melway Ref. 108:C5) Phone:03 87904756 Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday afternoons or by appointment. I am exhibiting in this art event - see you there!

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-58154772680126778622010-04-02T15:42:00.009+11:002011-10-18T12:10:57.848+11:00

My Good Friday was amazing. I was very blessed to be part of the Careforce Church Good Friday service serving the god I adore with the gift he gave me. The Holy Spirit worked the room as our pastor Rohan Dredge gave a powerful message of the sacrifice on the cross. The musician and actors were brilliant as usual and the technical crew created the atmosphere that matched the message. It was

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-11924197020813940062010-03-15T11:54:00.012+11:002011-10-18T13:00:16.235+11:00

Last days: Tuesday 5th April 1:00 - 4:00pm Wednesday 6th April 1:00 - 4:00pm Read Newspaper Article I Have A Dream is the title of a joint exhibition of my paintings and Photography by Greg Carrick held at the Monbulk Dream Centre at 1:00pm 27th March 2010. The Monbulk Dream Centre is a community outreach project birthed through the generosity of Monbulk Christian Fellowship Church helping

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-2285121729461435412010-03-14T08:50:00.006+11:002011-10-18T12:49:53.706+11:00

Sherbrooke Art Society had a watercolour demonstration by Malcolm Beattie, my former watercolour tutor on the 4th March. I always love watching Malcolm paint. I typically wanted to fly home and paint till dawn as it motivated me whenever I watch someone paint. I took a few lessons with Malcolm about 10 years ago. I was struggling with this medium and was fortunate enough to time it when he was

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-20544556970172445652010-02-28T21:56:00.007+11:002011-10-18T11:58:19.096+11:00

I was invited to the C3 Whitehorse 20th Anniversary Celebration evening at C3 Centre by a lovely lady I met at Mannigham Christian Church this week. Phil Pringle painted on stage which was of interest to me. Phil is one the messiest painter I have seen with the exception of the splax effects performances. Phil had more paint on him than on that canvas. They could have auctioned his jeans as

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-71163269102658041982010-02-23T12:19:00.007+11:002011-10-18T13:11:02.364+11:00

This week's Illustration Friday theme is "Propagate". I decided to do a children's illustration dedicated to a special person in my church as a farewell gift. Scott Hawkins is a youth pastor at our church and wonderful man who is very much loved by young and old. During his time at Careforce he has impacted many lives. I personally have beeen impacted by his preaching in the past and it has

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-84705658007449485252010-02-18T21:54:00.006+11:002011-10-18T11:55:50.463+11:00

Andrew is a happy fireman. He turned up to collect his painting as fast as he turns up for a fire. Andrew accidentally stumbled upon the painting on Ebay while his wife was looking for dog paintings...go figure! Andrew is a Lieutenant of Silvan Fire Brigade and now happy owner of a painting with a real story behind it. The money raised will bless the CFA. More details on that later.

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-69145554674702311672010-02-11T18:17:00.008+11:002011-10-18T11:04:47.885+11:00

Images removed: SOLD & Monies donated to CFA These 2 Acrylic paintings were painted live on stage at Careforce Church Mt Evelyn during the Black Saturday Remembrance Services on Sunday 7th February 2010. The remembrance service was focused on understanding the long process of recovery and how to support those still struggling with the effects of the Victorian Fires in 2009. The service ended

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-40293181248990571812010-02-01T07:58:00.007+11:002011-10-18T12:55:46.259+11:00

Happy New Year all. I am on a mission to make a personal project of mine happen this year. I have just returned from a trip to India and resolved to follow up a Children's picture book for the children in India. It is along story that I will share in time but for now I am auctioning a few paintings to try raise funds for these kiddies. I have been quiet on my blog, haunting my Facebook page and

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-54311792068269064642009-12-11T23:08:00.004+11:002011-10-18T12:44:23.103+11:00

Merry Christmas to everyone. It will be a quiet Christmas for me this year but an important celebration of a very special child indeed. Each Christmas now I say a special happy Birthday to Jesus. It is nice to give gifts but even better to remember the real reason to celebrate.

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-81037415866026473372009-11-13T22:29:00.005+11:002011-10-18T13:02:43.581+11:00

Today I visited an exhibition at the Red earth Gallery in Mooroolbark and caught up with the artist Sondy Ward after Eric, a mutual friend who works with Sondy recommended we meet. Eric thought we would connect and that we did. Sondy enthusiastically walked me around her exhibition talking me through the individual pieces. It was a delight to get the insight into her spiritually inspired work. We

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-49761158963403700952009-11-13T21:52:00.005+11:002011-10-18T13:09:13.275+11:00

Seen here without the bags or envelopes attached A friend asked me to make a money tree for her wedding this month. A money tree is used at weddings for couples who would rather have monetary gifts to either help with the wedding cost or replace unneeded gifts. It can also be used for a message tree with tags made for guests to write blessings on them for the bride and groom. I did a search to

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-88615612115705261312009-11-01T16:09:00.005+11:002011-10-18T12:43:13.066+11:00

Do you know what Halloween is really all about? Have you heard the saying “What begins in fun can end in pain”? All of us believe in something spiritual beyond ourselves and search for answers. We also look for direction in what can feel like a confusing and sometimes overwhelming life. If the spiritual realm has some power then realise that this means it has influence. The other night I was

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-81633213549507372332009-10-06T14:36:00.007+11:002011-10-18T14:01:39.468+11:00

Here is my entry for the Publishers Cup Cricket Prize 09. The inspiration behind this painting was not out of a passion for the sport, not in pursuit of any notoriety it had a bigger purpose. Initially I dismissed entering as I personally am not into sport though I do enjoy painting people in costume or uniform. My motivation came from personal passion, moving me to put in weeks of painting

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-57659786248685984802009-09-27T23:34:00.007+10:002011-10-18T13:29:23.413+11:00

Mice on the Run I am working on the first Christmas Card Illustration for 2009 this week. Using what ever came to be while sketching in Photoshop I came up with these cheeky little mice stealing the gifts. I think they must be on Santa’s bad list. This illustration is also appropriate for this week's IF theme - pattern. This is my sepia drawing. I am working on the colour version and

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-15525327142841878452009-09-25T18:18:00.007+10:002011-10-18T12:37:18.277+11:00

Sketch for Infinity In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth ~ Genesis 1:1 Is there anything more infinite than God himself? Children are naturally in awe of the world. Is it grown-ups that need to remember how incredible life is? Click to see the final 2 illustration versions on my website!

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-76820519359999006592009-09-25T17:52:00.007+10:002011-10-18T13:29:23.435+11:00

Quilts for Orphans - Wrapped & Pattern I have had a ball testing out the Cintiq and finished off the illustration above. I started it a few weeks ago ago for IlIustration Friday (Wrapped). I missed the 'wrapped' theme date so I have linked it for this week's theme 'Pattern'. The illustration was inspired by Quilts for Orphans, a group of committed quilters. Experts and novices craft quilts from

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-17297391426976706162009-09-25T08:00:00.003+10:002011-10-18T13:17:13.491+11:00

Through the quiet of the night, Creative vision takes flight. I couldn’t sleep Tuesday night as poems and stories flooded my mind. I got up and hastily jotted all I that came to me. I find if I leave my ideas until morning they fade. I switched on the light to scribble notes onto a pad beside the bed thinking it was a brief creative insight, but when I lied back down multiple creative ideas

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-23658268301915547762009-09-24T11:49:00.011+10:002011-10-18T13:19:05.489+11:00

The Cricket PrizeHurray!.... the madness is over and I am free to get some book illustration happening. At 1.30am Wednesday I finally finished the large oil painting I was working on for The Cricket Prize competition. I sent the entry off express mail yesterday. Big paintings are usually a challenge but I really enjoyed this painting. It fell off the brush easily thankfully. Book and more book.

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-45750943707989048972009-09-22T16:04:00.008+10:002011-10-18T13:39:58.105+11:00

I have just updated my Artist/Illustrator’s Model Release Template and thought I would post a link for download. This is what I use and I believe it is appropriate for artists and illustrators. If you enter a big art show that involves a model and mass media exposure I strongly advise you to get permission from your model/s! Sketch of my son from my sketchbook many moons ago What is a Model

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-54976731533835171932009-09-18T19:31:00.004+10:002011-10-18T11:21:58.088+11:00

Hooray! My new Children’s Illustration business cards are printed. It is exciting to get printed material back after deliberating over the design. Using some of my illustrations I overlapped them like a collage for back of the card using Photoshop. I used a simple cute illustration of a bird on the front. I wanted the information to be read easily but a more descriptive impression of what I can

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-73365317720906663322009-09-18T18:13:00.001+10:002011-10-18T13:33:07.109+11:00

I am so excited! I finally bit the bullet and purchased a Cintiq 21UX interactive Monitor. It is a big purchase for me but I really feel will be a valuable piece of equipment in my journey as an illustrator and artist. Two things I have wanted for a long time is a full-sized weighted studio easel and a large interactive Wacom Monitor. I don’t have the easel yet but soon I will be the enthusiastic

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-36813072225805873582009-09-17T17:18:00.007+10:002011-10-18T13:06:29.675+11:00

Commission Although the past few weeks have flown by I have been far from idle. I completed a 16x32” oil painting landscape. I was commissioned to paint a client’s property with Mt Macedon in the distance, some of their house, his wife, himself, two children, 3 horses, a cat and a favourite tree. The painting had a very tight time-line and involved using the client’s photos and a 2 hour trip to

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23625488.post-9716564181739395722009-08-13T17:09:00.004+10:002011-10-18T14:01:39.488+11:00

The digital sepia sketch created in Photoshop from my original pencil drawing.Watercolour Illustration: I'm trying to walk the dog!I can't leave this theme alone! It is one of the best I have played with. Yesterday I thinking about my silly Jack Russel when we try to walk her. She is so impatient to get going; she almost chokes herself. She pulls on her lead until she is out of breath and

Kayleen West - Children Writer/Illustratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102357041523253163noreply@blogger.com8