tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204921302024-03-13T18:10:52.282-04:00Planet HamSketches, notions, figments, and the occasional whimsyMatt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.comBlogger564125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-25609648872377351892018-05-16T13:07:00.000-04:002018-05-16T13:07:30.466-04:00PIGNIC Sketches!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had a tremendous amount of fun writing and illustrating PIGNIC. Here's a peek behind the scenes...</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NtGctICFb6c/WvxiLLWSFfI/AAAAAAAACcg/OP1UU8IiWMUF6WuPFROP5ONNkNdV8CdeQCLcBGAs/s1600/Pig_mach2web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="305" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NtGctICFb6c/WvxiLLWSFfI/AAAAAAAACcg/OP1UU8IiWMUF6WuPFROP5ONNkNdV8CdeQCLcBGAs/s1600/Pig_mach2web.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>One of a million pig character sketches.</i></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-munfEVmG7Jo/WvxiPXp9FKI/AAAAAAAACck/YxKRpsAe5Z4JAH-gOmwQGIkghEf-zqy0QCLcBGAs/s1600/Pignic_flow1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="727" height="326" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-munfEVmG7Jo/WvxiPXp9FKI/AAAAAAAACck/YxKRpsAe5Z4JAH-gOmwQGIkghEf-zqy0QCLcBGAs/s400/Pignic_flow1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>A sample from the initial thumbnail layout.</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m4abphqzqSc/WvxiTQP8BdI/AAAAAAAACco/-JkDRFtJtp4a8OeTVRsyZhRM5i-vO_fUACLcBGAs/s1600/Pignic_REV6A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m4abphqzqSc/WvxiTQP8BdI/AAAAAAAACco/-JkDRFtJtp4a8OeTVRsyZhRM5i-vO_fUACLcBGAs/s400/Pignic_REV6A.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_R4IZMGCLs/WvxibbyBf5I/AAAAAAAACdA/FpX1W4wVSEw97RHlNgBu1yE6AIqy4ipcACLcBGAs/s1600/PignicDum8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="792" height="217" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_R4IZMGCLs/WvxibbyBf5I/AAAAAAAACdA/FpX1W4wVSEw97RHlNgBu1yE6AIqy4ipcACLcBGAs/s400/PignicDum8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nOq4l7dG8fI/Wvxi3wjci0I/AAAAAAAACd8/joT_HPJvpN4Sm4KopFrpvWZMXPjy7t4jwCLcBGAs/s1600/Pignic_REV15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="1114" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nOq4l7dG8fI/Wvxi3wjci0I/AAAAAAAACd8/joT_HPJvpN4Sm4KopFrpvWZMXPjy7t4jwCLcBGAs/s400/Pignic_REV15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FFNCTmkNqZg/Wvxip2CxifI/AAAAAAAACdc/8_IpIcQRbfc53z6p31PrwRjXeVxWCuGaQCLcBGAs/s1600/Pignic_REV17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FFNCTmkNqZg/Wvxip2CxifI/AAAAAAAACdc/8_IpIcQRbfc53z6p31PrwRjXeVxWCuGaQCLcBGAs/s400/Pignic_REV17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>The dummy consisted of very small sketches drawn with Derwent Inktense pencils which are </i></div>
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<i>water-soluble. I liked the results so much that I used the same pencils for the final art.</i></div>
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You can find a copy of PIGNIC at your local bookstore or <a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780062443397" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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The official PIGNIC launch party will be at <a href="http://www.childrensbookworld.net/" target="_blank">Children's Book World</a> on Saturday, June 2nd at 1 pm!<br />
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<br />Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-30936802979822984822018-04-27T15:46:00.003-04:002018-04-27T15:46:54.295-04:00PIGNIC!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qbAIgtTEZyw/WuN8cEm6CrI/AAAAAAAACcA/q1OBfgNUM6QOg0slStdXKj1t9iZX4_0vACLcBGAs/s1600/Pignic%2BCOV%2BWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="728" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qbAIgtTEZyw/WuN8cEm6CrI/AAAAAAAACcA/q1OBfgNUM6QOg0slStdXKj1t9iZX4_0vACLcBGAs/s400/Pignic%2BCOV%2BWEB.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
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My latest picture book as both author and illustrator is finally here!! This may be the youngest book I've done and I'm very proud of it. It was a joy to make from beginning to end.</div>
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Here are some nice reviews:</div>
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<a href="https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-06-244339-7" target="_blank">Publishers Weekly (star)</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.slj.com/2018/03/reviews/books/pignic-matt-phelan-slj-review/" target="_blank">School Library Journal (star)</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/matt-phelan/pignic-phelan/" target="_blank">Kirkus</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/features/stories-spring/" target="_blank">And here's a swell feature on Kirkus!</a></div>
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<a href="http://blaine.org/sevenimpossiblethings/?p=4606" target="_blank">And a follow-up on 7 IMP!</a></div>
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I'll be posting sketches and more soon. Happy Spring!</div>
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<br />Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-62410980180630682942017-06-09T13:38:00.002-04:002017-06-09T13:38:19.266-04:00WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uYottYb5INY/WTrWDiqWyDI/AAAAAAAACVk/m0vKeKZYeI8-JRTW5zbbQDyiOVeExvTHwCLcB/s1600/WAYWFCOV100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="950" height="353" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uYottYb5INY/WTrWDiqWyDI/AAAAAAAACVk/m0vKeKZYeI8-JRTW5zbbQDyiOVeExvTHwCLcB/s400/WAYWFCOV100.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was thrilled when editor <b>Neal Porter</b> sent <b>Scott Menchin's</b> picture book text <i><b><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781626721524" target="_blank">What Are You Waiting For?</a></b></i> to me. Written as a vague conversation between two unnamed (and undescribed) characters, Scott left a great deal to the illustrator which is a wonderful thing. Aside from the <i>What</i> of the title, I had free reign to come up with characters and business for each page and each question.<br />
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I decided to make the characters animals. At first they were sweater-wearing bears...<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnDZo5nReaE/WTrWX-uRv7I/AAAAAAAACVo/TWSfByEC5sAa7Uk5v3EbaYKG8FdWwGtSACLcB/s1600/PastelBearTest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnDZo5nReaE/WTrWX-uRv7I/AAAAAAAACVo/TWSfByEC5sAa7Uk5v3EbaYKG8FdWwGtSACLcB/s400/PastelBearTest.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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But, although I love drawing bears, I thought that maybe there were too many bears in picture books and I should try something new. So... badger and bunny.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v2T42XzAGsI/WTrWcRWTuCI/AAAAAAAACVs/zXKMvdmQ_WAINGnC1-D6ZF7e67oQTHJtgCLcB/s1600/BADGER%2526BUN100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1085" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v2T42XzAGsI/WTrWcRWTuCI/AAAAAAAACVs/zXKMvdmQ_WAINGnC1-D6ZF7e67oQTHJtgCLcB/s640/BADGER%2526BUN100.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Turns out, lots of illustrators were also thinking about badgers and their books also came out this year. Badgers in the zeitgeist, I suppose.</div>
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Finding the visual story to go along with Scott's dialogue was the key. I decided to play each question against the two characters noticing something along their walk. In that way, the waiting became an opportunity to observe their surroundings, to be present in the moment (even though the badger is mostly impatient for the arrival of the What).</div>
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This is the image that came to me for the "Is it old?" question and subsequently led to the rambling and observing visual story:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_T6hoV-DD6c/WTrWkVbndNI/AAAAAAAACWc/27-8j7DEqIgFjKdNtIgk8PfadxvdAxFNQCEw/s1600/WAYWFDUM1617.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_T6hoV-DD6c/WTrWkVbndNI/AAAAAAAACWc/27-8j7DEqIgFjKdNtIgk8PfadxvdAxFNQCEw/s640/WAYWFDUM1617.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are some more sketches:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nb7G5EAISho/WTrWksklrfI/AAAAAAAACWc/K3OMgbHcJZ0jcDN07CRTSRb7GhKHFNZMQCEw/s1600/WAYWFDUM4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1213" data-original-width="1600" height="484" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nb7G5EAISho/WTrWksklrfI/AAAAAAAACWc/K3OMgbHcJZ0jcDN07CRTSRb7GhKHFNZMQCEw/s640/WAYWFDUM4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jqvT5pbKobk/WTrWjqir1QI/AAAAAAAACWc/94EPJ7GX3-07jK7-5HYfML9PVY1NrBSaQCEw/s1600/WAYWFDUM15.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1522" data-original-width="1600" height="380" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jqvT5pbKobk/WTrWjqir1QI/AAAAAAAACWc/94EPJ7GX3-07jK7-5HYfML9PVY1NrBSaQCEw/s400/WAYWFDUM15.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a18YIxFWSOs/WTrWkM3hOWI/AAAAAAAACWc/vLzGmdrW7IswsFI0y7nvtVKldNO2DdcGgCEw/s1600/WAYWFDUM25.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1154" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a18YIxFWSOs/WTrWkM3hOWI/AAAAAAAACWc/vLzGmdrW7IswsFI0y7nvtVKldNO2DdcGgCEw/s640/WAYWFDUM25.jpeg" width="459" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LhtX9HHAqnM/WTrWkhTjujI/AAAAAAAACWc/k5sHIByXrrQxhLguuuZKeHoPpheEayQhACEw/s1600/WAYWFDUM1011.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LhtX9HHAqnM/WTrWkhTjujI/AAAAAAAACWc/k5sHIByXrrQxhLguuuZKeHoPpheEayQhACEw/s640/WAYWFDUM1011.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wu1fOKwRvIw/WTrWjkOKCBI/AAAAAAAACWc/viTk-BtVtEsxoX99-Btah6oWQFqwhsTNgCEw/s1600/WAYWFDUM1213.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wu1fOKwRvIw/WTrWjkOKCBI/AAAAAAAACWc/viTk-BtVtEsxoX99-Btah6oWQFqwhsTNgCEw/s640/WAYWFDUM1213.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For the final art, I decided to work as simply as possible to reflect the tone of the book. I used Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils and pastels on Strathmore Toned Tan paper. I used a similar technique years ago for <b>Alice Schertle's <i>Very Hairy Bear</i>. </b>It was wonderful to work this way again. Pure and simple drawing. It was a pleasure.</div>
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Here are some finals:</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awnUPgNIpag/WTrW1or-lqI/AAAAAAAACWM/8yAsoQEM4O0QVtGDnlw71W5H_FZH9pMAgCLcB/s1600/WAYWF_CATERP.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="818" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awnUPgNIpag/WTrW1or-lqI/AAAAAAAACWM/8yAsoQEM4O0QVtGDnlw71W5H_FZH9pMAgCLcB/s640/WAYWF_CATERP.jpeg" width="622" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DI9pIXXXGOo/WTrW3-U2lWI/AAAAAAAACWU/VXxHe0gaPbY-1sfpTjFgYXzZiE7Y96rkACLcB/s1600/WAYWF_DANCE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="866" height="620" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DI9pIXXXGOo/WTrW3-U2lWI/AAAAAAAACWU/VXxHe0gaPbY-1sfpTjFgYXzZiE7Y96rkACLcB/s640/WAYWF_DANCE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj7SBTZsSvw/WTrW9tXFYXI/AAAAAAAACWY/cvLiXJVRTX8lkoA1Zjh1Al3lwykkmWBTwCLcB/s1600/WAYWF_TELLME.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="840" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj7SBTZsSvw/WTrW9tXFYXI/AAAAAAAACWY/cvLiXJVRTX8lkoA1Zjh1Al3lwykkmWBTwCLcB/s640/WAYWF_TELLME.jpg" width="636" /></a></div>
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I was hoping for a simple, quiet approach to the cover but it was not to be. Here's my initial cover concept:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4LMbUtUDC_w/WTrWk1hoAnI/AAAAAAAACWc/L5LmAH79fRIvELkrm_uacoSIN_nocxqJwCEw/s1600/WAYWF_DUMCOVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1497" data-original-width="1600" height="598" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4LMbUtUDC_w/WTrWk1hoAnI/AAAAAAAACWc/L5LmAH79fRIvELkrm_uacoSIN_nocxqJwCEw/s640/WAYWF_DUMCOVER.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? was a great experience and one of my favorite of my own books. I hope you check it out.<br />
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Here's what Kirkus Review had to say:<br />
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<em style="color: #888888; font-family: 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; position: relative;"><span style="color: #818181;">"...The book’s well-thought-out design combines double-page spreads, spot, and bordered illustrations. The final illustration, very small and surrounded by the toned white space of the page, metaphorically hints at possibilities to be discovered beyond borders. </span></em><br style="color: #888888; font-family: 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><em style="color: #888888; font-family: 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; position: relative;"><span style="color: #818181;"><br /></span></em><br />
<em style="color: #888888; font-family: 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; position: relative;"><span style="color: #818181;">A quiet, thoughtfully designed picture book with a strong message."</span></em><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;"><em style="color: #888888; font-family: 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; position: relative;"><span style="color: #818181;"><br /></span></em></span>Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-6014198904042012672016-10-31T13:55:00.000-04:002016-10-31T13:55:03.143-04:00Happy Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P90z8LKvMuc/WBeFRMjW0MI/AAAAAAAACPo/9xYKApuQR6A_1rG-KCQirgG7jxNfbswTACLcB/s1600/Phelan_ghostpump72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P90z8LKvMuc/WBeFRMjW0MI/AAAAAAAACPo/9xYKApuQR6A_1rG-KCQirgG7jxNfbswTACLcB/s400/Phelan_ghostpump72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-9592278453168009142016-09-08T09:31:00.001-04:002016-09-08T09:31:25.520-04:00Visible Traces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f6u4dj7YRnQ/V9Fm5LKxbWI/AAAAAAAACOo/z4l7T7N1ZvMrKbxGUBiY1brgtwZ4I_hIwCLcB/s1600/badgerbunskweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f6u4dj7YRnQ/V9Fm5LKxbWI/AAAAAAAACOo/z4l7T7N1ZvMrKbxGUBiY1brgtwZ4I_hIwCLcB/s400/badgerbunskweb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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"The Chinese consider it childish to look for details in pictures and then to compare them with the real world. They want, rather, to find in them the visible traces of the artist's enthusiasm."</div>
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– E. H. Gombrich, <i>The Story of Art </i></div>
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<br />Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-24520041731459631152016-07-11T13:40:00.000-04:002016-07-11T13:40:44.588-04:00Brush with a GorillaExperimenting with Chinese brushes and Marie's watercolor on Sumi-e paper...<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N79lvy4tQDM/V4PZ7WjWjfI/AAAAAAAACMc/ShBe7XUpCE4DwnG9AFIjKJ_jdM2eXEnIgCLcB/s1600/gorillabursh2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N79lvy4tQDM/V4PZ7WjWjfI/AAAAAAAACMc/ShBe7XUpCE4DwnG9AFIjKJ_jdM2eXEnIgCLcB/s320/gorillabursh2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-4752645305096306822016-04-29T09:43:00.004-04:002016-04-29T09:43:56.661-04:00Ratfink RaccoonPolychromos pencil and digital.<br />
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<br />Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-42824896709301114962016-04-19T11:09:00.003-04:002016-04-19T11:09:59.751-04:00Brush with Cat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FP7haVId9TM/VxZKEQGSDiI/AAAAAAAACKY/eJ_0Lizm_HMI6erABTzStfIe4uWk6-qZwCLcB/s1600/catBrush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FP7haVId9TM/VxZKEQGSDiI/AAAAAAAACKY/eJ_0Lizm_HMI6erABTzStfIe4uWk6-qZwCLcB/s400/catBrush.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-90980344038200563472016-04-10T14:04:00.000-04:002016-04-10T14:04:33.819-04:00RavensJust playing around with a Winsor & Newton Ivory Black Water Colour Marker and my trusty water brush. Fun, but seems to fade quite a bit after a few minutes. Scan or take a photo quick, kids.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_4bro7fv2UM/VwqU-qFGfBI/AAAAAAAACJg/vV03rlXz2Dsp0RXqJ9puo3--3NRGtJcYg/s1600/raven5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_4bro7fv2UM/VwqU-qFGfBI/AAAAAAAACJg/vV03rlXz2Dsp0RXqJ9puo3--3NRGtJcYg/s320/raven5.jpg" width="281" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oLQLD2NXC-4/VwqU-U57HyI/AAAAAAAACJc/g3BGzZ7Vj9cqMyknDNj-yPef8D7xE0qVA/s1600/raven2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oLQLD2NXC-4/VwqU-U57HyI/AAAAAAAACJc/g3BGzZ7Vj9cqMyknDNj-yPef8D7xE0qVA/s320/raven2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And just for fun...</div>
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<br />Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-12477654617797769212016-03-25T14:34:00.002-04:002016-03-25T14:34:55.723-04:00SNOW WHITE COVER REVEAL!Still have to wait until September for the pub date, but here's the cover...<br />
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<br />Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-3408325908134921362016-03-22T09:38:00.000-04:002016-03-22T09:38:11.614-04:00Zoodle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PIohPvKWVu8/VvFKg7dX4iI/AAAAAAAACIc/r1W__osbwn8kEX8Zto8FOpj0Ku71iGQww/s1600/itchKev_dig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PIohPvKWVu8/VvFKg7dX4iI/AAAAAAAACIc/r1W__osbwn8kEX8Zto8FOpj0Ku71iGQww/s640/itchKev_dig.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-88463664637228658572016-02-24T09:55:00.001-05:002016-02-24T09:55:52.173-05:00Silicon Valley READS The Storm in the Barn!During the first week of March, I'll be doing a series of events about <i><b>The Storm in the Barn</b></i> for the <b>Silicon Valley READS</b> program.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mattphelan.com/" target="_blank">Here are the events that are free and open to the public!</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.siliconvalleyreads.org/home/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">And here's more about the Silicon Valley READS program!</a><br />
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Please come out and say howdy!<br />
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<br />Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-44684918746431186912016-02-05T13:10:00.000-05:002016-02-05T13:10:15.766-05:00Snow Will Fall...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"To illustrate a fairy tale is not an intellectual, scientific interpretation but a transposition of internal pictures and feelings."</div>
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<i> – Lisbeth Zwerger</i></div>
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<br />Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-65935118167436032752015-11-05T15:38:00.000-05:002015-11-05T15:38:43.699-05:00Pig in a Tutu!Drawn with an Intense pencil, Niji water brush, and plain ol' water.<br />
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<br />Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-66125337677768537192015-10-11T19:49:00.000-04:002015-10-11T19:49:38.846-04:00Drawing a ShrewGiant Elephant Shrew, that is.<br />
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<br />Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-3355620773876271942015-06-16T20:56:00.001-04:002015-06-16T20:56:33.567-04:00Edward & MeLast year, the <a href="http://www.octc.org/" target="_blank">Oregon Children's Theatre</a> (creators of the <a href="http://planetham.blogspot.com/search/label/Storm%20Stage%20Version" target="_blank">excellent stage version</a> of <i>The Storm in the Barn</i>) contacted me about doing an illustration to promote their production of <a href="http://planetham.blogspot.com/2014/08/ramona-me.html" target="_blank"><i>Ramona Quimby</i></a>. This year, I was asked to take a crack at an image for <i>The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane</i> by National Ambassador for Young People's Literature <b><a href="http://www.katedicamillo.com/" target="_blank">Kate DiCamillo</a></b>.<br />
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I really enjoy these theater poster commissions. It gives me a chance to delve into a great book and try to boil the essence down to a single image. It is similar to designing a cover, but without the various input and compromises that sometimes go with that territory.<br />
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I was asked to try a few sketches with the hobo and Edward:<br />
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Those weren't dramatic enough so I turned to the sequence in the book when Edward is fished out of the ocean.<br />
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This seemed like the direction to take it. I pulled back to give more of a sense of the net and the lonely sea.<br />
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To avoid being too bleak, a bit of sunlight filters in from the top left.<br />
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The final was drawn in pencil and then digitally colored which was both faster (I was in the middle of painting <i>Snow White</i> and didn't have a ton of time) and also well-suited for the murky depths of the ocean.<br />
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The show goes up next season in lovely Portland, Oregon. Check it out if you can!<br />
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<br />Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-22500433679913969662015-03-10T08:35:00.000-04:002015-03-10T08:35:24.678-04:00MARILYN'S MONSTER is here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span id="goog_39906598"></span><span id="goog_39906599"></span>Today's the publication date for <b><a href="http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763660116&pix=n" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">MARILYN'S MONSTER</span></a></b>, my new picture book written by the amazing <a href="http://www.michelleknudsen.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">MICHELLE KNUDSEN</span></a>!</div>
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I met Michelle many years ago at an independent booksellers' conference. I was a big fan of LIBRARY LION so I let her know that I'd (obviously) very much like to work with her someday. Okay, I may have pestered her a little. Well, the pestering eventually paid off because here is the book! And here's what people are saying:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;"><i>"Rich with feeling, it’s a warm, gently funny reminder to chase down one’s dreams, rather than waiting for them to appear on the doorstep." </i><a href="http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-7636-6011-6" target="_blank">Publishers Weekly (STAR)</a></span></div>
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<i>"Tender and witty..."</i> <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/childrens-books-beasts-and-beauty-1425679875" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Crimson Text', 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px;"><i>"A surprising spin on monsters with nicely effective artwork—and heart."</i> <a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/michelle-knudsen/marilyns-monster/" target="_blank">Kirkus Reviews</a></span><br />
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The official Book Release Party is SATURDAY, MARCH 14th at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.childrensbookworld.net/events/" target="_blank">CHILDREN'S BOOK WORLD</a> </span>in Haverford, PA! Michelle and I will both be there so here's your chance to get the rare and oh-so-nifty double signed copy!<br />
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To celebrate today's release, here are some sketches...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bipp8eVcWOw/VP45Fd6KxQI/AAAAAAAAB78/932nbfTsBEY/s1600/MM_coverJulyweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bipp8eVcWOw/VP45Fd6KxQI/AAAAAAAAB78/932nbfTsBEY/s1600/MM_coverJulyweb.jpg" height="293" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>cover sketch</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eb-xhATtB80/VP45E9R-T5I/AAAAAAAAB7w/2MpuEHlc14E/s1600/MMDUMcov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eb-xhATtB80/VP45E9R-T5I/AAAAAAAAB7w/2MpuEHlc14E/s1600/MMDUMcov.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Unused title page</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xVLuIwUj73A/VP45Fnqo6vI/AAAAAAAAB8E/2QjHyj7jhec/s1600/marilynoverlaytest2FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xVLuIwUj73A/VP45Fnqo6vI/AAAAAAAAB8E/2QjHyj7jhec/s1600/marilynoverlaytest2FB.jpg" height="331" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Early development sketch</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wBxbcW_izw/VP45FKq_fnI/AAAAAAAAB70/a9fR2jNd9yU/s1600/MMDUM16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wBxbcW_izw/VP45FKq_fnI/AAAAAAAAB70/a9fR2jNd9yU/s1600/MMDUM16.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dummy sketch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lf1PpOV-G8c/VP45Fm3Vl3I/AAAAAAAAB8A/fBfzrbqcwmo/s1600/MMnewmonsterGOOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lf1PpOV-G8c/VP45Fm3Vl3I/AAAAAAAAB8A/fBfzrbqcwmo/s1600/MMnewmonsterGOOD.jpg" height="400" width="343" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Monster character design sketch</i></td></tr>
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And here's a final painting from the book:<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D6kHsPnX4PE/VP446FMRjkI/AAAAAAAAB7o/G-kZk5_7N00/s1600/MMfreindsFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D6kHsPnX4PE/VP446FMRjkI/AAAAAAAAB7o/G-kZk5_7N00/s1600/MMfreindsFB.jpg" height="401" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Look for more process posts soon. To keep up on all of my book stuff (including upcoming events), check out my <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Matt-Phelan/121932210605?ref=pymk" target="_blank">Facebook Author Page</a></b>!</div>
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Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-73312052572564889872015-03-08T12:50:00.000-04:002015-03-08T12:50:43.819-04:00Dancing Bear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_VUSCIFtBr0/VPx91VxBz2I/AAAAAAAAB7Q/UqmdZVYxHBo/s1600/dancingbear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_VUSCIFtBr0/VPx91VxBz2I/AAAAAAAAB7Q/UqmdZVYxHBo/s1600/dancingbear.jpg" height="273" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-84033672718211029272015-03-08T12:48:00.001-04:002015-03-08T12:48:51.768-04:00Snow White BeginsI'm off and running on the final art for my next graphic novel, SNOW WHITE. I'll try to share sketches and art whenever I come up for air.<br />
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Here's a test drawing to show you the mood and style:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-egiZpVZZ0PM/VPx9Ao8sZdI/AAAAAAAAB7I/765e0QLeaHQ/s1600/SW_grumpWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-egiZpVZZ0PM/VPx9Ao8sZdI/AAAAAAAAB7I/765e0QLeaHQ/s1600/SW_grumpWEB.jpg" height="198" width="400" /></a></div>
(note: I thought I had posted this in December, but something is apparently went wrong.)Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-2032604859487618622015-03-06T19:06:00.000-05:002015-03-06T19:06:24.985-05:00"...like a memory recalled or a dream put to page.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4hWKvKXHjVs/VPpANG66KDI/AAAAAAAAB60/OKPwBfCsMBI/s1600/jackflash2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4hWKvKXHjVs/VPpANG66KDI/AAAAAAAAB60/OKPwBfCsMBI/s1600/jackflash2.jpg" height="296" width="320" /></a></div>
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You know what makes one a very happy author? Reading an analysis of your book as thoughtful as the one <b>Desmond White </b>just<b> </b>wrote for <b>Sequar</b>t. <a href="http://sequart.org/magazine/55389/mud-myth-and-metaphor-in-matt-phelan-storm-in-the-barn/" target="_blank">Go read it!</a></div>
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Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-89200757506378215932014-10-31T09:31:00.001-04:002014-10-31T09:31:59.300-04:00Monster Week: MARILYN'S MONSTER SNEAK PEEK!<br />
And to conclude Monster Week '14, here's some preliminary art from my upcoming picture book, <b>MARILYN'S MONSTER</b> by the great <b><a href="http://www.michelleknudsen.com/" target="_blank">Michelle Knudsen</a></b> and published by the extraordinary <b><a href="http://candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Season&season=current&page=1&mode=list&pix=y&catheader=y" target="_blank">Candlewick Press</a></b>. Coming to a bookstore near you in <b>MARCH 2015</b>!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3oG3RC3pNMA/VFOO1GchHKI/AAAAAAAAB2w/iucZJgVQj5o/s1600/MMpromoimageWeb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3oG3RC3pNMA/VFOO1GchHKI/AAAAAAAAB2w/iucZJgVQj5o/s1600/MMpromoimageWeb.jpg" /></a></div>
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HAPPY HALLOWEEN!</div>
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<br />Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-40739079790244387362014-10-30T15:30:00.000-04:002014-10-30T15:30:04.718-04:00Monster of the Week: Thursday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG1WJaje7dI/VFKRnXp3HBI/AAAAAAAAB2g/OJRZESeo9JU/s1600/MonsterWeek5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG1WJaje7dI/VFKRnXp3HBI/AAAAAAAAB2g/OJRZESeo9JU/s1600/MonsterWeek5.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-82183017853598729752014-10-29T11:07:00.000-04:002014-10-29T11:07:06.338-04:00Monster Week Wednesday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vRCFxMlYoRE/VFECabb-TxI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/Fuvyx6TgNZA/s1600/monsterweek4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vRCFxMlYoRE/VFECabb-TxI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/Fuvyx6TgNZA/s1600/monsterweek4.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-29376564627205215152014-10-28T11:33:00.001-04:002014-10-28T11:33:41.048-04:00Monster Week Tues!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5V5czBKYDNs/VE-3N0EQG7I/AAAAAAAAB2A/xprDCTD4CxY/s1600/MonsterWeek1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5V5czBKYDNs/VE-3N0EQG7I/AAAAAAAAB2A/xprDCTD4CxY/s1600/MonsterWeek1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20492130.post-90011736655948721162014-10-27T14:54:00.002-04:002014-10-27T14:54:37.720-04:00Monster Week!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7X3BklsfnjM/VE6TzM6R0RI/AAAAAAAAB1s/Qo40wpPBwsg/s1600/MonsterWeek6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7X3BklsfnjM/VE6TzM6R0RI/AAAAAAAAB1s/Qo40wpPBwsg/s1600/MonsterWeek6.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Two years ago, I kept a sketchbook devoted entirely to monsters. It was a fun preliminary step to illustrating the picture book <b><i>Marilyn's Monster</i> </b>by my good friend <b><a href="http://www.michelleknudsen.com/" target="_blank">Michelle Knudsen</a></b> (Candlewick Press, March 2015). </div>
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It seems to fitting to post a beastie a day this week. Check back!</div>
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Matt Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832391661429686859noreply@blogger.com0