Scholastic's Storyworks magazine

I finished this today for Scholastic's "Storyworks" magazine and it's Feb/March 2015 issue. It accompanies the story "Hannah and the Birdman."

I always love working for this client and I am really happy with this painting.

Starred review for Gifts From the Enemy!

Very exciting to report that the Jewish Book Council gave "Gifts From the Enemy" a starred review! It's kind of amazing as this is my first starred review EVER after many years making books. Here is a quote from the review:

"Wiener’s story is simplified and depends on the dramatic illustrations for their impact. The text starts out sparse and simple and becomes more ample and mature as the story progresses. The art is the story, however, and it is prize-worthy."

You can read the full review here: http://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/book/gifts-from-the-enemy

New Etsy shop!

Just a heads up that I created a new shop on Etsy for my commissioned portrait work. Just in time for the holidays! I also have landscapes and children's book art for sale, ready to ship!

You can visit my page here: www.etsy.com/shop/CraigOrbackPortraits

Upcoming library event!

Just a heads up that some great local authors and one illustrator (myself!) will be answering questions on writing and illustrating this November 16th at the Mukilteo library. It is part of a larger event for Sno-isle libraries called "The Author Next-Door". Go here to learn more http://sno-isle.org/news/?nid=688

Hope to see you at the Mukilteo library!

New younger style in progress

I am working on a new style for younger audiences. Something a little different then my realistic work that could open me up to different types of projects. I am building towards more stylized characters, brighter colors, unique dynamic perspectives as well as more surface texture. 

Let me know if you like it. I will add new work to the blog as I get an opportunity to create more.

Upcoming show at The Washington State History Museum

Great to hear that this painting "The Lost Anchor"" was selected for the 2014 Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators- WA Illustrator Exhibit at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma. I painted it this summer in hopes it would be picked. The theme was anything to do with our fair state of Washington. With that in mind I created this image about the anchor that was found this year off Whidbey Island believed to come from a ship under the command of Captain George Vancouver in the 1790's.


The show runs November 19, 2014 to January 18, 2015.

Gifts From the Enemy has been released!

It's a book! "Gifts From the Enemy" is out now! Thanks again to Trudy Ludwig for spearheading and writing this powerful picture book. An inspiring true story from the life of Holocaust survivor Alter Wiener, who found an unlikely source of kindness during his imprisonment in German concentration camps as a young man. He now lives in Portland Oregon. What an honor it was to illustrate. 

Learn more and order a copy here: http://www.whitecloudpress.com/gifts-from-the-enemy.html

Washington State History Museum!

Exciting news in museum patronage! I have one of my paintings called "Oregon Trail" in a new exhibit at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma. It is part of a new show running through April 2015 called "Ernest Oglby Punkweiler and the Fabulous-Miraculous Time Intrusionator". 

It includes works by other talented NW illustrators as Julie Paschkis, Richard Jesse Watson and Mike Cressy, just to name a few. Sorry I don't have more photos of their work. I want you to come see the show!

Our paintings are brought to life in imaginative ways thanks to Stephanie Lile's wonderful story and the creative use of space. I feel so honored to be a part of this amazing show! Perfect for families and young kids in particular. Here is a link to learn more: http://www.washingtonhistory.org/visit/wshm/exhibits/featured/time/

Below are some photos from last nights opening event:

Stephanie (right) and some of the amazing illustrators!

Entering my space!

Happy I didn't have to paint the original work THIS BIG.

How creative is this show signage?

My prairie dogs and some visitors

 

An additional drawing I did for the exhibit.

Richard Jesse Watson's painting. A boat you can sit in!