Talking at this years Northwest Bookfest!

Just a quick post to let everyone know I will be part of a panel of Illustrators talking at Northwest Bookfest in Kirkland this fall. The panel discussion will be on Sunday October 2nd from 1-2pm at the downtown Kirkland Library. I will be talking about creating children's book with illustrators Richard Jesse Watson and Erik Brooks. Hope to see you there! Go here to learn more www.northwestbookfest2011.com

Another do over

Below is a recent painting I choose to re-do again and it's earlier version. I decided to take this one in a more fantastical direction with the addition of the lasso and stars. I am glad to see I have gotten better at painting faces in the 8 years between the two paintings. I may add some line work to my newer painting but I haven't decided yet.

Newer painting.

Older version.

A do over

Below is a painting I just finished that is a re working of an older one. After this spring's SCBWI conference I was determined to shake up my illustration style to bring more life to my compositions and energy in general. This is my first "do over" of an older painting and I am very happy with the results. Originally I thought I would use watercolor for my new work and I completed an early version using that medium with a heavy colored pencil outline but I wasn't as satisfied with the results. This painting is a bit of a compromise. I am using my new favorite medium acryla-gouache with a more subtle colored pencil outline. It's a good start and I will add more paintings here as I find the time to complete them.

Open for business!

Just over a week ago we made the big move back to Seattle after two years in Bellingham so my wife could earn her Masters degree at Western Washington University. With the mission almost accomplished it was time to head back to our favorite city by the water just in time for summer.

The best part of changing homes was setting up my best studio space yet! For the first time I have my own separate room that includes all the essentials needed to complete my work. Below are some views of my inspiring new creative space. Now I just need a new project! "Crickets, crickets, crickets"...

Love the summer breezes through the open window.

A computer, scanner and printer near my drawing table for the first time. Love listening to NPR (KUOW in Seattle), music, and my favorite podcasts. That's a live broadcast of TBTL on my computer.

Mirrors for any life drawing, my easel, books for reference, and a TV for distraction.

Lots of closet space for art supplies, computer files, reference (National Geographic's) and my published books.

I have been turned into a float!

A young fan of mine recently created a float about me and my work for a biography project for her class. How cool is that!? Here are a few of the photos. Such an honor, I had to share.

This book cover looks familiar...

Is that me wearing a boa? Not sure how I feel about that (kidding)....

An interview about The Can Man for the New York State Reading Association Youth Book Blog

Follow the link below to read an interview about "The Can Man" for the New York State Reading Association's Youth Book Blog. The interview relates to the recent Charlotte Award nomination the book was lucky enough to receive. Mrs. Carver’s fourth grade class at Edison Elementary School, Tonawanda, NY, asked me the great questions. Enjoy!

http://charlotteaward.wordpress.com/

New children's illustration classes and an oil painting class for teens starting in July!

Just a quick reminder that I have new children's book illustration classes and an oil painting class for teens starting in July in Bellevue and Seattle. Hope to see you in a class and please spread the word!

Here are the details...

Children's Book Illustration I
Immerse yourself in the world of children’s book illustration with
this introductory course. Through in-class assignments using a variety
of media, you'll learn basic techniques to complete illustrations for
young readers. Also learn the business side of children’s book
illustration, including what it takes to get your work seen by the
right people. Character consistency, portfolios, contracts, and other
topics are also covered. Craig Orback is an award-winning illustrator
of over 15 children's books. Basic drawing skills are helpful but not
required. Homework is required.

Bellevue College, Saturdays, 8 Sessions, 7/9/11-8/27/11,
10:00-12:30pm, $149
Go here to register

North Seattle Community College, Thursdays, 8 Sessions,
7/7/11-8/25/11, 6:30-9:00pm, $125
Go here to register

Beginning Oil Painting for Teens
This no pressure introductory course introduces teens to the basics of
painting with oils. Learn about materials available to painters, color
mixing and some basic color theory as well as composition. Instructor
gives one-on-one feedback in this fun, hands-on studio class. Please
bring supplies to the first class and be ready to paint!

Bellevue Community College, Saturdays, 4 Sessions, 7/16/11-8/6/11,
1:30-4:30pm, $169
Go here to register