The entire review for Building Our House is now available to the general public on Kirkus' website. It's a lovely recommendation!

It's that time of the month, time for 3rd in the Burg. Join me this week as I unveil work from my most recent book Building Our House. This story is based on my parent's own house-building adventure and will hit the shelves on January 8th. This Friday, get a sneak peak at the original paintings and sketches along side an advance copy of the book on display in The Steps Shown gallery. As always, there will be an activity for children along with light refreshments that, this month, includes Belgian hot chocolate!

Bean Illustration

1320 North 3rd Street, Apt 3 

Harrisburg, PA 17102

Open Studio: Friday, Decemeber 21, 6-9pm

The display case at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore gets a festive holiday makeover!

We are now only a month away from the premier signing event for my latest picture book, Building Our House. The signing will be held at the Firefly Bookstore in Kutztown, PA and will include a construction tool guessing contest, coloring activity for children and light refreshments. Following that, only a short dive away, you are invited to attend a festive open house at THE house with THE characters from my book. It promises to be a fun evening. Don't miss it!

Signing: January 12, Firefly Bookstore, 3-5pm

Open House: January 12, Bean Homestead, 5pm-9pm

Snow date: January 19

Friends, ever wish you could visit a location or meet the characters described in a book? Here is your chance! On January 12th the premier signing event for my newest picture book, BUILDING OUR HOUSE, will be held at Firefly Bookstore in Kutztown, PA. to be followed by an open house and refreshments at THE house with THE characters from the book. Or, in other words, come buy my book and hang out with my family. We'd enjoy your company!

Signing: January 12, Firefly Bookstore, Kutztown, PA. 3-5pm

Open house and refreshments: January 12, Bean Homestead, 5pm-9pm.

Snow date: January 19

Stay tuned for directions and additional information!

Children's Art #1

I hosted my fantastic nephews last week for their first Epic Sleep-over. As you can see, it involved an art project. I like to call these Rorschach Drawings - make a blob with watercolor, let it dry, and then interpret it with line. I find a lot to learn looking at my nephew's work. And I'll be the first to admit that my drawings look embarrassingly timid next to theirs. 

Drawing Midtown

This drawing is for an upcoming show I'm putting together with my illustrator friend Ammon. Called Drawing Midtown, the show will feature location drawings of Midtown Harrisburg's many interesting buildings, streets and people. The Yellow Wall Gallery, October 16 - November 11, 2012. Opening Reception, October 19th, 6-10pm

Retroactive Post #2

I was very honored to have my book At Night selected as the WITF/Midtown Scholar pick of the month for August. For the festivities, I made a 3D illustration for the bookstore's display case and held a book reading and signing at The Little Scholar, Midtown's children's section. A sketchpad is essential equipment for readings and an interactive drawing the perfect way to gather the attention of kids. Afterward, I drew on demand, taking requests from children and giving them the drawing to take home. 

Assateague Island

                           

I recently spent a very nice week with my family on Chincoteague and Assateague islands. Famous for its wild horses, Assateague also has long stretches of beach still connected to natural habitat. Anyone who has tried will know that beaches are a good place for observational drawing. Visually, they offer strong contrasts of value, a rock solid horizon line able to anchor the wobbliest composition and an assortment of both subtle and bold colors. Also, being a public space, its visitors expect to be observed and don't seem to mind too much if that observer happens to be carrying a pen and sketchbook.

From the Window

From my third floor apartment I have a nice view of a busy street, grassy lots, and small supermarket. Using direct observation, reference or memory (or usually a combination of the three) I enjoy making notational drawings of things that catch my eye.

Retroactive Post #1

June 15, 2012: Bean Illustration opens to the public. I have moved into a wonderful, modest and sun-drenched apartment/studio in Harrisburg, PA. Each month I open my studio to visitors so they can get a glimpse into the workaday life of an illustrator. In the stairwell gallery I show sketches and other preparatory work for illustrations. And out back there is a rooftop where I grow plants!