Looking for Advice on Hiring an Artist's Agent?

Before you do, check out my latest article for the column "Illustrator Tips", featured in The Prairie Wind, the online newsletter of the SCBWI-IL.

Now for an update: I am currently illustrating "The ABCs of Yoga for Kids Coloring Book" for author and yoga instructor Teresa Ann Power. This coloring book features yoga poses with corresponding letters of the alphabet, and is meant to accompany the new poster and the original, award winning hardcover book "The ABCs of Yoga for Kids". Teresa and I have had a great time working together and watching the success of the book grow! Check out this review in The US Review of Books.

Illustration Friday - "Resolve"

©Kathleen Rietz
I believe that any resolution worth beginning on January 1st is worth beginning anytime. We should all resolve for better health, more peace, and a sunny outlook ahead.

Considering hiring an artist's agent in 2009? Check out my column this month in The Prairie Wind, the online newsletter of the SCBWI-IL. Click here.

Also, order yourself a copy of my latest illustrated book for children, The ABCs of Yoga for Kids, written by Teresa Ann Power and produced by Brookes Nohlgren. Click here!

Oooo...Looky Here!

It's my second published article for "The Prairie Wind", the SCBWI-IL online newsletter. Here I write about how I found my style of children's book illustration. Check it out and leave me a comment!

Check it out!

Read my first attempt at writing for The Prairie Wind, the e-newsletter for the SCBWI-Illinois chapter. I love to draw and paint, but writing was a whole new venture for me! It was actually kind of fun, and I would definitely do it again if asked. The topic and article length were totally up to me. I chose to write about the history of my career as an artist, and why I now blog.

SCBWI-IL Gallery Show

Here is a photo from the exhibit today at the Chesterton Art Center in Chesterton, IN. I wish my sister could have been there....tomorrow is her birthday, and I wanted to surprise her by presenting to her my original painting, "Symphony In The Pond" (on the right). She loves the painting, but was pretty convinced I would never part with it. She thinks she is getting a print. : ) I wanted to see the look on her face. We are having lunch tomorrow...I will have to wait until then to tell her.
One highlight from the show was seeing so many wonderful original children's book illustrations along with their illustrators in one room.
Another highlight was hearing Larry Day speak about his book "Not Afraid of Dogs", which was awarded the SCBWI's Golden Kite Award in 2007. His illustrations are great, and I loved hearing about the entire process.
But most important to me was having my friends there to support me. They enjoyed the show, maybe more than I did, and it meant a lot to me.

SCBWI-IL Gallery Show THIS WEEKEND!

The time is approaching soon...the opening reception for SCBWI-IL art show at the Chesteron Art Center in Chesterton, IN is this Sunday from 1-4pm. I illustrated this letter "M" as part of the alphabet which will be auctioned off the entire month of October. So many talented Chicago area children's illustrators have contributed their time and talents to this show, and I am so excited. To view the entire illustrated alphabet click here.
© Kathleen Rietz
I will also be exhibiting these 2 illustrations in the gallery for the entire month of October.
© Kathleen Rietz
© Kathleen Rietz
For more information on the SCBWI-IL and the Chesterton Gallery Show, click here.

I'm Excited!

I just ordered copies of this book I illustrated, which will be for sale at the SCBWI children's book illustrators gallery show next month in Chesterton, IN. Read more about this show in the post immediately below! I'm getting tingley!

Come Meet Me!

Come meet me at the Chesterton Arts Center in Chesterton, IN, as I and other members of the SCBWI-IL display our children's book illustrations at a show which will run the entire month of October. The opening celebration is Sunday, October 7th from 1-4pm. A diverse group of talented children's artists will be there to meet, demo and lecture, and it is a wonderful opportunity to see amazing art and purchase children's books. I hope to have copies of the book I illustrated "My New Pet" there if I am able to nab a few from the publisher in time for the show. There is also a silent auction featuring an illustrated alphabet, where my illustrated "M" will be available for bidding.

©Kathleen Rietz
One of the nicest surprises, which I did not expect at all, is that the SCBWI-IL is featuring my illustration "Symphony In The Pond" on the show's promotional materials!
I hope to see you there!