December 20, 2008

Adventures of Sophie
Play Date with Bella
page 7 & 8

In the wood milieu
Dwelled Sophie and Bella 'longside

In translation...

In the middle of a beautiful forest setting lived Sophie and Bella in homes that were situated next to each other.

While many men, women and children battled the crowds for some last minute shopping, I spent a good part of today working on "Adventures of Sophie". Finally finished the linquistic part which for me was the most difficult part. I created a book that has some depth in it so as it is read more things are realized both linquistically as well as visually making the read entertaining enough to last for multiple readings. When my daughter was young we read favorite books over and over. One such book was Peter Spier, "Grunt, Growl, Gobble", which sustained both our interests through perhaps 40 or so readings.

Peace Always

Sharon

December 16, 2008

Illustration of "Red Bear"
from Adventures with Sophie
Playdate with Bella
by Sharon Lee

Thus far this winter, my creativity has been expressed through the writing and illustrating of a children's book. It is a series called "Adventures of Sophie", the first installment named "Playdate with Bella."

The process of making a book is very different from painting and I find myself retraining my focus as I work on the various components of the book. While writing I need silent though when I paint I prefer music or podcasts. Because my house and studio tends to be cold I find myself working on this project in the inner sanctum of my bedroom where I can stretch out my legs and prop up my back comfortably and my studio where I paint sits cold, dark and dusty. Doing a book at this time is also forcing me to learn computer programs and websites that I have until now ignored. The beauty of painting is that it is a timeless activity very much the same as it was many many years ago.

Peace Always

Sharonhie
Playdate with Bella
Sharon Lee

November 30, 2008

Most often the end of the year is filled with holiday preparation and little time for non-holiday creativity. Anticipating the need for extra time, I decided not to paint for the month of December freeing several hours a day towards sewing, baking, etc.

Never the less, December is a breath away and I started a new project; writing and illustrating a children's book. The subject of the book is my dog Sophie and already I have most of the first book planned out with ideas for a second. The book is to be called, "The Adventures of Sophie". I am experimenting with combining pen and ink with photographs but are still at the illustration phase.

Peace Always

Sharon