I have made it a point to visit my local bookstores twice a month for some much needed inspiration. Children's books are so expensive, but I guess that's a good thing for us illustrators. I usually browse the younger age books and move on to the picture books. I mainly look for covers that grab my attention. I often end up in the bargain book section of the store and a couple of weeks ago I found this treasure for only $3:



I picked it up and bought it without even knowing what the story was. Turns out the story is about head lice. Interesting topic. The book was illustrated my Delphine Durand and I now what every book she's done that Amazon carries. Unfourtunalty I haven't been able to find a portfolio website on her. I would love to see more of her work.

As I flipped through the pages of this book, it was really apparent to me that I need to do more scene type work. I need to add more detail and play with perspective. I work best when being assigned a theme rather than coming up with something so detailed on my own. This is something I really need to work on. It amazes me the imagination Paige has. It seems like every day she comes up with a new concept and her follow through is so perfect! Take a look around her blog to see what I mean.

Here are just a few detailed scenes I've been looking at:
Pete Whitehead
Barry Gott (he's got a blog now too!)
Claudine Gevry
Christine Schneider (probably my favorite illustrator right now)

And for those of you who are interested. My latest entry for "becoming an illustrator" is up.