(click to enlarge!)
My husband will be starting up a publishing company for ebooks and audio books some time next year with two business partners, and he promptly said to me: "You know what this means, right? You have to finish your book!"I began a children's book, Kiki's First Year, an embarrassingly long time ago and pretty much stopped painting the pictures for it a while back. In fact, I haven't really painted in a long time. There's a few things stopping me: insecurity, fear, every-day distractions, and lazyness.
But since this is such a wonderful opportunity, and I have felt for a long time that this is something I need to do, I knew I would have to start painting again. Since I haven't painted in so long, I decided to start with something not related to Kiki's First Year. A very sweet and thoughtful friend sent me a wonderful gift of her inspiring books, and so I thought I would paint her a Thank You card.
I began very timidly, almost frightened...I really wasn't sure if it would turn out. I left it half finished yesterday evening and didn't like it very much at all. I didn't even show it to my husband for fear he might say, "Hmmm, remember when I said I would publish your book....? Wellllll....."
But today I decided to work on the details, and I was so happy with the finished picture that I am sharing it with all of you! It was such a relief to see that I can still paint. I guess it's like riding a bicycle.
So here's to hopping back on that bike! I am so happy to be wheelin' around again.
xoxo country girl
Good for you!! :-) So happy you faced your fears and picked up your paintbrush. The painting is darling. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt is totally AMAZING!!! I can't wait to see more of your paintings/illustrations! I can relate with you about the book you started, I started a book a little while back and have only half of the illustrations outlined in pen&ink (and that is after starting over about 5 times, so really I have a lot of illustrations but not satisfied with them). We did turn the story into a puppet show and I painted all the props and backdrops and we have been performing it here and there... But this year I want to finish the illustrations and try to get it published, so that is my goal! So I wish you luck, your painting is beautiful and I can't wait to hear more!!!
ReplyDeleteHow good you are getting back on the book bike, with your husband's encouragement. This painting is very charming. Don't stop now!
ReplyDeleteHi sweetie! I'm so excited to hear your news!
ReplyDeleteNow listen (read!) carefully: every time you feel discouraged, go read the comments on your 3rd July post. This will definitely give you a boost!
Fantastic Dawn - you are so talented, wish I could paint more than stick men!! I love the little touches. you MUST finish your book, listen to all of us!! Sharon will LOVE her card, a collectors item!! xox Rachel
ReplyDeleteYour painting is completely enchanting, and I can imagine how tickled you are by it! There is no, and I mean NO, chance that you don't have what it takes to finish your Kiki book and many others as well. Sometimes it's hard for us to evaluate our own talents objectively and we lean toward being hard on ourselves, so please believe me when I tell you that you can do it! In fact, you already have done it. Your talent is bursting from these pages. You just need to keep doing more of it. We're going to see wonderful things from you and I can hardly wait!
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazing picture Dawn...you really have a talent for illustration! I know how lazy one can get and the fear of failure -I feel it all the time with writing and art but you just need to keep pushing yourself and make time...only way...I know I shall probably fall backward on this advice but need to keep telling ourselves this. Sometimes an opportunity can be a great driving factor too...lucky you!! xxx
ReplyDeletebeautiful! i am happy you found your inner strength to excel and utilize your gifts again. can't wait to hear more about the book...also, one of my dreams to publish my own memoir..so i will live vicariously through you! Blessings!!
ReplyDeletejaclyn ><>
adorable painting - it will be perfect in a children's book.
ReplyDeleteDawn, That is the most charming painting and so professional looking I would think you already had a career as an artist. It's wonderful and touching and sooo cute. Not only can you render these adorable creatures you have the imagination it takes be be truly great!
ReplyDeleteYou're a wonderful artist! You have nothing to worry about ♥
ReplyDeleteIt is so playful and beautifully done. Your imagination clearly infuses your painting and draws us in. YOU shine through in this painting. The playful you that comes out in your fairytales. I feel you reached a new level. Toast yourself tonight, and I'll toast you from here! (with my Beet Kvass, probably, but I will still be toasting, none the less!)
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Molly
Lovely. Keep at it please for the pleasure of all of us!
ReplyDeleteYAY!!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE your paintings...and the time we spent together doin' it:)
You are a fantastic artist, so talented! i hope you will continue your book now, it's going to be amazing i'm sure. i love your postive energy in your belief in yourself too Dawn, it's really lovely.
ReplyDeletehave fun sweetie,
lori
i wish you could illustrate my little book! dawn, it is beautiful. if i received that, it would immediately be framed! T
ReplyDeleteYour painting is just lovely! Keep going, I'm sure your book is going to be amazing!
ReplyDeleteoh I'm so happy to see that you are painting again! And the mice are just so sweet. Very beautiful Dawn.
ReplyDeleteI should say you can! Lovely, whimsical. Your book will be very well illustrated.
ReplyDeleteHi Dawn!
ReplyDeleteI would love to be first in line to buy a copy of your book (hopefully signed by the artist;)). I'll read the book to my little one every single night and tell him/her of the special author who lives all the way out in Austria... :)You are talented, Dawn! I'm so happy for you. Your paintings are just lovely!! Good for you for picking it up again.
Hope you're having a sweet weekend.
xoxo,
Blair
Dear Dawn, this is amazing! What talent you have!!! Please, please, please keep painting - the world needs your art! Love, Silke
ReplyDeleteHooray! As a writer, I know that feeling of fear. I also know that feeling of picking your tools back up, working again, and thinking, "Yes! I've still got it!"
ReplyDeleteYou definitely have it. What a wonderful illustration this is. I look forward to seeing that book come out in print, Dawn!!! xoxo Gigi