Thursday, August 12, 2010

SCBWI 2010 Summer Conference: Notes and Quotes – Illustrators Loren Long, E. B. Lewis

Loren Long

Loren Long:

How do you start to illustrate a project? One drawing at a time. When looking at the white page, it’s easy to procrastinate. But do one sketch in one day. Forget about the rest of the [time till the deadline].
I paint in acrylics. I try to make people think I paint in oils.

In 2003, when I didn’t know what I was doing, I told myself “If they can do it, why can’t I?”

It takes me 2-3 months to make sketches. Four to six on final art. I do two books a year, and that takes me a year and a half.

I may not be a writer, but I am a story teller.

Who do you like in our field? Study their art. See what came before us. Strive for an emotional hit.

Believe you can bring something to the table. It’s your work and your talent. Your book. If they can do this, why can’t I? Ask yourself, “What do I want to give this world?”



E. B. Lewis:

E. B. Lewis
In history writers and artists are the first to be persecuted. We’re scary people.

Matisse, on his deathbed, with a bamboo pole in his hand, drew on the ceiling. That’s how I want to go out. Figuring out that last line.

Some of the best art in the country is done in children’s books. Children’s book illustration pulls me as much as fine art does.

I put a hugging scene in all my books.

We spend so much time scratching to get wealth, and miss that the true value in life is children.

As artists we need to fill ourselves up to overflowing, and then give it all back. I hope you have the opportunity to do that.

4 comments:

  1. After missing the conference, it's great to read your notes and get a sense of the flavor.
    Thanks Diane!

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  2. Thank you for sharing Diane! Good stuff and I like the pics of you too.
    Good luck, Robin

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  3. I would have love to hear these illustrators talk. Thank you so much for sharing their inspirational messages!!

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  4. Megan, Robin and Cathy June: Thanks for your comments! Taking notes helps me to hone in on their insightful remarks, and I'm happy to share them with you -- wish you could have been there with me!

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