Book Illustrations Filled
with Whimsy and Wonder
Most of my illustrations are centered around my written word, both fiction and non-fiction. My art medium ranges from pen and ink to watercolor and includes picture books to middle grade to adult magical realism. Decades ago, my original intent was to combine my artwork with meaningful words, and for many years, I worked professionally as a graphic designer for newspapers, magazines and publishing companies.
Until my early 50s, I considered myself a casual weekend artist, not a real artist. But after graduating from Academy of Art University at the ripe age of 59, I opened my pandora’s box fortified with a high level of artistic skills. Here is a selection of my book art, both old and new.
Please note: I have posted only a few of the two-page spreads from Calvin Splinter & His Splendid Splinter Ideas. There are 32 pages in the book, too many to post here. I chose several appropriate pages that moved the story along.
All rights reserved.
The map of the Kingdom of Lumaria, Calvin Splinter & His Splendid Splinter Ideas ©2018
The terrible storm, Calvin Splinter & His Splendid Splinter Ideas ©2018
Calvin Splinter meets Grandfather Tree, Calvin Splinter & His Splendid Splinter Ideas ©2018
The tree elders talk, Calvin Splinter & His Splendid Splinter Ideas ©2018
Grandfather Tree and the elders send Calvin off to rebuild the forest, Calvin Splinter & His Splendid Splinter Ideas ©2018
Cover art for GIGNTA, An Epic Tale, watercolor.
Giganta and Gustaf discussing their journey to Musterihof (the Great Temple). Watercolor. ©2021
Gustaf, Head Scout for the Inner Earth Elves. A pivotal character in GIGANTA, An Epic Tale. Ink rendering. ©2021
Queen Drotti of the Inner Earth Elves in GIGANTA, An Epic Tale. Ink rendering. ©2021
Ilg, a troll and companion for GIGANTA. Ink rendering. ©2021
Verndarni Vakti, Guardian of Brulock. He guards the Great Lava Bridge! Ink rendering. ©2021
Gustaf jumping for joy! Ink rendering. ©2021
Pencil rendering for the title page Going Out the IN Road ©2013
Pencil rendering for Chapter 1, Going Out the IN Road ©2013
Pencil rendering for Chapter 2, Going Out the IN Road ©2013
Pencil rendering for Chapter 3, Going Out the IN Road ©2013
Pencil rendering for Chapter 4, Going Out the IN Road ©2013
Pencil rendering for Chapter 5, Going Out the IN Road ©2013
Pencil rendering for Chapter 6, Going Out the IN Road ©2013
Pencil rendering for Chapter 7, Going Out the IN Road ©2013
Pencil rendering for Chapter 8, Going Out the IN Road ©2013
Pencil rendering for Chapter 9, Going Out the IN Road ©2013
Pencil rendering for Chapter 10, Going Out the IN Road ©2013
Pencil rendering for Chapter 11, Going Out the IN Road ©2013
Lola and her muse, Henry. Watercolor. ©2022
Lola ending or beginning her journey, pencil rendering for LOLA'S MUSE. ©2022
Raven Talk illustration, pencil rendering, ©2024
Fairy peeking, revised pencil rendering for short story: Fairy Hill ©2014
The Tansy Puller, pencil rendering ©2014
High Wire, pencil rendering