Watercolor and pastel approx. 22 x 30

Working on Artist E-pprenticeship! My clay art illustrations have been published in Scholastic uk, but not here in the US. You do not need a published picture book to put together school visits.

What you do need to do is to take a step back and look at your artwork and how it translates to children's art. And you need some knowledge of school curriculum and how you can apply your art to that.

I am going to help you.

I am going to give you what I know, what I have done, and the steps you can take to build your own programs. It is all up to you!

It looks like the information, format, and instructions for sign up should be ready for Friday October 1! 

Thank goodness for uber-smart web-people! 

Until then, make some art!

http://artist-e-pprenticeship.blogspot.com/

You are so worth it!

I have been working on the ARTIST E-PPRENITICESHIP today.

Fees!

If you want to be a professional artist, you have to act professionally. 

To me that means I show up early, I have prepared a thoughtful, fun, lesson plan that exceeds the expectations of the venue, my paperwork is in order and I get paid for my work.  

Isn't it so difficult to feel comfortable about setting your fees, pricing your work, valuing yourself! 

It is hard enough to declare yourself an artist! To see your art as REAL, to see yourself as REAL and then just when you get all those ducks in a row... you have to get the swans in a row too!

The swan is the fees, the value, the beauty of getting paid so you can continue on... getting paid makes art possible! More art! More programs!

After all, if we the artists do not value ourselves how will anyone else?

this bill is for illustration purposes only! do not attempt to print! ; )

TGIF write!

Busy writing weekend! Polishing up the Artist E-pprenticeship class info. and

working on my middle grade novel.

Because I write in the kitchen window seat, and my hub works from home, and one college son is in and out to work and classes, and another other college son is home recovering from wisdom teeth removal, they talk to me when they come and go from the kitchen so I started wearing ear buds.  They think I can't hear them and it has cut down the interruptions!

One of my writer friends gave me this cute door knob sign. But without a door knob, or a door, I decided this morning to wear it! ; )

I hope you have a happy writing/creating weekend!

I almost forgot. My assistant sits in the window seat too!

professor gibbs dreaming of plot points and character development!

Home from the Writing retreat!

Home from the Writing Retreat weekend in beautiful Maine!

One of our fabulous children's book writers is also the owner of a lovely campground in Poland, Maine... yes, near Poland Spring!

Since Tam can't wander far during the camp season, which doesn't end until October, she invites a group of us to come twice a year and write, share and relax!

Doesn't this look relaxing?!!

I have no problem writing, and I am very good at relaxing, but then there is the SHARING. OY.

I wish I could say I just pick something and read it without any angst at all. And even though I am in this lovely setting with these smart, talented, thoughtful, writers, I still get nervous when it come time to share.

It actually starts the week before, when I start freaking out that I am not worthy. That my writing is not good enough, that nothing is new enough, that I need more time. Knowing of course that there is not enough time in the world. That I will always have this last minute feeling.

So, I ignore it. I hear it, I wallow in it, then I ignore it and I pack. I make copies, I pack the car and I start driving.

By the time I finish the 6 hour drive, I am tired and happy to see my friends. Then I really remember that I am safe with them. My words are safe here. 

We meet Saturday, sit in a circle of chairs and each read. We spend 20 minutes on each person's work. It is a long day, and when it is finished, we walk to the lake, we have a big dinner and too much wine.

I am thankful for all of them. They heard my story (I read a picture book) and encouraged me to submit it.

Here are some of us, hanging out after a long day of reading... and successful sharing!

What do I do when I get home from a long, creative weekend? I sign up for Mondo Beyondo DreamLab!

Will you be there too? 

I thought I could handle doing that, while I finish the E-pprenticeship plans!

Registration will open October 1!

Writing retreat weekend!

I can't wait to go to make Maine for an annual writing retreat.

Friday, I leave for my long drive to Maine. A fun get together on Friday night, then Saturday we share some writing. Zoinks. 

I have the next few days to figure out what I am reading. 

A chapter from my middle grade?  A new picture book? 

I read a picture book last time and everyone's insight was so valuable I was able to polish it up! There is nothing like the kind eyes and ears of this group of talented writers to see where I want to go and how I can get there!

I hope you have a creative week to polish up some of your works in progress too!

Sunday night!

Poodle Parade, double page spread

Where did the weekend go? One more day would be nice. Very nice. 

Tomorrow, full day at the studio! sweet!

Did you see the Artist E-pprenticeship page? I am so excited about doing this. I am working to get the right internet data base. Wondering if I should create a social networking page, or post on a blog site. 

I have taken classes both ways and liked them both.

If you have a feeling either way, shoot me an email through my website

http://www.LauraLudwigHamor.com

a very important week

It was a really wonderful week....

Total Baby Bliss!!

This weekend is full of studio time,  working on paintings, and my Artist E-pprenticeship
which will be October 25 - November 15!

Translating your art into other mediums!

Have you ever watched Ace of Cakes? or Cake Boss?
I am not a great cook or a great baker. But I did have a friend who had a custom bakery.

She had an order for a large cake and asked if I could help her. The birthday lady had 24 dogs, mostly chihuahuas I think. Well V. called and wanted me to create dogs out of white chocolate.

Have you seen my portfolio... http://www.childrensillustrators.com/illustrator-details/LauraHamor/id=477/
so you can see it could translate to cake!

I gave it a try:

I wasn't the one to airbrush the dogs, but I was happy with their gestures and poses.

The cake was a huge success (and sold for a HUGE price)

(ps. ears were attached after the white chocolate dried.)

The Artist E-pprenticeship is about this too.. about taking what you know here.. and applying it over here and over there.

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!

And if the ACE OF CAKES gives me a call.... I will say YES and be there asap!!

Thanks for the questions!

Thank you for the emailed questions. I will be answering them all in the E-pprenticeship.

My goal is that you all have enough info that you can begin scheduling visits for THIS school year!