Illustration Friday: TRAIN

Shayla was scared but ready to get started on her new adventure!

This week's image was inspired by the excitement/nerves of starting something new, going on a trip!, getting new impressions, handing over your ticket. Thinking of parents and coworkers traveling to Europe recently, making contact with an old friend on Facebook, and, more darkly, contemplating the choices the Marathon bombers made that changed many lives forever. Which trip are you going to take?

From a story about....raccoons!!

Illustration Friday: URBAN

For urban, I wanted to convey the feeling of astonishment and delight when you first step up into a busy city from a subway or bus and find yourself in the middle of vibrant activity. Years ago, my dad and I took a bus to New York City to go see the David Letterman show live. I remember the excitement of so many things going on at once, and the "gestalt" (did I use this word correctly?) of taking it all in in one moment.

Illustration Friday: EGG

Version A: Background full strength

Version B: Lighter background


Not sure what the inspiration was for this week's image, but some definitely came from Garth Williams' county fair images in "Charlotte's Web" that I got a chance to see at the Eric Carle Museum earlier this year. Also, from being at the Topsfield Fair: no matter how many crazy rides or games are there, the chick incubators still attract the biggest crowds. There's nothing like the beginning of life, the struggle to get there, to wow us.