tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31364265489212997102012-02-27T18:08:45.837-05:00my journey becoming a children's book illustratorMelanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.comBlogger1431100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-12477885609015984242012-02-27T18:08:00.000-05:002012-02-27T18:08:45.887-05:00

Every once in a while, I get too antsy to do anything creative.  There are too many things on my To-Do list that I can't concentrate even on one of them. I find myself flitting from project to project, opening one book as I remember I should be looking up something in another, starting one blog post while I think about the next blog post idea. This is a sure sign that I just need to sit and

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-85522728668112894922012-02-21T23:04:00.000-05:002012-02-21T23:04:37.282-05:00

Hello! (Firstly, I am quite aware that today is Tuesday and nearly Wednesday, and not my usual Monday blog post. My days got swapped this week, so I'm hoping this still counts as being on schedule!) I'm nearly finished sketching Chapter One for Little Raindrop's first book. It has been a journey, figuring out how I want to illustrate it, but it has been a fun journey for sure! I was set back a

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-29942390989244390322012-02-14T00:04:00.002-05:002012-02-21T23:05:09.828-05:00

Hi there! I'm very overdue for this post, but here it goes: A few months ago, around the holidays, I opened my mailbox to find this: Oh! A surprise! Inside were twenty hand written and hand drawn giant postcards from the kids in Mr. H's third grade class! (Mr. H is the author and creator of Little Raindrop, and teacher to an awesome group of kids.) I was in SHOCK. (Actually, I nearly

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-60321353321236647392012-02-13T22:18:00.000-05:002012-02-13T22:18:33.719-05:00

Happy Monday! Two days ago I was approached by a customer (of the family restaurant) who was interested in hiring me to draw a house portrait. "Can you have it done by this Wednesday?" he asked, "It's for a housewarming gift!" In the words of Dan Yaccarino, who spoke at the Illustrator's Intensive on Friday of the NY SCBWI conference, I answered: "Yes!" So Monday, being my only day off from

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-61999553328556749782012-02-06T22:30:00.000-05:002012-02-06T22:30:46.911-05:00

Happy Monday! I didn't watch the Super Bowl last night. I really and truly strongly dislike football... (I didn't say hate). But I was very thankful for it, as I am every year, because Superbowl Sunday means Melanie's Funday. I have been working double shifts at the family restaurant on Sundays for at least ten years, if not more. And Sunday double shifts are rotten things when you're a

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-76328161496557363522012-01-30T00:33:00.001-05:002012-01-30T00:44:21.295-05:00

Hello Friends! I've just come home from my weekend away at my FIRST EVER New York SCBWI conference, and it was awesome! It all began on Friday with a nerve-wracking Portfolio Showcase submission (complete with Little Raindrop's super-short book dummy), an Illustrator's Intensive with some of my absolute favorite artists (John Rocco, Dan Santat, Dan Yaccarino and Sophie Blackall), wonderful

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-67642073177505878452011-12-29T15:31:00.000-05:002011-12-29T15:31:35.094-05:00

Oh it’s been far too long!!! I don’t know how I manage to do this at the end of each semester, but I always end up fizzled out and don’t catch up on my blog posts. And then Christmas comes…well, we all know how that is. So I thought it would be nice to do some catching up today, since I’m stuck at home with a head cold and I’m pretty much useless to doing anything else. Anyway, a friend of mine

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-77093098857210109732011-11-29T12:51:00.000-05:002011-11-29T12:51:52.836-05:00

This little guy is from my next project! Will be posting more soon! :D

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-43874248247912339832011-11-20T14:12:00.000-05:002011-11-20T14:12:46.318-05:00

So last week, our Children's Book Illustration III class got quite a treat: a visit from Brian Lies! He is the author and illustrator of the NY Times' best selling books Bats at the Beach, and Bats at the Ballgame and my favorite, Bats at the Library! (To see more of his books, click here!) Brian Lies! And there's Dede to the left! :) Stunning work not put to justice by my dirty cell phone

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-77195533841027147082011-11-19T14:41:00.000-05:002011-11-19T14:41:28.048-05:00

Hey there! I finished and delivered this piece, and the family loves it! Woo hoo! Another successful commission! It's for their custom Christmas cards, and it has a touch of Hanukkah with the "menorah" of candles on the mantle. :)

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-55381100760784072382011-11-18T02:32:00.000-05:002011-11-18T02:32:14.473-05:00

Hello! Just popping in to say I finished the kittens, and here they are! Pretty happy with it, and I'm glad it's done! Onto the next project!

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-44877273208361220872011-11-09T00:53:00.000-05:002011-11-09T00:53:20.470-05:00

Our latest project in Children's Book Illustration III was to pick a short story provided and illustrate a full page bleed and it's opposite text page with a spot illustration. I chose the story of the Three Little Kittens, (you know, they lost their mittens, and they began to cry...). My first question was this: why were the kittens wearing mittens? Because it is Halloween, of course, and the

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-66170460616873932812011-11-09T00:12:00.001-05:002011-11-19T14:41:52.630-05:00

Hi Again! I am also working on a Christmas card design that includes all EIGHT of the client's pets. (The newest kitten has not yet been drawn.) Yep, home certainly is where the fur flies! Here are my sketches of the animals, plus I tooled around with colors and layout ideas. I'll show you the rest once I ink and paint the piece! Modeled after the real fireplace in their home. And

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-12563773952873740192011-11-08T23:47:00.000-05:002011-11-08T23:47:18.794-05:00

Hullo Hullo! Been SUPER busy working on multiple projects at once! With homework, and commissions, and Little Raindrop stuff, I haven't been staying on top of my blogging. But it's too late at night for my weary eyes to mix colors and such, so here's what I've been up to: Little Raindrop, Ocean Habitat Sketching: Little Raindrop, Chapter One Sketching: And in my next post I'll share

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-16568473345170118832011-11-01T17:48:00.000-04:002011-11-01T17:48:37.340-04:00

Hi there! Today I focused on narrowing down Little Raindrop's character design. The author and I are deciding whether to use the big round eyes or the little oval pupil thingies for the final character. This was a good exercise for me anyhow, because it gave me the opportunity to explore LR's emotions, and I also found a great little animation blog that features some excellent character art. So

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-32006419011100780202011-10-30T21:47:00.000-04:002011-10-30T21:47:11.123-04:00

Hi there! I'm betting you might have noticed the new little badge in the upper left hand corner of my blog! :D You haven't? Well, that's a bummer... Because it's almost time for Picture Book Idea Month! PiBoIdMo! When an artist comes up with a new picture book idea a day for 30 WHOLE DAYS!!! And 2011 marks my very first time participating, even though I have less time than ever to do pretty

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-37988743502823699722011-10-18T23:50:00.000-04:002011-10-18T23:50:03.369-04:00

Hi There! Today I spent a crazyyyy amount of time putting together some marketing tools and social networking sites for my client's book, temporarily called "Little Raindrop's Big Adventure." Little Raindrop now has his very own blog, twitter account, facebook account, and even an email account! Now I'm totally tuckered out, (back, neck and brain included), but it will be worth it in the end to

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-77107379761422803872011-10-14T13:12:00.000-04:002011-10-14T13:12:04.190-04:00

Hullooo! Today I finally completed the T-Rex painting I had been commissioned for by my aunt and uncle. They really liked my original T-Rex (found below) and hired me to paint one for a baby gift! The baby's room is light blue, with red and orange accents, so I wanted this piece to have a lot of color and warmth. I chose to work with acrylic and caran d'ache crayons, however I struggled for a

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-49142019512695399922011-10-12T00:53:00.000-04:002011-10-12T00:53:54.004-04:00

Well I finished the Final Piece tonight! *yayyy!* But I haven't finished all my character art yet. *booo* Oh well. Anyhow, here are my painting stages (all images are copyright Melanie Linden Chan): My original line drawing... ...transferred to canvas paper and painted the values in... ...figuring out my colors... ...cooling down the snow... ...etc... ...checking my values...

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-70374949229510216322011-10-03T13:51:00.001-04:002011-10-03T13:52:01.300-04:00

Greetings, Creative Peoples! Here is the second installment on the process of our first project for Children's Book Illustration III. This week, we narrowed down our choices for the final spread and did value and color studies. And mixed colors! Woo! Our final goal for this project is to have the following: 1) Three double-page spread sketches from our storyboard. 2) A page of consistent

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-22452049329118014652011-09-30T12:52:00.000-04:002011-09-30T12:52:13.954-04:00

Hi There! This morning I received an email that greatly disturbed me, in that I may have made a mistake in the way I have worded my thoughts. I am sharing this will all of you for two reasons: 1) maybe you won't have to learn through experience, like me, but through others' mistakes, and 2) to clear the air on my intentions. Here is the email, which is written in response to my latest Goals

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-28217485050377285582011-09-21T15:52:00.000-04:002011-09-21T15:52:11.803-04:00

Hello! This past week in class we each chose a sample story, and our homework was to storyboard it and draw up some character art. Our homework this week is to choose one page layout and draw a final sketch, and to put together a selection of character poses to use as final art. So here it all is, in one package! Woo! The story I chose happens to be a poem that was featured a few months ago in

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-51962598435441102362011-09-15T13:32:00.001-04:002012-02-21T23:06:00.158-05:00

Hi There! Just spreading the news that my Potential Client and I have agreed on a price, and that I am currently drawing up a contract! This will be my first published work *EVER* so I'm super psyched about it! For those of you who don't hang on to my every word, (hahaaa, which is all of you) here are some of the details: -This project will be self-published, NOT vanity or print-on-demand, or

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-74798478474452048522011-09-13T18:54:00.000-04:002011-09-13T18:54:28.701-04:00

Last night I started RISD CE's Children's Book Illustration III class, taught by the published children's book artist Emilie Boon. (Love her work!) It's great to be back in class, surrounded by my friends and people who love books and art as much as I do! The class will be broken up into three parts, with a new finished product due at the end of each part. Part I consists of creating child

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-68761483233013646932011-08-30T15:34:00.001-04:002012-02-21T23:06:13.029-05:00

Hello hello! Here are some snapshots I took as I worked on the River Habitat piece for Project #4. If my client is happy with it, we might just sign a contract to do a whole book! Woo hoo! Initial sketch... Inking Done Inking Underpainting Basic Colors Deepening of Colors Allllmost there! and the final scan... I don't have the graphic elements painted, like the little

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-8214000516669479072011-08-26T00:57:00.000-04:002011-08-26T00:57:43.254-04:00

Hello Readers! Check out the LAST CAKE EVER of 2011! Classes are starting and I've got projects to do, so we went out with a real bang with this last cake of the year... Chairry from Pee Wee's Playhouse! Pee Wee was also cool enough to Tweet to the whole wide world about it, and to wish my pal Brook a Happy Birthday! And there are a ton of "Likes" on Facebook now, How awesome is that?!?! My

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-8655199188189890632011-08-22T14:23:00.001-04:002012-02-21T23:06:22.601-05:00

Drawing something new takes lots of sketching and practice! Especially if it needs to be scientifically correct. Here are the sketches I've drawn, and later pieced together, to create the River Habitat:

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-50366884116525436422011-08-22T13:51:00.000-04:002011-08-22T13:51:58.127-04:00

Got this in my Inbox this morning, from the SCBWI New England email list: "Hello to all you illustrators,The protagonist in the middle-grade novel I'm working on loves to draw. I'd love some input from you who draw and paint as to how creating a scene, person, animal makes you feel?Thanks to any and all who can give me a glimpse into your passion for illustrating.Joyce A. Stengelwww.joyceastengel

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-12150707580375035352011-08-20T12:50:00.000-04:002011-08-20T12:50:09.491-04:00

I've been sharing with you little tidbits here and there about my picture book project (SuperSecretProject#1) since last year, and I realized today I never shared with you the coolest part- the finished art! So here it is... Except you'll probably notice, it still isn't finished, and I'll tell you why: Throughout the Book Dummy course, I had a mostly-drawn the entire picture book, edited

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-19281487018044469152011-08-18T15:04:00.001-04:002012-02-21T23:06:42.783-05:00

Hi There! Well, I did end up sharing the line drawing with my client, (before I start inking it), and he is very happy with it! There are a few more things I need to tweak and add before I can do the final finish, and I'm hoping to do that tonight. I can't wait to color it!!! Oh, and here it is... © Melanie Linden Chan 2011 I'll keep you posted on the rest! Thanks for reading! :)

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-27248887158338059842011-08-16T00:33:00.001-04:002012-02-21T23:06:55.440-05:00

Here I am again, as promised! So this new project began when I was contacted by an Author, (we'll just say for the sake of privacy, instead of his real name) who found my work in the SCBWI Illustrator's Gallery. He was looking for an artist to illustrate a book he plans to self-publish, and my style fit his story perfectly! So the story is an early reader/chapter book geared toward third to

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-43535776892376894402011-08-15T19:14:00.000-04:002011-08-15T19:14:21.543-04:00

Has it nearly been a month already since my last post? Sheesh! Well I've got stuff to show you from my new client, but that will be in my next post. (Got to stay organized, you know.) Let me share with you the latest cake- though I doubt it's the last. Classes don't start until September... I wonder who else will weasel in a cake order before then? (This isn't an invitation for new orders, I am

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-12289567001977852282011-07-24T13:59:00.000-04:002011-07-24T13:59:58.587-04:00

Hi there! It's been a while... sorry about that! But it's summer here in New England, so if the weather is good then we don't much work done. Between holidays and graduations and anniversaries, it's hard to find time to be creative. I did get a chance to throw my long-awaited Harry Potter party in honor of the Deathly Hallows Part 2 release! And I've got two more cakes to share with you for now,

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-84351382587047005412011-07-06T13:19:00.000-04:002011-07-06T13:19:49.881-04:00

Hi there! Hope your summer is going well so far! Mine certainly is... and I've got some good news I'll share with you after I post photos of the latest cake. Here they are: And my Good News? It looks like I may have a new client! Things are not yet set in stone, however it looks promising! All I can tell you right now is that I would be illustrating a self-published early chapter book that

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-17264048034031476582011-06-26T13:23:00.000-04:002011-06-26T13:23:29.724-04:00

This weekend was also quite cake-crazy. We've got a few more lined up for the summer, but I feel like I can breathe a bit more now! And draw again!!! This cake was extra stuff from all our recent orders! Hubby and I gave it to our helpful Physical Therapists (at First Physical Therapy- their logo is a wave) who are fixing our hurting shoulders and backs.  I played around with the colors a bit!

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-42252431903945324882011-06-19T16:55:00.001-04:002011-06-20T22:39:52.669-04:00

This weekend Hubby and I had quite a few cake orders to fill. We usually only need to make one cake, once a month or less. This weekend we had five, (*Correction: Technically, we created Seven cakes, because the tiny baby graduation cake counts as a cake, and the wedding cake was made of two cakes... Hubby insisted that it was seven) and thankfully only three (or now, five) of them needed to be

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-37424596939690500962011-06-18T21:48:00.000-04:002011-06-18T21:48:11.958-04:00

This latest project is not entirely of my own creation, however my cousin who is getting married this June LOVES everything and anything Hello Kitty, (her wedding is HK themed!) and since this painting was for her I thought it would make her happy. She also recently got a new home and loves to bake. I painted all three of these on canvas with acrylic paints and layered in caran d'ache scribbles

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-2150603004449200812011-06-11T13:20:00.000-04:002011-06-11T13:20:41.049-04:00

Even though this piece was not originally for Illustration Friday, it fits in just fine! Really, it has always been intended as a gift for my cousin and her boyfriend to celebrate their new home! Home Is Where the Heart Is! brown ink, watercolor and pencil on Arches hot press I have also just realized I forgot to draw something... there is a mistake! Aha! Let's see if anyone else can point out

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-89669457823292012242011-06-06T13:39:00.003-04:002011-06-06T14:12:25.534-04:00

There has been a big hullabaloo going on in Twitter World these past few days. And in the newspapers. And on Facebook. And on the blogs. It’s called #YAsaves. I really hadn’t planned on putting my two cents worth in. I want to keep this short because I’ve got painting and cleaning and stuff to do.  I was just minding my own business on my morning off, catching up on the news from the weekend,

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-11495608762859396892011-06-02T00:10:00.000-04:002011-06-02T00:10:34.651-04:00

Here it is, fully painted and colored all nicey-nice like: "It was finally my turn to do the Spring Solo, and I soaked in every minute of it!" (brown ink, watercolor, and colored pencil)

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-5357552849325516732011-05-31T21:38:00.001-04:002011-06-02T12:34:33.532-04:00

Yeah, it's been about two weeks since IF posted this topic, but at least I'm trying! Didn't scan the original sketch before I inked it... "It was finally my turn to do the Spring Solo, and I soaked in every minute of it!" and here it is alllllmost finished... brown ink, watercolor, and soon to be colored pencil I'll post it when it's done, (and scan it on the good scanner!)

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-21458557459322316432011-05-31T21:15:00.000-04:002011-05-31T21:15:43.857-04:00

Still in sketch phase, but I plan to fully finish and color it in!

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-86841175708277026332011-05-28T12:55:00.000-04:002011-05-28T12:55:54.909-04:00

Here's a cute little sketch I'd like to color in eventually: And here's another one I also plan to finish: But the SUPER cool thing about the last sketch are the words written at the top of the page: "prancing," "dinosaur," and "strawberry." I was at work and needed to draw a bit, but I couldn't come up with any ideas. I know, that's what Illustration Friday is for! But I had already been

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-30316091093458042182011-05-24T00:56:00.000-04:002011-05-24T00:56:48.366-04:00

Told you they wouldn't be just sketches for long... Materials used: Brown ink line, burnt umber ink base layer, watercolors, finished with colored pencil. grayscale

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-14752331333446628232011-05-23T13:21:00.000-04:002011-05-23T13:21:24.918-04:00

Today I'd like to talk about Time Management Skills. This happens to be the area I am most... well, I'll just say it- struggling with at the moment. (And the result of my struggle is the "s" word we are not allowed to use in my family because it becomes our scapegoat.) Drawing, painting, writing, reading, blogging, networking, emailing (and now Twittering), waitress-ing, wife-ing, exercising,

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-87565516971738339602011-05-21T15:41:00.000-04:002011-05-21T15:41:19.225-04:00

I ignored the mess surrounding me in my studio and did some sketches this week. I'm planning to make them finished pieces, so they won't be in the sketchbook section for very long! :) Photo quality isn't so hot, but neither was my scanner for some reason... These are MINE, do not steal them, you mangy scalliwag! © Melanie Linden Chan 2011 © Melanie Linden Chan 2011

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-67165580183936960542011-05-21T11:57:00.000-04:002011-05-21T11:57:26.730-04:00

*For some weird reason this blog post got UN posted. So I am RE posting it here today. Strange.* I've got a confession to make. I'm a little sweet on children's book illustrator Melissa Sweet. (She probably gets that all the time- sorry, but it's true!) My awe-crush started last fall, when someone brought to class "A River of Words: the Story of William Carlos Williams." The cover grabbed me

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-24690421986801785142011-05-18T19:51:00.000-04:002011-05-18T19:51:39.719-04:00

This past weekend, I attended my very first New England SCBWI conference, (you know, that thing I've been talking about for a bit...), and it. was. AWESOME. Three days in Fitchburg, MA, chock full of stuff. Books and writing and art stuff! And I made a bunch of new friends while having fun hanging out with my RISD pals- what could be better than that? There was a Poster Showcase & Contest (where

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-78646911664515272142011-05-11T13:30:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:37:07.851-04:00

In addition to updating my website in preparation for this weekend's SCBWI conference in Fitchburg, I have also been reviewing my portfolio and printing up my best work to carry with me in my little leather folio. As I was doing so, I started to wonder/worry about what I was putting out there for the world to see. Does this work represent who I am as an artist? Is this truly my best work? Should

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-36613618907560932262011-04-26T16:36:00.000-04:002011-04-26T16:36:18.902-04:00

SO! The SCBWI Spring Conference in Fitchburg, MA is fast approaching! I've got my new business cards and postcards printed, and I'm working on printing up my portfolio all nicey-nice like (and putting it into my new tablet for a better viewing experience). But my biggest issue had been my old website (still viewable at mlindenart.com, but it won't be the same for long!). It was fun and all that,

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-14417925696568468732011-04-20T18:41:00.000-04:002011-04-20T18:41:24.330-04:00

So this past week I learned a few things: 1) Write up a basic contract and have it ready before someone shows interest in your work. 2) Have both parties sign the contract before you begin drawing. (Sample art included!) 3) Charge a fee for Sample Art. It's common sense, I know. But when people start emailing you all interested and everything, excitement over a new project kicks into gear

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-21987253940501001142011-04-02T15:01:00.001-04:002011-04-18T23:02:12.885-04:00

Well it seems I've been pretty productive this week! I'm working on a painting (still in progress, but I'll share it with you soon), and I made up my promotional postcards to send out to potential clients. I wanted them to match my new business cards, so here's what I came up with: Front of Postcard - © Melanie Linden Chan 2011 Back of Postcard - © Melanie Linden Chan 2011 My only

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-21892575276507681422011-03-28T17:34:00.001-04:002011-04-02T15:01:31.363-04:00

Hi there! In preparing for the SCBWI conference in Fitchburg, MA this spring, I have made for myself some new business cards! I've ordered them at Vistaprint.com, and they should be delivered within the week. I can't wait to see them in person. I made them all with the same front side, but I have four different back sides. And to celebrate, I have changed my blog background color to match my

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-30250760540252011932011-03-22T23:02:00.000-04:002011-03-22T23:02:06.647-04:00

Why... hellooo. So I've been dying to work on a painting all week- (almost TWO weeks, actually) but I had to focus on a few important things, run too many errands, and spend time with actual people instead of tubes of paint. (And it was so nice!) Oh, and we made another cake! I sort of went all out on this one, because I'm in the arty mood, and because the customer was kind enough to give my

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-88731552752915952342011-03-15T23:03:00.003-04:002011-03-22T22:35:07.069-04:00

I'm sure you have noticed there has been quite a buzz lately about self publishing for e-books- I certainly have anyway! And what perfect timing it is, because Hubby and I have been in the market for a tablet, and all of our research on the topic has coincided rather nicely. Which is good, because I don't really enjoy doing research for a techie product. I do have to admit that this is

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-49309065437185475382011-03-06T16:18:00.000-05:002011-03-06T16:18:55.972-05:00

Hi there! It must be Birthday Month for us because we're not even a week into March and hubby and I have made two cakes already! And we have a third one later on! Which is fine by me; I needed a little mental break from Sketch Land as I move toward my next big project. :) The first cake I wanted it to look like a Patriots jersey, with the birthday boy's name and age on it. Simple, but fun:

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-19905928164216498192011-02-23T01:20:00.000-05:002011-02-23T01:20:22.171-05:00

Hello :) So you probably have realized that I've got a LOT of catching up to do, blog-wise anyhow. I haven't posted the past few weeks' worth of in-class drawings and homework for the Drawing Children course, and yet tonight we just had our very last class! It was a great little journey, going from babies and hands to every size and shape of children we could draw. I highly recommend those who

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-13283352619389539582011-02-21T17:12:00.000-05:002011-02-21T17:12:02.604-05:00

Hi there! Munroe Dairy is doing a little contest for their 130th Anniversary. The theme? "If you could put a message on a bottle..." The winner will get their essay and/or art printed on all the milk bottles used for their delivery service! (or so I've inferred...) My aunt was kind enough to write the essay, and asked if I would be interested in doing some art to go along with it! Let's hope we

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-79810942348199445532011-02-18T12:32:00.000-05:002011-02-18T12:32:11.366-05:00

Hello hello! Well last week's batch of homework was an overlap between both classes! This was a grea time saver AND it allowed me to really focus on what I was drawing. Our assignment was to create a child character for one class, and a character with its environment in the other class. So here's what I came up with. :) yes! this is from my new sketchbook :) Image Copyright Melanie

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-14710410124000654622011-02-14T23:51:00.000-05:002011-02-14T23:51:36.491-05:00

Hi there, and Happy Valentine's Day! I didn't do anything creatively cute in honor of today, but I've got last week's Creating Worlds homework assignment to share with you. The only requirement was to create a world using a specific motif, or theme. As in "nature" or "technology" or "fill-in-the-blank." Now a good way to understand what motif means, is to picture a fence. Based on its

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-29640542382503200152011-02-08T17:47:00.000-05:002011-02-08T17:47:19.222-05:00

Hullo! Been a bit busy, so here I'm catching up... In Week Two we talked about shape psychology, and how shapes affect or moods and feelings. It can be best described in Molly Bang's book: "Picture This: How Pictures Work" Our assignment was to draw two compositions, one that gives off negative feelings and one that gives off positive feelings, all based upon the shapes and lines that we use.

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-7537897765767566182011-02-05T12:45:00.000-05:002011-02-05T12:45:09.406-05:00

Hi there! In case you haven't heard, a new children's book store has just opened in Lexington, MA. It's called The Elephant's Trunk Bookshop! My friend's daughter is the owner, and as a good luck present her artist pals are all sending elephant art to decorate an empty section of wall. Here's what I did with acrylics and caran d'ache crayons: There will be a Grand Opening celebration on

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-16264285306186557072011-01-25T17:28:00.000-05:002011-01-25T17:28:33.066-05:00

Here's the start of my sketchbook. Huh, did it sooner than I thought I would! Feeling pretty grateful that Facebook has an endless supply of baby photos. These are all of my two nieces, when they were a tad bit younger. All images are Copyright Melanie Linden Chan, 2011.

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-67948978152255016312011-01-25T13:23:00.000-05:002011-01-25T13:23:09.416-05:00

For homework we were asked to draw some images of a child with an adult. It must be the same adult and child in different poses and situations, so we get a handle of how the two interact. I did my best (after perusing my sister-in-law's Picasa site), considering I don't draw people. But if I'm going to illustrate children's books, I should definitely be drawing people! ALL images are Copyright

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-37214184000715664262011-01-25T00:54:00.001-05:002011-08-15T20:09:50.457-04:00

With all the homework and housework and general stuff I've got to do this week, naturally I'm feeling a bit mischievous. So instead of doing said homework, housework and general stuff, I chose to sneak away and draw something I didn't have particular time for. Muah ha haa haaa! But this little doodle might just give me a chance at illustrating a children's book- which therefore gives it the

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-87005529813199680632011-01-21T13:18:00.000-05:002011-01-21T13:18:04.153-05:00

So I'm taking this course called "Creating Worlds," and it teaches just that- how to make your worlds and spaces more real, as imaginery as they might be. And when I say real, it means not only visually, but emotionally speaking as well. You can feel the space, be in that space, and really believe that space exists. We started with a basic perspective overview, because if your picture isn't

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-44720953638311929692011-01-19T13:25:00.000-05:002011-01-19T13:25:18.508-05:00

We drew a very tall first-grader in class last night! He was such a cute little gentleman, and the BEST model (he stood quite still) we've ever had. Our instructor reminded us to stay loose and free, and to capture the body's movement and overall proportions before getting into details; "structure before likeness." Then we moved onto longer poses so we could have the chance at putting down some

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-84941925569953225682011-01-18T12:58:00.015-05:002011-01-19T13:30:18.313-05:00

It's official: I have been blogging for a whole year now! Woo hoo, gooo me! I wanted to do something special for my blog, so I started this little drawing but I haven't finished it yet. I want to before the week is over, but I've got classes and homework to do too! Copyright Melanie Linden Chan 2011 But I have to say, I'm quite glad I started this blog. I can look back a year ago and see

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-68923676299042635082011-01-17T21:50:00.000-05:002011-01-17T21:50:21.178-05:00

For homework we were asked to draw twelve baby faces and six baby bodies. Some are made up, based upon the proportions found in Andrew Loomis' books, and some are drawn from reference photos. The faces I made up on my own are much too cartoony, and I might try to draw some more because I really need practice! But I've got other homework to do first, so these will have to do for now: ALL

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-205445030547791492011-01-15T13:03:00.000-05:002011-01-15T13:03:16.866-05:00

This month I was supposed to meet with the judges for the RI Mock Caldecott award, but I wasn't able to attend. (I was off in Fantasyland...) However, I had indeed checked out all but three of the books that made the Finals, and wrote notes and such to send to the committee. All the books I read so far this Winter! After reading through all the books, I began to feel a bit downhearted. Here

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-57346658870197227352011-01-15T12:08:00.000-05:002011-01-15T12:08:36.779-05:00

This week I started the six-week Drawing Children class! The class focuses on drawing from a live model each night, and working on proportions and some good 'ol homework for more practice. Which is great, because I'm quite terrible at drawing the little ones. They tend to look robotic and generally weird if I don't have a reference photo in front of me. We did a lot of guesture drawings and

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-38299719088385554102011-01-15T12:06:00.001-05:002011-01-15T13:07:19.189-05:00

I'm moving around some stuff on my blog, so these images here are being re-posted for that reason. Plus, it will fit in nicely with my new Drawing Children class. :) In all my years of drawing, I've never had the opportunity to draw children from life, at least not in a classroom environment. So it has been a great challenge for me, and a good learning experience, when children come into our

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-24971650914823638642011-01-09T15:42:00.001-05:002011-01-09T15:45:08.710-05:00

Last semester I took the Book Dummy class, and boy was that intense! There was no time to update my blog or write about what I had learned each week- every day was go, Go, GO!!! But as busy as I was, it had been quite rewarding. Taking the Book Dummy course has helped me not only to (almost) fully complete my first book dummy, but I also now feel confident enough to continue on my own with the

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-59106069885191562782011-01-09T13:03:00.001-05:002011-01-09T15:45:45.663-05:00

Hello hello, and Happy Belated Holidays to you! As you can see, I've been on a bit of a break. With the tornado of the holiday season, finishing up with classes, doing a bit of work on the house, and even going on a mini getaway with my hubby, I haven't gotten much done recently. And that's okay! I realize that if I overdo it, I'll go crazy, and I'm wacky enough as it is. But the time off has

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-32237234479901638072011-01-09T12:55:00.001-05:002011-01-15T14:39:08.653-05:00

Just wanted to share with you a few ornaments I crafted from Sculpey clay. They may not make sense to some of you, but these ornaments have special meanings to the people I made them for. See, even though I haven't technically been in the studio, I'm still being creative! ;) I've got another to share with you, but can't seem to find the photo. I'll stick it here when I find it! Ah! Here it is

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-2008914415130198532010-12-12T02:36:00.000-05:002010-12-12T02:36:56.646-05:00

Here's the art I'm using for my new postcards: a little doodle painted in acrylic on wood-burned pine. Enjoy!

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-87094830647883022982010-11-18T15:40:00.000-05:002010-11-18T15:40:06.930-05:00

Hi there! It's been a busy month since my last posting, but I'm not quite ready to show you what it is I've been working on. So to whet your appetite, I wanted to share with you my latest cake design! Enjoy! And as a side note... Harry Potter Movie 7 opens tonight! Will you be there, because I'm going! Have fun!!! ~Mel

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-22130692347136513072010-10-28T13:39:00.000-04:002010-10-28T13:39:11.810-04:00

"Hebert felt positively spooky in his ghost costume." watercolor, acrylic gauache, watercolor pencil © 2010 Melanie Linden Chan In my search for my true-love-of-techniques, I played around with some acrylic gauache. Acrylic gauache is nice because the pigment is more saturated than watercolor, but it can be applied just like watercolor, and once it dries the paint cannot lift off the paper,

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-34678871592320685822010-10-22T14:16:00.000-04:002010-10-22T14:16:38.663-04:00

For the last section in the Introduction to Illustration course, we studied Natural Science Illustration and worked on rendering things from nature with our pencils and inks.  Acorn Squash and Gerbera Daisies Pencil and Micron Pen on Bristol Board The best part about this was that we all got to visit RISD's Nature Lab, which was wonderful. I'm going to have to find a good excuse to

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-17945989770719102182010-10-22T14:15:00.001-04:002010-10-22T14:17:22.207-04:00

A customer asked if I would decorate a cake honoring the United States Navy's 235th Birthday, so here it is! Happy Birthday to the U.S. Navy! Thank you for your service!

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-10438904150023496572010-10-22T13:53:00.001-04:002011-08-15T20:17:11.236-04:00

Some of my most recent lessons (for both classes) have been about creating character profiles and character traits. For my illustration class, I chose to work with a little dude I made up years ago, who will be starring in his own picture book in the future. I've got his story all ready and waiting, so when I am finished with Super-Secret Project #1, and perhaps a #2, Bungee Bunny will become

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-75981164879929625342010-10-17T17:21:00.000-04:002010-10-17T17:21:24.645-04:00

It's been a crazy week (I'll spare you the heartache and leave it up to your imagination), so I welcomed the thought of finally getting to the Lincoln school in Providence to attend The Rhode Island Festival of Children's Books and Authors. I had missed it last year and made "To Lincoln or Bust" my mantra for 2010. Well, I made it! and It. Was. Awesome. I only wish I knew how to be in two

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-43575597180459346032010-10-05T00:30:00.000-04:002010-10-05T00:30:07.124-04:00

It will soon be time to decide which technique I will use for my Book Dummy, and I still haven't any clue.  Some days I want my story to have the sketchy look, with lots of interesting lines and patterns, and an antiqued tone to the color scheme. Other days I want the more traditional watercolor look and brighter colors... and then there are days like today where I have no idea so I just play

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-11906924255599591372010-09-30T17:52:00.000-04:002010-09-30T17:52:35.882-04:00

My first completed project of the new school year! The assignment was to illustrate the front cover of a children's book (any classic story that no longer has a copyright issue, which would be a folktale, fairytale, or is over 100 years old and deems it public property) in any way we choose, in any medium. The only rule was to leave room for text. I chose to go with a Fairytale Collection book

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-88437047143608761922010-09-30T17:50:00.000-04:002010-09-30T17:50:06.628-04:00

To celebrate the end of summer, the start of fall, (and to boldly go where it could possibly be horrendously busy), my family and I visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studio's Islands of Adventure park in Orlando. Hubby and I had been dying to go to Hogwarts ever since we learned it had opened this summer, and it was wonderful. For a crazy fan like me who dresses as a

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-59626316173596517232010-09-27T01:25:00.000-04:002010-09-27T01:25:48.595-04:00

Hello Everyone out there in cyberspace!  I just wanted to share with you a few links and to let you know that although my blog entries have become a bit less frequent, I'm still here painting, drawing, and meeting deadlines! I promise to post when I've got something good, like these links I've promised you: Author/Illustrator Jarrett J KrosoczkaMaira Kalman, Once Upon A BookArt and Max Book

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-56223332600798275302010-09-16T01:12:00.000-04:002010-09-16T01:12:26.973-04:00

My most recent Library Run(s... two so far) revolved around the topic of Sheep. Since my Super-Secret Project #1 is about a sheep, I picked up each and every sheep book I could get my hands on. I needed some inspiration on the topic as well as knowledge of what is already out there, and this was the best way to do it. There are plenty more books on the sheep topic I'm sure, but looking at all

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-41349192094235800042010-08-30T14:13:00.000-04:002010-08-30T14:13:36.179-04:00

In my search for new techniques to try, I had purchased "Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road," a conglomerate of art by different illustrators, and there I ran into the creator of little Skippyjon Jones: Judith Byron Schachner. I LOVE the textures and colors she uses in the Skippy books, so I borrowed as many books as my library bag could handle! Artist/Author: Judith Byron Schachner Medium:

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-71264037191725444992010-08-30T12:35:00.000-04:002010-08-30T12:35:45.510-04:00

Just re-posting these guys as doodles so they don't get lost without a tag. And, yes, even my husband wonders where this owl "thing" came from, but I can't help it- they're just too cute!

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-32683978862281842892010-08-24T22:10:00.002-04:002010-09-15T16:20:10.975-04:00

...but I'm pretty excited for classes to begin again! I'm SO bad at getting things done on my own without having someone over my shoulder, cracking a whip, and the fear of disappointed teachers to push me forward.* I'm glad I know this about myself, but I think it makes me anxious that I am this way... How clever of me to figure out that the anxiety leaves when I get things done! Hurrah! I've

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-87959303814073110172010-08-18T16:05:00.000-04:002010-08-18T16:05:14.893-04:00

Summer is ending, and school will be starting soon, so I'm taking advantage of every moment I can to see more, more, MORE! of the world of children's books. My latest adventure took place in the wonderful land of New York City, where steamy weather and blistered sandal-donning feet call for frequent stops to Pinkberry, and the discovery of Japanese Okonomiyaki shops!I had one request on our visit

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-38310599922348540032010-08-07T22:28:00.000-04:002010-08-07T22:28:54.800-04:00

Now, now, don't you fret! I'm still spending time in my studio, and I will let you know when I come up with something good! But for the moment, it is the land of Summer; of cookouts and parties, birthdays and cakes. So here's the latest buttery goodness. I LOVE edible art, don't you? And to prove I will do almost anything for good art......I picked out all the green ones because they didn't

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-22258646577402805932010-08-04T00:03:00.004-04:002010-08-06T12:47:21.310-04:00

Yesterday a few of my artist friends and I (and hubby, of course...how else would I drive there in one piece??) went to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, MA.  It was a fun little trip to see some exceptional art, though I wish it was closer so I could visit each time a new exhibit comes along!  I forgot to take a photo of the front of it, so the image above is from cyberspace

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-8717476966189602462010-07-27T16:57:00.000-04:002010-07-27T16:57:36.565-04:00

This little gal was painted in acrylic mixed with matte medium on watercolor paper, using the layered glazing method. I got carried away and outlined her in black ink, then regretted it instantly and ran to the sink to rinse her off. It worked! (phew!)

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-36958225248826161562010-07-27T00:59:00.000-04:002010-07-27T00:59:03.813-04:00

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-57660457957089575472010-07-23T12:59:00.000-04:002010-07-23T12:59:15.904-04:00

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-44804359858285226182010-07-18T18:20:00.000-04:002010-07-18T18:20:01.067-04:00

It's time I've begun to do some more library runs! In order for me to learn more about children's books, I need to read more children's books. So from now on, I will be regularly posting my finds as "Library Runs," where I will tell you what I've learned and what I like about each book. Yes, I know the title makes you giggle... Keep in mind that these Library Runs are not book reviews- I haven't

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-57899109661599892282010-07-18T14:58:00.000-04:002010-07-18T14:58:31.345-04:00

Since I am oh-so-creative, I am often given the task of decorating cakes for my husband's side business.  He is unfortunate enough to not have a single creative bone in his body, so I'm always the default decorator. However, I am fortunate enough to have a husband who cooks AND bakes for me, so that's a pretty even trade I think! This week's cake is chocolate, with a vanilla bean mousseline

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-1025629542774623832010-07-11T01:44:00.000-04:002010-07-11T01:44:12.671-04:00

...my studio is complete! All it's missing now is that homey, lived-in look, (and a giant cork board on the wall) but I'm sure it will get there quite soon. I'm so fond of it, I took pictures! Let us gaze upon the loveliness...   While cleaning and collecting all of my art supplies that have been dispersed around the house over the past few years, I have learned a few things: 1. I am the

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136426548921299710.post-87891432091128135912010-06-30T13:17:00.001-04:002010-07-12T23:37:08.533-04:00

Not one made of straw and scraps, Silly! You need a place to yourself, where you can write and create to your heart's content! A place that inspires you, gives you room to breathe, where you can close the door on the rest of the world for just a few more minutes... How do I know this? Because the books told me. But how do I really, truly know this? Because I can't get anything done! I look at

Melanie Linden Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01419860793924402792noreply@blogger.com0