My sunflowers are in full bloom around here! |
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I think behind every artist there's a group of people they trust to give them honest, helpful critique. But it doesn't necessarily mean they have good artist friends. I'm a lucky artist to have both in a few special creators. I want to introduce you to someone very cool: Forrest Burdett! |
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Image copyright Forrest Burdett 2023 |
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Forrest is kind, talented, funny, and an incredibly hard worker. Lately he's been pushing himself to create some really stunning pieces, and it's been so inspiring and challenging for me to watch him grow. Plus - our names are similar! 😯 Cool! |
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Image copyright Forrest Burdett 2023 |
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I've made several pieces now with my new technique: drawing all the linework in pencil by hand, scanning, then painting digitally. The results: FABULOUS. |
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I'm surprised I had time to experiment so much when I had 3 deadlines this month. It felt really good to make a few things just for me. This piece with the wildflowers is for a new story I dreamed up recently inspired by Seth and I's summer using flip phones. ☎️ |
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I feel very comfortable making work this way. Maybe I'll make my next book using this technique? Big reaveal... here's my new hair!! --> 😍 |
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Big big fan of Matthew Cordell. His expressive linework and delightful characters and poses are entertaining and inspiring! But this book in particular is special. |
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That's right - this book is in PARTS. Along with another very popular long form picture book that came out this year (looking at you, Klassen), this book takes a place in the market somewhere between early chapter books, graphic novels, and classical picture books. It's a perfect fit for a more advanced younger reader that still loves looking at illustrations, or an older, slower reader 🙋♀️ that needs longer text to be broken up. |
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This book is about a scared squirrel named Evergreen that goes on an adventure facing fear after fear meeting different creatures along the way. (Side note: it's a dream of mine to get to illustrate drop caps like this one...) |
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Evergreen Author and Illustrator: Matthew Cordell |
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Just in time for a Nebraska heatwave I chopped all my hair off!! I love my new look, and I feel so ready for my 30s. See you next month, CB |
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