Dream Project

When I first started my graduate studies at the University of Hartford three summers ago, one of our first assignments was the "Dream Project". I chose to do a book, not knowing books would be the drive of my thesis, and a continuing passion. Im glad to say I just finished the Dream Project book and will order the proof this week. The art was actually finished before I graduated, but the story itself was still being revised.

Night of Formatting

New Site Launch!

The new site is up and running. Out of all the sites Iv done for myself over the years, I like this one the best. Going forward with the books in front makes so much sense! Single illustrations are still there of course and will continue to grow. So, I'm just waiting on two proofs to come in and all the books on the site will be up on Amazon, meeting my goal to get them live for the book fair. I also forced myself to use Dreamweaver CS5 from CS3. I have to say it was a little painful, but it forced me to break some bad habits. Love that Creative Suite...

Check out the new site at chadgrohman.com

All Set

I will have "Fild Trip!!" and "The Year of the Bear" at the book fair and will display "People" and "The Bird Who Flew Alone and the Lion Who Joined Him". The last two will by then be available on amazon.com. So thats it, Im all ready.

When I get back, Ill convert "Lost Familiar" (the witch book) for CreateSpace. "People" printed well so I feel good about that conversion.

Forward Slash Book V2

Im thinking of just making the book thing my home page. Instead of a link to the books from the single illustrations, it might be better to link to the single illustrations from the books. Its starting to makes sense that way.

Click to enlarge....

Forward Slash Book

Thanks For Your Votes

Display Cut Out

With the help of my brother, who cut the wood, I made this standing rabbit and bird to display on my table at the book fair. The whole thing has become a really fun and collaborative project, from getting the books made to figuring out the table. Ill have hand outs and an email list too.

The Year of the Bear Proof

Im thinking of taking the books from my thesis and transferring them to the new POD service. The work is already done, it would just be a matter of resizing, exporting, and uploading. Id like to get the witch book out of the hard cover too.

TYOTB Cover

Proof In

The proof from createspace came in today with no errors, so I ordered more for the fair next month. With the ISBN on the back, the book will be available through Amazon in a week or so.

I finished all the art for the next one. As soon as the copy proofing comes back ill upload it. Hopefully with enough time to get the proof and reorder.

Page 30

William spent a lot of time at the lake.

Empty Studio

Unlike William, I will be able to paint, and soon. This book is very close to being finished and needs to be printed by early March in time for the book fair. Im looking forward to getting back to portraits though. Were on our trimester break at RIT soon and my intentions were to finish the portrait book then. Its probably done but I want to add some other paintings. No rush on that one.

After the Incident

Soon after, William found himself back in his barn watching the little mouse gather sticks in the yard. When William would normally walk with his pipe and campfire tobacco, he was visited by Nicholas who brought him fresh carrot cake. “I can’t take your cake Nicholas,” said William, “I can’t paint you any pictures.” They sat together in silence, looking at the cake.

------------- rough copy .........

Quickly But Carefully

This is two pages after William gets between the bear and Nicholas.

There aren't too many illustrations left to do on this book. Id like to get it a sample before the end of the month which seems pretty reasonable. Im going to have a table at this years Small Press Book Fair, here in Buffalo next month. More on that as it gets closer.

Are You Sure... V2

When I finished this page last night, I thought I might have to do it again (see last post). When I woke up this morning, I knew I had to. My initial reaction was to get a second opinion, because sometimes I think somethings bad, but its really OK. But I know if I have to ask, its definitely wrong, so I didn't bother asking this time.

Are You Sure You Want To Do This?

Carrot Cake

Hey Stop!

Another image from "The Year of the Bear". I haven't been posting these in order.

Nicholas

I spent the day working on "The Year of the Bear" book. I thought I might drop the project but, with today's surge of paintings, I warmed back up to it. Here, Nicholas is choking on some carrot bits after being startled out of a daze.