Groundhug Day-influences

A friend was just asking me about my influences in creating the world for Groundhug Day (Anne Marie Pace, Disney/ Hyperion). Emmit Otters Jug-Band Christmas was definitely in the mix!

I am on Instagram!

I post different types of content on different platforms, so be sure to check out my Instagram page for sketches and glimpses of my studio.

https://www.instagram.com/christopherdenise/

New "Appearances" tab on my website!

I've been visiting K-5 classrooms and Universities for years but now, finally, I have put up a page on my website to help with booking my appearances. So if you are an educator be sure to stop by and drop me a note. If you know an educator that might be interested in having me visit their school, feel free to share the link. Thanks!
http://www.christopherdenise.com
Click on the "appearances" tab on the top menu.

Groundhug Day Props #2

Here is another prop that I designed for Groundhug Day, written by Anne Marie Pace. Like the telephone directory prop that I shared earlier in September, this prop was almost completely painted over in the finished piece. On the printed page, you cannot even read the newspapers!
I create these small details knowing full well that they will most likely be obscured and overlooked by most readers but still, I take great joy in including them. They make the painting all the more fun and, somehow, they lend an air of authenticity to the imaginary world of these little critters. I like to imagine that there are a few young readers who will spot these small details and enjoy them!
Look for Groundhug Day this December published by Disney Hyperion.

 

Groundhug Day props.

Developing book and world specific props is great fun. Although it ended up getting covered by a teapot in the final illustration, I had a ball designing this woodland directory to help these characters plan their party. This detail is from Groundhug Day by Anne Marie Pace, Disney Hyperion, Dec 2017

 

Another happy collector...one step closer to the new studio!

(detail from If I Could, now enjoying a place on someone's wall)

I have been asked recently why I am selling original art from my books? Simple answer. I am trying to put together a studio closer to home so my kids can see more of what I do. They visit the studio often and art time is a regular part of our week, but I am looking to close the gap between "work life" and "home life". My family is one of my greatest sources of inspiration so the move seems logical. I had the opportunity to work from a small space a stones throw from the back door last summer and loved it!

So if you ever wanted some original art from one of my books check my store for regular updates and become a follower of the blog or join the fan page to receive announcements of new postings.

Many thanks from myself and the family to all that have appreciated my work enough to purchase a piece and get us one step closer!

Cheers,

Chris

International Bear!

"Oliver Finds His Way" is a book that I illustrated for Candlewick Press. When I read the manuscript, written by Phyllis Root, I knew that I had to take the project. Now it seems that Oliver has found his way into the hearts of readers around the world!