This is a completely self-indulgent post. I apologize.
I thought initially I’d post about my participation in PiBoIdMo, but Tammi already did a couple weeks ago with a nice tribute to Tara Lazar, the brains behind it.
Then I thought I’d post about some favorite winter holiday books. And I have a few, but nothing I wanted to write a post about, let alone dig them out.
Then I thought I’d write about how books are the penultimate* gift for the holidays and everybody should give books. But I’ve seen a flurry of similar pieces over the past couple of weeks.
I wanted to write something about the magic of the season, but as much as I love it—and I do—I have scaled down my participation dramatically. Things change. Especially over the last 8 or 9 years for me. And the magic just ain’t what it used to be. But I know it is still there and recapturing it is something I am compelled to do.
Before BUNNIES!!!, the only thing I had ever written and sold (besides ad copy) was greeting cards. I loved them. They were my first illustrated narratives. Little stories wrapped up in two pages. Like with picture books, the fewer words, the harder to write. I had my own greeting card company (odd is good™) for about 5 years and was pretty successful. But I folded the company for a variety of reasons just before I was going to launch my first “Winter Magic” line. The humorous cards were a lot of fun, but my winter holiday cards were born of story. Still, I created personal winter holiday cards for many years and if I was late getting them out (usually), some folks would in a roundabout way ask if they were still on my mailing list. I thought I’d share some of my winter images here Some are from cards, some I did for clients and some just because, winter. I have picture book ideas for many of them. And I should be working on those now. Because once the season is over I lose all most of my enthusiasm for them.
Anyway, have a look-see if you are so inclined.
This year’s image, above, was inspired by an image I was goofing around with a few years ago. There is a story in the works for this.
You may notice that I do a lot of ‘in the forest while it is snowing’ themed images. This one was for a client last year. And yes I’m working on a story for it, too.
Even Declan and the Bunnies are in a snowy forest.
Peace is also a frequent theme.
And bunnies.
And wolves.
And even monsters.
I did this for years and years. I even created pins for all my nieces from images on the cards which I would give to them during the holiday get togethers.
It wasn’t long before I started giving them to all the women and girls close to me. The pins were nothing special, really, but they looked forward to them every year and collected them. I did it for about 15 or 16 years but haven’t done it for probably 10 years now. I don’t even have complete collection myself.
Truly, I have four or five good (I think) picture book ideas about the magic around this time of year. ALL of them inspired by images I’ve created. I tend to do things backwards—pictures, then story. I hope that I can bring them to fruition at some point.
I hope you all have a very merry whatever is important to you!
kevan
*the ultimate holiday gift is Joy.
I love your artwork, Kevan! Happy Holidays!
thanks, Carrie! happy holidays to you as well!
That candy cane carrot made me LOL!
Merry Christmas Kevan!
Mission accomplished. 🙂
Merry, Merry, Kevan! I love all of these images, but I have a soft spot for that especially adorable porcupine :)!!
Cheers to you!
I know you like that porcupine, Maria. Happy Winter!
Merry Christmas, Kevan. As always, love, love, love your art.
Thank you, Robyn!!! Happy holidays!
There’s a lot of talent goin’ on here! Be proud, Kevan . . . be very proud!
Thank you, Kathy!
I love these Kevan! Especially the candy cane carrot, but really all of them. May all the joy of the season be at your command.
And at your command, too, Anne! Thank you!!
Thank you for sharing. “We” all should rejoice in these journeys, because they lead us to what is about to be…
– Q
Let the rejoicing commence! Thanks, Quinette!
Kevan, Backwards, forwards, upside down. Whatever works! Terrific winter scenes. Thanks for more snow than I can expect to see all winter! I loved the humor shown in your candy cane card collection.
Thank you, Linda! Here’s to zigzagging!
Thanks for sharing these!
Now I’m suddenly wanting a candycane. 🙂
You’re in luck. They are in great supply currently! 🙂
You added cheer to my season with your drawings, Kevan. I just love them!
Thanks, Penny! Happy winter!
Very fun. Thanks for sharing these cuties!
Thanks, Nancy!
Thank you, Kevan, for sharing these heartfelt and evocative images! They have brought broad smiles to my face today and they make the season that much merrier. Wishing you a lovely holiday and lots of broad smiles!
Thank you, Anne, for the kind words! Happy Winter!
Lovely to see these images of yours, some are familiar, but most are new to me. All made me smile 🙂
However you enjoy the holidays, walking in a snowy wood with candy canes should be high on the list.
All best wishes to you Kevan.
Hello, June! And thank you! Happy Winter!
Sublime snowy forests! Love it!
Sublime—thank you, Mary!!
Man oh man Kevan you just left a trail of joy and love. These are magical. Thank you for this timely gift.
Awww, thank you, Nancy!! Happy winter!
Loved seeing your cards. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Heather! And happy winter!
Smiles. Smiles. Smiles. Thank you for the winter delight.
I loved the pins you made. I think book publishers should consider this for another income avenue.
Thanks, Susan! You’re right—it could be an income venue but also a great promotional tool…
These are great, Kevan. I can see lots of story ideas here. Thanks for sharing, and happy holidays!
Thank you, Linda! And happy holidays to you, too!
Love these! Love your art, love the stories you tell through your art and words! Peace, Kevan.
Thank you, Sara! Peace to you and yours, too!
I hope we get to see the stories Kevan, I love your work! Happy winter times to you.
Thanks, Kathy! I hope everyone gets to see the stories, too. That would mean they got published. Ha! Happy Winter!
Exactly! ???
thank you, Kevan- I really enjoyed seeing it all!
My pleasure, Lyn. Happy winter!
These are terrific Kevan!! I’d love to buy a set of cards to send out next year. Probably don’t have those anymore? but I thought I’d ask. Hugs
Janet
Sorry, no cards, Janet. Maybe they will be reengineered in the future. 🙂
Happy winter!
I love all of these-but the candy carrot is the bomb!
I have a particular fondness for that one as well, Ashley. Thank you! and happy winter!
I <3 your art!!!!! So fun and adorable. Dear daughter (6) was looking with me, she says, if that isn't in a picture book, it should be. Merry merry to you as well… Peace too. 🙂
Awww, Thanks Meg—and thanks to your daughter! Peace and merry, merry to you and yours.
Wow, so much fun! I love how there is a balance to these images between sweet & hopeful and bittersweet darkness that gives them much more depth than your average over the top cheerful holiday greeting. Lovely work, Kevan. <3
Absolutely wonderful, Kevan!
You know I’ve always loved your cards and have saved some! It’s a wonderful idea to create new books from your characters! They have such personality. Can’t wait to see what you come up with. Cheers and hugs.-Karen
Thank you for sharing all these lovely images with us, Kevan! They are all so fun, and wonderfully wintery.
Oh, my gosh, Kevan! I love everything about this post. Feel free to hijack anytime. 🙂
So fun to see the artwork you’ve created through the years!
Happy Holidays, Kevan! Such wonderful humor and style— and your pins are very, VERY special! I hope your picture book ideas bloom and that 2016 is a wonderful year!
Thanks for the smiles Kevan!