Merry, Merry!

May all your Celebrations be Jubilant!

Your New Year filled with Health & Peace!

And may you always be Loved.

Holiday card created in Adobe Illustrator CS5-Sandi VanWinkle 2010

Daddy-to-Be

click to open animated version in browser

I was sworn to secrecy for a bit, but now I must let you know I will be a Gran-Mumsy this summer. Yes. My oldest son and lovely wife; my sweet daughter-in-law will be welcoming what I'm calling the WeeGran. They are ecstatic and hubby teases me about my moments of maniacal grinning and baby clothes ooo-ing and aahhh-ing.

I took a trip to the attic to dig out the toys and other artifacts from my son's early life. I sat among the little stuffed animals, which I had lovingly packed away for just this event, and thought of all the beautiful moments I had enjoyed with my sons. I'm such a sentimental romantic. I envision lots of fun playing in this attic with WeeGran. We'll build puppet theatres and play dress-up. We'll invent impossible machines just like his/her Daddy did when he was just a wee-lad. Oh the places we'll go and the things we will conjure. It will be magical.

Everything I see I want to buy or make for Wee-gran. I have begun to collect knitting patterns for unisex items. I've also started to think of really cool toys to make so WeeGran can have their own unique playthings. And I really want to help decorate the nursery. I used to paint murals for others children. I would create magical spaces for those little ones to live in. I used to paint my sons rooms too. But they got tired and...well...somewhat embarrassed by rooms filled with characters. But now I have another opportunity to create a fantasy space just for WeeGran.

Oh, and the penguin daddy-to-be I created for my son. He once painted a penguin that was so beautiful and won an award. Over the years whenever I see penguins I think of that painting. He also happens to like penguins, which is lucky for me, since I can't pass one by without "collecting" it for him. I know he will most likely grow tired of them long before I do. I just thought it would be a wonderful image to announce WeeGran. All we can say is...wow!

Sir Ken Robinson: Bring on the Learning Revolution!

New Edition of Jack the Healing Cat!

Recently, we decided to republish "Jack the Healing Cat" Jack will be available in both English and French versions. Currently, the English version is available from Celtic Cat Publishing or from Amazon. Look for the French version in a few weeks at the same websites. In the meantime, here are some teaser illustrations from the book.

I created the original illustrations traditionally in watercolor and colored pencil. I was never quite happy with the first printing. It wasn't the printer's problem. They just didn't have enough oomph. I didn't get to see a proof the first time we did this process and so, had to live with it. This time around I was also the layout designer and seized the opportunity to digitally enhance the illustrations in Adobe Photoshop. The colors are now richer, the text layout is more dynamic, and basically the book just flows better. At least we think so.

I hope you enjoy the new edition of "Jack the Healing Cat" It will make a wonderful gift for that special child (or adult) on your Holiday shopping lists. I enjoyed so very much creating this very special kitty known as "Jack"

Wishing

I wish to fly free from what holds me back from creating, drawing, painting.

Magical Things - Photo/Art composite by Sandra Van Winkle

Halloween Wear !

Two selections for Halloween from my cafepress shop   I posted about the design process and Halloween  before.  I love Halloween.  It is one of my favorite holidays because it allows that inner child in us to be whatever we wish to be.  It is imaginative and magical in a way that invites creativity.  If you want to show your Halloween Spirit, please check out my shirts and related accessories.

Granny O'Grimm

Oscar 2010 Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty www.animasyons.com [HQ] from Yakupcan AYATA on Vimeo.

Looking around today for interesting videos for my classes I remembered "Granny" and thought everyone would enjoy watching this great little film.  I love animation.  If I had the time I would go back to school for animation and film.  I don't have the time so I have to be content with enjoying the labors (and creative musings) of such talented people as those above.  I hope you enjoy it.