More Picture Book News!

Wednesday, June 18, 2008




Can you guess the subject of the SUPER SECRET book I've been working on since winter? Check out my desk. It's what it looked like as I completed my last painting. I had to use a LOT of cowboy hat referencing for this one. Hmm.....




The story is called My Little Girl, written by Tim McGraw, after his song, "My Little Girl" featured in the film, Flicka. It's about a daddy and his daughter, sharing a day together.



Though I never really gave country music much time on my iTunes, I made a Pandora station for just for Tim, to check out his sound. I did grow up surrounded by a love of old southern spirituals, and my mother was always crankin' up the Mary Chapin Carpenter, or playing her favorite folk on her Yamaha (a singer/songwriter herself!). So although country's roots and my roots might have shared familiar soil, I had to introduce myself. I admire the narrative spirit and innocence in that music's tradition. And I took a liking to McGraw's "Last Dollar"- the sweet little voices with their own twang at the very end of the song!



So, in the spirit of that song, my own blue grass collection) and some of my sunniest girlhood memories, I made a little book for Tim Mcgraw and his daughters. I really do hope they like it. It was my first book working in watercolor/digital composite, so I know now what I will change for my next book and such...a learning experience I am very thankful for.



So I tip my hat to Mr. McGraw. Look for My Little Girl on shelves Fall '08!

10 comments:

Lauren Castillo said...

Congratulations on finishing the book! It looks really great, Julia! p.s. made your buffalos print, and will be sending (hopefully) today or tomorrow :)

Diane Smith said...

Nice work on the book!!

Also, thanks for the heads-up on the Crooked Still tunes. I like a lot of different music in the studio, including bluegrass-ish sounds like Nickel Creek and Alison Krauss! I'll have to check them out.

Anthony VanArsdale said...

I have to say... This is absolutely beautiful! The colors are astounding

This book will be a hit!

e.b. goodale said...

these are really amazing, hoolia!!!

Edde Wagner said...

Wow! What a nice work!!!

Kate said...

Congratulations Jules!
Your work looks amazing. I can't wait to see it on the bookshelves!

Unknown said...

Congratulations! Your pictures look beautiful!

Kristi Valiant said...

Congrats! Your paintings are gorgeous. I can't wait to see the book in print.

Renee Kurilla said...

Julia, this is just about the cutest thing I've ever seen. :) Congrats on the book! I can't wait to see it in person.
I have been working in Photoshop on my book and wishing every second that I painted by hand instead...I guess now I learned what I would do differently as well :)

badugijau said...

Hi...
I was just looking around blogs and I saw your work, and I remember one time I asked my self who makes such art? And I'm glad to see who does! Great work!