jessicaevans915

A Pear Post

I illustrate all my children’s books with traditional materials: mostly watercolor, pencil, colored pencil, and ink. But I also enjoy painting fine art every once in a while. When I paint a watercolor piece, like this still life, I use the same steps I would use in an illustration. I thought I’d share my processContinue reading “A Pear Post”

Magnolia

We can get pretty extreme temperatures where I live in the Inland Northwest. I’ve seen -10 with windchill in the winter and 107 in the summer. I’ve also seen snow in June here, but that’s only happened once in my 32 years in this little town. Despite our extreme temperatures, my neighbor two doors downContinue reading “Magnolia”

Commissioned Birds

I love birds. I may or may not have an excessive number of backyard bird feeders and bird houses on my property. I also love to paint birds. I recently painted a bird for fun and put it on a greeting card to send to friends. (One can always use a good songbird greeting card).Continue reading “Commissioned Birds”

A Poetic Tribute

I wrote this poem for my son who recently graduated from high school. He learned a lot about sacrifice, selflessness, and teamwork during football. He knows what it means to work hard and get things done for the sake of others. He knows how to leave it all on the field and lay it allContinue reading “A Poetic Tribute”

Kidney Infection — A One Star Review

I cannot recommend a kidney infection. And do not understand a certain affection For ailments with titles familiar and plain. Wouldn’t you rather an “impingement syndrome” than plain “tendinitis” (which sounds quite humdrum) or “contusion” than “bruise” (which is simply mundane). But this hackneyed disorder (back to my point) Brings an ache and a tormentContinue reading “Kidney Infection — A One Star Review”

Birthday poem

My friend had a landmark birthday and her husband threw her a birthday party. The invite said, “Please bring a poem, encouragement, Bible verse, or piece of advice. No gifts, please.” I wrote her this poem and made these pencil sketches for her. I realize that the tree branches are tamarack rather than pine, butContinue reading “Birthday poem”

Writing Critique groups— Receiving (and giving) feedback

Being in a writing critique group for the first time can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be if you’re prepared. Here are a few tips on giving and receiving feedback from other authors. Receiving feedback: When someone offers you feedback, you should think “bring it on!” every time. Because either the criticism willContinue reading “Writing Critique groups— Receiving (and giving) feedback”

Tiny, Little Decisions

Artists make a thousand little decisions every moment they are creating. My first draft of this illustration was too huge. It was, in fact, enormous. My decision to get close up was okay, but the magnification was gratuitous (the paper was 18×24). At the suggestion of a skilled colleague, I pulled back a bit. MyContinue reading “Tiny, Little Decisions”

Deep Thoughts: The Hero of Your own Story

You know that book you love? Remember that evil character in it that you really despise? Do they think they are the bad character? No. They do not see themselves as the heartless tyrant, the slinking coward, the greedy manipulator, the guilt-ridden critic, or even the plucky sidekick. Everyone is the HERO of their ownContinue reading “Deep Thoughts: The Hero of Your own Story”

Sketch to Finish

I set out to paint a boy at the beach that just noticed an unfortunate change in the weather. Here is the sketch I started with. Sketches are rendered loosely and I often like them better than the finished product. There is just more life and movement in the line. This one is no exception.Continue reading “Sketch to Finish”