Saturday, January 09, 2010

Newest Picture Book


I recently finished illustrating a picture book called DANCING DREAMS for Accord Publishing that will have Animotion panels making it look like a confined part of the illustration is animated (the older ballerina on stage in this spread). Accord did the same thing with the picture book, BEE & ME, which became a New York Times Best-Seller!

DANCING DREAMS incorporated a lot of styles of dance and was soooo much fun to illustrate. I love dancing. I used to be part of a performance and competition swing dance group. We also did latin and ballroom dancing. I miss all that fun exercise.

Accord offered me another contract for a second picture book with Animotion panels. I've been working on cover sketches, and this one is going to be stinkin' cute! Check back for updates on that.

20 comments:

Dave said...

How pretty. great story.

k.h.whitaker said...

what a sweet character

Juan said...

Very nice work Kristi!

Acting Journal said...

Wonderful!!!!

Krista said...

Lovely!! What a sweet expression-- and even her feet have character!

Loni Edwards said...

A great character! Congrats on the new book, Kristi!

Sara Burrier said...

Stunning Kristi, just stunning. Can't wait to see the whole book! :D

Nina Seven N7 said...

adorable ballerina! the book sounds fantastic!

johanna said...

very very lovely work! such a happy character!

Cally Johnson-Isaacs said...

Wow! Beautiful work!

Ian Summers said...

Nice illustration.

theartofpuro said...

Wonderful!

Nina Crittenden said...

Congratulations!!! What a sweet little ballerina!

Amanda said...

I love it! Her face is so cute. Is it digitally colored?

Kristi Valiant said...

Thanks, everyone.

Amanda - yes, I work all digitally now. Even the "pencil" lines are digital.

Kit said...

Wonderful Work Kristi,
Congrats
Kit Grady

Angela Matteson said...

I love her pink striped tights! I can't wait to see the finished book! :)

Phyllis Harris said...

I love your characters, Kristi! Your art is so enchanting and wonderful! You are very technically skilled, too but besides that there is real heart in your art as well. Wishing you the best! Maybe another best seller!!

Z-Kids said...

Fun! Love the expression you captured on that top image!
-AZ

Paige Keiser said...

Wow, gorgeous drawings! I love how you rendered the audience, there's so much atmosphere.