I’ve illustrated a book!

For years I aspired to illustrate a children’s book. When the kids were small, taking them to the library and looking at picture books was my favorite thing to do. I even wrote and illustrated my own children’s book – although that one hasn’t seen the light of day.

This book – “Sidney and the Traveling Tree” is by Lolisa Monroe is “a story about a grey squirrel from Western Maine and his adventures in the woods. He discovers a mysterious tree that takes him on the journey of a lifetime. Your child will be engaged as they help ‘fill in the blanks’ in Chapter 1 and actually write and illustrate Chapter 2 by themselves! Develop the writer and illustrator in your child.

This is the first of the series of Miss Lisa’s Little Writers featuring the illustrations of Eileen McKenna. More volumes coming soon!”

Finding a Children's Book Style

The early days of my blog were about trying to find a children’s book illustration style. I struggled with that for a long time. How do you decide on a style? What I learned is that you develop a style, by drawing or painting a lot. Just keep painting – your style will emerge. It’s okay to emulate the style of others in the beginning or try out their techniques. In the end your style will shine through. And it will evolve as time goes by.

Ready to Explore Watercolor?

Creative Links

Online Learning - "Immerse yourself in ideas and see your world in new ways through art in MoMA’s free Massive Open Online Courses. I'm just finishing my first course - so interesting!

Surface Design - Spoonflower and Craft Industry Alliance are hosting their first Surface Design Symposium. If you've ever thought of designing fabric or other items with repeating patterns - check it out! I myself have been dabbling in fabric design since 2015. Check out my designs here.

Books - I just finished the Murderer's Daughter, a psychological thriller. So good! Learn more and see my other reading recommendations here.

Learn Watercolor, Explore your Creativity at eileenmckenna.com/shop.

Visit my other shops: Painting Projects, Clipart, Invitations on Etsy.
Fabric on Spoonflower. Seasonal products/gifts on Zazzle.