Recently, I was asked by the lovely people at the Highlights Foundation to write a guest blog post for their website.

I’m not going to lie; the prospect was a little daunting, especially since this summer has been a little rough for me creatively. I haven’t really felt much like drawing. It certainly wasn’t the first time I felt that way, and I know it won’t be the last. So I decided to use it as an excuse to make some new images, and to work through some of my own stumbling blocks. Here it is, complete with rainbow poop*. And if you’d like to get more of these kinds of tidbits from me and some superstars of children’s literature, join us for our workshop “Storytelling Through Drawing” at Highlights from October 17-20.

Yes…that little, orange dog is my alter ego. To see the portfolio of images, click here.

*Since the theme of my summer seems to be rainbow poop, I had some fun die-cut stickers made. Next time you see me, hit me up for one. 🌈💩

This October, I’ll be co-leading an intensive workshop for illustrators alongside some superstars of children’s literature at the Highlights Foundation in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. I just about jumped out of my seat when my friend, James Ransome asked me to join him in developing a weekend of drawing, experimentation, demonstrations, and critiques. We will be working with illustrators of all skill levels, helping them with strategies to push their work to the next level.

On top of all that, we’ve got an amazing roster of guest faculty in Sean Qualls, Lucy Ruth Cummins, and Jerry Pinkney. Here’s the description on the Highlights website:

Explore the elements of storytelling through drawing, experimentation, and problem solving with picture making materials. Craft your own artistic style with leading industry professionals illustrators James Ransome, Anna Raff and their special guests during an intensive weekend of one-to-one critique and discovery to expand your illustration practice.

I had an amazing time during my first visit to Highlights a few years ago for an “Unworkshop” with a group of kidlit colleagues. The place is simply gorgeous—perfectly conducive and full of quiet spaces for honing your craft. And did I mention it will be October? With a little luck, the fall colors will be at their peak. There are still a few spots open, if you’d like to join us for "Storytelling Through Drawing: Discovering Your Visual Voice and Style.”