Back to school!

It's back to school time.
And *I* am going back to school -- I'm taking art lessons.
Here's an example of what I am working on.

(This character is based on my son who's a new daddy. Nicklas Patrick was born last Thursday.)

- Ruth McNally Barshaw

Back to School

Advice for the new school year:

Be a friend to everyone. 

Everyone.

Even little brothers.

Back to School Supplies

As a kid back to school meant one thing -

new art supplies!!!

Now, as a working mom it means 8 hours of quiet to get things done, finally!

I just moved to Michigan and have the watercolors out and ready for action.  

My favorite set is this Van Gogh travel watercolor collection.  

As you can see it's well loved.

If you could splurge on one new supply this week to celebrate back to school what would you get?  

I would like a nice juicy collection of thick Arches watercolor paper - so buttery and yummy.

Back to School - Heather

Wasn't the best part of school the art projects?  The holiday crafts, poster paint, pinch pots, presents for your mom (usually something with Popsicle sticks and your school photo) - ah good times.

Regular art classes in public schools are a rare luxury.  

Here is a website with some great advocacy resources for keeping art in the schools. http://www.keepartinschools.org/

Invest in the future - volunteer at a local public school

You could do a drawing session, a bookmaking session, many schools have mentor reading programs or participate in a career day. 

Get Schooled with the School Visit Experts

If you are a published author or illustrator this blog has all the information you need on creating successful school visits as part of our career.