Saturday, December 24, 2016

New Year/ New Website and Blog

As a brand new year is almost here I'm looking forward to making a fresh start with a new website and blog. It's a chance to show my process and latest works in illustration, children's books and murals. Thanks for your support and for checking it out by clicking on the links below.
Rafael López Website
Rafael López Studio Blog

Exploring hidden beaches in Northern California



















As the year winds down I've been thinking about wandering. Last month our family drove up the Northern California coastline discovering hidden beaches and taking in the remarkable power of nature. When my son Santiago found this stretch of sand, he threw off his shoes and socks, crossed an inlet of thigh deep water and started running. I eventually caught up with him, took a deep breath and there was this moment. With his help I connect once again to that part of myself, and of others that really never changes, but sees the world with the wonder of a child.

This December I'm waking up before the sun rises, walking the quiet cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende for hours just looking. There is a restlessness that comes with trying to find direction for a new children's book. I'm working on two books this Winter so my mind jumps from one idea to the next. I've come to embrace this time, tune my instincts and simply wonder as I wander. I've discovered that creativity takes discipline as well as listening to the subtle nuances of your own inner voice. In the chaos of modern life you realize the importance of practicing solitude.


A solitary dream. I woke up and painted this Arctic Whale.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

School Library Journal talks about people getting along with other people.





















Thanks to Robin Smith for this article from the Horn Book about Maybe Something Beautiful at School Library Journal.

New York Public Library Best Books for Kids 2016














Grateful to the New York Public Library for recognizing Maybe Something Beautiful as one of 33 picture books chosen by the New York Public Library for Best Books of 2016. You can find out about other amazing books in categories like fiction for kids, fairy tales and folklore, graphic novels, non-fiction, poetry and best books for teens. Click on the link below to see the full list.

New York Public Library Best Books for Kids 2016 

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Finding Direction for Bravo!

Process painting on wood-searching for direction

Study of Cesar Chavez











































































Sometimes I like working more traditionally. This was a study on wood of Cesar Chavez for an upcoming book Bravo! written by my friend, the gifted poet Margarita Engle. I ended up creating a more graphic and conceptual approach to the portraits of Latino heroes but this was a great activity to help me find my direction. Our book is due out next year.


Friday, May 6, 2016

Latinos in Kid Lit






































Thanks to Latinos in Kid Lit for this great article on Book Fiesta that celebrates Día de los Niños/Children's Day/Book Day. To read the article and see lots of imagery please visit this link: Latinos in Kid Lit