tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17049030199349872152024-03-13T03:43:45.382-07:00Rafael López Booksrafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-51850466592752164342016-12-24T06:09:00.000-08:002016-12-24T06:33:31.804-08:00New Year/ New Website and Blog<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">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. <i>Thanks for your support and for checking it out by clicking on the links below.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rafael López <a href="http://rafaellopez.com/">Website</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rafael López Studio <a href="http://rafaellopez.com/blog/">Blog</a></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring hidden beaches in Northern California</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As the year winds down I've been thinking about wandering. <span style="background-color: none;">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.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">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.</span></span></div>
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<article class="et_pb_post clearfix post-5804 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized tag-practicing-solitude tag-rafael-lopez tag-rafael-lopez-artist tag-rafael-lopez-books tag-rafael-lopez-illustrator tag-solitude" id="post-5804" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; display: block; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 60px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hkQW7pEmdIA/WF5_olWlgII/AAAAAAAAEGw/NRJ_wJNdzCsCXWU9SVl5GJNi4NYICpsHACLcB/s1600/Artic-Whale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hkQW7pEmdIA/WF5_olWlgII/AAAAAAAAEGw/NRJ_wJNdzCsCXWU9SVl5GJNi4NYICpsHACLcB/s400/Artic-Whale.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A solitary dream. I woke up and painted this Arctic Whale.</td></tr>
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</article>rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-89679974781498387792016-11-29T10:27:00.001-08:002016-11-29T10:29:39.890-08:00School Library Journal talks about people getting along with other people.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uoUYBg8c_20/WD3IBZ8EJNI/AAAAAAAAEGE/Yk8027NVR_IpoTK2qX56glBGaeudACv4ACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-11-29%2Bat%2B10.23.11%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uoUYBg8c_20/WD3IBZ8EJNI/AAAAAAAAEGE/Yk8027NVR_IpoTK2qX56glBGaeudACv4ACLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-11-29%2Bat%2B10.23.11%2BAM.png" width="302" /></a></div>
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Thanks to Robin Smith for this article from the Horn Book about <a href="http://www.hbook.com/2016/11/blogs/calling-caldecott/maybe-something-beautiful/#_">Maybe Something Beautiful at School Library Journal.</a><br />
<br />rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-50222624134173302142016-11-29T10:17:00.002-08:002016-11-29T10:19:46.669-08:00New York Public Library Best Books for Kids 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c5dq_YLeFvE/WD3Fb24b3EI/AAAAAAAAEF4/v3O1v0g3fIA0dyDQxbrPwwNm6jdRXzgBwCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-11-29%2Bat%2B10.13.42%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c5dq_YLeFvE/WD3Fb24b3EI/AAAAAAAAEF4/v3O1v0g3fIA0dyDQxbrPwwNm6jdRXzgBwCLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-11-29%2Bat%2B10.13.42%2BAM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Grateful to the New York Public Library for recognizing <b>Maybe Something Beautiful</b> 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.<br />
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<a href="https://www.nypl.org/press/press-release/november-23-2016/new-york-public-library-reveals-its-list-best-books-kids-and">New York Public Library Best Books for Kids 2016</a> rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-31693624005674378562016-06-19T09:53:00.000-07:002016-06-19T09:56:48.745-07:00Maybe Something Beautiful Book Trailer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rUZ5ccdXZSA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rUZ5ccdXZSA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-52125393389683482652016-05-12T15:54:00.000-07:002016-05-12T15:59:06.732-07:00Finding Direction for Bravo!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Process painting on wood-searching for direction</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Study of Cesar Chavez</td></tr>
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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.<br />
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<br />rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-14622152914955893352016-05-06T11:23:00.001-07:002016-05-06T11:23:44.492-07:00Latinos in Kid Lit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8cXZZPJ9pus/VyzgLP3-YSI/AAAAAAAAEFE/Schqv1o8PT4jkdWLKC3Txm2A3265P8KhACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-06%2Bat%2B11.18.40%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8cXZZPJ9pus/VyzgLP3-YSI/AAAAAAAAEFE/Schqv1o8PT4jkdWLKC3Txm2A3265P8KhACLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-06%2Bat%2B11.18.40%2BAM.png" width="618" /></a></div>
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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: <a href="https://latinosinkidlit.com/2016/05/05/celebrating-pura-belpre-winners-spotlight-on-rafael-lopez/">Latinos in Kid Lit</a><br />
<br />rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-5040156210880657192016-05-05T16:22:00.001-07:002016-05-05T16:22:35.094-07:00My Tribute to Prince<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2QY2hP4IgKQ/VyvVjKgwirI/AAAAAAAAEEo/4LsAkoGL97YIkgVXOG1a2EgX-LwRoWynACLcB/s1600/prince.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2QY2hP4IgKQ/VyvVjKgwirI/AAAAAAAAEEo/4LsAkoGL97YIkgVXOG1a2EgX-LwRoWynACLcB/s640/prince.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
<br />rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-75447347907859529182016-05-05T16:16:00.001-07:002016-05-05T16:26:22.106-07:007 year old Roshini reviews Maybe Something Beautiful at Kids Book Buzz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zcEYP4wLlx8/VyvTSS2Jd9I/AAAAAAAAEEc/br5X0292cUcN6YsUdIAiygMD8W1FbsmiACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-05%2Bat%2B4.10.18%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="630" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zcEYP4wLlx8/VyvTSS2Jd9I/AAAAAAAAEEc/br5X0292cUcN6YsUdIAiygMD8W1FbsmiACLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-05%2Bat%2B4.10.18%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Really enjoyed this review by 7 year old Roshini of <b>Maybe Something Beautiful</b> at <b><a href="http://kidsbookbuzz.com/book-reviews/maybe-something-beautiful-art-transformed-neighborhood/">Kids Book Buzz</a> </b>rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-18324767988393971462016-05-01T18:43:00.000-07:002016-05-01T19:03:16.042-07:00Maybe Something Beautiful Mural<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbiBlB2o8KI/VyavSvGQFXI/AAAAAAAAECk/upozd1o_2L8mPhei6SeXlnX3exURGebfgCLcB/s1600/before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbiBlB2o8KI/VyavSvGQFXI/AAAAAAAAECk/upozd1o_2L8mPhei6SeXlnX3exURGebfgCLcB/s640/before.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Diego Cooperative Charter School 2 Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Mural painted for El día de los niños/El día de los libros [Children's Day/Book Day] </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Community at work.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe Something Beautiful Book Team: Author Isabel Campoy, Editor Jeannette E. Larson HMH, Stefanie Von Borstel of Full Circle Literary and Author Theresa Howell.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grateful to SDCCS 2 Principal Anthony Villaseñor</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading the story with authors Theresa Howell & Isabel Camply</td></tr>
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Had a great time this last week preparing and painting the Maybe Something Beautiful mural to celebrate Children's Day/Book Day and the release of Maybe Something Beautiful. Thanks to all the amazing kids, volunteers, families and artist friends who made it possible at the San Diego Cooperative Charter School 2 in southeast San Diego.rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-31019269365446298622016-04-18T12:17:00.000-07:002016-04-18T12:25:00.001-07:00Viva Cuba/Focus On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Cuba and the United States are only 90 miles away but for over 50 years have been apart. Teachers and students are discussing our changing relationship in their classrooms. Thanks to School Library Journal for posting a list of useful books and for including Drum Dream Girl written by Cuban born Margarita Engle on that list. Check it out at <a href="http://www.slj.com/2016/04/collection-development/focus-on-collection-development/viva-cuba-focus-on/#_">School Library Journal</a>.rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-88741242169568234652016-04-17T10:52:00.004-07:002016-04-17T11:00:17.093-07:00¿Cachai? Chile<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: none; font-size: 12px;"><i>¿</i></span></span><i>Cachai?</i> is a popular expression that means do you catch or do your know? I just returned from an amazing trip to Chile, invited by <i>Nido de Aguilas</i> to speak to kids about making books. Wanted to share some memories and thank the many new friends I made along the way.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connecting with new Librarian friends at Nido de Aguilas, Chile</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting Villalobos studio with Antonia López and Nevenka Pavic in Valparaiso, Chile</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peeling Textures</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Museo Violeta Parra</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valparaiso</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liguria, one of the oldest and coolest restaurants in downtown Santiago</td></tr>
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<br />rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-8863113858866170342016-04-16T12:21:00.000-07:002016-04-16T12:28:41.682-07:00Read to Achieve<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids discover Maybe Something Beautiful at Otis Elementary School </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boston Celtic's Player Marcus Smart reading with kids</td></tr>
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Thanks to Boston Celtics players for inspiring the next generation as part of Read to Achieve. Check out this <a href="http://tinyurl.com/h6w2emx">short video of the event</a> and appreciate Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for donating books to this worthwhile program.<br />
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rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-91110711209931558202016-04-09T20:17:00.000-07:002016-04-15T20:19:59.984-07:00Coming Soon! A new book Maybe Something Beautiful and a new mural<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vertical Spread from MAYBE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL</td></tr>
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On Tuesday April 12 <b>Maybe Something Beautiful</b> hits the shelves. It combines the talents of F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell and tells the story of Mira who together with a muralist and the community bring color and joy to her gray city. You can follow the action on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/maybesomethingbeautiful/">facebook</a> as murals inspired this book which has inspired an upcoming mural.<br />
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Looking forward to creating a new mural with children and families in Barrio Logan, San Diego on April 30, 2016. <i>Details on the way.</i></div>
rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-37787423930237149792016-04-09T20:02:00.000-07:002016-04-10T09:40:48.038-07:00Beginnings and EndingsOn Sunday I leave for <i>Santiago, Chile</i> and really look forward to discovering a new part of the planet and connecting with children there about books and murals. Over dinner, our son, <i>Santiago</i> asked what I am most looking forward to. I told him the beginning as there is much to explore and the ending as I get to tell him all about my adventure.<br />
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<i>As a children's book illustrator I spend a great deal of time thinking about beginnings and endings. </i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Endpapers for <b>MAYBE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL</b> due out on April 12, 2016.</td></tr>
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<b>Maybe Something Beautiful</b> tells the story of a young girl and muralist who transform a gray neighborhood bringing their community together using art. The story is based on my own work creating the Urban Art Trail in the East Village of San Diego. I wanted to begin with actual buildings in the neighborhood and developed a technique that blended original photographs of local facades that morph into colorful endpapers. To finish the story the main character Mira’s painted bird can be seen flying up in the sky.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Endpapers for <b>BOOK FIESTA!</b> 2010</td></tr>
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<b>Book Fiesta! </b>celebrates <i>Children’s Day/Book Day</i> and so the day begins and ends with a good book.<br />
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Endpapers are the start and finish line of a book. Vintage endpapers display an array of fascinating patterns that include marbled paper, geometric shapes and whimsical patterns. When I get a book deal I plead with the publisher to give me the chance to do a bit of extra storytelling to young readers as they open and close a book. If I can't convince them on the first round I will create sketches and even full paintings to plead my case. Many of my favorite endpaper designs never made it to print but I keep them in a flat file and open that drawer from time to time. The images on endpapers get closer to personal paintings. As there is no text you it can be a place to express your own visual take on a story. <br />
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You can find plenty of unique and beautiful vintage and contemporary endpapers online at places like Pinterest from innovative illustrators.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Search Pinterest and get inspired by amazing vintage and contemporary endpapers</td></tr>
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Patterns, textures, compelling imagery…what a way to start and end the day.rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-67303068661052508282016-03-16T20:50:00.000-07:002016-03-17T09:08:34.548-07:00Sneak Peek: Behind the Scenes of Creating Art for Maybe Something BeautifulThanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Young Readers for their recent post about the process of <a href="http://hmhyoungreadersblog.com/all/sneak-peek-maybe-something-beautiful/">creating art for Maybe Something Beautiful.</a><br />
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In this exuberant picture book about transformation through art, Mira live in a gray urban community until a muralist arrives and, along with his paints and brushes, brings color, joy and hope to the neighborhood. Based on the true story of the Urban Art Trail in San Diego, California, <b><i>Maybe Something Beautiful</i></b> reveals how art can inspire transformation-and how even the smallest artists can accomplish something big. Pick up a paintbrush and join the celebration!<br />
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<b><i>Available wherever books are sold on April 12, 2016!</i></b><br />
<br />rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-2297666164927600782016-03-10T10:24:00.000-08:002016-03-10T10:26:12.646-08:00Tips from Literary Agents representing Latino authors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2016 was an incredible year for diverse books. I'm often contacted by aspiring Latino writers and illustrators and wanted to share these <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/tips-5-literary-agents-representing-latino-authors-n535341">tips from five leading Literary Agents</a> that might be useful.<br />
<br />rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-90702086444663726712016-02-01T20:39:00.000-08:002016-02-01T20:47:33.960-08:00Drum Dream Girl Thank you VideoWanted to share this thank you video I was asked to make for the American Library Association: Youth Media Awards. GRATEFUL that Drum Dream Girl written by Margarita Engle received the 2016 Pura Belpré Medal for Illustration in this the 20th anniversary of the award. Thanks to readers, teachers and librarians for their support of our book.<br />
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<br />rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-42075106782791643982015-12-11T19:22:00.000-08:002015-12-11T19:31:56.652-08:00100 Titles to Read and Share<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.nypl.org/browse/recommendations/staff-picks/annual/childrens/">New York Public Library Children's Books 100 titles</a> for reading and sharingrafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-72463462527908107812015-12-07T14:29:00.002-08:002015-12-07T19:24:29.371-08:00December<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice skating beside the beach at the Hotel Del this past weekend</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cracking contraptions<br />
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rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-6943581735072922772015-12-07T13:54:00.003-08:002015-12-07T13:58:08.677-08:00Drum Dream Girl: Literary Stroll around the neighborhood in Boston<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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From beauty salons to Cuban restaurants and health centers, the Drum Dream girl took a literary stroll around the neighborhood thanks to the Boston Public Library and an innovative idea that was the brainchild of Sujei Lugo. <a href="http://latinosinkidlit.com/2015/12/07/drum-dream-girl-story-walk-a-literary-stroll-around-my-neighborhood/">Read: Drum Dream Girl Story Walk</a> in Latin@s in Kid Lit.<br />
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<i>What a great way to have fun and integrate the community bringing families to the library.</i>rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-50345666442000196342015-12-05T10:58:00.001-08:002015-12-05T11:33:00.671-08:00diversions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A week I ago I dreamt about this tiger from India and had to wake up early in the morning to paint him.<br />
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His face blushing in shame. The temptation proved too strong for Ferdinand the Bull as he munches away at the last flower that bloomed on his hilltop.<br />
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After learning that Little Red Riding Hood and Grandma haven't spoken in years, the wolf goes for Plan B. Red however is very clever and decides to shop online.rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-40128773580782707762015-12-05T10:35:00.000-08:002016-04-04T14:21:06.789-07:00Study for Maybe Something Beautiful<br />
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Here is one of the studies I created for <b>Maybe Something Beautiful</b> due out next April. The story was inspired by the work we have done with many dedicated volunteers in the East Village of downtown San Diego. I was looking for mood and atmosphere as the story written by <i>Isabel Campoy </i>and <i>Theresa Howell</i> starts with a little girl who lives in a grey city.<br />
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I wanted to try something new and challenged myself to experiment with this book. Riding around on my bicycle I shot photos of buildings in our neighborhood. I then painted the outer shapes of the structures using acrylic paint on wooden boards to get the texture background. One of my favorite downtime pastimes is photographing textures and these came from my urban file. This was compiled digitally to deliver the grit I was looking for.rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-40191094208515321032015-12-02T16:53:00.000-08:002016-04-04T14:19:53.249-07:00Maybe Something Beautiful<i>This year several new books took flight from my drawing table. This one hits home.</i><br />
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<b>Maybe Something Beautiful</b> written by <b>F. Isabel Campoy</b> and <b>Theresa Howell</b> due out this April from <b>Houghton Mifflin Harcourt</b>.<br />
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The genesis of this book was a personal journey that started in 1997 when my wife Candice and I bought an old car garage in an edgy neighborhood at that time, the East Village of downtown San Diego. We were in our thirties and put down all our savings to make it happen. My mother in law cried when she first visited and couldn't fathom our choice of a first home in a such a challenging part of town. Undeterred we rented two industrial wet vacuum cleaners to scrub the car grease off the floors and began digging car parts out of the back yard. For ten years we worked with our friend Daniel to transform our home into a live/work studio where we could create and dream. In 2007 we stood back and took a deep breath. The once cold, dark 3,200 square foot space at last felt warm, and inviting. We were happy, <i>sort of.</i><br />
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You see there was a big issue all too evident the moment you opened the front door. Drug dealing and related violence ruled the streets. That gray darkness outside extended into our home. We noticed that most people in our neighborhood walked looking down. They were sad, depressed or perhaps just afraid to make eye contact. The signs of struggle were all around and the few families who lived nearby rushed across the streets to get inside quick and lock their doors. Not knowing what to do we put up flyers and held a meeting at a local school to try to figure something out. We decided the best thing to do was something we knew. To use art to transform our neighborhood. After many meetings in our loft which became the paint station and staging area, the Urban Art Trail was born. It started with the painting of electrical boxes once used as makeshift offices by drug dealers. I developed a series of large murals that worked like giant paint by numbers so untrained artists could be involved. The trail grew to include benches, sidewalk poetry, sculpture, urban bird houses and mosaics. Working together with neighbors, children, students, graffiti artists, teachers, designers, residents of women's and homeless shelters and many others we transformed our community.<br />
<i>The East Village today is a great place to live and work.</i><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Imagine my excitement when Isabel Compoy and Theresa Howell crafted an inspiring story about young Mira and her neighbors based on the actual Urban Art Trail. Below are sketches from the pages of our book. Featured in this <a href="http://jbrary.com/">2016 Picture Book Preview</a> from Jbrary. Thanks Lindsay and Dana for your early support of this new book. </span></div>
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As this is based on our own story it felt right to take some risks and try new mixed media techniques that blend original photographs I shot of the East Village, digital, watercolor and acrylic on wood. I look forward to sharing these techniques in future posts.<br />
<br />rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-20571626933395227332015-11-29T18:45:00.000-08:002015-12-04T12:47:19.876-08:00Power to Persevere<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-onOQnGgRAlo/Vluf3mRmbKI/AAAAAAAADzg/vtqiv1Hunp4/s1600/DrumDreamGirl_Part8-1024x640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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Looking back at the year I've been thinking about the power of perseverance and it's importance in my own life. What mattered most in the story Margarita Engle wrote about Millo Castro Zaldarriga, was her <i>determined courage to keep going</i>. It's much easier to give up than persist through setback and disappointments. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The volcanic color and expressions in the eyes were important. Her sisters emotions include deep sadness, shock and numbness. I wanted the ache in Millo's face to reveal a hint of fortitude in her eye.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFsWaSlmBs8/Vluf7R_v7MI/AAAAAAAADzw/NrBxtnzSjRo/s1600/2%2BBut%2Beveryone%2Bon%2Bthe....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFsWaSlmBs8/Vluf7R_v7MI/AAAAAAAADzw/NrBxtnzSjRo/s640/2%2BBut%2Beveryone%2Bon%2Bthe....jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This scene needed to communicate the injustice and intimidation Millo felt. The pain of her rebuke is contrasted<br />
by the carefree expressions and movement of children free to drum.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCcKGb3PICs/VmHQ7NhHoxI/AAAAAAAAD5Q/S51XomIg8kQ/s1600/DDG%2BPages%2B22-23%2BFinal%2BPainting%2BSmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCcKGb3PICs/VmHQ7NhHoxI/AAAAAAAAD5Q/S51XomIg8kQ/s640/DDG%2BPages%2B22-23%2BFinal%2BPainting%2BSmall.jpg" width="410" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millo's dream to drum is above all else yet out of reach.<br />
She feels anguish, bittersweet emotion and longing.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k7Gfy4F0oZU/Vluf9gkWiqI/AAAAAAAADz4/0Rb8UQFOM-8/s1600/51093c_ef3a31e6fd2242918ff85d4a09feb202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--tifNQWYZHU/Vluf5cprquI/AAAAAAAADzs/7z0gIDvrx2k/s1600/DrumDreamGirl_Part15-1024x640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--tifNQWYZHU/Vluf5cprquI/AAAAAAAADzs/7z0gIDvrx2k/s640/DrumDreamGirl_Part15-1024x640.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millo has unstoppable determination to overcome the distance to her dream.</td></tr>
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In early November, I made this drawing of Churchill. He had vision and leadership but his persistence is what really stands out for me.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ET1cF9I5MGc/VlukIOLybCI/AAAAAAAAD0E/zIEV5NJP3m8/s1600/winston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ET1cF9I5MGc/VlukIOLybCI/AAAAAAAAD0E/zIEV5NJP3m8/s640/winston.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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BIG ideas from Sir Winston:<br />
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<i><b>Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no less enthusiasm. </b></i><br />
<i><b>Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Continuous effort-not strength or intelligence is the key to unlocking your potential. </b></i><br />
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He struggled with poor health, hives, boils, rashes, pneumonia, strokes, a lisp and was practically deserted by his parents. As a politician he was often disliked by his colleagues and like all of us had his faults. What made him remarkable is that each time he fell down he stood up again. He wasn't afraid to take an unpopular point of view and was known to cross the aisle if he believed in something. He pressed on and on to lead his country and the world.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cL9GJJq0s_w/VlupNZVuGbI/AAAAAAAAD0U/M-rt2WZ_Kv4/s1600/Bessie_Coleman%252C_First_African_American_Pilot_-_GPN-2004-00027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cL9GJJq0s_w/VlupNZVuGbI/AAAAAAAAD0U/M-rt2WZ_Kv4/s320/Bessie_Coleman%252C_First_African_American_Pilot_-_GPN-2004-00027.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bessie Coleman from Wikipedia<br />
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<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/flygirls/peopleevents/pandeAMEX02.html">BESSIE COLEMAN</a> came from a family of sharecroppers and grew up in poverty. She walked four miles to school each day and excelled at Math. An avid reader, she was compelled to fly after reading about World War I pilots. As a black woman she would never be accepted to an American pilot school so she took a French-language class at the Berlitz School in Chicago and moved to France. Bessie simply <b><i>refused to take no for an answer.</i></b> Enrolling in flight school she eventually did exhibition flying as a barnstormer and gave lectures across the United States from 1922 to 1926. She turned down opportunities to perform unless audiences were desegregated and her career as the world's first African American pilot inspired those who would follow. Today there is a postal stamp in her honor, a library and middle school that bears her tenacious name.<br />
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<a href="http://www.biography.com/people/jane-goodall-9542363">JANE GOODALL</a> the determined scientist and conservationist whose patience and persistence to understand animals contributed so much to the world.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/physics/laureates/1903/marie-curie-bio.html">MARIE CURIE</a> whose admirable persistence in the face of many research obstacles made a difference. She used her amazing discoveries to help develop therapies for disease.<br />
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<a href="http://www.startribune.com/how-einstein-changed-everything-100-years-ago/356503361/">EINSTEIN </a>took years to formulate his theories of relativity. Despite learning disabilities he persevered transforming the way we look at the world. This amazing thinker said "<i>It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer".</i><br />
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Developing an attitude of persistence is vital to being an illustrator. I've learned that for every sketch that works, there are reams of ideas on tracing tissue that simply don't. I file them away in drawers and hold on to them just to remind myself to keep drawing. Sometimes an old sketch might spark an idea for a future project but often they sit there turning brown as the years go by. As a young artist I was intensely frustrated when things didn't come out just right. Over time I realized it's important to get over perfectionism and keep going. Procrastination takes over if you focus on your failures.<br />
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Now that I have a son I know it is most important to complement him on working really hard. I want to encourage him to choose more challenging tasks and know that in the marathon of life persistence counts. We all need to model persistence and teach kids it's good to make mistakes and fall short. Let them feel those big feelings when they fail, tell them to take breaks but most importantly keep going.When learning not to give up a child may hit the wall but you've got to aim their sights at the door and teach them how to find the opening.<br />
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I hope the story and images in <b>Drum Dream Girl</b> will encourage children to ask thoughtful questions and keep dreaming. To become problem solvers and never give up. Grow the determination needed to achieve their goals and keep practicing.<br />
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<br />rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704903019934987215.post-23525092837816233052015-11-14T19:47:00.000-08:002015-11-14T19:48:14.086-08:00Solidarity with Paris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f14jRjCFQTo/Vkf_WWViYLI/AAAAAAAADzQ/TzhkC-BQcRc/s1600/Solidarity%2Bmessage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f14jRjCFQTo/Vkf_WWViYLI/AAAAAAAADzQ/TzhkC-BQcRc/s400/Solidarity%2Bmessage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Compelled to create an image after the tragic events in Paris.<br />
Standing in solidarity with our French brothers and sisters.rafael lopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13456867588487005927noreply@blogger.com0