Inspired

Thanks to all the feet on the street that made this happen. It's going to be a good day and a better tomorrow thanks to yesterday. 
President Obama inspires and has inspired many artists to create Obama inspired art.
Check out the array of art in the slide show of this Huffington Post article

Let's Get Rolling...

Press Proof for Adelante Poster in front of Barrio Logan Mural
Together with friends we independently printed the poster with permission from the Obama
campaign to reach Latino voters in pivotal swing states.

The pressman checks the posters printed at Diego and Son Printing. 

Thousands of posters being printed to be shipped to swing states.

Firing up the colors.

Rebecca Aguilera-Gardiner at Diego and Son Printing.
This mom and pop shop in Barrio Logan has been
at work for forty years and delivered a superb job.

Passing historical mural at Chicano Park, Barrio Logan with press proof 

Here's our wish list of Obama for America offices. Shipping to
swing states where the Latino vote can make a difference.

Let's get rolling to make sure we re-elect President Obama and secure our future. Adelante. 

National Book Festival in Washington D.C.

National Gallery

Author's reception at the Library of Congress

Free posters rolled and ready to go early in the morning

Legions of readers arrive to listen to authors and illustrators

Sea of readers

Signing posters and programs

Banner with the Washington Monument

Buying books in the big tent

Stunning William Jefferson room of the Library of Congress 

Signing books, stamps and posters

My favorite readers on the planet-kids.

Talking about drawing pictures for children's books

Frenetic energy at the signing table

Ladders at the sculpture garden


Listen to a podcast interview by Francisco Macias, Library of Congress

An Artist Emphasizes Unity

Excited to be heading to Washington D.C. this week to meet amazing authors and speak at the National Book Festival put on by the Library of Congress.
Thanks to Michael Cavna for his recent article in the Washington Post
called An Artist Emphasizes Unity
Don't miss reading about the favorite books of National Book Festival authors.

Evolution of Estamos Unidos 2012 Poster

I was honored to create this limited edition lithograph in support of President Barack Obama available at Obama for America. As a Latino and father I have witnessed firsthand the power of education. In my work as a children's book illustrator I travel around the country working with kids and teachers to promote literacy and reading. President Obama supports early education programs for children and has doubled Pell Grants so working families can afford college. His bold actions to fix the broken immigration system and support of the Dream Act prove he is on our side.

Thanks to Christopher Dilts, official campaign photographer for the wonderful photo that inspired my painting and to Sean Bacon and Candice López for consulting with the type and layout. 

Update: The poster has sold out at the Obama store and thanks to all who purchased it in support of the re-election of our President. 

Fantastic Flying Books

Yesterday morning our son woke up and informed us that now that school was back in session it was time to fix up and remodel our bedrooms in the loft. He had a plan to change them and began to draw and dream about the possibilities. We gently let him know that we wouldn't be able to hire the cranes to lift off the roof but he cleverly convinced us to move the furniture, shelves and paintings around upstairs. With a most serious look, our son made it very clear that it was most important to build more bookshelves for our growing collections. When I was about his age I traveled to England to stay with artist friends for the summer and there I discovered Tin Tin books. I've watched that book passion travel full circle this year as our son has finished 18 of Herge's amazing Tin Tin adventures.
We worked all day and around dinner time collapsed to laugh, tell stories and talk about re-inventing our spaces. Santiago reminded us about the book shelves and then after the meal he showed us this fantastic film from Moonbot Studios. It reminds us that books can be good friends and stories shape our lives.

Hoping you will check out the pure animated book magic in The Fantastic Flying Books
 of Mr. Morris Lessmore 

Recuerdos de Mexico

I know you haven't heard from me all summer. I've spent the last 2 months wandering the cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende. Sometimes you just need to take a break,
then open your eyes.