No, Thank YOU :-)

There's nothing like a gaggle of effusive 10 year olds to make you feel like a rock star. :-)

I got thank you letters from the entire class - I'm posting a few delightful ones for your perusal:

(click on letters to see a larger version)

(aren't they great?)

A couple more quotes that I very much enjoyed:

"This was a great experience for me because I love drawing and I've always wanted to meet an artist. I really love your drawing too. And I learned a lot from you. Some day I hope to be just like you."

"I have a laminating machine and tomorrow I am going to laminate the autograph you gave me."

"You are a very excellent illustrator. When I first saw your work I was flabbergasted by the detail and magnificent choice and color. I learned a lot about many things and my vocabulary has broadened."

I have have somehow helped broaden vocabulary. My work here is obviously done.

School Visit -

Spent a lovely afternoon with Mrs. Olson's very enthusiastic 4th grade class at Stillwater Elementary today. They've been reading "Fablehaven" so besides the 'life of an illustrator' we talked about drawing fairies and fantastical nature-based creatures.

Started with a power-point presentation, and then looked at my website samples of such creatures.

Brought a stack of recent fairy books to show print samples (Oooos and Aaaahhhhs)

We talked about working methods and had a nice Q&A.

While they worked on their projects, I demonstrated painting in watercolor for those interested.

After signing many autographs for many appreciative students (who sent me home with a multi-signed thank you card, potted cyclamen and box of French truffles!), we called it a day.

What a nice group of kids.