This Rocks!

Found (if you know where to look) in nearly every corner of my native state of Arizona, rock art is one of the oldest forms of human communication and one of the most fascinating as far as capturing the imagination. That is why I chose it as my design for my entry in this year's Graceful Envelope Contest. This year's theme was communication.

By the way, in case you ever wondered, the logo for the Carefree Artist blog was inspired by rock art.

Creating Art in a National Park

In June 2016, I was the official artist-in-residence for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (the first one ever, they told me!) The residency was all volunteer and I provided all the materials for the program. I donated the original art produced there to the parks as well. The purpose of my residency was to create artwork and materials that could be used for programs in the parks now and in the future. I also created artwork that I presented at the end of my stay that highlighted many of the wonderful little things of nature that also exist among the giant majestic sequoia trees. Judging by the enthusiastic response of all those who came and participated on presentation day I think it was a success.

During my week in Sequoia -- I actually only had five days to work because of travel and the presentation day -- I created numerous photo-op masks, coloring pages, and several watercolor and acrylic paintings and lots of thumbnail sketches. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to create among by the peacefulness of nature in a historic, secluded rustic cabin. My only regret? Not having more time there to create even more artwork.

Thanks to all the great people at SEKI for the invitation to create art in the park!

UPDATE: In October 2017 the Jr. Ranger Book for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks won a 1st Place Interpretive Media Award for Site Publication from The National Association for Interpretation (NAI.) I illustrated the activities and spot art for interior pages. Read more about it by clicking here.

And here are a couple of watercolor sketches of Kings Canyon.

Above are other pieces of artwork created for SEKI including Jr. Ranger Book artwork.  In 2017, the book and the creative team that put it together was awarded First Place for Site Publications by the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). More info here. I have also created artwork for Pinnacles National Park and Grand Canyon National Park as well.

In the Thalo Forest

Are the tales true?

Another Children's Book for your Summer Reading List

The Grand Adventure

A True Story of Survival and Determination on an Amazing River Journey

Join Civil War hero John Wesley Powell and his brave companions on the first successful river expedition through what was then the uncharted region of the Grand Canyon. This daring journey is one of the great exploration adventures of the American West.

   

Sorry, this book is no longer in print. If a publisher would like to pick it up, please contact me via my website. www.MARKiX.net

8" x 10" Paperback
Full-color Picture Book
For Ages 8-12
32 pages
ISBN 1453813462
EAN13: 9781453813461

For your Summer Reading List

Here's a fun little book for your summer reading list for your little ones...

The Picnic Day

Join two bunnies on a fun picnic day in the country.
Reading level: Baby-Pre-K 

24 pages. Full Color 8.25"x8.25"

 ISBN-13 : 979-8553936150

Sorry, this book is no longer in print. If a publisher would like to pick it up, please contact me via my website. www.MARKiX.net

At the Frog Diner

From a book project. More whimsical art at whimsicalillustrator.com

Arctic Spring Fun

One windy day, the three friends headed out across the ice with their new kite.

 

 More fun illustration samples on my new website, whimsicalillustrator.com.