Custom Portraits!!!

Are you still looking for a great gift for the holidays or a special occasion? E-mail me today at olga@illustrationsbyolga.com for a quote and get a one of a kind portrait drawing for someone you love!! 

 

Yoga Frog Painting

 

 

 

11"x14" watercolor and colored pencil

11"x14" pencil drawing

 

 

Mr. Groundhog book in Silver City Sun- News!

Governor Susan Martinez reads "Mr. Groundhog Wants the Day Off" to the first graders of Harrison Schmitt and Central Elementary. Photo courtesy of Silver City Sun- News

I was so delighted to read an article today, written by Christine Steele of the Silver City Sun-News, that included "Mr. Groundhog Wants the Day Off".  The article was about Governor Susan Martinez, of New Mexico, spending time in a first grade classroom reading the book to students; distributing a copy to each student; and encouraging them to continue reading. It was such an honor to have one of my books be a part of such a wonderful event. :) Read the full article Here.

 Governor Susana Martinez gives first graders at Central Elementary a copy of "Mr. Groundhog Wants the Day Off." Photo courtesy of Silver City Sun- News

Toy Designs

Click here and come check out the new addition to the website! A portfolio of Toy Designs that I got to be a part of. Always so exciting to see something start out as a concept design sketch and evolve into an actual product.

Froggy

From Sketch to Sculpt

A little seahorse character with some very cool Elvis hair and the attitude to go with it :) I have always been in awe of  character development sculpture artists such as Michael Defeo. Click on his name to visit his website and see some of his incredible work. The photo below the sketch is my attempt to make my character into a 3D sculpt. He still has a long way to go but what fun to sculpt and try to make him look believable from all angles. Hopefully I can share the finished sculpt soon :)

A Page from My Sketchbook

"There are no limits when a mind that refuses boundaries is armed

with the right tools to deal with whatever it imagines." - B.C.

This post is just a quick character from my sketchbook and some wonderful quotes by the inspiring Bill Carman. I often sketch these little characters and wonder what their purpose truly is, so I don't share them. After reading this great quote from Bill Carman, I realized there really doesn't need to be one, and we draw or doodle whatever comes out of us simply because it's our passion oozing out. It makes me happy to read that this artist is a professor at Boise State University when he shares words like these and inspires young artists to just share their passion.

How to Be an Artist!

School Visit

I was very lucky in this past week to get the opportunity to visit with a few third and fourth graders at Seffner Elementary!! It was a wonderful experience to read the books I illustrated and share the illustration process with them. A truly inspiring feeling to be surrounded by enthusiastic and creative kids. I hope that they were all motivated to continue reading as well as writing and illustrating their own stories. :) A big Thank You to all the students and their teachers for having me!! 

reading Mr. Groundhog Wants The Day Off

looking at great drawings from some future illustrators :)

Mrs. Mingle's wonderful 3rd grade class and I

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

"Step with care and great tact
And remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft
And never mix up your right foot with your left."

Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go
US author & illustrator (1904 - 1991) 

Today's post is in honor of the wonderful and timeless Theodor Seuss Geisel best known as Dr. Seuss. An amazing writer, poet, and cartoonist whoes work continues to inspire artists and writers of all ages!!

photo courtesy of Wikipedia

another one of my favorite quotes courtesy of obSEUSSed.com :)

NEA's Read Across America Day

 Today is the National Education Associations Read Across America Day! So today of all days I hope everyone picks up a book and either takes a quiet moment to read or read to a child and spread the love for reading!

Groundhog Day 2013

A short post in honor of Groundhog Day 2013.  An early spring is on the way, according to Punxsutawney Phil, who did not see his shadow as he emerged from his dwelling on February 2nd. Hope you enjoy this little coloring page from Mr. Groundhog Wants The Day Off. And remember to grab your copy of this wonderful story from Raven Tree Press!

GPN Helicopters Logo Design

Just sharing a quick post about a recent project, a logo design for GPN Helicopters! A great project and so exciting to see it used in a beautifully designed website. Click on the image below to visit their site and don't forget to browse the photo gallery to see some stunning views from their helicopter tours!

A screenshot of the final logo on the GPN website

 

Some of the logo variations submitted to client

Final logo chosen  by client