Tony Medina reading 13 Ways of Looking at a Black Boy

 

video link

Check out this reading of 13 Ways of Looking at a Black Boy by the author Tony Medina. Back in 2018 I was one of 13 artists to contribute an illustration to this beautiful book. You can get a copy here.

Dig this? Check out this post about my piece for the book. Or, check out this article in the NY Times featuring the book

Sam! Cover Art Tools

Hey readers. My name is Rob and I'm a kids book author and illustrator. This is a throwback to the cover design for the book "Sam!" written by poet/parent Dani Gabriel, published by Penny Candy Books, and illustrated by me.

Here are the initial sketches I came up with. One with a scene from the book, and two new ones. 

They chose the 1st idea and this being a relatively quick process I went straight to a refined sketch of that which you see here. For the sketch I typically use a non photo blue pencil, a ruler, a #2 pencil, and an 11" x 17" piece of paper so I can draw the back together as a layout.  

Once everyone signed off on this I use my light box to trace the sketch using a Prismacolor black pencil.

 

 Then I add color using a large flat brush to lay down a wash first then I build up the color slowly from light to dark using the medium flat, the round, and the fine liner . 

I use a bunch of watercolor brands to find the right colors. These are some of them.

When you paint with acrylic or gouache you can layer light over dark, but with watercolor its much harder so you must use light colors first, then darks. This is what. the painting looks like once I've finished. If you get a chance, read the book. Share it with families and check out some of the other books Penny Candy publishes HERE.

Dig this? Check out this post about the cover art of Alejandria Fights Back/ La Lucha de Alejandria

Kickstarter- 13 Ways of Looking at a Black Boy

Hey, please check out this kickstarter to help publisher Penny Candy Books reprint this wonderful book written by Afro Latinx poet Tony Medina from NYC and illustrated by 13 Black illustrators from all over the country including yours truly.

If this campaign is successful this book will go into its 5th printing. That means hella people have loved it and purchased it. But, there are plenty of kids who have never seen it. Check out the video, campaign, and throw down if you got a few bucks. Kickstarter LINK

Thanks in advance!

"13 Ways of Looking at a Black Boy" feat in NY Times

Just wanted to share some news about "13 Ways of Looking at a Black Boy" that I illustrated for author Tony Medina/ Penny Candy Books along with 12 other illustrators. It was included in the NY Times magazine "Wirecutter's" list of Anit-racist books for children. 

Check it out HERE

Here's a synopsis of the book in case you missed it:

Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Boy by Tony Medina offers a fresh perspective of young men of color by depicting thirteen views of everyday life: young boys dressed in their Sunday best, running to catch a bus, and growing up to be teachers, and much more. Each of Tony Medina’s tanka is matched with a different artist—including recent Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Award recipients.

If you'd like a copy you can purchase it from me now HERE.

Here is a list the book was included on as well: Cincinnati Library

Sam! Copies

Just got my copies, bout to read with Dani tonight at the El Cerrito Public library. And you can get copies at your local bookstore, public library, or order them online HERE.

Again, here's the synopsis of the story:

Sam is a nine-year-old boy who loves riding his bike and learning about the American Revolution. There’s just one problem: Sam’s family knows him as a girl named Isabel. Sam feels a sense of relief when he finally confides in his sister Maggie, and then his parents, even though it takes them a while to feel comfortable with it. But with lots of love and support, Sam and his family learn and grow through Sam’s journey to embrace his true self.  In the vein of I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel, Sam! is based on a real story. With a note from the author explaining their family’s experience, Sam! is an important addition to a list of books that help children and adults discuss gender identity.

Sam! Releases today!

You can go get this amazing new picture book I illustrated for Dani Gabriel and Penny Candy Books today. If you don't see it at your local bookstore or library please request it!

LINK

Sam! first review

Hey, just saw our first review for the book me and author Dani Gabriel created for Penny Candy Books. Check it out, as it talks about two other children's books that feature stories with LGBTQ stories. Shout out to the homie Bao Phi!!

LINK

Sam! Book Release in El Cerrito

Hey! The first book release party for Sam! is coming. On Tuesday September 17th in El Cerrito California (North of Berkeley/Oakland) me and author Dani Gabriel will be sharing this incredible story with you. Please bring your children, family, and book lover friends to hang. I look forward to seeing you.

For more info about the book please visit Penny Candy Books

Here is the link for the Bk Release Location

Sam! Cover reveal!

This is the cover for my new book "Sam!" written by poet/author Dani Gabriel and published by Penny Candy Books! 

So excited to share the cover with you all. You can read a little bit more about the book on Here We Read. Go check it out and stay tuned to Penny Candy Books. You can preorder the book now too.

Total Pages: 36 pages
Publisher: Penny Candy Books
Publication Date: September 10, 2019
Recommended Ages: 8-12 and up
Pre-Orders: Available for Pre-Order Now!

New Picture Book - w/ Dani Gabriel & Penny Candy Books

Here's a quick update. More info coming soon. To stay updated please go and follow Penny Candy Books via their newsletter or social media. Really excited to be working with Dani Gabriel (Poet Laureatte) and Penny Candy again!

Penny Candy Books Anthology - It's out!

So I can finally write about and show y'all a bit of the process for my recent piece in the Penny Candy Books release "13 Ways of looking at a Black boy". This is a great book! It's hardbound, about 30 pgs total, and matte color finished. The book is an anthology of artists who each get a piece of Tony Medina's poem about Black Boys. Tony Medina is a dope poet from NYC that has not only published a bunch of poetry books, but he's also published many picture books, and his graphic novel "I am Alfonso Jones". The artists that Penny Candy picked are an awesome array of experience and technique. There are digital illustration, collage, oil, watercolor, acrylic, and ink. Here is my piece.

Here you can see a bit of process.I generally start with thumbnails, then move on to refined sketches and color ideas. Once those are approved I paint!

If you're interested in getting a new book for your classroom, office, school, or library please support this company and the story. Also, check out the amazing artists featured in the book. 

LINK

Penny Candy Books Anthology- Sneak peak

I'm super excited to tease a little bit of this new book that I'm in. Its called "Thirteen ways of looking at a Black Boy" and you can preorder it at Penny Candy Books. Happy new year!

From the publisher:
We published 7 books at Penny Candy Books in 14 months, between Oct 2016 and Dec 2017. Now it’s 2018 and we are so thrilled and fortunate to have 8 books coming out this year. The first, Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Boy by #tonymedina, is out on Feb 13, right in the middle of #blackhistorymonth. A book of poems illustrated by 13 different artists, this amazing book shows that the lives of young black men are far more complex and far richer than portrayed by popular media. Thank you to all the artists for their brilliant work: @floyd.cooper.4 @cozbi @skiphillart @tlynnmcknight @robert_tres
#keithmallett @popcorn.on.mute @keshabruce @macabrii #rgregorychristie #ekuaholmes 
@javakasteptoe #chandracox