By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 6/5/2010
After the little black ant discovers a plump, juicy caterpillar carcass....
she secretes a scent trail back to the colony....
so she and her nest mates will have food to feed the queens.
(Excerpted from "Little Black Ant on Park Street", written by Janet Halfmann, illustrated by ME :) and published by Soundprints Publishing.)
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 5/21/2010
"Early in the morning, the little black ant pokes up through the ground, eager to hunt for its food."
This is a spread I illustrated for the book "Little Black Ant on Park Street", part of the Smithsonian's Backyard Books series from Soundprints Publishing, 2010.
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 3/15/2010
This is so cute, I just had to share it with you! It came today from a friend in Nebraska whose kids love my book "Little Black Ant on Park Street". I decided to surprise them with the book in the mail last week, and today I was surprised with this sweet thank you note from them. Click the image to read what it says...
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 3/14/2010
Little black ants gnaw pieces from a plum caterpillar carcass to bring back to the anthill for the queens living underground....
From my latest illustrated book "Little Black Ant on Park Street", written by Janet Halfmann and published by Soundprints, now available and shipping from Amazon.com.
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 2/26/2010
It's amazing how different life appears through someone else's perspective.
This is the cover art from my latest children's book from Soundprints, "Little Black Ant on Park Street", written by Janet Halfmann.
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 2/15/2010
Only 4 more spreads to complete for "Champ's Story: Dogs Get Cancer Too!".
I promise, the book has a happy "twist" at the end! Get the book, and you'll see what I mean!
See more of my artwork for the book by visiting my website. Thanks!
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 2/1/2010
I finally received my first sample copy of my newly illustrated book "Little Black Ant on Park Street" from Soundprints the other day.
Then I found this great review...Click here to read it!
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 1/29/2010
©KathleenRietz
"Yoga keeps us focused and calm."
My 2009 illustrated book "The ABCs of Yoga for Kids" (written by Teresa Anne Power) has just won its 5th award,the Gold Medal in the Picture Book - Body, Mind & Spirit category in the 2010 Mom's Choice Awards!
You can also read a great review of the book here.
And order the book here.
If you've never tried yoga, it is a great exercise in strength, balance, focus, body awareness, and a great stress reliever. I always leave yoga class with a sense of calm and well-being, and ready for bed!
This post would not be complete without me mentioning one of my favorite sites to visit. It is the site of my friend Polly over at "Yoga is Yummy". Last year I designed a logo for her DVD. You can see her yoga demos, recipes, and even read snippets to nourish your spirit here.
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 1/22/2010
From my latest children's book illustration project, titled "Champ's Story: Dogs Get Cancer Too!", written by Sherry North, and coming in 2010 from Sylvan Dell Publishing.
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 1/16/2010
I'm really excited about children's book I am currently illustrating for Sylvan Dell Publishing, and written by Sherry North. It's called "Champ's Story: Dogs Get Cancer Too!"
When the folks at Sylvan Dell offered me the project, I skimmed the manuscript and admittedly I was a little disheartened. Having lost both my parents to cancer at a young age, I was not so sure I wanted this theme to creep back into my life in the form of a story about a little boy whose pet gets sick and has to endure chemotherapy treatments. I really had to think about it and pray about it and search my heart about whether this book was a good match for me. For those who don't know, children's books generally take anywhere from 6 months to a year to illustrate. They are all-consuming, at least for me, because I pour my heart and my passion into them. After sitting with my thoughts awhile, it began to become clear to me that the book was Divinely offered to me for a reason. I have great empathy for anyone going through such a difficult illness, whether they themselves or a loved one. I also sweetly love my dog, Sunshine, and could easily imagine how I would feel if I had to watch her endure treatments for cancer. It is my life experience, I believe, that is guiding me as lovingly I create each illustration for this book. I hope that the end result will touch many lives and help many children understand cancer and deal with their own treatments for the disease. 
Here is a dramatic scene from the book Champ's Story: Dogs Get Cancer Too!".
Sylvan Dell Publishing has been wonderful to work for. They have given me quite a bit of creative freedom in how I have chosen to illustrate the book. It has been fun mixing media - watercolor, gouache, oil pastel, pastel pencil, and touches of colored pencil - to achieve the look I want. I like how I've been able to bring a softness to the illustrations through the mix of media. It's like getting paid to try something new with my art!
In other news, if your New Year's resolution for 2010 is to a better illustrator, please read my latest column in the SCBWI-IL's e-newsletter The Prairie Wind, appropriately titled "Your New Year’s Resolution: Become a Better Illustrator". I lay out a few tips, accompanied by examples from my latest children's book "Little Black Ant on Park Street", written by Janet Halfmann and published by Soundprints Publishing.
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 1/9/2010
"The ants were confined to their colony until springtime, when they emerged one by one in search for food to bring back to the queens." (click on the image to make it larger)
You can order my book "Little black Ant on Park Street" (Soundprints Publishing, 2010) at Amazon.com. You can see more samples from inside the book by clicking here. Or visit my website.
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 1/4/2010
Just after midnite today, I drew the winner of the "ABCs of Yoga for Kids" Coloring Book. The winner is...Kathleen W. of Katydid & Kid! Congratulations. I hope your little one loves coloring and learning the poses!
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 12/28/2009
To celebrate the new year and all of my loyal blog followers, I will be giving away a copy of my newly illustrated "The ABCs of Yoga for Kids" coloring book. The book contains pages to color with poses for each letter of the alphabet. It is wonderful on its own or as part of the collection, which includes the hardcover book and the poster. All will be available through the publisher's website, or at Amazon.com.
But if you leave a comment on this post anytime now through January 4th, your name will be entered to win a free copy of the book. I will be giving away only one copy, but the drawing will be random and will take place on January 5th, and anyone can win! Good luck, and Happy New Year!
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 12/19/2009
My latest children's book project is a book I am working on for Sylvan Dell Publishing, titled "Champ's Story: Dogs Get Cancer Too".
Below you can see the cover art. Champ and Cody are best friends, so I gave them both golden red hair. I used a combination of watercolors, gouache, oil pastels and pastel pencils for the art throughout the book:
And here was my pencil sketch for the cover. I wanted to show a deep, emotional connection and love between the main characters:
And here is a mock-up for the possible finished cover design by Sylvan Dell:
The book will be out sometime in 2010. The story is designed to help children with cancer understand and deal with their illness and treatments. But I also believe it is a great story for children dealing with the illness of a pet or a sibling or friend. I really think it is a great story, and I am honored to have been chosen for the project.
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 12/2/2009
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In the springtime, little black ant leaves the colony in search for food..jpg)
Black ants are gathering nectar from the aphids in the rose garden..jpg)
Ant communication!.jpg)
Flying ants leaving the nest in search of mates.
"Little Black Ant on Park Street" is FINALLY here! Here is what is available now...check Amazon.com: The paperback is a LARGE paperback (11.5" x 8.5") .
Also available in micro hardcover (5 7/8" x 4 3/4"), with or without a plush toy. Not sure when the collector's edition hardcover will be released. Also check Borders and B&N.
If you haven't taken a look at my website in a while, check it out. I am always changing it and adding fun new art stuff!
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 11/13/2009
For all of you freelance artists out there whose studio companion has 4 legs and a waggly tail, this is for you...
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 11/12/2009
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Hey!! Just wanted to give you another sneak preview from my latest book "Little Black Ant on Park Street". This is just a "detail" of one of the spreads in the book. Still waiting...I think it will be out in December. I'll let you know when I know!
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 10/14/2009
©KathleenRietz
Those of you who have been following my blog for a while have probably seen this before, but it is time to bring it out again! Have a Happy Halloween!!
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 10/11/2009
My friends know I also love being creative in the kitchen. Here are the birthday cupcakes I baked for my sister tonite. MMmmmm!
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 10/10/2009
Flying... (I can't really write too much about this project yet....sshhh...)
But...here are some Sunday school learning materials I illustrated for LifeWay Christian Resources:
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 10/6/2009
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After several delays, the new release date for my illustrated book "Little Black Ant on Park Street" (Soundprints Publishing) is December 2009. I took these photos of the spreads with a pocket camera, and will repost them when I get actually high quality scans. But I was so excited I just had to show you now! It was hard to choose only 2 spreads from the book, but I cannot give away the story. So until December, this will have to satisfy!
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 10/1/2009
Every artist needs an assistant. This is Sunshine. She is my happy girl. :)
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 9/28/2009
"The ABCs of Yoga For Kids", illustrated by me and written by Teresa Anne Power, just won a second award this year! The book took home a bronze award in the 2009 Moonbeam Children's Books Awards in the Body-Mind-Spirit/Self Esteem category.
The accompanying "The ABCs of Yoga For Kids" Coloring Book is due out next month. Here is a sneak peek from the book:
(You can also download free coloring pages HERE!) While you are visiting the site, order the book and the NEW poster as a gift for the holidays this year!
Lastly, I have just signed a contract with Sylvan Dell Publishing to illustrate a new children's book. The book deals with a very important cause, and I am honored to have been chosen such a task. I cannot reveal too much right now, but I am super-excited, and will reveal more as the book evolves. Meanwhile, check out Sylvan Dell Publishing and their other great books.
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 9/26/2009
This is so sweet, I just had to post it. I saw it over at my friend Phyllis Harris's blog.
By: Kathleen Rietz,
on 9/25/2009
Have a great weekend everyone!
Wow, the detail and pattern in that caterpillar and the grass is amazing! Nicely done!
Hey Kathy it been a long while. Hope that you are well. This is such a wonderful illustration. I love all the fabulous and delicious detail. This is truly a winner!
beautiful colors and details
That is one gorgeous caterpillar!
i have said this before but you are so talented. your illustrations are just beautiful!
Wow! Everytime I you reveal another illustration from the book... I get more excited about getting my copy. This is wonderful kathleen! hey thanks for the visit and comment. :o)
OMG! This is such an adorable incredible magnificent illustration. I must get this book!
Amazing colors, and crisp beautiful artwork...thank you!
Wow, Kathleen! These are amazingly beautiful illustrations!!
Wonderful!Love the details!