Just for the fun of it!

I've been up to my eyeballs doing illustrations for First Fact Finder for Metz Press but took a little time out and dusted off my sketch book. Here are a couple of pen and inks that I did over the weekend.

scull 2

scull 1

I'm aiming to do at least 1 sketch, just for the fun of it, every week.

Baardskeerdersbos

For an inside look into the quirky village of Baardskeerdersbos, the Art Route, artists who live here and the genral goings on, visit my blog about BBos.

http://www.baardskeerdersbos.blogspot.com/

Getting our awards at Metz Press this morning.

Liezl (designer), Nikki (illustrator), Wilsia (publisher)  and Helen (author)

I love working with these woman!! On Monday I start illustrating "First Fact Finder"........ can't wait.

Water Fun

It's been soooo hot! Fortunately we have a farm dam 2 mins walk from my studio door. Loved this photo that I snapped at the dam today. Yoda loves the dam as much as we do! Total exuberance and joy.

I'm sure that's a smile on her face!

Helen Lewis writes about Fact Finder winning Book Chat award

A lovely write up by Helen Lewis on the Metz Press blog about being shortlisted for Book Chat, Book of the Year award.
 Follow the link.....

http://www.metzpress.co.za/blog/entry/fact-finder-wins-bookchat-award

Slimply Loved doing these illustrations

 

Fact finder on the Bookchat Top Children's books list for 2011

www.bookchat.co.za

 Press release – 3 February 2012

BOOKCHAT AWARDS for 2011

When “Bookchat” was a printed magazine, there used to be a “Books of the Year” commendation. This custom was revived to cover 2010. Here is my selected short-list from the English books submitted to the “Bookchat” website during the past year. Those concerned have received certificates.

Fiction

A WISH THIS BIG by Ingrid Mennen, illustrated by Katrin Coetzer (Tafelberg)

FINDING AUNT JOAN by Jenny Hatton, illustrated by Joan Rankin (Jacana)

MOVING HOUSE by Jenny Hatton, illustrated by Joan Rankin (Jacana)

SOLOMON’S STORY by Judy Froman (Macmillan)

STEPPING SOLO by Jayne Bauling (Maskew Miller Longman)

THE MAGIC FISH retold by Margie Orford, illustrated by Lizza Littlewort (Jacana)

Non-fiction

FACT FINDER by Helen Lewis, illustrated by Nikki Miles (Metz Press)

HELEN SUZMAN by Gillian Godsell (Maskew Miller Longman: “They Fought for Freedom”)

MY FIRST BOOK OF SOUTHERN AFRICAN OCEAN LIFE by Roberta Griffiths, illustrated by Judy Maré (Struik Nature)

A commendable year’s list, though hard to pick the top spot. Nothing in the younger categories which was fully satisfying in all aspects – writing and illustration and design. Some reassuring non-fiction publications, and my choice of winner is on the edge of this category, fiction based on fact. It wins by sheer impact.

The “Bookchat” Book of the Year 2011 is –

SOLOMON’S STORY

by Judy Froman

(Pan Macmillan)

Special Awards

Recognition is offered to three people (in alphabetical order) who have, in their different ways, given outstanding support to children’s literature.

Gorry Bowes Taylor

For allocating regular time/space on her “Book Choice” programme on Fine Music Radio for many years.

Lona Gericke

For services particularly to Afrikaans children’s literature; many years on the committee of the SACBF and IBBY SA; and a past reviewer for Bookchat magazine.

Jean Williams

For leading Biblionef for over ten years to the publishing and re-issuing of key South African titles in all eleven official languages of our country.

www.bookchat.co.za

Making a Splash!!

My illustration on the cover of Splash magazine. Could they have written my name any bigger!! Asana thinks it's great.

THE SELF CATERING COTTAGE ON TIERFONTEIN FARM IS UP AND RUNNING

Back stoep

Entrance

Relaxing

Beautifully appointed Kitchen

The view!

Bedroom 1 double

Bedroom 2 twins

Cottage at sunrise

The accommodation comprises an entrance hall with double bedrooms each side, each with en suite shower toilet and handbasin. Straight through the hallway into the reading room which opens out onto the back veranda. To the left of the reading room is the kitchen and dining area with a small fridge and gas hob. Further accommodation is the “stoep room” with two single beds and en suite shower, basin and toilet. To the right is the oldest part of the house with it’s fireplace and exposed “koffieklip” footings with comfortable couches to chill in front of the fire. Adjacent to the house is a small dam in the mountain stream which is attractive to the birds, frogs and small children. The quiet is palpable apart from the frogs and birds. The view from the rear is across the fields into the valley running parallel to the coast, whilst the view from the front is to the mountain and waterfall beckoning you to come and enjoy the fynbos and the abundant birdlife that resides there.

Rates:
· R250-00 per person per night for the first night then R 200-00 per person per night thereafter.
· R1 000-00 for the house (sleeps 6) for the first night and R 800-00 per night thereafter.

http://baardskeerdersbos.withtank.com/

Illustrations school text books

Some new illies:

Wonderful article in the SA Art Times about the Art Route

Follow this link to the Feb issue of the SA Art Times.
http://www.arttimes.co.za/

WE NOW LIVE IN BAARDSKEERDERSBOS!

BBos

Baardskeerdersbos Art Route update

Invitation

It's been crazy busy with DBE submissions looming and deadlines slap bang in the middle of the Baardskeerdersbos Art Route. So, instead of sitting out and not participating, I hatched a plan! I called up some of my illustrator buddies and asked whether they would be up for a group exhibition.......

Our exhibition of local Illustrators for the Baardskeerdersbos Art Route came together beautifully! The work was of the highest quality. A highlight was Tom Kyffins work. Absolute classics! Tom has worked for Deadline, Fleetway, Malibu, Marvel, DC and Wizards of the Coast.

Judge Dredd

Judge Dredd

Val Myburgh's RIP Nguni and Golden Calf, also recieved much attention.

Golden Calf

Martinus Van Tee recently moved to Stanford. I love his "The Dictator and the Rebel"

The Dictator and the Rebel

Other exhibitors included, Helen Vale Xenos, Betrice Pook and Robert Verburg....... and me!

We have plans up our sleeve for future exhibitions.... watch this space!

BAARDSKEERDERSBOS ART ROUTE

THE NEXT ART ROUTE: 14 & 15 JANUARY 2012

It's that time again folks..... Diarise the date. 
The Baardskeerdersbos Art Route is a 'not to be missed' event that has art lovers coming back time and time again. Every Art Route is fresh and vibrant with interesting new guest artists exhibiting and the productive BBos artists are constantly pushing their boundries and challenging themselves to take their art to new heights.
The Art Route is always evolving.You never know what suprise is in store. Child and pet friendly, off the beaten track and one of the last salt-of-earth undressed-up destinations in the Western Cape. The scenic Strandveld awaits.

The Baardskeerdersbos Art Route takes place on the weekend of 14th and 15th January 2012. This charming hamlet, supportive of the creative spirit, has attracted many artists to its warm heart. With over a dozen solo exhibitions, this is a wonderful opportunity to catch a personal glimpse into the lives of rural artists, as most exhibitions take place in the artist’s homes and studios.

A cross section of local painters, printmakers, photographers, sculptors and ceramicists will be exhibiting their latest work. Joshua Miles engages art lovers with the process involved in creating his sought-after Japanese style reduction woodblock prints, which continue to be snapped up by collectors with a nose for promise.  Andree Bonthuis’s studio will play host to award-winning film maker, photographer and artist, Kali van der Merwe. Niel Jonker’s impressionistic landscapes are little jewels waiting to adorn the walls of your home. His paintings and figurative bonze sculptures are widely represented in galleries across the country. 
 

For the summer 2012 art route a group exhibition of illustrators from the Overberg and Strandveld is shown. Illustration is often seen as the distant cousin of fine art, while many remote artists engage in this more commercial medium to make a living. The industry is currently thriving and since several top illustrators live and work in the area, the Baardskeerdersbos Art Route has invited illustrators such as Nikki Miles, Tom Kyffin and Val Myburgh to show a selection of their fine art, especially produced and curated for this event by Nikki Miles.

 

It’s difficult not to feel a yearning for the simple life when the time comes to leave. After a weekend of inspirational art, great conversation, scenic splendour and new friends, this event will be marked firmly in your mind and in your diary as not to be missed in the future! The Baardskeerdersbos Art Route takes place 3 times a year.

For more information visit: 

www.baardskeerdersbosartroute.com  

Tel Niel Jonker: 0826517414

Email Nikki Miles: nikki@omail.co.za

Chapter Header for Metz Press

New work : Visual Dictionary for Children

Bird

Dog Breeds

FACT FINDER: Book Reviewed by Jay Heale

This is a review from the website: Gorry Bowes Taylor Extraordinary Literary Events.
Follow link:


http://www.gorrybowestaylor.co.za/reviews/82/four-books-for-school-satchels-four-authors

NEW BOOK BY METZ PRESS

 

This is the latest book I've illustrated for Metz Press.

 YOUR CHILD CAN DO MATHS by Johan van Lill and published by Metz Press

"Did you battle with maths at school and now your child has the same problem?

Or were you a maths whizz but you have no idea how to help your child who is battling?

Then this book is for you. It is written in easy to follow language, and brimful of advice that will help you face this challenge. Learn the following:

• Why maths is important

• How to use movement to wire your child’s brain for success with maths

• How to ensure your child remains positive about maths

• Basic knowledge and concepts all children should master

• Helping your child master addition, subtraction, multiplication and division

• General maths problems to watch our for

• Tables made easy

• Word sums and problem solving."

I struggled with Maths at school and helping my Grade 3 with homework is often a challenge. "My teacher doesn't do it like that", is the usual response. I remember my dad trying to help me with my maths homework when I was growing up. He had a firm grasp of what was required and tried to explain but it never made sense and I remember saying exactly the same thing........ My teacher doesn't do it like that. In the end I just got lost and felt stupid. 

My daughter loves Maths and I want to nurture this passion without poisoning her with my own 'maths-baggage'.

This book is awesome and really helpful. Every parent and teacher should have one!!!   

Some of this weeks work. Illies for school text book.

Illustrations from Nehu and the Statue. Vivlia Publishers