If there’s a blank space on a paper, I’ll probably doodle on it. I’ve never considered myself an artist, but have always been moved by other people’s art work, and in the past I liked to draw. I even took a few art classes in college (oil painting seemed like a good idea in theory, but I have no patience for how long you have to wait between layers).
Then I had kids and promptly forgot about my love of drawing, although I still appreciated other people’s art and especially illustrations in picture books.
Recently I discovered Procreate Pocket, which is done on an iphone instead of an ipad (because I don’t have one of those yet…), and fell in love with creating and drawing again!
I have a folder full of picture books I’ve written over the years. They occasionally call to me and beg to see the light of day. My hope is that in the near future I can self publish my own picture books — after I practice and learn to become a better illustrator. I’d also like to become skilled enough to draw my own book covers, as well as other images, if my middle grade and YA books need an illustration.
I’ve started a new Instagram page @gaylenewilson.illustration to have a place to put my drawings and be inspired and cheered on by other incredible illustrators. It has been an exciting and extremely rewarding adventure!
Gaylene Wilson 