AMANDA SHEPHERD'S LIST OF PREVIOUS SCHOOL VISITS PROGRAM INFORMATION: Each presentation is 35-40 minutes. Up to 50 students in each class Pricing varies: Discounts may be offered for multiple school bookings. Please contact me for pricing. *CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT/CAFETERIA (Preferred to gym) PROGRAM OVERVIEW: I. WHAT DOES A CHILDREN'S BOOK ILLUSTRATOR DO? II. BOOKS SPEAK TO EACH OF US - the importance of books III. WRITING / SEEING / OBSERVATION: One of the most important things about being an artist or writer is seeing. We see colors -- and shapes. We notice the seasons of the year. We notice how light reflects, creating beautiful reflections of color and deep shadows. The leaves in autumn ...and the trees in winter. IV. THE ILLUSTRATORS PROCESS: IV. DEMONSTRATION: ACRYLIC PAINTING In the demonstration I use gesso on cardboard and often grocery bags. These materials are used to demonstrate that special tools are not necessary when creating artwork or illustrations. (Although acrylic gesso is rather unique - you can draw and sketch directly on a grocery bag.) You can use items from around the house like cardboard, pencil and ballpoint pens. V. STORY STARTER : DRAWING INTERACTIVE EXERCISE Where does a story begin? As an illustrator I often find my stories begin with a sketch or drawing. In this interactive exercise we will illustrate a character that will begin our story. We explore ways of description using our drawing tools. We will discuss the setting and background -- each student will have a unique character to begin their own story. Drawing can be fun...drawing can inspire...sometimes that is exactly where our own story begins... with a pencil and one piece of paper. SUPPLY LIST: Students will need at least (3) 8.5 x 11 pieces of paper, pencil and eraser. Also students need a table, desk or board to draw on with the paper. MISTAKES: Nothing is perfect. It is important to discuss mistakes. I like to think there are no mistakes. All artists and writers write or draw things they don't like. Mistakes are changes in decisions..it'spart of the learning process and part of the journey of writing and illustrating. Mistakes are ways to explore what we paint or write. They improve our work. Writers rewrite their stories hundreds of times. Illustrators make changes until there are stacks of drawing papers up to the rooftops (you should see my drawing room)! Mistakes...if you want to call them that.. are a good thing. ---------( 35 -40 minute classroom session )--------- • Full day up to 4 sessions • Half day : up to 2 sessions • One presentation : Call for information I try to accomodate requests -- due to the cost of travel one presentation is more difficult. CONTACT AMANDA FOR MORE SCHOOL VISIT INFORMATION