Hey there Reader!

This week, for me, is all about children's books. Perhaps this might fuel your own art-making this week:

• I'm writing a children's book. Going into 2025, I've decided to start illustrating a children's book. Additionally, as inspired by Austin Kleon's "Show Your Work," I also decided to document my progress along the way. You can find that on my Instagram account as well as even more behind-the-scenes updates on patreon.
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• A Liturgy for Beginning An Artistic Work. In light of my illustration endeavor, W. David O. Taylor has written this wonderful prayer for anyone beginning an artistic work.
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• How I'll do the children's book. Since I've already committed myself to daily sketching this year, I've decided to role the sketch work into this project.
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• My new little easel. Picasso's early work was detailed. His later work became abstract. Why? He aimed for the essence. He aimed to see and capture the essence of a thing. I'm doing the same in both life and art. I'm beginning to enjoy painting before sketching, thinking big picture instead of details. To help this, a shout out to my folks for getting me this new little easel for Christmas.
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• An homage to the Bluey theme song. Our family is a little late to jump on the Bluey bandwagon. The theme song might be one of my all-time favorites. Here is a simple breakdown of the time signature. Also, check out this orchestra version. Here it is on guitar. Here it is with a marching band. Here it is on other cool instruments.
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• Want to support this project in some way? If you'd like to leave me a tip or become a monthly patron for my children's book and other artistic works, I'd appreciate that!
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• How colors got their names. Ok, this came from an X post. But if etymology is your thing, you might be interested in this!

- Matt

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