It has been a while since I've posted. I have a ton going on which is all good, so I've not been around here much. Today, this is something I have to share!

Every month SCBWI hosts a drawing challenge #SCBWIDrawThis with a prompt word. For May the prompt words was #Alone. I thought long and hard on the concept of alone, trying to visualize what would epitomize this word. This idea struck me the morning the illustration was due. I almost didn't finish it having self-doubt take over about half way through. If you watch my video on YouTube, you'll see I started with a girl that was just not working, but the idea wouldn't let me go. So, I finished it late that night and submitted it with minutes to spare. See the full gallery of participants here.

I present to you: Alone

How often did you sit alone as a child on a teeter totter waiting, wishing, hoping someone would join you?

Magical

Have a MAGICAL Monday!

It's been a while since I've shared here. I thought I'd dive back in with the Illustration Friday challenge word, Magical. Oh yeah, that's my kind of word. Doesn't everyone want a fairy godmother to turn them into a princess or prince? Or a mouse into a carriage horse? A pumpkin into the carriage? Bippity-boppity-boo! The transformation has begun.

I created this using Procreate on my iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil. Part of my #paintplay exploration and fun painting adventure. Please let me know if you would like to purchase this as a print.

If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?

Fairy Godmother, @2018 Traci Van Wagoner

Hot Chocolate Comfort

Everything is better with hot cocoa on a cold winter's day

I started this painting last year during the holidays and didn't get chance to finish it, so this year as the weather turned colder and the days shorter, I pulled out my Holidays folder of sketches and WIP half finished paintings and ideas, and this one stood out as a perfect fit for the SCBWI Draw This prompt, Comfort. So, I finished it.

I always loved the feeling as a kid of playing outside all day with my cousins and family, iceskating, tubing, sleigh riding, playing Fox and Geese in the fresh snow, and of course the occasional snow ball fight and snowman making, and then coming inside frozen to the bone to find steaming mugs of hot cocoa. Ice cold hands melt and cold bones warm while wrapped in Grandma's soft afghan. Nothing better that that at the end of a full day of winter play. This is the comforts of home.

©2017 Traci Van Wagoner, Hot Chocolate Comfort

What is your favorite winter activity? What is your comfort of home? Feel free to share in the comments and enjoy the changing of the seasons.