Guest Artist: Author/Illustrator Gina Perry

Hi North Hampton Students,

My name is Gina Perry and I live in North Hampton with my husband and two children, Miles and Piper. My job is to write and illustrate children's books. When I was a kid, I always loved to draw and to read. I am so happy that my work combines two of my favorite things. It's fun to think of ideas for new books, and drawing helps me think and create the characters.

But, sometimes I look at a blank piece of paper and don't know WHAT to draw. When that happens, I fill a page with big shapes, like this:

I look at the shapes and think, what do I see? A bird? A talking tomato? A bunch of flowers? A truck?

I start to draw and make the shapes into something. Usually, once I finish the page I am full of other ideas.

You can try this too. Make your own shapes or use this template:

And if you are still looking for an idea about what to draw, how about drawing yourself as a cat? Start with simple shapes, then think about what makes YOU you. Is it your glasses, your favorite shirt, your curly hair? Make your frame as fancy or simple as you like. Don't forget to put a name tag on it. You can keep drawing cat portraits of your family and friends.

Happy Drawing!

-Gina

p.s. I have LOTS of free how-to draw worksheets on my website:

www.ginaperry.com/printables