New website, who dis?
I bit the bullet this year and hired a professional designer to update my website. For many years, I designed and maintained it on my own, but now that my
July 3, 2023
Living the Dream
Jump In! earns two stars!
My solo debut, Jump In! will be released on January 31st. The first review came in from Kirkus two weeks ago and it was a star! They called it “A
November 25, 2022
Coming Events
October 8 What does it mean to “leave room for the illustrator?” What tools can writers use to think visually while writing? Likewise, how can illustrators pull words from their
September 22, 2022
Jump In!
Dear friend, I can hardly contain my excitement! JUMP IN! My first authored/illustrated picture book is off to the press and will be available in January. Pre-ordering is available now! It
May 24, 2022
Countee Cullen for the NYT Book Review
I was asked to illustrate a young Countee Cullen for the 125th year anniversary issues of The New York Times Book Review. So pleased with how this came out!
October 31, 2021
Sketching for Season 3 of YOU
The also asked for a sketch of The Little Prince. I sent a box full of old drawings, sketches, and old paintings for the prop master to choose from. I
October 21, 2021
NYT Book Review
I usually shy away from editorial assignments. Typically it’s because I’m busy with book work, but mostly it’s because I have always been nervous about the quick turnaround. Well, those
September 12, 2021
Ruth E. Engle Memorial Collection of Children’s Book Illustration
On Saturday I visited Messiah College to celebrate their latest original picture book art acquisition from my first picture book BIRD, written by Zetta Elliott. Over the years I have
April 15, 2019
Kidlit Summer Camp
For the past three years now I have joined The Highlights Foundation as a faculty member for their annual summer camp. It’s an amazing opportunity for authors and illustrators to
April 9, 2019
Scaling Back
I’ve always been an all or nothing type of person. As a kid I would play outside in the hot sun all day until I would be attacked by a
March 27, 2019
We Are the Change
On May 7th, Chronicle Books will release a gorgeous illustrated book that features artwork from 16 amazing artists (Selina Alko, Alina Chau, Lisa Congdon, Emily Hughes, Molly Idle, Juana Medina,
January 21, 2019
Never Caught Cover Story
This week marks the release of “Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington’s Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away; Young Readers Edition”. In this incredible
January 14, 2019
Support the Arts!
It’s the last day of 2018, which also means it’s the last day that we can donate to our favorite organizations and declare it on this year’s taxes. I ask
December 31, 2018
Hollins, Tulsa, and Highlights!
The second half of 2018 was full of wonderful happenings. I spent time mentoring great talents at The Highlights Foundation this summer, I presented my work at Hollins University, I
December 29, 2018
Spring Making
We’re slowly awakening from our long winter slumber. This time of year is always especially motivating for me and I’m sure it is for most creative people. Here are a
April 3, 2018
Highlights from Highlights and Louise Goes to Tulsa!
It has been a fantastic and busy season over here in the studio! First off, I helped launch an exhibition of my work at The Highlights Foundation!! How cool is
March 28, 2018
Telling a People’s Story
Saturday, April 21 11:10 a.m.-12:10 p.m. ~ Shadra Strickland (Illustrator) Positivity and Fulfilling the Dream Strickland works to promote self-affirmation and validation for African-American children in order to encourage positivity. Through
February 23, 2018
Join Me at The Highlights Foundation
“Be curious about the world and how it works.”–Shadra Strickland Join me for a at the Highlights Foundation on Saturday, March 17. The reception launches The Highlights Foundation’s 2018 Visual Arts
February 13, 2018
Deck the Walls Sale
Tis the season for giving! Head over to my etsy shop for this week’s sale! I’m offering 10% off of everything listed. Happy holidays!
December 5, 2017
Shaking Things Up January 2018
Last summer I also had the pleasure of working on a collaborative project by Susan Hood – forthcoming from HarperCollins! SHAKING THINGS UP: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World hits
November 27, 2017
Ghost Boys Cover Process
Over the summer I was asked to illustrate the cover of award winning author, Jewell Parker Rhodes’ latest book, Ghost Boys, here is a synopsis of the story: Twelve-year-old Jerome
November 22, 2017
Untethered
I didn’t think that I would be motherless this early. We planned to move her up to Baltimore so that she could enjoy the rest of her retired life with
November 6, 2017
Sweater Weather!
Happy Fall! Tis the season of crisp, cool air and noisy crunching below foot. For me, it’s also a time of renewed creative energy and longer hours in the studio.
October 3, 2017
Coming Soon!
My next book, A Child’s Book of Prayers and Blessings: From Many Faiths and Cultures Around the World, debuts in October. Each illustration was made using the relief linocut printmaking
August 1, 2017
Dogs and clavicles
My blog has been dormant or a while now. 2017 has been the busiest and most life changing since I moved to Maryland. I bought a house, moved my mom
June 21, 2017
Loving vs. Virginia at the Library of Congress
Join us for a special event Patricia Hruby Powell and I will discuss Loving vs. Virginia at The Library of Congress at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 3, in the
April 30, 2017
Loving vs. Virginia in the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show
If you’re in New York, check out The Original Art Show at the Society of Illustrators! Loving vs. Virginia is one of the books selected this year and I’m thrilled
October 30, 2016
Shopping with Pat Cummings at BPL
On Saturday I took leave from my art prison to visit with the wonderful librarians and young patrons at the Brooklyn Public Library. Award-winning children’s book author and illustrator Pat
June 28, 2016
“Peach” available on etsy
Last week, I was struck by inspiration. That inspiration led me to make this painting. “Peach” now available on etsy.
April 14, 2016
The Turn of the Page
If you’re in New York this spring, head on over to Brooklyn Public Library to see the amazing work of Pat Cummings! Also on display is the work of many of
April 8, 2016
Bookmaking in Baltimore
On Saturday I conducted a free bookmaking workshop for the Reginald F. Lewis Museum’s Saturday’s Child series. Families came from Washington DC, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City to learn how
February 22, 2016
Always Best Care & The Philly African American Book Festival
On Saturday I attended the 24th annual African American Book Festival in Philadelphia. It is one of my favorite events of the year because I get to celebrate with many of
February 8, 2016
Wearing my writer hat at VCFA
Last week I spent a few days in snowy Montpelier as author/illustrator in residence at Vermont College of Fine Arts in their Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children &
January 18, 2016
Powerball Dreams
I never play the lottery. My mom does. I do not. This week, with a pot of over 1 billion dollars, I will be buying lottery tickets. What would I
January 11, 2016
Looking Back to Move Forward
Another year has presented itself with opportunity and promise. I am not one to make resolutions, but I do have a few “big girl” goals mapped out for myself this
January 7, 2016
Holiday gifts for Artists!
The holiday season is upon us! When I was a kid, there’s nothing that I enjoyed more than art books and supplies. I still enjoy those gifts above others (except maybe
October 23, 2015