Alexandra Boiger Illustration

Lola's Heart - Into The Woods

2012-01-30T12:53:00.000-08:00

Power in Numbers - Nucleus Gallery

2012-01-30T11:41:00.000-08:00

Nucleus moderates an online showcase of artwork called Power In Numbers. The proceeds of each sale go to a charity chosen by the artist. I was invited to participate and so Marla&Max were born.
Check it out, if you wish and enjoy!

Marla & Max

2012-01-18T08:14:00.000-08:00

Marla & Max have a little story of their own. Lola continues to run on my drawing board. But sometimes she needs to take a rest as I also work on Tallulah's Toe Shoes and another book. It's so beautiful when everything seems to flow.

Lola Run

2012-01-14T19:23:00.000-08:00

Lola's Heart

2012-01-13T08:23:00.000-08:00

...gets rescued.

And this one is for you Vanessa, mein Augenstern.

Lola's Heart

2012-01-09T15:30:00.000-08:00

This one is for you, Andrea!

I am trying to keep posting as often as possible. Lola is leading the way these days and I am excited.

Lola 02

2012-01-05T17:29:00.000-08:00

Passengers

2012-01-03T19:07:00.000-08:00

Hush Little Prince

2011-12-30T14:17:00.000-08:00

Hush Little Prince
now count the sheep.
Close your eyes,
catch a dream
and fall asleep.

For Xenia and Sal

Lola

2011-12-13T11:55:00.001-08:00

looking for...

2011-12-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

yourself.

The Conference of the Birds

2011-11-28T10:04:00.000-08:00

Today I am writing a review about The Conference of the Birds, adapted from the twelfth-century Sufi poem and illustrated by Peter Sis, published by The Penguin Press. I have been invited to take part in a virtual book tour by TLC Book Tours and do so with the perspective of an illustrator.
This is the first book Peter Sis created for adults. But really--it is a book for all ages.

Like most of you, I have known Peter Sis' work for a long time. Scranimals (written by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Peter Sis) is one of our favorite bedtime stories at home. He is a unique writer/illustrator whose work is highly acclaimed and celebrated. His style, so sophisticated and recognizable never misses a hint of humor in it. The Conference of the Birds is following this thread beautifully. Through simple text and evocative paintings, the reader follows a flight of birds on their search to find the true king, Simoorgh. The poet Attar, who realizes that he is a hoopoe bird, leads the doubtful birds on a quest through the seven valleys: quest, love, understanding, detachment, unity, amazement, and death. To find what?

I can see and feel the passion with which Peter Sis fell into this story. In this philosophic tale we learn about the venture of life, the journey of finding yourself through the search for a higher power. Someone to guide you by overcoming all sorts of obstacles, which in most cases lie simply within us. How many times have you stood in your own way? Well, that is how I related to this book. I feel, depending on what phase one is in life (age, experiences, family) this story will mean particular things to each of us. Peter Sis' style captures the mood of the text perfectly. The seriousness is lightened up by the humor I find in the depiction of the birds. The page turn is done not only with the understanding of an illustrator, but also a cinematographer. A beautiful book. I think, I will read it differently ten years from now and again in a different way ten years after that. Peter Sis has clearly applied all his knowledge as a storyteller and illustrated with his heart feeding of his own life experience. Did I already say it? A gorgeous book with many layers. I intend to peel them one by one over the years to come.

If you would like to hear more about the Conference of The Birds in Peter Sis' own words, please listen the the two links below.

Peter Sis Interview at BEA 2011
Peter Sis on NPR

Tallulah's Solo--May 2012

2011-10-19T10:39:00.001-07:00

Written by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and published by Clarion Books.

After a year of ballet classes, Tallulah is a practiced ballerina and confident she will land the starring role in the upcoming show. Her little brother, Beckett, is eager to begin ballet after watching Tallulah for so long. Tallulah is proud to have a brother interested in dance, and tries to give him some helpful tips. But Beckett is easily distracted and doesn't really listen to either Tallulah or his teacher. This is fine with Tallulah, until Beckett is given a lead in the show--the frog in the Frog Prince—while Tallulah is cast as a lady-in-waiting.

Take Your Mama To Work Today--March 2012

2011-10-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

Written by Amy Reichert, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger (yes, it's me!) and published by Atheneum Books.

Coworkers beware—Violet’s here to “help” at the office in this lively picture book that puts a fun-loving spin on the grown-up work world.When Violet visits her mom’s office on Take Your Child to Work Day (or snow days, or school holidays, or babysitter-is-sick days), she is very helpful. She answers the phone (once she stops accidentally hanging up on people!), makes business cards (after adding a snazzy personal touch!), learns how to use the paper shredder (and discovers how to make her very own confetti!), and gives the boss pointers on his presentation. With a little mayhem—and a lot of joy—Violet makes her mark on the office!

Sketchtravel Video

2011-10-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

This explains everything you need to know about Sketchtravel.
It is very worth watching:
Sketchtravel Video

And this is simply beautiful. You're in for a treat:
Sketchtravel Short Movie by "Dice" Daisuke Tsutsumi

Krokodil by Vanessa

2011-10-12T16:18:00.000-07:00

My daughter Vanessa (age 10) made this sculpture and Andrea, my husband, made a copy for us.
Vanessa is the best artist in our house.

Well, yes...I am a proud mom.

Sketchtravel News!!

2011-09-20T15:44:00.000-07:00

This amazing project is coming to its end in a big finale in Brussels, Belgium one month from now. The proceeds of this auction will go to "Room To Read". I am one of the participating artists. Wow, back in 2008 nobody could have imagined how impressive the line up and outcome will be. The whole adventure was created by Dice Tsutsumi and Gerald Guerlais.

I bow my head to both of you, messieurs!
If you would like to find out more and stay updated, please check out the website and facebook page that was created.
Really, you don't want to miss this!

Sketchtravel website
Sketchtravel on facebook

Wind In The Willows

2011-08-05T12:27:00.000-07:00

I did this illustration for my daughter's school play poster
back in March.

Alice She Was-Alice She Is

2011-05-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

Here is my piece for the Mary Blair exhibition in Japan.

The Life and Legacy of "The Grande Dame" Mary Blair - Centennial Exhibition in Japan

2011-05-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't know her? Who hasn't been taken by storm by her stunning colors, characters and design? Her sense of storytelling. Timeless. She is truly one of the big female voices of her time and ours and continues to inspire and influence artists in Animation and Illustration all around the globe.
Thank you, Madame! You have certainly inspired me.

Studio Ghibli is the curator of a Centennial Exhibition in Japan commemorating the 100th anniversary of Mary Blair's birth. The exhibition is titled "Mary Blair-Life Choices, The Work of a Mother". It already started in Tokyo on April 28, 2011 and will travel to Sapporo, Osaka, Niigata, Nagoya, Nagasaki and more cities over the next three years. There are over 180 works on display. It will be a one of a kind event. And this show will hopefully bring joy and hope to Japan in this difficult time.

Also invited to participate in this show were a few artists from around the world whose work is influenced by Mary Blair. These are the participating amazing artists: Daisuke Tsutsumi, Lou Romano, Rebecca Dautremer, Loreley Bove, Ralph Eggleston, Peter Chan, Ricky Nierva, Soosa Kim, Ben Butcher, Kendal Cronkhite and Bob McKenzie (and more). Well, and - I still can't believe it - I was invited too. It is such an honor.
My piece (see above) is an homage to Mary Blair as an artist and woman and to Alice in Wonderland--an illustrator's dream.

To read more about the event:
The Mainichi Daily News
Japan celebrates 100 years of Mary Blair's birth - Cultural bridge - People Forum

ONE - Artists Help Japan Event

2011-03-31T08:50:00.000-07:00

Maverix Studios Art Auction Benefit for Japan Relief April 2 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm @ The New People 1746 Post Street San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 525-8630

We can help the people in Japan.

Here is my piece. It will be auctioned at this
Saturday’s One –ひとつ event at Super Frog Gallery

Pirate Vs. Pirate Today

2011-03-22T09:19:00.000-07:00

Tallulah' s Tutu Today!

2011-03-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, today is the official Publication Day for the long awaited Tallulah's Tutu. There will be two wonderful events this week in NYC, where you can meet Marilyn Singer, some wonderful little ballerinas and me!

Thursday March 24, 2011 7PM-9PM
http://www.thirdstreetmusicschool.org/index.htm

This event is FREE and open to the Public. Limited seating is available.

Celebrate the release of the children’s book, Tallulah’s Tutu—dedicated to Third Street’s ballet students—with a special dance performance by the students and author Marilyn Singer as narrator. Copies of the book will be available for purchase. Marilyn and illustrator Alexandra Boiger will be on hand to autograph them after the performance. Join us for this unique event that will be fun for music, dance and book lovers of all ages. Families that arrive early will receive a free paper doll kit of Tallulah and her tutus!

BOOKS OF WONDER
Sunday March 27, 2011 12-1 PM
http://www.booksofwonder.com/events032711.asp

Marilyn Singer will start off this fun-filled event with a lively reading, followed by a drawing demonstration by Alexandra Boiger, after which we’ll all be treated to a demonstration of dance steps courtesy of the young students of the Third Street Music School (to who the book is dedicated). The author and artist will follow up with a question and answer period, then sign copies of all their wonderful books. Ages 3-7. 12-1pm

Art Blocks for Ghana Auction is LIVE

2011-03-14T12:31:00.001-07:00

JAPAN

2011-03-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

"Artists Help Japan"- A Message from PBP Foundation and Dice Tsutsumi

On March 11, an 8.9 earthquake struck off the northeast coast of Japan near the city of Sendai. The earthquake generated a massive tsunami with waves as high as 30 feet, resulting in floods, fires and the closure of airports and transit systems. Hundreds of people were killed, and homes, fields and towns were flooded or destroyed.

Artists Help Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Fund is responding to the immediate needs of survivors as well as short-term to long-term recovery projects undertaken by the affected communities. Founded by Dice Tsutsumi, an art director at Pixar Animation Studios who was also behind 2008 Totoro Forest Project to help preserve Sayama Forest in Japan and Sketchtravel Project.

We are partnering with Give2Asia, which has a local team based in Tokyo to assess the current situation and to obtain more information on the needs of survivors. Give2Asia helped animation industry famous Totoro Forest Project efficiently send fund to Japan and has a great reputation when it comes to humanitarian efforts in Asia.

Please make a contribution today to help the survivors! And spread the word on your blog and facebook!!

The Picture Book Project Foundation will be donating part of the proceeds from Art Blocks auction and events to help in the awareness and support Dice Tsutsumi's Efforts and Give2Asia.

Auction is Live!! Keep Bidding!

Together we can make a difference!

http://give2asia.org/artistshelp

and

http://artistshelpjapan.blogspot.com/

Coming on March 21, 2011

2011-01-20T13:26:00.000-08:00

I am finally introducing Tallulah's Tutu!!

A wonderful new character, so eloquently written by Marilyn Singer.

Coming on March 22, 2011

2011-01-20T13:09:00.000-08:00

Mean Mo and Bad Bart, the two strong and funny characters Mary Quattlebaum created, grabbed me immediately, when I first read this manuscript.

excerpt from the Publishers Weekly review:

Pirate Vs. Pirate: The terrific Tale of a Big, Blustery Maritime Match

Mary Quattlebaum, illus. by Alexandra Boiger, Disney-Hyperion

...Boiger's (The Monster Princess) extravagant spreads are filled with billowy curves--foamy waves, full sails, and the bellies of Bad Bart's henchmen. Their romantic aesthetic, as a counterpoint to Quattlebaum's (Winter Friends) piratical hijinks, is central to the story's charm. An all-around winner.

Home

2010-11-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

On a personal note.

Art Blocks for Ghana

2010-10-15T16:47:00.000-07:00

The Picture Book Project Foundation and The Hopkins Foundation present "Art Blocks for Ghana" A Charity Art Auction Created by Artists in the Animation and Illustration Community to help build a Children's Home in Ghana.
The Picture Book Project Foundation is a 501 c3 non-profit organization that gives artists and art enthusiasts a way to help and inspire children in need. The mission is to bring continued resources and support to orphaned and under served children around the world, while extending the talent and good will of the artist community to communities of children in need.

Here is my contribution to this amazing project

Upcoming picture books in March 2011

2010-08-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

It is still soooo long until then. But I'd like to introduce you already to the next two books I have illustrated.

PIRATE VS. PIRATE

written by Mary Quattlebaum, published by Disney-Hyperion

This is a love story, although it might not look like it at first sight. I had so much fun working on this project. The two main characters have a lot to say throughout the story and I heard them clearly in my mind, while I drew the sketches. I hope you'll hear them too!!

The second picture book I illustrated to come out next year is TALLULAH' S TUTU, written by Marilyn Singer, published by Clarion Books. This story couldn' t be more different from the one above.
I'll tell you more about it soon. What a treat it was to work on this manuscript. And there will be more. So much more...

Only a few more days...

2010-07-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

until The Monster Princess will be published.

Click on the link below to watch a little
The Monster Princess Book Trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsS590lPzf0&feature=channel

Let's let that Cat out of this Hat

2010-05-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

My next picture book to be published is THE MONSTER PRINCESS, written by D. J. MacHale.
It will be published by Alladin, an imprint of Simon&Schuster in August 2010.
You'll meet Lala, a little monster, who went straight to my heart.
This is a story about finding yourself, about self acceptance and about what is really important in life.
About the author:
D.J. MacHale is a writer, director, executive producer and creator of several popular television series and movies. As an author, his ten-volume book series: PENDRAGON – JOURNAL OF AN ADVENTURE THROUGH TIME AND SPACE became a New York Times #1 bestseller. The Monster Princess is his first picture book.
Ufff. Man....I know!!

The Monster Princess

2010-05-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

one more Flying Sausage

2010-02-11T10:22:00.000-08:00

Mr. Magoo's Flying Sausage

2009-10-16T14:12:00.000-07:00

This one is for you, Xenia!!!

I'll say the magic words on November 1st.

What is new?

2009-09-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

The day is just around the corner

2009-09-17T12:09:00.000-07:00

"Thanks a Lot, Emily Post!"(written by Jennifer LaRue Huget and illustrated by Alexandra Boiger) will be out next week!
September 22, 2009. Mark the date....well, I did.

You can see more on my UPDATED WEBSITE.
www.alexandraboiger.com

Thanks a LOT, Emily Post!

2009-03-10T12:49:00.001-07:00

It's been a long time. Finally I present my upcoming book.
This book was so much fun. It reads like a play and I hope you'll enjoy it.
Fabulously written by Jennifer La Rue Huget.
Thanks so much to Annie, Rachael, Anne, Lee and Jennifer! It was a pleasure to work with you on this special project.
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books (an Imprint of Random House)
Publication Date: September 2009

All images are copyrighted by Alexandra Boiger

Thanks a LOT, Emily Post!

2009-03-10T12:41:00.001-07:00

Totoro Forest Project Exhibition

2008-10-06T10:11:00.000-07:00

The first part of this exhibition has started in September. After an opening reception in December the second part will join in and viewers will be able to watch the entire show.

Here is where:

Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco
655 Mission Street
san Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 227-8666

Totoro Forest Project Art Auction

2008-08-11T10:27:00.001-07:00

Totoro Forest Project Tickets Available Monday 8/11 10:00am Pacific Time!

Many of you have been wondering when and how you can buy tickets for the upcoming Totoro Forest Art Auction Benefit Event to be held here at Pixar on September 6th. Finally we are ready to start selling these online! The first pre-sale will start monday 8/11 at 10am. Here's the options available - Please note that all tickets include the stunning Art of Totoro Forest Book (worth $40)

Forest Friend - 100$ regular admission + book.
Forest Sponsor - 200$ includes admission + book + signed limited edition print
Forest Champion - $300 includes middle VIP live auction seating + book + signed limited edition print + gift certificate to Blowfish Sushi
Forest Hero - $500 includes front VIP live auction seating + book + an original drawing by one of the artists

Tickets will go on sale at this LINK exactly at 10AM Monday! We have a rather limited numbers of tickets so we suggest acting quickly if you want to be part of this event. Remember many of the donating artists will be in attendance, this will be a night to remember!! All the "Totoro inspired" art is up for preview at TotoroForestProject.org. All proceed will be donated to the Totoro Forest Foundation!!

Totoro Forest Project

2008-07-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

This is a wonderful, wonderful project.
Please check out the website!
http://www.totoroforestproject.org/
Above is my contribution.

Amelia

2008-05-28T16:46:00.001-07:00

oil on canvas

Theresa

2008-03-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

one more

2008-02-08T09:14:00.000-08:00

This piece didn't end up in the book. It was my first color test for Doctor All-Knowing as I tried to find the mood for this story. The story though is intricate and changes locations... so there are different color sets according to each need.

eat

2007-11-05T09:38:00.000-08:00

just a little color sketch

For Louisianne and Pascal

2006-09-21T21:30:00.000-07:00

We are thinking of you.

FOR ULRIKE

2006-06-10T07:51:00.000-07:00

Three years ago to this date, Ulrike, one of my sisters was killed in a tragic car accident.
She is a daughter, mother, wife, sister, friend and so much more.
This posting is in her honor and memory.

Es ist was es ist

Es ist Unsinn
sagt die Vernunft
Es ist was es ist
sagt die Liebe

Es ist Unglueck
sagt die Berechnung
Es ist nichts als Schmerz
sagt die Angst
Es ist aussichtslos
sagt die Einsicht
Es ist was es ist
sagt die Liebe

Es ist laecherlich
sagt der Stolz
Es ist leichtsinnig
sagt die Vorsicht
Es ist unmoeglich
sagt die Erfahrung
Es ist was es ist
sagt die Liebe

by Erich Fried

IT IS WHAT IT IS
BUT YOU ARE MISSING.

Es ist was es ist

2006-06-10T07:16:00.000-07:00