Walter Tevis, the author of the novel, The Queen’s Gambit, was my creative writing teacher at Ohio University in 1970. I don’t know anything about the origin of the Beth Harmon character, alas. I do recall Prof. Tevis spoke about his earlier novel, The Hustler. He insisted that he created the character of Minnesota FatsContinue reading “Queen’s Gambit : Season II”
Author Archives: illustrationclass
Seniors Shop at 6 a.m.
Weekly shopping trip can be exciting.
NEW NORMAL SCHOOL -the Sequel!
More Kutztown Students comics reflecting on The New Normal.
NEW NORMAL SCHOOL
Kutztown University of PA was founded in 1866 as Keystone Normal School. Throughout the U.S. colleges that educated teachers were known as “normal schools.” When KU shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic we had to abruptly adjust to a New Normal. CDE 253, Illustration 2: The class is making zines this semester. We gotContinue reading “NEW NORMAL SCHOOL”
A New Normal Day
LETTER BETTER
I once handed a comic book by a student to a professional cartoonist. He opened it and then closed it instantly saying, “It’s computer lettered. I only read hand-lettered comics. Lettering is big part of the art of comics.” He has a point. On the other hand, he is not very prolific and computer letteringContinue reading “LETTER BETTER”
Making Zines for MoCCA Fest 2020
Kutztown University has applied for a table to display student zines at MoCCA Fest 2020. We find out in Mid-January if we get the table. Let’s think posi! My Illustration II class will be making zines. Any KU student who makes a zine is welcome to display it on our table. The Dean’s office willContinue reading “Making Zines for MoCCA Fest 2020”
Creative Royale at K.U.
Kutztown Univiverity got a $750 federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The SAMSA grant was meant to create a “town hall” for students on the subject of substance abuse. Let’s be honest. –How many students would actually show up for a Substance Abuse Town Hall? Fran Cortez Funk is theContinue reading “Creative Royale at K.U.”
John Steven Gurney at Work
“Is it true you have illustrated 100 books?” “150!,” replied John Steven Gurney. He quickly explained these were series chapter books which entailed a color cover and a handful of interior black and white illustrations. Even so, that’s a lot of books! The A to Z Mysteries, Bailey School Kids, and The Calendar Mysteries seriesContinue reading “John Steven Gurney at Work”
EXPLODING ANTS – A Lesson from Francie at Takoma Park Library…
Last year my Snails are Just My Speed! book tour took me to Takoma Park Library in Maryland. Someone asked what my next TOON book would be. This happened… Francie was right. I was wrong. So I dedicated “Ants Don’t Wear Pants!” to “The children who teach me things, like Francie at the Takoma ParkContinue reading “EXPLODING ANTS – A Lesson from Francie at Takoma Park Library…”
