I did my first book illustrations and maps for a series of fantasy books written by Bay Area author Teresa Edgerton in the 1980's and 1990's.  I did pen and ink illustrations of "Tolkein Style" maps with borders around them featuring scenes from the books.  The first book series  was The Green Lion Trilogy, published by Ace/Berkley Publishers.

I have completed several book illustration projects that I have enjoyed working on. The first is called Composting Abbie, and is the story of a Blue Whale that died and was washed up on the shore near Ft. Bragg, California.  The whale was composted instead of sending it to the landfill.  It is a book for children and their parents, with an illustration on each page.  It explains, with the help of a seagull named Stu, why composting is such an important alternative to sending all our refuse to the landfill, for the health of our planet and community.  The book was conceived and written by local author Jed Diamond, and was released on April 25, 2014. Composting Abby is  available on Amazon.com.

The next book is called The Wind in Me, and is part of a series books written by local acupuncturist Diane Smalley. The books are written for children, and the first book shares information about why it is so important to be conscious of our breathing.

In 2012 I began the illustrations for a book written by local author Kate Marianchild, called Secrets of the Oak Woodlands, now it is in it's fifth printing. It is a field guide and more to the plants, birds, and animals that live among California's oaks.  I finished  my illustrations in the spring of 2014. The book is published by Heyday Books in Berkeley. It is also offered as an e-book.

There are over 35 watercolors, and also pen and ink illustrations.   Last spring I was part of an AAUW Women in History project. There were four women doing Chautauqua - type portrayals of famous women. When I was researching the character that I portrayed, Tasha Tudor, I was very inspired by her illustrations of the plants and animals that lived around her. I am very excited to have had the opportunity to do this project.

You will be surprised and intrigued by the information Kate has to share about our oak woodlands, and the illustrations will help you become familiar with these species. Oak ecosystems support more diversity of life than any other terrestrial ecosystem in California. Kate hopes the book will inspire people to protect these rapidly disappearing habitats. Please visit me at my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Illustrations-from-the-book-Secrets-from-the-Oak-Woodlands-548505615277604/