Author: Kevin Gosselin

Writing Spirit

As some of you may know, back in 2016 I was asked to illustrate a children’s book for my Uncle Walt. With the help of his editor, Wayne South Smith, and a lot of patience, we completed the project and Walt published his book. Since then I’ve had the pleasure of working on a few other projects with Wayne and over the years it’s developed into the most fulfilling creative relationship I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing.

Early this year, Wayne asked me to create the cover art for his own book, a memoir on his daily journaling practice of over 35 years. I jumped at the chance and immediately got my hands on the manuscript. I blew through the book in a couple of days. I loved the touching stories of his life and the overall positive mood. His writing was so playful and vivid. Past scenes came to life as I got to know my friend more. Plus, he challenges the reader to begin their own journal practices while providing hints and tips to do so. The book is a wonderful memoir and at the same time a resourceful guide to journaling.

So, after guiding other writers to over 50 published books of their own, it was his turn. A few weeks ago he published his first book, “Writing Spirit.” Thank you Wayne for letting me be a part of your creative journey!

Book available on Amazon, Barnes &Noble online. Ebook on Amazon, free with Kindle Unlimited.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144379507

Toby, Toby, Worry Free

I was fortunate enough to be involved in a project for a new children’s book author Lucinda Grapenthin. She needed an illustrator to bring her story to life. Not only did she need someone to flesh out her world, but she also chose the daunting task of featuring a character with eight arms. Toby, Toby is the story of a young octopus boy who is tied up with emotions of fear when his friends want him to go biking.

Client Success: Illustrator Kevin Gosselin …

Client Success: Illustrator Kevin Gosselin Creates Vivid, Emotional Art for Prescott’s “A Stone for Kayla”

By Wayne South Smith

“Walt’s vision for the book had always been watercolors which was terrifying for me because I had little experience using them,” said illustrator Kevin Gosselin. Though an artist from a young age with years of experience in graphic design, A Stone for Kayla on the Camino de Santiago was his first time illustrating a book.

Author Walt Prescott shared, “The obvious choice to illustrate my book was an accomplished artist in Seattle who just happened to be my nephew and godchild Kevin. Using my Camino photos, Kevin nailed my vision and flew with it, stunning me with his creativity and the art’s beauty. His watercolor impressions bring me back to the Camino every time I view them.”

Kevin added, “I think an added spark I had for this project was my love and respect for the author.  The story is about him, and as the illustrator, I possessed a deep connection to the protagonist.”

Kevin also found inspiration in learning to work with watercolors.  “I love the inherent life of the water and how it wants to do its own thing.  After a while, it affected how I saw my surroundings.  Suddenly everything was light and values.  The medium provides a quality I can’t get with opaque paint.”

All 27 illustrations began as watercolor paintings which were then scanned for enhancement using PhotoShop.  Once completed, Kevin typeset the story into his artworks.

“Both Walt and you, Wayne, were excellent in keeping me going. I had never worked with an editor before. It was great, more like having a coach instead of a boss. You brought an experienced eye to the process, always providing me with the right amount of guidance and enthusiasm.  You were very easy to work with.”

“It’s nice to have a book feather in my cap.  I’ve long had an interest in being a children’s book writer and illustrator.  All my fine artwork has been sculpting creatures and character design with the idea that maybe one day I would put them into books. A Stone for Kayla has given me the audacity to think that by the end of this year I will produce my own.  Recently, I developed the origin story…”

And so the artist / illustrator begins a new adventure into writing.  I, for one, am excited to discover where he ends up.

Buy A Stone for Kayla on the Camino de Santiago by Walt Prescott, illustrated by Kevin Gosselin, available in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle.

A different path for me

A few years ago my uncle to my Uncle Walt asked me to help illustrate a book he wrote for his granddaughter. The book is about his travels on the Camino de Santiago and the lessons he learned. He wanted it painted in watercolors and I although I had never painted in that medium, I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn. I am so happy to have taken him up on the offer and here are the results of the project.

 

The book is now available on Amazon. Please go over there and take a look at our book and if you’d like, get yourself a copy in hardcover or kindle edition.
Thanks

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1733913505/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082FL7W2N/

https://waltprescott.com/

 
 
 
 
 

2019 Sock Rocks are in the bag!

Well, it’s been years since I posted on my site.  My next post will go into more depth about why that is.  But I wanted to take a quick moment to thank those who came to my booth at the Dickens Fair yesterday! I so much enjoyed introducing you to my family of Sock Rocks. And of course, thank you all to my long-time online supporters. I look forward to bringing all of you the full story in the coming year.  I will be developing a new website dedicated to my Sock Rocks and keep you informed of everything that happens there.


Thanks from the Gosselin’s

Sock Rocks Series 3 Release

$15 a piece, 25% off order with a minimum order of 2.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/KevinGosselinArt/

It’s year three and I have two new characters, Reuben and Orville.  Rueben is the first child of the Sock Rocks, son of Winston and Fanny.  And of course every family needs a lovable pet, so I created Orville, the family mutt.  As with years past, this series is limited to 30 pieces per character, cast in resin, painted in acrylic and comes individually bagged in a burlap sack.

To makes things easier this year, I’m lowering the price to $15 a piece and getting rid of my bundled pricing.  Instead, I’ve set up a sale of 25% off with a minimum order of two SockRocks.  I’ve also moved my shop over to Etsy so don’t be using a bookmark for my old store.

The remaining Series 1 and 2 are available now and I will be releasing Series 3 this Friday, the 17th, at 10 AM PST.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/KevinGosselinArt/

SockRocks: Xmas Coals for Naughty Girls & Boys

I would like to introduce to you, Winston, Victor and Thaddeus, the first three lumps of Christmas Coal who are ready to appear this Christmas morning in stockings everywhere.  Do you know some special someone who has been especially naughty this year and deserves recognition for their deeds?  Let them know just how bad they\’ve been and give them a SockRock.  SockRocks are cast in resin, hand-painted,  stand from 2-3.5 inches tall and come in their very own burlap sack.  They will be available individually, in pairs and as a trio.  There are a limited amount this year with only 30 pieces each so make sure to grab one quick so your special someone doesn\’t miss out on the inaugural year of what is sure to become a Christmas tradition.  Wait, it already is.  Where have these guys been hiding all these years?

SockRocks will be available starting at 8 AM Pacific Time
this Friday which happens to be the color of coal.

Individual SockRock:
$20 plus shipping (limited to 13 each)
Any Pair of SockRocks:
$25 plus shipping (limited to 18 pairs, 6 of each combination)
The Trio:
$30 plus shipping (limited to 5 sets)


Limited Edition Hand Painted Sculpt

“Careful what you wish for” is now available in my store as a limited edition of 10 pieces for $225.
These will be made to order so expect a 3-5 week turnaround.

http://kgosselinart.storenvy.com/collections/195230-all-products/products/14276313-careful-what-you-wish-for-hand-painted-sculpt

This is the story of a twelve year old boy. As many kids his age, he is misunderstood and there are just too many details of his life that make things easy for the trolls of sixth grade. Time and time again, his afternoons are filled with the taunts and endless jeering that make him question why life is so very unfair. He dreams of a larger, braver friend to protect him. In fact he wishes. But what if that wish came true? Would his friend help him? Would his friend simply provide him the courage to protect himself? Sometimes, all we need is a good friend to be the solid ground on which we stand.

to

Two and a half years later

Yup, two and a half years ago I posted a picture of this guy on twitter saying I was nearly complete.  I was wrong.  I did finish the sculpt and then it sat on my desk for another couple years before I managed to make time to make more casts of it and paint them up.  Time my have passed but I still love this little guy.  At 3 x 2.5 x 2, he\’s tiny and packed full of cuteness and NOW available in my online store for an accessible price of $35.  I\’m only making 30 of these little guys so get one now before they\’re gone.

http://kgosselinart.storenvy.com/collections/195230-all-products/products/14303637-soft-on-the-inside