Kelly Murphy wins 2 Gold Awards from the Society of Illustrators of LA

Kelly Murphy received 2 gold awards from the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles, in the "Book" and "Children's Market" categories of its 51st annual competition, Illustration West 51. The winning illustrations are the cover for Behind The Bookcase (Book category) and an interior illustration of Secrets At Sea (Children's Market category). The cover of Secrets at Sea and another interior were also selected in the competition.

Paintings and Backgrounds for Fat Louis Animation

Kelly Murphy created backgrounds and paintings for an animation promoting the new wines of Fat Louis French Wine. Kelly's artwork is seen, specifically, in the segment from 00:31 to 00:53, promoting the "Greetings From Paris" wine.

Kelly Murphy in Society of Illustrators 55

Kelly Murphy's cover for Behind The Bookcase was selected by the Society of Illustrators for their 55th Annual Exhibition. The illustration will be exhibited in the society's Editorial, Book and Advertising exhibition at the The Museum of American Illustration from January through March, 2013.

Kelly Murphy in the Original Art Traveling Exhibition

Kelly Murphy's original art for Secrets At Sea was handpicked by the Society of Illustrators among the Original Art's winning entries for its select (40 out of 139 winning entries) Traveling Exhibition, which is a showcase celebrating children's book illustrators whose work is seldom seen outside the studio or publisher's office.

Kelly Murphy's new chapter book, "Behind The Bookcase", is out in stores

Kelly Murphy's new chapter book, Behind The Bookcase, written by Mark Steensland, is out in stores today, October 9th.

Discover Kelly's illustrations and learn more on the book's project page.

Kelly Murphy's "Secrets At Sea" in the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show 2012

Kelly Murphy's chapter book Secrets At Sea was selected by the Society of Illustrators to be featured in The Original Art 2012. The Original Art is an annual exhibit created to showcase illustrations from the year's best children's books published in the U.S. Its opening reception will be held on October 25th, 2012, at the Museum of American Illustration in New York City.

Kelly Murphy in Highlights Foundation Advanced Illustrators Workshop

August 30 - September 3, 2012
Begins Aug. 30 with dinner at 6 p.m. (optional tour of HIGHLIGHTS FOR CHILDREN and Boyds Mills Press offered at 3 p.m.); ends Sept. 3 after lunch.

I'd like to announce a wonderful weekend I and several other talented illustrators will be attending. Are you interested in an illustrative retreat in the Pocono Mountains? Well, look no further. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me or the Highlights Foundation. Here's more about the late summer event.

"While your artwork is accomplished alone, it is only with guidance that an illustrator can begin to understand how to make it in today's picture-book world. Let one of today's top children's book illustrators be your guide. Explore the children's book market with them, learn new techniques, and enjoy the camaraderie of artists who understand your passion.

During this intensive, five-day workshop you'll immerse yourself in illustration-oil wash on board, printmaking, pen and ink, watercolors, and more. Daily hands-on workshops will challenge you to sharpen your illustration skills, all under the support and guidance of our highly talented mentors.

In addition to illustration techniques, you'll also explore:

• dummy preparation
• storyboarding
• continuity
• portfolio expectations
• character development
• self-promotion and
• finding a market.

Your work will receive personal attention through one-on-one critiques from your mentors, group critiques with peers and guest art directors, and feedback from special guests at our portfolio showcase.

Conference Highlights

• The Barn provides space for meeting and meals.
• Support and guidance from carefully selected authors, illustrators, editors, and academics.
• A unique opportunity to network with others in the children's literature business.
• An intimate and inspiring setting in the Pocono Mountains.
• Charming on-site lodging.
• Farm-style meals prepared by a top-notch chef."

Sign up now! I am sure that spaces will go quickly. Hope to see you there!

Kelly Murphy's coming chapter book, "Behind The Bookcase", a 3x3 Magazine winner

Kelly Murphy's coming chapter book Behind The Bookcase, written by Mark Steensland, is a winner in the Children's Book category of 3x3 Magazine's Annual Competition No.9.

Kelly Murphy's new chapter book, The Scorpions of Zahir, is out in stores

Kelly Murphy's new chapter book, The Scorpions of Zahir, written by Christine Brodien-Jones, is out in stores today, July 10th.

Discover Kelly's illustrations and learn more on the book's project page.

Kelly Murphy in RISD ICONS

Kelly Murphy is one of the Rhode Island School of Design alumni chosen to be featured in the select exhibit RISD ICONS: A Legacy of Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design, which will be held at RISD's Woods Gerry Gallery from June 12th to 25th, 2012, in conjunction with the ICON7 conference which is organized in Providence, RI, this year. The RISD ICONS show opening will be on June 13th.

Kelly Murphy's new chapter book, "Alex and The Amazing Time Machine", is released

Kelly Murphy's new chapter book, Alex And The Amazing Time Machine, written by Rich Cohen, is out in stores today, May 8th.

Discover Kelly's illustrations and learn more on the book's project page.

Gold and Bronze Awards from the Society of Illustrators of LA

I have received a Gold Award in the Book category of the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles's 50th annual competition, Illustration West 50, for the illustration "The Lodge", created with Antoine Revoy, and a Bronze Award in the Children's Market category for the illustration The Princess and the Golden Fish. My cover for the The Unicorn's Tale was also selected in the Children's Market category.

An exhibit displaying the winning entries will be held at the Gallery Nucleus, where the awards will be announced and given to the winners on opening night of Illustration West 50, March 30th 2012 from 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm.