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Readings I have performed hundreds of readings for children in schools and libraries across Canada and the United States. Those years of experience have taught me as much as I have taught, particularly in finding the most successful way to explain how I draw. A visit is 45-60 minutes, depending on the age group. I open the session with a reading of one or two of my published books. Then I go back in time; I show an original illustration. The students are usually impressed, certain that they could never produce such accomplished art. Then I present the polished roughs (pencil drawings) and they are still in awe. Then I show the badly done drawings that would normally get tossed out and the sketch book where the ideas start. It's then that they comprehend how accessible the entire process becomes when they see the steps an illustrator goes through. From there I demonstrate the process I use in my drawing, using geometric shapes. When one can master the five geometric forms (circle, square, rectangle, triangle and cylinder) one can understand perspective and can draw virtually anything. This is a delight for teachers who are using the geometric shapes in math. The purpose of my visit is to de-mystify drawing (and writing) and to open the students eyes to seeing in a new way. While my books are published for the very young, I feel most useful if I visit grades 2-5. I am comfortable before groups up to 100. For larger groups, which I am happy to do, I incorporate a slide presentation into the hour. My fee is $300 per session. Please feel free to e-mail me for more information: |
Keynote Addresses Like most people, I've learned my most memorable lessons not from my successes, but from my failures. My presentation tells the story of a book I illustrated called, 'The Seven Chairs'. It was a book that took me years to produce but which remains my grandest critical and perhaps artistic failure, in spite of some rather accomplished paintings that came out of it. Through a slide presentation, I show the birth of the book from the first awkward stirrings to the final, printed piece. Along the way I tell of the places and images that I saw and incorporated into the book. The purpose of my presentation is to show that the process of finding one's creative way, of feeling for the light whilst in the darkness, is really what it's all about. Please feel free to e-mail me for more information: "Maryann is, indeed, a super keynote speaker. Not only does she present a well organized, knowledgeable and informative talk concerning her craft, but she presents it in such a warm and enthusiastic way that everyone in the audience feels connected to her." Jerry J. Mallett, Ed. D. Director, Mazza Institute, University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio "Maryann Kovalski is a delightful speaker. Her presentation is filled not only with wonderful information and insights, but with warmth and humor as well." Keith Polette, Ph.D, Educational Consultant, El Paso, Texas. |
