Kary Lee Studios

My latest project-Ta! Da! What an honor to create these illustrations for Newbery Honor Author, New York Times Bestseller and Time Traveler and dear friend…@kirbylarson ‘s new website! I’m forever grateful that our chance meeting in an elevator donning matching purses at that SCBWI NY conference (so many years ago) would blossom into such an endearing friendship. You are truly one of my favorite people. This was such a fun project to work on with you! https://www.instagram.com/p/CpYyfzdv2kt/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

From my sketchbook. Puget Sound skyline, 2023 #containerships #harborisland #kidlit #scbwiwwa #procreate #urbansketcher #sketchbook (at Harbor Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn7JjRPpoC4/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I’ve been so focused on problem solving for a book project that I felt like I needed a break. So, I decided to just play today. #graphiteonpaper - a friendly reminder of the FUNdamentals. I followed a prompt-Drawing negative space! Thanks @drawtogether.studio for the nudge! #negativespace #kidlitart #urbansketchers (at West Seattle) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnK9NQHPtva/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Happy #wintersolstice !Its gray and glum but we’re on the other side. For my morning sketch, I decided to add a little color to a summer sketch from an urban hike last August. (Swipe left) We discovered this cute little park and we’re surprised when we began to recognize the landmarks. It was warm and golden, and probably about 9:30! (at Des Moines Beach) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmZbnXKv_uU/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

A lil sketch, remembering my childhood. I grew up with a #pug. Her name was Bosco, and I still miss her. What breed was your pup?…name? #doodle #kidlit #puglove #kidlitart (at West Seattle) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChIHoFJpslI/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Okay- it’s been a crazy month! But, finally posting this quick sketch of @lakoumizik from their amazing concert @townhall_seattle last month. A soulful Haitian dance party ensued! #haitianmusic #townhallseattle #sketchbookart #urbansketchers (at Seattle, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CddmcpCr_UR/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Inspired by various teacher friends conversations about challenges over the past two years- keeping kids engaged; @mrs_runner , @alison_connelly @clobslee this is for you!!!! I’ve often thought… #whatif ? Does anyone else drift back to #theBradyBunch ? #kidlitare #picturebooks #scbwi #zoomkids #kidsonzoom (at West Seattle) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca-IhonlKtR/?utm_medium=tumblr

#nowords #solidaritywithukraine #kidlitart #sketchbook (at West Seattle) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca7ezWpF77L/?utm_medium=tumblr

When I get stressed, I draw. Here’s what filled my mind and my #sketchbook this past week. #refugees from #Ukraine. Breaks my heart. #nodigital #watercolor #kidlitart #karyleeillustration (at West Seattle) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cauu44SpLER/?utm_medium=tumblr

The window seat! Waiting for my flight home from Vegas…as #leavinglasvegas plays in the background. An hour to kill- that one way to see it. But, for me, it’s an opportunity to observe, and capture a seemingly insignificant, forgettable moment in time. As I draw, travelers around me gaze blankly at their phones, look at their watches, or stare into the air. They’re missing it! I work quickly, jotting it all down, curious as my composition unfolds- what will this story will be? Then a child catches my eye who is present, observing this moment, taking it in. And, I remember my seven year old self pasted to the terminal window. The workers look like ants, moving in unison, almost like a dance. I feel joy in these memories and just like that the story unfolds. (swipe right) #story #wonder #picturebooks #kidlitart #kidlit #scbwiillustrators #karyleeillustration #seattlegirl #westseattle #westseattlejunction (at Harry Reid International Airport) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYedMo1Ffkx/?utm_medium=tumblr

Happy New Year from sunny Lake Havasu, Arizona. I haven’t been here since I was a kid. Enjoying some warm weather this holiday and breaking in my new landscape sketchbook-in portrait layout. Perfect for palm trees! . #urbansketchers #sketchbook #karyleeillustration #westseattlejunction #watercolorillustration #lakehavasu (at Lake Havasu Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/karylee2/p/CYKz1ZepN73/?utm_medium=tumblr

#sneekpeek ‘HELPING OUR WORLD GET WELL; COVID VACCINES!’ …Here she goes again, showing kids everywhere they can make a difference! #kidpower #covidandkids (at Seattle, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWmx0oTrJXA/?utm_medium=tumblr

From my #sketchbook while living at the Edgewater apartments in #madisonparkseattle We really loved that place. I’ve got lots of these gems from a series I started while taking classes from @gabicampanario the @seattlesketcher. His classes changed how I think about composition. #seattletimes #urbansketchers #seattlegirl #seattlelife (at Lake Washington Madison Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWTYIVVPi67/?utm_medium=tumblr

Our family meets every 4th at my moms. 2019 it was postponed and 2020’s pandemic pushed it to this year. So Looking forward to 2021 and hangin with the fam. 30+ the biggest crowd yet! See y’all there! #Summertime #kidlitart #picturebookillustration #family #grandmasgarden (at Cheney, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQZEeLBnnoO/?utm_medium=tumblr

Beach day quick sketch. Getting back to my sketchbook. Kids, sand and water. The best! #kidlitart #seattlegirl #scbwi #sketchbook (at Bunkers at Fort Worden) https://www.instagram.com/p/CN3Sj8XHonw/?igshid=e0bazc1hvwll

Trying something new! Look guys, no lines! Thanks @vanessabrantleynewton for a great workshop. #scbwiwwavanessa #kidlitart #picturebooks (at Seattle, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLAj_5BnBwn/?igshid=13zo2pgyjb3jb