I am an artist, a creator, and a writer. I also have a sweet tooth for sesame candy and a soft spot for guinea pigs, aka love bugs.

I have a BFA in Fine Arts from Northern Illinois University. Since graduating in 2009 I have been continually growing as both an artist and a writer. In the past few years I have discovered how fun it is to draw with colored pencil on vellum and have been perfecting my new style. Before trying vellum, I had a strong dislike for colored pencil as burnishing took many layers and pressure and hurt my fingers! I’m amazed at how smooth the colored pencil takes to the vellum and couldn’t be happier with it now. I do also water color paintings and regularly incorporate watercolor backgrounds into my personal colored pencil pieces. Using vellum also enables me to layer for illustrations.

Although I did not major or minor in English, I took as many classes as I could and after graduating, joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). I have learned so much from all that SCBWI has to offer and continue to grow as a writer. You can read some of my short stories on my blog page and perhaps later in news letters.

Paper crafting and dabbling in jewelry are also passions of mine. I enjoy designing new handmade paper cards and choosing beads and charms for necklaces and key chains. Who doesn’t appreciate receiving real mail, cards just because, and handmade items?

My latest creative endeavor is painting model horses and occasionally doing some light sculpting work on them. About a year ago I discovered that the world of model horse collecting was more than simply collecting. There are live shows, photo shows, tack making, and customizing. Horses and art are two of my favorite things. I wondered why I hadn’t discovered customizing model horses sooner!

I hope you enjoy my art, crafts, and writings as much as I enjoyed creating them.

-Ilana Ostrar

ilana.ostrar@gmail.com