IF - Clumsy

"Clumsy Sorry"
watercolor | 2010

He felt so bad that he knocked over her building blocks accidentally. They seemed to have come out of nowhere. He began to worry when her crying didn't stop. "Will mom hear?" He thought to himself.

February Postcard

Last night right before bedtime I finished the illustration for my promotional postcard. Thanks to my advising husband of course. First mail out of the year. Surprisingly enough, while playing in photoshop for layout, it wasn't nearly as hard as my postcard last year. I don't know if it's because there isn't as much pressure (Brian having a new job), or if it's what I hope it is. That I have enough faith and trust in God that I just keep doing what I'm led to do and let Him take care of the rest. A running theme this year I think. :)

I would appreciate any feedback about layout. Especially in on the back. I realized I hadn't done any illustration to take from the front and transfer to the back. So I decided on illustrating a beach like (Columbian?) girl, all the way across the ocean from where the kids on the front are from, receiving one of the loving thought letters. Placement and color was the only real issue I ran into. Couldn't decide.

If you have thoughts, opinions, for either the front or the back, I'm all ears. I'm hoping to get these ordered tomorrow or Friday. :)

Thanks!

Promo Sketch

To start the new year off Candace and I are sending out promo postcards at the end of January. Here is the initial sketch I have for it. Our theme is Valentine's Day.

Below is the sketch with added trees. Not sure if they work or not. Any feedback is welcome. I'm trying to bring in different ethnics and ages plus some play with perspective. Thanks!

Portrait Sketch

My current project is an interesting one. I was given an old photo from the late 1920's/early 1930s of a little girl. The client wishes I redraw the girl and paint it for Christmas. What's interesting is the photo is very old, and difficult to determine what is what in some places. Especially in the face. Photos in that time period were very strong in contrast, and it's difficult to see details. A lot of guess work. Also I enjoyed Googling that time period. Found a lot of beautiful photos of children in that time. To respect my client I am going to keep the photo private, but here are some others similar to what I'm working on of children. These are a bit more clear than the photo for this project.

My Process

"You Will Always Be" - A work in progress:


First I sketch on tracing paper the image. For this piece I chose two butterflies to reference from for the main and secondary butterflies. Once I'm finished, I scan and flip the image. This allows the viewer/client to see the rotation of the piece when it's finished. I always reverse my draws so they're ready for transfer.


Second I ink. I started using Microns sepia ink pens, but the 01 size just wasn't small enough...and finding out that they don't make it any smaller, I have actually gone old school and have now started to ink my pieces with a pen nib in sepia ink. Eh, not as fluid of lines, but man can I now get those tiny eyes inked in! I love the amount of control I have with the nibs instead of the microns.


Thirdly, I go into paint. Here are some of the first layers. I always try to get the background kind of figured out before anything else. Then I can't help it, gotta go to the main character(s). Especially this wee angel child. Too full of spirit not to add some tonal color!


Next sitting with painting. Bringing in more definition and explanation of what's really going on in the background and trying to fill up other white spaces (sun and moon). The butterflies are next!

Check back for more updates! I'm seriously posting them every day as I go! :D
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So it has been advised that I show the process of my painting with this piece. I have taken those words into account and decided to go ahead and post it. This piece has been on my mind for a long time with much anticipation to get to paint. I have finally been able to do that this week. I know I won't get finished, but I'm very pleased to see where it is going.

A few little birdies have also suggested that I start advertising this style of my work for children's books because of it's uniqueness. I might take them up on it. ;) I truly enjoy creating entire worlds in one piece by the feel, and playing with textures. Just like the piece "The Talisman".

IF - Theater

"Romeo, Oh Romeo!"
watercolor & colored pencil | 2009