Irritated Earthworm

Mole's habit of building home extensions at two in the morning did not make him very popular with his neighbors.

Transferring Sketches With A Printer

*Edit: I corrected the title spelling, that's what I get for posting late at night lol

I have always used a light table to transfer my sketches to watercolor paper. A VERY time consuming process that almost doubled the amount of time it took me to complete books.  I'd watch a movie or listen to music while I mind-numbingly traced over my lines with a pencil.   Not to mention the times I've messed up on a painting and had to transfer for a second and some cases a third time.  So, what if I could cut that process out completely? If I did, I could possible fit in one, maybe two more projects per year and therefor have an easier time making a living as an illustrator.  I could meet deadlines much quicker as well.  Well there IS a way, but it will take an initial, fairly large investment to do it. I'm talking about large-format printers (to fit those larger double page picture books spreads). What I'd do is scan a clean sketch, lighten the lines until they're barely visible with Photoshop and print it directly on my watercolor paper. And if I mess up? No problem! I'll just print another copy. I know some illustrators have been doing this for years, but I guess I waited for the prices on these printers to drop more. I remember back when I checked on them they were averaging around 5k a piece (?) Ugh! Now they're definitely more affordable although still enough to make me hold my breath. 

Since I'm only on the sketching phase of my current book, I'll probably wait until the final art is under-way to get one. But when I do, I'll post my experiences with the new printer.

Also, please post a comment if you yourself have transferred sketches this way. Thanks!

A Daily Dose of Inspiration

An illustration from start to finish by P.J. Lynch

Illustration Friday: Subterranean

How Cool is This?

Recently, I was approached by LuShae Jewelry to write a review about a product of my choosing, and of course I jumped at the chance.  I love their designs, and here's the kicker, I got to keep the item for free.  I didn't even have to pay shipping either, so thank you LuShae!

Above is the ring I chose, entitled "Kissing Hearts Ring", created in a Rhodium- High Lustre finish, it retails for $64.00 on the LuShae website.  It really has become one of my favorite rings.  And let me add, there were a couple days when it mysteriously disappeared.....want to know why?  My grandmother, who has alzheimer's disease (but still knows something pretty when she sees it) had at some point wandered in my room and picked it up off my crowded dresser.  I thought for sure I had lost it forever, but then later found it on her finger.  Now we share the ring :0)

So, I really couldn't be happier with their product, and I already see plenty of other beautiful pieces on their site I'd like to get.  As an aside, I did a bit of of Googling and some research before I agreed to do this in order to protect my readers, and so far I've read nothing but rave reviews about their costumer service and products. 

Anyways, thanks again to Sarah and I do apologize for the delay in writing this post.  I had a couple deadlines to attend to. 

You can visit the LuShae website here

Illustration Friday: Brave

High Five Cover Sketch

This is for the September issue.  I added lots and lots of detail to this illustration so that the kids could have fun pointing out all the different toys.  Hopefully the art director/editors like it and I can go to color! :0) Painting this should be a nice challenge.  The different shapes, circle and rectangle are all design parts of the magazine, titles etc.

A Way Back Into Love (Illustrated by Jimmy Liao)

Images are from the book "A "Chance of Sunshine" by Jimmy Liao.  Video created by youtube user: broadcasthere.

Make sure to watch at full size: A Way Back Into Love

Vocals:
Haley Bennett
Hugh Grant

Illustration Friday: Perspective

Style Two

I'm working on a new pen-and-ink style to add to my portfolio.  It will probably take a while to develop, but I had some fun doing a pen-and-ink version of my magazine cover idea (not one I'm submitting).  I'll probably do a few more to see if it's something I'd enjoy--because that's what it all comes down to, right?

Cover

This is a rough sketch for a magazine cover.  Can you guess which one? :0) Still lots of work to be done to it, but I wanted to make sure the art director liked the general idea before I spent a bunch of time on details and tightening it up.

I used to completely bury myself in stuffed animals (my personal bodyguards against monsters and such) when I went to bed.  My parents had to practically dig me out of the pile lol!  I had an orange gorilla that was especially tough, along with my Garfield and Ody stuffed toys.

A Note Hung On the Wall of A Jack Reid Instruction Class

This speaks volumes:

Luminosity
Value
Design/composition


NOT trees, people, rocks, water, houses, barns!  


SHAPES!

In other words he's saying to concentrate on the overall impact of your painting instead of getting too lost in details and specifics too early.  View your objects and figures as shapes in relation to composition.  Good stuff!

Learning New Things

I'm reaching the end of a deadline with a little space in between to try some of my own experiments and work on a story I've had stashed away.  Most of all, I want to work on my watercolor techniques.  The way I paint with watercolors has truly been a trial-and-error sort of thing.  Step-by-step books just couldn't hold my attention for very long because I hated copying someone else's painting.  And, if I tried to force myself to do it for the sake of learning, it would drain my original excitement for the medium right out of me.  But, I want to learn still, because I know there are many tools and techniques that I have missed, which therefor ends up limiting my ability to express my ideas on paper--and I surely don't want that.  So I'm going to try again with a watercolor book: "Watercolor Basics - Let's Get Started" by Jack Reid.  From what I've seen in the preview on amazon it looks like a good book, and plus it starts with a philosophy about painting that I agree with whole-heartedly:

"The most important piece of equipment won't cost you anything at all: attitude.  If you're looking for shortcuts or gimmicks, you won't find them in this book.  The best kind of attitude to bring to any new endeavor is a firm belief in hard work.  Some books promise to make watercolor painting easy and order you to "have fun."  Well, I disagree.  Though I'll keep things as simple as possible throughout this book, simple doesn't mean easy.  You have to work at this marvelous medium the same way a singer must train her voice or a musician must practice his instrument.  In other words, you'll need to master the basics.  I've always ascribed 10 percent of my own success to inspiration and 90 percent to perspiration." -Jack Reid

On My Desk

I'm going to be completing the rest of the final art for "How Much Does God Love You" over the next several days.  This is one of my favorite images from the book so far.  I'm really paying close attention to the colors this time around and pushing my comfort level with the brightness and saturation.  I have to say, I'm much happier with the results!  I think this makes the art more camera ready and also gives the person in charge of reproducing the art a break, since they don't have to adjust saturation levels digitally. 

I'm not yet sure of the release date, but of course when I find out I'll post it here.

My Illustration For the Auction

The Butterfly

This measures over two feet in length and about 8 inches high.  I actually stood up for half of the painting because I couldn't reach both sides from my chair lol. 

Lend Us A Paw

Hi all, I was recently contacted by Vanessa Brown who volunteers for a Weimaraner rescue league.  They are putting on an auction to raise money and are looking for illustrators to donate a drawing/painting/illustration to auction off--here's a quote:

"The funds we receive from your donation will enable us to provide medical care for the 150+ dogs who come through our doors next year.  It takes a lot of money to care for these animals before we find them the loving homes they deserve.  We have been so blessed by generous people, companies & organizations such as yours.  We are thankful for any support you can provide our organization in our quest to rescue & re-home these wonderful animals.  I would be happy to provide a copy of our IRS paperwork upon request."

I'll be donating an illustration, anyone else out there want to help?  If so email:  Vanessabrown7304 At aol.com (I wrote it that way to avoid spam bots).

As someone who has worked for dog rescue leagues before I can say for a fact that even the smallest bit of money could allow one more additional dog to be fed, fixed and fostered.   So yes, one drawing can make a big difference.

Thanks!

Babybug Sketch

Here's a sketch for the July/August issue of Babybug magazine.  The wonderful poem is blurred since I'm not allowed to share the spread until after publication.  Slight changes were made in the final art - the pig has a bubbly brush and is scrubbing the top of his head with it. Really fun project, I can't wait to see it reproduced on their high quality, glossy paper.

Intermission

I have been snowed in for almost a week now, unable to leave my house and hoping the electricity/heat wouldn't go out (it hasn't so far, phew!).  Nothing new to post yet, but I promise I will soon after I dig out and get back to a normal schedule.  I'll also be answering my emails soon, as I've fallen behind on that as well. 

Till then, here is a Ralph Fiennes Intermission:

Step By Step for: BEE!

Snow Bear

In those rare moments when I can focus on the here and now (instead of what I need to do tomorrow, or should have done yesterday), it's so peaceful and wonderful. I just wish I could achieve that sense of trust in the world more often.