Kitten paintings

Did these over the past week, and finally got the last painting done today. Again, just working on small paintings to practice. Below are some images showing the process I have adopted for my illustrations. Would appreciate any feedback!

First sketch quickly with a technical pencil.
My wife said the original looked a bit odd, so I did a quick alternate (left) to adjust it. :P

Next, I resketch the drawing using a non-photo blue pencil. This pencil allows me a bit more freedom as I can get the lines really light, and build the sketch slowly. Once I like the blue sketch, I outline it in pencil.

I put the finished outlined sketch on my lightbox, and lay illustration board on top, both taped down to avoid movement. I then redraw the illustration in ink with a nib pen. After I have the lines, I go back and add sketchy marks which give the drawing a bit more life and movement.

And finally, I paint it with watercolor.

Corduroy

Just a quick painting done in between going back and forth on a project with my boss. My version of Corduroy from Don Freeman's book. I plan to do more small paintings like this as practice.

IF - Worn

This weeks word made me think of the worn blankets and bears kids carry around with them for years. My son won't go anywhere without his bear. Then I was reminded of a story I read call Corduroy by Don Freeman, which resulted in the image above. I had hoped to color it, but again I'll just have to settle for the finished drawing. I do plan to paint this in the near future.

IF - Drifting

Trying to get back in the swing of posting regularly after a brief hiatus. Had a period of self-doubt there about my art (is it good enough, etc., etc), illustration as a viable profession (stupid economy), and all sorts of other things (there was actually a period where I thought I wanted to sell hot dogs! (not that there's anything wrong with that!)). I never really stopped drawing, as my pile of unfinished drawings will prove; just wasn't up to posting anything.

But never fear, I am back on track and committed to seeing this through! Needless to say I didn't reach my goal of having a website by June, but at this point, my goal is to practice my painting until I am happy with the final art. Below are 2 recent watercolors. I bought some new watercolors to see how the better pigments my work. The fairy I outlined with a dip pen (which I really like using), and the mouse I outlined with a PrismaColor 005 pen. I like the PrismaColor pens for their line quality, but the ink could be darker. I overworked the mouse painting a bit, mostly on his body.



Like most of my IF posts, I have to submit a sketch as time has gotten away (doesn't help that I am on deadline at work. : P ) I am going to paint this (note the determination!), and will post in the near future.

Thanks for stopping by!

In progress...

Been a while since I posted anything new. Been real busy with work, family, life. I have been drawing, but haven't been able to complete anything. So for now, I am posting my "in progress" sketches that I have been working on over the past few weeks. Enjoy!

My first illustration job

The above image marks my first official illustration for a client — a local history museum. The opportunity came up when they asked to use a map from one of the magazines I design. I asked the museum's director if she would allow me to illustrate the map as a donation for the experience. She agreed, and after about a week of planning and painting, the above map is the result.

I created the maps, compass rose, and "N" in watercolor and pen, and did the type, star and circles in Illustrator.

I am very please with how it turned out, and will be using it as part of my forthcoming online portfolio (still working for the June goal!).

Actually, this isn't my first map illustration. I did some watercolor and Illustrator maps for the Kentucky State Travel Guide a few years ago for my previous employer. Unfortunately, I can't find my copy, and I haven't made an effort to contact the Kentucky Tourism Bureau to see if they have any copies left.

Anyway, would love to know what you think!

Where the Wild Things Will Be

Saw this featured on the local news this evening. Looks pretty cool!