Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Illustration Friday

I have been wanting to participate in this thing called Illustration Friday for several weeks now. I have only recently gained the courage to complete and upload an idea. This weeks word is "blanket." My first idea was of two people under a blanket on a bed watching TV. I drew this, but the people's proportions were less than normal, though I was satisfied with the overall drawing (quite surprised actually!) However, in conversation about IF with my wife, she came up with the idea of using a blanket to make a tent, which lead to my idea shown here, which, if it is not already obvious, is a child reading/playing under the sheet (blanket) with a flashlight. It was done in watercolor, (with a little too much hatching; used the wrong pen!!), but overall I think it is a decent first try. I did the hatching because I could not get the colors dark enough to make the room look dark with a glow from the light under the covers. The ballpoint pen I used globbed in many places and the line is a bit too think (can anyone recommend a good pen to draw with watercolors?). Any whoo, I am so enjoying this journey and am encouraged more every day to keep at it. I can't wait to see where I will be a year from today!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Tom, Good to meet you in Blogland! I think we might be on the same journey after reading your blog. I've never had confidence in my drawing until recently and now would love to be an illustrator. I've even read the same books as you too! Good luck with your artwork, best wishes, Jess.

Tom Barrett said...

Thanks, Jess. Best to you as well.

Alicia Padrón said...

Yeay, it's great that you are participating Tom! This is a great idea and really cute. I like how you balanced the color of the blanket with the curtain, and the focal point is definitely the child under the blanket.
I'm wondering though (just as a suggestion) how it would look if you scan it again but more as a close up. Focusing only on the bed and window and leaving less of the floor area. I feel it would be more intimate that way. Maybe you will loose your signature though. You don't have to listen to me, do it just if you feel you want to :o)

Tom Barrett said...

Thanks, Alicia! Please suggest away. That is one reason I started this, to get feedback from those with more experience. Cropping it is a great idea. I will try that and see how it looks.

sketched out said...

Hi Tom,
Thanks for stopping by my blog and all your fun comments! I really appreciate it.

I like your drawing and the idea is very sweet. Brings back memories, hee hee. I agree with Alicia, that cropping in a bit would make it a little more intimate. But very nice indeed.

Also, where I'm not exactly an expert on inking, ( I prefer colored pencils and more forgiving media.) When I do ink, I use Pigma Micron pens http://www.sakuraofamerica.com/?q=Pen-Archival. You can order them from Dick Blick or get them at pretty much any art supply store. They don't clump and have nice fine points.

Good luck and keep up the good work!

Tom Barrett said...

Thanks, Linda. I will check on those Pigma Microns and see how they work!