Whoa! What a Week!

{Graphite, 2009}

This is from tonight's figure drawing class at the Des Moines Art Center. The focus was on legs and feet. I didn't get all the way through it, but its an improvement on some of my past feet. I have been SO busy this week just trying to finish up projects that are coming to a close and are due ASAP. I did manage to get a minute to sign up for the Nebraska SCBWI event that will be in Omaha on March 28, 2009. I am really excited to go and see what its all about. I've been a member for almost a year, but have only read the bulletins and used the website minimally. I hope to get a few snapshots while I am there to share on my blog. I have a feeling that it will be a good experience!

Illustration Friday - Instinct (Color Version)

{Watercolor, 2009}

I finished this watercolor spot illustration this morning. (I got up at 5 AM because I couldn't sleep. Grrrr!) I will add this to my small pile of watercolor illustrations in my portfolio. I don't know what it is, but unlike working in oil, watercolor is so addictive. Its less laborious for me, and I just love the way the water and the paint feel on the brush and when they touch the paper. I have a rough plan for a larger, more complex watercolor piece, but I may not be able to get to it for a few weeks yet.

Illustration Friday - Instinct

{Black Prisma on HP WC Paper, 2009}

I am definitely going to finish this in color and resubmit it to Illustration Friday. However, after drawing this out on the watercolor paper, I figured I would post it without any paint on it. Make sure you come visit me again to see it with color!! Happy Friday!

EDIT: The color version is done. Click HERE to see it!

Figure Drawing

{Charcoal on Toned Paper, 2009}

This is the drawing from tonight's figure class. We were focusing on just the torso. I usually hang the drawing from the previous week in my studio so it can "soak in". That way I can learn from any mistakes or think of ways to improve upon techniques. 

Illustration Friday - Celebrate

{Sketchbook, 2009}

Celebrate friendship and diversity! I don't think I will be able to finish this before Friday, so I will just post the sketch. I want to add a background and clean up the sketch a bit more before I start a final illustration. I have several small freelance jobs converging right now, so its a bit tense trying to get leisure sketch time in!

Pet Portrait Commission

{9"x12" Oil on Canvas, 2009}

I just finished this up today. Its a pet portrait commission of two very cute cats! It was somewhat of a challenge to piece together pictures of them since they are shy and also don't spend much time with each other. This got me thinking... maybe I should do a painting of Oliver! (you know, when I have free time...)
On a completely different note, I am super excited that one of the links I sent Craftastrophe was put up as today's nasty little crafting gem! See HERE!

Happy Valentines Day 2009!

{Sketchbook, 2009}

Happy Valentine's Day to all! This is one of my favorite holidays. I think its the colors, the imagery (I love vintage Valentine's Day cards), and of course, the concept of love and sweethearts. I drew these little fairies in my sketchbook and thought I would share them. I think, in the fairy world, little berries work just as well as paper cards or chocolates. Hmmm... maybe the berries are chocolate covered?!
Also, Diana Evans printed THIS out and had her son, Cole, color it. He did a great job with his color mixing and got really creative with it! Great Job Cole!

Figure Drawing

{charcoal on toned paper, 2009}

{detail, 2009}

This is the "long pose" from class tonight. I have some issues with areas, but I feel that I am definitely benefitting from taking the class. I always used to enjoy drawing females more than males, but recently I am indifferent. I think its mostly due to the fact that I am seeing shapes more than seeing "a person". 

Creative Journaling

{Working on My Creative Journal, 2009}

{Visit This Book on Amazon to Find Out More}

The last few days I have been working on something called a "Creative Journal" It all started when I found "The Creative Entrepreneur: A DIY Visual Guidebook for Making Business Ideas Real", by Lisa Sonora Beam. I felt an instant attraction to doing a business plan in a more visual, inspiring and introspective way. I think its a great guide for revealing your true desires, strengths, weaknesses and organizing them so you can use them to your benefit. I recommend this book to anyone who is an entrepreneur within the creative spectrum!

Figure Drawing

{Charcoal on BFK Rives, 2009}

This is from my class last night. I was bummed that I ran out of time to finish the hand, but we were supposed to be focusing on the muscle and bone structure of the torso. I assume we will focus on hands and feet at a later time.

Valentine's Day Coloring Page

{Kids Coloring Page, 2009}

This little puppy wants to be colored!! Directions: Click on image, drag it to your desktop or save as .jpg and then print it out. (it looks really big when you click on it, but it will print at 8.5"x11".) Send the colored versions back to me at candartist@aol.com and I will post them on my blog! Happy coloring!!

Some Manufactured Toy Designs

These are just a few of the MANY toy designs I did for the 2009 Toy Network Plush Line. I especially love these because they turned out exactly like my drawings. The Boston Terrier at the top is my absolute favorite because I grew up with Bostons. The markings on the dog are modeled after my two favorite Boston Terriers, Scout and Boots!
All Plush is © Manley Toy Network LLC

Welcome February 2009

{Prisma in Moleskine, 2009}

I did this little drawing of heart shaped butterflies in my new watercolor Moleskine book. I plan on coloring in tomorrow. I thought the little drawing had a little merit on it's own. I love Valentine's Day. Its a lovely and warm holiday for such a chilly time of year in the Midwest of the United States.{Watercolor in Moleskine, 2009}
EDIT: I watercolored it, and don't really care for the results, so I will try to do a better, cuter Valentine's Day illo. Here it is. I like the concept, so maybe I will redo it slightly differently.