Illustration Friday - Poise

{Prisma on Watercolor Paper, 2009}

Here is my initial drawing for the Illustration Friday prompt of "Poise" this week. I couldn't help but think of a sweet little dancer. (after all, I studied ballet for almost 16 years!) Look for the painted version tomorrow!

SCBWI:Nebraska Event

{Character Study, 2009}

Saturday, March 28, 2009 I attended the Nebraska state SCBWI conference held in Omaha. While it was small and geared mostly toward writers, I still felt that it was a positive experience. In fact, every time I go to something like this, it makes me want to start writing again. (we'll see) The keynote speaker was Andrew Karre of Carolrhoda Books. (which is a division of Lerner Publishing) He spent a good deal of time talking about networking on places like Blogger, Facebook, and Twitter. He also had a lot of optimism to offer in the way of the up coming generation and their hunger for reading material. In essence, this generation is the most linked in and communication based group in history. If you think about it, teens are reading a writing more and more, if not in the traditional sense. (ie. texting, facebooking, twittering) I also like that he added that perhaps literacy isn't just about words. (a shout out to the illustrators out there) but that our culture is moving to a more image/word based balance instead of just text. (AND that it isn't necessarily a bad thing) Overall, he had a fresh perspective that was new to me! It was also refreshing to have someone working in publishing that was right around 30 years old and seemingly excited to be there.
Now I am looking toward the SCBWI:Iowa event in Bettendorf from April 24-26, 2009. Its a bigger event and they have scheduled a speaker and some events specifically for illustrators. I hope to meet and network with some great people. I also get a chance to display my portfolio and have a portfolio review by Larry Day. (who also happens to be the speaker for the illustrators). I am VERY excited!
The image above is just a little character study with prisma pencil on chipboard that I did this morning. I need to start creating multiple images of the same character. I would like to do more of these. Perhaps I will start doing one or two a week. (with more than just two character options and some bodies attached) After all, if I'm going to aim for children's publishing I suppose it would be wise to prove that I am capable of drawing the same character over and over!

Figure Drawing

{Graphite on Bristol, 2009}

Last night, in figure class, we focused on the muscles of the back. The teacher had selected a model with a very long back and a lean physique so we could see bone and muscle working together. The drawing is roughly 14"x 16".

New Business Cards!

{Finished Product, 2009}

{Front Design, 2009}

{Back Design, 2009}

Few things are more satisfying for me than making my own promo materials. I enjoy designing them because I am my own client. When I ordered, I opted for rounded corners and UV coating because I think it gives the card a nice quality and it won't be totally destroyed if someone sticks it in their back pocket! In the end, the best part is getting the finished product in the mail after you've been stalking your UPS tracking number for the last 4 days. I have some SCBWI events coming up in quickly, and I think something as simple as a fresh business card might add a little pep to my step.

Legs and Feet Study

{Subtractive and Additive Graphite, 2009}

{Foot Detail}

This is a study focusing on legs from one of my latest sessions in the figure drawing class that I take at the Des Moines Art Center. I love when we get to use graphite, its generally a more subtler method than the chunks of charcoal that we sometimes use. I think I like that its a little less messy too. I hate washing charcoal out from underneath my finger nails for three days!

Promo Progress and Stir Fry

{WIP : Watercolor, 2009}

I know, I know... nice post title. I didn't really know what else to call it though! Thought I would share my promo progress. I didn't get more than a few hours to work on it this week after I started over. I spent most of Monday night transferring the drawing and dealing with line weights and shapes. Then, Tuesday I put in shadows and started to create the atmospheric perspective. Hope to get some more paint on this thing this weekend!

{Noms by Me, 2009}

On a totally different note, I actually spent some time making something for dinner the other night. And, for once, it turned out delicious. I am not known fror my culinary skills, but this stir fry that I added some pineapple to, was sooooo good! I had to take a picture. I was proud!

Etsy Treasury: Buttercups and Bunnies

I feel so honored to be a part of my very first treasury on Etsy! Check it out HERE! Its a lovely spring treasury filled with sweet bunnies and buttercups! A big thanks to The Silver Dog who chose me! Make sure you check out her shop! Its full of all kinds of lovelies!

Ox Sketch

{Sketchbook, 2009}

Here is the story behind posting a random sketch of an ox: I am still working on my promo piece, and I am running a bit further behind on it than intended. "Why?", you ask? Well, I decided to start over after completely going overboard on the grass and taking it to a level of green-ness that should never be reached. I've decided to learn from the previous one, and I transferred the original drawing onto a fresh sheet of Arches 140# HP paper. This was all pretty time consuming, and I have nothing to show for it, besides the sketch of an ox that I made while I was taking a break from all the frustration.

Twirling Through Spring!

{Rough Sketch, 2009}

After messing with this, for what seemed like, FOREVER! I think I am finally satisfied with the composition. I probably drew this about 5 different ways. I'm sure when I go to transfer the drawing to the paper, I will make minor adjustments, but overall, its SUCH an improvement. Pieces like this always make me proud, because I buckle down and work on them. Things that come easily, often pass easily too. Hopefully the end result turns out as nice as I hope it will. I plan to bring it to the Omaha, Nebraska SCBWI event later this month.

Illustration Friday - Intricate (in color)

{Watercolor with Digital Typography, 2009}

I finished the piece from the previous post. I wrote a silly little poem to go along with it too! Hope you enjoy and that it makes you "think Spring"! Now, I must finish adjusting the sketch composition for my promotional mailer so I can finally paint that too!

Illustration Friday - Intricate

{Prismacolor on Watercolor Paper, 2009}

These bunnies are painting eggs in preparation for Easter with the most intricate designs they can muster! As with the last few weeks, I a submitting the drawing without paint to Illustration Friday. Once I paint it I will resubmit again. I think the drawings are sort of fun on their own! I also like to see the comparison between a plain black and white drawing, and one with color.

Illustration Friday - Breezy (in color)

{Watercolor, 2009}

I managed to finish my complete entry for Illustration Friday this week...just in the knick of time! I used my Holbein watercolors, Arches 140# HP watercolor block and a black Prismacolor pencil. I am really enjoying this combination of materials, and plan to keep working on a section of my portfolio dedicated to them.

Illustration Friday - Breezy

{Prisma Pencil on Watercolor Paper, 2009}

Mouse is taking advantage of the breezy day! I plan to get this colored in the next day or so, but since it is already Wednesday, I thought I would post the drawing. Now, I have to get to work on some freelance stuff!

Cow Plush

{Plush Cow, 2009}

{Detail of Plush Cow, 2009}

{Detail of Plush Cow, 2009}

I finished the plush cow that I was working on for the majority of this weekend. It was commissioned by my friend from Kendall College of Art and Design, Amanda. She plans to give it as a gift to a little guy in her family. This is my first time making something on the sewing machine. ( the sewn cuff from the previous post was made after I started the cow.) It isn't perfect but I think that is part of the charm of a handmade toy. I really hope she likes it and enjoys gifting it!

Sew Sweet!

{Fabric Cuff, 2009}

I've been getting to know my sewing machine the last few days because I am working on a commission of a plush cow for my friend, Amanda. I took a little break to make this little fabric cuff for myself. I used a little swatch of Amy Butler fabric mixed with some felt, velvet ribbon, and beads. I'm so in LOVE with Amy Butler's stuff! I really want to make a sundress or a skirt with some of her fabric when I get a little more comfortable with the Singer.