The Meet-up

{Watercolor, 2014}

This is a personal piece I just finished. I wanted to illustrate a town for my portfolio but then I couldn't help myself from adding a little bit of a story. One of these days I need to do a massive sketchbook post too. I have tons and tons of sketches that I will share soon. I think sketchbooks are the best thing about being an illustrator. 

Illustration Friday - Wheel

*Click image to view larger*

{Graphite in Sketchbook, 2013}

I thought of a wagon for this week's prompt over at Illustration Friday. I thought tiny wheels would be funny juxtaposed with big fluffy kitties. I was going to leave it at just that and then I decided I wanted to know who was pulling the wagon. It kind of looks like this little girl has all she can handle! Free kitten anyone?

Sewing Projects for Baby

{Sewing Projects for Baby, 2012}

{Sewn Bird with a Jingle Bell Inside, 2012}

{House Pillow, Front, 2012}

 {House Pillow, Back, 2012}

Even though I have a huge book project I'm working on right now, I have enjoyed making a few things for the little baby boy growing inside me. I have sewn a few toys that are far from perfect, but I hope that he likes them anyways. The bird and cat toys were quick and easy and I made the patterns from tracing paper. I love to make things that way because you never really know what to expect. Usually I don't work from others' patterns. If anything, I often look at sewing projects to get a little inspiration and then go and do my own thing. The house pillow was fun to make but took several sessions to hand stitch the windows and letters. I thought it would be neat to put the word house on the back for someday when he is learning to read. Who knows, maybe I'll make a few more shape and word pillows. I'm also making a little quilt that I will share once its finished. And I  have a few drawing projects that are separate from my book project that I will share soon! It has been a very busy 2012 autumn so far!

Cottage Cat

{Watercolor, 2012}
*Click to view larger*

This is a little piece I did today on a scrap of watercolor paper. Its only about 4x6 inches, but I thought it turned out kind of charming. I love cats! I imagine this sweet little cat curls up in the window of his little cottage when he isn't out exploring his yard.

Illustration Friday - Intention

{Sketch, 2012}

The intention of planting a seed is to help it grow! This is part of a personal project I'm working on, but I'm still not completely satisfied with the composition. I figured I would still share it for this week's IF theme. It fit so perfectly!

Cat Plush Toy

{Wool, Cotton and Plastic Eyes, 2012}

{Wool, Cotton and Plastic Eyes, 2012}

I had a vintage 100% wool Lacoste sweater that my mom gave to me (probably from the late 70's) and it was a beautiful dark pink color but over the years some holes formed in the front. I couldn't get rid of it so it has been sitting around in my closet for years. I finally decided that I would felt it by washing it in hot water and tumble drying it. It made a really nice felt and I used part of it to make this little cat plush. I used the sweater for the back and the face. I used a pretty Amy Butler fabric for the front. It is so fun to make squishy little plush toys! I think I might make a bear for my mom out of some of the rest of the sweater. She collects bears and it would be neat to make it out of a familiar sweater. I also have plans to make a few other similar projects. The problem is, when I start sewing, I just don't want to stop! I love it! I have a healthy load of freelance right now too so I try to fit the sewing in when I can.

Small Painting

{Oil on Board, 2012}

I decided to do a mini painting of part of the drawing from my previous post. I liked the connection between the little girl and the cat. I changed the facial features of the little girl; something a little sweeter and less cartoon-like. This little painting, that measures about 3"x5.5", is going to be used for my new business card. I ordered them from Got Print (my first time using them) and I will share them when they arrive!

Illustration Friday - Highlight

{Graphite in Sketchbook, 2012}

"They were each the highlight of the other's day."

The love of my sweet kitties is one of the biggest highlights of my life. I adore their little furry bodies and their soft purrs. I even delight in their naughty behavior. (Shhh! don't tell them that!) I think a lot of people count on the unconditional love of their pets in such a conditional world! I am planning on trying to do illustration Friday a little more frequently this year. I would like to try and do it every week with a few exceptions of holiday times and vacations. ( I believe rest is important too!) Last year it didn't work out very well, as I was working on two children's books simultaneously! I would love to have to juggle such a workload again, but for now I don't have any long-term contracts. In the meantime, and in this wonderful new year I have made a short list of things that I would like to try to accomplish:

• Create my own dummy book for the Iowa SCBWI April conference
• Re-design my business cards
• Do at least 3 promotional mailers (4 would be ideal)
• Go on at least one sketch "field-trip" per month
• Participate in Illustration Friday more frequently
• Craft, Sew and Experiment More!

What are you planning for 2012? What are your goals? Dream big!

A Very Merry Christmas To You

{Watercolor and Colored Pencil, 2011}

I want to wish all of my blog friends a Merry Christmas. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and that you get to spend your break with family, friends, laughter and lots of love. I'll be back to blogging after the Christmas holiday. Best Wishes!

XOXO,
Candace

Sketch and Book Review

{Sketchbook, 2011}

I thought I would post the line drawing while I am still working on the digitally colored version. Halloween is just around the corner and I always look forward to carving pumpkins and watching the leaves turn. Of course, I always enjoy a festive cat too! On another note, my publisher sent me a link to THIS REVIEW of "The Twelve Days of Christmas -- In Texas, That Is". It happens to be a favorable review, which of course, makes me happy.

Halloween Kitty

{Drawing in Sketchbook with Digital Color, 2010}

A sweet little kitty to wish you all a happy Halloween! I will be posting a few pictures of the pumpkins I carved and my handmade costume later this week. I'm especially proud of my costume because this is the first time I have ever sewn a whole costume myself. Is anyone else dressing up for Halloween? If you are, what are you going to be?

New Blog Header

{Oil on Board, 2010}

If you visit my blog regularly, you might notice that I changed my banner. I was tired of the old one and wanted something that better reflects my work. I painted the illustration with oil on illustration board and then added text using Adobe Illustrator. I think this new header is more cheerful and who doesn't love a playful kitten?! I thought I would post the banner without the text on it.

Merry Christmas 2009!

{Amelia settled in, 2009}

{Oliver watching Amelia before she had ever been in our home, 2009}

{Oliver watching the feral cats eating as a family, 2009}

While not an official Christmas gift, it is definitely a Christmas blessing to have a new (well... new to our home) addition to our family. My husband and I help to manage a feral colony of cats in our neighborhood. Earlier this fall we trapped several of the cats and brought them to the ARL to be neutered, spayed and checked. The younger kittens were to be adopted out and we "adopted" the adults with the intention of releasing them back to the outdoors to continue to live the way they were accustomed to. During this process we also decided that it would be beneficial for Oliver's active personality to have another cat in our home to play with.

Enter Amelia.

Amelia was born this summer in the foundation of my neighbor's utility garage. She was in a litter of four cats. Two orange and two tabby. The two orange cats looked identical while the two tabby cats had very different distinguishing characteristics. We watched them grow from little hamster sized fur balls into young cats and enjoyed feeding them on our deck so that we could watch them eat as a family. While watching the young cats develop, I started to notice one cat in particular that had markings very similar to Oliver. I assumed the cat was a boy (with absolutely no reasoning behind it) and occasionally Oliver was allowed to go outside and play in our fenced backyard with the young cats and he seemed to enjoy being with his own feline kind. (you know, those tough outdoor kitties). Oliver bonded with the orange cats and the little tabby that looked like him seemed afraid of his presence.

When we brought the cats to the ARL, I told them that we would be interested in adopting one of the young ferals for our home. Due to Oliver's seemingly pleasant interactions with the orange cats, I assumed we would take one one of those home and the tabby would be worked with for the adoption center longer than the others. When we were called back 2 weeks later, I was told that we would be taking home a female cat that was tabby. When I saw which cat it was, I was surprised to learn that she had made incredible progress with humans and seemed to enjoy a good cuddle or scruff on the neck every now and then. We brought her home and let her into the house. She ran and hid, while I did additional research on how to adapt a feral cat to a human home.

I learned a lot in a few hours. As it turns out, Amelia was past the age (at an ancient 5 months) when cats need to be socialized with humans for best results. Usually cats should be tamed within 6 weeks of birth. She also had a few health issues that we had to deal with: Roundworm, tapeworm, fleas and a kitty cold picked up from the facilities she had been at. I decided that even if Amelia was going to be shy, I would try to make sure we could teach her to trust us and love us, even if other humans made her uncomfortable. For the next few days she hid under the bed or couch. As days turned to weeks she would let us hold her for longer and one day even purred! (I read somewhere that you know you have won the heart of a feral cat if it will purr in your arms... success!) After two months of living with us, she now sleeps with us in our bed, plays with us, jumps up to sit with us and just ADORES her adoptive big brother, Oliver.

My husband and I love this cat and do not regret going through some tough months of feeling rejected by her. We were patient, tried not to take it personally and tried to give her space and be understanding of her feelings. While I believe we handled the situation to the best of our abilities, I also think it helps that she had been exposed to humans (us!) all her life, even if it was just to be fed or watched out in the hot Iowa summer. She is a doll and seems to appreciate the modern comforts of our home. She likes sleeping on soft blankets, loves store bought toys (Oliver prefers cardboard and other non traditional toys) and she sleeps by the radiator vent because of the warmth.

We got Amelia in October, but I still consider her to be a Christmas blessing because she came out of her shell so fast and seems to be adjusting at a miraculous rate. I guess its simple, but it is our Christmas miracle.

Merry Christmas to all of my blog readers, I hope you have a truly magical holiday and God Bless!

Illustration Friday - Hollow (Colored Version)

{Watercolor, 2009}

I finished up the drawing that I posted yesterday. I tried to keep a Halloween color palette, so I can use this little drawing to decorate when October rolls around! Its only about 4"x5" in size, and I used Prismacolor pencils, watercolor and Arches 140#HP paper to complete it. I plan to use the rest of today working on some sewing projects that I need to get done. I will share them later.

Illustration Friday - Hollow

{Colored Pencil on Watercolor Paper, 2009}

I have time to do Illustration Friday this week! I will post the finished colored version tomorrow. I know its a little early for Halloween, but while I was home in Michigan, we drove past a pumpkin patch that had some burgeoning vines!

"Worn" Sketch and Garden Updates!

{Sketch on Illustration Board, 2009}

I hope to have this sketch finished later this week so I can submit it for Illustration Friday's theme of "worn". (as in, the kitty is all worn out from playing!) Its a scrap of illustration board that is about 3 inches on each side. I want to do it in oil, since I am back to painting that way.

{Oliver, 2009}

I've mentioned my cat, Oliver, several times on my blog. Here is a picture of him from a few days ago. I know I have also written about his "loaf" pose. Its like kitty yoga! Gosh darn, I just think he is the cutest thing.

{Garden, 2009}

Some close-up shots from my garden! The thing I am most excited about is the tomato plant! Look at those little tomatoes growing up! (they are the little yellow pear tomatoes that are similar in size to cherry tomatoes.) The rest are some of the flowers that have been attracting several butterflies. (and bees! can you spot the bee?) This morning they even lured a male ruby-throated hummingbird. I was so excited to see him. They flit around so quickly that I always stop what I am doing and just stand still, hoping it'll stay as long as possible!

Illustration Friday - Clandestine

{Watercolor, 2008}

"Once all the presents had been unwrapped, the kitty found a rather clandestine spot!"

Happy New Year to all! This is my last illustration of 2008. Its another watercolor spot illustration. I have been doing these to prepare for a larger watercolor illustration with deeper backgrounds and more action. I hope you all get what you wish for in 2009 and have very creative endeavors. Also, Ken and I made it back to Iowa in one piece. We had a nice time in Michigan, but I am glad to be back to my studio.

Holiday Wishes!

{Sketchbook, 2008}

I plan to color this when we arrive home after Christmas! Just wanted to tell everyone out there Merry Christmas! It means a lot to have met so many inspiring and encouraging people in the blogosphere. I hope everyone has a blessed and wonderful Christmas and an exciting New Year! I'm ready to grab 2009 by the reigns. 

We made it to Michigan after 12 hours in the car (it would normally be more like 8-9 hours)! But we are here safely and there is SO much snow!

Sketchies

{Sketchbook, 2008}

{Sketchbook, 2008}

This is a bear sketch, a quick little watercolor sketch of Oliver napping, and some holiday themed pen sketches. Hope everybody is getting everything done in preparation of Christmas and the New Year!

Illustration Friday 2 - Similar

{ Watercolor with Black Prisma Pencil, 2008}

{Preliminary Drawing, 2008}

This was just supposed to be a watercolor practice piece, but as I was going, I thought it would be cute if the kitten and the butterfly had similar color and markings.
Watercolor is a medium that I have only dabbled with in recent years. All of my favorite illustrators use it, but during my last few years of school I worked almost exclusively in oil. After I got out of school I just used oils because it was what I was used to. In the past few months, I have added to my 2009 goal list, to have a proficient watercolor style. If I spend all of my time loving the way watercolor looks, why not at least try? I was heavily inspired by my new friend and colleague, in the Des Moines area Sara Butcher. Visit her blog, you'll see what I mean. During my sophomore or junior year of college I had a pretty nice watercolor portfolio started, but after a teacher suggested hanging it on the wall, it was all stolen. 1 full 22"x30" watercolor, and 3 half sheet pages. I distinctly remember the teacher saying that by my senior year of college I wouldn't want to use them for my portfolio anyways. Well...I DO have one color copy of a portion of one of them (that is it!) and I think I would still use them for my portfolio now...if I could.
Long story short, this is my first REAL attempt at going for a style in watercolor, and for my first little shot at it, I am satisfied that I will continue. I see blemishes and mistakes, but I always do and overall, I like it.