Tomie dePaola Illustration for 2012

Just made the deadline sending it as the clock struck 12! Ah well, don't think it has a chance anyway, but was fun to try. Actually I'm quite proud of myself with all this week held, and the extra hours I had to put in at work to even make such an attempt! You know, life is pretty great, and the only regrets you have are when you don't bother at all.

Studies on Mother and Child

Brooke and the Cake

IF "Fuel"

Detail of "He Sleeps..."

Found a lovely quote many years ago, unattributed as yet to any particular author, and I've been trying to illustrate it.

Doodling

Design roughs for a client and the value of our art...

I worked up a few roughs for a client/friend the other day and he was so funny after viewing the sketches, so pleased with them, that I had to remind him they were roughs still, and needed quite a bit of polishing. "Really?!" he asked, "Oh, ok...yeah."
Sometimes I forget that my work is valued so, even admired, when I can just whip things out! It's as I reminded my mechanic the other day to charge me what his time was worth! To him it's no big deal, easy even, but to me, he's an automobile artist! There is no way on earth that I could fix an engine! It's the same with my art I guess!
Just seems wrong somehow, to charge a fee while having a good time!

IF "Stay"

IF "Remedy"

A few attempts at the theme...
"No doubt he could remedy this! AND finance his daughter's university education at the same time!!"

IF "Swept"/ "Sketch-a-Day"

"Indeed, the 'Sweeper 5000' cut Cinderella's work nearly in half!"
(Only a sketch I'm afraid, but I am determined to meet some of my goals at least, so have decided to combine a few things until I can get a bit more organized! Now I can tick those two off!!)

IF "Asleep"

I keep missing my deadlines here!! Bother!! My sketchbook was filled with sleep however...

IF "Soaked"

IF "Bottled"

I've felt like this on occasion - ready to "pop my cork" as it were. Should have added some lines about the cork. Bother!

IF "Duet"

"Bushy-haired Bald Guy"

A friend was telling me yesterday her daughter saw my illustration in the Friend... "Oh, yeah, did she draw this bushy-haired bald guy?" Don't know why, but that just tickled me!

IF "Sweater"

Didn't get this one finished in time, and with just a quick coloring in Photoshop, but couldn't pass up the topic! I LOVE sweaters!!

IF "Swarm"

Photoshop practice...cont.

I'm still relatively new to Photoshop, and still favor traditional media, but marvel at the prospects! A color study in seconds, with 100% forgiveness!! Bravo!!!

IF "Reverse"

"Part of the Family"

Just published in the February "Friend"

Sketchbook Project

A few pages from my sketchbook, on it's way to the Brooklyn Art Library! Talk about cutting it close! Was a fun fun project though, and I'll definitely do it again if I can!! Lycka till min lilla bok! Bon Chance!

"When Brush and Pencil fell in love...

Doing a wee bit of practicing in Photoshop.

IF "Chicken" well, almost.

Wee Davey

IF "Resolutions"

As always, I've many resolutions, but of the one I am most determined, it is to DRAW Elise! DRAW DRAW DRAW!!!