Inktober 2014

Had a wonderful time creating for the annual inktober! Only missed a week or so while away from home. Click on the link below to see them all.

https://www.facebook.com/elise.n.black/media_set?set=a.10152526524894830.1073741829.792094829&type=3

The Art Director Chooses...

I have a hard time understanding sometimes why art directors choose the art they do. And sometimes I submit several versions just because I like a different look, and then offer them the choice. 

I almost always know what will be chosen, but I keep on sending different things just because. I have my own ideas of what looks best, but then, it' isn't up to me, at least for now. 

Which of these would you choose? 

Filters

I've been warned about filters. They are obvious, overused etc. etc. etc. I know, I know... but I still think they're cool! and after I've submitted finished work, I send it through a filter just for fun.

"Family Camp-In"

Illustrating for The Friend is not only a pleasure, but can be exciting as well, especially when one forgets about an illo only to open the newly arrived issue and discover it there! I never get tired of seeing my work in print! VERY satisfying, unless of course I wasn't pleased with the finished work, which happens, and then I cringe!
I had so much fun with this one, watercoloring it traditionally, and then sending it to Photoshop to add the final lighting etc. I still am struggling to get the techniques down, but am enjoying it as well, and appreciate the confidence placed in me now and then.
On to the next assignment! What fun!

IF "Beard"

Doodled this bearded fellow a bit ago, but now he can show off his whiskers in style.

Some ideas in the works...

My darling mother is a writer, and although she has never been published, she keeps on plugging away, expecting nothing really to come of it, but deep down wishing something would. So I've started illustrating a few of them, and who knows what might come of it. This is from one I've been working on.

Snail Parenting

"Du gamla, Du fria!"

I left a bit of my heart in Sweden some years ago while serving as a missionary for 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

I still haven't been able to return, but hope to one day...
perhaps when the last of my wee ones is on his own.
Until then, I will have to content myself honoring her as I can, eating köttbullar

och Lingon sylt at IKEA,

 singing "Du gamla, Du fria" June 6th

and creating images such as this one. 

Jag älskar min vackra Sverige!

In Honor of National Doughnut Day!

Sunday Doodles

I do my best listening and learning while doodling. Got a wonderful portfolio idea today! 

Getting better at digital work...

I've been working more and more digitally, scanning in my original line work and then coloring it in Photoshop. I must say, the sheer convenience, unlimited supplies and forgiving nature of the media is the sweetest part. 

How many times have I labored over watercolor work only to have my hand cramp up (which it does now and then) and drop my brush right smack in the middle of a nearly finished illustration?! 

No choice but to start over. That type of thing is exactly what I'm talking about! 

But in photoshop, no worries! Delete the layer and try again. Lovely!!

I also love the varied and limitless brushes, textures and hues! It's remarkable!! 

(You can see what an old school I am, can't you?! Pitiful really!) 

Anyway, I'm learning so much and having such fun, but am well aware I've a long way to go before I really can pull it off.

Above is a sampling of an ink drawing I just finished, and below in color. 

Really pleased with the finished work, and the art director was too! Yipee!!!!