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!!!!

Christmas Past

Finally finished this year's card and am mailing them out AFTER the fact... ah well...
Christmas is past now, the decorations away and the lighted tree waiting for the New Year confetti and streamers... always leaves me a bit melancoly.
I've enjoyed a wonderful year both in my personal life and professional, and look forward with great hope for an even better year to come!

2012 Christmas Card...

Last year's card was quite popular, and you'll enjoy this year's even more! I'll be posting it soon!

Deb's Grandchildren

Always Learning

I'm having too much fun working in Photoshop! Afraid I'm still a traditionalist in most respects, and still love to draw-scan the line work in, but what fun to experiment with all the different options.

Such as the two samples below:

So very different, at just the touch of a button!

And there's no getting around the ease at which you can change your mind! I LOVE it!!

Libby's Birthday Invitation

Designed my darling grand daughter's party invitation after one they saw somewhere.  After re-reading the instructions sent, I realized she'd wanted a "Knight" saving her. Bother!
She must have forgotten, luckily, as was very pleased with this one.
(I've smudged out their contact info of course.)

Art House Co-op's Weekly Challenge

A quick illustration tracing something on your desk and turning it into a monster. 

IF "Eye Glasses"

Another version of the same. Just practicing a bit more in Photoshop. 

I like this sketchy style as well.

IF "Yesterday"

It seems like just yesterday that he was a wee laddie.

And I'm remembering the Beatles, and my best friend Cheryl D singing it as a duet when we were about thirteen. Ah the memories...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONXp-vpE9eU

IF "Whisper"

IF "Wool"

Wee Malcom loved to nap on his wooly.

(A quick doodle for Illustration Friday, just under the wire really.)

IF "Sky"

IF "Water"

IF "Mirror"

A work in progress...

Spot Illustration

#7 Favorite Word - "Lovely"

30 Days!!!

A fellow artist posted this challenge, and I accepted. We will see how long I keep up with it. Tend to lose interest in these things after a while. Here they are so far.



Ooooh! Color as well!

"Me Art"

Just finished a lovely assignment, and am going to do some "Me Art" as a friend called it. It can be difficult to spend time doing that kind of art when there is no income involved... difficult to justify the time away from family, housework etc. but so very enjoyable!!

Hidden Pictures

Working on a fun illustration right now. See if you can find: a ball, a dog, a piece of pie, a pencil, a doll, a candle, a cookie, a feather, a spoon, a clock, a cell phone and scriptures.

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