Name Bearers at Minted!

Minted is offering my print, "Name Bearers" just in time for Christmas! This print is meant to be customized with a child's name. If you have a special kid in your life, consider getting them this personal gift : )

Swift Fox at Minted!

Minted.com has launched my "Swift Fox" in their art collection! He looks quite dashing! You can see him here. Foxes are in right now, he would make a great Christmas gift.

Naturalist's Collection: Minted State of the Art Challenge

This is what I came up with the for next two illustrations. Fish found on the African coasts, and the African Rhinoceros Beetle.

 

As I was getting ready to spend time drawing scales I came up with a great way to make uniform scales. Maybe fish artists already do this, but I was pretty happy to figure it out! I made quick cross hatches and drew the scales in.

 

Here are the fish finished and the completed collection.

 

African Gazelle: Minted Design Challenge

I am entering this illustration into the "State of the Art" Minted design challenge. My colored pencils got quite stubby, so I was really hanging on!

The due date for submission was extended a couple days, so I am going to try to paint two more pieces to create a naturalist collection. Stay tuned!

South American Boy

This is my 6th and final illustration for the Sunday school curriculum. It has been a growing experience trying to capture these 6 children.
When I painted my African boy, I had trouble with the granulation of my sienna watercolor. Later, my illustrator friend told me that all of her browns have granulation (making the paint look gritty.) For my South American boy I mixed cadmium red, colbalt blue and serpentine genuine green to get his soft brown skin color. I added a little bit of purple for my darker shades.
When I look back at my first Asian girl, I realize how much I have learned. I learned how to see shapes in the skin to create movement and depth, Unlike the tedious painting of fur, with skin I have to move quickly with out stopping to create smooth tones that flow.