Mr. Owl

Mr. Owl is all dressed up in feathers and ready for tea! 

Sometimes my paintings go through an awkward stage, where the colors are unbalanced, too hot or to cold, sometimes I lay down the wrong color, or textures don't look right. So many things can go wrong, especially since I am still learning through trial and error on some of my favorite illustrations! Mr Owl went through such a horrible awkward stage that I seriously felt sick to my stomach for 2 hours while I tried to "fix" him. I was ready to start the hard work of re drawing him (with out a light box for tracing.)  I have always been able to problem solve my way out of these situations, and I was able to with Mr Owl even though it seemed pretty hopeless! Kinda goes with his grumpy mood. He was a stinker to paint! But now he is done and I think he looks great!

Working with watercolor can be very challenging, but I don't think I will ever trade it for digital! The feeling of accomplishment is great!

Mr. Owl's English Tea

Mr. Owl is hosting his annual English tea. He invites all the woodland creatures in the neighboring trees. However, not every guest is as polite as the Proper Squirrel. When you see whats going on, you will understand Mr. Owl's disgruntled look!

Snowy Walk Home

Spot Illustration

 

This is what I am working on today. This is a spot illustration to go with Once Upon a Book. I am preparing my portfolio for my 3rd SWBWI conference. (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.) The purpose of this piece is to show that I can carry the same characters through a world to tell a story. These two hedgehogs are making their way home from a book fair to snuggle up and read in their cozy home. 

Foxes Across the Moon

I am working on a book project with my photographer friend, Phillip VanNostrand. The story is based on one-off magical realism. Where a nonsensical sentence is made real by the illustration.

Can you find the snail?

Mr & Mrs Deer

 

These two will be available on my Etsy shop in April!

Mrs. Deer rivised

After looking at my deer couple, I realized that Mrs. Deer did not have the right response to Mr. Deer's dashing gaze. I wanted her to look shy and graceful. So, after work today, I sat down and brought her to life. I made her edges softer, tilted her nose down and gave her fur a softer pattern. I also made her woodland crown more delicate. I am really happy with the results!

Before I paint them I will re draw the oval a little higher so that she doesn't seem so tall. I think they make a much nicer couple. Don't you?

Mr & Mrs

I put finishing touches on my flying foxes tonight! I will post them as soon as I get them stitched : )

Yesterday I had a spurt of inspiration and did 3 drawings on watercolor paper. The owl joined the English tea party, he will make an appearance soon, and Mr and Mrs Deer appeared. I finished the drawing tonight, and am now waiting for a trip to the city to buy more pens. Mine are all dried up!

Here are Mr and Mrs Deer. They are a fine couple, don't you think? Although, I think I might redo Mrs Deer. She doesn't quite match Mr Deer's Dashing intensity. I want her to look shy.

Sneak Peak

Here is a sneak peak at what I am working on! After dinner I will start painting.