Inspiration

I have been so grateful this week for artists who are willing to share. Lynne Chapman has an amazing blog which I have referenced before. I always have a window open to it as she is such an inspiration and is incredibly generous in providing info and encouragement about drawing and the business of illustration. I have also been introduced to Drawing Tutorials On-line and Painting Tutorials On-line. These websites were just what I needed and have signed up for a year's subscription. So count on seeing more of me in 2011 as I get more serious about working towards developing the skills and becoming an illustrator! :)

IF - Beneath

One of the things I look forward to most during the fall is the harvest moon. While sketching one afternoon this composition just came together and thought it was fitting for this week's theme. The coloring phase was a bit of a disaster, but that happens sometimes...

"Beneath the Harvest Moon"

Lynne Chapman

Lynne Chapman posted another video, this one about sketchbooks and the love of drawing...I had to add this as well today since I find her inspirational!

Lynne Chapman on Sketchbooks from Open College of the Arts on Vimeo.

The Process

I find it amazing that artists will take the time to outline their process to tackling a project - it's such a helpful tool for newbies like me. This week I have come across two artists who have great information to share (and interestingly both Chapmans) - Katriona Chapman and Lynne Chapman who has two great videos posted. A big thank you to artists like these who are willing to share!!

How to illustrate a book - Part 2 from Open College of the Arts on Vimeo.

The Sketchbook Project

Alina Chau inspired me last night as I was reading her blog about her participation in one of the Brooklyn Art Library's projects through their Art House Co-op. Basically for $18 they will send you a moleskine to fill up with sketches etc...through to the end of May, at which time each participant is to send the sketchbook back and it will be housed at the Library, available for anyone to look through. I think it's a neat idea, so I have just ordered my moleskine as well. Mine won't be filled with the amazing drawings Alina's is, but it will be a fun spring project for me, and perhaps Q to work on together. Perhaps with every geocaching find we'll sketch the scenes around us.

IF - rescue

Emily Gravett

I just can't get enough of Emily Gravett. I think she is such a wonderful illustrator - I love her work, I love her stories, I love her personal story. Recently I came across a couple of YouTube videos that for me were both inspirational and instructive - I really enjoy seeing how illustrators work.



and from the Rabbit Problem:



In the Rabbit Problem video Emily Gravett uses a cool Photoshop tool to extract her sketch, a tool I had never seen used before, so I did some Google searching and found a tutorial here.

Research

It always amazes me how much information is available to us through the internet, thanks to the generosity of so many who offer their knowledge and wisdom. Tonight I have come across a number of new websites which are overflowing with great info on Illustrating Children's Books - sites that I will refer to again and again I am sure. Thanks Marla Freeze, Mark Mitchell, and 7imp.

IF-brave

Well, it's been a very long time since I have participated in IF. I have been busy with these guys...



especially the little one this year. But now I have nights back to myself, so no more excuses! I may not get a finished illustration done, but a sketch is better than nothing isn't it??

So here's my very rough sketch for this week. We've been swimming a lot lately, and my oldest convinced me to jump off the diving board - the experience reminded me of how much courage it takes to jump off the high diving board...at least for me.

IF - brave

My 6 year old has become a keen sketcher and has decided to try to participate in Illustration Friday's. When he thought of the word 'brave' he thought there was nothing more brave than going into a dark cave.