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.

Stoked

I am starting a new project yet to be published, but the images in this cartoon so cool and inspirational.

Dear Maria Count Me In from hook music on Vimeo.

moleskine datebook ressurected

Found a great tutorial on making a sketchbook from a Moleskine datebook. I want to try this one day but will never remember where I read about it unless I link it. Thanks again Trumpetvine!

Sketcher's Box

My birthday is coming up and I am toying with the idea of getting a Windsor Newton Bijou Box...or some other box set. It's a bit of a tricky decision, there are so many styles to choose from. I guess I just need to head down to my local distributor and find the one that best suits my needs. I also found instructions on making one which might just do the trick for me.

And for a list of you need be prepared to head out sketchbook journaling, thanks Trumpetvine!

Molskine

What an amazing idea by Juan Berrio. I am a big fan. I discovered him through Simonetta Capecchi's blog (some of her travel sketchbook images were published in An Illustrated Life, and I loved her work).

Sketchbooks

Well since the birth of baby boy 3.0 I have not had or taken the time to keep up on my blog. I certainly have the intention to get back into it, but right now it's still a little busy. I have been reading lots though and got a great book from the library yesterday which I am finding inspirational. It's called An Illustrated Life by Danny Gregory, and is a compilation of images of sketchbooks from various artists/illustrators etc... They have each written a little about their approach to sketchbooks and I am loving it all-just so inspiring.

I have always wanted to keep a journal but am very poor at doing so. I have also wanted to sketch everyday. This has inspired me to do both at the same time.

New blog

This week through IF I found Cyn Narcisi's blog. She is one of the illustrators for the Clone Wars, so with two...okay including my husband three huge Star Wars fans in our household we are automatically big fans of hers. She also has some great information on her site for illustrators. There are a few books she has suggested for references when wanting to sketch children that I am going to check out. And for those who want to try drawing some Star Wars characters, there is a link to tutorials she has created.