Catch the Wild Foxes

Australia

Here is Australia!
I recently learned what a color comp is. I think "comp" stands for "composition." But I prefer to call it a "color sketch" because that is exactly what it is! Color sketching was a useful tool for this illustration, and I am looking forward to making it a regular practice.
I made these 2 color sketches to determine the color of the sky. I originally wanted to paint a pink sky, but the color sketch revealed that the pink sky would wash out the colors. The color sketch with the blue sky gave a wonderful contrast with her red hair and added depth to the composition.

I also learned that Koalas have two thumbs! Maybe you just did too : )

Children of the World: Asia

I am working on a series of portraits for a children's curriculum. The series includes 6 children representing 6 different continents. There are several challenges that come with this assignment: Drawing children and creating the right skin tone for each nationality. All new to me!
Each child will be participating in an activity that children can relate to. "Asia" is flying a kite!

Now I am beginning sketches for "Australia." I imagine her with wild hair, snuggling a koala.

Banana Slug Bash

This is what banana slugs and snails do after the sun goes down. Tonight they are celebrating a particular slug's birthday!

I painted this for my dear friend Piper Hobbs (inspired by her wild imagination) to celebrate her birthday, which was quite a while ago! Piper was the first "stranger" to buy my artwork when it was on display in Omaha. Since then she had sold many of my prints and paintings in her delightful shop, and continues to encourage me in my pursuits. We have become good friends and I always look forward to visiting her and her husband in Shenandoah. I always leave with my sails filled and new inspiration : )

Many of my painting have a hidden snail. I decided to make an appearance at the party in snail form. Piper, which slug would you like to be?

Here is the drawing and a picture of the process.

SCBWI poster

Here is my illustration in action. I really like how Dorothia flipped the owl on the right side! He looks great! Looking forward to celebrating my 30th birthday at the SCBWI conference this April : )

You can click on the image to make it bigger.

Happy Valentines Day!

One hour to paint!

I really wanted to paint today and started thinking about it the moment I woke up, but I ran out of time! Probably because I had a really strong cup of french press coffee, causing unfocused energy and a bazillion chatty phone calls. After getting 2/3rds finished with my to do list I told myself that I could sit down and paint as long as it only took me one hour to draw, paint and post something.

Here it is!

Someone has been drinking sleepy time tea instead of french press! I am really happy with this sketchy and loose result. Sometimes I annoy myself with my neat and tidy watercolors. I need to loosen up!

Now it has been one hour. Time to get back to reality and fold some laundry.