Illustration Friday: "Adapt"

As it is with many things, flying insects have had to adapt or risk becoming obsolete. This outdated model is rarely seen in the wild anymore, unlike the more modern models.


Also, since this drawing started as a doodle, I had to adapt to the lines and shapes that were present in the beginning.

Illustration Friday: "Cracked"

The baby's sleep patterns are more regular now and several school year obligations have ended. That means I have a teensy bit more time to draw than I used to. So, here's a little something for Illustration Friday (sure to creep-out young children and others with clown phobias).

This started as a doodle. The clown character came through pretty quick. But, then I saw the IF theme and took it in that direction.

It's funny how certain flaws are obvious when you are looking at an uploaded picture! Since it was doodle - not planned out - his closest arm looks shorter in proportion in my attempt to fit it all on the page. I hate cutting off hands; a carry-over from my art education. (The next bit of info should be a new paragraph. HOWEVER, for some reason, Blogger refuses to recognize the multiple times I hit the ENTER key to create space - don't know if anyone else has this problem, but it drives me nuts).

Still in the midst of trying to sell our house and get a 4 bedroom. We have an offer on one which would actually have a detached bachelor house in the backyard that could be used as a studio!!! Don't know if we'll get it...here's hoping.

You know how bunnies multiply...

So, here's another bunny. This idea sort of popped into my head. I'm not sure it's fully resolved to my liking, but it's complete enough for posting. I struggled a little with the feet as I really don't know what the underside of bunny feet look like, and I didn't have any bunnies handy. It was also a lesson in rendering bubbles. Overall, I think I pulled it off.

Birds, Boats, and Bunnies...

A week or so ago I started a little doodle that didn't go anywhere...or so I thought. It was small and was something like a caterpillar if you look at it one way...or was it bunnies in capes (You decide). I was leaning toward the bunnies, but I had no interest (or time) to take it any further.

The other night, I found some time when all the kids were in bed and I still had a little energy to draw. I thought I'd elaborate on the caped bunny, and I was actually quite happy with the character that came out. So, what would a RABBIT pull out of a hat? A magician?

One illustration exercise I'd read about was taking one character and exploring different expressions, scenarios, etc. I haven't really done a lot of that, so I thought I'd do another bunny.

I don't know what it is about this character, but I really like it! There's something a little extra human about it. I really like the facial expression - believable (would any parent say "no" to this face?). I guess it's not exactly the same character as the one in the cape - they seem different in age - perhaps father and son.

While I worked, I also thought about how I really like my 4B pencil (used on the jammies). I don't know why - I just like the the value, and the lead just seems to "flow" smoothly. Maybe it's just this brand of pencil (Staedtler Mars Lumograph - my faves since college).

Anyway, I think I'll work on some more bunnies when I have the chance - a nice change from birds. I started a bunny today at Lake Cachuma while my older girls were on a bird-watching cruise. My son stayed with me on-shore since I had to stay with the baby. I didn't get much drawing done, but we had our own bird encounter. Some Scrub Jays came to visit us, coming VERY close (and they weren't scared off when I moved to get my camera). They're a beautiful blue and they're all over the place around these parts.

So much to do, so little time...

Well, can't say I've had time for any art!!! The baby is starting to settle into some good sleeping patterns (Woohoo). But, she lost a lot of weight and wasn't gaining it back - she dropped a whole pound in her first week of life and then gained only 3 oz. back during her first month. It was very worrisome, to say the least. Nothing can tear you apart like the thought that your baby isn't thriving or is suffering in some way. But, praise God! Combining nursing and formula seemed to solve the issue - she's gained over a pound in the past week! She's got rosey cheeks and a sparkle in her eyes, now. She smiles and coos - so happy!

Another distraction is that we've officially put our house up for sale as of today. That has meant a lot of cleaning (me having to be a drill sargeant in making sure the kids pick up their messes), and finishing a few unfinished projects around the house. I recently repainted all the kitchen cabinets and put new hardware on the doors-n-drawers. So, at least I've gotten to paint something.

Yet another distraction was the recent Jesusita fire down in Santa Barbara. While that was about an hour away and our home was in no danger, it did come within a few miles of my husband's work. He had to be evacuated last Friday. The last thing we need is for him (primary breadwinner) to lose his place of employment. Praises (again) that his workplace was spared.

We'll see what happens as the school year comes to a close here soon. Maybe there'll be time to draw again soon.