Illustration Friday: "Crunchy"

"FEE-FI-FO-FUM- I smell the blood of an Englishman" (Mmmmm! Nice and crunchy they are, too!)

This happened to be a doodle that I'd recently started and it worked out quite nicely. But, since it started as a random doodle, there're some things that I would do differently - better center the image so it fits on the page, mainly. I think I'd like to redo this one for the portfolio and maybe add a watercolor wash.

I didn't think I would have time to really work on this. But in the warm comfort of my car during the soccer tournament this weekend as the baby napped for over an hour, I was able to make a lot of progress. Gotta love those long naps!

Summer's Here...

While we're continuing to do math through summer (rather than spend the first few months of September re-teaching everything), the multi-subject demands of the year are gone. Like last summer, I plan to add to the portfolio. I also have an unfinished color study project from last year.

Last night, I was able to spend a few minutes out in "the studio" (aka drawing table in the garage - only usable during the warm season...luckily we live in California so that's a lot of the year). I didn't really have a specific direction; just did a bit of doodling (see above) and searching through the sketchbook for potential subjects. My 6 yo daughter came out to join me - she drew the cat on the page above, and I added the patterning - fun time. Getting started can sometimes be the hardest part. I don't think any of these doodles will go anywhere, but you never know what might come out...

Anyway, some plans for summer include: 1) illustrating a fable or other scene from an existing story, 2) doing a series of scenerios featuring one character, 3) doing more paintings in acrylic paint try and master the media, and 4) do a series of 4 holiday card designs. Of course, a lot depends on whether or not we sell our house and have to move over summer. It's always something...

A Moment to Regroup and Redirect...

I really don't have any pressing projects. The "class" that I started the painting series for is almost over and I'm nowhere near done (of course, I knew that would be the case - I've planned about 10 illustrations for a 6-meeting class). It's more of a personal project, so it's "to be continued" at my leisure. But, since I haven't exactly made friends with acrylics, sometimes I just don't feel like working on it. I'd rather draw something "for fun" right now.

I've been thinking about a lot of things that have been competing for my time and trying to prioritize. I'll have to start putting together our next year's homeschooling plan VERY soon and get various co-ops in motion that I'm involved in. I think it's safe to say that I probably won't be posting more than once or twice a week (which is more than enough anyway).

I mentioned that there were possibilities for more hours and greater responsibility at work, but that's an area that's going to have to give. Soccer season will be starting very soon and I'll have 3 kids on 3 different teams - adding hours to my work schedule might push me over the edge of sanity and will make me less flexible for those things.

Besides, as much as I like my workplace, my plan is to ultimately move into freelance illustration - definitely what I would like to do as a career and more workable around family needs. I'm not going to quit the bookstore or anything at this point, I'm just not going to increase that load - in fact, I'm going to cut back to 4 nights right now. I think my family would appreciate it as well.

So, I've been browsing online portfolios and have been blessed by advice from a couple working illustrators. I think for starters, I'll finally join the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators - a valuable support network for writers and illustrators (published and unpublished). Along with that, I'll check into some of the free online portfolios. Later, as I'm able to add more work to my portfolio, then I'll look into some of the online porfolios that require an annual fee (but will boost visibility to get my work "out there").

Mainly, I'm reminded of the fact that I can't do EVERYTHING! There just aren't enough hours in the day and, now and then, I realize that I don't have unlimited energy (gasp!).

The picture posted above is obviously from the sketchbook (which is almost full!) - it's a return to the animal field guide studies at breaktime that I haven't done in a while. I'm becoming much more comfortable with rapid observation and rendering - I can work pretty quickly on those 10 minute breaks.

I also decided to do a detailed drawing starting from a random doodle - another thing I haven't done in a while (that's my "for fun" thing). I look forward to sharing that soon. It's always a surprise and a joy to see what comes out of those!

OK, trying not to get discouraged...

Browsing all of these art blogs and their links has been a rollercoaster ride. On the one hand, I see a lot of nice work that encourages me - makes me think that my own abilities are just as good, just as worthy of someday being published. Then, I come across a string of absolutely amazing work that is, well...humbling. There are A LOT of people out there, trying to do the same thing as me.

Here's the part where I try to put things in perspective: I have to keep reminding myself of where I am at the moment, fully acknowledging that I'm not anywhere near "ready" to start pounding the pavement with a portfolio. And, most of the people whose work I admire so much are at that point. I've only just determined that this is a serious pursuit, and I'm really just starting to develop my skills as well as my own voice.

I just need to keep working in earnest and see what comes out - learning what I can from those who are ahead of me. In the meantime, I'm reminded of my main focus (and inspiration) at this stage - they are the "here and now," while illustration is for farther down the road.

Too Tired to Write Much, But...

Since I began blogging, I've really enjoyed posting, figuring out how to add pictures (and get them where I want them), and browsing all of the blogs out there.

I've come to the conclusion that there is A LOT of great work out there!!! I've come across so many creative people - artists AND writers. Some are already working in their field while others are hoping to (like myself). One thing's for sure - I've got my work cut out for me! I'm glad I've given myself time to develop. There's lot's to work on before I could ever think of throwing my portfolio into the ring.

I appreciate any comment or feedback that anyone wants to throw at me along the way.

By the way, just for fun I thought I'd introduce Basha (A.K.A. Boo-Dog) my drawing buddy. If I'm out at my drawing table, she's at my feet (often sleeping on them). This, however, is her during one of her friskier moments.