Working on something new

Moving from illustration to still life. Here is a piece that I worked on that is done on black paper with colored pencil. I wanted to show a reflective surface. It's funny how you begin to pick out your fruit based on how it will look painted rather than how it will taste. But it was rather tasty to eat afterward.

This is my second completed assignment for a children's book illustration class. I am vowing now to never take on an expanse of water ever again... or maybe I will just to prove I can master it.

A week of studying small children

Here is the revised sketch for this assignment. I don't know if I will ever be able to look at a child again without analyzing their facial structure. They really aren't just small adults but are formed differently than us. It took a little bit of study in child development to "get it." Now I am wishing I could take a class or two in anatomy. See if my small friends can figure out where the frog has gone!

Sitting on the Dock of the Bay

Any thoughts on how to make her look younger?

Characters in Full Color

This is my young lady come to life in full color. What do you think we should name her? Certainly someone with this much time invested in her should have a name. Think part tomboy with a dash of pink ribbon and butterflies with dirt under her fingernails.

Second Try

So for my father, who is so very far away, and loves to be a very big part of my life, I will continually be posting my artwork here as it progresses. So if nobody else cares that's just okay because I know that he loves to visit my spot and see how things are unfolding. Dad, this one is just for you!

Character Sketch

Here is the preliminary drawing for a character sketch I am doing for a class. Please feel free to leave feedback.

Welcome to my circus!

Posting a blog is the easiest way for me to share my artwork and get feedback from those across the miles who will be wonderfully honest with me. Hopefully this will help me move forward to being a better illustrator and thinker.

So why a circus? It all started several years ago when a dear friend and I began spending time together and every time we did, it turned into a three ring circus. Dogs, kids, dripping ice cream, tempter tantrums and the great ability to laugh at ourselves. Every time craziness happens, my friend thinks of me and that brought me to this place in time....

The circus is indeed a wonderful place and yet it is a great metaphor for life. It is full of fun and beauty. There are great balancing acts and a few freakish side shows. Behind the scenes there is a lot of hard work that has to happen just to make it all take place. Some of it is very ugly and cruel things sometimes happen. And in the long run it is all very transient. But it is worth the sweat, work, and craziness just to enjoy the brief moments of laughter, see the beautiful colors, and join in the thrill of the amazing.

So feel free to join me here.