IF Clandestine

This little sheep disguised in people clothes is hoping to complete a clandestine mission to help you get some zzz's. Quick watercolor and pen and ink. Now I'm off to catch some zzz's...

Finished Thank You Card

Here's the watercolor and the card. I did things differently. Can you tell? I painted this in watercolor and then added the lines in black prisma color. Usually it's pen and ink first then watercolor. It was uncomfortable...sort of like I had less control. But I have to try new things to keep learning and find my best style and process.

I am unhappy with the results my printer gives me. It's a Epson RX620, which I bought a few years back expressly to reproduce my art. I do use cheap paper (this time it was glossy sticker paper which wasn't too bad). There's newer and better out now, as far as printers go. One day....

A quick sketch for a thank you card for Christmas gifts the kids received. Santa is multi-talented, you know. Merry Christmas!

IF: Voices

He could hear a tiny little voice on the other side.

Trying out some different things...I'm figuring out watercolor as I go along and trying to find my style. I used a blue instead of the deep violet I usually use for the shadows. And it's more pen work than I originally planned, but I think it adds nicely to the nighttime effect.

Do you have a favorite color you use to shade? Or does it depend on what the situation calls for?

IF: Rambunctious

Those rambunctious little Christmas soldiers...this is what they do when we aren't looking! This was a good exercise for drawing the same (sorta) character several different ways. I added the background at the last minute. I usually prefer white but that's because I am weak in backgrounds. I have much to learn with regard to palettes, composition, backgrounds, among many other things. Watercolor is my preferred medium (or maybe it would be pen and ink and wash?) and I have far to go in that area as well. If you want to check out some excellent watercolor illustrations try Paige Keiser. I've followed her blog for a good while now. Impressive work!

Color Study

Little part of my idea for this week's IF topic. Just did a quick color study of this little guy. Busy week before Christmas but I'll get the full painting posted by Friday.

Hope you're done with all of your shopping and have been able to find the time to relax and enjoy the magic of this holiday season!

One preoccupied cat

There are four mice, can you find them?

This is an illustration I did some time back (and now that I've learned more I'd do some things differently).

Pen and ink with a teeny bit of red watercolor.

Christmas Card Contest Entry

My Santa illustration on the Christmas card. This is the front and back. Inside is blank.

Illustration Friday: Similar

This is also an illustration for my Christmas card, it's pulling double duty! Would the

reindeer feel left out if Santa chose

similar transportation?

Staying warm by the fire...

is what I wish I was doing right now.

This is heavily detailed pen and ink, a style I have always enjoyed. I love how each pen stroke brings you closer to the desired value or effect. And it's so much fun creating the textures!

Illustration Friday: Balloon

Sending

something

sweet

your

way!