IF: Linked

For Owlet, bedtime was linked to several things. He insisted on three kisses on his little beak, three sips of water, and three good books. All in that order.

IF: Confined

Feels good to be able to participate in Illustration Friday. I'm also using this for a little gift. My sister's expecting, I'm going to be an aunt! She's due at the end of the summer, so it's way too early to know if it's a boy or girl. For now they've nicknamed the baby "Lentil". That's extra cute to me because my babies were Bean and Sprout while I was pregnant. See a family pattern? The little one in this painting is "confined" for now...until the arrival date. I may make this into a card and say something like "I'll be seeing you soon". Not sure yet.

IF:Entangle

Squeaking this one in...hope whoever's driving behind this scooter doesn't get entangled in the letters! This one's going up on the website-in-progress.

IF: Pattern

I see a terrifying pattern developing...the eating of naughty children! This is an illustration for a poem by Lillian Moore.

IF: Infinite

(Again with the guinea pigs??) So it seems only one of the piggies is wrapped in ribbon, will need to change the text or the drawing....

Another book dummy image. Thought it'd work for the topic as it seems there is infinite ribbon for these little guys to get tangled in.

My scanner is not big enough. Should've put them closer together. It was either cut the box hat off or have the other's paw touching the edge.

IF: Welcome

Welcome to the party! Glad you stopped by. It's 11:30 but I got it painted! Now off to bed...

IF: Wrapped

Ok, I am kind of being a cheater cheater pumpkin eater with this one. FINALLY got this painted and am using the painted version for this week's IF since it is Thursday (already!) So, hope that's ok.

For some reason my ink bled when I began painting so he's a bit darker in spots than I'd like. I always use that bottle and haven't had a problem. Hmmm...perplexing. I have some notes on what I will change on this illustration because I think he might make a cute Christmas card design. I can see him on a card wish everyone a "Rootin-Tootin Holiday".

For the IF topic Wrapped: Soon(er than we think) Santa will be wrapped up in toys preparing to deliver them on Christmas Eve.

(Almost) IF: Impatience

Darn it. Painting is not going to happen tonight. That's what I get for taking so long to get to the painting part. Sigh.

Anyhow, Santa curbs his impatience this time of year by testing the toys. Plus he's just a real prepared and organized kind of guy. So naturally he's way ahead of schedule.

IF: Hollow

"My dear, life would be hollow without you."

IF: Cracked

Phew! I'm just squeeking in this week...

'Hmph!!' Lois thought to herself, 'not one of these chairs fits me!'

IF: Impossibility

It is an impossibility that I will ever be summoned by a butler requesting my presence as "Dinnah is served". That's ok, though, I like to make my own macaroni & cheese.

Thought I'd do a recipe card since licensing and design interests me as well as children's books. And he makes for a good children's illustration so I'm posting him for this week's IF.

IF: Poise

I know this is a stretch but the only one with poise in this is the little blue birdie with the spinny hat. And this is one reason why I need Photoshop! The length is 19 inches, too long for my scanner (so here's the two halves plus the full length painting). Hopefully one day soon I'll be able to purchase it and begin learning. Is that the only way you can handle something this size?

IF: Legendary

The legendary kid's clubhouse...

In a great big tree
Under a great big night
Where the dreams that you dream
Float up and take flight.

IF: Celebrate

Go ahead and celebrate! Squish the cupcake. Wear it. Get some in your hair. It'll taste even better!

IF: Flawed

Seems like this High Wire Extraordinaire's plan may be a tad flawed. Poor bear. It's a long way down.

I think I should continue the background behind the lady. And the line across the bear from the watercolor is not supposed to be there. I'm still learning..

IF: Climbing

Shortly, someone is hoping to climb back into bed. I could have added the "ing" but this sounded better. This is a sketch I did previously and very quickly painted. I don't have little ones anymore but, boy, do I still feel like this a lot of times!

IF: Contained

Double duty: This one is for this week's IF and is my painted doodle. Not sure if I'll be able to get up an additional Doodle of the Day. The little guy on the left is quite contained. Not so much on the right.

On another note, I absolutely love watercolors and am trying to improve my abilities. I get frustrated with myself because I so badly want to paint beautifully. Does it just take practice? Any good tips/resources? Please tell me there's hope!

IF: Resolve

In 2009 I resolve to 1) Spend time at my desk experimenting, learning, and not be afraid of messing things up (they're JUST paintings!) 2)Build my site using my Mac 3) Create 10 great pieces for my portfolio and experiment with concepts for licensing 4) Draw everyday 5)Purchase and learn Photoshop-I'm embarassed I don't already know this. 5) Buy a few books on my Amazon wishlist-I could read about illustration 24 hours a day. If only I had that kind of time...

What are your resolutions?

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...

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?