Sneak a Peak.... children's book progresses

Storyboard is complete and approved

 Slowly making progress on this project.  The storyboard was quite a process.  I realize now how critical this phase is to developing the spirit of a story.

Page 1, full-size draft

 Taking a little thumbnail image to it's intended full size is no easy task.  There's a lot of research and prep work involved and these are not things I always enjoy doing.  But, with this type of subject, I couldn't move forward successfully without due diligence.

Page 2, full-size draft

Once I got my gears rolling I moved forward smoothly.  These two pages will need much more added to them.  A colleague in the industry of children's illustration advised that the art should contain more than what the text describes.  So, if the text mentions "a field of flowers", create a field overflowing with flowers!

Children's Books

No sketches or paintings today.  But I started a class a couple nights ago on illustrating children's books.  I have a project going up on Kickstarter this year, a book for young ones written by a friend.  I'm very excited about it!  We have some details to work out before I can really start in on the creative phase.  Hoping to get those settled by end of this snowy weekend.

Also, will have a new painting posted by end of the weekend, too.  :- )

30/30 Collage

All my art in one place...how 'bout that?

Ruby, Painting # 30

Ruby    8 x 8"    $125

Well, it's all over.  Thanks to the skillful photography of my father-in-law (Tom McDermott) and a suggestion from a cousin-in-law (thanks, Beth!), I chose another bird as my final piece for the 30/30 challenge.  I'm delighted to have completed more finished paintings in the first month of 2013 than I did in all of 2012.  I don't have a final count on all the bird paintings I did but I think I have a good start to a bird calendar!

It's been incredibly valuable to have participated in this event and I don't see myself stopping altogether.  Next up is a children's book I'll be working on.  Throughout that project I plan to keep up with these small paintings.  Maybe not one per day.  Maybe one per week.  A treat to look forward to.

Sandpiper, and Only One Left to Do

Sandpiper    8 x 8"    $125

Taken from another of my California photos, one that was unmarked.  I don't know what species of sandpiper it is, but it's one of the sweetest little birds!  Another piece done with no drawing; just the brush, pigment and water.  Lovin' it!

Only one painting left to do for this 30/30 event.  What should it be?  What would you like to see me paint?

Now, for Some DRAMA! Leo Has Arrived

Leo    8 x 8"    $125

Leo, a long-eared owl, is an ambassador at the Center for Wildlife in York, ME, a wildlife rehabilitation facility.  He arrived one day with serious injuries and, although he was cared for and nursed back to health, he wasn't a candidate for release back into the wild.  So he lives at the center and participates in educational programs.  He's quite a character.  I spent a number of visits sitting inside his aviary with him.  It always took a long time to find him but once I did he was a great model; he never moved!  Perched on a branch, he would stare at me the entire time.  Beautiful animal.

This painting was a bit of an experiment for me.  Not sure how I feel about it so your response is appreciated.

Out to Pasture, Painting #27

Out to Pasture    8 x 8"    $125

Been hanging on to this image for many years.  I always wished to be raised on a farm.  The animals, the pastures and yes, the hard work.  But mostly the animals and open fields bordered by forest. Never did get to live on a farm but I see more farm-life paintings in my future.