A friend of mine asked me to draw her son as a
superhero for his birthday. Brooks just turned five and he is adorable. It was a lot of fun to just mess around with this. It
was nice to be able to just play around and draw whatever I wanted. I need to do
that more often. Flex my creative muscles and just play a bit. I hope
you are enjoying your summer. It's a beautiful sunny day here and I'm
getting ready to go for a swim :)
Showing posts with label children's illustration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children's illustration. Show all posts
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
What's on my desk...

So, I'm dusting the cobwebs off my poor lonely blog and posting a peek at what I'm currently working on. I hope everyone is well. Sorry I've been so neglectful of my blog. Just busy, busy, busy. So, let me know what you think of my little guy. He's a character for a book I'm currently working on. Just some sketches for now, but I'll put some more polished images up soon.
Labels:
bike,
bubbles,
children's illustration,
childrens books,
Corel painter,
painter 12,
reading,
sketches
Friday, July 22, 2011

My son asked me to illustrate a whale with wings and a crown. I decided that I liked him and wanted to reuse him, so I recycled him. Thanks to a few good friends, (you all are so wonderful) I am pretty happy with him now. It was a fun piece to work on. I did this one in photoshop start to finish. I usually use painter then photoshop. It worked well for this one, but I don't think that I will give up on painter completely. I'm just a little frustrated with it at the moment. Thanks for stopping by, I enjoy your comments and visits.
Labels:
children's illustration,
fish,
photoshop,
whale,
wings
Thursday, June 9, 2011
IF_Shadows
I had hoped to get finished with another piece that I was actually doing for IF this week, but alas, the week is nearly over and I am not done with it. I upgraded to painter 12 and there is a learning curve I've got to get over with the newest tools. Everything is taking me three times as long as it usually does. So, I am posting this instead. It was a challenge for a critique group that I am part of. Funny, they went pretty quickly. The other piece, I have actually been working on, on and off, since IF's Safari. :o, maybe I'll be able to get it up soon. Thanks for stopping by and as always, thank you for all of your kind comments.
Labels:
children's illustration,
digital,
IF,
painter 12
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Hang tags

I don't have much time, but I thought I'd post something since it's been awhile. These are ideas for hang tags for the children's tie dye my daughter and I have been working on. Summer is almost here, I can't wait to have a little free time :) Thanks for visiting! I miss visiting everyone and will be checking in with you over the next few days.
Labels:
bugs,
children's illustration,
painter 11,
photoshop,
Tie Dye
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Surrender
Well, I finally got this one finished. I think... it's one of those illustrations that seemed to take me forever and I just finally decided to stop messing with it. I will quite possibly change my mind when I look at it tomorrow. lol I'm having deja vu, I must say that a lot.
I'm already working on an illustration for IF's prompt Sweater and I'm determined to do something quick and simple, so I can get it posted this week. That being said, I'm not so great at simple; Sometimes I can do quick. I say this to myself often and then the illustration takes on a life of it's own and becomes, well, complicated. I envy those artists who can make a few lines or a loose sketchy image and simple color into a creative and solid piece of art. There is something to be said for simplicity and for me anyway, it's harder than it looks to make something very simple, yet very special.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Fighting the Slack Monster and the Little Red Hen again...
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| 2/1/11 |
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| 2/2/11 |
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| 2/3/11 |
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| 2/6/11 |
I have been so slack about posting lately. I'm trying to get back into the habit of posting more often. So, to start it off I am posting not one, but two WIP's. I'm trying to get myself back into the painting or at least sketching every day mode. I did so well for over a year. And then it happened, I let the slack monster sneak up on me and pull me away bit by bit. Whispering in my ear little negative things like, "your tired, you've done enough today" or" you've already been on the computer all day, do you really want to spend more time straining your eyes?, you know you are tired" He's very beguiling, this slack monster. So, now I'm fighting back, bit by bit. I started working on another little red hen illustration a couple of weeks ago and I hope to get a chance to paint it soon, but I haven't really decided on the the finished sketch yet. Yes, I know, the slack monster is still whispering in my ear. Actually, I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do with the background and the whispering is distracting me. So, I decided to try to get in an Illustration Friday first. I haven't done one in a while; this is for the prompt Surrender. I hope to get it painted in the next couple of days. I will, I will, I will...
...that's the plan anyway!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Finished version of Hansel and Gretel
So, I finally finished Hansel and Gretel. It was a lot of fun to paint. I've promised myself that I will draw more, paint more and post more this year. I have started to slip and let life get in the way for the last 5 or 6 months so I am re-prioritizing. More art, less stress, and no more working on school work excessively. Cyan and I are both burned out and the year isn't even half way over for us. I started Will Terry's mini-Illustration class and I've got to say it has inspired me to work harder. I've been letting the everyday get in the way and it's time to re-dedicate myself. So, check out Will's videos, they are great and they are reasonably priced. There's a lot you may already know, but I love the way he thinks and there is something to take away from each one, and there are things that I know that I forget about while I'm painting, so it's a great reminder of how important those aspects are. Plus, if we all use them, maybe we'll get lucky and he'll do more :). I love it when people share their knowledge and expertise. So, I'm off to a good start, I see that I am already wearing down the pen tip on my newest Wacom and I've only had it since the end of November. Of course this could mean that I'm bearing down too hard, I have to remind myself to loosen up from time to time. My favorite pen tip is the one with the spring, and of course it only comes with one of those. I guess I'll be ordering more ;). Thanks for stopping by and to all of you good people who take the time to comment, thank you and I truly appreciate it. Oh, and feel free to critique, I don't mind, it's how we learn to see our work through others eyes.
Labels:
children's illustration,
digital,
painter11,
photoshop,
tutorial
Monday, December 13, 2010
Hansel and Gretel WIP
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| updated 12/20 |
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| updated 12/23 |
I was working on this for Will Terry's blog challenge. The theme was Hansel and Gretel. It was due, last week on the 8th. I just couldn't find the time to finish it by the deadline. Bummer, but I thought it was worth finishing and I like to finish what I start when I am able, so I'm posting it. Which will further ensure that I take the time to finish it. I am only getting to work a little here and there right now, but Christmas break starts Friday. YAY!!! I am so looking forward to some free time. Although my stove is being replaced and I still have lots of Christmas baking to do I plan to spend a good part of my free time creating. So, while Myles naps I plan to draw, draw, draw and the baking will have to happen in between while my little helper is awake ; ). Thanks for stopping by and especially for all the kind comments on my last post. You guys are great! I really appreciate it and love reading your comments. Happy Holidays!!!
Labels:
children's illustration,
fairy tale,
painter1l,
photoshop
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
IF_Sneaky
So, I turned the illustration I was doing for my critique groups prompt into an illustration that would work for Illustration Friday, because I haven't done one in a while. Wow, it feels so good to be creative again. I'm planning on adding another squirrel on the bench, stealing her sandwich, but I don't have time right now, so it's still a work in progress. I want to spend the next couple of days working on an illustration for the new competition on the "They Draw and Cook" blog, and I really want to do Will Terry's Hansel and Gretel project. I'm having so much fun I may not want to cook Thanksgiving dinner. I'd like to do nothing but create.
LOL, but I don't think my family would be too happy about that idea. Thanks for taking a look and for taking the time to let me know what you think. Happy Thanksgiving if your celebrating it!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Come One, Come All...
Welcome to the newest, revised version of Under the Circus Tent (or was it Beneath the Circus Tent? I can't remember, I should look, but I am too tired) Silly, I know. I am in a silly, happy mood! My daughter was invited to attend Oxford University for her graduate program in the fall!!! I didn't even know they did that. Because, she is in the top ten percent at the University she is attending, they asked if she would consider continuing her education there! See, I know she is amazing, but it's really cool when other people realize that she is amazing too. I've been doing a little happy dance for hours now. So, I'm full of silly exhaustion. I just can't help but brag, I seem to be doing that a lot lately. I wanted to call everyone I know, but I didn't; I restrained myself and I only called half the people I know. So, now I'm blabbing about it to all of you!
Anyway, silliness and bragging aside, what do you think, is it better? too dark? too much? (Andrew, does the slight vignette shadowing work to replicate the curve of the flags in reverse?) I could add a row of lower lights, but this would cause a change in the lighting and shading.
On another note, my blog was a year old in September and it has been a great year. I didn't even realize it had already been over a year until I was reading Andrew's and Amalia's blogs and realized we started blogging at about the same time. I won't name all of my lovely friends, you know who you are. I have enjoyed meeting all of you and getting to know you. It has been a year full of kindness and support. You have all helped me to grow as an artist. So, thanks for putting up with my bragging about my children. I appreciate all of your comments and input. You all are the best!
Labels:
birthdays,
children's illustration,
painter x,
photoshop
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
IF_Beneath
Illustration Fridays prompt this week is Beneath. I started this one for last weeks prompt, but I didn't get it finished in time. I decided to add some things and now it is Beneath the Circus Tent. It's still a work in progress, but I may not get much more done before the end of the week, so I decided to go ahead and link it. I just haven't had time to participate lately and I'm trying to get back to it. Thanks for stopping by and for taking the time to comment!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Cinderella
So, I think I am done with this one. At least for tonight I am. Thanks for stopping by and let me know what you think! I do appreciate what you have to say. : )
Labels:
children's illustration,
digital,
fairy tale,
painter11
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
WIP_Cinderella pt 2
...still working on this one. I'm thinking of adding the glass slipper because, after all, what is Cinderella without her glass slipper. I still have to decide how to handle the face of the clock too. I'm still not in love with the carriage though, I was hoping once I had more done that I would like it better. I just didn't put enough time into the design of it, but I can always go back to it later. It won't stand out quite so much when the clock face is no longer stark white though, so I am going to wait on that one.
Labels:
children's illustration,
digital,
fairy tale,
painter1l,
WIP
Saturday, August 28, 2010
WIP_Cinderella
This is what I am working on this weekend. I did the sketch months ago, but never got back to it. I can't decide if I like it yet. Maybe its the carriage, it's not shaped right or something. Anyway, thanks for stopping by to have a look. I really appreciate it and the comments too! You are all great! Have a good weekend.
Labels:
children's illustration,
digital,
painter11,
photoshop,
WIP
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
IF_Star Gazing
This is my illustration for Illustration Friday's prompt Star Gazing. It needs more work, but I thought I'd go ahead and post it anyway, I haven't been posting on Illustration Friday as much as I would like lately. I'm not liking the way his face turned out so I may go back and rework him. Anyway, thanks for all the well wishes and prayers. My back is getting a little better each day. You are all wonderful. Thanks for stopping by and for taking the time to leave such kind and thoughtful comments. You make my day! or night ; )
and here is the amended version, what do you think? better or worse?
I'm going to have to let it marinate before I decide...
and here is the amended version, what do you think? better or worse?
I'm going to have to let it marinate before I decide...
Labels:
children's illustration,
digital,
illustration friday,
painter11,
photoshop,
WIP
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Birthdays!
Well, I hurt my back last week and I haven't been able to do a thing. I mean nothing. My husband was out of town and I had my grandson for a few days, so I had to have my mother in law come and help me out. I don't like taking medicine any more than is absolutely necessary. I just hate the way it makes me feel, even more muddled than usual. I had to take anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers and they relaxed my brain as well as every inch of my body. I was a total slug, but I am much better this weekend, so hopefully the worst is over.
August is a big birthday month in our family. A great nieces birthday, then my oldest daughters birthday, followed by my son's birthday, then my sisters birthday and my friend Clau has a birthday too. I had so many things I wanted to do for everyone and I haven't been able to make a single cake or do anything special for anyone. I just hate having a bad back, it puts such a damper on things! and don't you just hate it when you hurt yourself?!!!
Labels:
birthdays,
children's illustration,
digital,
painter11,
photoshop
Thursday, July 22, 2010
IF_Breakfast
Just a quick one for Illustration Friday's prompt breakfast. I was already doing this one and lost all the work except for the beginning of the doughnut and had to mostly start over, so it's messy and even quicker than I had intended, oh well. Another ant, I must have ants on the brain or something. Anyway, here he is the giant, he-man, doughnut steeling ant. Hope every one is having a great summer. Thanks for stopping by! and thanks for taking the time to comment! and Andrew, I am working on pickle ant, I really am! ; )
Friday, July 9, 2010
WIP finished
Ok, I think I am finally done. Too late for Illustration Friday since today is Friday and a new word. The ants were little buggers and took longer to do than I had imagined they would, but I am pretty happy with the outcome, even though I think I could keep working on it if I wanted to. I am making myself stop for now. The ants remind me a little of the dancing, singing Raisins form some old commercial, but they are pretty cute. Thanks for stopping by and please leave a comment if you have time, because I love to read them!
Labels:
children's illustration,
digital,
giant ants,
illustration friday,
painter x,
photoshop,
picnic,
portfolio,
WIP
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
WIP_Picnic
This is what I am working on this week. Just a fun piece that will work for more than one theme. I hope to use it for several prompts and for my portfolio. I'd like to do more, but just in case I run out of time I tried to make it work for more than one. I haven't had time to participate as much as I like to. I am also working on some older pieces, finishing those up and reworking a couple of others. Maybe I can finish this one up tomorrow. Thanks for stopping by. You all are wonderful and I really appreciate your comments!
*updated 7/7
*updated 7/7
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