Sunday, August 19, 2007

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ CAPTAIN


I wasn't too sure where I would start with "CAPTAIN" and had a lot of thoughts. So I began making sketches of children.
This first thought was a bit far out, but I might persue it in the future. With the little goldfish as the captain.

But then I tried this little guy with a captain's hat and spyglass of his very own.

And then I thought, why not a group of little friends who want to come along for the adventure and bring some maps and a backpack for treasure digging and a picnic basket of goodies.

And why not one more eager friend with a better map in hand who doesn't want to be left out.


But, better yet, why not group them all together somehow with an interesting thing or two going on out at sea. So this is where I began to put the group into a little story all their own. I think they like it here.

And finally, the group sites something they didn't expect to find. But, then again, maybe someone in the group had an idea that there was more to this part of the sea than meets the eye.

©Ginger Nielson 2007

16 comments:

atomicvelvetsigh said...

amazing story! and lovely illo as well.. funny how small ideas progresses into an even endless idea..

Tracy said...

I like how you described your whole thinking process on this! It's very interesting to see where an idea goes. I do like the little goldfish with the captain hat a LOT! You should definitely finish him! :)

Anonymous said...

Ginger I just love seeing this whole process. Thank you so much for sharing it. I really love them all! We got such a bonus for Illustration Friday this time. We got lots of wonderful illustration for one subject. . .and of course the bonus of having Winston join the fun.

I just love them all!

helen said...

I agree with other comments - it's lovely to see the way your ideas developed - very inspiring.

NANCY LEFKO said...

Ginger...I really enjoyed how you shared the whole creative process...the end result is charming! I liked seeing your rough sketches along the way. Thanks so much for all the photos and the story too.

emilayusof said...

Great illo! Thank you for sharing the process.

roz said...

Love how this illustration evolved, Ginger!
Very clever and great work.
=o)

daria said...

I love your illustrations. Children's books are a great read even for not-a-child anymore like me. :)

ELLA ELVIANA said...

i love that you shared the journey of your idea into one firm idea.. and well executed too! oh, and i like the sketches, where i can see your fine, nice lines!!

bobby casumbal said...

I love seeing a creation in progress. It gives so much more meaning to the "final" piece.... which is lovely btw. :)

Unknown said...

Charming set of drawings and painting!

valerie walsh said...

Really terrific Ginger! You are great at characters and I notice Winston came along for the adventure and is having quite the romp! Love this!!!

mike r baker said...

Wonderful illustration and what a FUN process!

bee'nme said...

I've always loved your work Ginger - and it was exceptionally nice that you shared the thought process behind it on this piece. Very inspiring - nicely done as usual!

Mônica said...

Your blog is always full of insight on the business of children's book illustration and generous tips!

Thank you so much for sharing your method, the journey from idea to finish illo. I love your finished piece (with Wiston as part of the action!) and I also really like the one of the fish wearing the captain's hat, what a clever idea!

Digital Scott's Illustrationblog said...

Wonderful, wonderful work.