ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ SOAKED

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ LESSON

©Ginger Nielson

One of the hardest lessons to learn is to know when to ask for help.

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ BICYCLE

©Ginger Nielson

Dogs just love to ride!

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ JOURNEY

©Ginger Nielson 2011

This is a new illustration created specifically for IF.  I enjoyed creating this one as much as I would enjoy the same kind of ride *:)

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ CULTIVATE

Just as we cultivate our gardens, there are other important friendships to cultivate.

©Ginger Nielson 2011

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ Trail

I was trying to figure out how I would show "trail" and I have these (TONS) of old sketches. This one looked like a good candidate. So, I painted it.

When Winston the Wonderhound was off on one of his journeys through the neighborhood it wasn't always easy to find the trail.  This is sort of sketchy still, but I liked working in this style and leaving the line work.

IlLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ LINKED

©Ginger Nielson

One of the things I like about Illustration Friday is the neat challenge each week brings. And along with it a chance for me to think beyond whatever project on which I am working. This weekly subject brings a break in the concentration of an assignment. I think of it like a recess at grade school. This is a chance to see what will happen if I play with a new idea.

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ MUDDY

A little late this week... but definitely very muddy *:)

©Ginger Nielson 2010

I have been working to finish a picture book for Stemmer House Publishers. And while I was in the midst of it my older wacom tablet began to behave badly. Why? Well after 5 years of heavy use the overlay became very scratched up from the pen nibs which were wearing down.

I had to choose between getting a CINTIQ much earlier than I could afford or trying out the Wacom Intuos 4. I chose the latter and I am delighted with the new large tablet. It is sleek, large enough for me to be happy with, and even has little lighted keystroke buttons. So if I press a button I actually Know what it will do. The new pen is a joy as well. It comes with a holder that has a secret compartment for the pen nibs...ten in all. My favorite is the black and white tipped one. With the new tablet and the pen it really feels like your brush or pen is gliding across real paper. MMmmmmm what a nice addition to a digital artist's supplies*:)

Another reason for my decision, my Macintosh screen is much larger than the cintiq, so I rationalize that I will be more at home with the tablet ... at least for now.

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ POOF