When photographing wild animals under the cover of darkness one might have to modify the approach.
Friday, July 31, 2009
ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY ~ MODIFY
When photographing wild animals under the cover of darkness one might have to modify the approach.
Finding my new friends...
Whether I am working with animals or with people I like to get to know them, personally. That includes imaginary characters as well as those in real life.
However, with the imaginary ones it is hard to 'see' them unless I create lots of preliminary sketches on paper and in the computer. And here I can see the subtle differences that must not occur in the final sketches or paintings. Consistency is the keyword.
Once I have a good idea of who is who, I will print out a collection like this one and go back to the drawing board with pencil or pen and continue the process until I really know who these people are. They will become my friends, and I often find that they are in part based on people I have known. In this case I was well acquainted with all three of the real people that eventually made their way into this imaginary world.
I am sure that often happens to other illustrators. Does it happen to you? How do you arrive at the final destination for your characters? If you have time, post your thoughts here *:)
However, with the imaginary ones it is hard to 'see' them unless I create lots of preliminary sketches on paper and in the computer. And here I can see the subtle differences that must not occur in the final sketches or paintings. Consistency is the keyword.
Once I have a good idea of who is who, I will print out a collection like this one and go back to the drawing board with pencil or pen and continue the process until I really know who these people are. They will become my friends, and I often find that they are in part based on people I have known. In this case I was well acquainted with all three of the real people that eventually made their way into this imaginary world.
I am sure that often happens to other illustrators. Does it happen to you? How do you arrive at the final destination for your characters? If you have time, post your thoughts here *:)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
The Road less Taken... or the Crossroads
I have come to a conclusion about the book dummy I an currently creating. A new style popped up while I was doing some character sketches and color studies. What does this mean? It means I am going to redo the entire batch of sketches I have done so far and redo the one or two finishes that I was planning on including. The style is looser and easier, but for me to create this same style page after page is going to be a bit of a challenge.
But it will still be fun! And as long as it is, I will enjoy this journey.
But it will still be fun! And as long as it is, I will enjoy this journey.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Patience and Perseverence
Having sent out my dummy and facing the long wait for any answer...any kind of answer, I have started work on the OTHER story I was working on before this last story crowded its way into my brain.
The sketches for this one are taking a new turn... slightly more of an edge to these. I am not an 'edgy' illustrator, so to you my edge may seem a bit more rounded *:)
This is a study for one of the spreads in the book. I'll spend some time defining the characters and then strive to keep them consistent throughout the book. Occasionally I'll do a thumbnail color study to use as a reference later. Sometimes I toss these out in favor of another color combo.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Dream Sweeper
This image kept me awake most of the night. I just had to get it out of my system! Does that ever happen to you?
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
My 500th POST *:) ~ Illustration Friday - IDLE
One might say this pair is IDLE spending time under the stars and keeping each other warm. Since it is my 500th blog post, I would say that I, on the other hand, have not been IDLE.
For my 500th Post I wanted to show something I really loved from my most current work. This is an illustration from a story I have completed in dummy form and have sent out for one publisher to consider. "The Star Giver" is a legend of the far, far, far north, in which a mother bear supposedly explains where the stars come from.
I chose this image because I love the softness of the piece and the colors. Just as little bear falls asleep, his mother tells him the story of the Star Giver. Ursa Major and Ursa Minor appear in the sky above by the story's end.
For my 500th Post I wanted to show something I really loved from my most current work. This is an illustration from a story I have completed in dummy form and have sent out for one publisher to consider. "The Star Giver" is a legend of the far, far, far north, in which a mother bear supposedly explains where the stars come from.
I chose this image because I love the softness of the piece and the colors. Just as little bear falls asleep, his mother tells him the story of the Star Giver. Ursa Major and Ursa Minor appear in the sky above by the story's end.
©Ginger Nielson 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Using Clip Art Wisely
Are you a teacher? Do you create newsletters? Are you planning a poster, TeeShirt, invitation?
My friend Mark Hicks has a new blog that is informative, fun and full of whimsical and inventive illustrations, projects, books and more.
His suggestions for using clip art wisely and his links to sites where you can find just the right blend can be found on his blog at Planet MARKIX
Mark has been illustrating for children for over 25 years and is tuned into their needs as well as the needs of adults who work with children or are the parents or adults caring for and teaching children.
I know you will love visiting his site, so hop, crawl, swim or leap on over and take a peek at all his wonderful work.
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