Thursday, May 17, 2012

Using my hands

I always use my hands. I've had nightmares about losing them, because I'd have to be one of those (amazing!) people who learns to paint with their toes, or draw with their mouth — I don't think I could keep it all inside me.

Projects like this make me especially thankful for my hands though, because I don't think I'd ever master using an exacto with my feet. Hard enough with fingers, thank you! This month brought about a new opportunity to try out a new technique and be a bit more tactile than my usual computer-based artwork. I've been so inspired lately by the paper work of Owen Gildersleeve that when I found myself stumped for a photoshoot, I decided to take one from his book and make my ideal location! kinda. I love how this combines THREE of my loves, photography, illustration, AND crafting! Creating a scene in 3D (reminds me of the shadow boxes of yesteryear) opens up a new dimension of storytelling! I don't think this will be my last work of paper. yay!

Here are some "production shots", stay tuned for the completed piece on the cover of the June 2012 Insights magazine! (don't forget, if you're in Canada you can sign up to get it for free! And if you used to get it but stopped...that's because you didn't call to renew, silly. So just sign up again, OK?)



Tuesday, May 8, 2012

On Repeat - #5

I'll have you know I just spared you from a pun about "bearing it." sometimes I catch myself before I go to far...sometimes! 

Here's a pattern about bears. Inspired by the book "big bear hug" which is my all-time favourite feel-good children's book! I went a bit fluorescent, I hope you don't mind.


Thursday, May 3, 2012

On Repeat - #4

I promise, I will have something other than patterns to post about soon. (...my first refinishing project??!) But today I went a little ways into the archives and pulled out two of my favourite characters. And then went a little further into the archives back to my driving school days and added a caption. ha!


As a little background, this illustration was based on someone's insurance claim after a car accident, in which they claimed they were just driving along when the telephone pole hit them. suuuure.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

On Repeat - #3

Another pattern! A continuous line, lacey whimsical bit of repetition. I love grey and yellow.


Tuesday, May 1, 2012

On Repeat - #2

Look at me go! Second day in a row, I'm still on the ball. These are simpler, but I decided to play around with one shape and multiple patterns. They're basic, but super usable! Step two of this challenge might be to crank out some stationery. We'll see.