IF: Fearless

Mmmmmm, creativity struck once again with barely enough time to finish this week. The topic was too good to pass up. FEARLESS. I have so many things I could say and illustrate for this one.
Instead I'll just explain my drawing. This is colored pencil on some new tinted pastel paper. The cute little white bunny is about to exhibit fearlessness in my book. He's going to offer love and compassion to someone who is in need. And he might be rejected. Growled at. Turned down or abused. But he's fearless, so he's putting his heart on the line anyway.

As always your comments and criticisms are welcome. I have another bunny illustration that came from sketching this one also, can't wait to finish it.

The first half of this week I kept seeing this topic as FEAR LESS. What an assignment....I think I'll spend a few more weeks on this one!

IF: Rescue

My little drawing for this week's topic, Toby the turtle and Filmore the frog, setting sell to go rescue a lost friend. LOVED this topic, by the way....there's a million drawings I could have done....all of them with children's faces...I see them all the time. So many needing to be rescued.

This topic coincides with news I just heard this week. My sponsor child in Haiti is alive! His home and the surrounding area were completely destroyed...but he and his family were spared from the horrendous earthquake. I am so happy to hear this news. After months of worrying and praying. Oh, to start writing him letters again! They will be filled with the joy of knowing he was rescued and is being taken care of now. The same organization that has allowed me to be a part of his life over the past several years is working tirelessly to help his family and many others like his. May God strengthen and bless their incredible work.

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Isaiah 46:4

IF: Music

My little parade of monkeys that I just finished is perfect for this topic. This monkey marching band enjoys entertaining the other jungle animals on holidays and special occasions!

This is a colored pencil drawing with a little bit of collage (the sheet music at the bottom). To see the personalized version, check it out in my shop. I think monkeys are my favorite animal to draw... after turtles of course!

Finally finished!

It seems that I've been working on these two drawings forever. I finally got them finished and then had several weeks of messing with them because I didn't like how the colors came out when they were printed. I LOVE teal and aqua colors, they are finding their way into a lot of my new stuff....but it's quite hard to make the printer show teal and aqua. Everything comes out blue. Blue is nice, but teal is AWESOME!

Turtle Girls of Summer (8x10 available in my shop)

Monkey Parade with Personalized Banner (8x10 available here)

IF: Skinny

Long, lean Lenny loved the autumn. He loved wrapping his long, skinny orange scarf about his neck and trundling outside to watch the leaves dance for him. “They’re so graceful” he thought, as he reached out and let the leaves land on his tongue. Crunch, Crunch.“And tasty. Mmmm….Tastes like red.”

Yippee!!! A little IF illustration after hours and hours of sketching other ideas! Have you ever really studied a llama?! Wow. What character! I know a certain friend might really like Lenny....!!!

Interview with an Illustrator: Eric Sturtevant

Eric Sturtevant is the only artist I've interviewed so far that I've actually had the privilege to meet in person....several times! It is SO exciting to me every time I run into Eric at a local art festivals because I love his work, I love his style, and I every time I see him I know the world (or at least my area!) is experiencing and buying his fantastic illustrations! Hooray for local artists! So anyway, here is my latest interview with Eric Sturtevant.

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How did you get started as an artist/illustrator?

I was tired of working jobs I hated that had nothing to do with art at all. Jan. 1st 2007 I quit my job as a warehouse manager, cashed in my 401k, sold my car and took the plunge into the art world head first. I've always drawn cartoons since I was a kid and really wanted to break into publishing. The dilemma was how do I make money off my work while strengthening my portfolio for art directors.

Growing up in New England, I've always attended local art festivals and noticed a major change occuring in the scene. There were alot of younger people attending the shows, starting families and looking for something different for there homes. Essentially its my generation growing up and becoming our parents, but with different tastes. I also noticed there was a real lack of artwork for kids at these shows. I really felt that there was an untapped market that I could try to appeal to with my work. Armed with a wad of cash (essentially my life savings) and some great advice from some professional artists who also travel the show circuit for a living, I applied to shows full tilt and began selling my work. I'm in the midst of year three full time and things are great. People are extremely enthusiastic about my work and I've gotten some incredible opportunities out of it, including a licensing deal with Barnes and Noble to sell puzzles and games based on my work nationwide. It's so much fun.

What does a typical day look like for you?

It's funny, there really isn't a typical day, which is another reason why I love what I do. I get bored really easily with routine, so there's usually a list of things I need to prepare for each show and I'll tackle them in the order in which I feel like it that day. Sometimes I'll get up and start drawing, or I'll hit the business end of it...mailing out internet orders or making prints of my work, applying to new shows, contacting art directors. After all it is a business and needs to be treated as such. And admittedly, sometimes I just want to watch Judge Joe Brown and do nothing. Just kidding. I'll have him on as background noise when I'm drawing.

Who/what inspires you creatively?

I'm a huge movie nut and really love music. I draw a lot of inspiration from both. Two of my newest pieces were drawn from each. One is called "Tambourines and Elephants",a lyric from a CCR song I really love, and the other is called "Pool Sharks", completely inspired by "The Hustler". I'm a big Paul Newman fan. A lot of it too comes from listening to the public. It's really invaluable the access to opinions and reactions from people at these shows. From a marketing standpoint you find out what works and what doesn't, and then you tweak your work to appeal to an audience.

How has your art/style changed since you first started?

I feel like I've really gotten better since I started three years ago. Its really true, the more you do it (whatever it is) the better you get. I feel my work is more polished...I'm more confident with my work (although I'm horribly self-critical). A big problem artists have is a lack of self esteem in getting your work out to an audience. Let's face it, it's really scary to put yourself out there and get people's reaction no matter what the situation. For me I had to move past that immediately since I was determined to make money off this venture. Again, this is where the public's opinions have been so important. Once I found out what they were looking for, I could just have fun with the ideas and really put myself into each picture without limits. That's really what I try to do each time.

What are three pieces of advice you would give to someone just starting out?

For any artist starting out doing art festivals, I would advise that you stay true to your work and keep it focused. While its always important to explore new mediums to better yourself, in the art show world it can be a bit confusing to the audience to have all kinds of work in a show. Find your niche and stick to it. That's not to say it won't evolve over time, but remember its a business venture too. I'm fortunate to have recognized my passion early on. For some people it takes longer.

Be prepared for a lot of work. It's true that nothing really worth pursuing is easy. Stay focused on the prize ( for me it was working for and supporting myself through my art) and commit yourself to it fully. You will learn to become your best salesperson and get people excited about your work. It's the greatest feeling when someone is willing to spend there hard earned money on your work instead of countless other escapes because you've inspired them. Believe me, once that happens you're hooked.

Most importantly, don't let a closed door deter you from your goals. Not everyone will like what you do. Stay true to your vision and people will see what you're trying to accomplish. Sometimes you have to win them over, sometimes you just can't. Keep going! Forward progress is extremely important. My mantra has become "Let my work take me where it's supposed to." While that may seem like an incredible leap of faith, if you believe in it, you'll find your audience.

What do you hope to accomplish in the future (artistically or otherwise)?

The sky's the limit. My immediate goals are attempting to publish a book I hope to complete next year and continue the pursuit of more licensing agreements to make other products out of my work. I really believe there are many avenues I can pursue and am always willing to explore any opportunity. It's a grassroots effort to get my name out there and fortunately, it's working.

What's one thing you've always wanted to do?

Motorcycle cross country. I'd love to spend a few months exploring this country on a motorcycle. I've taken a lot of road trips by car, but there's nothing like riding on two wheels across an open road.

If you could hang out with anyone for a day (living or dead), who would it be and why?

Martin Scorcese. I think this man is a national treasure and an insanely creative force. I would love to watch him work for a day and see how his mind clicks. His cinematic style is so unique, and he lives and breathes what he does. It's so inspiring.

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Well! Isn't his stuff amazing!!! I'm like a kid in a candy store every time I see it! And I can't stop using exclamation marks!!! Aghh!!!! I absolutely love every piece. If you are interested in Eric's illustrations, check out even more of them at http://www.sturtevantillustrations.com/ and if you're in the New England area you can see him at upcoming art festivals in MA, RI and NJ this fall. Thank you so much, Eric!

IF: Strong

Coffee please. And make it strong! (For all you true coffee lovers out there who can't even begin to get through a day without that first cup of brew!)

IF: Magnify

A little graphite pencil drawing that took me what seemed like ages to complete. This topic immediately reminded me of the difference between childhood and adulthood. When you're young, everything outside of you gets put under the magnifying glass. You want to understand it, get up close to it, experience it. Everything is wondrous and amazing to a little person in a great big world. Somewhere in between childhood and adulthood the magnifying glass turns inward. Then all you seem to see are your flaws, your unmet goals, your dashed hopes. The world isn't quite so wondrous anymore. You question whether it really ever was.

The only thing I've found to heal this dilemma is to turn the magnifying glass away from me and toward Someone who deserves all the attention. Only then do I gain my childlike perspective.

"Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!" Psalm 34:3

IF: Caution

CAUTION: bright colors and sickeningly sweet illustrations to follow.

(I've been playing with brighter colors and patterns with the turtles. I love it! Stay tuned for more fun drawings and maybe even....paintings!!!)

Starving Artists Craft Fair 2009

Thought I'd show you a little taste of what life is like if you're one of those crazy people that does craft fairs. My first two-day, all weekend fair was on the muggiest, hottest weekend! Thank goodness we were in the shade and it didn't rain! My mom and I enjoyed talking to each other, some visits from friends and watching all of the hot people heading to the beach! It's a lot of work to prepare for these things. Lots of stuff to bring, setup to work out, packing and unpacking the car. It must run through every vendor's mind whether it's worth it or not. For me, I love to see the expression on people's faces. I love to hear their feedback. I loved being outside amidst my art, coming up with more and more ideas while I was sitting there. It's hard to put yourself out there and let others critique you or walk past you. But the sense of pride and happiness you feel when someone loves what you do and decides to take a piece of it home is priceless.





Oh! I almost forgot. At the fair I had a drawing for a free illustration. The big winner is April G! Hooray for you, April! I'll get in touch with you soon to work out an illustration just for you!!! Thanks for coming by!

IF: Wrapped

Wrapped is the topic for this week. I immediately thought of this half finished illustration I started a while ago. What a perfect incentive for finishing it. This is my colored pencil version of my little rascal pets. Consider this the "before" picture of what might happen "after" I left a room of beautifully wrapped presents. I think you can guess what these two (with their mischievous little claws) would do next!

This is Prismacolor pencil on Strathmore Bristol Vellum (I think I like the smooth paper much better for pencil work though). I added some cut paper and ribbon for the gifts. I hope this will find it's way into a personal Christmas card or letter from us this year. As always I'd love to know what you think!

Illustration Friday: Drifting

This weeks' topic is drifting. I quickly fixed up and colored my little Monkey in D (thanks for the idea, Katie), so you can see him drifting off to sleep. I didn't plan for him to be in a "D" when the topic was 'd'rifting. It just worked out that way. After giving a Monkey C to my friend to celebrate her new monkey baby, I thought I'd do some more!

I'll be adding these to my Etsy shop shortly so people can pick a letter for their kids! I love the idea of something personalized and handmade in a child's room. So pick a letter, pick a color scheme and I'll draw it up for ya! Hooray for monkeys!

In the jungle, the mighty jungle....

there are two more babies! Introducing....

Zeke the Zebra and Maya the Monkey! They are up on Etsy already, check them out! I'm working on some other fun monkey art. Hope to show it in the upcoming weeks. Happy, rainy Monday!

Illustration Friday: Impossibility

After a bunch of ideas and sketches that didn't seem right, my brain stumbled upon this idea. My own version of "when pigs fly" which everyone knows is an impossibility. What do you think?! These are some resourceful and creative hogs.....I don't know where they're going, but they're determined to get there!

Interesting topic this week...it's easy for creative people to imagine all the beautiful, visual impossible scenarios they could illustrate. It's much harder to face all of the things in real life that seem impossible. My heart is often troubled by the impossible things that I want to see happen. A loving family for every child. An end to world hunger and violence. This week it ocurred to me, what if it's not impossible? What if I can do something and do it now? If I could come up with as much creativity and determination (coupled with God's direction) as these flying pigs, maybe seeming impossibilities could become possibilities.

"Everything is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:23

What up, my peeps!

Well, I've disappeared from blogging a little bit in the past few weeks. Had a great Easter Sunday with family and friends....might share some pictures of that soon. I have been working very hard on various things but still don't have much to show for it! Funny how that is. So here's an update on my endeavors.

• The first baby of a good friend means one must make artwork! Since she reads this blog, I'm not going to show you the finished art just yet, but here's a little hint....

• There's going to be a new release of more turtle stamps over at Stamping Bella on the 28th! Hooray! If you check out the blog, some creative ladies are doing some really cool stuff with the stamping challenges.
  
  
• I've started a little store over on Artfire (there's a linky on my sidebar). I'm new to Artfire but it looks fun and we'll see how it goes.




• Sold a couple of Turtle Tots with frames on Etsy to wonderful Alicia. Hooray! I've also added the Celebration Card pack to my Etsy store. I love the colors of those designs, so bright and cheery and fuschia!
  

• Hoping to make something impossible happen for Illustration Friday this week.

• Almost finished with two more jungle babies: Zeke the Zebra and Maya the Monkey, pictures coming soon!

• Trying to eat better as I've sort of been hooked on sugary things for too long now. (thanks to my benevolent co-workers....somebody's always giving me bad-for-you food)

Besides these things I'm looking forward to visiting in-laws in Massachusetts this weekend, starting a Pilates class and the warm weather that I'm sure is just around the corner. Wow, I guess life is always more full than you think!

Illustration Friday: Subtract

Woohoo! I did it! And early too! Here's my submission for this weeks topic, "subtract."

Seems this little thief thinks that if one tasty treat is subtracted no one will notice! I had fun drawing these cupcakes...if you stare at them too long they might make you hungry. I have another cute idea for this subject. Maybe I'll be able to submit twice in one week....imagine that!

Illustration Friday: Legendary....almost

Well, I tried. I know, you out there in the blogging world are so disappointed in my inability to prioritize my time and get these unpaid, just for fun, Illustration Friday assignments done! I understand, I'm pretty disgusted myself....so I've decided to cut out a few things. Like going to work, showering, and paying taxes. Something radical has to be done.

Alright I'm being melodramatic again but in all seriousness I really ALWAYS want to submit something for IF. It's so fun to see what other people think of your work. To participate with all the other artists....I wanna be in the cool club...pick me, pick me! Oh, sorry, sudden flashback to middle school. Boy I'm pretty sarcastic when I'm exhausted....

I'm showing you my very undone illustration for the topic of "legendary." I tried to think of legendary figures, icons that stood out to me. I was either going to draw a great photorealistic drawing of Ella Fitzgerald belting out a song in a nightclub or this one....

this will be my childrens illustration version of this famous picture....if you don't know what this is from I might have to disown you as a friend (sorry that's cranky Elena piping up again).

Gene Kelly's famous "Singin' in the Rain"

I ran out of time and could have tried to hurriedly fill in the rest just to finish before Friday. But decided if I was sensible, I should really take my time and make these illustrations GOOD. Because good illustrations make up a GOOD portfolio. So I will take my time and finish this one...maybe I'll just have to watch Singing in the Rain again for inspiration!

Gene Kelly is to me a legendary actor/dancer extraordinaire. I LOVE old movies, musicals and variety shows. I ate them up in high school when most people were dating, getting cars....I didn't really do normal stuff like that. I raced home to sing to my musicals. I loved the colors, loved the costumes, loved the dancing, loved how everything was sweet, innocent and uncomplicated. Incidentally, Gene Kelly grew up in the exact area of Pittsburgh that my sister and her husband are living now. I walked around Gene Kelly's neighborhood! Neat!

So here's to Gene Kelly, Betty Grable, Rita Hayworth, Doris Day, Fred and Ginger, Rock Hudson, Tony Randall, Jack Lemmon, Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin, Victor Mature, Burt Lancaster, Maureen O'Hara, Jimmy Stewart, Audrey Hepburn and all those other screen legends. They bring me fond memories of time with my family and a life less complicated....

I'm singing in the rain

Just singing in the rain

What a glorious feeling

I'm happy again

I'm laughing at clouds

So dark up above

The sun's in my heart

And I'm ready for love

Let the stormy clouds chase

Everyone from the place

Come on with the rain

I've a smile on my face

I walk down the lane

With a happy refrain

I'm dancin' and singin' in the rain!

Two more babies in the jungle

So I had Yoshi (whose full name, by the way, is Yoshi Shinga Dewey Alexander French...a regal title if there ever was one) offer his inspection and critique of my work. The Siamese ninja gave me his perceptive pointers and helped me complete the next two Jungle Babies!

Now there's 4 in the set and I will probably go put them into my Etsy shop for the world to see. Still have more jungle babies in mind and a million other things....ah, so many projects so little time!

This weeks topic for Illustration Friday is "legendary." I have a couple of good ideas....we'll see if I can make it happen! We have a bunch of special events going on this week. A CareNet banquet and the annual Spring Gala for my work. Lots of good food and dressing up, maybe not so much time for artwork.....we'll see.

Bamboo and the Jungle Babies!

Well, I happened upon the Inspire Me Thursday website and their topic for this week is "Bamboo." What joy it brought to my face as I have been working very hard on the jungle babies who are framed with bamboo! Here are the first two I've finished so far. The giraffe and elephant are on their way and I hope to do more (a monkey, a zebra.....any more suggestions?).

I'm still not convinced that colored pencils are my thing. When I start drawing something I really fight with them and think I should ditch them and go back to painting but then when I'm done it doesn't look half bad. Opinions anyone? Compare them to the original painted Jungle Babies and tell me what you think! Happy Thursday!