These books take so long from concept, to sketch, to final art that I’m usually relieved when the paintings are finished, but I’m going to miss working on this one!
#creativeprocess #handpainted #childrensbooks #kidsbookillustrator
I’m kind of fascinated how just adding the pencil lines and a little shading can turn these loosely placed areas of color into a giraffe taking a bath!
#handdrawn #kidsbookillustration #childrensbookart #creativeprocess #behindthescenes
Some books are a little more fun to paint than others… I’m smiling all the way through this one.
#childrensbookillustrations #handdrawn #behindthescenes #kidsbooks #howdoyouhugahippo?
I was working on the color for this, but it was falling kind of flat. I added the 3 small birds on the right side page and like it much better now. Funny how something so small can make a difference. Or, maybe I just stared at it too long!
#workinprogress #childrensbookillustration #handdrawn #creativeprocess #kidsbooks
Working on a color sample for an upcoming book, so I thought I’d do a “process post” for anyone who likes those:
1. The sketch is attached to the back of the final art paper and placed on the light board. Add removable tape around the edges.
2. Soft wash of color (acrylic or watercolor) over the area to be painted.
3. Light table let’s the sketch show through so I can follow it as a guide.
4. Paint in washes of color.
5. Add pencil on top for definition and shading.
6. Pull the tape to reveal a clean edge, which is a weirdly fun step for some reason.
7. Ta-Da. Kid brushing an alligator’s teeth all done.
#behindthescenes #childrensbookillustration #handpainted #workinprogress
Starting off the year with a BUNCH of new book idea sketches… “Think we’re gonna need a bigger wall”.
#behindthescenes #studio #handdrawn #childrensbookillustration #pencilsketches
I made a mistake!… and reread my latest book idea submission JUST before sending it out. Of course, after working on this one for way too long, a new idea to add a “treasure box” of found objects to the main character jumped in my head and sent me back to re-work drawings AND the words of course. Hopefully it serves as a welcomed element for the story and not just a way to delay the nerve wracking experience of submitting book ideas… I think it helped though.
I’ve found knowing when a book idea is “finished” is a tricky thing when doing both the words and illustrations. There’s always a new idea, a “wonder if this can be better” that comes with all my illustrations, writing, and oil paintings… I think that’s why deadlines were invented!
#creativeprocess #childrensbooks #handdrawn
Finishing up 2025 with 2 new book submissions to Publishers. It’s always nerve wracking sending these out, but fingers crossed they find a home and I get to fill the studio with paintings of a sleepy dog and slow moving porcupine next year!
#childrensbookart #handdrawn #creativeprocess #kidsbooks
Frame day for a few of my recent oil paintings (on the kitchen counter, where I assume most people frame their work!). It doesn’t happen as often as I like, but when I take a break from my kids book illustrations, I love doing these landscapes.
#oilpainting #landscape #behindthescenes #creativeprocess
Finishing up a few more book ideas to submit before the end of the year- pretty easy to see where the idea for this one about a dogs’ favorite bed might have started!
#studio #behindthescenes #handdrawn #booksketches #childrensbooks #kidsbooks #pencilsketches #dogs
