Teri's Illustration Blog

Sherry and little yellow bird

2012-01-21T17:24:00.000-08:00

This is a very rough sketch to continue the story of Sherry and the little yellow bird.

I'm looking forward to sketching out ideas for a few stories in the next few months in addition to finishing a few painted finals.

Looky what came in the mail!

2011-12-06T08:35:00.000-08:00

Cards printed at Vistaprint.com

Do I have your address?

British Monkey Time

2011-12-02T13:24:00.000-08:00

6.5" x 7" Watercolor and pencil on Stonehenge paper.

French Kitty Love

2011-11-29T15:09:00.000-08:00

6.5" x 7" Watercolor and pencil on Stonehenge paper.

This illustration gives me a huge smile and a chuckle.
Is this a new series? Yes it is! Stay tuned!

My Happy Walls

2011-11-29T14:33:00.000-08:00

By Brian Bowes see more at StudioBowes.com

By Martin French see more at MartinFrench.com

I recently purchased these two pieces of art from two artist I met last year at the ICON6, the annual Illustration Conference. I really love these illustrations, and to look at them makes me very happy!

Be still, be present, and enjoy the gifts of winter.

2011-11-09T11:47:00.000-08:00

Watercolor, pencil, and gouache on Stonehenge paper. 11"x17"

This is the first time I've used gouache for areas other than highlights and touch-ups. I have to say... I was really nervous about painting the snow and the Owl with gouache, because once it's on the paper, there is really no clean way to fix mistakes.

Now that my winter illustration is finished, I am going to work on ideas for next years promotional mailer. To help me with this, I am going to participate in the zero2illo 4 week promotional mailer challenge

Wings

2011-11-02T09:48:00.000-07:00

I've spent the last few days organizing and cleaning... again. But this time the payoff is so wonderful. My art room is so lovely to be in now. Mind you... it could always use more purging, but it's the best it's been in about 6 years (or ever)! I can open the door all the way!

Now I'm ready to get back to creating. I've got a few things I'm working on. Ideas for a special promotional piece for next year, and then a few sketches for some greeting cards. I love angels, and basically anything with wings... cats, pigs, etc. What is it about wings that draw us in? Many things I guess, like magic, freedom, hero's, and the heavens.

The above sketches are from previous years that I may or may not use. I also have one in mind of kids playing in the snow. Snow... another magical thing with all those tiny, unbelievably intricate and individual snowflakes.

Finish for Spider Magazine

2011-10-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

Here is one of the finishes I just completed for Spider Magazine.

This was a ton of fun, and I can't wait to see it in print!

Spider Magazine/ Finished Drawing

2011-10-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

Here is the finished drawing on toned paper, all taped down and ready for watercolor and pencil.

I'm having so much fun with this assignment. I love drapery and adding cultural elements.
FYI, the top is cut off in this image, the title will go there : )

Stay tuned, next week I'll be posting the finish.

Sketches for Spider Magazine

2011-10-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

Last week I was asked to create sketches for 3 illustrations to compliment a story for the children's Spider Magazine. Stay tuned, the finals will be done in about a week. These illustrations will appear in the March 2012 magazine. I will only be showing the first illustration, the other two can be viewed when you purchase the magazine in March, so mark your calenders! : D

Sea Bed

2011-07-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

Isn't this fun in the sun!

Watercolor and colored pencil on Stonehenge paper 10.5 x 12.

Just a tease

2011-07-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

I'm looking forward to finishing this new illustration. I love seahorses, they are magical.

Tomorrow

2011-06-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

My first figurative/narrative illustration of the 6 to 8 I have planned. It's named "Tomorrow" because she's not ready to make a decision about what to do with the little yellow bird.

I put the Peonies on hold to finish this first figurative. This afternoon I'll be finishing up the Peonies, then on to figurative illustration #2 for next week.

14"x12" watercolor and pencil on Stonehenge cotton paper.

A closer look

2011-06-03T22:05:00.000-07:00

Digital added to the back of the neck, ear, jaw, cheeks, lips, and tip of nose.

You can also see strokes added in flowers, hair, and under neck bow.

The subtle additions look like tradition watercolor, right?!

Corel Painter 12

2011-06-03T21:42:00.000-07:00

This is traditional watercolor.

This is the traditional water color plus added Corel Painter 12 digital watercolor.

I added a little here and there, just to enhance the original. Corel digital watercolor is the best it's ever been. Can you see where I added digital strokes next to the traditional ones. I think the digital is very convincing. I would most probably use it in this manner, to enhance or touch up an original. I'm loving traditional too much, to only paint in digital again. Besides, sitting at the computer all day hurts my neck.

Tomorrow

2011-05-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

This is Sherry, Lenny Penny, Mr. Moo, and their friends too.

Mommy's Sick

2011-05-05T08:33:00.000-07:00

I think I'm beginning to get the hang of this "Daily Water Color" thing. I'm looking for a balance, between loose and tight (realistic), that appeals to me. The last few are feeling good, and taking close to the 20 min. mark. This continues to be a great excise, and a nice break from the bigger (more conceptual) pieces, so I'm going to continue for a few more weeks.

Sometimes when I create an image I can smell things. Can you? When I look at this image I smell milk and powder. This one is a traditional watercolor, on Stonehenge paper. 8"x11"

Red Heart

2011-05-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Babies

2011-05-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

This Man

2011-05-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

Sketchy Water

2011-04-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

Yes! 20 minutes!

6x6 watercolor and pencil.

What should the name of this piece be: Sketchy Water, Trash Bridge, Man-made?

Saving Fingers

2011-04-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

6x6 watercolor, gouache (also spelled guache or gauche),

and colored pencil. : ) Again, more than 20min.

Major Suction

2011-04-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

Another daily watercolor. This one took a few hours; the timer went off at the "Brian 20min. mark," and I kept going. I'm determined to get these done a little quicker. I'm learning to let go, but very slowly.

Wood Puff

2011-04-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

So much for a "Daily" watercolor. I don't know if daily is possible for me. I'm going to keep trying. I just want to love on the image too much. I love line, color, and the texture to much to quickly get it down in 30min., or even in an hour. When ever I do these little experiments, I learn a lot about myself, my work and what I enjoy most. I love this image, but more importantly I really enjoyed the process.

Daily Watercolor #6

2011-04-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

Daily Watercolor # 3&4

2011-04-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

These were fun. The top one, of the young woman, took a half hour, yeah! If I want to get any more detail (or more realistic) it would take longer, an hour, even a little more. I would like to try the cherries again. They turned out a little too dark. I intended for them to be dark chocolate, but I want some of the highlights and under color to show through. I sometimes forget, that when working in watercolor, you get darker as you go. I just need to reverse my thinking while I work. My brain is use to working in pastels, which is the opposite, you work darker to lighter. I could have added gouache, or more colored pencil, but I just needed to move on. Next.

Daily Watercolor #2

2011-04-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

Another one taking longer than half an hour. I'll get there. : )

Daily Watercolor #1

2011-04-11T10:17:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a break, from the more conceptual work, and creating some 6"x6" paintings. One a day, like a warm up. It helps me start my day happy, and also, it helps me explore subject matter. I'm trying to keep them under 30min. However, this one took about and hour. I used some cold press, watercolor paper I had laying around. Next week, I will use the smooth (hot press) type. I really love drawing, and the rough surface makes that process unbearable. I cringe, like when I hear fingernails on a chalkboard.

Imperfection!

2011-03-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

I must share a link (shared by a friend on Facebook). Thanks Jackie!

Paragraph below is taken from the post at http://www.maplerowe.com/blog/motivation

"The biggest hindrance to achievement and the biggest motivation killer is fear of failure. But failure is inevitable. No one can succeed 100% of the time. Fear of failure keeps a lot of people from executing their good ideas. Your first idea might not be a good idea, it might actually be a bad idea, but you’ve got to have that bad idea, execute it, and see what happens before you can get to the good idea down the road. You’ve got to get out the door and do it. If you want to start running, just go outside. If you feel like you’ve got something to say that other people should hear, start a blog. If you feel like you’ve got a great business idea, start executing right now. Don’t wait for permission. Don’t worry about failure. At the end, you will look like the woman above and that is the look of success. That is where your motivation lies. Give away your gifts, do something regardless of the possibility of failure, and don’t be afraid. You can succeed." Posted by Rowe

The Birds And The Bees

2011-03-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

So I'm at the grocery store yesterday, and I wanted to take photos of everyone standing in line. I couldn't pull it off discreetly, and I didn't exactly feel comfortable asking everyone to turn, smile, and say, "cheese." It was such a great shot. Standing in front of me were people from at least 5 other cultures. Different colors and different shapes, and for the most part looking happy. A beautiful sight! It was so busy; clearly the food industry is not feeling the effects of the bad economy, or other bad news in our current affairs.

Water Color and Prismacolor Pencils, on Stonehenge toned paper, approximately 18" x 22."

Water Dragon Finish

2011-03-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

Do you see the Water Dragon? : ) This piece is about growth, peace, and taming the dragon. Water color, and colored pencils, on Arches Hot Press Water Color paper. Approximately 22" x 14.5"

Water Dragon

2011-03-16T14:14:00.000-07:00

I've taken some time this week to surf the net, look at other artist work, and listen to some pod casts. It seems I've been a million places, a luxury I can't afford too often. I have a schedule of productivity I keep so that I'm creating more than surfing.

I'm so inspired! Here are a few of the links that I found: http://artistshelpingartistsblog.blogspot.com/ , http://tir-ri.deviantart.com/, http://www.jbmonge.com/ , http://www.artbizcoach.com/

The image is a photo of my next water color painting. This is the start of the under/tonal painting. I always start this way. It helps me work out lighting, first and second read, details and patterns. Another piece I'm loving from the get-go. I love it when that happens.

Lilly

2011-03-14T20:43:00.000-07:00

Lilly in my pond!

2011-03-09T17:16:00.000-08:00

Already, this piece is one of my favorites. When the inspiration and the sketch come easy, I know the final is going to look great, and maybe even magical.

Grand Cayman Blue Iguana

2011-02-20T10:27:00.000-08:00

"The Blue Iguana (Cyclura lewisi) is Grand Cayman’s largest native land animal. It’s a giant, dragon-like blue lizard which grows to over 5 feet long, over 25 lbs weight, and can live as long as humans!
Originally a denizen of Grand Cayman’s coastal areas and interior dry shrublands, this magnificent reptile was driven to the brink of extinction, with only about a dozen surviving from the original wild population, by 2002.

The main causes of this catastrophic decline range through habitat destruction and road kills, to the deaths caused by free-roaming dogs, and feral cats. Although these human-caused pressures have led to the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana being the most endangered iguana on earth, we have found that this is one species that can be saved. The Blue Iguana Recovery Programme is making remarkable strides: there is great hope for the future of the Blue Iguana, and its extraordinary wild habitat."

More Info at http://www.blueiguana.ky/

No time to wallow!

2011-02-09T12:30:00.000-08:00

12 Illustrations by April. That means 8 more to go. About 1 a week. Very doable! It's fun choosing what illustrations I want to work on. It's a different kind of mind-set than someone telling you what and when to illustrate. I hope this doesn't last too long; I might get use to it. : ) Speaking of wallowing, it was pointed out to me by my friend Sue, "Farrah Fawcett wallowed in paint, rolled around on canvas, and sold her work for a pretty penny! Don't write off wallowing till you try it!"

I'm On Tumblr

2011-02-08T10:32:00.000-08:00

http://shoottobloom.tumblr.com/

I have created a Tumblr Blog account. If your there, friend me! From now on this is where you will find my sketches. The RSS feed / updated posts, will be to the left on this blog, under "Shoots And Blooms." Enjoy!

Yippy! Better Light!

2011-02-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy to have my new light. It makes a huge difference in the way I work and what I can see; I no longer have to wait for a sunny day to cart my work outside for an accurate photo. Little by little my studio is beginning to feel like a work place of a professional.

Finished!

2011-01-29T16:41:00.000-08:00

Ok, so what a week! One hang up after another. I had plans to get this up earlier but my SLR broke, among other things. I finally gave in and took photos with an old camera. Sorry for the low quality. Plus the lighting is really bad in my studio. Uggh. Oh well, at least you can see a version of the finished piece. I must say, the in-person finish, is beautiful. As always, I see a few minor things I want to clean up or add, but that will have to wait. My next project will be to add light to my studio, not an easy task, given the height of the ceilings and no light fixture currently installed. I'm currently using floor lamps with ugly yellow light.

New Year Color

2011-01-19T16:19:00.000-08:00

Almost finished with color washes, next outlines and clean ups. I'm very excited! I wanted to be done by now, but the larger size is taking a bit longer. I won't go this big again, especially if it is a piece for a client.

Moving Forward

2011-01-18T13:36:00.000-08:00

In the last few days, I have transferred my drawing to the Stonehenge paper, did a value painting, and now I'm adding color. I hope to complete this in the next day or two. This painting is larger than the last two, about 22"x25", so lots of ground to cover. Also, I figured the extra space would allow me room for details such as hair, buttons and other textures. It's been a little more challenging, and a good experiment. Part of creating this new style requires a little pushing and pulling at the process; it helps me determine the best paper size, brushes, and even narrow down my palette to my favorites colors. All adding to a unique look. (I hope : )

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-12T17:43:00.000-08:00

I'm not too late for Chinese New Year, so Happy New Year! It's really been hard getting back to work this year. My creative juices are kind of like dripping honey. I've been getting things done, but kind of slooooowwwwly. Not sure why... the dark nights, the colder weather, or maybe it is due to all that gung-ho cleaning I did in the first week. In any case, here are two sketches I squeaked out. I will be taking the one with the girl, looking through the telescope, to finish in the next week or two. In addition, I am still working on a fun children's book dummy, about dirty rooms. That's about all I got today. Yawn.

Tending To Business

2011-01-08T15:48:00.000-08:00

The first week of the year has been filled with organizing my studio. I've cleaned out drawers, boxed up old Cd's and photos, and tackled piles of papers. I've condensed, recycled and shredded. A whole week has passed and I still have piles of stuff: old National Geographic's, a ton of art "How To Books," years of videos and photos to now scan in, and not to mention piles of supplies from my previous art explorations. A project too large to complete in less than a month, or year, or... little by little.

In addition to organizing my studio, I've also been organizing my computer and illustration business. I've been investigating new options for websites, blogs, marketing, and gathering information for new contacts and clients. Today I made a few more handmade mailers, including a larger one, adding my newest piece. Next will be to add a piece with children. We all know that if you want work illustrating for children books and other children mediums, the portfolio must include them.

I've had enough of organizing and cleaning up, time to get back to illustrating. I do have a few sketches I can use, I just need to pick one, clean it up, and enlarge it for my new process.

Holiday Time Crunch

2010-12-14T16:26:00.000-08:00

With some adjustments, I've decided to use my last illustration for my Christmas card. I took photos of the original, then opened it into Photoshop, cropped it and added snowflakes. I really like it. Sometimes recycling is a great solution to an overly busy schedule. The cards will go out with the bottom left information, but printed on the back, of course. Hope you find elegant ways to save time too. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

Need 30 hour days!

2010-12-04T16:23:00.000-08:00

My trip to the north proved to be yummy in taste and sight, as expected. Now for the winter season craziness. I may not have time to finish a new piece until the New Year, however I will continue to enjoy all the magic that the season has to offer, adding to my imagination and creative process. Like many, I will be busy decorating, eating, socializing, shopping, and giving. I may squeak out an illustration for a holiday card, but then again I may not.

On vacation I look more like a photographer than an Illustrator.

2010-11-19T16:38:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to take off tomorrow, rain or snow, to see my family. They live in mountain and tree country. I can smell and hear the earthy stuff crunch under my feet already. Besides sketching and doodling, I'm working on a few projects, another seasonal piece, and book dummy for a children's book. If it wasn't for the lure of the mountains, my sisters yummy turkey, and mom's pumpkin pie, you couldn't get me away from my studio. I'm really enjoying my new style, and have a ton of ideas waiting to be drawn.

When I travel, I always bring my sketch book in hopes that I will sit somewhere and draw what I see. Instead I take a million photos, and add to my memory log things I see, hear, and smell. I use to get down on myself for not drawing on vacation and filling a sketchbook with my experience. I love artist journals, don't you? But I have come to realize, and accept that my creative process is different. I take it all in first, then assimilate it later. I try to commit details and things I love to memory, or take a photo for later inspiration. I've been collecting memories, smells, feelings, images and other details for many years now. When a sketch or doodle comes out they are images of imagination, rather than a record of what I've directly seen.

I'm really looking forward to leaving my gray city to be amongst the color and richness of the season.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Handmade Mailers

2010-11-13T13:52:00.000-08:00

I sent mailers out last week. I tried not to hand make them, but after many stationary and art shops, I gave in. Nothing out there I wanted use. All the wrong colors, wrong sizes, etc. It took some time, but once I committed to the idea, it was fun. Will I do this again? Not sure. If I stick to a small mailing list, it may be a nice break in between illustrations. I will still send samples and info through the internet, but there is nothing like receiving and giving special cards via snail mail. I wonder how many will actually be opened? I wonder how many art directors still like receiving old fashioned mail? The odds are against these little mailers. Like all art, the process is the most important part; they will find there way or not.

Winter Harvest

2010-11-12T12:07:00.000-08:00

Finished! I'm very happy with this second attempt at my new style! I'm still trying to decide if the cat is too light. I'm going to let it sit for a few days, then look at again with fresh eyes to decide. Next piece... I have plans to include the human species, and maybe something with wings and big ears.

Red Berries

2010-10-26T18:34:00.000-07:00

Value under-painting and now color washes. I still have more color washes to add; the berries have several washes to go. Before I hurry to the finish, I wanted to post the color wash stage. I already missed posting the value painting. I can't wait to see it finished, and I'm already planning in my head for the next piece. I think I will have a human figure in my next illustration.

Sampling Papers

2010-10-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

Tried two papers. Stonehenge, and Arches Watercolor Paper. Tough decision, both gorgeous to work with. Using permanent ink washes underneath my watercolor washes made a nice difference, the under-painting was not disturbed. Each paper has pluses and minuses. The Arches is easy to see through, great for transferring my drawing, but I can't stand all that "White." The Stonehenge... well, for some reason I just enjoy the process more. Something about it's tactile feel; everything is softer. I got bored working on the Arches, and had a hard time stopping on the Stonehenge sample. So even though the Stonehenge is a b**ch to see through for transferring my drawing, it is the one I will be using for the next painting. The process is way too fun on this paper; I love how it accepts all the mediums, plus it withstands some abuse nicely, making it easier to fix mistakes.

Winter Harvest

2010-10-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

My next illustration. At first i just had the birds. But after letting it sit for a day, and wrestling with the feeling that something was missing, I added the cat. Now I'm excited about it! I love the story now that I've added the mischievous cat ( not really mischievous, he is just hungry like the birds). I already see the colors and values on this piece. This time, even though I hesitate to change the process, I am going to try proper water color paper. Not before a test though.

Another Day

2010-10-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

Yeah, it's finished! And I love it! I'm so happy with this new work that I can't wait to get more images out of my head onto paper. I love the process and finished results; I hesitate fixing the bumps I had during the process. I feel another series coming on.

Value and Color

2010-10-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

I'm having fun, but I've run into a few minor bumps that I will have to change for next time. I had to transfer the drawing twice. The first time I transferred it to the other paper I bought, the one I decided against. Darn it! Also the drawing was too large for my little light box; I used the window instead. I might work smaller next time. Also the second paper was really hard to see through, making the transfer difficult. I might switch to transfer paper.

Next, I painted the values (under-painting) in watercolor. I was really loving it until I added washes of color on top. I didn't think the water color under-painting would disturb after drying. It did. Enough for me to want to change what I use. Next time I will use something water proof, maybe washes of waterproof Indian Ink?

After the color washes, I will be using colored pencil to bring back (pull out) the drawing, and maybe for some other details. The other thing about working off computer is that I socialize less on FB. Good to get work done, sad to have to stop and work socializing in. I feel like I'm missing out on so much fun needless info. : ) Miss you all.

I'm Soo Excited!

2010-09-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

I have started, yet once again, with experimenting. I'm trying to find a process that I enjoy, and one that highlights my strengths and loves. I think that I've found it! I'm not finished yet, but so far I'm loving this new way of working; my head is flooding with ideas.

As you all I know, I was experimenting on brown paper with colored pencil. That was fun, but I was frustrated with the buckling when I applied water color (gasp, and the paper was not archival). So back to the art store. I picked up some luscious papers, Somerset an Stonehenge.

Another reason for this change is that I want my drawings to show through in my work. I love drawing, and my sketches tend to be more loose and fun then my final product. Over the years I've taken short cuts in my process, like forgoing a value study. So here I am... I've gone full circle, off computer, back to what I was taught in school, and remembering things I've forgotten. I still have some things to work out as I tackle this final painting/drawing.

So far... I've worked out all the design elements in my drawing, experimented with the two papers, and even did a tonal study (ugh, on computer, hard to pass up that undo). I love both of the papers, but for me, the toned Stonehenge is best. Then I transferred the drawing to the paper using a gray thin Prismacolor; graphite can smear with water color washes.

Keep you fingers crossed. I'm hoping my brain remembers my traditional training, and that the final product will come easier than I fear. Stay tuned.

My Mommy Is In My Heart

2010-09-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

A friend and I created this personal project together in honor of her dear friend Carol. All proceeds will be donated to her family. "My Mommy Is In My Heart," is ready for ordering through www.heartandplay.com and Adage Graphics secure shopping cart. Carol French Doughty passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Written to help her young daughter and family who survived her loss, this book addresses the feelings, fears and concerns of children who have experienced the loss of a loved one. My illustrations help to gently tell this story. In addition, the book contains suggestions and ideas on ways to help a grieving child. Profits will be donated to the Carol French Doughty scholarship fund. Thank you Lori, for collaborating with me on the creation of this wonderful book. May this book touch many lives and families. Click here for shopping cart Lori's Blog ArtAndPlay

Cherry Spider

2010-08-05T17:07:00.000-07:00

I have 5 projects that I'm working on. This is a detail of the image below; a work in progress. Isn't it fun! The original is big, I had to scan it in bit by bit, then piece them together. Now I'm playing in Corel Painter, experimenting with the background and the ink overlay. After I'm done experimenting on the computer, I will go back to the original, and add the background and ink traditionally. I can't wait to see it framed and hanging on the wall.

Cherry And Blossoms

2010-07-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

This is my next piece, before the background and ink added. This piece is large, 18" x 24". I love cherries and I love cherry blossoms. You rarely seem them together, usually the blossoms are all gone by the time the cherries show up. After all, the blossoms are what turn into cherries. I've never seen them together on the same branch, but it must happen. After all life is stranger than fiction sometimes.

Yummy #2

2010-07-22T13:43:00.000-07:00

I had a great time at ICON6! I learned a lot about myself, my work, and what's going on in the industry. I'm still digesting it all. One thing is for sure, I'm very inspired to create more work, target new markets, and keep developing my unique visual voice.

In the next few months, besides sending out my mailers, I will be fermenting and experimenting a little more on what I learned at ICON6. For example I scanned the below piece into the computer. I wanted to see what it would look like with ink added. I like it better. I have some other ideas that I can't wait to get to.

If you want to see more about ICON6, Thomas James from Escape From Illustration Island, has posted videos and such on his site. Also, check out mine, and others opinions on the controversial discussion, "Is Animation the Future of Illustration?" At > Imprint (Print Magazine).

I made a lot of new friends. Newbies to Pro's. One being Martin French. I shared the Roadshow table with him. His work is a great example of what all of us "wannabes" are looking to accomplish in our visual voices. He's a really nice guy too!

Thanks everyone: new friends, speakers, and ICON crew! This experience was invaluable.

Mushrooms- Daily Draw Doodle

2010-06-03T13:56:00.000-07:00

I've been a little absent from the online social networks this month. Busy, busy, busy. I'm polishing up for the Illustration Conference in July; adding mobile friendly pages to my online portfolio, trying to convert this blog to WordPress (ugh, I gave up!), creating a mailer post card, tear sheet, and a portfolio book from Blurb. Then, of course, there is laundry, groceries, graduations, birthday parties, this darn cough, and doggy walks to fit in.

This drawing is another draw doodle. I love how these doodles, and unplanned sketches come out when I'm too busy, and too tired to be creative or think. Somehow, the autopilot goes on, and then fun comes out. It's like meditating with a pencil in your hand.

I wish all this online connecting and growing came as easy. I sill have plans to add a store to my site, as well as investigating other online opportunities. Anyone sale art on Zazzle.com? Much to do, much to do.

Murphy

2010-05-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

I've started a new traditional pastel painting. I'm very excited about it, but also very nervous. It's been some time since I've worked off computer. I'm really tempted to finish it in Corel Painter, my computer art program. The computer is safe, so many undoes and unlimited color explorations. Plus I miss the social networking in-between strokes. Yet, I am determined to finish this traditionally. I'm trying to convince myself that it is no big deal if I mess it up. Pastels are harder to recover from a wrong decision. I definitely spend more time thinking and staring at it, before I put a mark on the paper. Another challenge. Another learning experience. I'm also tempted to call this a series. I'll wait until I finish this one, making sure my nerves can handle it.

24 Woman Series # 15

2010-04-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

Do Not Judge Me

Wrinkles, gray hair, and hearing aids.

Glasses, walking sticks, and dentures.

Although when you look at me, this is what you see,

do not be a judge of me.

For there is more of me to see.

Individual, and human.

I am unique, alive with personality, me.

Do not judge me.

- Author Unknown-

Maya Drawing

2010-04-11T14:02:00.000-07:00

Another finished, yoooohoooo! Got 5 more to complete, than a cover.

Thanks in advanced to all my fans. : ) You help keep me motivated and inspired.

Maya At School

2010-03-30T22:23:00.000-07:00

I love this one, but I'm thinking of cropping the teacher's face out, just below the chin. There would be enough information to know that she is there. As it is, I feel her face is distracting and unnecessary. The bottom half of the illustration is just so beautiful. I'm trying to work looser in these illustrations, yet they still look like the rest of my portfolio. I keep thinking I don't have a distinctive style, but no matter how many attempts I try at changing it up, somehow they are the same. Someone once told me, " You can't find a style, it is just part of you." I can see how true that is now.

Maya's Book

2010-03-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

Wrapping up the finals on these illustrations, another week or two. I have my favorites out of the 15. This is one of them. Although it is a final, I will still look at all 15 as a whole, make final adjustments to color, light and character consistency. This book continues to be a journey and learning experience for me and I can't wait to see the final product.

Cute Kid Series #4

2010-03-11T16:08:00.000-08:00

#14 Again/ 24 Women Series

2010-03-11T15:53:00.000-08:00

I had to add some detail to this, it was too boring.

24 Women Series #14

2010-02-26T08:50:00.000-08:00

I wake up every weekday a half hour before my son gets up, and my motherly commitments begin. It's not much time, but little by little I complete some fun things for myself. I take this time to work on this series, doodle, and sometimes work on my hobby, fiber art. It's like adding pennies to my bucket of a creative career. As Jeff Olson says in his book, The Slight Edge, " Simple little disciplines that, done consistently over time will add up to the very biggest accomplishments."

Carol and Maya's Book

2010-01-31T11:45:00.000-08:00

This is another detail of one of the illustrations I am currently working on. I'm really happy with the way these are turning out. Originally I started creating and finishing these one at a time. Now I'm working on them as a whole. In other words doing all the color comps first, than all the faces and details, lastly leaving backgrounds and other minor items. This is allowing me to keep the color scheme and characters consistent, in addition, the momentum of the project moving forward. I don't get bored as quick. : ) It's also very satisfying when I get the hardest stuff taken care of first, then the rest of it is creating on autopilot, allowing me to listen to pod casts and such as I work. Another thing I'm reminded of is how important reference is. It takes me twice as long to create a face I'm happy with, when I have none or lack of good reference. Always learning, always growing. It's wonderful!
(btw a different Maya then below)

24 Women Series

2010-01-27T10:25:00.000-08:00

If I Were

If I were a princess and you were a king,

Would you make me your queen?

If I were a blood-sucking vampire

And you were terrrified of anything human,

Would you mind if I bit you?

If I were a beautiful flower and you were a bat,

Would you eat me?

If I were anything in the whole world,

Would you care and notice me?

-Claudia R. Alvarenga-

The Teacher's Selection

Anthology of Poetry

(5th Grade)

From the library of CBT

The Cycle Of Life

Peace

Hoping, Forgiving, Happening

Truce, Dove, Tanks, Guns

Battling, Killing, Fighting

Terrible, Useless

War

-Cori Malin-

The Teacher's Selection

Anthology of Poetry

(5th Grade)

From the library of CBT

24 Women Series #14/Maya

2010-01-22T15:29:00.000-08:00

My Wish

If I could have a lifetime wish

One dream that would come true.

I would pray to God with all my heart

For yesterday and you.

A thousand words can't bring you back

I know because I've tried.

And neither will a million tears

I know because I've cried.

You left behind my broken heart

And happy memories, too.

But I never wanted memories

I only wanted you.

-Valerie Roque-

The Teacher's Selection

Anthology of Poetry

From the library of CBT

Capril Bonner-Thomas

2010-01-20T17:14:00.000-08:00

May you rest in peace sweet Capril.

Robot Rescue

2010-01-13T17:51:00.000-08:00

Ok, so here they are. . . illustrations I created for a leveled reader children's book for Houghton Mifflin. I was not allowed to show them until now, 2 years later. I had a lot of fun creating these illustrations, and the art director, Hanh Luu, was very easy to work with. We made a good team and got the project finished without a hitch.

Wishing Happiness To All Earthlings

2009-12-19T13:26:00.000-08:00

World Peace?! I don't know if it is possible. It's hard enough creating peace, love, happiness, and forgiveness in my own small world of family and friends. How will world peace ever be achieved?

Who wrote that famous quote, "If you want to change the world than change yourself." In my search I found a few others. . .

"To be the change you want to see in the world, you don't have to be loud. You don't have to be eloquent. You don't have to be elected. You don't even have to be particularly smart or well educated. You do, however, have to be committed." - Mahatma Gandhi

"If you believe in peace, act peacefully; if you believe in love, acting lovingly; if you believe every which way, then act every which way, that's perfectly valid - but don't go out trying to sell your beliefs to the system. You end up contradicting what you profess to believe in, and you set a bum example. If you want to change the world, change yourself." - Tom Robbins

Peace. Is it possible? Even with my best efforts there are misunderstandings and assumptions made.
I am forever hopeful.

Cute Kid #3

2009-11-27T13:22:00.001-08:00

In my Cute Kid series I will be using photo reference as well as my imagination to enhance the drawing. Much like Norman Rockwell did when he used photos. He used them as reference, as they should be used. The colors, shapes and places will be changed to protect the innocent... Ha ha ha... I don't know, that just came out. I haven't decided yet how I will finish these. Digital, by hand, watercolor, ink, pastel ? ? ?

A Tease

2009-11-10T11:51:00.000-08:00

This is a detail of one of the illustrations I'm currently working on for a book. The subject is sad, but I think the book will help a lot of children in a similar situation.

I scanned my sketch in, and now creating the illustrations in Corel Painter X. This book will have 15 to 20 illustrations when it's finished.

Norman Rockwell

2009-11-03T15:51:00.000-08:00

You all know by now that one of my favorite illustrators is Norman Rockwell. Below is a good read on how he used photos for reference. Love it!
David+Kamp+on+Norman+Rockwell+Entertainment+%26+Culture%3A+vanityfair.com

Cute Kid #2

2009-10-22T17:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, remember what I said about reference. Scratch that. OMG I'm so happy I took a million photos of my son when he was little. I pored over them last night. I'm so excited to do more cute boy drawings. Anyone have cute girl photos they can send me? There is a difference between my two cute kid sketches. You can tell which one comes from the imagination and which one comes from reference. Now. . . I think, the trick is to merge the two. A little right brain, a little left.

Cute Kid Series

2009-10-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

This one is dedicated to my sweet Welsh boy who loves airplanes.

Cute kids are harder than I thought. It's all in the cheeks and fat content. I love cute and sweet, can't help it. I'm so tired of all the blood, gore, rude cartoons, and once thought to be evil images. Now days they proliferating our clothing, games, T.V. shows, books, and more. Not that I can't appreciate other artists messages on politics and the state of the world and such. And honestly skulls are pretty cool, as long as the gore factor is left out. Yet personally, as an artist, I'd rather honor and celebrate our goodness, hope, and love in my images. There is enough ugliness in the world. Cute is were it's at!

Daily Draw Doodle

2009-10-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

Don't let the title fool you. These started off as doodles, but the doodles turned into a few mornings over coffee and much eraser use. Definitely a doodle draw, but not in a day. In fact, I can still see things I want to re-work.

It's always been important for me to to draw well. At least in the classical sense. Hence the much eraser use. I try every so often to do something more like Keith Haring, Matisse or Picasso. They don't seem to care about finger details or hair wisps. My "24 Women Series," is an attempt. On some level it is freeing to let all those details go. For me, I think it is like a puzzle or a challenge to work them out. I can't help but wonder what those fingers would look like if the model were sitting in front of me. I also try to draw the feeling of weight, form and light.

You would think I'd be crazy over reference material; however, I rarely use it. Most of the time I'm too lazy, or too cozy to get up. So I erase and struggle through. Besides, when can you ever find reference in the angle and such that you need. When I've looked for reference, I usually spend more time searching than if I just work through it. Of course, it does depend on the level of reality I'm looking for. Photos and reference definitely supply details that the brain will miss or didn't even know existed. Maybe someday I will hire models for photo shoots, that of course, would be ideal reference material.

2009-10-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

I grew up in Reno/Tahoe area. As a child I loved it. The 4 seasons were beautiful. One year it snowed so much we had to dig ourselves out of the front door. It was amazing, dramatic, adventurous, and a bit scary. One day, going home on the bus from school, it had snowed so much I couldn't recognize my street. The bus driver would look at me a few times in his mirror not saying a word, and I said nothing because I was ultra shy. When he came to the last stop, I got off. I had no idea where I was. Nothing looked familiar, and everything look the same. I was scared, and kept trying to look at the street signs, but they where covered and too high for me to reveal their names. My mom, of course, went looking for me. She went to the school, talked to the bus driver, than finally found me.

Illlustration Promo Postcard

2009-10-07T13:31:00.000-07:00

The front and back of my promotional postcard.

Just entered the postcard contest for the SCBWI Illustrator's Day.

http://www.scbwisocal.org/events/la_illustrators_day.html

Daily Draw Doodle

2009-10-04T16:46:00.000-07:00

I love to draw. Drawing from my imagination especially. No reference, no computers and no outside influences. Just me and the paper.

It took me a long time to realize I was not the type of artist that could spend hours in a coffee shop drawing and socializing. I usually found myself with a belly of too much coffee, other artists' ideas, images and an empty sketch book.

I've found what works for me is one cup of coffee, a quiet home, a cozy chair and a view into my own garden. I have no idea what kind of bird this is or if it matches an actual bird, so if you know, post a comment.

Let's Dance

2009-09-24T18:47:00.000-07:00

I met Illustrator Gary Kelly and his wife once with my friend Ray. He is one of my favorite illustrators. He was a very nice man and I enjoyed looking at his sketchbooks that he shared with us. I remember asking him, "How do you get so much detail in you quick sketches?" He had these wonderful sketchbooks filled from his travels of people and buildings. When I draw from the real world, rather than a photograph, I get so frustrated because everything moves too fast to get the detail I want. He said, "You must commit the details to memory," and then he said something like, "then you can add the details later if you run out of time." That statement has stuck with me. Memorizing details like expressions, the curves of fingers, the wrinkles of clothes, colors and etc. has definitely helped me draw better. More so than drawing live models over and over. This drawing is from my imagination and memory alone. I used the eraser several times, but I finally got a result I was happy with. Thank you Gary!

Living Large

2009-09-24T16:20:00.000-07:00

Wow! Is it Sept. 24th already!? I keep meaning to blog once a week, darn it! I've been busy organizing my life after the recent kitchen remodel. Paper's, books, sketches and more. It's been great looking through my old stuff. I'm so excited to get back to a schedule. So many ideas, so little time. I'm working on a self promotional children's book. I've just finished the ruff sketches, now I'll scan them in and start painting them in Corel Painter X. There is a new version XI out. It looks really good, but I'm going to wait a bit. I've got too much to do. Figuring out new brushes and such will slow me down at the moment. In addition to the children's book, I'm working on a ATC card, a fiber art trade and also preparing to attend the SCBWI Illustrator's Day in November. Fun, Fun, Fun.

Summer is gone!

2009-09-05T10:57:00.000-07:00

As I've mentioned on FB serveral times. I have been consumed with a house remodel all summer. I am looking forward to NO work crews at 7:30 am, daily hammering, and finally some personal and creative time. I haven't had much time to draw or promote this summer, so just sharing some old sketches I keep meaning to finish in color. I'm looking forward to once again concentrating on what I love, taking on new projects and Illustrating!

Little Man

2009-07-23T11:13:00.001-07:00

Who knows how and why these things come out of Teri's brain? Not I, Not I. My son say's he's a Leprechaun, tired of protecting the gold. : ) I like the possibilities.

Orb

2009-07-23T11:05:00.001-07:00

As others have described: Orb, Bead, Planet, Quilt Block, Cell, and Virus.

Happy Fathers Day!

2009-06-21T12:30:00.001-07:00

This morning we celebrated by going to one of our favorite local diners, "Wendy's." One of the reasons I love this place, not only for the yummy food, but for the fact that one of my favorite illustrators work is plastered all over the walls in the form of framed photos and huge jigsaw puzzles. Norman Rockwell celebrates the sweetness, and innocence of life with a touch of humor. He obviously was a very caring person and saw the good in others. Not to mention, he was a master draftsman of the human body. A great start to the day.

#9 24Women Series

2009-05-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

#8 24Women Series

2009-05-17T16:41:00.001-07:00

Sketch Book Series "24 Women"

2009-05-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

24Women #6

2009-04-23T18:48:00.000-07:00

This one reminds me of my sister for some reason.

New Series

2009-03-23T16:50:00.001-07:00

Another for the series. I'm really liking the ones that are more symbolic. This one and the mermaid are my favorite. I am going to work on 24. 24 to honor the "24 Women in 24 Days," interviews on Blog Talk Radio. These interviews are inspiring images in my head. I also really like working on this brown, recycled paper. Plus i can take the colored pencils and ink anywhere, perfect for my busy schedule.

Just For Fun

2009-03-21T22:12:00.000-07:00

We recently took a trip to Mexico. I decided to take a brown paper sketch book, ink pen, and colored pencils. I was determined to just have fun sketching.

I also downloaded a series of podcasts to listen to on my trip. These interviews are amazing. Go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Inside-Out/page/1
My friend Cynthia Smalley is on the above link. Dave will be starting the 4th week this Monday March 23, so the other interviews are on the ..../page/2 and ..../page/0. If you subscribe, you can download all of them (for free even) . 24 Women in 24 Days series with David Brown on INSIDE OUT, Blog Talk Radio. "We are moving into feminine consciousness right now. So what better way than to talk about it and dialogue about change, birthing ideas, gratitude, love of self, and much more." All show time start at Noon Pacific Time

Be Good To You

Be Yourself ~ Truthfully
Accept Yourself ~ Gracefully
Value Yourself ~ Joyfully
Forgive Yourself ~ Completely
Treat Yourself ~ Generously
Balance Yourself ~ Harmoniously
Bless Yourself ~ Abundantly
Trust Yourself ~ Confidently
Love Yourself ~ Wholeheartedly
Empower Yourself ~ Prayerfully
Give Of Yourself ~ Enthusiastically
Express Yourself ~ Radiantly

Author Unknown

My Name Is Seaweed

2009-03-02T22:11:00.001-08:00

Here is the color version of my sketch. Traditional water color scanned in, inked and pastel using Corel Painter X. I love the texture of this piece.

Yesterday my name was seaweed.
Tomorrow my name will be
hot-hipped black woman.
I will plant each bare foot firmly
and pollinate the radiant air
with my humming.

Written by Jeri, from the book Poem Crazy by Susan Wooldridge.

Un/Still Life Project Sketch

2009-02-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

UN/Still Life Women Alumni of Art Center are going to start creating projects together. The first project is to illustrate a book cover, passage or sentence from a book of your choice. Here is my rough sketch for Poemcrazy, freeing your life with words, by Susan Goldsmith Wooldridge.

I chose to illustrate a poem written by Jeri, a teacher,
from one of Susan's backyard writing workshops.

Yesterday my name was seaweed.
Tomorrow my name will be
hot-hipped black woman.
I will plant each bare foot firmly
and pollinate the radiant air
with my humming.

It's Magic

2009-01-24T23:02:00.001-08:00

Wow this is soo cool. I love the option to post from anywhere. Isn't this amazing. Computers, and now phones are truly magical. You may not see them as magical, but go back 100 years, or even 50. Imagine how u would feel seeing this stuff. Don't take for granted today's everyday magic!

Gifts from our Creator

2008-12-21T17:25:00.000-08:00

Animals are sweet gifts, aren't they. I get so much pleasure just watching them. This is the image I ended up with for my Christmas Cards. A friend sent me a subscription post card for the dog magazine called Bark. It had cute drawings of dogs in their Christmas attire. I was inspired to capture our sweet Nakita Girl. All she wants for Christmas is a squirrel to chase.

Singing Of Angels

2008-12-10T08:31:00.000-08:00

"There must be always remaining in every man's life some place for the singing of angels, some place for that which in itself is breathlessly beautiful and, by an inherent prerogative, throws all the rest of life into a new and creative relatedness, something that gathers up in itself all the freshest of experience from drab and commonplace areas of living and glows in one bright white light of penetrating beauty and meaning---than passes. Despite all the crassness of life, the hardness of life, the harsh discords of life--- life is saved by the singing of angels." Howard Thurman, Deep is the Hunger

This is a sketch that I'm going to digitize for embroidery as well as illustrate. It's child like, so I will probably us it for the Children's Markets, and possibly use it for my Christmas card.

Merry Christmas Everyone. May you have much singing and dancing in your life.

UFO

2008-12-07T17:26:00.000-08:00

Do you have "unfinished objects?" I have this unfinished pastel, it's been sitting in the corner of my art room for over a year. I love the piece, but I guess fiber art has captivated me for now.