Digital vs. traditional

I've been experimenting with different techniques for my illustrations and decided to create a digital version of my Sleeping Beauty painting, using Adobe Illustrator. They have both turned out so different, I'm not sure which one I prefer! Time wise, the digital one took me a few hours, whereas the painting took several weeks! Also, the "undo" button would be very handy if it could be applied to a painting as well as computers...

Sleeping Beauty in digital - Adobe Illustrator

Sleeping Beauty in acrylic on canvas

The Sketchbook Project

"It's like a concert tour, but with sketchbooks." I love how inspired The Sketchbook Project (www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject) has made me feel. Encouraging anyone around the world to create a themed sketchbook that will enter into a permanent collection at The Brooklyn Art Library, where they will be available for viewing by the public. 

Not sure I will hit that particular deadline, but, in a world of technology and computers, it has reminded me of how much importance my art tutors used to place on keeping a sketchbook on you at all times and building up a picture diary. Something, sadly, that I am very guilty of neglecting! So here goes... back to the drawing board (literally) and a brand new book to fill with my ideas!

So my book has a title... so now what...?

My doodlings

Pirate Pete

It's been a while, but here is the promised boys illustration in my little series for children...

Sleeping Beauty

Another personal project for my 4 year old "client". This has been my obsession for the last few weeks. My brief was Sleeping Beauty, and she must be beautiful, and have long golden hair. Hope the finished creation meets the brief for my discerning client...


Here is the finished painting in acrylic on canvas:

...and here is a (much requested) step by step tutorial about how Sleeping Beauty came to life (or sleep). I remembered to take lots of painting in progress photos this time!

Step 1: A (very) rough sketch in pen on paper

Step 2: Transfer sketch to the canvas in pencil

Step 3: The first splash of colour on a clean white canvas.
Painting in the large areas - starting with the hair... 

...and then the background

Step 4: With most of the large areas of colour roughly in place,
I then start to add some detail to the hair and face.

Step 5: Adding more detail, and wondering, at this stage, if this painting
is ever going to come together the way I can picture it in my mind!
Have to tell myself to have faith.

Step 6: Keep adding the detail and colour depth.
This is where I get obsessive and my 4 year old
keeps asking "is it finished now Mummy?"

Step 7: Many late nights (and a few changes) later...
Put the paint brushes down and move away from the canvas!!!
Finished at last!
Now I've got the bug... what shall I paint next...? 

Fairytales

I have been working on a few personal projects of late. These have been clogging up my brain for several months and it's been so frustrating when there aren't enough hours in the day for them to come to life! So lovely to finally have 2 illustrations in my "fairytale series" which I have been promising to a certain little 4 year old. Next illustration in the series is one for the boys...

Check out my Mookoo Facebook page for a colouring-in version of Little Red Riding Hood!

Mother' Little Helper

Very excited that the Mother's Little Helper website is now up and running! I have enjoyed working on the illustrations and putting together the website so much! Check it out at www.motherslittlehelper.net.au

Meet Fairy Peggy...

A cold Sunday afternoon (for the Sunshine Coast anyway) spent indoors making peg dollies with my little girl. Brought back memories of making these with my mum, a very creative lady who I learn to appreciate more every day! Isn't it funny how we don't really understand what our mums do for us until we become mums ourselves? Anyway, Fairy Peggy and her friend Miss Lacy are now treasured friends of my little girl, made together with love, and therefore so much more valuable than all the expensive bought toys in the world!

Meet Fairy Peggy...

...and her (de-winged) friend, Miss Lacy