I have never considered myself to be one who could draw well. I know that probably surprised some of you, but I have always felt I could paint much better then I could draw. I have just enough skill to capture the general lines of my subject, the rest is all do to the ‘magic’ that happens at the end of my brush! BUT…..I love all things whimsical and fun and have been wanting to try my hand at illustration. I have a strong background in Decorative Art and just recently realized just how closely related it is to Illustrations. The photograph below shows a handpainted banner I was commissioned to do for a Day Care. It was done several years ago and although it is far from perfect….I still rather LOVE it!
I love the whimsical nature….and just enough detail to make my heart sing! This was done on canvas and then I stitched a rod pocket up top for easier hanging.
To that end…..I have been doing a bit of doodling of late and I’m pretty pleased with what is developing….
This is a sketch of my little princess….Belle……I love the loose strokes….the happy face….and bright eyes! Now, I know it needs to be cleaned up and refined, but all in all I’m happy with it! I’m envisioning a whole line of……children’s art….cards….stationary….my mind is racing. Next step is to put this into illustrator and turn it into a vector drawing. Something I can take and easily reproduce!
I have also been working on a new logo for myself…..along with a brand new web design for my website which will include my blog!
Yes, this is definitely a year of transformation…….exciting new frontiers…..I guess you can still teach a “slightly older, but fabulous woman” some new tricks!
Oh, Debbie! I am SO thrilled with your whimsical side! Overjoyed, even! I love your true-to-life art, but now, with the whimsy, I love your art even more! Now, here’s a question from an artsy newbie: Why do you want this image in Illustrator and as a vector file, rather than, say, a Photoshop file or jpg?
Kisses to Belle! <3
Thank you Harmony! Now let’s see if I can answer your question. The main reason is that a vector image can be resized to any size, smaller or larger without losing its crispness. If you keep enlarging a j-peg or photoshop file it will eventually pixelate and become blurry. I did a logo for my son and he had it blown up and put on his truck for advertisement. Since it was a vector the sign maker could enlarge it (2 feet by 2 feet) and not lose any detail. Same thing for my design….I can take the same vector I would use for a greeting card and enlarge it to poster size and it stays the same clean and crisp image. Now, not everything lends itself to the vector format…..so photoshop and j-pegs still have their place. You just kinda have to know what you want to do with your design and pick what works best. I hope that helps….I’m just learning about this technical stuff myself….LOL!
Your whimsey is wonderful, and I firmly believe that the world needs more whimsey!
Thanks Linda…..and yes….a world with a bit more whimsey couldn’t hurt!
Oh how exciting for you! It has been a magical year. I am a huge fan of whimsey and you’ve captured it with “Belle.” There is a dog named Marla up at the dog park who is the spitting image. Well perhaps “slightly” larger. She arrived at the park on St. Patrick’s day sporting an enormous lime green bouncy bow. You’d love her.
Looking forward to seeing what you come up with. Am just so excited for you!
Thanks Kelly….and yes, I would have loved to have seen Marla with her big green bow! Don’t be surprised if you see that big green bow showing up in an illustration maybe with a few polka dots added in for good measure….LOL!
Whimsy is wonderful and you’re a magician with it. Love both pieces!
Thank you, Deborah!
I love your illustrations! I am looking forward to many more.
Thank you Patti!
Love both!! Your pouch is such a happy gal. It’s so fun to see the smile in her eyes. 🙂 Many times my doodles are only of the landscape since so much of me is about outdoors. But, you’re giving me ideas of fun. Thank you! 🙂
I’m glad I have inspired some ‘ideas of fun’…..looking forward to seeing what develops!
This illustration is stellar. I can imagine her personality from this image – oh, those eyes! You are on your way! Off to great things….
Thanks Debbie I hope I can keep the momentum going….
I love this drawing of Belle – she looks so much like a dog I had – Scout. I believe there is a market for this! can’t wait to see what you do – and your new logo. I love the banner too! both Belle and the bird and frog seem so alive!
Thank you so much…..I’m finding I really enjoy this ‘doodling’ about. Your words are so encouraging….means so much…thanks again!