Sketchbook Marathon (toy)

Last night I had a little time, and a sketchbook that's almost full. Here are two things you need to know at this point. 1. For some reason I feel the need to fill up a sketchbook all the way before I move onto the next one. 2. The sketchbook I'm using now I don't like very much.

So, I had time and about 12 pages left, and I decided to have a little sketchbook marathon to fill up the empty pages.

Well, I didn't get all the pages full. In fact I only did three sketches. I had way too much fun with the watercolors. Here they are, the first sketch (which I actually drew second) is for this weeks Illustration Friday theme "toy".

Melwick page 19

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Here is out angry king and court. He ended up looking a little like that monkey ninja from that one movie. You know the one with Jackie Chan and the kid from Sky High. But than I gave him a mustache and changed his hair color. I think he is a little better now. Poor Melwick.

On a totally different note, here is a quote that I like.

"The work of a master reeks not of the sweat of the brow – suggests no effort – and is finished from its beginning." James Abbot McNeill Whistler

Sometimes I forget why I really wanted to be an illustrator. Usually it's when I'm so worried about living (eat, sleep, pay for stuff, etc) I stop actually doing it. It's those time I get worried about the deadline and what not then don't enjoy the work. But when I get in the right mode. Work is easy fun and fast. The deadline doesn't matter. It turns out great.

That's I remember why I do it.
Normally I produce good work, (I hope) in those moments I produce great work.

What are some things you all do to get in that zone more often?

Melwick page 18

It's the middle of the night. Lame of me. But here is Melwick. Not so lame of me.
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Wizard Melwick page 17 and Reminiscing

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I was listening to The Grey King by Susan Cooper and I got to feeling a little nostalgic about some of the other books I enjoyed as a child but haven't read recently. Of course besides Susan cooper I loved Trina Schart Hyman's beautiful illustrations. I used to check out her books from the library by the bucket load and then just stare at them.

One of my other absolute favorite childhood authors is Lloyd Alexander. I found this on YouTube today and it reminded me of how much I love his books. It took me a great long time to get through the Prydain Cronicles the first time, but really loved them. After those I read everyone of his books I could get my hands on. My eighth grade Halloween costume was a Town Cat, and I remember being in college and still getting excited about new books he had coming out.

It's good to be reminded of some of these things that inspired me to create art, and books for children.

Wizard Melwick page 16

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Wizard Melwick page 15

Here you go, Wednesday as promised. it's not even the middle of the night yet for me. Sweet!

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City Girl and a blog award

It's Tuesday and that means that I'm supposed to post Melwick. He's going to be up tomorrow. Sorry for the delay. To hold you over until then here is another illustration I just finished and wanted to share.

This image is also the newest update on my newly updated website. I'd love to hear what you think about it. (meaning the website, but you can tell me what you think of the image as well)

And, last week I received this:

 Which was super nice of PZ desigs to find my blog and award it to me. I am finally finding time to pass it on. But first I have to tell you all seven things about me. Here we go:

1. In the very near future you may see me dressed up like Tinkerbell at a birthday party near you (if you live in Utah). I'm working on the ol' costume and will soon be attending parties as Tinkerbell.

2. Cooking is my new favorite Hobby. I just made some awesome bread and can't wait to eat it for dinner tonight.

3. Jeeves and Whooster is a really funny show. Doctor Who is my favorite show.

4. Going off of that last one, I have a crush on BBC drama's.

5. I didn't think I would like Twitter, but I really do. I've been a tweeter for a couple months now, and I have been avoiding Facebook as much as possible. It sucks away your time if your not careful.

6. I'm currently reading Linchpin. It's fantastic. My favorite of Seth Godin's books (that I've read) so far. I just have to apply it to life now... and I will so there.

7. I believe families can be together forever.

Ok, there are some things about me.
Now here are some of my favorite creative blogs for you to look at, and for me to pass on the award to:
Illustrators
Sherry Meidell
Shawna Tenney
Sam Ricks
Nasan Hardcastle

Food
ErikEats

Home Decor
Color Me Happy

ok so that's not 15 but, and I do follow a lot more than 15 awesome blogs but... well that's all I'm posting for you.  Have a great day!

If one of those blogs is yours and you want to accept the award this is what you do:

1. Put a picture of the Stylish Blogger Award in your blog.
2. Thank and link back to the person who awarded it to you.
3. Share 7 things about yourself.
4. Pass this award to 15 other creative bloggers!