Final Dummy

After two weeks of hard work I have these 5 images that represent a summary of the picture book that I am working on in my Children's Illustration class.  It's a story about an little girl and her invisible friend.  These 5 frames came about after several weeks of sketching characters, situations and environments.  I envision the book to be a regular 32 page book and have a full thumbnail dummy that shows all 32 pages, but I am working on just the 5 for this course.  It's a tedious process, but I have learned lots!  So here is my work so far...

Good summary of my feelings today...

Being tender and open is beautiful. As a woman, I feel continually shhh’ed. Too sensitive. Too mushy. Too wishy washy. Blah blah. Don’t let someone steal your tenderness. Don’t allow the coldness and fear of others to tarnish your perfectly vulnerable beating heart. Nothing is more powerful than allowing yourself to truly be affected by things. Whether it’s a song, a stranger, a mountain, a rain drop, a tea kettle, an article, a sentence, a footstep, feel it all – look around you. All of this is for you. Take it and have gratitude. Give it and feel love.

Source:  Zoey Deschanel

Background Studies

So this week I'm working on background studies for my picture book.  Trying to think about the environment being as "alive" as the characters in the story.  I am also trying to create drama with value and extreme angles or perspectives.  So here are two that I liked.

Character Development

So for my Children's Picture Book class we are illustrating 8 pages from a manuscript of our choice.  I am working on a story about a girl and her invisible friend.  This week we are working on character development.  Well I still have some work to do on these characters to round the out more, I am happy with my start.  Here is a quick view of the three main characters, Isabella, Me and Mom.