A New Year – A New Technique

I love to illustrate. I find it a struggle full of brainstorming ideas, playing with shapes and colors, tough decisions, extreme concentration, upsets, and trials. SO why do I love it so much? Because when the stars are aligned just right and your brain and hand are completely in sync, you get a final product that makes you sing!

I am experimenting with using a faster illustration technique. The method consists of watercolors, ink, and colored pencils – in that order. I have found it keeps me interested and involved in the process, plus it is full of happy accidents, new learning curves (which I adore), and surprises.

SO without further ado, drum roll, please…….

The quote reads:

“Every man who observes vigilantly and resolves steadfastly, grows unconsciously into genius.”

- Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1908-1873)

In additiona to opening up to conceptual ways of thinking this year, I also intend on finding a really nice illustration process that works for me and produces wonderful results.  I would love to hear your thoughts on this piece.

Greeting Cards for the Holidays 2008

Greeting cards for this holiday season are now available with matching postage – Super Cool!

At this moment there are two different pieces of artwork from which to choose.  I will be adding more holiday artwork as this month progresses, so make certain to check in periodically.

Tower of Gifts Greeting Card

Or get the Computer Wallpaper

Snowman Holiday Greeting Card

Or get the Computer Wallpaper

You can also get matching postage for any of these!

Snowman Postage

440 Bull Painting

As a treat for anyone interested, but more so as a way to inspire me to keep painting, I am posting regular visual updates of the paintings on which I am currently working.

The new series I am focusing on lately is scenes of the Savannah area.  I love the architecture of Savannah, and the detail work is amazing.  So in my ever wonky, colorful upbeat way, I am recreating places and details for this new series.

So, the first in the series is 440 Bull – at least I am pretty sure it is Bull Street.

Here are the photos from sketches to where I am now on the painting.

From Photo to Composition

Sketch on Canvas

Under Painting and Brick work

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

This year has been so full already.  Times flies doesn’t it?Births, deaths, sickness…I am certain these things happen daily to others, but it is all very rare for it to happen in my life.  Time like these make us realize what’s important.Sooooo…I am quitting the 9-5 dealio to follow my dream.  I just hope my checkbook can keep up.I need all the help I can get, so check back here for updates and goings on in the world of Cotton Illustration and Design. Live each day to the fullest!!