Abi

This little girl was such a joy to draw.  Her little facile expressions jus radiated happiness, making the last few days enjoyable.

The Gap.

This last week it seems I have had an extra hard time drawing.  I think sometimes you go though those little ruts...or big ruts. .  I just have to figure out how to push past them and to keep drawing.  I have to remind myself why I draw to begin with.  Ira Glass says its because I have good taste but its really because I just love it!  

This quote from Ira Glass has been on my mind lately, so I decided to share it. 

"Nobody tells this to people who are beginners.  I wish somebody told me.  All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste.  But there is this gap.  For the first couple of years you makes stuff, It's just not the good, It's trying to be good, it has potential, but it's not.  But your taste the thing that got you into the game, It's still killer.  And thats why your work disappoints you.  A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit.  Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went though years of this.  We know our work doesn't have the special thing that we want it to have.  We all go though this.  And if you are just starting out, or still in this phase you got to know this is normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work.  It is only by going though a volume of work that you will close the gap.  And your work will be as good as your ambitions.  And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I've ever met.  It's going to take awhile its normal to take awhile.  You've just got to fight your way though. " - Ira Glass

Little Princess

I'm working in Corel Painter but I'm still trying to get a more of a traditional look and feel.  By using one of their stock 2B pencil I'm getting a little bit closer to the look I want.  With 2B pencil you can see a grainy texture (I was using a stock airbrush before).   I'm also trying to tighten up my style which is one of my hardest skills to achieve.  I love the loose strokes of painting but I having been able to master.  I get better results when I get it as clear as I can.  I'm also focusing on resembling  the people I'm drawing, so keeping close attention to shape is a must.

Thank you to Nikki for letting me draw her little princess.  She was the winner of my "Like and Share" competition on Facebook. 

Enjoy!

The Apprentice

'

It all started because I needed to find a subject to draw.  Sometimes that is the longest process for me, finding something that will look good in this my particular style and that I won't mind staring at for a few solid hours.  I decided to ask my friends on Facebook if they had any suggestions.  I figured that I'd just draw the first person that sends me a picture, and then I got a little more creative that would involve more of my community on Facebook.  I asked them to like and share my most recent drawing.  To be honest I really just thought I would get around 5 shares!  Within minutes I had my set goal!  A lot of the credit goes to my amazing friends who were will to help me out and share my work with their friends.  plus most were so generous as to put in a good word for me.

I was overwhelmed with the response I got.  My goal was 5 share I got 56 share by the end of the third day!  That means I reached over 14,000 people that were able to view my work! (My math skills are very poor but I did use a calculator)  I'm learning a lot in becoming an illustrator.  One thing I learned form this experiment is I have a lot of people who have my back. 

This week for my friends on Facebook I did a free giveaway!

Free Giveaway! Nows your chance to win a custom illustration of your choice! This means you can have one of your favorite people illustrated! The look will be in the style of "The Whistler" All you have to do is:

Friend me on Face book!

Like my drawing of "The Whistler" before August 20, '13
And
Share my drawing of "The Whistler" before August 20, '13

This is a $50 value on my Etsy site! http://www.etsy.com/shop/illustrationbrooke
One winner will be picked at random and will be announced August 21st!

Good Luck!

Just a Tip.

A few weeks ago I had a one on one with Artis Jake Parker.  He is an extremely wise and talented individual.  He gave me lots of good advice.  He explained to me that I had been shading my work all wrong.  I had been using grey and black tones to describe my shadows.  This was making my work look dirty.  Instead I need to be using blues and purples, that ways shadows will look just alive and bright.  (Tip use multiply if working in Painter or Photo Shop). 

With this drawing I use a lot of a traditional drawing technique.

Enjoy.

Astrid

This painting of my was inspired by Dream works movie "How to Train Your Dragon 2"  Which is coming out next year and I can't wait. 

I don't have a whole lot to say about this painting except for it was one of those I just had to push though to complete. 

Enjoy

Prince John

 Once in a while I like to take existing characters and render them in my own style.  Using the same design as Disney's Prince John I creating this drawing.  

I followed the original drawing as best I could.  But there was one important element Disney left out.  HIS EAR!  I noticed something was wrong by it was Disney's design that I was using as a reference, they had to be right.  It wasn't until I got help from a friend of mine that corrected disney's mistake.  Below is my fist draft and Mallory's critique.

Mallory Carlson

Hey Brooke, I have one problem with this image that is not your fault, lol. Actually, you can blame it all on Disney! I believe that Disney made the mistake (it feels blasphemous to say that, but I it's true! haha). Something about this image was bothering me a little so I went and looked up images of King Richard. Disney animators drew him with some inconsistencies. I think that they could get away with it because each drawing of him lasted less than a second onscreen, but in an illustration I think those same inconsistencies become more obvious (because we look at the same image for a much longer time). I found the image that I think you were referencing and I also found another image of his head with no crown. I drew over them so you could see what I mean...The head seems a little cut off to me. Specifically his right ear (our left). For that ear to be exactly hiding behind the crown seems very odd to me. I think the ear would show above or below the crown lip (and in most images of him, his ears are below the crown). I noticed on the image (the one I think you used as reference) that his ears don't show at all, just like your image. So, it really isn't your fault, because it looks a lot like the reference, and the reference does it as well! It's similar to what Will told us in one of the classes about the image of his dog. In the photo she looked like she only had 3 legs, but we know she has four. It works for a photo, but that wouldn't be a good illustration. You would need to change it a little to make it work. Like I said before, each drawing in an animated movie was onscreen for such a short period of time that those little things didn't matter as much (and I looked it up, Robin Hood came out a little bit before VCRs were popular in homes...so they didn't worry about someone pausing one image in the movie. And there was no internet for people to share that image on either, lol. So times have changed a lot). Pretty much, I think you should add an ear. I probably could have just said that and skipped the rest, haha. So, that is my super long winded advice. I have to say, your coloring is really wonderful and I think that as a whole, I really enjoy your work a lot! 

You should definitely take the time to check out Mallory Carlson she is A mazing!

Thanks again Mallory!

My first completed drawing in Corel Painter!

As of now you have only seen images that I have created using the iPad on an app called Procreate.  This picture was used using Corel painter 11.  At the time I got the program it was the newest model, they now have painter 12.   

For me drawing on the computer was frustrated and overwhelmed.  There was so much to it and I have never prided myself on my computer skills.  

I felt the program Procreate were good training wheels for painter I started understanding concepts of drawing non traditionally. Plus it was so easy to pick up and draw everyday!  But I still wasn't getting the look I wanted.  Last week one of my friends posted this link.  For someone that had just dablled in the program I felt it was night and day to the way I approach digital drawing.   I'm excited about this painting I feel it's coming alive.

This excites me, enjoy.

Meet Rusty and Angel

This is the fist draft of the assignment I am illustrating. Enjoy.

Oh no! Angel dumped the wrong soap in the dishwasher - the super concentrated bubble clean! She and rusty had to make a run for it!

Design tips, help from Dexter and Robot

Dexter and Robot are the main characters in the picture and they alone should be able to draw the audience in and keep there interest.  However the Dexter and Robot are lost in all the clutter. Anyone looking at the first picture becomes confused they start looking in every direction, at the flee circus in the background, the picture on the door the books in the foreground. 

HINT: If you squint at the first drawing, you notice that all the values are ruffly the same shade.  Now squint at the second drawing, you can now see value contrast in the darks and the lights.  Your mind starts to realize that not all of the information in the drawing is important, but that Dexter and his robot are. 

Another way to check to make sure your characters are standing out is to make your image very small.  Look to make sure your light are on dark and your dark are on light.  After making the drawing small I realized I had a few more deign issues!

After making the drawing small I realized I had a few more design problems.  First was this glaring tangent.  Where the end of the robot's head meets the end of the dresser.  Creating one continuous line.  Also All my circles in that area where about the same size as well as the head of Robot and the dresser.  

The end results.  Hopefully you have a clear idea as to what I want you to be looking at.

What a few classes can do!

This probably looks a little familiar, It's a drawing I did for an online Storybook illustration class.   The assignment was to illustrate this sentence.

“It was a bright sunny morning as Koki left for school but today he thought he would take a different path...what he didn’t realize...”.

We received the assignment a couple of weeks before the class actually started.  I was so eager to start I did the assignment a month before it was due.  This was the results.

 

As you can see it's a little fuzzy, literally and It give confession as to what your viewer should be looking at.  Also I have dark leaves and dark shadows on the grass so your eyes continually dart up and down.  In fact you miss what I want everyone to be looking at, Koki!

I noticed this problem after viewing one of the lessons.  Will Terry talked about design and what you can do to make your focal point stand out.  He talked about value grouping, taking similar values grouping them together and then putting the dark values on the light and vice versa.   He also mentioned line and how having crisp lines
can help your eye focus on the wanted object.

This is the second draft and will be critiqued on monday.  Ill keep you posted on the results.

Guinea Pig Kingdom

This is a logo I did for a gal that sells show guinea pigs.  I loved working with her!  She was so imaginative and passionate for what she does.  You can find her shop {Here]

The Fortune Teller

I was able to attend an online animation class last night.  The instructors were Jake parker and Will Terry.  Jake did a demo of a sic fi setting, the interior of a space ship.  He did it using photo shop and and I think everyone was floored by how fast he drew it.  He said one of the best ways to get good at drawing something is to copy and copy a lot.  He mentioned he had a "Copy Sketchbook" where he would copy different things, settings, hands, cars, what ever it was that he felt like her could use for future reference.  He said he then would throw the book away, cause no one is interested in looking at something you copied.  And then when he needs to draw a Sic Fi spaceship he has lots of items to choose from in his "account".   Needless to say, I will be starting my "copy sketchbook" in no time.   Jake it an illustrator of children's book,  graphic novels, and animator.  If you would like to listen to Jake talk about children's book illustrating you can go {Here} and listen to BYU radio on Children's books.

Will talked about facial tones and using cool and warm colors.  He also talked about being aware of plane changes.  He demo was great and I'm so excited about applying what I learned. 

Over all there  is plenty for me to work on,  here is what I drew right before the class, The Fortune Teller.  Enjoy. 

I was playing around with shape and color in this drawing.  Normally I don't combine earthy colors and bright vibrant colors.  I usually keep them separate because I feel 

it unifies a painting.  But liked breaking the rules to create different combinations.  I also started playing around with the shape of the room the girl is in.  Over all I feel like there are things I could work on 

so that she seems like she fits into her environment a little better.  I think she looks a little out of place. 

however one of my favorite color combo is the red of her hair and the turquoise wall. 

A little yellow finch.

Yesterday, at my parents house,  a small, bright yellow finch entertained us for the afternoon.  We where all delighted by the creature as she flew back and forth by the bay window.  We suspect she has a nest near by.   She was so amusing and spirited, I was inspired to draw a little yellow finch.

My favorite part about this drawing:  This colors I was able to use to describe the belly of the finch. 

.   

Summer School!

I have always taken an unconventional path for my education.   Fortunately for me my parents were encouraging and supportive.  My senior year of high school I was able to intern for a local Art School.  I spent most of my time in that studio painting and teaching small children to paint.  After high school I went to a few different art school.
It's been three years since I have been in a educational studio.  And I felt it was time to go back.  I found an online school ran by Will Terry and Jake Parker,  "School of Visual Storytelling".   That's the class for me!  Devin had to hear me talk about the class for several weeks, until I was able to sign up (I love Devin!).  I'm now signed up and ready to take on the world!  Or at least my little world.
We received our first assignment, It's not due until the middle of next month but I couldn't stop thinking out it.  So here is the first draft.  I still have a little to fine tuning to do... well that is, till they  critique it then there might be several changes.

The assignment was to illustrate this:

“It was a bright sunny morning as Koki left for school but today he thought he would take a different path...what he didn’t realize...”

 Enjoy

Peace and Faith

This little girl caught my eye on facebook,  I had to paint her.  She seems to have so much 

personality in that tinny body of hers.  I don't know Faith, but she just looks like someone everyone would want to be around!  Thank you Emily for letting me use your picture.   

Feel free to stop by and check it out!

You can now custom order your own portrait or family potrait {Here}

Paige in the city.

 I thought it would be kinda fun to see my process mapped out. 

I start by blocking in my subject, and today I got to use my cousin's gorgeous daughter Paige.  Usually when I block something in it's kinda fast and a little sloppy especially on the iPad.  This should give you a good idea as of what will go where.  I try and think about shape as much as possible here and in all the steps.  I went a little too fast and ended up putting Paige's eyes up too high.    Unfortunately I caught that mistake at the end of the drawing process. Fixed  it but it should have been caught at the beginning its not real fun to fix the position of something after you spent all the time rendering it. 

When I start painting I just lay the color in with thick brush strokes and I'm focused on the back color  

(I don't think that a actual term) as well as the shape.   I like to think from back to front when looking at the color, because I feel it best describes the form.  This is a fast process for me and one of my favorites.

The transition between laying in the color and rendering can be the most awkward for me especially at the beginning. It just doesn't look that great.  At this time you should slow way down start looking at details and form as well as shape.  This is often the moment I think... I'm I really still doing this?  If you get past that feeling of self doubt you can usually pull it off. 

Thank you to Jodi for letting me use your photo and Paige for being so darn cute!

I think my favorite part of the drawing were those cool moccasins. 

Eliza Jane

This is my dear friend Eliza Hawkins.  The first time i met Eliza I felt like we needed to be friends.  She has one of those personalities that are addicting.  Her enthusiasm  is sincere, and she reminds me of a Disney princess.  So it only made sense to draw her the way I see her, elegant, enthusiastic, and delightful.  If you would like to be entertained, Eliza has quite the beautiful blog. You con follow her at http://itselizajane.blogspot.com 

Dancer

A Blue Zebra

Last summer my husband and I started going to the library...a lot.  Our air conditioning didn't work and I was pregnant in July!   We spent a lot of time there because it was cool.  Then soon got hooked on the books and the atmosphere.  For a small town we have quite an impressive library.  We now go there as much as we can.  I spend most of my time in the children's and youth section, because of the illustrations.
The last time I went there a book caught my eye and I fell in love with the art work, plus the writing was clever, it's called "A is for Musk Ox" by Erin Cabatingan and illustrated by Matthew Myers.  It's a refreshing and entertaining spin on the classic and in my opinion a little boring alphabet books.  Myers' thick brush strokes, fun details and movement of the blue zebra and musk ox intrigued me to look Myers up. www.myerspaints.com (Which by the way we just got the Internet after two years of not having it, which has made this much easier)  And I have come to like Myers that much more.  Now, I want to find and read all his books.

 Using similar thick brush strokes as Myers I had fun creating this little giraffe.  I really enjoy this style and I would really like to incorporate the looseness to more of  my work. 
 I also thought it would be fun to see a little bit of my process so I added the sketch.  

Summer Tree

This was a quick drawing I did on my i Pad while Emmett took his nap.  Love nap time. 

Little Monsters

These little monsters were created first on paper, painted with acrylic and water soluble oil paints and then inked.  I decided to play with the little guys on my iPad to see what I could come up with.  Character design is one of my favorite things to do.  These little guys were fun and I was able to use some of my favorite colors.  

True Love

Just Enjoying Spring.

Learning Form The Classics.

I have always been impressed by Bill Watterson and adore his Characters Calvin and Hobbes.  So I tried to illustrate a clip of one of his black and white comics.  It took me a little longer to finish this drawing because I kept getting distracted by spirited Calvin.  I Learned a lot and became that much more impressed by Watterson.  They are simple lines but he is able to create so much personality.  Thank you Bill Wattererson for this delightful entertainment.

Twig, thats what I named this cat.

One of the blogs I follow is Will Terry's www.willterry.blogspot.com.  He is a talented children's book illustrator and he also teaches at UVU.  One of his posts was an assignment he gave to his "Imagination & Visual Literacy" class.  The assignment: draw a cat looking out of a bedroom window, include 25 items in the room but put all of the emphasis on the cat, in 45 minutes.  I decided this would be fun to try.  I didn't pay enough attention cause I didn't put the cat in a bedroom so I might have failed if I was actually taking the class.  This is my 45 min. sketch, I did this on my ipad using procreate.  I don't usually work that fast or put that much detail in my work, so it was a fun challenge.  Thanks Will Terry.

 

This little corky kitty was inspired by the assignment.

A Typical Knight.

Here we are, a classic scene at the Knight home.  Devin playing the banjo or some sort of instrument, Emmett, my active baby boy getting into some sort of mischief, Scout our little yorkie (who might just be a little attention deprived) and me.  Quite the juggling act but well worth it.

This is how I see myself...Today.

I do most of my art work at the kitchen table in my small apartment, while my baby is asleep.  Or, I'm on my ipad drawing characters, moving from room to room behind a curious little 9 month old character of my own.