Lauren Gallegos' Illustrations

Vulture Verses Covers

2012-01-09T11:10:00.000-08:00

Oh, hello. I haven't seen you in awhile! I've been crazy busy getting work done for a deadline at the end of January. I need to complete a painting a day to finish on time. But since I haven't posted anything in FOREVER and I was so excited to have finished a few paintings, I thought I'd take a few minutes to share what I'm up to.

I'm currently working on 3 books. Vulture Verses, a book from a small publisher in Pasadena is my first one. I started it in October. I just finished the paintings for the front and back cover last night, so here they are. The text colors will likely change, but probably not too much. Next I will start on the interior paintings. I'll post a few of my favorites as I complete them. I'm illustrating AND designing/laying out this book, so it's really exciting but a lot of pressure! The book will be out this Fall!

The oh-so-sweet and creative Diane Lang wrote all the poems in the story. Check out her website!

I'm also working on a middle-grade chapter book cover. I have to squish it into my painting schedule this month. I'll finish sketching it in my in-between times when I'm prepping canvases and such. I'll be posting that as soon as I get the ok.

Comparing Apples to Apples

2011-11-16T08:06:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I redid a painting. I sold my original apple painting at a silent auction and the second bidder also really wanted it, so I offered to paint him another original...I personally think the second apple came out a little better.

Project Sketches

2011-11-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

Here are a few sketches for the projects I'm working on. Can't reveal too much, but here a few character studies for a story someone is self-publishing. It's more of a classic fairytale type story. The second book is what I am doing for Prospect Park Books in Pasadena. These animal sketches probably wont be in the book, so it's fine to post. But I thought they were so cute, I wanted to at least post them so they didn't just sit in my sketchbook forever. More to come!

Grandma Mary Gallegos

2011-10-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

This last week my grandma, Mary Gallegos, passed away. It’s been hard, but at the same time, I haven’t really processed it yet because she lived in Idaho, so it doesn't feel like anything has changed. I’m going up there next weekend for the memorial service and I’m sure it will feel a lot more real once I’m there with all my family. But until then, I’m not even really sure what I feel.

My grandma was a painter and a house-wife and loved her family deeply. Growing up I always saw this painting that my grandma did (I’m guessing it’s more of a study than a finished piece) sitting in her garage. I always liked it and one day, before she moved from Whittier to Idaho, I asked her what she was going to do with it. She didn’t even want it so I told her I wanted it and it’s been hanging in my room ever since. It’s my favorite painting of my grandma’s. I love the spontaneity of her strokes and how she only gives the impression of some of the objects. Plus I love the color scheme, it fits with my room very well! So in memory of her, and her artistic life, I did a study of her study. Mine is a little more polished and “finished”…I don’t know if I would be able to capture the spontaneity of her strokes. But I'm happy with it and I'm sure she would have enjoyed it as well.

I'm so thankful that some her personality and passion is captured in her paintings so I will remember her, always. I will miss you grandma.

My grandma's study is about 24x48.

I did a 6x12 study of my grandma's study.

Inspiration: Art galleries, research, and my honeymoon!

2011-10-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

First of all, apologies for the lack of posts. Lots has happened in the last month or so, but sadly not much finished art. This is partly due to long projects that I am just starting, but also because I got married on Oct 2nd!! :D I was thankful that everything I'm working on at the moment allowed me to take some time off and now that I am back from the honeymoon (with no sketches to show for it) I will share all the inspirations I've been enjoying lately as I get back to work.

While honeymooning in Monterey and exploring the northern coast of California, me and my husband got to enjoy some amazing waves and rock formations at Point Lobos, as well as picturesque, "fairy-tale" forests in Big Sur, and quaint cottages in Carmel. We also got to visit lots of art galleries while walking around Carmel-by-the-sea. It's the cutest European-style town with lots of wine-tasting, candy shops, and art galleries! So fun! Below are some images of my favorite art from some of the galleries we visited.

Point Lobos had awesome crashing waves.

I loved how the water was constantly churning, crashing and flowing in different directions. Never a moment of rest or stillness.

Pfeiffer Beach is a hidden beach off Highway 1 near Big Sur. There are no signs to the beach, you just have to know where it is. Even the 2 mile road to the parking lot is lush and green and full of trees covered in moss and vines!

Carmel-By-The-Sea is a quaint little town full of art galleries and apparently live artists. You can partially see the shop in the background that the artist used as reference. It wasn't an exact painting of real life which I enjoyed seeing.

A cute little cottage we discovered in a back alley behind the shops.

Big Sur had the best forest area and hikes. It reminds me of The Lord Of the Rings a little...

Julia Burns Pfeiffer State Beach had the best view in my opinion.

Gilligan's Island?...with an awesome waterfall!

Now for some of my favorite galleries we visited in Carmel-by-the-sea.

Galerie Rue Toulouse: Marc Clauzade and other artists. His art captured me because if it's vibrant colors and active lines! More on the Galerie Rue Toulouse here.

The Garcia Gallery: Danny Garcia. I like his impasto style, subtle colors, and thin lines. These images don't get the colors right at all. They are much prettier... More on the Garcia Gallery here.

My favorite gallery with sculptures was featuring an artist named Richard MacDonald. I didn't realize that I had actually seen this artist's work before at a gallery in Laguna so it was fun for me to see it again and I enjoyed much more the second time around. I love that he does a lot of dancing positions. The lines and angles are so beautiful. More on Richard MacDonald here.

Finally, we visited Gallery 21 with the artist Eyvind Earle. He was a background painter for Disney and worked on Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp (as well as many others), and most importantly was responsible for the stylizing, background and coloring for Sleeping Beauty. I loved how geometric his style was and all the vibrant colors. I couldn't believe they were all done by hand in oil paint! When I saw it I didn't realize who he was but it reminded me of Mary Blair's work. More on Eyvind Earle here.

From Sleeping Beauty

Now off I go to work on all my art at my new creating station in my new (and very small) studio apartment!

Big News!

2011-09-10T13:58:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I've been hinting at some big news lately, so here it finally is! Today I signed the contract to illustrate a children's book for Prospect Park Books! It is a small publisher in Pasadena, CA, who is doing their first children's book and I have been given the opportunity to work on it with them.

My Fiance's grandma told me that she heard about a publisher in Pasadena who was going to do a children's book and was looking for an illustrator. She had heard it through a friend of her's. So I looked up the publisher online and contacted them. They said they were surprised to hear how I found out about their project because they hadn't really told anyone about the children's book project. (haha, oops!) To my pleasant surprise they asked me to come in for an interview with the President and the Author if the book. The interview went great and soon after I got an email saying they wanted me to be the illustrator!

I'm not sure how much I can tell you about it but I think it's going to be really fun! It has an educational element to it, and I get to paint lots of fun animals! It will be released in September 2012. I'm so blessed to be able to do my first book with a real, established publisher! I can't wait for the adventure to begin!

Good Morning Red Polka Dots!

2011-09-02T17:44:00.000-07:00

Just finished a freelance project. It's actually going to be a YouTube video of a song someone wrote for his daughter who loves their Red Polka Dot curtains! My illustrations will accompany the music. Here's a clip from 2 of the illustrations.

Other big news coming soon!!!...

On The Day Love Was Born now available!

2011-08-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

The lastest book I illustrated is now available to purchase! Here's a special note from the publisher/author:

Hello Friends!

Its finally done! A labor of love, 7 months in the making, my new book On the Day Love Was Born is now published! For children, parents, and parents-to-be, it highlights the sweet sentiment of "soul connection," with gorgeous illustrations by west coast artist Lauren Gallegos that really engage the little ones.

Please visit my website www.littlehillpublishers.com for more info., and *please* forward this email to everyone you know! My marketing campaign includes a big "grass roots," "get-the-word-out" effort, so any assistance to spread the word would be much appreciated.

For a limited time, Little Hill Publishers is offering an Introductory price of $8.95 to our first customers (an 18% discount off regular retail), with flat $4.95 shipping for up to 12 copies. Perfect for Mom's clubs, church groups, school groups, etc.. Wholesale discounts to qualified resellers are also available.

Soon I'll be sending blasts via Facebook and LinkedIn, so you may see this announcement again in a different form. For anyone interested in reviewing or discussing my book, please visit my Amazon Author's Page. I welcome any feedback and encourage reviews!

Thanks so much everybody, and enjoy the rest of your summer!
Warmest regards,

Dana Cerrito, President
Little Hill PUBLISHERS
A small elevation can still improve your view
www.littlehillpublishers.com

Sweet 16

2011-08-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

Here's a little drawing I did for someone who's throwing a Sweet 16 party for her daughter. This is the cake design as well as the image that will be used on her invitations.

15th Annual Orange Open

2011-08-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

This last weekend was the 15th Annual Orange Open at the Guggenheim Gallery at Chapman University. Unfortunately for me I missed the opening reception again (I missed last year's too!), so I went to see the show today. To my pleasant surprise, I got 2nd place for one of my paintings!! Hurray!

This is a great show with some great art, but it's only going on for a few more days. I hope to continue to be a part of this show annually, and I hope next year I will be able to make it to the opening reception!

Inspiration - Chris Sheban

2011-07-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

No new work from me today, but I want to share someone else's work! He has been one of my biggest artistic influences while starting my illustrating journey, and even now. During college when I was trying to find my "style" I spent a lot of time looking at other illustrators just to see what I liked.

I kept coming back to Chris Sheban's work. I just couldn't pull myself away from it! And I couldn't figure out what his technique was! It was different then anything I had ever seen! I bought all of his books and studied each image intensely. Finally I couldn't take it any longer...I looked him up online and emailed him! I didn't really expect him to answer, but to my pleasant surprise, he did!! He was very appreciative of my curiosity and told me about his technique in depth. (He starts with a dark watercolor underpainting an works over that with Prismacolor pencils and occasionally touches of pastel. He works back into darker areas with watercolor. The grainy surface texture is achieved through the use of and Arches 90 lb cold press surface.)

This led to my attempt to use colored pencil on toned pastel paper. I loved the textured look of it! But, as some of you know, I've run into difficulties with this technique, the colors would fade (a lot!!) after some time and the drawing pretty much looked dead. I tried everything to fix it, so far I haven't found anything. So recently I've started to switch to acrylic. However! I'm still in love with Chris Sheban's work, and will always be inspired by it!

Another one of my favorites of Sheban's books is "Red Fox at McCloskey's Farm". GREAT illustrations, GREAT story....it always reminds me of a song by Nickel Creek (GREAT band!) called "The Fox"...

I want to share his WEBSITE with you. It has been updated with TONS of new illustrations. I was SO excited when I discovered this because he used to only have a few illustrations available to view in his portfolio. Now there's tons!

He also has another book out A Night On The Range. A lot of the interior illustrations in his portfolio. I admit it...I just ordered a copy for myself...guilty. I can't wait for it to come!!

Book Cover - Ghost Tales

2011-07-18T19:09:00.001-07:00

Just finished a Book Cover for a client. This is probably one of the easiest projects I've done in awhile. The client had no complaints about the sketches or the final painting, so there were no revisions! Now those are the kinds of projects I like!!

As always, I did a sketch and added some values in Photoshop. This time, however, I did some underpainting values...which I never do. It really helped! I'm going to make it part of my process because it makes the painting go faster in the long run.

The book will be released sometime around September as an eBook only. I don't know many more details other than that. But look for it soon!

Etsy Shop Now Open

2011-07-15T14:31:00.001-07:00

Hello all,

Just finished setting up my Etsy shop! Hurray! I'm hoping it will attract some people who haven't discovered me yet. It's a great site to be a part of because it's such a large community. I'm happy to finally be a part of it. Tell your friends!

Short and Sweet, with cute little Turtles!

2011-06-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since my last post! But I have been doing lots of work...mostly freelance graphic design projects, but also some fun illustrations work too! I'm doing some finishing touches on a book that someone is self-publishing. I'm doing all the illustrations as well as the layout and design of the book. It's short and sweet with cute little turtles! What else could I ask for?? Here's the front and back cover layout.

It's getting printed in July. That's about all the info I have at the moment. More details to come when I get it. I know the author is setting up a website for the book and I'm pretty sure it's going to be on Amazon.

Art Shows and Updates

2011-05-18T12:37:00.000-07:00

I feel like I haven't been updating everyone on all the things that have been going on in life artistically, and I feel bad! If you follow my Facebook page, you probably have seen some of my activities, but in case, you have missed some, here's the gist of it all:

First some old news, just to catch up...

~My first illustrated book was just released on May 1st! (order your copy here!)

~Had the opportunity to show my art at the Huntington Beach Art Walk on April 20th.

~There was a shift in leadership roles within the OC Illustrators group that I am in. It was a sad, but also very inspiring change. We now have a new Facebook page!

~Me and 3 other artist friends have started a sketch blog on Tumblr. (I will try not to neglect this one because of it!) We will be posting a sketch every Monday and a new illustration every month. It is really just a way to keep ourselves accountable to each other.

And now for some upcoming news!...

~I will be showing my artwork from The Mahogany Door on June 3 from 6-11pm at the VioletHour Studio for the Fullerton Artwalk. I did this a few months ago, but I was asked to come back for a special "Kid's Extravaganza". I will be there selling copies of The Mahogany Door!

~Me and Katy Betz will be sharing a table at "Within Radius" an Art Festival in Riverside on June 18th from 6-10. It's going to be a great Festival of the arts! A bunch of bands will be playing and all kinds of artists will be there selling art. Come out and enjoy the festivities!

~Once again, some of my art has been accepted into the Art-4-Health Exhibition and Auction at Cal State Fullerton on October 12th. I have been involved in this show for 4 years...it's one of my favorites to be involved in. They were the ones who gave me the chance to have my first Solo Artshow! I am so thankful.

~I have a second book in progress that someone has hired me to illustrate. I can't show you much, but I have been given permission to post the cover illustration and maybe one interior image! For now, I'm posting the cover sketch. Next week I'll post the final image for the cover. The book should be out this Fall.

I'm pretty sure that's everything. If other things come up, I will be sure to post it!
Thanks for all the support and encouragement!

The Mahogany Door has opened!!

2011-04-29T18:22:00.000-07:00

The door has opened! My first published book is available to order today! I'm so excited! I started the project just over 1 year ago, and it's so exciting to see it all done! I have learned so much from this project about the process of creating a book, and how much work goes into it. I can't wait for the next one! Mark Boliek worked so hard to make a nice, quality product. I think he did an awesome job!

There is also a cool Original Soundtrack that goes along with the book! Preview the music and then order your own.

Exclusively on May 1, order your copy of The Mahogany Door in the store and receive a signed copy by the author, the CD, and free shipping!

Order your copy now!

For updates on the book and for special offers, visit Mark's Facebook Page.

Mouse Paintings

2011-04-22T21:31:00.000-07:00

I was hired for a small job of painting little mice in someone's kitchen. This woman had them painted on by someone else and for some reason, when the painters came to repaint her walls, they painted right over them! Who would do that!? So she hired me to paint them back on.

The mice were based off of two little mouse salt and pepper shakers that she had. She wanted a girl mouse with a red dress and a boy mouse running to her with some champagne in a tux. Then, as a surprise to her husband, she asked me to paint two little baby mice wearing USC shirts that would represent her grandchildren. So cute! It was a fun little project, and I think they come out good!

Huntington Beach Art Walk

2011-04-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday I had the opportunity to be a part of the Huntington Beach Art Walk! I had a great time meeting all the friendly art-lovers coming through and was thrilled to be able to show my work there. Robin Ott, the librarian there was so accommodating and even provided cookies for everyone! I didn't sell anything, but it was still totally worth the drive! Can't wait to do it again! Here are some pictures from the night.

Camp Gilligan

2011-03-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

FINALLY! Something I've been working on that I can post! Lots of the things I'm doing I can't really show anyone yet. And all this work isn't allowing me much time to work on my own stuff...actually it isn't allowing me ANY time. :( But I'm still creating, and still loving it!

Here's a summer day camp logo I did for a camp that is starting up this summer. One is a huge banner and one is a Rackcard for people to take for more information...like a flyer, but with a fancy name and different shape. It was fun to do another project with vector art. I hope to do more. Although I haven't done much painting lately, and I'm starting to miss that too. But not to worry! I'm working on a project right now that will allow me to do a bunch of paintings! Until then...keep creating!

Gluttony

2011-02-11T08:39:00.000-08:00

Here's another somewhat recent painting I finished based on Proverbs 23:1-3:

"When you sit to dine with a ruler,
note well what is before you,
and put a knife to your throat
if you are given to gluttony.
Do not crave his delicacies,
for that food is deceptive."

There are a lot of little treasures to discover in this painting so take a little time to explore it. This painting also goes along with the eaten apple I posted awhile ago. It's hanging in the TSU at Cal State Fullerton until April 3rd so go take a look and if you would like a print of it, they are available through my website.

Pondering My Next Move

2011-01-24T18:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my big solo Art Show Opening and it went great! Lots of supporters came to see and hang out and I just had a blast! Thank you to all who were able to make it! And if you didn't get a chance to make it out, you can still go see it. It will be on display until April in the Student Union at Cal State Fullerton.

So now that the show is done, I need to figure out my next project. I didn't give much thought as to what I would be doing after the show was done. Oops. But I do have some ideas stirring, and some friends who came to the art show gave me some good inspiration and motivation to revisit some old projects, and embark on some new ones. So I'm excited! First step will be to brainstorm, research, and let the ideas get out on paper and see where it goes from there. I also will be promoting myself. Now that I have some new art in my portfolio, I should send postcards out to publishers and see if anything happens. I've also updated my website with some of my new art and an advertisement for The Mahogany Door! Check it out!

Just for a taste of what to expect soon (or not so soon) I'm probably going to do the rest of the Ant and the Cricket illustrations and make it into a mini book. Nothing huge, just something to have in book form. I'm also thinking about redoing Asani's Pride. I'll be rewriting it and restoryboarding (is that a word?) it to fit the new text. I also might be getting back into the Cafeteria logos I started last year. But we'll see where the wind takes me. Nothing is set in stone yet.

Here are a few pictures from my show:

"The Mahogany Door" Cover

"The Mahogany Door" Interior Illustrations

With some of my family

Prints for sale!

Exploring one of my paintings

Mingling

Yummy, yummy food!

Transitions

2011-01-18T21:27:00.000-08:00

Today I felt a transition time start to take place. Sunday is my art show, which I have been preparing for since October. Now all I have left are a few little details and the actual show, and then it's over. And today I realized that I am not sure what I will be working on next. I was so wrapped up in getting things done for the Art Show, that I didn't think about what would come after. So I think tomorrow I will take some time to brainstorm, strategize, and get inspired. This can be a lot of fun because I can dream and get really excited about possibilities, but it can also get a little overwhelming not knowing which route to take, or what the best next step is. I have a few things in mind already and a few projects that are in the works, but we'll see where it all goes.
I thought this little spot painting I did recently fit well with the state of things at the moment. I've finished my apple, and it was delicious. But I will soon be hungry again and I need to start searching for my next meal.

Digging for Aesthetics: Opening Reception

2010-12-21T09:40:00.000-08:00

The date is finally set for my art show at Cal State Fullerton! Sunday, January 23rd, 2011, 12:30-4:30pm, in the Chapman Atrium in the Titan Student Union. If you park in the State College Parking Structure (free on that Sunday!) you just walk through the sliding glass doors and you're there! Come stop by if you can, enjoy some refreshments, friendly faces, and see all of my artwork, new and old. This will be my first solo art show, so I'm pretty excited. I will also hopefully be selling some art prints that day so bring your pocket book ;)

Now that I have a definite deadline, I better get the rest of my paintings done! Back to work!

Title Page

2010-12-17T08:18:00.000-08:00

The release of The Mahogany Door is creeping closer and closer! My part is pretty much done, so now we are getting the book printed and finishing the soundtrack that goes with the book. It's all coming together! Here is the title page of the book, which also happens to be a peek at what the cover will look like. I'll be posting the cover at another time, but until then, enjoy and get excited!

Here's a note Mark wrote about the Title Page, if you are interested.

New Work In Progress

2010-11-22T08:04:00.000-08:00

Wow, I haven't posted in a long time! I guess that means I haven't been drawing enough...shame on me!! But I'm in the groove again, preparing for my first Solo Art show!! YAY! I will be showing in the CSUF Student Union in January. I'll be sending and posting details when it all starts coming together.

In the mean time, I'm working on some new art to fill all the space I've been given for the show. I have a few new ideas ready to go already and a few more brewing in the pot. I've decided to give painting another try, and so far it's been a good experience. I'm taking on acrylics for now. Somehow it doesn't seems as scary as oils. But maybe I'll get there eventually. A lot of people complain about the paint drying to quickly but I happen to like it....at least so far. I also did a little research and I'm trying out some mediums to mix with the paint. Right now I'm trying out Liquidex Flow Aid. I give it a thumbs up! I mix in a couple drops to my water cup and it really helps with the flow of the paint (obviously) and makes it easier for me to work up thin layers of paint.

Above is my first completed little painting. It was kind of a test painting, but I think it came out nicely, so I'll probably put it in the show. Next on my list are two larger paintings...probably 11x14 or maybe a little bigger! I might not post those though, and save them for my show to be revealed. ;D I have to create some interest in coming SOMEHOW!

Follow Your Dreams

2010-11-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

(Thank you Katy Betz for sharing this with me...it's inspiring!!)

By Lloyd D. Newell of Music and the Spoken Word

Legend has it that at the end of every rainbow lies a pot of gold waiting to be claimed by the fortunate one who finds it. No one seems to have been lucky enough to win such a prize. Rainbows, like clouds and shadows, are hard to catch. But some people do follow rainbows - every time they follow their dreams.

The writer George Bernard Shaw said: "You see things, and you say 'Why?' But I dream things that never were, and I say 'Why not?'".

Who is the follower of dreams? Who looks to the rainbow? The entrepreneur who dreams up a product and spends long days establishing a successful business; the scientist who makes a breakthrough after countless hours of experimenting; the father who works overtime so his children can take music lessons. In every case, the followers of dreams are those willing to not only dream but also to work. They know that the dreams they pursue are far more fulfilling than any imaginary pot of gold.

If we would be well led, we should follow someone with a dream. If we would be well taught, we should see a teacher with a real vision. If we would soar to great heights, sail into uncharted waters, or reach the summit of unconquered peaks, we should follow the person who looks at what has never been done and says, "why not?" or better still, we can become that person.

We are all dreamers, in our own way. Even if our dream turns out to be as elusive as the mythical pot of gold, it is surely better to have looked to the rainbow and sought the prize than never to have tried. And perhaps our efforts will leave a legacy that will inspire others to follow the dream.

Upcoming Events

2010-10-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

Phew!! There's a lot of things that have been going on and that are coming up in the next few months, and I have a lot to get done before then! Here's a run down:

1. The Art-4-Health Exhibit opened last weekend (Oct 15th) and I was awarded "Best of Show - Alumna" which means I get to have a solo show in the Titan Student Union at Cal State Fullerton!

2. November 5th, I will be showing some work for the Fullerton Art Walk at the Violethour Studio. I'll have prints available for purchase. Come take a look!

3. January 14th, I will be having my FIRST solo show in the Titan Student Union at Cal State Fullerton! I have a lot of space to show all my work...I'm pretty excited about this show!

This brings me to my next project...making some new art! I don't have enough to fill all the space I have been given for the show, so I need to get some more framed and make some completely new pieces. So let the brainstorming begin!!

I also will be venturing into the land of making prints. I already sell them online from my website, but have not sold them ready to frame. Which means I will need to get backing, mattes, and clear sleeves to sell them in. So along with the all the creative work ahead of me, I will also need to do a lot of "business" work.

All that being said, there's no time to delay! Let's get to work!!

Here are some sketches I did last weekend by the pool in Palm Springs while on a retreat. Enjoy for now, there will be more to come!

Sketches from the Zoo

2010-10-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I went to the zoo in Washington D.C. I was surprised at how nice it was there. I went thinking that it was going to be lame, but Oh, how I was mistaken! They had a huge variety of animals to see, it was very clean and beautiful, and best of all, it's FREE to get in! Here are some drawings of some of the animals I saw there. There were also some birds there that I saw, Guira Cuckoos, that always sat in little groups. They're very odd looking and I thought they would make great characters in a story. I'll keep them in mind for future reference!

In other news, The Mahogany Door cover illustration is finally complete! (Can't post it just yet!) So technically, my work on the book is done...I can't believe it. I've been working on this project since April, and sometime in the spring, it will be printed and available for purchase! I can't wait!

Temporary Art Gallery at EV Free Fullerton

2010-09-13T08:10:00.000-07:00

I had a cool opportunity recently to display my art in the new building at EV Free Fullerton. It's a beautiful building with a convenient coffee shop attached to it. A great place to go hang out! Unfortunately, it is only a temporary art gallery, located upstairs, because they will be putting in couches and chairs in that area in a few weeks. But until then, visitors can enjoy the art of some members of the church, so go check it out if you have a chance. Each artist had their own section (A whole wall if they had enough art to show!) I had a lot so I got a big section. It was fun being able to have a large body of work up all at once. I've never had that before! I also got to hang my own art, also something I've never done before. Everyone I have talked to has said they really enjoy seeing work done by people involved in the church...I personally think it would be awesome to have an area where we can have a rotating art gallery/display. But that's just me....

Not the ideal lighting situation...but for a temporary display (all the walls had to be put up with black backing), it was put together WONDERFULLY! Thank you to Hap Brandon for put it all together and working so hard!

Cafeteria Logos

2010-08-31T07:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a look at a project I've been working on lately. I'm working with someone who promotes nutrition and fitness in schools and he has developed a project to create signs to hang in cafeterias for different food lines. For example, some schools offer Mexican Food, Chinese Food, Italian Food, and a Salad Bar. So the kids can pick what they want for lunch that day. It's kind of in the spirit of having a food court with lots of options instead of a cafeteria with only one option. So essentially, I will be creating logos for each "restaurant" the cafeteria has. So they will have a bunch of logos to pick from, but if they want something custom, for example, something with their mascot incorporated in the design, I can do that too.

It might sound kind of complicated or weird, and you're probably right, but I'm excited to see how it all works out! This is going to be a long term project so you'll probably see more of these designs in the months to come. But for now, here are a few that I thought turned out well. These are custom designs for a school, so it didn't have as much say in the design, but I like the way they turned out. I'm starting out with rough sketches to get the idea worked out. Then I take the final sketch and recreate it in with vector art. If there was any way I could make these with traditional art, I would, but these are going to be rather large signs, so blowing them up will not look good. With vector art, you can resize it to any size and it won't effect the quality of the image. This project will definitely give me good practice with making vector art! That's for sure!

14th Orange Open Juried Exhibition

2010-08-19T13:42:00.000-07:00

This last week one of my drawings has been showing at the 14th Orange open Juried Exhibition at the Guggenheim Gallery at Chapman University. Unfortunately, due to my busyness and forgetfulness, I missed the opening award ceremony! So I went to see the show today, so I could at least see and enjoy the other art that had been selected. To my pleasant surprise, I discovered I had won 1st Place in the Drawing/Illustration category!! I apologize for not announcing this show very well, and I wish I had been to the opening, so I could invite people to go! Next time I wont be so forgetful! If you have time and want to go see the show, it will remain open until August 21st. Just a few more days!

Anniversary Graphite Drawing

2010-08-12T08:36:00.001-07:00

I was recently commissioned to do a drawing based on a photo of two of my friends, who are dating, for their one year anniversary. It was good practicing drawing more realistically for a change.

SCBWI Conference!

2010-08-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

As many of you already know, last weekend I went to the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Summer Conference. Oh my goodness!...I'm still recovering and processing everything I learned!! It was my first time going and I can't wait until next year!

Some highlights and lessons learned from the Conference:

1. Meeting Loren Long!! He is one of my favorite illustrators and a big influence on my art and inspiration to me. I bought his illustrated version of The Little Engine That Could and he signed it for me! He was also a Keynote Speaker and I also went to one of his break-out sessions. It was great seeing part of his process.(Loren Long and some of the OC Illustrators)

2. Spending time with the OC Illustrators ladies! I was so glad to spend some time with them and get to know them better. We spent a lot of time stalking people we wanted to meet and then not knowing what to say to them. It was great. (Some of the OC Illustrators!)

3. Hearing many, many times: Don't follow trends, follow your heart. Draw what YOU love to draw, because that comes from deep in your heart, and when it comes from deep inside of you, it will be genuine and real, and that's when you will make your best work.

4. Learned some tips on writing, which I am not as interested in pursuing at the moment, but eventually I would like to have a book published that I wrote AND illustrated. Rhythm and prose is important in picture books, pay attention to page turns and payoffs, and don't tell the story with text, tell it with image, and let the text "complete" the narrative.

5. For portfolios include sequential pieces, classic tales in your own style, show your strengths and range of ability, and make sure your weakest image is still strong because your portfolio is only as good as your weakest image.

Of course there is SO much more, but those were the biggest things for me. Now I have a lot of work to do, a whole list of books to look up, following up on contacts that I made, submit my work to publishers and agents, and start on some new art pieces to make my portfolio better and more refined. There's LOTS to do before next years Conference, so I'd better get to work!!

...But first, a few more pictures!

(E.B. Lewis in the middle and Ashley Bryan on the far left. Some awesome illustrators/writers)(Arthur Levine at the Heart and Soul party on Saturday night, so fun!)

Until next year....

Interview

2010-07-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Mark Boliek, Author of "The Mahogany Door" interviewed me the other day about my work on the book. (My first interview!) Check it out on his facebook page.

Final Drawings for "The Mahogany Door"

2010-07-19T20:03:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy month, but all of the spot Illustrations are FINALLY done for "The Mahogany Door"! PHEW! Here are a few that you can look forward to seeing in the book when it comes out. See my earlier post to see them in the sketch stage. Now I can move on to the cover, which will be done in full color. After that the printing process will begin and fingers are crossed for it to be ready for release by October! Stay updated on the progress of the whole project on the Author's Facebok Page. You can also see a few more of my finished drawings on his page!

Side Projects

2010-07-03T18:17:00.001-07:00

As you probably know, I have had my hands full illustrating a children's chapter book for the past few months. Well I'm happy to say it's coming to the end and this fall the book will be released! I am finishing up the spot illustrations and still need to do the cover illustration. It'll probably be about another month and then I'm done!

With much thankfulness, I've had some small jobs during this time. Some easier than others, and some more fun than others. But all good growing opportunities! One project (just finished today!) was a T-Shirt design for a men's Fellowship. I got to make a graphic illustration of a big truck as vector art. I haven't done vector art in a long time, so I was happy to refresh myself with it! The final design for the back side of the shirt is above.

I've also been working on a logo design for a woman who runs her own Photography business (still in progress). And recently, I was asked to be a part of a rather large project to design signage for school cafeterias around the nation. This job is still being worked out, but I'm really excited about it! More on that later.... ;)

Drug and Violence Free

2010-06-12T22:52:00.001-07:00

I was looking through some of my old drawings from High School and found this drawing I did Junior Year. I won second place in a drug and violence prevention contest in Orange County. One of the first awards I ever won!

This drawing makes me laugh...Thank goodness for college art classes!

"The Mahogany Door" Update 2

2010-05-14T08:50:00.000-07:00

I've been working away at finishing up sketches and making revisions to finalize my sketches for "The Mahogany Door". Things are moving along nicely! Here's a little before and after sketch so you have an idea of how I work.

After reading through the chapter, I sketch a few images that I think are important or exciting moments in the chapter that I'd like to show. I do a general sketch, just to get the ideas down, then after deciding on the best idea, I add some value to see if the composition is working ok. I send this to the author for some feedback and revisions. For this sketch, I didn't need to change much. I mostly needed to make sure the crown was too large for the boy's head to show that he doesn't fit into his "kingship". I also changed the perspective a little so the viewer is looking up at the throne (it makes the boy seem bigger and more important). I also did some visual research on thrones to make mine look more interesting and also to fit the style and setting of the book.

That's it for now! Back to my sketchbook! More updates coming soon!
Check back here or visit the author's Website and Facebook Page for updates.

"The Mahogany Door" Update

2010-05-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I haven't posted in a few weeks! My poor blog is so lonely! Well here is some fun news to make up for that time.

Work on "The Mahogany Door" is going great! The author, Mark Boliek, has started a Facebook Page for the book. So become a fan!! He will be promoting the book on his Page by posting clips and samples of some of the songs he is working on for the soundtrack for the book, giving updates on the progress of the book, showing some of my sketches that will be in the book, and much more! Check out one of the songs on the soundtrack "Kingsfold on Bruinduer". This song is still in the making, so Mark is looking for constructive feedback. Post your comments and suggestions on his page.

Mark is also in the process of creating a website for the book. I'll post it here once it's up and running. The goal is to have this book printed and ready to purchase by October of this year! So start spreading the word! Tell your friends and family, think of that Jr Higher that you know, or parents of Jr Highers!

I have all of the sketches done, so now I can move on to revisions. I am doing one spot illustration for each chapter in black and white, and the cover in color.

I will be posting more soon, and also stay updated on my Facebook Page, Lauren Gallegos Illustration, as well!

Here are a few rough sketches I've done just to give you a taste of what's to come!

I'm Still Here!

2010-04-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's almost been a month since I've posted anything. I apologize! I have definitely been working on drawings though, I just can't really post any of them yet. My illustration project for "The Mahogany Door" is underway, I've done half of the rough sketches, so I am still on track with the timeline I have set for myself. Hurray! However, I realized just the other day that I'm starting to miss my Ant and Cricket project. It has been put aside while I work on this book and knowing that I probably wont be able to get back to it until the end of summer makes me sad! Maybe I'll try to squeeze in a few more of those drawings as I work.

I have, however, had time to do some reading and pondering. As some of you can tell, I have spent some time studying Beauty/Aesthetics over the past few years and just recently that study has become more intense and the more I learn, the more I WANT to learn! I have read a few good books so far, and I still have a pile sitting on my nightstand waiting to be read. Currently I am reading "Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art" by Robert Stecker. I haven't gotten too far yet, but it brings up some interesting topics and poses some interesting and thoughtful questions. For example: One section talks about how increased knowledge of an object can change the aesthetic value we place on that object. Did you know, the sunsets we find the most beautiful are caused by the refraction of light because of higher than normal occurances of certain kinds of particles in the atmosphere. A typical cause of the increase in particles is air pollution. So with the new knowledge, does the aesthetic value you place on sunsets decrease? OR does it actually become less beautiful? Should appreciation based on false belief be regarded as essentially flawed? This is some heavy stuff the think about!

I've also recently watched this video called "Why Beauty Matters". It is VERY interesting and has really gotten me worked up about the importance and value of beauty in our lives. We live in an ugly world, but there are still beautiful things in it to enjoy. Modern art, a lot of the time, seems to focus on all the bad and all the ugly. I want to find wonder and sit in the beauty of majestic mountains, not spend all my time complaining about the ugliness of this world that I must live in.

I could go on and on all day, so I'll just stop here. Ha! But I believe my study of beauty and aethetics will be a life long study and I am so very excited to discover more and more.

Hopefully I will have some time soon to just draw for myself so I can post something for you guys! Thanks for sticking with me!

Sketch

2010-03-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

Here's a sketch for a project that, sadly, never went anywhere...Maybe I'll use it for something else.

Print Store - Now Open!

2010-03-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

My Print Store is now open for all to use! Check it out, see what you like, purchase something, and tell your friends and family! It SHOULD be all set up to be nice and easy when paying with PayPal. Or you can e-mail me your order.

If there is anything that isn't working in the checkout process, please let me know so I can fix it!

Thanks for all your support everyone!

Lauren Gallegos Print Store

The Ant and The Cricket - Spread 8

2010-03-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

HURRAY! Another spread complete! 4 down, 6 to go!

Some good news and some bad news...first the bad news: This project is going to have to be put on the backburner again...maybe not completely, but at least partly....but that's because of the good news! I am negotiating a contract with someone to illustrate his YA fantasy novel that he is self-publishing! I don't want to get TOO excited yet....BUT that means I'll technically be a published illustrator! Woohoo!

I'll keep you updated on what I can so stay tuned!

Print Store - Coming Soon!

2010-03-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

I have decided to make my own print store for my website. I have been hesitant to do it because it could potentially be a lot of work (assuming lots of people buy prints!) trying to print, package, and ship everything myself. So I considered setting up a store on a host site (like fineprintamerica.com or etsy.com) but they usually have an annual fee, they take part of the commission, and I can't check the quality of the prints. SO, since I like to control everything...I MEAN....umm...since I want to make sure customers get great quality prints, I am going to run my own store. I think it will be a great opportunity to grow in my understanding of the business side of my work (which I'm really not too fond of, I'd rather just draw all day!).

I am currently working on how to organize the store, how to receive payments, deciding which prints to sell, and so on, so it will be awhile still until the store is up and running. But keep an eye out for updates on my progress...it's coming soon!

Recent Work - Freelance Spot Illustrations

2010-02-28T18:19:00.000-08:00

I recently was hired to do 13 illustrations for "flashcards" to help kids learn the colors in Spanish. Each image has a story to help them remember the Spanish word for each color. Here are a few of my favorites out of the bunch.

Portfolio on Childrensillustrators.com!

2010-02-17T10:11:00.000-08:00

After some careful and reasonable consideration I have decided to purchase a place to put my portfolio up on Childrensillustrators.com. It's quite a bit of money (at least for me) but if I get just one job out of it, it will pay for itself and then some. So my fingers are crossed for someone to contact me for some work! It is a very popular and well used site for finding children's illustrators. When I worked at Piggy Toes it was one of the first sites I was instructed to check to find illustrators, so I'm sure many other publishers do the same!

Here's a link to my portfolio page! Check it out, tell your friends, and share the link with others! Thanks to everyone for your support and encouragement!

Lauren Gallegos' Portfolio

The Ant and The Cricket - Cover

2010-02-07T15:16:00.001-08:00

This illustration took longer to finish than it should have. I have been trying to work out some job and life issues lately, so I have been preoccupied. But things are settling down a little so hopefully I'll get back into a drawing rhythm!

The Ant and The Cricket - Spread 1

2010-01-18T00:53:00.000-08:00

Spread 1 is done! YAY! It took a lot longer than I expected to complete it. But that's partly because I'm still getting used to the new technique I'm using. I will be entering this into a couple contests/art shows so critiques and feedback are welcome! (Although it'll have to be soon because I'm entering it tomorrow!) I'm also thinking about whether or not I should do all the spreads for the book, or just a few for my portfolio. I want to send it out soon! Very soon! We'll see I guess. Thoughts are welcome!

Life-Sized Cut-out

2010-01-11T19:58:00.000-08:00

This weekend I (quickly) painted a life-sized cut-out of my College Pastor while he is on Sabbatical. It was fun to step away from the colored pencils for a few hours and pick up a paint brush. I didn't paint a face on him because we will be cutting out a picture of his face instead, as well as "decorating" him. Heehee!

I have to admit, it was a little freaky coming into my room and thinking there was a man standing there. And my cat got a little confused about it too...(you can see him in the picture checking out the curious cut-out man!)

The Ant and The Cricket - A New Approach

2010-01-07T10:07:00.001-08:00

This is my third attempt at this drawing, and I'm not doing any more! This time I used a smooth Bristol paper and just Primsacolor Pencils. I'm thinking about doing the rest of the drawings like this instead of my usual textured technique. It pains me to consider dropping that technique, but it's really causing more trouble than it's worth. Plus, as much as I like the textured look, it doesn't allow me to put in much detail, and I LOVE delicate detail. So I guess it is a trade off. Now, FINALLY, I can move on to the rest of the drawings. Here we go!

Finishing 2009

2009-12-30T15:09:00.000-08:00

Looking back on 2009, I have made a lot of growth as an artist and learned way more about publishing children's books than before this year. Some highlights of the year:

- I had the opportunity to do freelance work at Piggy Toes Press for about 6 months, which has grown me in many, many ways.
- I wrote my first children's book (all by myself!), illustrated it, and made it a book dummy that I sent out to publishers. (Still hoping to hear from them...)
- I found and refined my drawing technique for colored pencils.
- I graduated collete with a B.F.A. in Illustration!!
- I learned Dreamweaver all by myself and redesigned my website.
- I traveled to Israel! (Not artistic, but still very exciting!)
- I attended Illustrator's Day for the first time and was a winner of the Judges' Choice Portfolio Contest!

And there is SO much more...

It's been a great year of firsts, finishes, and transitions, and I hope for the same for 2010, except even BIGGER things....like being published, maybe???.... (fingers crossed!)

Look out 2010, Here I come!

Moon Girl

2009-12-29T22:22:00.000-08:00

Don't ask me why, but I decided do a little drawing on some Hot Press board. I love the texture and vibrancy of the Pastel Paper I have been using, but it doesn't always allow me to put in a lot of fine detail, and I sort of miss it.

So here we go...A little moon girl, wishing upon a star. I have some wishes for 2010, maybe if I wish upon the evening star they will come true. As sung in the beginning of The Princess and the Frog:

"The evening star is shining bright
So make a wish and hold it tight
There's magic in the air tonight
And anything can happen..."

New Sketchbook!

2009-12-27T11:30:00.000-08:00

I started a brand new sketchbook today! For some reason I always get really excited about new sketchbooks. Maybe I see all the blank pages and imagine them full of great ideas and doodles that have the potential to become great illustrations. Whatever it is, I'm excited. So here are some sketches found on the first few pages of my sketchbook.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T14:42:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you are all having a safe and joyful holiday! As the turkey cooks away in the oven and the rest of my family is in the livingroom attempting to set up the new Blue Ray player, I thought I'd play with some of my new toys while I was waiting around.

Two things I'm pretty darn excited about from Santa are:

1. A new (and much needed) digital camera! A Panasonic Lumix ZS3 (in red!) I took the picture with my old Nikon Coolpix camera...alas it will probably be the last picture it ever takes...and it's a picture of it's replacement...how ironic and sad. Oh well! It was time to get a new one.
2. Some art books! One on Georgia O'Keefe, and one on the Norman Rockwell Museum (I REALLY want to go there!!!) But I was even MORE excited about the two volumes of "Drawn to Life" by Walt Stanchfield. An amazing animator and teacher at Disney that taught many of today's great animators. They are all the handouts he gave to his students over probably 20 years of teaching. AMAZING!! Can't wait to start reading!!
Of course, I already have a huge list of books to read. Some on beauty, some on life, some on art, and some terrific children's books to study and enjoy. So I'll have to add them to my list (the TOP of my list...heehee)

Dear Santa,

Next year I want....a bigger bookshelf!....

The Ant and The Cricket - Final Drawing 1

2009-12-21T22:17:00.000-08:00

Well, December is almost over and I only have one final drawing complete. Oh well, I am still going to finish them all, but I'm not going to rush it. I have a lot of work ahead of me that I am still motivated to finish, so that's good! That was partly why I gave myself that goal.

Here's the Title Page with a new Typeface. I think I like this one better. If you hadn't noticed or guessed already, I'm taking inspiration from the style of the 60s/70s (or "hippie" times) and Woodstock. So I thought it would be appropriate to use The Beatles' "Abbey Road" cover to inspire one of my images. I also found it convenient that they are called the Beatles and it's a story about bugs. Heehee. I also have a VW Beetle in some of the other images. It just seemed to work!

I might get another one done before the New Year, but we'll see. If not, then as soon as January starts, it's back to work...double time!

December Goal - Part 5

2009-12-13T18:04:00.001-08:00

Cover sketch done (It's a variation on one of the spreads already in the book)! That's my last sketch!! YAY! Now I can start on the final drawings. EEK! It makes me a little nervous whipping through these drawings so quickly, I've never done this before! But I think it will be good for me to just do it.

I've been asked by a few people if I'll be submitting this to anyone or maybe self-publishing it when it's done...I don't know yet. It's a 16 pages book, which really isn't standard for children's books. Plus, illustrators usually don't complete all the drawings before sending a dummy to a publisher. Maybe I'll do a second Aesop fable that's another 16 pages to make a complete book...who knows? If nothing else, I'll have 10 more illustrations for my portfolio, which isn't a bad thing! Any thoughts or suggestions on where you think I should go with this project?

December Goal - Part 4

2009-12-12T15:02:00.000-08:00

Two more sketches done. Now I just need to do a cover. I'm working on it at the moment. Of course, that's a very important image, so I'm not going to rush that drawing. Next week I'm going to do a few small experimental drawings since I'm still figuring out how my colored pencil technique works....but then I will start on the final drawings! Yay!

December Goal - Part 3

2009-12-08T00:43:00.000-08:00

3 more sketches done! 3 more to go. I'm starting to lag a little...When setting my goal I failed to consider days that I would be real busy and not really have time to do a whole sketch. As well as to consider Christmas day...when I will not really want to spend my time drawing in my room, alone. So maybe I'll have to push my deadline back a little. But that's ok, because I'm the boss! So I can do whatever I want! I still want to get it done as soon as I can, so maybe just an extra week will be enough. We'll see how it goes. Stay tuned!

December Goal - Part 2

2009-12-04T21:24:00.001-08:00

Four color/value studies down, six more to go. Then the final color versions!

I'm wondering if I should have the gusts of snow or not, and how to have them look. I'm also wondering how I will go about drawing it with colored pencil. It's easy to do it digitally! Traditionally...it's a little different. I'll have to do a little experiementing. What do you all think? Keep the gusts of snow (like in the second image)? or take it out? or draw it differently? More stylized? More realistic? Put it in the first image too?

Thoughts and suggestions are welcome for all of these sketches!! Especially since they are still in the sketch stage. Once I do the final drawing, it'll be a harder to make changes without redoing the whole thing.

December Goal - Part 1

2009-12-03T11:16:00.000-08:00

I have made a goal to finish off the year. I want, nay, I WILL finish all 10 drawings for my new version of "The Ant and the Cricket", in color! I would have liked to get it all done and even make it into book form before Christmas, but I decided on this goal a little late. If I am doing the math right, I get 3 days to complete each image, which entails making the final sketch, color/value study, transferring the drawing onto the final paper and complete the final colored version. For each image I'll do the final sketch and color/value study in one day, and give myself 2 days to do the final drawing. I think it's do-able, but I have to stay focused and diligent.

So far I have 2 final sketches with color and value studies done for the first 2 spreads. And seeing as it's the 3rd of December, I'm on track!

I will keep you updated on my progress, so you can all help me stay on track!

I'm excited to end 2009 with 10 new drawings!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T23:50:00.000-08:00

Even though times are rough, there is so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Take a few minutes to stop and think of the things you are thankful for, even the little things. I bet there's more than you thought. As artists we have been given the gift of creating beauty and what a special gift that is! Be thankful for that privilege and use your abilities to their fullest.

I'm still working on my own version on "The Ant and the Cricket". Here's a very rough sketch of the ants feasting on the grain they gathered all summer. I thought it would be appropriate for today.

I'm very thankful for the artistic community I have around me, and how encouraging they all are. Thank you!
Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Preserving My Drawings

2009-11-22T23:59:00.000-08:00

I have mentioned before that I have had problems preserving the color in my drawings. After a while (sometimes a few days, sometimes a few weeks) the color in the drawing starts to fade. Especially the dark colors. Sometimes it fades so much, it's really not even worth keeping the drawing because if looks nothing like it originally did. Of course, this is terrible! I can't let all my drawings "die" and have no original drawings to show. So I set out to find a solution. I'm still not sure if I have found it, but so far what I have discovered seems to be working very well (YAY!). So for the time being, I will stick with that.

It was a long journey of testing papers, colored pencils, fixatives, varnishes, and other such things to find out what worked best. The first thing I tried was new paper, because I thought the reason the color was fading was because the wax in the colored pencils didn't like the rough texture of the paper I was using (ColourFix Pastel Card) which feels kind of like sand paper. I tried some other textured papers, Arches Watercolor paper, Canson, but they just didn't have the same effect of popping the colors off the page as the Pastel Card. I also really liked that you could get colored Pastel Card so you can have a dark ground color and work from dark to light instead of the other way around.

After some research online I discovered that some of the fading was due to Wax Bloom. Wax bloom is a white haze that appears on colored pencil drawings, especially when heavily worked, as a layer of the wax medium rises to the surface. It tends to appear once the work has been sitting for a week or two. So after this discovery I decided I couldn't give up on Pastel Card because that probably wasn't the problem. It doesn't matter what kind of paper I used, it was a matter of finding the right fixative to stop the "blooming". So I moved on the trying different fixatives and sprays. I have tested fixatives before and chose Kylon Kamar Varnish, which satisfied me enough, but still didn't really preserve the color like I wanted. After talking to a fellow artist who uses the same Pastel Card as me, I was encouraged to try Blair Clear Matte Spray, which is more of a fixative (even though the can doesn't say it is a fixative). I bought it and tested it out and liked the results better than the Kamar Varnish (there was less glare on the paper). Eureka!!

SO...I have concluded that I will continue to use ColourFix Pastel Card, because I love the texture and how the colors just pop off the paper. I like the dark colored paper so when I add light colors or highlights they REALLY pop! But when I want to do a spot illustration, I will use white Pastel Card and use chalk pastel pencils to put down a ground color only in the areas of the drawing, leaving the area around the drawing white (to match the white of the page). For now, I am using Carb-Othello pastels only because I haven't searched for my favorite brand yet. After finishing a layer of pastel, I will "fix" it with a layer or two of Blair Clear Matte Spray. Then I will go in with my Prismacolored Pencils. Once the drawing is finished, I will fix it again with a layer or two of the Blair spray. Then, I will do a final coat of UV Resistant Clear Coating, which also helps with fading. Voilà!! Done, and ready to store with some Vellum paper over it to protect from dust and dirt.

It is very relieving to have found a artistic process from myself, especially after having to watch some of my drawings fade and die right before my eyes.

Here is a (spot) drawing I recently finished using my new process. And I am pleased to say that after 3 weeks, the colors are still just as vibrant as when I first drew it!

Facebook Fan Page

2009-11-18T11:47:00.001-08:00

So, I made a Fan Page on Facebook. I was trying to hold out on this for awhile since I JUST started a Twitter account, but somehow I woke up this morning, and I just started making a page! I don't think it will be too difficult to keep up, but it's really just one more thing to check and update. However, I know it is good and important for getting my name and work out there for people to see. Networking is a big part of an artist's responsibilities so I'm going to be a good little artist and do what I can. Become a fan and share with your friends!

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Entering The World of Twitter

2009-11-17T02:38:00.001-08:00

After resisting the push from so many of my friends, I finally gave in and got a Twitter Account. I guess it doesn't have to be such a bad thing. In fact, it can be a very good thing, if used properly. I intend to use it as a networking and promotional device and not something that will be a distraction. As long as I am careful not to play on it all day, thereby not getting any work done, it should be ok. Actually, I am hoping it will help me be more productive, so I will have something to "tweet" about, and I wont have to post things that really don't matter. So here we go on a new adventure of navigating through Twitter and learning to network with other artists!

Follow me on my Twitter page. Lauren Gallegos

You can also stay updated on this page by checking the sidebar panel regularly, or view my account and follow me by clicking on the link.

Hands and a Frog

2009-11-12T21:57:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about style, and specifically, ways to improve mine. After some thought, feedback, and encouragement, I think I need to simplify and stylize things more, especially the way I draw people. I know that is a very broad statement!...Believe me, I wish it wasn't so broad! But I think it is necessary. It's going to take some experimenting and testing to figure out how it will look, but there's no time like the present to start! Here are some hands I did trying to simplify them but not be too cartoony.

I also did a frog just for fun, because I am really excited about "The Princess and the Frog" coming out in December! I am so glad Disney is doing another traditionally animated film. Oh, how I have missed them! I only hope they continue to make more. My fingers are crossed!

SCBWI Illustrator's Day (Update)

2009-11-08T23:25:00.000-08:00

This last Saturday was my first time attending Illustrator's Day and it was a great experience! So many talented artists were their displaying their portfolios and the speakers were informative, helpful, and fun. A lot of great tips were given on ways to promote yourself and be seen by publishers, so I took lots of notes! I was also able to have two portfolio reviews, one by Illustrator Adam McCauley, and one by Chad Beckerman, Art Director for Abrams Books for Young Readers and Amulet Books. I got some great feedback and constructive criticism to work with.

Then, to conclude the awesome day of meeting fun people and seeing great art, it was announced that I was one of the Judge's Choice winners for the portfolio contest! What an unexpected and pleasant surprise!! It certainly made my day!

See more photos on the Illustrator's Day Facebook Page

Here's another piece I did (the day before the conference!) that was included in my portfolio. It goes along with a Limerick by Edward Lear:

There was an old man with a beard,
Who said, “It is just as I feared!
Two owls and a hen,
Four larks and a wren,
Have all built their nests in my beard!"

SCBWI Illustrator's Day

2009-11-05T15:48:00.000-08:00

This Saturday is Illustrator's Day for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators!

The event will include speakers like Chad W. Beckerman: Art Director, Abrams Books for Young Readers and Amulet Books, Erika Howard: Art Representative, Shannon Associates, Adam McCauley: Illustrator, and Mary Peterson: Illustrator and Social Networker. It should be a great time to learn, network, and have fun!

I have also been putting together my portfolio for the portfolio contest and review. Three new pieces will be included in my portfolio. I still have one more to finish, but here is one of them for you to enjoy. I will let you all know how it goes!

Harvest Festival

2009-11-01T13:27:00.001-08:00

I was recently asked to help make a game for a Harvest Festival. The game was Ping-Pong Toss with a circus theme. I used a vinyl table cloth and painted with acrylics. Then I glued on felt pieces so the velcro ball would stick. It was a fun project and I think the kids really enjoyed it. I know I did!

Head Sketches

2009-10-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

Some head sketches.

Recital Poster

2009-10-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

I recently did a poster/postcard for a friend for his Senior Guitar Recital. Thank you to Aaron Delani for helping with the photography!

Stay tuned! Many more projects (personal and commissioned) to finish in the next month.

On Beauty and Being Just

2009-10-05T23:47:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading a great book "On Beauty and Being Just" by Elaine Scarry. It's a great little philosophical book on the topic of beauty and it's connection to our search for truth and justice. I highly recommend this book. It went a little over my head at some points but a challenging book is good for the mind. How else are we to grow and learn?

We often times overlook beauty that is right in front of us and fail to realize how seeing something that is beautiful can give us life, excitement, and peace. It welcomes you into its world where we can feel equality, selflessness, and the sense that the world isn't all about us. To behold something beautiful is to be humbled. Seeing something beautiful also inspires us to create, or recreate that which is beautiful.

Spend some time observing the beauty around you and let it inspire you to create!

FYI: Website address change!

2009-09-28T19:07:00.000-07:00

For all of you who have my website bookmarked/linked, please make sure that it is www.laurengallegos.com, not .net. I previously had it set up so that when you type in .com it automatically redirected you to .net, but now it doesn't and eventually the .net site will expire and not work anymore!

Again, if you have my website bookmarked, make sure the web address is www.laurengallegos.com, not .net.

Thanks! Sorry for any confusion!

Here's a sketch for your enjoyment.

New Pearl Diver

2009-09-26T12:52:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my revised version of the Pearl Diver! In many ways, I believe this one came out a lot better than my first version (I'm sure you would agree!). See it here. So I think this one is worthy of my portfolio, and website!

Psalm 1 Acrylic

2009-09-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

I got to do a project this last week with Acrylics. It was nice to use them again, but I definitely want to work on my technique with paint (acrylic and oil) and on controlling my color saturation! I think this painting got a little out of hand in that area.

The painting was inspired by Psalm 1. I should be doing more like this in the next few months. It'll be fun and a good experience.

Psalm 1
Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.

Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.

Book Dummy

2009-09-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

Today I mailed out my book dummy to 4 publishers! Now I get to play the waiting game and try to distract myself from thinking about it. So in the mean time I will try to stay occupied and work on some portfolio pieces. Here is one I'm working on. It'll be multiple images similar to this, so I can have a narrative sequence in my portfolio.

Art-4-Health Exhibit at CSUF

2009-09-05T09:32:00.000-07:00

Cal State Fullerton's College of the Arts and the Student Health and Counceling Center is hosting the 3rd annual juried student and alumni art exhibit!

The Opening Reception and Silent Art Auction is this coming Friday, September 11, 2009 from 4pm-7:30pm

Yours turly has three art pieces in the show. Come and see, bid on a piece of art, and enjoy the talented artists that attend/attended Cal State Fullerton!

Following the show is the 26th Annual Concert Under The Stars just outside on the field. Enjoy great music from our performing arts department and a fireworks show to end the night!

It's ALL FREE so make a night of it!

COLORING!

2009-09-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

Well, it worked! I went to get some art supplies and after I got home I wanted to color! This is just a practice and experimenting with colors and a new colored paper for my Pearl Diver drawing. Hopefully it will be done sometime next week.

More Sketches

2009-09-04T00:52:00.000-07:00

Eventually I'm going to have to just sit down and actually color a drawing. Tomorrow I'm going to the Art Supply Warehouse for some supplies. I'm sure that will inspire me to color a drawing. Also, I set a new goal to make 5 new pieces to put in my portfolio before Illustrator's Day on November 7th. You can hold me to it!

In other news I got a part time job today! It's an after school program teaching art lessons to children. It should be fun! I'm just happy it's art related and I don't have to resort to bussing tables or serving coffee. And it gives me time to do freelance work too!

Character Practice

2009-08-26T01:30:00.000-07:00

I've been contemplating a new story and it is slowly developing into something I think can be pretty good. It would be more of a fantasy story, which I've never done before, but could be fun! I don't have a storyline yet, but the world is forming, and soon characters will come alive. Here are some sketches of a possible character. I'm not sure what her personality is quite yet, but it's getting there. It was mostly just to practice drawing characters consistently and doing different expressions.

New Projects

2009-08-17T12:09:00.000-07:00

The wheels are starting to turn and ideas are starting to pop up, so it's time to get sketching! After getting stuck in a rut for awhile after my trip, I'm starting to feel like myself again and my motivation has returned, so it's time to get cracking on some projects. First up is reworking the Ant and the Cricket fable I did last spring. I'm doing it in my own style this time but I'm keeping the Hippie theme alive.

Alongside of that project I will be working on other stand alone portfolio pieces, some emerging story ideas, and a painting series that I have been wanting to do for a few years now.

Let the drawing begin!

I'm Back!

2009-07-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

My apologies for not having blogged for the last few weeks. Yesterday I returned from a 2 and a half week trip to Israel. It was an unbelievable experience! I'm still processing everything I saw and did. It's going to take me awhile to sort through everything going on inside of me, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and artistically. Since this is an art blog, I will try to focus more on the artistic part, however it all connects and overlaps, so I will probably have to include a little of everything. Artistically, it was a difficult and frustrating trip because there really wasn't a lot of time to draw or even sketch because we were constantly busy. However, I did take loads of pictures and was very inspired by the landscape and sites I saw. Hopefully I will keep the inspiration and pull some ideas from my experiences there.

In the mean time, I have lots to do, including sending out my first batch of postcards! Hopefully I will have some ideas from the trip sketched out soon, and some finished drawings of sketches done before I left. In the mean time, enjoy some of the sites I saw in Israel!

Hey, that's me in front of the Dome of the Rock! We were asked to cover our heads when entering the site.

The West Wall/Wailing Wall. There were maybe ten Bar Mitzvahs going on while we were there.

In the Garden of Gethsemane. I love the olive trees there. This was one of my favorite places.

Visiting a Palestinian refugee camp and the wall that was built around it. It was very heart breaking to see.

The Jordan River. I had the opportunity to be baptized in the river. A wonderful experience!

The Sea of Galilee (which is actually a lake!) We got to swim in it as well as ride in a boat on it. Also, one of my favorite places.

Mountain Man Sketch

2009-07-08T17:19:00.001-07:00

There was an Old Man with a beard,
Who said, 'It is just as I feared!
Two Owls and a Hen,
Four Larks and a Wren,
Have all built their nests in my beard!
-Edward Lear

Here's another sketch of an idea for a new portfolio piece. It was inspired by a limerick I read by Edward Lear, an English artist, illustrator, author, and poet, known for his literary nonsense, in poetry and prose, and especially his limericks, a form that he popularised. I could read them all day!

The illustration will have a little more scenery in the background (mountains, because he's a mountain man!) but it'll be more of a character study than a full illustration. I'm thinking about doing this one in charcoal so I can have some black and white drawings in my portfolio, but I might do a color version and a charcoal version if I really like it!

UPDATE: See the Final version here!

Pearl Diver Sketches

2009-07-06T22:30:00.001-07:00

I've been thinking about some new pieces to put in my portfolio to add some variety and to make sure I'm covering all my bases. I've noticed I need more pieces showing action, children (I seem to do a lot of animals...at least lately), and maybe some humor. So I've decided to revisit an old illustration (below) from my digital illustration class that I think can be improved. I've grown a lot since then and being able to do it traditionally will help. So here's an initial sketch, value study, and color study of the revised version. Something I need to work on is the environment. It's not very unique or interesting yet, but it's still just a sketch!

Redesigned Website!

2009-07-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my website and it is now up for all to view! Take a look, enjoy, give suggestions for improvement, and let me know of any problems you see. Lauren Gallegos

So, business cards have been ordered, website is done, next on the list is to order postcards!

Old Sketches

2009-06-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

I was looking through my old sketchbooks seeing if I could pull some ideas out of them for new projects and I thought I'd scan a few random sketches to post. Some are really old, some not so old.

Recent Design Projects

2009-06-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

Here are a few design projects I have recently completed between working on my website and many other projects.An invitation, table card, and program for an 8th grade Banquet that had a summer garden theme.Two versions of an invitation to a Fondue Dinner. One is formal, but on the fun/casual side. The other is more formal.

I've been working on a few other design projects, one of which is my good friend's wedding invitation! However, that is still in the making. I'm excited to work on that one!

Website In Progress

2009-06-11T01:12:00.001-07:00

I have started redesigning my website and I think it's going to take me alittle longer than I expected. I bought Dreamweaver so I can make a better website, but having never used the program before, it is going to take awhile to learn! There are a lot of things about making websites that I don't know, so I've been watching hours of tutorials to learn everything I can. It's a good thing I have a somewhat simple website! Nevertheless, it will be awhile until it's done and up. But I'm excited to get it done, so hopefully it wont be too long. Until then, here is alittle drawing to enjoy. You might recognize the little owlet. I did a sketch of him awhile ago, and thought I'd color him. He will be making an appearance on my website, so keep an eye out!

Mall Sketches

2009-05-28T19:56:00.000-07:00

I went to the mall today to sketch for awhile with a friend. I haven't done that in over a year! I think I have grown a lot since then. Here are some sketches of people I saw...and a mannequin.

Now that school is done and I have a lot more free time on my hands, hopefully I will be able to do this more. It is good to practice drawing from life and I realized I haven't drawn people pretty much all semester, so I should get back into that!

My goal is to do a page in my sketch book everyday. Let's see how it goes.

Moto's Tent

2009-05-16T15:42:00.000-07:00

HOT OFF THE PRESS!...I mean scanner....I mean...you know what I mean. I just finished my LAST drawing for my book dummy! Now I just have a few more sketches to finish and then bind my book somehow. Just a few days left!!....back to work!!

Magnificent Moto

2009-05-12T19:30:00.000-07:00

3 finished drawings down, one to go! I think I surprised myself with this drawing with the amount of color I used, especially in my shadows. I usually have flat, dull shadows, but I think I did alright with them on this one. I think I should focus more on that. Also something to work on is not making my darks so dark! I don't know what everyone else thinks, but sometimes I'm afraid my images are too dark. Most children's illustrations are bright and happy and colorful...not that it has to be that way, but I think there is something in that, and I would like to capture that a little more. However, in my own defense, this image is meant to be dramatic so I think dramatic lighting is appropriate. I like dramatic lighting sometimes and I don't want to lose that, but I also don't want dark images that you can't see very well. I need to find a happy medium.

Asani The Lion, Children's Book

2009-05-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

I'm on my way to finishing my children's book dummy! Two more colored drawings, 3 more sketches, and a better draft of the manuscript! I don't really have a title for the book yet but hopefully that will change soon. I like where this book is going, so I really hope I get to do something with it....like PUBLISH it! I am pulling back on my process and trying to make it a little more simple. I didn't make my own background color and texture this time. Instead I bought some pastel paper that is already textured. I also sprayed it with fixative so see if that helps. I'm still trying to figure out how to stop my drawings from fading after a few days!
School is almost done. About a week and a half and it'll be all over. I've briefly thought about Grad school, but if that's what I decide, it wont be right away. I need to try the "real" world for awhile. I don't want to stay in my safe little cocoon, I like to call school, out of fear. I have to be brave and jump into the world and see what happens because things aren't always as scary as they seem. I'm ready for an adventure, and what better adventure to go on, than life?

Gloria The Ostrich

2009-04-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

Here is a sketch for one of the characters in my next children's book. Gloria is a performer in the circus, and her special talent is Hula-Hooping while riding a unicycle! It's pretty amazing! She also has a thing for feet and only speaks in idioms. Her favorite phrase is to "always put your best foot forward" (her best foot is her right foot). I'm in the final weeks of school and there is still a lot to be done to finish my book....so why am I spending my time posting something instead of drawing?....that's a great question!!

Last Train to Nibroc

2009-04-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I had the opportunity to do a special project for a friend. For her senior project at Vanguard, she and a fellow schoolmate are putting on a production of "Last Train to Nibroc" (in which she will be performing!). This is going to be a great show and I can't wait to see it! She asked me to do a cover illustration for the programs, so here it is! It was a privilege working with her and I'm always ready to put our heads together to come up with some great ideas!

For this project I whipped out my oil paints (haven't touched them since last summer!) and was finished in about 2-3 hours. The only experience with oils I've had was a figure painting class, so it was fun doing a landscape. I definitely want to get better at oils!

Come see the show if you are interested! I will be attending, without a doubt!

Thursday, April, 30th, 7:00pm
Lyceum Theatre at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=83291217168

The Ant and the Cricket

2009-04-10T16:50:00.000-07:00

I'm in the final stages of making my mini book on one of Aesop's Fables, "The Ant and the Cricket". This was a black and white project, which I haven't done much of, so it was definitely a challenge for me. I was trying a flatter approach with a different style than I'm used to. I'm not sure if it's going to be my style of choice, but I do want to try it more and get better at inking! (Photoshop was my good friend for this project.) If you are unfamiliar with the Fable you can read it yourself! For my book I used a different version of the story, in poem form, and actually changed a few parts and added the beginning so it would work better with the flow of the book. I think my favorite part is the hippie cricket character! I think I will play with him more and see what happens!

A silly young cricket, accustomed to sing 
Through the warm, sunny months of gay summer and spring, 
Called to the hard-working ants to join in his fun,
As they gathered their grain in the hot summer sun.
“There's no time to rest,” the ants all said.
“Winter is coming and our family must be fed.”

The cricket just laughed and sang a new song,
But soon the weather grew cold and, surely, before long,
His antenna became stiff an his toes felt numb.
The snow was falling and winter was come. 
Not a crumb to be found 
On the snow-covered ground; 
Not a flower could he see, 
Not a leaf on a tree.
“Oh, what will become,” says the cricket, “of me?” 

At last by starvation and famine made bold,
 All dripping with wet and all trembling with cold, 
Away he set off to a miserly ant
 To see if, to keep him alive, he would grant 
Him shelter from rain. 
A mouthful of grain 
He wished only to borrow, 
He’d repay it to-morrow; 
If not helped, he must die of starvation and sorrow.

Says the ant to the cricket: “I’m your servant and friend, 
But we ants never borrow, we ants never lend. 
Pray tell me, dear sir, did you lay nothing by 
When the weather was warm?” Said the cricket, “Not I.
 My heart was so light 
That I sang day and night, 
For all nature looked gay.” 
“You sang, sir, you say? 
Go then,” said the ant, “and sing winter away.”
Thus ending, he hastily lifted the wicket 
And out of the door turned the poor little cricket. 

Upon hearing this story, one might conclude: 
If you live without work, you must live without  food.

Here are a few of the images in my book.

The Mice of Cobblestone Lane

2009-03-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

Here is an illustration for the story I'm working on with my friend (Same story that the character sketches below are for). Something I need to work on and experiment with it my process of the medium I use. At first, the colored pencil goes on real nice and vibrant but after a few days the whole thing gets kind of faded and it loses it's vibrancy. I think there might be some kind of chemical reaction going on between the paint and the colored pencil....or something...I'm not really sure. I have tried a matte finish to put over, but that didn't really work. I will have to try and experiment with a few more things so my drawings will be preserved well!

Character Sketches

2009-03-20T17:09:00.000-07:00

While I wait for the paint to dry on my next project I guess I could post something. Here are some character designs for a new project I'm working on with a friend. It has kind of been put on hold for awhile, but I'm still very excited to finish it at some point. Hmm...I think the paint is dry! Back to work! Enjoy!

Jack and the Beanstalk

2009-03-07T11:19:00.000-08:00

Here is an illustration for Jack and the Beanstalk. I wasn't too excited about this assignment at first but I think it is something I could use for my porfolio. I'm pretty satisfied with it! More than I thought I would.

My thumbnail sketch. Just getting the idea down on paper.My first sketch with some value, still working out the narrative.My final sketch/line drawing, ready for for the final drawing.Final illustration! For this project I was trying to focus more on controlling my application of the color. I didn't want everything to be really saturated, which I tend to do a lot.I am also working on improving my values so the focal point is clear. So here is a grayscale I made in Photoshop to check my values. Could use some adjusting in some areas. But that's ok!

Pop-Up

2009-02-16T20:20:00.000-08:00

I got to make my own pop-up spread for my children's book class! I assemble them all the time at work, but I have never designed my own from beginning to end. It was very educational and I respect people who make intricate pop-ups because even the most simple things can be complicated. The project was to do an alphabet pop-up (my letter was "I") about a boy who does different magic tricks, sometimes they go wrong and sometimes they work, and they get more and more extravagant as you go through the alphabet.

So I started with a sketch...
Then I did a mock-up of the spread to get the mechanics right and make sure it opened and closed without catching on itself or ripping. (Definitely not as easy as it sounds!!) I used a heavy card stock paper so it would hold up. Regular paper is too flimsy.
Finally, I did all the final drawings, painted the background and each of the pieces of the pop-up, scanned them into the computer, printed them on thick paper, and assembled everything! This was the first time I used just acrylic paint for a project. I kind of like it, I think I will do more with it. The photo certainly doesn't have the same effect as the actual pop-up...it just doesn't "jump out at you" like the real thing...who knew!?...I'm pretty satisfied with the finished product. A few things didn't turn out the way I expected, but that's ok! It was still fun!

Writer's Block

2009-02-06T17:33:00.001-08:00

I need to get off my block and write some stories! I suppose it's just like artist's block, but I feel more confident getting off my artist's block because I'm an artist! I know it will pay off...with writer's block I don't have as much motivation to get past the block because I'm not a great writer. Sometimes I like just hanging out on my writers block...

Learning Something New Every Day

2009-01-05T20:27:00.000-08:00

The time I have spent in college has been more helpful to me than I can even imagine. But I hope some day I will realize it completely. I have one more semester of school and I don't want it to end. I love learning and practicing art in a school setting. I love learning methods, techniques, and concepts from professors that I trust and admire. However, once school ends, that is not the end of my learning. I should look at it as a chance to take everything I have learned in school, and use it!...and then learn something from that. School is not necessary to learn about art or to do it well....a passion in your heart, a desire to know more and understand, and an eagerness and drive to explore and discover new things is what is necessary. Besides, even when school is done, and I have my degree....that doesn't mean I can't take art classes for fun! In fact, that is my plan! So....I will stop worrying about leaving school and just think of it as a chance to learn something new.

Today I realized how much I have learned in school as I have studied art. I did a little sketch of an owl just the other day and remembered another owl sketch I did awhile back...a little over a year, actually. There is quite a difference! But certainly, there is still much to learn and room to grow!