Sketch Progress for New Book Project

Back in September (that was a long time ago!) I started on a new book project, now titled Dimplemeyer's Design, that was put aside for awhile during the holidays so I could finish some other projects with more strict deadlines. Fortunately for me, the author of this book was gracious enough to allow me to take a break. Now I'm back on the project working on the final sketches before I start painting. Here's the evolution of one of the sketches from thumbnail to (almost) final sketch. I will be posting a few more in the next few weeks.

Thumbnail sketch just to get the gist of the narrative and idea.

Slightly more developed sketch with atmosphere and detail in the character. The stereotypical gesture of the character isn't doing it for me. But sometimes you just need to get it out of your system. That's what sketches are for.

Setting the composition. Still not satisfied with the character's actions...

Tight, detailed sketch fixing a lot of problems with proportion, composition, narrative, etc. Now the character is holding a dying flower which recalls an earlier event and also holds some symbolism in the story. (Hurray for symbolism!)

That's as far as I've gotten so far on this sketch. Next is to add value/lighting, and color before I can move on to the final painting. I'll need to finish all the sketches before I can do any painting, so that wont be for awhile. Plus I will be taking a month off to backpack through Europe with my husband (WOOHOO!) so that will put a hold on things even more. This book WILL be finished this fall (I'm determined!) and hopefully published shortly after. But we'll see how things play out. More to come!

Vulture Verses

After a full month of nothing but painting, designing, and lots of tea and coffee, Vulture Verses is done and ready to print! WEEE!! Actually, there is still time for small edits before it goes to print, but the bulk of the work is done. I'm really excited to see it all done and in book form. Unfortunately, it doesn't come out until September, but that's ok. I'll just have to be patient I guess. There are a bunch of fun events planned to kick off the release of the book. I hope I'll be available to be involved! The biggest learning experience for me during this project was definitely the printing process and preparing for it. But that just helps me to know better for next time....and I believe there are thoughts and rumors of a second Vulture Verses book after this. Fingers are crossed!

Here are a few of my favorites from the book. There are plenty more to love if  you get the book! Let's love our unloved animal friends!

Project Sketches

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!

Gloria The Ostrich

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!!

Character Sketches

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!