New Space

Summer is approaching and and many things are happening at once. I will be moving into a new studio space which is very exciting. It will be in a very charming building where I will be working most of my time. New details will be updated on my website in the near future.
There will also be a pantomime during December with sets that I had the opportunity to design. The production is 'Red Riding Hood' from the Adelphi Players. I also have a little part in it as Bo Peep. Pictures of the production will be up as soon as the show starts!

Bologna 2009

My Bologna Children book Fair 2009 submissions: Nana's Secret

9x5 Take 2

I was about to submit when I was emailed the theme for this year...
It happens I guess :) The Theme 'The Rat Year'.
My Entry:

9x5

This was submitted to Illustrators Australia for the 9x5 exhibition.
It is cat, a toy cat built from scraps here and there :)

St Kilda Festival Comp

My Entries for the St Kilda Festival Art Competition. Starting off with the concept, then painting, and the final touch with digital enhancement.

Life Drawing Part 2

My Life drawings from Friday. This one was a very special one. We had the chance to draw a pregnant woman.

Arabian Nights

I am a sucker fairy tales and the stories from The Arabian Nights. I've always wanted to illustrate from the Arabian Nights and I've finally started somewhere.

These are my first two.

My monster collection

This is my Knobby Knee Monsters series. I ended the series with all knobby Knee Monster's friends and other monsters.

Life Drawing

I have been getting back to life drawing for the last 3 weeks.
Here are a couple drawing done last Friday.

Shortlisted

Rob and I have been shortlisted for Create Awards 08 (Desktop Magazine)for Original Illustration.


This is mine from the 'Tail Transplant Tale'.




And this is Robs 'Aspergers' illustration and 'Raven' illustration.

Vietnam project

This was one of our first projects to take place overseas.
With Mind Gallery we were able to make this wonderful piece with the great people of KPMG.
My husband, Rob, and I came up with using the Vietnamese dress and patterns.
Then I came up with the overall design combining it with mosaic feel that Rob came up with.



But this is what happened when the people of KPMG and all the artist who were there to help combined forces!



I definitely had a lot of fun with this one!

TRIP TO VIETNAM

It's been so hectic that I have neglected my blog :( But out of the busy time my partner and I are getting a chance to go to Vietnam to work for a day and tour for 8 days. This will be a great opportunity to draw and learn a different culture. I am looking forward to it greatly! Plus, I love the food :) Yummmmm

CBCA Conference

I went to the CBCA conference this year! It was great meet Shaun Tan and Neil Gaiman in person. Though it was a very brief encounter because we were getting our books signed and there were so many people. I was very nervous to even getting my book sign and it was just one of those times when I couldn't think of anything to say. All I managed was "that's so cool". mmmm..... Wish I had come up with something... Other than that all was great. There was a publishers expo held outside of the conference and I was able to go around and introduce myself. I was also lucky enough to meet editors who gave me insight on what they look for in an illustrator and always seek new talent. It's great practice and opportunity to go these places and grasp that chance. Even if I don't get anything out of it this time the more I do it the more chance I have next time.
Here are a few quick shots I managed to take.

Knobby Knee Monster

My Knobby Knee Monster series is coming to an end... I have a very deep connection with this monster because I also have knobby knees.
There was a lot of pink fur in this collection. Where ever I looked there was fur to be done.
Here are a few finished pieces.

My Proccess - Traditional Illustration

This is a recent project I am still working on.

First of all I start off by making thumbnails of compositions. When I am happy I make the full scale drawing and finalize it by inking it in. This is so that I will always have something to go back to with out having it fade away. I've had bad experiences with smudged drawings...
I usually use tracing paper to transfer the drawing on to the good stock. There are other ways such as using a light box.




Next I lay down the mid colors. Then I go darkter and light for last.











I finish the illustration and scan it into the computer and adjust the colors if needed.
And voila, we've got an illustration.

There's always a first

Yes, there is always a first and this is my first entry to my first blog! About time I got around to doing this...

I am an illustrator and I will be posting my progress, discovery, and a whole lot of other things I can't think of at the moment.

On the left is my image of a cat. I used to have a cat by the name of Cruiser and everyday no matter what time of the day as soon as we walked through that front door he is always there to greet us.