Outline

I've been thinking recently it might be interesting to use dioramas as a visual reference for painting. I've always preferred to paint and draw directly from a 3D object rather that using 2D reference materials and photographs. I remember hearing that Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665) constructed elaborate 'maquettes' (small figurines which he would dress and drape in cloth) which he would arrange in a tableau. This allowed him to experiment with lighting and positioning of his figures, helpful in the construction of a painting.

Anyway, I decided to start by tracing this image in Photoshop (any excuse to practice using my Wacom tablet.. it still feels a little unnatural). I've printed it onto watercolour paper, and we'll see where it goes from here. Just trying something new to see where it takes me.

Underwater Composite

I've finished the composite! Well, I might tinker with it a little more later... but for now I am finished. Thank goodness for my Wacom tablet, erasing around all of those little fish would have been difficult using a mouse. I'm pleased with the way it turned out.  The plan is to use this image as reference for painting a backdrop for the final illustration.

Photoshop Assignment

For our first assignment in Photoshop 1 at RISD (as part of the Children's Book Illustration CE program) we have to create a basic composite of 8 images. The goal is to practice using eraser tools, as well as layering, resizing of images and so on.

It's pretty basic stuff to start with, but the class moves at a good pace and I think I'll benefit enormously from it, especially as I am working predominantly with photography these days.

Anyway, here is the foundation image I am going to use in my composite. It is a diorama I have created as part of my 'Flora Bunnigan's Adventurebox' children's book project.

Creating miniatures for new range of Teeny Tiny People greeting cards

For the last month or so, I have been developing a whole range of new designs to add to my existing collection of Teeny Tiny People greeting cards. At the moment, I am juggling about 45 designs.

Here are the designs currently in publication by Brainbox Candy UK
http://www.brainboxcandygallery.com/page53.htm
http://www.brainboxcandygallery.com/PAGE40.HTM

For this new collection, I am specifically honing in on occasions (birthdays, x-mas, valentines etc.) which I have previously neglected to do. I am really, REALLY excited to be working on these and I hope that they are received well.

Here are some miniatures in progress

Tiny paper stacks: these will be used in both a 'Good Luck with your exams' card, as well as a new job scene I have planned

Gluing in the tiny books!

Hurrah, all done. Pretty pleased with the way these turned out.

Little tttttiiinnyy Christmas cards to put on the mantle

Paper chains to decorate a scene

I am blogging!

Hello world!

I have finally decided to enter the 21st Century and start a blog. I'm not entirely sure yet whether this will remain for my eyes only. I suppose the ultimate goal is to share, and to use the blog to somehow further my illustration career but for now I intend to use this as a goal setting tool, a way of monitoring my progress on projects etc.

We shall see where this takes me, and who knows.. in a few months time I might be tweeting.