Posts Tagged ‘picture book illustration’

It Feels A Lot Like Wrestling…

Filed under: Illustration,Shanda's Journey | August 30, 2013

…to write a story, create the best character in words (and then in art),

…then tweak the story, tweak the character (words and art),

…..then tweak the story, the character, question your purpose in writing… or life for that matter, etc. (repeat until you need therapy).

AND THEN ADD in drawing a character CONSISTENTLY!? I’m telling you- writing/illustrating picture books is so hard. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Here are 3 out of 6 views I’m trying to make of Charlie. There’s a 4th in there, but I’m undecided if that one looks similar enough. She started off very young and sweet in my earlier sketches on this blog, but the more I work on my story, hear feedback, and draw, this is who she has become- I hope I’ve made the right choices  :)

charlie_gazing_atdoll
charlie_hugging_doll
charlie_happy_withdoll
charlie_mad
Some of you told me that you enjoyed seeing the sketches before they were colored so here you go…

sketches3

Illustration Friday: Robot!

Filed under: Illustration,Sketchbook | July 23, 2013

robot_book_character by Shanda McCloskey

This one has a little bit of digital details, but I’m not sure I like the color and contrast as much as the originals below.

photo 1
photo 2
photo 4

 

I love this one the most. I like the high contrast, and simplicity in the hair. These were brightened(exposure) on my iphone Photoshop app. Somewhere here is where I want to be.

-Shanda

 

Digital Painting Progress & A New Sketch

Filed under: Illustration,Shanda's Journey,Sketchbook | July 6, 2013

Gabby's Hair by Shanda McCloskey

So far, I am enjoying this process. The ability to take more risks with colors, strokes, and lines (because it is easily reversed if I don’t like the result) is priceless. It’s pretty freeing and liberating. I am so glad I decided to try this new digital territory. I feel like it’s going to be important in my journey to publication.

This morning I had the luxury of a quiet morning alone with a cup of coffee and my current favorite music :) I know I need to draw every day if I possibly can, even if just for a quick few minutes. So, I camped out in my yard and drew my neighbor’s house across the street. A single dad lives there. It is too cute that he hangs a wreath on his front door! 

 

Burt's House by Shanda McCloskey

Loosening Up To A Little PINK…

Filed under: Illustration,On My Mind,Shanda's Journey,Sketchbook | April 27, 2013

Miss Featherbottom Sings by Shanda McCloskey“Just give me a reason
Just a little bit’s enough
Just a second we’re not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again
It’s in the stars
It’s been written in the scars on our hearts
That we’re not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again”

 

Miss Featherbottom Not So Sure by Shanda McCloskey

Getting To Know A New Friend…

Filed under: Illustration,Shanda's Journey,Sketchbook | April 17, 2013

Shanda McCloskey Illustration

I’m not sure if we could be great friends, but I want to get to know her better! She seems interesting, artsy, kind, considerate, and curious. I think she wonders about her future, her purpose, how to use her talents. We have so much in common!

Shanda McCloskey Illustration

Today, we met for coffee.
Tomorrow, who knows?!

Shanda McCloskey Illustration

 

 

 

Ruta Scared by Shanda McCloskey

 

 

 

Ruta Sweet by Shanda McCloskey

I like her.
I hope she likes me too.

-Shanda

Shanda McCloskey, Children's Illustrator & Author