more pattern fun

Another patttern to show you. Making patterns is very satisfying, because they can be done in a relatively short period of time and you get to use fun colors and elements to make them. This one has a nice soft color palette - a bit more sophisticated then the last one I posted.

The problem I always have when making something like this, either digital or in my fine art work, is what to call them when I'm done. A name like 'purple leaf vines' is Ok, but then it's kind of boring and uninspired. Sometimes I name my fine art pieces after something that I am reminded of when I look at the piece. Like 'Nevada' or 'Good and Plenty'. Sometimes I use an emotion like 'Happiness' or I choose a color and add an adjective - like 'Very Cherry'.

But this little digi piece has no name. I'm stumped. Any great ideas, my blogging buddies? I'd love to hear from you!

IF - propagate

For Illustration Friday this week - I had to look this word up in the online dictionary. Propagate! Not a word I hear used much. I mean, I kind of, sort of, knew what it meant. Kuddos to IF, for challenging us creatively, and improving our vocabulary, too! Any-hooo, it means to multiply, breed or spread, so I thought with the spring-like weather we have been having here in the NW (sorry to rub it in, all you snow-bound Mid Westerners!) I would do a flower pattern.

I really enjoyed making this fun, colorful pattern. Could you see this on a journal or notebook cover? Yes, indeed! It would be sooooo yummy!

IF - adrift

For Illustration Friday this week - Cat and Dog, adrift in a canoe. Of course, Dog is doing all the paddling and Cat is taking it easy.

That's just the way it is, with cats and dogs. Ah, how I wish to be adrift in a canoe, with no cares in the world. Sigh. I often say, I wish I was a cat. Napping all day in the sun. What a life.

animal alphabet

Here are the first 2 images in an animal alphabet series I'm starting. I know, I know, it's been done before, over and over done before. But, what children's illustrator doesn't want to do a animal alphabet? I mean, it just goes with the job description. Am I right? When I get them done, they will be available for licensing.

IF - muddy

For Illustration Friday this week - Pigs are way cuter in illustrations then they are in real life, don't ya think? This one's a character from the book I've been working on. I don't want to show too much of what I've been doing, since I hope to find a publisher for it, but I think revealing just one character will be OK. I sure hope so. It's not a spread from the book, just the pig and the barn.

In today's world of blogging and portfolio websites, it's hard to know what's off limits. I've seen a few blogs where an illustrator shows the whole process of a book they are working on, from start to finish, so it must be OK with the publisher, or they wouldn't be doing it. I guess it just depends on the publisher. You know, the one I don't have yet.