Sunday, April 24, 2016

Sunday Sketches: Exploring the Magic of Illustrating


A few weeks ago, I had mentioned about taking some online classes to improve my illustration techniques. The results have been amazing and has been building my confidence more and more as a children's illustrator. Who could ask for more?!

Each class is compiled of several, lengthy lessons and have been well worth the time spent exploring the magical world of illustrating. From understanding basic anatomy and movement to facial features/expressions, it's been super fun! I'm also enjoying using my blue pencil to place ideas down and then fine-tuning with my mechanical pencil afterwards, (as you can see above).

It's been a lovely Spring weekend thus far. Tonight, we're cozied up on the sofa with the windows open, smelling the fresh rain tumbling to the ground. It's incredibly beautiful here this time of year and we're so thankful for where we live. I've a folder filled with more photos and hope to share them later on in the week. Until then, happy Spring and happy Sunday Sketches!

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28 comments

  1. What a coincidence, I have a work in progress in muy post today as well ��. I've been doing a lot of illustration sketching, people and poses lately, too, it is such fun, never the same and never boring. So far I have been utilizing YouTube and books, but maybe I'll take some online classes.
    Your sketched faces already look super cool. Enjoy your Sunday!

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    1. It is a lot of fun sketching to just well, sketch and learn. It's nice to take a day or two off to simply just "play" and learn. Hope you're having a good week. :)

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  2. Nice sketches, you are learning a lot!

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  3. Love to see your face sketches! They look so pretty. I'm always at awe with people who can develop their own characters.

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    1. Awww...thank you. Still trying to fine-tune my characters. :D

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  4. Your illustration drawing looks fun. I can just see a girl reading on the left, she looks interesting too.
    Have a great Sunday, whether sketching or doing other things.

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    1. Thank you very, very much! Hope you're having a lovely week. :)

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  5. I think we should never stop learning to improve our skills and stretch our selves,, you are such an inspiration!

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    1. I totally agree, Laurie. Sometimes, it's just getting past the mindset that it is "OK" to keep learning, wherever we're at in our career. :)

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  6. I really enjoy seeing how artists such as you and Michael practice your skills - and then wow us lesser creative souls (sadly I can't draw much at all) with your beautiful finished illustrations!

    Cassie still awaiting baby boy - we are getting anxious as only great grandparents can!!!
    Glad you are enjoying your weekend - our weather is perfect right now, no humidity and no mosquitoes YET!

    Hugs to you both - Mary

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    1. Awww...thanks so much, Mary. I appreciate you popping in and your lovely comments/compliments. Looking forward to hearing the good news about Cassie and the baby boy! xx

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  7. Your sketches are amazing! I will have to check out this online class. I took a few last year and got a bit overwhelmed. This one looks like a winner though!

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    1. They can be overwhelming at times. I'm learning to just do a little bit at a time, so I can truly soak things in and NOT get overwhelmed. :)

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  8. I love that you are doing some online classes. Never have I been so aware of so many to choose from!! again, I say that you could be teaching one of them yourself... I know you are enjoying them and finding the time to finish is quite an accomplishment!! have a great new week!!!

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    1. The classes are super fun, Jane. And thank you for your lovely compliment. Maybe one day, I'll teach more art-type classes like these. hee :)

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  9. Wow, the facial expressions and body drawing exercises look both rewarding and practical! This is a beautiful time of year, isn't it. Glad you have time and place to take it all in.

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    1. Awww...thanks so much! Hope you're doing well. :)

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  10. Oh these are wonderful! The faces are so much fun!

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    1. Thanks so much, Lisa! It's been fun and I'm learning that practice means taking more time out to really study and learn. Sometimes, that can be frustrating. lol :)

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  11. Well done! Looks amazing what you are learning and building on! Big Hugs and Happy Spring!

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    1. Ahhhh, well thank you! And yes, happy Spring to you as well! :)
      xx

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  12. I enjoyed seeing the bones of your drawings.

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  13. The expressions on your characters are marvelous. In my mind, we should never stop learning and exploring new things. Blessings!

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  14. So inspiring to see these character "foundation" sketches. . . I am just starting to explore creating my own illustrations for my fantasy stories and the such and, while I have drawn for years, it feels incapacitating to tackle a new territory where consistency and character play a far more important role. . . Thank you for sharing!

    nicolas

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    1. Awww...well, don't allow it to intimidate you, Nicolas. We all grow in various ways in our lives. Although I'm the first to tell you (and others in my classes) to not focus on being perfect, I do love learning/exploring. Best wishes on creating your own illustrations. Thank you for visiting and hope to see you more. :)

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