Sunday, April 02, 2017

Sunday Sketches (Miss Lilly's Home)

Well, it's finally finished! Can you believe it's taken me 6 weeks from start to finish?! I'm sure it's because I've been hesitant to start the floor and ceiling. I wasn't quite sure which direction to go so I decided to reach out to my Instagram (IG) followers and got some pretty amazing feedback.

The following images share my little process along the way. As you can see from the last image (where I began) I started with sketching out my idea on tracing paper. Once it's finalized, it's then transferred to my favorite watercolor blocks (Fluid) and I start painting.

You'll notice my final painting is a wee bit different from my beginning sketch - and that's OK! This is the very thing I love about illustrating...the ability to let one's heart go and see where it all ends up when you're done.

How about you? Do you allow yourself the freedom to simply sketch and paint? Or do you place unnecessary restrictions upon yourself that by the time you're done, any joy you had in creating the piece has been smothered or diminished? I'd really like to hear any thoughts you might have on your process of making art. Happy Sunday Sketches!

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19 comments

  1. Absolutely beautiful with all the lovely details! I do tend to pre-plan my pieces, it's a good idea to let go a bit.

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  2. wow, that´s a cozy place. I would not mind living there. A great one!
    thanks for hosting.

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  3. Yes I usually just sketch the illustration lightly with pencil on the paper and then let the paint go it's own merry way until it is finished. Love your little rabbit illustration.

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  4. Another cozy home my childhood self would have sighed over. It's wonderful.

    Unless I am sitting in front of what I am sketching, then I just let my pencil and my imagination go where they want to go.

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  5. I agree with you and the previous commenters. I usually start with pencil (got to try tracing paper...) and then see where the color leads me.
    Sweet piece!

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  6. Its a darling interior that you painted for the rabbit family. Its a beautiful sketch.
    Yvonne xx

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  7. So beautifully thought out and illustrated...magical!!! I want to live there :) I love its gorgeous storybook feeling of my childhood...Beatrix Potter art for sure~
    I have now joined Sunday Sketches and I am looking forward to being among more great art from so many talented artist!

    Jan

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  8. So true about letting your heart go where it wants when doing art. I think the only time I have restrictions upon myself is with a commission. Otherwise, my creativity roams unleashed:)

    Congratulations on finishing this beautiful bunny hearth illustration! And thanks for sharing your process.

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  9. I do struggle when I create ... I am not visually gifted like you obviously are and it is hard for me to create with my hands what I see with my eyes. I do attempt it, but am rarely satisfied with the result. That is why I end up doing digital art because I, at least, start out with something I can be happy with. Art is in my blood ... my mother, sister and even my father seemed to have the talent, but I have never been able to make it work for me :) You asked ... I'm just answering honestly.

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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  10. Oh how charming this is! I love the little bunny in her home. I tend to try and stick to a plan, but sometimes things change along the way...

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  11. Congratulations on finishing this lovely illustration ~ set for a wonderful story ~ thanks

    Wishing you a Happy Week ahead ~ ^_^

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  12. Hi Alexandra, Sorry it's been a while! What a gorgeous little painting, the floor and ceiling look perfect, they really give the impression of being inside a tree :) In answer to your question, I find it very hard to just let go and paint, although when I do (as I've touched on in my latest blog post) I find I love the results, and the process! x

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  13. Alexandra ~ I think you and Beatrix Potter were cut from the same cloth. You just give each of your creation such a warm and cozy feeling. I would move in there in a flash. Love your work. Your heart shows through in every painting. Hugs.

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  14. I love all the interesting details that tell the story. Blessings!

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  15. freedom when doing my own stuff, but with uni stuff we have to follow guidelines, we can obvs put or own spin o things but we still have to meet some goals :)

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  16. Absolutely beautiful.
    The colours and detail wonderful.

    All the best Jan

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  17. Love, Love, Love and I love your button ring too! I let my creativity flow! No restrictions! Big Hugs!

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  18. I've just finished reading "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" and this illustration would fit right in with the world of the little mice and rats and woodland creatures. It's so lovely!

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