Gretel's Revenge...

Gruesome!

Hansel and Gretel

Here is my piece, it's from the scence where they find the house and the witch. Here it is in a book layout.



I had a lot of fun with this piece and still have a few kinks to fix. Can anyone tell the common theme I tried to run throughout the piece?

The part where its really scary and they're in the woods...

Michelle's Hansel and Gretel

Hi Guys....Here's my version of Hansel and Gretel. Hope you like it! Happy Halloween!

Dee's Hansel and Gretel

Here are my entries to this month's challenge. Frankly, I started off a lot more excited about them than I am now. (Call it a crisis of craft.) I had intended to post these with the text on the page, but that end up a huge mess. I'm sure you can imagine all of the blank spaces on the pages being filled with the text that starts: " It was mid-day when they spotted a beautiful snow-white bird..."

The amazing Courtney

Courtney was one of the first art bloggers I remember finding online and part of the reason I wanted to start art blogging myself. I was sure she was a seasoned pro with a line of greeting cards or stack of published books under her belt. Her art looked that good.


The thing that impresses me most about her work is how original it is. One glance and you know it's Courtney and there is nothing out there like it. I think that is a very rare find to be that pure. It comes from deep within her.


There is always emotion behind her characters and most often it's humor. She's damn funny.


I should scan this one below for her because I think it belongs in her portfolio too. It's mine all mine and perfectly Courtney. I'm very honored to have gotten to know this talented girl and I'm looking forward to the day when she takes over the world. It will happen and she totally deserves it. I will be first in line to buy anything she puts out there.


And this one miss Courtney...I'm so in love with that bear (I want him as a stuffie). I want to see how you attack it. You paint your Belinda and the Bear and I'll tackle my Pagent Sea Fox?

Ode to Leeza

These two latest works of Leeza are my favorite ones - especially the Rapunzel one! I love the modern, quirky look, the texture, the attitude, the combination of traditional methods with a totally new take on them. Super work Leezy!


This banner here shows the same qualities, and I love how Leeza uses the lines in combination with the rough texture. Plus her contents are just too funny :-)


This is a previous work I found on Leeza's blog, and it's more on the traditional side... but CUTE too! :-)


This also older artwork from Leeza caught my attention (and liking!) for it's simplicity. I love just plain backgrounds, and a "simplistic" communication without much perspective etc. Nicely done! Also splendid warm colors.


Really nice style. The whimsical combination of the simplistic, dreamy lines with the rough texture of the background is wonderful. Very cool as well is that Leezy didn't fill in everything! It really adds to the image, I'm glad you stopped there Leezy!

Sketchers

I had to laugh as I finished reading Johanna's post regarding sketching, because as much as I love painting and bringing an illustration to fruition, there's something about the process of creating in my sketchbook that just sucks me in.

I would almost rather hold a pencil and feel the smooth pages of my sketchbook under my palm than the strokes of a paintbrush. The scribbling and free flow of lines during the sketching process can be so soothing. (When ideas are flowing, that is!) Often I find that there is a magical quality in my initial sketches that holds my attention more than the painted product, (I'm working really hard to transfer that magic to my final pieces.) and sometimes wish I could use those penciled daydreams as finished art.

As far as the kind of books I prefer, I am a fan of moleskines. I purchased my first one last January as a belated Christmas gift to myself, just to see what all the fuss was about. I'm not sure about others, but for me it's how well the texture and weight of the paper complement the soft drawing pencils I prefer. The "feel" of it was just lovely. I really enjoyed filling the pages, and had planned on purchasing another soon after it was filled. But I decided to be more resourceful and make use of a free travel book I had received from my MINI dealership some time ago. I am currently working hard trying to fill its pages (not in time for me to receive a new moleskine for my birthday or Christmas, but maybe for my anniversary in the spring? Or Mother's Day? Hmmm.) and currently use it as an inspiration log as well as a place to hold doodles. I am a huge fan of lists and I often take advantage of the lines in the book to list ideas I have for stories or details regarding personal art projects I'm working on.

The other new favorite I have is Leeza's think.jot.draw book. I have to say that I wasn't sure how well I'd like it...I mean, how can you compare to a moleskine? However, after deeming it the receptacle for all of our monthly challenges, there is much love to be had: from the perfect size of the pages, to the ease of the spine opening, to the formatting of the book. I have so much love for the t.j.d. sketchbook, I'm thinking of ordering a couple as inspirational gifts for the holidays.

Oh, and just for fun, there's a youtube tour of artist's sketchbooks that's been making the blog rounds. :)

messy sketching..

I admire sketchbooks and sketchers so much. I sketch when I absolutely have to, like when plotting out a dummy, but I don't like it!

I know in my brain, that sketching is crucial for illustrators, and especially important for developing characters and building consistency within a story. So why, why do I despise it so much? I think it's simple..I like paint. I would much rather be holding a paint brush than a pencil, and sometimes it's just hard for me to resist jumping straight into the painty phase.

The surface that I illustrate on is really durable (canvas), so I like to "sketch" and erase on the canvas as I go. I draw with the dip pen and wipe it off with water and sponge until it feels right. Maybe I just like the tactile sensations and the happy accidents that come with this, but sometimes it feels like a weird habit that I just can't break!

My Sketchbook

My sketchbook is just a plain black one. The paper is thin, but is very handy. I got it from www.fineartstore.com a year ago. It's not as great as the real Moleskin sketch book, but good enough for those everyday rough sketches. I am also using Leeza's think.jot.draw too.... :) Thanks Leeza.

Ode To Courtney

I couldn't resist...I just had to post my favorite piece from dear Courtney's portfolio! And just in time for Halloween! You ROCK Courtney!

Six Favorites

I just wanted to share a few of my personal favorites.

Johanna:

Astrid:

Rebecca:

Leeza:

Dee:

Mitch:

Ode to Rebecca

Let the love-fest begin! Behold, the amazing colors and textures and life that Rebecca brings to her work! Admire the lines and thoughtful details! Gaze at the life that is in each stunning piece!



Unfotunately, I couldn't pick just one piece from Rebecca's portfolio. My limbs and brain and guts would not allow it, so many things appealed to me. I chose these first two pieces for their beauty and feeling. I think it is always hard to take risks with line and texture when making an illustration piece, and truly stretch yourself into a place of extreme beauty. That's exactly how I would categorize these first two pieces. EXTREME BEAUTY. I want to eat them for dinner. I want to walk in the park hand in hand. I want to dive in and feel the wintery landscape.



I chose this last piece for it's humor, and it you spend even a moment perusing Rebecca's portfolio, you will find if chocked full of subtle and not-so subtle humor. Dogs sniffing poo is funny, and this piece is no exception. Not only is it funny, it's a beautiful illustration. She has a gift for finding subtle tidbits that everyone can relate to, and bringing warmth, humor, and beauty to them in a way that is entirely, her own. High fives!!

DEElightful Illustrations by Diandra Flores

What I really love most about Dee's work is the variety of line and technique used most in her drawings. Her style is charming and fun while having texture, depth and warmth. Even Dee's paintings have so much charisma - I just cannot get enough of this cute little piece she did. This piggy painting of Dee's is my personal fav!

The characters and composition of Dee's work is what draws me in - just like this Froggie illustration shown below. It's totally perfect for the children's market! It's such a great piece. Great simple lines and bursting with so much personality, humor and wit. I am sure kids of all ages would totally love this!



I love the intriguing ideas and scenarios she creates in all of her work. Dee's illos just oozes with charm and features such sweet and delightful characters. Your work is great Dee and your personality shines through your art. I think that is the best and most important part of being an artist and you certainly and most definitely ROCK!!!

The Happiness of Frizzworld

Oh the beautiful simplicity that is a Frizz illo. Her banner is my current favorite. It gets all of my favorite aspects of her work just right. The simplicity, lines, just enough color and adorably mischevious animals.

Her animals have the most amazing personalities and are so at home in their own skin that you want to invite them over for an adventrous afternoon.

Here is another example:

and another one:

Do you see it folks? The mix of color, line and personality? How she doesn't feel compelled to color in every single thing? (totally unlike moi) How it gives her work such a frisky freshness?

She even does it in her line work:

(I really want to know if this turned into a finished piece, it is just that kind of wonderful)

and her wonderful embroidery! (i will buy a bag, I swear on my paintbrushes)

So, Frizz- if you haven't sent off postcards yet, do it now-you will rock the children illustrating world!

Laying prostrate at the throne of Johanna

Once upon a time there was a young, beauteous, humble girl named...Trebecca.
Trebecca was busy making her way through a chaotic existence on an average Wednesday evening, fraught with baby mucus all over her shoulders, a pile of grading to sift through at her feet, and a pink princess pumpkin-carving birthday party for a 4-year-old to plan.
Alas, Trebecca sat down at her humble iMac (after luring her husband from the computer with ice cream) to find some peace and solitude.
Hark!! At once Trebecca was shaken from her sleepy noddings as she came across something wonderous that washed over her busy brain like a warm, tingling massage. Images of luminous settings, quirky, bendy people, and textures of great complexity filled the room. Like this one:

Trebecca marveled at the dream-like visions created with simple outlines and muted colors. She gasped at the sparkly stars and the warm, glowing light. These pictures reminded Trebecca of a fairy world, lit from within, of nighttime escapades that are both sweet and a bit sinister too. These pictures had an aged, almost antique feeling and had patterns reminiscent of Art Noveau and Islamic tiles...and strange people ringing of Edward Gorey. Trebecca sighed with pleasure, for browsing through this artwork allowed her to lose herself in a completely unique world in which little bendy people dance until dawn and then curl up in their cozy, patched-up, nests to sleep all that merry-making off until morning. Now if only Trebecca could find something in her worn-out wardrobe to wear tomorrow... or could stop worrying about the dangers of plastic baby bottles...or could walk downstairs and have one of those fairy people grade all of her Egyptian Art essays...now that would be perfect.

Belated quotes of inspiration:

I am right up there when it comes to being deep and philosophical about my spiritual path of goodness and well being and all that, but what's the use of anything in life without laughter. I'm discovering — aside from having to work really, really hard to get anywhere near where you dream of being — a sense of humor is paramount. And wasy to deal with stress of course, include my personal fave:
"In with frustration (feeeeeeeeeeeeeh) ...
… out with love (aaaaaaaaaaaaah) …"

Leeza in Astridland

Well, first of all Astrid has so many fabulous pieces in her online portfolio — which, by the way, is broken down into five categories: adults, men, character development, children's and web/graphics — it was hard, very hard, for me to choose one. So like, Dee, I broke the rules a bit and am posting three images which stood out the most to me and here's why.



This one is from her adults illos. It immediately jumped out at me because of the perspective. It captured my attention right away. This seemed to be a much different viewpoint from most of Astrid's work in her folio, and I think that's why I noticed it. I felt like I was right there with the lady taking a picture of this beautiful scene. Great, simple use of color kept clutter at bay and her composition sat 'just right'.



This is a greetings card, but I can totally see the image as a page in a children's book for sure! Astrid has playfully used fun, bold and bright colors with an adorable character to top it off. I can almost see our little bunny friend here getting into something he shouldn't be! Astrid, this is a wonderful style that is charming, warm and, as I said, playful. (Why isn't Billy Goats in your portfolio, though?)

Now, THIS illustration was the biggest surprise to me out of everything:



I actually, think this is my fave! it's wonderful, humorous, well rendered and just a delightful illustration. Why on earth is there a pig at the top of a skyscraper??? Who knows, but I love it.

I think all three pieces demonstrate Astrid's wonderful range of work. She has a true talent that is inspiring in a unique and intriguing way. Her natural ability to think outside the the stereotypical box shines through each and every illustration that she creates. Bravo to Astrid!

Site Swap: Michelle Lana

For this week's topic, I was assigned the website of cartoon creator Michelle Lana. Like many of us in the illustration game Michelle is someone who works very hard, as illustrated by this great black and white image. Her website is full of humorous images that most of us can relate to. She even has a fun section for kids. (Great idea!) However, I'm going to cheat a bit here. My favorite piece of Michelle's isn't featured from her website portofolio. It's from her blog. Hopefully it will be added to her portfolio in the future, but for now, you can admire her Illustration Friday's Entry: Club Ghoul Grand OPENing!
Not only did she hit every major monster group out there, but she's done it in a way that isn't frightening for younger children. (I think they could be considered her target group because of the young features of most of her characters, as well as the humorous siutations they're often in.) Michelle did a great job creating depth and atmosphere. The witches in the background make sure your eye continues around the scene and the gory zombies grab your attention. You can laugh at Werewolf and Dracula sipping fizzy drinks as they enjoy creepy appetizers served to them by a gloomy Frankenstein monster, his "Bride" hostessing the entrance to the club. Very funny and fun to look at! Maybe it's the spooky season upon us, but this is my favorite piece by far.

progress ... baby steps ...

I'm trying, but I really don't want to rush this one. I just took this screen shot, and two hours had passed just to get me to this point! Click image to enlarge and see more detail.

*sigh*

Hansel & Gretel

Okay, so here's where I am headed with this piece, trying to get it done for Saturday (HAH! Yeah, right, I hear you laugh) — and I need YOUR help!

Here's my two wee kiddies:


And here's a general overview of what I am aiming at. Color and dimension, not style. The finished piece will be in my scratchy style. It's a double page spread, horizontal with a dye-cut gatefold. (HAH! Yeah, right, I hear you laugh again)



When folded, you only see the moon and trees through the gaps with text above left page: "Just wait, Gretel, until the moon rises, and then we shall see the crumbs of bread which I have strewn about, they will show us our way home again."

When open, the 'thousands' of fat, stuffed birdies are tucked up on branches, hidden in holes and snoozing with the text "When the moon came they set out, but they found no crumbs, for the many thousands of birds which fly about in the woods and fields had picked them all up." I just quickly washed over with watercolor inks to get a sense of mood, lighting and color.



I guess my question is whether I am being too ambitious with the entire concept, or should continue to try to get it done for Saturday's Rutger's Conference. Or — for the sake of a simple portfolio piece — do a single illustration with the kids and maybe a hint of a tree off to the right or something?

Thoughts anyone?

Special Agent … ???

I think I am torn by my feelings about whether to pursue an agent or not. I consider agents to be worthwhile if you don't have the time, or energy, contacts, or right persona to do the grunt work yourself. Which artists really like to use the other side of the brain anyway! It's common knowledge that most artists are bad business folk and are usually disorganized; can't follow through and frequently forget to send an invoice on time. Either that, or they are simply not good at communicating. Hands up who likes to talk about money???

An agent serves a wonderful purpose to this aspect of having to work for yourself. They are brokers. It's in their best interests to connect you with the right people, and sure, they'll be right there — on time— with an invoice, taking care of business … literally. When you make money, they make money. They may take a quarter of what you earn, but they will be charging the going rate. You may find — like I know I do — you undersell yourself and charge much less than the industry standard.

According to Mela Bolinao, of HK Portfolio, the business of being an agent is serious work and they don't take kindly to slackers. They'll get you the audition, but the rest is up to you. If you don't hold up your end of the bargain, then "bye-bye." On a positive note, most agents will work with you on creating the perfect portfolio and will expect you to be creating new pieces on a very regular basis.

Aside from earning a 20 to 25 percent commission, you'll also be expected to cover partial costs of advertising, too. Including postcards, leave-behinds (8.5 x 11 promo sheets left with ADs at publishers after showing of a portfolio) and maybe a portion of a page featured in Picture Book. They're not hidden fees neccessarily, but you have to be aware and ask.

I had a portfolio critique last year with Piper Smith of Lindgren & Smith — an agency in New York. She was a lovely, sweet woman who gave me some extremely good advice about my work. And told me which pieces she thought were "wonderful" and what I should be creating more of. Of course, she also said the agency does not take on first-timers. So that was that.



I'm on the fence about agents. At present, I'm okay with the way I'm working. For me, going to local workshops and conferences and meeting with editors and art directors in one-on-one sessions is my way forward. I have met some who I didn't 'connect' with, while I totally hit it off with others. I think of it as trawling through 300 Jack-in-the-Boxes before stumbling across Pandora's Box! This brings me to the right fit. Just like publishers, it's a question of finding The One that's perfect for me and my work. Maybe, if I get so inundated with work and simply don't have the time to market myself, I'll shop around and try to find a rep to take me on. Right now, I just want to focus on actually becoming published!!

Mela Bolinao offered some great tips on creating a children's book portfolio, which I posted last year. You can check them out here.

I admire Courtney and anyone else who consistently sends out postcards and work samples. It shows great determination. Bravo! If you have a copy of the Children's Writers and Illustrators market book, there's a section all about agencies. I have a 2007 copy up for grabs if anyone wants it, just let me know and I'll mail it to you!

Agent?

I think the question of having an agent is a very personal one. The artist has to look at her own work, at her marketing skills and seriously consider what adding an extra layer of rejection onto her psyche would mean. After all, getting an agent is as difficult as getting published. And once you have one, it might not mean getting work.

As for me, I do want an agent. My work is very um...unique. I think having someone who has contacts and knows how to market my style to the correct editor is what I need (besides improving my work) to get published.

I have submitted to over 30 agents. I keep all of their names, dates I submitted and responses in a soul crushing excel file. The responses range from negative form replies to a few of my (hope giving) personal favorites below.

Thanks for writing to me. I enjoyed reviewing your portfolio. Your work has great energy and a strong sense of line

Thanks for the kind words. I do like your work.

Myself and my colleague have had a look at your website and we both agree there is some nice work on display.

You have a wonderful style and great use of watercolor.

Your work is terrific, Courtney, but I am afraid I am not taking on new talent at this time. I wish you every success. All the best

I should sign you right now.

The next sentence for each response above was always but.....
Even though I have been tremendously disappointed in my many rejections, these few, very kind agents have convinced me that I just need to find the one. The person who can be my cheerleader and lead me to publication.

I actually have a book I have written and illustrated with an agent right now. I keep looking in the mail for my sase with another disappointing letter inside. However, after moping around the house for a bit, I'll add her to my spread sheet and find someone else.

Helpful Agent Links:

SCBWI (the discussion board is great)

http://www.agentquery.com/default.aspx

http://www.ebookcrossroads.com/illustrator-agents.html

To Agent or Not to Agent?

I've heard all about having an agent in this business from personal blogs, advice sites and SCBWI conferences. There seems to be a myriad of reasons to have one and just as many to not have one.
I personally choose not to have one. One, I couldn't afford to pay the percentage agents take from their clients. (What's 20% of Zero? haha!) Two, I think I would like to try every single method of self-promotion out there first before I resorted to asking someone else to do it. Three, I think I'd need to have done enough freelance work on my own to show that there is an interest in my work and that I can successfully complete an assignment. Considering this is a long-term plan, I don't see an agent in the immediate future.
However, I can understand why some artists have an agent. They become very successful and have enough (sometimes too much) work coming their way. They then can afford to pay someone to do all of that marketing work for them so they may focus on completing all the work coming their way.
If the day comes when I do decide to pursue having an agent, I know I'll need to do massive amounts of research. First, I would research sites related to our profession and look for artists who have a style similar to mine. I'd look to see if they have agents, and who represents them. I would probably, once I had a handful of possibilities, send a packet of work. (postcard, tearsheets, biography, etc.) Maybe I'd include a fun little something as a bonus. I think I would probably read as much as possible regarding agent fees and others' personal experience with agents and allow that to weigh in on my decision to sign with someone. Who knows...for me this all seems to be waaaaay down the road. I'd like to be able to update my website and portfolio before I even have to start thinking about an agent! haha!

Monthly Challenge-Edited

Assignment: Hansel and Gretel - Interior double or single page spread, from one of these following scences. Treat it as a possible portfolio piece, you can add text or not, it's up to you!

"When at last they awoke, it was already dark night. Gretel began to cry and said: "How are we to get out of the forest now?" But Hansel comforted her and said: "Just wait a little, until the moon has risen, and then we will soon find the way." And when the full moon had risen, Hansel took his little sister by the hand, and followed the pebbles which shone like newly-coined silver pieces, and showed them the way. "

"Then they fell asleep and evening passed, but no one came to the poor children. They did not awake until it was dark night, and Hansel comforted his little sister and said: "Just wait, Gretel, until the moon rises, and then we shall see the crumbs of bread which I have strewn about, they will show us our way home again." When the moon came they set out, but they found no crumbs, for the many thousands of birds which fly about in the woods and fields had picked them all up. "

"When it was mid-day, they saw a beautiful snow-white bird sitting on a bough, which sang so delightfully that they stood still and listened to it. And when its song was over, it spread its wings and flew away before them, and they followed it until they reached a little house, on the roof of which it alighted; and when they approached the little house they saw that it was built of bread and covered with cakes, but that the windows were of clear sugar. "We will set to work on that," said Hansel, "and have a good meal. I will eat a bit of the roof, and you Gretel, can eat some of the window, it will taste sweet." Hansel reached up above, and broke off a little of the roof to try how it tasted, and Gretel leant against the window and nibbled at the panes. Then a soft voice cried from the parlor:
"Nibble, nibble, gnaw,Who is nibbling at my little house?"
The children answered:
"The wind, the wind,The heaven-born wind,"
and went on eating without disturbing themselves. Hansel, who liked the taste of the roof, tore down a great piece of it, and Gretel pushed out the whole of one round window-pane, sat down, and enjoyed herself with it. Suddenly the door opened, and a woman as old as the hills, who supported herself on crutches, came creeping out. Hansel and Gretel were so terribly frightened that they let fall what they had in their hands. The old woman, however, nodded her head, and said: "Oh, you dear children, who has brought you here Do come in, and stay with me. No harm shall happen to you."

"And now the best food was cooked for poor Hansel, but Gretel got nothing but crab-shells. Every morning the woman crept to the little stable, and cried: "Hansel, stretch out your finger that I may feel if you will soon be fat." Hansel, however, stretched out a little bone to her, and the old woman, who had dim eyes, could not see it, and thought it was Hansel's finger, and was astonished that there was no way of fattening him. When four weeks had gone by, and Hansel still remained thin, she was seized with impatience and would not wait any longer. "Now, then, Gretel," she cried to the girl, "stir yourself, and bring some water. Let Hansel be fat or lean, to-morrow I will kill him, and cook him." Ah, how the poor little sister did lament when she had to fetch the water, and how her tears did flow down her cheeks! "

"We will bake first," said the old woman, "I have already heated the oven, and kneaded the dough." She pushed poor Gretel out to the oven, from which flames of fire were already darting. "Creep in," said the witch, "and see if it is properly heated, so that we can put the bread in." And once Gretel was inside, she intended to shut the oven and let her bake in it, and then she would eat her, too. But Gretel saw what she had in mind, and said: "I do not know how I am to do it; how do I get in?" "Silly goose," said the old woman. "The door is big enough; just look, I can get in myself!" and she crept up and thrust her head into the oven. Then Gretel gave her a push that drove her far into it, and shut the iron door, and fastened the bolt."

from: http://www.mordent.com/folktales/grimms/hng/hng.html

Due: October 31st. (less than a month, can we do it?)

Size: Any

More Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hansel_and_Gretel

Make it as spooky, creepy or sweet as you want.

Next Challenge: Astrid to post November 2nd.

johanna's hairy lady

Rapunzel a la Frizz

(new photo)

p.s. - ladies, I will be out of town working on TBH until October 17th. Keep the soup warm for me!

Rapunzel

Rapunzel #2

Dee's Rapunzel

I wish I could tweak the colors a little more accurately, my scanner makes everything look so off! I described the process of how I created this, as well as the first version, on my blog if you're interested. (Guess what? Disney is creating a movie for this story. Go figure, huh?)