Monday, January 25, 2010

New Color Study and Logo

I’ve been working on my color for the coffeeshop debate illustration and my basic branding materials.
For the debate piece, I pushed the color to be less literal and less busy. Too much fought for the viewer’s attention in the first piece, so I went back to my value study and reworked the colors and patterns. I also played with warm and cool colors to direct the viewer's eye and create a mood within the space.

As I’ve mentioned, I’m updating my style and my old website, postcards, and logo don’t fit anymore. I’m bringing these up-to-date, starting with my logo. None of the computerized fonts I’ve tried worked, so I decided to go with a hand-lettered approach:

I'm happy with the result and I think it really works with some of my newer illustrations.

I'd love to hear your thoughts, enjoy!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Warren!


I am very happy to finally post this project. It combines my strongest concept with the looser "sketchbook" style I have been working toward. I pushed myself to do a great deal of experimentation on this piece, particularly in the process.
I began with a colored pencil drawing and then covered with a light gouache wash of neutral green. Next came a layer of ink on the coat and glasses. I was careful to leave some of the background showing through the ink so things didn't feel too flat. Then I applied the light skin tones to the face and hands in acrylic. The water used with the acrylics reactivated the gouache causing the colors to mix seamlessly.

Once the basic values were established, I lay numerous acrylic washes to create the subtle skin tones and colors on the abacus. I tried to keep my paints thin so I wouldn't loose my linework, something I am working on. Colored pencils and ink helped to sharpen edges and add detail on board before completing a final pass in Photoshop.
I am immensely excited about this process and am looking forward to utilizing it in my next illustrations.
Cheers

Monday, January 18, 2010

Quick Progress Report

Hi everyone,
Hope you had healthy and happy holidays filled with amazing food, family and friends!
Since returning to Seattle, I’ve been cranking on artwork preparing for a trip to New York. Many projects are moving along nicely, but I have been neglecting the blog (sorry!) so here are the latest art developments.
Ingrid is finished. I am extremely proud of this piece, particularly the color palette.

I have also been working on color studies for the coffeeshop debate illustration.

I am currently putting the finishing touches on Warren, he should be posted in a few days.
Cheers!