The Suitcase - A Teeny, Tiny wordless picture book

I decided to add some color to my teeny, tiny wordless picture book.

I wasn't sure how I wanted to paint it.  Or if I even wanted it to remain wordless.  I couldn't think of any words that weren't already evident in the illustrations, so that was a pretty easy decision.  However, I was still left with wondering how to paint it.  I decided to try to stay with a somewhat limited palette.

I also decided to use particular colors to convey feelings.  Hopefully, they came through.
I used oranges and yellows to try to convey the little boys frustration.  I only used blue to convey how cold and what a bad idea running away is.   I used yellow to show the warmth he was feeling both from being back inside and from his mother's unconditional love.

Personally, I was quite happy with the drawings themselves (not sure about the painted versions), but I didn't get very many comments on the sketches, so I'm wondering,  do you guys like these illustrations?  Did the color help or detract?  Are the blue pages too jarring compared with the warm color pages?

Hu and Twee

Here are a couple of friends, who know what kind of things they'll do, that will come in time. Right now they may be a post card. I am playing around with how to write their names underneath them. I used prismacolor pencils for this with the pencil blender!

Sunflower Print Part 2

On my previous post, I showed my design for this sunflower print. After 4 layers of color (yellow, yellow-orange, yellow ochre, and a darker ochre) I finished the printing process. I used Akua water-based ink, Speedball blockprinting paper. and one Easy-cut block to make this 4"x4" reduction print. The bottom image is of the carved block in its final stage. I can still use the block as a one color image in the future.

It Might Be Good to Have Eight Arms

Oh no! My apologies!! I missed my turn to blog yesterday. Too much excitement this week!.

Thursday I had a deadline to submit a manuscript for a picture book writing class I'm taking at Grub Street with Beth Raisner Glass. I wrote a story about my dog (you know, the pancake) and I can't wait to start storyboarding it. I'm so happy to have discovered Grub Street!

Tuesday evening I attended a screening of Library of the Early Mind. It was an inspiring and intriguing look at the world of children's books from the viewpoints of authors and illustrators. After the film, there was a lively panel discussion, food, and a book signing. If you haven't been yet, I recommend it. It is traveling to cities all over the U.S.

As if my week wasn't inspiring enough, on Friday I visited Lilla Rogers Studio. She had an event for art directors, art buyers, designers, etc. to showcase new work. It was great fun. If you want to read more, I blogged about it here.

Illustration Friday - Spooky

I love Halloween. What are you gonna be?

Illustration Friday: Transportation

I drew this little bear a while ago.  He's inspired by my little (or not so little) brother who was, and still is, a big fan of anything with wheels.  You can see the original sketch at my blog: sarahpecorino.blogspot.com.

Illustrating in other media

Hi all - sorry for posting so late. (I have school on Wednesday nights.)
My family just celebrated my mom's birthday this past weekend. In my post this week, I thought I'd share a gift I made for her many years ago. Also proof that not all of my illustrations are painted:


I'm curious if any readers of this blog have any favorite mixed-media illustrators? For me, I recommend checking out Salley Mavor. Her work is pretty amazing.