Wednesday, May 18, 2011

A little bit of this and that



Hi all,

While Bear is getting ready for movie night here, I've been busy doing a little bit of everything.

I'm waiting for feedback from sketches on 2 books so this is the time where I try to keep up with other things.

I've been doing some writing. There is one story in particular that I am liking a lot. I sketched it in tiny thumbnails but I need to leave it for a while and let it sit. I'll take it out in a couple of days and read it again. It's amazing the things you see after coming to it again with fresher eyes.

I also spent time making a little painting video. It's something I had on my list of new things to try. It's not perfect by all means. It's a tad dark but that's the best I could do because sadly my studio is very dark. If you'd like to see it, here it is on my blog and here it is on YouTube in a larger format.

I'm excited too because I'm about to start illustrating a new book! It's always so nice to start a new project. To visualize it, you know? I've been at the "thinking" stage for a few days now. This is where I brainstorm all day, while brushing my teeth, while making lunch boxes, while stuck in traffic.. but I don't pick up a pencil until I feel my head is about to explode with ideas. That happened two days ago, so I've been sketching like crazy and loving it.

So that's it for now.
Reporting from my couch.
Alicia. :o)



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9 comments:

  1. Phyllis HarrisMay 18, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    Ali, I know I already told you via twitter but this video is fantastic!!! LOVE the little movie bear!

    Can I ask you what paper you use? I always tape mine down so it dries flat, especially when doing lots of watery washes but I noticed you don't. Do you have any trouble with buckling paper?

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  2. Phyllis HarrisMay 18, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    By the way....I really love the music, too!!! So beautiful!!!

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  3. Alicia PadrónMay 18, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    Aww thanks Phyllis!

    Well I use Arches Watercolor Paper for my hot press. And I like Lanaquarelle for my cold. It's not as rough as other cold presses out there but still holds water beautifully. For this illo I used the Arches.

    About taping the paper, I do stretch the watercolor paper but it depends on the project. This illo was not that big and the only area with a lot of water involved was the background wash, which wasn't much area really, so I new I could get away with no stretching.

    If I'm going to work on big full bleed spreads with large backgrounds then I usually do tape my paper down.

    xo

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  4. Phyllis HarrisMay 18, 2011 at 8:58 AM

    Thanks for all the great info, Ali! I just love sharing tips with other artists. :)

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  5. Brimful CuriositiesMay 18, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    Thanks for sharing your video. I'm planning on showing it to my daughter after school. She loves to draw and paint, and I think it's wonderful that she can watch accomplished artists create online, watch the whole process from start to finish. Do you know of any other painting videos like this by children's book illustrators?

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  6. Alicia PadrónMay 18, 2011 at 9:48 AM

    Sure thing Phyllis! I do as well :o)


    Brimful Curiosities- That is so neat you are going to show your daughter the video! I think is wonderful she loves to draw and paint.. Try to always have lots of art supplies available for her, that is really helpful.

    If you like, I can send her a little illustration for you to print out. You think she'd like that? Just email me so I have your email address (you can find it on my website at the left)

    There are several wonderful process videos out there.

    Here are several videos by Paige Keiser. She's an amazing watercolor artist. Love her work.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUBVwibjsH8&feature=related


    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpKEPkJ7qP8&feature=related


    Also our very own Kathy, from the PBJ's also has some videos of her adorable art!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR_khh9dgJ8&feature=related

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lj3dnO2cxI&feature=related

    And Will Terry is fantastic working digitally. It's a treat to watch!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSFzBffEsmU&feature=related

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  7. rozMay 18, 2011 at 9:49 AM

    Ali, I missed this when you shared at the group. Oh my gosh, it's soooo fun to watch you work. Your work is so delightful and you make water-coloring look easy.
    Totally intimidated by it myself but love to watch those who work so confidently with it. You are a star. xo

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  8. DebMay 18, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    Boy sure love the color on this. Still has your soft feel but nice punched up color. Great!!!

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  9. Alicia PadrónMay 18, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    Thanks my Rozzita!! I'm glad you found it fun! I didn't want to make a long tedious video where people would doze off.. specially with the music I used, it was definitely a possibility. LOL


    Thanks MacDebbie! I like punching up the color on some illos. I'm glad you think it's still soft :o)

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