Izzy take three: Beginning the painting

The process involves thinly applied oils, each color added separately, with the color and form building up gradually as the painting progresses.

Izzy take two: Tonal drawing

After a couple of weeks with other projects taking priority, I'm continuing work on my sample children's illustrations. This step is where I figure out my light and shade. Sometimes pencil, sometimes oil wash, always on board that is textured with gesso and sandpaper, it serves as my guide for the rest of the painting.

Children's book exploration

My friend, Andi, and I are playing around with collaborating on a kids book. We've know each other for years and were quite a writing/illustration/design team at one point in our lives. We also have a kids bond. Her daughter, Isabel, and my son, Ian, are close in age and when they were young, got along quite well. I have to admit though, that I've missed Andi's company and that this joint effort is partially an excuse to see her more ofter.
The inspiration for me was this illustration, which was done several years ago for a story about pet spas. I've always liked it and with some outside encouragement, asked myself where it might go narratively.

So here are the first sketches of Izzy and her dog, Frank, enjoying their day.