Monday, January 12, 2009

IF - Containted


"Yeah...he's not coming out to play today."

Just a quick, light, and very small (3.5 x 3.5 about) illo. Nothing for the portfolio, but got a chuckle as I worked on it. Been way busy figuring out perspectives and new perspectives, and even newer perspectives (did I mention I HATE perspective?) for my book project. ugh. So this is straight forward, no complication, easy breezy. :D

8 comments:

Unknown said...

great illustration! And you just threw it out there eh? No effort! You're a jerk! And that's my critique on that!

But seriously - I really like the whole story you have going here. And the light watercolory feel of it all.

And I'm a big fan of bricks - which you've done quite well.

The only thing I would say - because these are all I see - are tangents. The mice are elbowing each other. But it's not that big of a problem...what if they were arm in arm...? I would like it better if they were overlapping more...or not at all...

And because I'm nitpicking a good illustration (did I mention it's a good job?), the cat's tail almost tangents the curtain...when you look at the 'big' version, it doesn't actually touch - but it's SO close enough that it kind of bothers a nitpicking tangent finder like myself).

Oh - and for perspective - it seems like you might have been able to show one side of the window frame - I'd say the left side of the frame...that's what I'd say...

Anyway- so there you go...

Cynthia Narcisi said...

Sarah,
I just love the way you play with light! Poor kitty - he's being tormented by all the backyard critters! You've got fierce skills!

Christy/Tiddly Inks Digitals said...

Nothing much to say here, but yeah, that rocks. :) Great light...good point on Isaac's interlocking elbows. And there you go...great as usual. :)

kris fulk said...

I got nothing to add but more compliments. Great execution, and how many times have I come home to see my cat plastered on the window pane with that same look on his face? Awesome job :D

sara.b said...

Heh, you and the tangents Isaac...:P Thats what I got to say to that! :P hehe

I like the elbows...I like the pattern it makes, but eh, thats me. They're kinda nudgin' but I agree I probably could have made that more apparent. As for the tail, I'll agree with you this time. But only this time. Man, now instead of just perspective, I gotta worry about tangents! Oy! ;)

Thanks guys. And I didn't just "throw" this together, it was quick, but there was quite a bit of erasing. And if I had to crit it, I hate that bird bath. It looks handmade by someone who just learned how to use a potters wheel.

:)

Carmen Medlin said...

Oh Sara what a delightful little illustration! That cat is looking pretty hungry, heheh.
I like your cast shadows -- actually I'm always jealous of your shadow ability ;)
For the record (sorry Isaac) I like the elbows touching too -- it links the mice together somehow that wouldn't look the same otherwise.
Ok I'll agree about the birdbath, heheh -- I think it's mostly the back edge being a bit wobbly and different thicknesses on the curves. Still a great illo though, super cute!

wendy said...

I also think it is a very cute illustration and well executed. I would suggest if you every try the them again to really exaggerate the outside scene. Like a mouse family reunion or a pool party. As far as the bird bath goes I'd just suggest practicing drawing ovals or round objects in perspective over and over. As we all know the more we practice the easier something gets until you find the next thing that drives you crazy. Great job on this one I always love your color palette.

sara.b said...

Thanks everyone. Great points Wendy, and I fully agree. Tho, I know if I spent more time on it there would be different results. I thought of expanding the out door activity, but just didn't have the time. And actually, the ovals were fine, until I rushed inking it.

But great points! And I know I do need to work on my ovals, no matter how much I feel I've got them down. As my dad (who is also an art teacher) used to tell me...over and over again..."It's the three 'P's, practice, practice, practice." ;)