The Frogs and Toads all Sing

For my gallery show

Hi folks...

I've been super busy on stupid work...so I haven't had time to post anything...but I will be posting a bit this next month or so because I have a little gallery going up in July at Nickelodeon Animation (where I work) in Burbank, CA. So I want these to be perfect...so let me know what you think about this one - I originally did it as an illustrator painting, but didn't like the way that I cheaped out on the texture and gradient...so this weekend i had more time and did a photoshop version.

Any ideas or suggestions? Or, dare I say, is it perfect? Steve always does such amazing eyes...so I tried to do my version of his really well done eyes...I'm still working on it...they're not perfect...but they're better than my usual flat eyes that I've painted in the past...

tom thumb

More like this? I really appreciate the input...I agree that something about the lighting is weird.

I've decided to make a dummy for the portfolio. I want to attempt to show that I can keep the look of characters throughout a book. To achieve this, I picked "Tom Thumb," by the Grimm Brothers. This story has potential for rich and interesting imagery, but it's disgusting! So many of the old tales seem to get pretty morbid...Dwight Shrute would love it (for any other Office fans out there)!

Here's my setting piece, to simulate an introductory page. It'll be taking place in a forest, deep in the mountains. This piece came together faster than most, so I'm interested to see what you guys see as working/not working.

I'm off for the summer from teaching middle school, so I'm kicking it into the high productivity gear...although potty training the son is slowing down things! :) Just wait for that one, Steve! Anyhow, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Illustration Friday -Contagious

This is an image I have that I thought would fit the Contagious theme for Illustration Friday. I am of the mind that laughter is contagious. This is for a story that I wrote that needs some extensive rewriting. In other words it is in the procrastination pile.

Color correction

Thanks guys for the critique. I was confused as to what was bothering me about this illustration and you hit it right on the nose. There was way too much blue in the piece.

An IF illustration - Parade

A parade of prairie dogs. I got a late start on this so it's too late for last week's IF, but better late than never.

Now that it's done I can move onto the next task on my list. I like being able to cross things out.

Oh, and seeing the top of my drafting table again! How cool is that?

New monster

Here's the painted version of the sketch.

I'm Back

Hello fellow group members....I know I've been missing in action, but now I'm going to focus on being more involved. Truly. I swear. I have been keeping up to date on posts, and have to say that the illustrations are looking great.

I need help. This is an illustration of a little girl who has just taken a big digger on the sidewalk. Her "arms and legs are everywhere". Mom is looking at her, shocked, and I don't know what to do with mom's arms...any suggestions? Would really love any ideas.

Also, sorry this sketch is so messy- I am not very good at cleaning up scans without losing detail. Can anyone give any helpful hints on that?

Thanks a bunch. I promise I won't go MIA again...well at least for awhile;)

Just a sketch

Just a little sketch I am working on. Trying a new way to work on my paintings with a highly rendered sketch. Stay tuned to see the finish piece.

Newbie

Hello everyone I wanted to introduce myself to the group and to thank Sara for graciously extending me an invite into this critique group. I think these groups are very valuable not only for feedback and inspiration but it helps motivate me. I look forward to participating and getting to know you all. I don't want to be long-winded so maybe it is best to show my latest piece and share my website with everyone. I am in the process of developing my 'Little Rose Nakita' character (a sort of quirky character) to include children of all races and ethnicity. I've got my bio and some samples of my work up on my website if you wish to see more at http://www.nicolebrekelbaum.com
Thanks again and I look forward to participating.

My Original 'Little Rose Nakita' Character

My newest piece I am working on. The empty space above her head is bugging me a bit. Any suggestions? Thanks a bunch!

This is the revised version. Thanks everyone for the feedback!

Illustration Friday -Parade

I tried posting the icon for the topic, PARADE to the illustration friday site, but for some reason it wasn't working. I thought I'd put it here . I did this a while back mostly to do something with children in it . Happy to be on this site. I am a big fan of several of the artists.

Patti

Absent for a while...

Hey everyone,
Just giving you a heads up I'm going to be absent for the month of May. I have SO SO so much work to do and I gotta set some things aside. I was hoping to really get back into posting but it's just not happening. So the month of May (since I don't teach) I'm taking off from crit groups.

There is another person who would like to be part of the group, so I'm going to go ahead and let her in. When I return I'm going to re-evaluate our numbers and see how we're doing. :) I will be keeping up with what you are posting (goes straight to my email) but will not reply until June.

Keep up all of the great work and I'll talk to you soon!!!! (((hugs)))