A view of the discussion on how to make my figure drawing into a scene. Cinderella tries on the shoe while guards hold back the onlookers (jealous stepsisters and step-mother).
Meanwhile, I get the line art finalized and start on final color.
Now I’ve moved my sketch into Photoshop to work on the perspective. Since Cinderella is on the floor it is important to get the vanishing points at the right angle and worm-eye-view. I drew in the ceiling (which will be cropped) to help me see if my lines are working.
Cinderella Sketch-Four
While I’m working on the first image, I’ve started thinking about creating the next scene in the story.
Cinderella 2nd Sketch
I got a very helpful critique to pull the figures apart and put them in a room to build drama and create more narrative. The rectangle behind Cinderella will be a portrait of Cinderella’s father who is out-of-town. Apparently, people scrubbed floors with straw. I’m not sure if I will use that? But I’m thinking about all the elements in the room. The bucket is made of wood, just like the floor.
Cinderella sketch-Three
But wait a minute… there should be two ugly step-sisters and one mean step mother.
Cinderella sketch-Two
It all started with an idea about Cinderella…
Cinderella sketch-One
Book Birthday!
I’m excited to announce the release of my newest book, TAKÓžA: WALKS WITH THE BLUE MOON GIRL, by Tara Perron, illustrated/designed by Alicia Schwab. From: Black Bears and Blueberries Publishing ISBN: 978-1-7327706-3-8, release date: May 2020. Order a copy today!
Tara Perron, a Dakota/Ojibwe author, has written an endearing, lyrical children's story about a young Dakota girl (Walks With the Blue Moon Girl) and her Kunsi (grandmother). The grandmother teacher her Takoza (granddaughter) through story while making star quilts and planting and caring for a garden.
Dakota Star Quilt
by Gwen Westerman
South Dakota
Dignity of Earth & Sky statue in Chamberlain, South Dakota; (photo: wikipedia)
“Black Bears and Blueberries Publishing is a Native owned non-profit company that publishes children’s fiction and non-fiction paperback books and ebooks, reading levels K-6, on Native topics serving a regional audience, including the Dakotas, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.”
I was hired to tell the story about a loving family through art, working with the publisher and members of the Native American community to ensure my art represents the characters in the best, truest and most meaningful way. I was initially drawn into this beautiful story because of the similarities to my own childhood. I helped my mom and grandmom pick raspberries from the patch, and we grew our own vegetables. My mom canned, froze and preserved food for us to eat all year, and she taught me how to cook. As she made us clothes to wear and quilts for our beds, I also learned to sew. We often had cut fabric pieces around the dining room table, just like in this story.
From the book, TAKÓžA: WALKS WITH THE BLUE MOON GIRL by Tara Perron illustrated by Alicia Schwab. “Then, together they fill the kettle with water and make cedar tea and feast on bread with maple syrup.”
Baby Quilt
By Sue Broenkow (my aunt)
California
I have never made a quilt, but I admire those who do. Recently, I’ve sewn 100s of cloth face masks to donate to hospitals to supplement their PPE supplies during the Covid19 pandemic.
I hope you enjoy this book TAKÓžA: WALKS WITH THE BLUE MOON GIRL as much as I do. Please be kind and do good work.