Disgusting, slippery wallpaper!
I made a seamless pattern.
Baby’s first Halloween
#Inktober2020: TEETH
#Inktober2020: FANCY
Someone’s getting squirrely!
#Inktober2020: RODENT
#Inktober2020: BLADE
#Inktober2020: RADIO
#Inktober2020: BULKY
#INKtober 2020: FISH
Great Book Review: TAKOZA
I am grateful that the non-profit organization The Circle: Native American News and Arts gave my book TAKOZA: WALKS WITH THE BLUE MOON GIRL, a great review. “Takoza: Walks with the Blue Moon Girl” is the most literary of the three books. Written by Tara Perron (Dakota/Ojibwe), it’s the story of a little Dakota girl who loves her grandmother’s bedtime stories. Grandmother (Kunsi) makes sense of the world, explaining that children are like sacred seeds in a family garden.
“You were born into the world from the drum of your mother’s heartbeat,” Kunsi said softly.
“Made up of all the love and strength of the ancestors before you, like all young seeds you are carried by many hearts and drums.”
A glossary at the end translates the 12 Dakota words used in the story, from Takoza (grandchild) to Tate (wind.) This is a very sweet story of generational ties and love.
The illustrations by Alicia Schwab will hold a child’s interest as Takoza learns the importance of seeds, gifts from the Creator, and nurturing.
Final post for this image. I removed the chair and added lighting, shadow and a hotter fire. Who’s that visitor? Stay tuned.
Cinderella Final Art-Three
I switched out the fireplace and wall behind Cinderella. I painted a quick chair. But I don’t like the chair.
Cinderella Final Art-Two
Top: I made a quick scan to see how the line art is overlaying the acrylic paint. I’m doing the line art as a separate (editable) layer so I can change stuff, as needed. This is the “ugly step-sister” phase. Literally.
Bottom: I tried out a chair. And I’m also second guessing my choice in fireplaces. What is the status of this family? Do they live in a one room cottage with that kind of wallpaper and curtains? I should make the fireplace look more like a parlor. Cinderella can cook in the kitchen, another time.
Cinderella Final Art-One
Meanwhile, I get the line art finalized and start on final color.
Cinderella Sketch-Five
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
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).
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
Books to Love While We #StayHomeMN
The Mukluk Ball by Katharine Johnson
#MNBucketList (@mnbucketlist) features THE MUKLUK BALL as one of the books recommended to read during our stay home order. “Will the Mukluk Ball live up to Karhu’s dreams? The warmth and music and fellowship filling Finn Town Hall might just make for the best night of this bear’s life. You can purchase this book on MNHS here…”
Remember when we could hug each other?
The book, TAKOZA: WALKS WITH THE BLUE MOON GIRL, is all about the love between a grandmother (Kunsi) and her dranddaughter (Takoza). A glossary of Lakota/English words are included in this book. No matter what your background is or what language you speak, we can all relate to needing to love and be loved in these challenging times of social distancing. BUY THIS BOOK!