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The Beatles’ music gets better with age doesn’t it? Amazing that they’re still so popular afetr all this time. You’ve really captured the Beatles look well! I think you’ve encapsulated all of them into one generic Beatle!x

Hi Paula–oh, how this image conjured up memories of my childhood. I grew up with four brothers. In the early to mid-60s, they would cut out and draw guitars and drums on flattened cardboard boxes. Then they would put on their little black Beatle wigs that mom bought at the drugstore. They’d invite all the girls from the neighborhood over and put on a “concert” in our basement by lip syncing the words to the songs from H.E.L.P. blaring on the phonograph behind them. And all the girls would scream. It was so much fun! Thanks for evoking that wonderful memory with your wonderful quick study…

Jess: Thanks! And I totally agree. They are one-of-a-kind, made distinguished because of their talent, time-place in history, and just sheer luck. I was too young when they were on the scene but glad I can appreciate them now.

I wasn’t too young… I grew up with them and still like ‘em. Sometimes you just need to hear some good old Beatles tunes! I really like that mesh/dot texture you are using… a new trick up your sleeve?

Love the way you captured an inner calm nature or love of music in the character. Hard to explain, but I can feel it in your character. Very nice.

Liz: How fun! I love that memory and thank you for sharing it with me/us!

Doog: Oh, you’re not THAT old, are ya?…Hee hee! Did you go to one of their concerts? Buy their albums?

Frank: Thank you! I think that wash really softens the characters, etc. up. I appreciate your comments!

Yay!

Yay, indeed, Steven! Thanks for that!

I like this new style you’ve got going these days. I especially like the boy, he has a typical teen expression on his face.

Thank you, Jenn. Yeah, I did up the girl a little too much (for the age group), but left it as I kinda liked it.

It’s lovely Paula! I find the earlier I start, the more I get done. Not because I spend more time doing it, it’s just that it gives me a kick start and sets the pace for the day!x

Jess: Yes, that’s it. I am anxious all day long when I start off late. I’ve got to make it a habit, but I tend to be a late-night person. Hmmm!

they’re expressions are ace! Thanks for stopping at my blog! Ch

Very funny warmup, Paula! And so, just how did you celebrate the holiday?? Cannot imagine a Thanksgiving without turkey, dressing…and especially, pumpkin pie (hold the whipped creme!) Hope you did not work right through the entire day!?

Thanks, Debbie! T-giving here was uneventful. Paul wasn’t feeling well so we just kicked back (hamburgers for our t-giving dinner). I did do a lot of work yesterday, though. Kept me sane. : )

The characters are so expressive. You are so good at doing that.

Turkey burgers perhaps???
I hope Paul gets to feeling better soon!
Your working so hard helps to keep me sane as well!…thanks!

Awesome! Poor turkey. Happy belated Thanksgiving, Canada.

That is such a cool drawing. I wanna be a kid again and go trick or treating.

I detect no rigidness here! I like the variety of colors in the sky.

I like these. They’re… softer.

What a sweet looking frog.

interesting… this has a nice soft feel to it. Just last night I was experimenting using color on only a pencil line… not my usual black ink outline. It looks different. I think I’ll try it some more.

Wow! I love it, I was a bit wary when I read you were doing it without your lovely lines but this really works well. Do I see a new style for you emerging after all this time

Looks like a terrific Paula Becker original to me. I wouldn’t even have noticed the line work was missing. Sweet!

Very you, but softer.

Wow…So many comments! And all so helpful!

Doug: Can we see? What your doing sounds interesting!

Jess: Thank you! I was a bit surprised by the outcome (this was the second of two I did). I’m always experimenting, trying something and then abandoning the style. If it gets too be too fussy to do, I don’t like it. Yes, this might be a different style I can glom onto. We shall see. : )

MRB: I’m amazed you see my style in there (as Stacy said, too). So we’ll see if the other pieces do so as well. I feel I can play with color and perspective more with this style, both which I tend to not be too creative with.

Jazz: Hmmm!

Still very much your style with an added sweetness – I think it is lovely

Paula, long time blog reader, first time commenter! Long time fan of yours too.
i think that the line work on the guy pig on the left is more expressive of your style. the thick thin,
looks stronger, looser, more zippy, and just more like your unique way of drawing to me.
Are you using corel Painter to do this drawing?
I use painter too but have had so much trouble professionally with the color profile not being
a good match when I send it to a client. Working in painter then sending as a photoshop file
turns into a color problem. Red skin tones are too red, not realistic, etc. Do you have that problem?

Hi Paula,
I agree with the above post that the pig on the left is more your current style and has more punch, although color has alot to do with it in these 2 illustrations. but I also like the somewhat softer line work…less exaggerated blackline…. might be a great style for picturebooks. Would be interested in your thoughts on corel painter too…..
Just love your warmup sketches. I’m in awe!

Janice: Thanks so much for leaving a comment! I appreciate the input! Yes, I’ve been working in Painter for quite a few years. I’ve only had issues with the color a few times over the years, so not even close to enough to stop using the program. I know the RGB to CMYK thing can be tricky, so I usually let the designer I’m working with handle it. I send the art in RGB and will only change it myself if asked. I’ve been meaning to get on some Painter forums and see what others say.

As for your comments on my two pigs, I appreciate your perspective. I, too, like the loose line on pig #1, but I’m thinking it’s kind of deceptive that that one is the one that’s more loose. I feel limited by the ink outline as to what I can do with it color-wise, etc. Whereas with pig #2, though it looks like it is tighter, I actually feel I have more freedom to work under and above the line work, adding color and texture and more lines. I’m not sure how to pull that off with the style that was done with #1. Thanks for helping me think this through!

Deb: Much thanks for your thoughts on these two piggy samples! I think you’re right about #2 being something that would be attractive for picture books maybe. My “softer” style has probably attracted more clients (when I’ve had them in my portfolio), but I can’t seem to settle with doing things one way or the other. And I enjoy doing both. Been something I’ve been working through for years now (style)!

cool beans, dude! er… dude-ette! looks like you are mastering that Cintiq.

I always enjoy your fresh lively drawings. Thanks for the comment. We haven’t been in touch for a while.

Hi,
Isn’t she cute!!! She looks so happy.

I want the yellow dog… He looks like he’d be lots of fun as a pet.

Jazz: The little guy? Cute but has an attitude.

I love the rooster combing his comb… And the duck flying to work looking harried and hassled.

Chickens! Ducks! My favorite!! The perfect warm up choice

Is that you sitting at your computer? Funny isn’t it how we heap guilt on ourselves? Drawing for yourself will actually improve what you give to your clients, no? But what do I know, I couldn’t draw if my life depended on it.

I am completely stationary at present but fortunately my life doesn’t depend on it.

Thanks for your comments, ladies!

Jazz: I guess that does sort of look like the “me” I draw of me, yeah. But no. That’s just a co-ink-ee-dink. And you’re right; drawing for me would be helping me draw for clients, however, I don’t make the naturally leap to that understanding naturally, even though I know that.

ElizT: I hear ya. Thanks for your comment!

That’s part of the thing of being a pro artist. Takes some of the kick away from just doing it. At least that’s what I think. Maybe find some kids, or others to work with. That might help you rediscover the thrill. I’m looking forward to my workshop, if it goes through (they’re being awfully dodgy about the dates, which I hate!)