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I am an artist and have 6 children who call me "mum". Still can't believe that I can be paid for having such a good time! I've created this site as a forum for "IF" and other similar posts. Thanks for visiting! Your comments are most welcome!
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I accepted a 100 day illustration challenge titled #whenlisawaslittle and it became a three-fold blessing! Not only did I meet the daily challenge creating a new illustration each day, but I learned all about my new Wacom Intuos tablet AND enjoed writing a bit of my personal history through illustrated memories. It was a wonderful challenge and I thought I'd bring it over here from my instagram and facebook accounts where it was originally posted. So here it goes:
#the100dayproject 1/100 - I am far behind, but am beginning today, Shirley Ng-Benitez. Thank you for inspiring me. Mine will be simple memory sketches under #whenlisawaslittle.This first one is me and my elephant Penelope. She was gray with pink satin ears when I first knew her, but I understand at one time she was blue. She was so loved!
#the100dayproject 4/100 #whenlisawaslittle
Every night! And when it was just too much, my dad would make the dolls talk in different little voices telling me how crowded it was, and how they'd much prefer to sleep on the shelf. I can still hear him!
Tried some Kyle Webster brushes here.
Introducing a little color.
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By: Elise N. Black,
on 2/11/2016
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I love a new assignment. It's almost god-like creating characters never known or seen before. I love imagining what they look like, sound like, who they are etc. It never gets old to me.
Our local library hosted a creative contest using their iMac lab.
The theme was "Unmasked" and required participants to create something visual using the lab for a part of it. Why not! And what do you know?! I won first place for my age division! And what's more, wouldn't you know that I was the only entry in my age division!! Ah well, so it goes.
It was fun just the same, and the prize money was a sweet wedding gift for my daughter. I chose a quote by Dr Suess that has always been a favorite:
"Be who you are and say what you mean.
Because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
Of course, such a statement needs to be examined somewhat, for there are times when we still need to choose our words with care, but for this use, I found it most fitting.
Above on display in the library, and below a detail of the illustration.
Had a wonderful time creating for the annual inktober! Only missed a week or so while away from home. Click on the link below to see them all.
I have a hard time understanding sometimes why art directors choose the art they do. And sometimes I submit several versions just because I like a different look, and then offer them the choice.
I almost always know what will be chosen, but I keep on sending different things just because. I have my own ideas of what looks best, but then, it' isn't up to me, at least for now.
Which of these would you choose?
I've been warned about filters. They are obvious, overused etc. etc. etc. I know, I know... but I still think they're cool! and after I've submitted finished work, I send it through a filter just for fun.
Illustrating for
The Friend is not only a pleasure, but can be exciting as well, especially when one forgets about an illo only to open the newly arrived issue and discover it there! I never get tired of seeing my work in print! VERY satisfying, unless of course I wasn't pleased with the finished work, which happens, and then I cringe!
I had so much fun with this one, watercoloring it traditionally, and then sending it to Photoshop to add the final lighting etc. I still am struggling to get the techniques down, but am enjoying it as well, and appreciate the confidence placed in me now and then.
On to the next assignment! What fun!
Doodled this bearded fellow a bit ago, but now he can show off his whiskers in style.
My darling mother is a writer, and although she has never been published, she keeps on plugging away, expecting nothing really to come of it, but deep down wishing something would. So I've started illustrating a few of them, and who knows what might come of it. This is from one I've been working on.
By: Elise N. Black,
on 6/7/2014
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Sweden,
missionary,
National Day,
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
Du fria,
Du gamla,
köttbullar,
Lingon sylt,
Sverige,
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I left a bit of my heart in Sweden some years ago while serving as a missionary for
I still haven't been able to return, but hope to one day...
perhaps when the last of my wee ones is on his own.
Until then, I will have to content myself honoring her as I can, eating köttbullar
och Lingon sylt at IKEA,
singing "Du gamla, Du fria" June 6th
and creating images such as this one.
Jag älskar min vackra Sverige!
By: Elise N. Black,
on 3/9/2014
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I do my best listening and learning while doodling. Got a wonderful portfolio idea today!
By: Elise N. Black,
on 2/19/2014
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I've been working more and more digitally, scanning in my original line work and then coloring it in Photoshop. I must say, the sheer convenience, unlimited supplies and forgiving nature of the media is the sweetest part.
How many times have I labored over watercolor work only to have my hand cramp up (which it does now and then) and drop my brush right smack in the middle of a nearly finished illustration?!
No choice but to start over. That type of thing is exactly what I'm talking about!
But in photoshop, no worries! Delete the layer and try again. Lovely!!
I also love the varied and limitless brushes, textures and hues! It's remarkable!!
(You can see what an old school I am, can't you?! Pitiful really!)
Anyway, I'm learning so much and having such fun, but am well aware I've a long way to go before I really can pull it off.
Above is a sampling of an ink drawing I just finished, and below in color.
Really pleased with the finished work, and the art director was too! Yipee!!!!
By: Elise N. Black,
on 12/31/2013
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Finally finished this year's card and am mailing them out AFTER the fact... ah well...
Christmas is past now, the decorations away and the lighted tree waiting for the New Year confetti and streamers... always leaves me a bit melancoly.
I've enjoyed a wonderful year both in my personal life and professional, and look forward with great hope for an even better year to come!
By: Elise N. Black,
on 12/16/2013
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Last year's card was quite popular, and you'll enjoy this year's even more! I'll be posting it soon!
By: Elise N. Black,
on 11/1/2013
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By: Elise N. Black,
on 6/8/2013
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I'm having too much fun working in Photoshop! Afraid I'm still a traditionalist in most respects, and still love to draw-scan the line work in, but what fun to experiment with all the different options.
Such as the two samples below:
So very different, at just the touch of a button!
And there's no getting around the ease at which you can change your mind! I LOVE it!!
By: Elise N. Black,
on 5/13/2013
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Designed my darling grand daughter's party invitation after one they saw somewhere. After re-reading the instructions sent, I realized she'd wanted a Knight saving her. Bother!
She must have forgotten, luckily, as was very pleased with this one.
(I've smudged out their contact info of course.)
By: Elise N. Black,
on 5/13/2013
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A quick illustration tracing something on your desk and turning it into a monster.
Another version of the same. Just practicing a bit more in Photoshop.
I like this sketchy style as well.
It seems like just yesterday that he was a wee laddie.
By: Elise N. Black,
on 2/21/2013
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Wee Malcom loved to nap on his wooly.
By: Elise N. Black,
on 10/24/2012
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I didn't realize what a difference it could make. Very cool!