0 Comments on Highlights Look and Look Again as of 9/4/2016 5:36:00 PM
Add a Comment
new posts in all blogs
Behind The Pencil is a blog about illustration. I hope to be able to share things related to illustration that I have discovered. I hope you enjoy it.
Number of Readers that added this blog to their MyJacketFlap: 1
I created these 2 pieces for Highlights High Five magazine, the spanish version. The kids find the differences between the two illustrations, its called look and look again. Gracias, maestro was one of the first pieces colored digitally.
The very talented artist June Goulding noticed my bike did not have a chain, little things that I need to pay more attention to. So now she can ride her bike.
I had the chance to work on my first coloring book for VeroBeach.com. This was the first time in a long time that I worked in colored pencils and I really enjoyed it. I loved the control and the layering, I plan to do a lot more work this way. This was a great chance to start.
I found this idea on Pinterest, and it was so much nicer having all the pencils organized and available.
As of late I have gotten interested in card making. This is a card I made from papers I had in the studio. I made it for a friend that just had their first child.
Here is a promotional piece I had done for Valentines Day. After moving to Florida, Alligators have been more on my mind. Happy Valentines Day
This is the house my sister gave me. She found it at a tag sale and she had it for a while, I fell in love with it, then it became mine.
In this picture it is dressed up for Christmas. I imagine some German grandfather working on it for his grandchild.
This is the fun part, I found great canvases at Hobby Lobby, and had so much fun imagining the artist that would be painting in her studio. I made a fun flat file from matchboxes and scrapbook paper. And I loved doing the miniature paintings. The trash thing in front is from church when my husband received communion. I love the fact this is a work in progress. And who knows maybe when the time is right I may have some little ones playing with this.
This is the display that Mark made for my Jingle Bulbs. I had them on a white tree which got some wear and tear. So when Mark came with this idea and I was all over it. The Believe came from Joanns, I think it is perfect to break up the lines of the display.
I was very excited to get this in the mail. My art inspired by my mermaid obsession, the art directors for the from Highlights magazine, saw a piece of mermaid art that I did on my site and asked me to turn the idea into a Hidden Picture. This whole book has some of the best work that I have seen, just wonderful and I am so happy to be a part of it. Look for it here: https://store.highlights.com/puzzle-book-clubs/hidden-pictures-club
This came in the mail yesterday, my latest are for High Five Magazine, part of the Highlights Family of publications. I really enjoyed working on this, it made me think of the kids when they were little.
It was created in transparent acrylics, gouache, and some enhancement in Photoshop.
Then my daughter Emily posted them to her Facebook page and I got a request from a daughter of our very good friends, she wanted them for her bacherorlette party, so this is what I created.
I love the bride to be, I met her parents when I met my husband, we have been very great friends ever since, thus the stress about creating something wonderful for their daughter, I could never paint her as pretty as she is, but I hope I have made some glasses she will be happy with.
Ok, lets get into the nuts and bolts, paint the glasses with Acrylic enamels, bake the boobs before attaching, and then attach, after attaching adjust the paint on them and just let them cure. When using E6000 put the glue on the glass boobs let them sit for 2 minutes and then attach, and then brace with magic tape.
This is the barn that Kent Brown built, Highlights for Children is his familys company. This barn and the cottages have enabled many writers and artists to learn in a wonderful place. I was told it was created environmentally friendly.
Who does not like Highlights? I always did. I had the privilege of being able to attend the Hidden Pictures Retreat. Heaven, we stayed in beautiful cabins...
Can you see the Susan Miller, that is just one of the amazing touches that this company does.
So this is the inside, the photos do not do it justice, the cabin was so wonderful with many extra touches.. the photo below was a book shelf with wonderful books, so many things to see so little time...
View Next 25 Posts
Viewing Blog: Behind The Pencil, Most Recent at Top
Results 1 - 25 of 103
Behind The Pencil is a blog about illustration. I hope to be able to share things related to illustration that I have discovered. I hope you enjoy it.
Statistics for Behind The Pencil
Number of Readers that added this blog to their MyJacketFlap: 1
By: Susan Miller,
on 9/4/2016
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: children, highlights, bakery art, classroom art, magazine art, Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: children, highlights, bakery art, classroom art, magazine art, Add a tag
By: Susan Miller,
on 8/27/2016
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
A couple of years ago I saw some wine glasses in St.Augstine that had boobs on them. I thought the idea was pretty funny. So, I gave it a go. I made a set for my sister in law and her friend ended up ordering some. This is her set. My favorite is the navy blue one because the white really pops.
0 Comments on Wine Glasses as of 8/27/2016 1:03:00 PM
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 7/25/2016
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
0 Comments on A little glitch as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 7/24/2016
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
I had the chance to work on my first coloring book for VeroBeach.com. This was the first time in a long time that I worked in colored pencils and I really enjoyed it. I loved the control and the layering, I plan to do a lot more work this way. This was a great chance to start.
0 Comments on My first coloring book as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 6/2/2016
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
This is the first illustration of outer space that I have ever done.I created the original in Photoshop and then tweaked the colors and textures in Photoshop. This art was done for the Highlights company.
0 Comments on Outerspace as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 5/21/2016
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
I have been working on a coloring book of designs based on my JingleBulb business.
I thought i would sit down with my colored pencils, I really enjoyed the process and gave me a better idea of creating my coloring book.
0 Comments on Jingle Bulb Coloring book as of 5/21/2016 6:34:00 PM
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 3/27/2016
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
We finally moved into our new house and I have the studio almost done. I still have to hang up the ornaments that I make, but aside from that everything has a place.
Let me show you around. Its small but efficient.
We bought 2 ikea tables and put them together to give me a place to draw and also a place to craft.
When my daughter came over she could be on one side and I could be on the other, it works out really well.
I am lucky that the closet is large, it holds a lot of my art supplies and when I don't want to look at it I can close the doors. The cubes are from Michaels , they hold a lot and they are easy to put together.
I found this table at a consignment store, I painted the bottom black with chalk paint and added some nice knobs from Hobby Lobby. This set up works well for me, I have my printers and scanners near by.
We bought this book shelf years ago, it managed to survive the move. Once again those cubes really work out so great. I was going to put up cabinets but it really closed in the room, so I need something else to hold even more things that I can't get rid of.
On the side are 2 pieces of art created by an artist I admire, Judith Moffatt.
I did the pony above as a present for my father who loved horses, I created that at the age of 4.
The first piece of art my friend Katie Atkinson gave me when we left Ct. This painting was used in a greeting card for the company Good Cause. My friend Jeannine Audette had the studio wall art made for me by an artist that I love, Normas Francini, and the the squares were done for me by my coworkers at Weekly Reader, it was a tradition to make one of these when an illustrator would leave, I treasure mine.
I am very happy to have the studio all set up and am grateful that everything has its place. The two windows look outside to a pretty country road, where there are plenty of birds chirping.
0 Comments on My new Studio as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 11/14/2015
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
I play Bunco, we do a secret Santa yearly and this year I picked my friend Liz to buy for. I wasn't sure what to get, and then viola, I had a good idea.
I saw this at Joanns
Hmmm what to do, Liz works for Victoria Secret and has wonderful ugly sweater parties. So the fun began. And this is what I came up with....
And then inspired by last years party I found little lights that I fit in the victoria secret inspired bag.
And it lights up. I hope she likes it.
0 Comments on My Secret Santa Solution as of 11/14/2015 9:20:00 PM
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 10/6/2015
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Look what I got in the mail today. I did several hidden pictures for Highlights Magazine, I really enjoy creating these drawings and appreciate the fact that they send the illustrators the printed copies.
Its always a challenge, the best advice that I was given was to create the illustration first and then find the hidden picture opportunities.
0 Comments on My Hidden Pictures arrived today.. as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 8/30/2015
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: illustration, digital painting, fish, frogs, tubing, lakes, day at the lake, Kyle Websters gum road digital brushes, Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: illustration, digital painting, fish, frogs, tubing, lakes, day at the lake, Kyle Websters gum road digital brushes, Add a tag
I was asked to do a coloring book page with my other PictureBookArtists friends. The theme was outdoors, I love lakes so I did this.
When it was all done I decided to finally play around with the digital brushes that I bought from Kyle Webster. It was very fun and I loved playing with all the textures, my next challenge will be creating the art without the line.
0 Comments on My fun with digital color.. as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 6/26/2015
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Royalty littering King Queen Princess walk in the woods elves, Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Royalty littering King Queen Princess walk in the woods elves, Add a tag
In June I attended the SCBWI conference here in Orlando Florida.
The project was to come up with a wordless, or limited word picture book, I had this idea for a while,
the challenge was to pull this together in 30 days. I got some worthwhile feedback from the editor Martha Rago, which I appreciated.
0 Comments on A book proposal in 30 days... as of 6/26/2015 3:24:00 PM
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 4/6/2015
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: crafting, card making, babies first card, fiskars rotary cutter, Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: crafting, card making, babies first card, fiskars rotary cutter, Add a tag
I bought punches from Fiskars, I have to say my favorite card making supply is my Fiskars rotary cutter that folds up. I would love to eventually design my own papers to use in my card making.
0 Comments on Card making as of 4/6/2015 4:27:00 PM
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 2/5/2015
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: valentines, alligators, kids making cards, Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: valentines, alligators, kids making cards, Add a tag
0 Comments on An Alligators Valentine as of 2/5/2015 11:33:00 AM
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 1/31/2015
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Here is my first cover for Highlights Lets Play Series. Also, one of the first times I sent the art in digitally. I was nervous and very happily surprised when it came out.
This is the digital copy I can see the colors changed a bit, but I am very happy with the cover.
Also very relieved to see what was printed was close to what I saw on my screen, thanks John Nez for the calibration advice. This is the thing I love the most about this digital age, being able to send my art via my computer, just amazing.
0 Comments on My First Highlights Cover as of 1/31/2015 9:15:00 PM
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 1/2/2015
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: miniatures, miniature paintings, dollhouse, hand painted miniature furniture, painted miniature furniture, Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: miniatures, miniature paintings, dollhouse, hand painted miniature furniture, painted miniature furniture, Add a tag
In this picture it is dressed up for Christmas. I imagine some German grandfather working on it for his grandchild.
Still a work in progress but this is how far I have gotten. I painted some furniture, decided to not put in a kitchen and a bathroom so I could add the studio and another bedroom. Two more interesting rooms.
0 Comments on as of 1/6/2015 7:21:00 PM
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 11/8/2014
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
This is the display that Mark made for my Jingle Bulbs. I had them on a white tree which got some wear and tear. So when Mark came with this idea and I was all over it. The Believe came from Joanns, I think it is perfect to break up the lines of the display.
0 Comments on Look what Mark made me... as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 11/7/2014
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
This is a piece that I did for Highlights Lets Play Hidden Picture program. This program is wrapping up and I feel a bit sad about it. I will miss the regular fun work and working with the art director, who is so fun to work with.
I learned so much with this project.
The first thing I learned that as an illustrator, when you hear that a company is looking for artists you need to follow up, send your work and then if you don't hear anything back, keep pursuing. Art directors are very busy.
I also learned how to send my art digitally, a wonderful thing. Ok. this really dates me, but oh well I used to be computer behind but no longer.
And because of Highlights, I look at the world in a Hidden Picture kind of way.
So, now off to new projects, hopefully with Highlights and many other companies.
Being an illustrator is a wonderful thing to be.
0 Comments on as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 10/31/2014
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Jingle Bulbs for 2014 is online. Always a learning curve. I have come to terms with that.
The process is ....confusion....then frustration... then enlightenment.
On the creative side, I believe this is one of my best years. I found a way of making glass ornaments look like sea glass, including the texture.
I believe this is my best offer of ornaments yet.
I really hope you like them , please take a look.
I would like to say to the collectors of Jingle Bulbs, thank you very much.
My creative side really needs to create new ornaments yearly.
I could never do what i do without your support.
Your faithful artist.
Sue
Go to jinglebulbs.com
0 Comments on as of 11/1/2014 2:51:00 AM
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 10/19/2014
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
I have always loved the thick and thin of brush markers. I found one that has permanent ink, its the Pentel Brush marker, I love it. I bought a couple of other markers, but this is my favorite by far.
I also love my Copic markers. So, this is an example of what I have been doing in my sketchbook.
I have had to get used to not getting the art just where I wanted it, my sketchbook is a place to make mistakes and be free.
And this is what I used, I love the Copic markers because they are so smooth.
0 Comments on My new Brush markers as of 10/19/2014 7:48:00 PM
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 9/13/2014
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
0 Comments on as of 9/14/2014 12:46:00 AM
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 5/8/2014
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
It was created in transparent acrylics, gouache, and some enhancement in Photoshop.
0 Comments on Thats Silly as of 5/8/2014 4:32:00 PM
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 4/10/2014
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Well, good news and bad news, I found some wonderful brushes made by a talented artist, Dave Opie, spaceman Dave. http://spacemandave.com
Bad news, I am still bad at digital art, this was the best I could do, believe it or not this is my 3rd effort.
I love the texture of Daves brushes, the canvas and bristle are my favorite, he also has wonderful PS techniques on his site, check it out http://spacemandave.com
0 Comments on Dave Opies Brushes as of 4/10/2014 4:27:00 PM
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 4/8/2014
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: cards, Copic markers, art supplies, bristol board, Dick Blick, bunco cards, Canson papers, Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: cards, Copic markers, art supplies, bristol board, Dick Blick, bunco cards, Canson papers, Add a tag
I am always looking for new art supplies, I have been interested in Art Journaling lately and have spent many hours viewing YouTube, so I decided I would love to have some Copic markers, made in Japan, so they are expensive and very worth it.
So, a friend asked me to make some cards for Bunco, it was very fun because I got to use my markers.
I wanted to have egg shaped papers for the names, I discovered a cutting system I bought from creative memories years ago, I had forgotten about it, I am glad I had it, it worked out great. The thing with Copics that I am learning is it is in the markers, which are great, but it is in the paper too.
I found a good Bristol, I like Canson, is the key. The paper has to be smooth with a small amount of absorbency. The beauty of Copics is the fact that they can be blended.
I linked the art supplies with Dick Blick because they are usually cheaper.
0 Comments on My new Copic markers.... as of 4/8/2014 5:29:00 PM
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 3/26/2014
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
It all started in St Augustine Florida, on our anniversary, we met up with Lili and Gary, my sister and her husband. I saw these girlie, boobie glasses, so naturally there is no not needed craft that I can avoid, I had to add this too my list. This was the first one I made..
I love the bride to be, I met her parents when I met my husband, we have been very great friends ever since, thus the stress about creating something wonderful for their daughter, I could never paint her as pretty as she is, but I hope I have made some glasses she will be happy with.
Ok, lets get into the nuts and bolts, paint the glasses with Acrylic enamels, bake the boobs before attaching, and then attach, after attaching adjust the paint on them and just let them cure. When using E6000 put the glue on the glass boobs let them sit for 2 minutes and then attach, and then brace with magic tape.
0 Comments on My nest venture??? as of 3/26/2014 6:37:00 PM
Add a Comment
By: Susan Miller,
on 3/17/2014
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Behind The Pencil (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Who does not like Highlights? I always did. I had the privilege of being able to attend the Hidden Pictures Retreat. Heaven, we stayed in beautiful cabins...
This is my cabin.
Can you see the Susan Miller, that is just one of the amazing touches that this company does.
More of that the cabin....
And look at this, snow!!!
It maybe hard to see but they had these wonderful rocks and a section dedicated to the rock sculptures.
And here is the conference area, really is the perfect environment for learning, it is friendly, its peaceful, its creative, and of course it is wonderful.
I learned a lot about making hidden pictures, I learned a lot about The Highlights Company, and I learned a lot about myself, a perfect weekend. The funny thing is that when I ended up in the Scranton airport, the waitress loves the magazines for her kids, and I was happy to be able to tell her it is a good company, she was all happy, because her kids look forward to getting Hello and Highfive. So do I.
0 Comments on My wonderful Highlights Hidden Pictures weekend as of 3/17/2014 4:21:00 PM
Add a Comment
View Next 25 Posts