Finally!

I can't even remember how long I've had to keep this silent but it's been at least a year. I was contacted by the folks at Hanchett Book Group to submit some of my fanart from the Twilight series. I had to sign a non-disclosure contract because this was super secret. Well, The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide came out today and two of my drawings made it in...I think. I still haven't seen a copy but my book is on it's way. I was so surprised to be contacted in the first place and again, fan art has proven to be a good luck charm for me.

New Moon Fun

Ever since Lord of the Rings, I've been a sucker for midnight shows with family and friends. I actually stood in line for 8 hours in sub-zero temperatures (with elf ears) for The Two Towers. Thankfully, we now have the newly inspired reserved seating which frees one from standing around all day (and night) staking one's territory. There's something about attending a film with fellow fans. The energy is palpable and it's just plain fun.

So of course, I had to go with my daughters (in-law too) when New Moon premiered this week. We actually attended a "Fur Party" since my oldest daughter is a confirmed Jacob fan since reading the books. I don't know what it is about these books. I discovered them long before all the hoopla. They take me back to my teenage years when longing and love were all consuming and not necessarily reasonable nor healthy. Sometimes you connect with a book and you don't really know why. You just do. (I must state here that I was disappointed with the final installment, Breaking Dawn. Ended just too happy).

I wasn't a huge fan of the first movie. And Rob Pattinson just doesn't fit my idea of Edward, but then again, who does? But New Moon was a faithful, angst-driven rendition of the book and I came away satisfied. Made some wonderful memories with family and friends too. We usually make t-shirts for our Twilight events but ran out of time. This was one of my ideas for Team Jacob. Yeah...a little swooning at my age keeps the heart pumping.

Emmett and Faery Children Sketches

Finished up this sketch I did of non-movie version of Emmett Cullen in graphite on vellum.

Just some sketchbook doodles scanned in and then toned and highlighted in Photoshop. Playing around with slightly exaggerated anatomy of children to adapt into faeries.

Artistic Borrowing

When I have a commission, or in this instance, an assignment, I often begin the process by looking through my vast file of other artist's work, as well as perusing the web for other images that inspire me. Often, I take an idea here and there and meld it into my own. I have felt this is due to my inexperience as an artist until I discovered that others who have been in the industry a long time do this as well. Many also search through Classic paintings to help with the creative process. Even the greats are guilty of borrowing themes and poses from each other, particularly when certain art movements were influencing the art world, such as the Pre-Raphaelites brotherhood.
I've been preparing for my assignments for IMC (in two weeks...gulp!) and came upon these two paintings. Do you see any similarities? The top one is by John W. Waterhouse, one of my favorites. The second is by Cory and Catska Ench, another fav. The Ench's have certainly made it their own, but their book cover was undoubtedly influenced by Waterhouse. Of course the way to avoid this problem is to take your own photo references and poses.
The rules change when using copyrighted photos. In my previous post (Revised Dazed and Confused), I showed a piece of fan art I did for Twilight using a photo of a model I found somewhere on the web. (This was prior to my computer crash so I can't find the source). Though I changed the face, the eyes, the clothes, I was still worried that I would run into copyright problems. The drawing below is my attempt at revising the drawing with my own photo reference. My thanks to Jeff, doctor-son-in-law for posing... and no, his eyes are not golden.

Colorized Edward -Dazed and Confused

I did this sketch of my version of Edward Cullen, before all the Rob Pattinson-movie craze. Finally colored him for a personal project I'm currently working on. Sort of Twilighted out with the whole movie obsession. I liked it better when Twilight was just about the books. Oh well. It will be interesting to see how this new director treats New Moon. I have one daughter who is in the Jacob camp and can't wait to see less of Edward. As fun as it is to see your favorite books visually realized (LOTR!), as far as Twlight is concerned, I have preferred the images conjured in my head while reading the books to the actors they've selected for the movie.

The title of this piece is Dazed and Confused and it's when Edward realizes for the first time that he can't read Bella's mind.

Just a Sketch

Even when I have commissions, I try to sketch each day. This is from a photo of a character from a particular book, er...movie, that I have devoted some time to in the past. I still have a ways to go on the hair, but the face is almost finished. Tomorrow I will post updates on my two 'real' portraits.

Master Class Assignment - Final

Here's the final on my class assignment, entitled Awaiting Invitation. Personally, I think I've over worked it and I'm not sure I would use Galkyd again as it didn't scan well. I was rushing when I applied the first layer and ended up with little flecks of dust on the surface. I might try one more time.

On to other things. I MUST finish Reading by Fireflies before I do anything else.

FYI-Tonight is the Breaking Dawn party at the B&N in Layton. Exciteamundo!!

Blog Revamping and Twilight Fanart

One of the myiad of things I need to do since attending the MIC is revamping both my blog and website. The header on this blog has always bothered me because it's a photo instead of a drawing. So here's my rough sketch of the new twirling dragon. I think I'm going to put an aviator scarf on him as well.

I've also realized that though fanart has provided a wonderful outlet for me, I need to stop. One: other than giving me a chance to practice sketching and portrait work, it really doesn't further my goals. Two: (this is the biggest reason) It keeps getting stolen...at least the Twilight fanart. I'm sick and tired of finding my fanart posted on Deviant art or some other site without my permission and another person claiming it as their own. It's such a hazzle to report and get them removed and frankly, emailing these people who are breaking copyright laws gets a tad messy and mean. I truly appreciate all the good people out there who have my back and let me know when they see my stuff where it should not be. But it just isn't worth it. Someday, I hope to have a place where I can put my Twlight fanart but for now, it's been pulled off this blog and the other websites.

Stephenie Meyer Book Signing

Hilary, Erinne and I went to the book signing at Highland High last Saturday and really had a good time. It turned out to be an all day affair, but the event was well worth it. Here we are in our matching t-shirts, reading The Host and waiting for our number to be called (we were in group # 23). A photographer from the Deseret News stopped and asked if he could take some pictures of us. LOL! He wanted to know what club we belonged to. He was absolutely clueless walking into that auditorium. He had never heard of Twilight or Stephenie Meyer. He was very nice though and offered to send us the picture if it didn't run in Sunday's paper. And it didn't. Can you believe they selected a photo of Stephenie instead??! Anyway, he was true to his word and here is the photo he took. [credit goes to M. Brandy]

Breaking Dawn Cover Art

There's a book cover contest for Breaking Dawn on HisGoldenEyes and I had some fun in PhotoShop with two ideas. (I did them quickly and I'm not very good with photos. That's a puddle of blood in the second one, in case you're wondering). Before I explain why I did them the way I did, maybe all 5 people who visit here could give their interpretations. If you want to.

Edit: First off, I have to tell all of you how impressed I am with your interpretations. You thought of some aspects that didn't even occur to me. In fact, you're probably going to be very disappointed in my explanations. They aren't nearly as deep and profound as all of yours. Thank you for taking time to post your comments and putting it out there for others to read.

Second, as Milary said, Meyer's past book covers have nothing to do with the titles. They are all more metaphorical, representing one of the major story themes with a red/white subject, leaving the readers to come up with a plethora of explanations. Even Mrs. Meyer has admitted that she's unsure of the meaning of the tulip on the cover of New Moon. In the end, I don't think there's a wrong answer here.

Now, unless you have an ARC of Breaking Dawn, I figure we're all speculating here because though we can guess what might happen in the novel, we really don't know. But one of those guesses involves Bella's transformation into a vampire; hence, the butterfly. But I wanted to imply that not all goes as it should, or that a sacrifice is required so I put the tear in the wing, suggesting her flight would be impaired. I selected the butterfly for another reason. In Franz Kafka's novella, Metamorphosis, his character, Gregor Samsa wakes to find himself transformed into a monster. Though the butterfly is beautiful, the caterpillar phase has a voracious appetite and is quite destructive. Throughout the series, Edward battles with his self-perception ("What if I'm not the hero? What if I am the bad guy?). Bella only sees the angel, but Edward is aware of how monstrous his kind can be AND the struggle each of the Cullens have made to become a more civil and "enlightened" vampire clan. We all remember Bree from Eclipse?? And Erinne, let's not forget Jacob. Our warm-blooded, half-naked space heater left us in monster form. What will happen to him? And as far as the golden eye goes, I put it there partly because I thought it was a fun thing to do on a butterfly, but also because it's the eye color Bella wants to evolve to as a vampire. But she has to survive that risky red-eyed, newborn-monster phase first.

Still with me? On to the second. Again, great replies. And Sarah, though I really liked your idea about the fur, they are feathers. For me, more than the angelic reference to Edward, they represent the significance of Bella's last name, Swan. Afterall, this is Bella's story. The transformation of the ugly duckling to a beautiful swan made me first think of the feathers. Though Edward doesn't think Bella is ugly, she certainly considers herself dull, clumsy, and plain when compared to the Cullens. The story of the Ugly Duckling is also about being ostracized, seeking acceptance and ultimately, realizing your true self and belonging. I really hope we find out why Bella is so unique. Why she's unaffected by certain vampire powers. Is there something in her ancestry that will reveal her true nature? OR will she come to realize that ultimately, her humanity is most important.

Second, swans mate for life which eludes to the much-hoped-for union in this book. (Not to mention the imprinting of werewolves). I put the pool of blood on the ground to suggest something has been sacrificed in return for Bella's decision. No matter what happens in this book, I believe that each of the characters will make choices that will cause them pain. (And let's not forget how tasty a swan is to a wolf).

Well, thanks for playing with me. You've all been good sports. I've heard that the real cover has shattered glass and spattered blood but perhaps it's just a rumor. On May 31st, we'll all know.

Robert Pattinson aka Edward

An unfinished sketch of Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen in the Twilight movie. This time, I approached the process from a purely shape angle, instead of looking at it as a human face. By squinting my eyes and focusing on the lights, mid-tones and darks and drawing the shapes of each, making sure they are in the proper place in relationship to each other, the sketch came together much more quickly. . . and by far, more accurately than the other method. It's almost like laying in puzzle shapes and if you are measuring correctly, they fit in place and in relationship to each other. Now to refine it and put in the facial details, clothing and hair.

A Delightful Bella

I've been taking a drawing class and I've used the assignments to complete some of my Twilight character sketches. Some time ago, while attending my grandson's Scouting activity, I noticed a young woman across the room who had this great face. Immediately, I thought, "There's my idea of Bella!" She possesses that everyday girl appearance, along with that certain spark about her that sets her apart as well. My daughter was acquainted with her and knew that she was a avid Twilight fan and she kindly allowed her to take some quick shots. I've made very few adjustments to the shape of the face and the darkness of her hair (this girl has beautiful red hair). And I know, everyone has their own idea for these characters so I don't expect mine to match with anyone else's, but here is my attempt. I imagine after the movie, Kristen Stewart will be everyone's idea of Bella anyway.

Jacob Black

Ok, I know everyone has their own idea of what Jacob Black from Twilight looks like, but I thought I'd take a stab at it during my sketching time yesterday. In the first book by Stephenie Meyer, Jacob is a mere 15 years old and in my mind, a sort of lanky kid on the treshold of manhood. After looking at many photos of native Americans, I tried to be true to the my observation: strong brow, distinct, high cheekbones, flatter nose, intense eyes. I tried to combine all that with a feeling of determination, fierceness, with a hint of the man (and...um....well, "warrior") he would soon become in the next book, New Moon. Ok. Got him out of my system. Back to work.