Well, I've been trying to get back into my art. All the while I was sewing those blasted beads on my daughter's wedding dress, I was envisioning all sorts of pictures and projects. Now, the wedding's behind me and I can't seem to light the fire within. I've been working on the Autumn portrait, gathering fall leaves for color reference. I keep trying different color schemes and nothing seems right. My new studio has fairly good lighting, even though it isn't northern light. Every time I get out of my seat, Princess Sophie, my seal point kitty, jumps up on my art seat. It's become a game with us. I don't know how she knows I'm out of it for a few minutes. She must have radar. The other picture is of Tucker, a lynx-point. He's our marble fetcher. While I'm trying to draw and trying even harder to figure out this painting business, he brings me a marble and drops it at my feet; his signal for me to play. I throw it down the hall and he runs to retrieve it and brings it back. I think he thinks he's a dog. They are both good company during my day. WHY is painting so hard for me!!
I have my first children's book commission. The author is a wonderful 72 year old lifetime educator. She's self-publishing which is an avenue many authors are taking these days. The title is A Grand Cat and it's based on the true story of Fred the cat. Right now I'm developing the storyboard and book dummy. I'm also playing around with the style and look of the illustrations. The author has given me a free rein in both. Right now, I'm simply studying cats and their expressions and anatomy. After I feel confident with that I will put the photo references away and develop a cat based on memory and characterization. That's the plan.
