Monster/alien paper doll - day 299

Busy time getting lost in Manga studio. Not sure where this idea came from, just popped in my head wanting escape!
This cute little alien has clothes still in the design process and should work like a normal paper doll.
Am in love with how cute she turned out. Originally was trying for a boy, but she pointed out to me she is in fact a girl, so pretty dresses and crowns are the order.

Windy Day PC - Day 248-249

I sketched out a design for a new painting, a girl caught in the wind with clothes and hair blowing and leaves twisting around.
About the same time, I was lent a couple of Imagine FX magazines to see if I could get the sample disc to work. I have always greatly, super megally, admired the people who use those great programs like photoshop and illustrator, but my first feeble attempt to learn such skills failed when i tried to learn the basics on GIMP (the free version of these). The concept of layers bewildered me and I just couldnt seem to get the program to do what I wanted with my scanned picture. Maybe the stars were in a strange alignment!!
Anyway, with the magazines in hand, I tested to see if the discs would work, and downloaded the free demo of Manga Studio just to check it out. Silly, silly thing to do!!
My artistic mode went into OCD as I "played" around to see what could be done. This lead to a number of hours, dishes piling up and a sleep deprived night, with brief stops to check online tutorials and a lot of frustrating "what the...?" moments.
Here is the start... I sketched straight onto the computer (since I tried the scanner thing last time and got lost), and dilligently watched tutorials and learnt about layers. All went fine untill the grass.. Grass is tricky!!! Some time on this part alone - ok, LOTS of time!!
Now to tackle the sky, leaves and feel of wind.!!!

Learning - day 102

I want to learn photoshop, illustrator etc, but as of yet am settling for the cheaper (free) GIMP program to learn some basics. SO much harder then I thought!
I decided to follow a tutorial on how to colour a black and white sketch, it took so much playing around with many layers and trying to work out how the layers work together.
Its very messy, but its a start (has to improve, as can't get worse!)
In the end, used a GIMP tool too emboss the image as well (hides the terrible colouring)

quick sketch aliens - Day 93

Another painting plan (a big fairy one on the way but still "raw" and not ready to be shown, which on reflection seems silly since that leaves a rough sketch for day 93?!)

Sketching and Huhu's - Day 52

My set of 5 Huhu Grubs done and some planning for another painting.

(posted late as weekend ran away from me - Sewing insanity and Mothers Day)

Fairy Sketch - Day 42

Another strange vision that needed creative release...
For someone lacking in people drawing skills, these type of ideas cause a touch of frustration! Thankfully I avoid the tricky face by not having one, but hands and feet are still nightmarish. the hair will be fixed up in the painting stage.
This is a base for a painting idea. If you look carefully, there is a hint of wings... just a hint for reference, because I'm designing wings that will come from her back and out of the painting. Who knows if it will work, but I please the creative gods by the mere attempt!

"Anxiety is the hand maiden of creativity."
Chuck Jones,Warner Bros. animator

Gentle Winged Popkle - Day 26

A week of sketching mostly. Though I have been stitching up a new Popkle for the collection, especially since the Pinky Popkle has gone to a new home! In between stitching, and helping my daughter with her Justin Bieber competition (see below), I was also thinking of a new Popkle, this one is a sweeter and gentler version, with soft curly horns and wings. They will be wired as well for added shape and movement.

The computer problems have been tough, but this posting pack brings me right back up to date - Day 26 on Sunday 10 april.

Popkle Body Issues - Day 25

I am very keen to make a full bodied Popkle, but have some boduy issues around this. I'm not sure what the final shape should be, what would suit. Tried to sketch some ideas out but still couldnt make up my mind. This of course leaves me with another option... I will need to make both main options up! One is almost kangaroo-ish, and the other one is more dragion like.. .also a wings or no wings option.
Let the sewing begin!!

Princess Daisy - Day 24

I had a new portrait in mind... this includes a princess and some dragons. It took a while to get the princess just the way I wanted, but I think this is the keeper...
I needed her to be simple enough to replicate in felt, but still with some character. I also tried a Merlin figure with a full white beard, still need to work on him abit.

Side note... while doing this I had flash backs to the Princess Bride movie, I still LOVE this movie!

Westley: I told you I would always come for you. Why didn't you wait for me?
Buttercup: Well... you were dead.
Westley: Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while.
Buttercup: I will never doubt again.
Westley: There will never be a need.

New Character - Day 23

My main PC is dead! So sad!

This has impacted on the blogging, but the creative pursuits continue. Am missing checking in on others though!

Day 23 - lots of sketching... here is a sample of a new character... A bit rough, but my mind is jumbled with work and rough is all I managed today!

New Characters - Day 8

Today was a typical Auckland day!
For those not from here, that means a day where it covers all 4 seasons at random intervals! Which always brings to mind the Crowded House song "4 seasons in one day".(Nz singers from a while ago)

Anyway... I found a small amount of time to sketch up some new characters...
OWLS - havent deciphered what is happening here yet, maybe he is sad, or drunk?
POPKLE - A strange new creature, with some curly horns and a love of woolen sweaters while doing yoga.

Sorry about bad photos!

Early Easter Jitters - Day 4

It's too early!!
Easter eggs are EVERYWHERE!!
Caramello Creme Eggs calling my name... Arrrggghhhh!
This is an ode to others like me called "On the Fence" My fingers needed a break from sewing so I decided to draw. Lately, I just do rough sketches for ideas and patterns and I havent tackled an actual arty piece in awhile. Thankfully for me, art is wonderfully subjective... this hides any lack of talent! The rabbit looks a tad odd, but his expression does seem to sum up my battle of chocolate vs veges. (if not clear, the strange shapes behind the bunny are lettuces and carrots)  :)