2nd mule illustration

[Toni]

Hi guys.

Here is the 2nd of the set of 3 illustrations I'm working on. I was given specific requirements for these last two. I found it extremely difficult to get back into the "style" of the first one, being as the first one was done about 4 yrs ago. I did several pages of these, and after several days finally got back into it. Sheesh that was the hardest part!

aprox 14x16
Watercolor wash on Strathmore Gemini 300 lb wc paper
lyra WC pencils
Prismacolor pencils over all that
Micron Ink pen for line detail.

He(the trainer/teacher) wanted a "happy mule and rider" being as he has a signature line of tack and equipement now. This mule is happy because it's wearing his stuff.. hence the high easy step and the grin on it's face. Riders happy cuz when yer mules happy, everyones happy! LOL

I'm attaching the rough draft that he approved. The final I'll scan for you guys tomorrow after I ink it. For now you get a sneak peek.

I'm also attaching pics of my helper and my biggest critic lately. ;) She loves to stand on my lap and watch while I work. She really watches the pencils on the paper... just cracks me up!

Had to show you guys... so you think its almost time to get her a color wheel?

:D

TJ

[lene]

Hi Toni
what an ideal situation; drawing with your kid on your lap :) Do you understand her comments yet ;)
The drawing looks great, and you caught the style again :)
Do you always work with your paper so vertical ? .. is it for a better overview ?

[Amazingreys]

This is great Toni! You definitely have the "style" back!


Do you always work with your paper so vertical ? .. is it for a better overview ?

I wondered about this too? Anyhow, it is great seeing you "in action" so to speak, I'm eager to see the rest of the ilustration! :)

[lucky]

Oh, it came out GREAT Toni! I love the style and character of these. Your studio pal is the cutest!!! How neat that she's so mesmerized by the pencil! :D (almost makes me want one ;))

[Meisie]

Look how she has grown!!! Must be all that 'grandma love' she's getting :D

Wonderful job Toni....I'm such a helpless fan ;)

Meisie

[Toni]

Thanks guys. Sorry we didn't have alot of time to work on this today, so it's still not inked.

Yes, I do work on an easel, always vertical. My prefrence is to stand, sometimes I sit though when my helper is here.

Now do you want to know why? LOL.. Because I found it's easier on my neck and shoulders, meaning less headaches than using a drawing table. Also by working upright it by-passes all that bad "muscle memory" with my carpal tunnel. The only time my carpal tunnel flares up now is when I get lazy and I draw with my drawing board on my lap, like a table.

Lene I don't know if it's ideal or not, but when she starts blowing spit bubbles.. we might have to make another arrangement.

Lucky.. muhahahaha they are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO fun!!!! You shuld have one or two or threee...... lol

thanks Meisie! :D :blushing: ;)

TJ

[Cleo]

Or Four like me !!!! :D :D

What a great way to learn to draw......

Love the illustrations Toni...great fun.

Baby seems to agree with me !




Cleo :bye1:

[Rose]

Toni,

This is looking great! I loved the last one and this is already well on it's way to a super cartoon!

What a cutie pie, so rapt in concentration as you put the pencil to the paper... yup, it's time to get her a color wheel for sure! Not the pencils yet! :o

Will be watching this one...

[bmac]

How cute is that! Those are very special photos! Could be a painting!?

Can't wait to see this one finished. Looks great to me.

With your work vertical, is it on an easel(sp?)? How do you keep it steady? I need to try this because I get back and neck pain too. Just haven't figured out a way.

[Toni]

Hehehe or 5 like me Cleo huh? ;) Thanks, I guess time will tell ....

Thanks Rose. Nah, I wouln't really give her any pencils yet, but I'll find sumthin :D ;)

Hi Beth. Thanks. My easel lets me move my work up and down very easily. I can stand or sit whichever I want. I usually have a really light pencil applications, but for those times i'm being a little more aggresive with them, I just simply put place my foot on the cross bar that is on the floor, connecting the "feet". It's such a naural thing I don't even realize i'm doing it any more.

TJ

[rosemary]

Great picture of you and baby. This is a double duty picture. She is watching you working on the picture, and we are watching you and her. That would make a nice picture of you and her, say in pastel. Rosemary

[Toni]

That would make a nice picture of you and her, say in pastel.

ROFL!!! :D

:rolleyes:

TJ

[Katydid]

the drawing is nice but i want to see the baby...do you have and update from the front :D

[Brenda]

LOVE this sketch!!! And the baby is so adorable. I love seeing you working, the baby paying rapt attention and your sketch coming to life. Does she sit like that for long??

[lucky]

4 or 5!?? :scared: :D Wow! Cleo, and Toni you are amazing!!!

(my husband and I are having a hard enough time just deciding on wether or not to get a dog!!! :p )

[Cleo]

He...he..... :)

Should have realised Toni...from your ability to work while balancing a baby on your arm......something every mum learns real fast :D :D

How many will ther be in this series of illustrations ?

( p.s Thanks Lucky ,made me smile :) )




Cleo

[Bill C]

cute picts, hope she doesn't decide to spit up. LOL :p

[Toni]

heres the final finally lol. No little heads in the way this time.

The micron pens are NOT happy being applied over the prismacolor pencils. (They worked fine over the watercolor pencils)

excuse the ickky scan and stitch...

TJ

[Toni]

Lucky... lol but dogs don't talk back! :D

Cleo... ;) 3 total. one more to go. The rough draft and transfer are already done, I just have to color it.

Bill... :p


thanks guys.

[Norma69]

I've been watching and now I am lovin' the final - I just want to reach out and give them both a big hug. Friendly and cute :D - Ah a lady of many talents and grandma too - Still a fan

Norma

[Meisie]

wonderful!!! yeah my microns also hate cp :(

Still think he reminds me of my friend ;)

Meisie

[Brenda]

How much fun is this!! I am smiling as I write this because your lil guy and mule made me happy just to look at them.

I like the look of this very much. Is the trainer pleased?

[lucky]

TJ, This turned out just GREAT!!! They have so much personality! love it!

Lucky... lol but dogs don't talk back! he he he, is that suppose to be a bad thing!? ;) just kiddin!

[Toni]

LOL! Norma you made my day. :D thank you.

I find that highly amusing meisie, when I start his portrait maybe you can compare a little better. ;)

thanks brenda! Yes, He loved it. One more to go....

thanks lucky...hehehe now... those dogs also don't put dents in your new truck, forget to take out the trash or make you the most wonderful mothers day gifts you'll treasure forever. (You can never have to many macaroni necklaces....) Nor do they throw their little chubby arms around your neck and say...... i love you mommy! Awwwwww lol. ;)

TJ

[Aggie]

I loved the pictures of your help.....How much patience you must have to be able to do that....

It turned out beautiful... :clap:

[Katydid]

another great one, this mule looks a little happier then his mate. Happy and Grumpy who do we get to see next?

[Bill C]

:p :p :p

[lucky]

or make you the most wonderful mothers day gifts you'll treasure forever. (You can never have to many macaroni necklaces....) Nor do they throw their little chubby arms around your neck and say...... i love you mommy! Awwwwww lol.

ooooooh, Toni, you're so bad, you really got me with that one! Don't confuse me - I'm very easily confused! LOL :D