The Smiley Family in action

All day I drew this! Oy Vey!

I have been working on this story for two years. It's near and dear to my heart. It's not an easy family nor an easy story to tell. At it's heart is Baby Gail, the little big eyed girl on the left. It's her story and it's a story of a quiet person who's in the background of a family of very, very aggressive personalities who do big things. The simple act of this little person documenting the family history in a big 'ol photo album and passing it on may just be the biggest thing anyone in The Smiley Family has ever done.


The color in the story changes from sepia to gorgeous black and white to full color- as photography does. It helps the passage of time.

My studio is wall papered with this family. Generation after generation. Til now- I have done portraits mostly. I have some candid pics. The 1960's which I was drawing last, get pretty fun.  Over many years,
I have amassed a huge collection of old photographs and albums. This project grew out of my unending love of old stuff. Old clothes, old photos, times gone by- and the death of my Grandmother.

I hadn't put that last part together until recently. I think it's my way to rewrite the end of her life. My character is not her, but it's a character that is content with the way things play out.



I've gotten a lot of good feedback on the illustrations. It's now my task to finish the story. Baby Gail deserves that much.


 Lower word count - 700 being the sweet spot, means more story in the pictures. This sketch was an attempt at that.

Now to paint!

Color Study: