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:
9 comments:
love it!!!
Such fantastic expressions on those cute faces! I just love those squirrels! Nice work, Kel!
I can't wait to see the whole thing finished. I loved the other illustration I saw. This is fantastic. Oh my goodness Kelly!! You had me laughing until I got a cramp! Oh my goodness. I hope that auntie didn't hurt nobody??? he he he he he! I think I know the answer to that! You are the best!
Sounds like a wonderful story idea. Can't wait to see it happen! (Also nice to know that I'm not the only one who can spend ALL DAY on a sketch!)
I love the poor squirrels jumping out of harms way. And that girl looks pretty devilish!
Awesome Kelly. So much story in the sketch.
Soldier on with that near-and-dear story... those are the sustaining ones...
Wonderful, Kelly! I love the idea of the colors changing to show the passage of time. Can't wait to see the finished product.
HURAY Kelly! I'm gonna be the first one in line at my local Borders to get this... What?... you mean Borders is closing?... {{{ KELLY HURRY!}}} The publishing world NEEDS THIS BOOK!!! You know I been a lovin it from the first.
Oh, And Don't for get tha Hippo! :o)
It's fantastic!Love the style and the story:)
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