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Thursday, February 14, 2013

A Storybook February

Valentine's Day seems to be an appropriate day to post my February painting for our Storybook Brushes calendar.

This one was my biggest challenge as I worked to figure out what I wanted these characters from the Snow Queen to look like. Since I had February, I thought the rooftop garden scene with Kai and Gerda would fit nicely. But, exactly how to compose this scene with two buildings and an adjoining garden was the question. So, there were many, many sketches.......

Also, the gathering of references as an idea began to take shape......


I thought I had it with this sketch, but the critique group pointed out that the image was rather static. It needed more movement from left to right since we were designing these as picture book spreads.

I agreed, and knew I could do better, so I gave the scene some more depth. Here's a painting progress shot....

the final piece....

Last week I was very excited to finally receive my set of finished calendars! I'm very impressed with the printing quality. I love how the woodgrain is apparent, but subtle.


The pages are a nice weight with a beautiful matte finish.
Maria's, Katriona's, and Juana's pages looks gorgeous!



It was fun to package them up, and they've been making there way across the country.


I have some extras left, so if you would like one they're available in my Etsy shoppe.

angelatoshoppe

5 comments:

SoooGood said...

looks great!

Jenn Bower said...

This is gorgeous. I love that you shared your process and that invaluable feedback from your group. Funny, how in an instant that one word 'static' clicked with me. At my last portfolio review I had an AD say my work was 'too flat' and I just didn't get it...but seeing your before and after sketches, now I do. Wow - you just pushed this old girl over a big old hurdle.

John L said...

Beautiful work, I love your composition and your colors! Thanks for sharing, and congratulations on the calendar!

Angela Matteson said...

Jenn, this makes me smile! For me, this whole project was about pushing over hurdles, one after the other, so I know that feeling when something begins to 'click'.

Angela Matteson said...

thanks, John!