A new book arrives in the mail...

Once again a happy book day dawns - a day with a new books in the mail. 

This charming picturebook was the story of 'Stella... Almost', written by Willy Blevins with pictures by me - a tale of a sad little fox who needed some cheering up - all accomplished with grandfather fox's wise counsel.

From the good folks at Red Chair Press. And of course if you scroll back through this blog you can see all the rough sketches from the very beginning - from a year ago. 

Mr. Bear is finally finished...

And it's time for Mr. Bear to finally say 'Bear is finished!'

I like these step by step progressions so if you scroll through the arrows on the images you can see how each image changes.

And of course with photoshop there are many, many changes to be accomplished.

When in doubt, make french toast!

When in doubt, make french toast! 

The latest 'bear update'

And of course everyone is waiting for the latest 'bear update' - well here it is. As you can see if you scroll down through a little, the figure began in a swirl of vague forms driven by the gesture.  But now it's coming right along... taking care not to lose the spontaneity of the rough sketch.

My secret sauce will add some rough splashy color to increase the spontaneity. 

The 'French Toast Brush' - don't leave home without it!

I think I fell for the socks on this one. I had to get out my 'french toast brush' to correctly render the breakfast. It was interesting working from the rough sketch to a rough finish - with lots of fun on the way getting there.

And this child reminded me of my own child way back when... at the start when life was all wonderful.