December Again

What I did:
- abstract (30 mins)
- talked to people about getting watercolor lessons (30 mins)
- presentation outline (2 hrs)
- character studies (3 hrs)
- color exploration research (1 hr)
- layout deciding (1.5 hrs)
- color exploration (3 hrs)
- .75 scale model (3 hrs so far)

What I accomplished/encountered/discovered:

     I am fairly satisfied with my character explorations. I clearly have a lot more work to do, but for now it will be pushed aside so I can focus on the bigger picture.

from some stock photos and some from my goddaughter Kaelyn

Kaelyn

practicing POV

     The bigger picture is my entire book layout. I needed an updated (and larger) version to show at my December review. It will also help me determine what reference shots I need to take over break for my illustrations. Speaking of illustrations, I have set up watercolor lessons over break as well.

     After I re-evaluated the necessary scenes for my book, I was able to start my .75 scale model. It still needs a lot of work over the weekend, but it is definitely a start. 

     The group critique on Tuesday confirmed my belief that color got a little out of hand in my full scale trials. There was so much going on in the scene as well as with the plethora of color. I  took some time to look at books with a limited color palette. It is incredible how much can be accomplished (and expressed) with so few colors. Below are some examples.

By Philip Stead, illustrated by his wife Erin

Simply, but also exquisitely rendered

By Jean-Luc Fromental & Joelle Jolivet

PENGUINS!!

by Kazuno Kohara
woot! for straying from white backgrounds

     I also did my own exploring with color. I haven't reached a verdict yet, however perhaps that is something that can be done with the help of my December review committee.

Nine of the most successful explorations

B&W with a single color referring to mood and the object of focus (feet!)

B&W with subtle color and bright color on object of focus

Light wash in background. Bold colors on focus area.

What's next: 

     Mock presentations and December review of course! I have a pretty good idea of my presentation layout, so this weekend I will be doing lots of exploring, documenting and uploading pictures into keynote. By Tuesday, everything will be (mostly) spotless and rehearsed for my trial run. Thursday is the big day then. Practice, Practice, Practice!