New projects, a new blog, and back to College I go tomorrow for a new year. The exciting news? I have a whole year in which to work on illustrating for children, and it's all been accepted as part of my work for the course this year, so there's a lot of fun waiting to be had. Just pop over to my new site for a look and follow me there! Just click here: Mariana Black Illustration.
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I've been working towards this dream for years now, so it's truly wonderful to be sharing this news for you. A lot of visualization and a lot of hard work ... and the possibilities are unlimited. Dream big. Cheers.
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I've been hugely busy, and at the moment my life has been turned upside-down while I explore new horizons that lie before me, but I'm also slowly getting back into my work routine ... with exciting projects coming up that I'm already in love with.
I'll elaborate on those projects (that will be incorporated into my coursework for next year as well) a bit later on, but here's a hint:
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I'll just add that it's something I've wanted to do for years but never quite had the confidence to tackle before ... It's going to be a lot of fun!
With that in mind, I enrolled in a couple of online classes as refreshers and also to learn something about the practical side of illustrating children's books. I've just started on the first one, Picture Book Illustration: Animal Characters by Eric Johnson, on Craftsy, and have been sketching elephants for the first class. Still need to do more drawings and still need to learn a lot more about them, but here's a bit of a start:
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I'm also being reminded of how grounding and therapeutic just having a pen, pencil, or brush in my hand is. I've missed it these last few weeks. As it is, I shall be moving house very soon so things will get slightly chaotic once more, but I'm sticking to my art therapy - I need it.
Cheers.
In my new book 'Imani's Moon', by JaNay Brown-Wood, I utilized traditional and digital illustration methods, much more so than in my previous books. This part-folk-part-fantastical story cried out for much more texture and depth of colour to reflect the diverse culture and life of the Maasai people.
Here's a look at how I worked up one of the illustrations ...
First thoughts on the layout for this spread. Mama is telling Imani about the legend of Moon Goddess, Olapa, I felt a great way to show the story would be in the swirling stars in the sky.
The sketch is letter size.
The finished graphite drawing, which is a little bigger than the finished book size.
I work on Archers 300lb cold press and with 2B-8B pencils.
I tape the paper and work over it with a wash of prussian blue (grumbacher) watercolour
to add value and texture, using salt, splattering, scraping and blowing techniques.
The hair dryer is a requirement to aid drying time! I try to keep the painting as loose as I can.
Here's the finished under-painting.
Next, I scan the image at 400dpi (not too high a quality as I want to keep some muzziness
and not have the art too 'sharp') and start to overpaint in photoshop, particularly paying attention
to getting the right levels in the sky tones.
I work with colour in photoshop 'descriptively'. The layers are light, mostly using 'multiply' mode so the pencil and watercolour textures show through. (I'm not into dense digital colour paintings, it doesn't work for me. And this is how I work in watercolour also ... lightly, letting the ground show through, so it is just the same way as I think, on screen). I don't use many brushes. I don't like to complicate things! Sometimes I will make notes on what I used and colour paletted. But mostly, I wing it. Usually I'm using a soft edged brush in different sizes, at 50% opacity or less. Sometimes a brush with a little texture, usually when I am burning or lightening. I use the dodge and burn tools a lot, with the same principles. I do use several layers, but I also mix colours on the same layers. For example in the skin tones and the landscape. I work in CMYK (and try and get a printer colour setup driver from the design department, to colour proof on screen, if I can). The actual colouring in photoshop takes me much longer than the drawing and underpainting. Probably 2 -3 times as long, depending on detail and size. (To those people who say painting digitally is cheating ... ok, you try it!) I love digital 'finishing', because it gives me immediate options to change and correct -er - mistakes. And I can also do things with colour much more easily than on one flat painting. AND it's fun! I've been using photoshop for over 20 years now. It's a major tool in my studio. But I'm also enjoying the fact that I can incorporate my fine art training and get the best of both worlds.
You may also notice a couple of changes in the finished painting. (That photoshop thing is handy again!) I wasn't happy with the profile of Imani, so I redrew and scanned and pasted over the first drawing. I also made the moon smaller, so it doesn't overpower the stars.
I added the stars last, and I did do them digitally. I tried them by hand first, but because the image was quite complicated, they were too lumpy and didn't look right to me. So I DID use the star brush in photoshop, then I added 'glow' around them and around the moon. I read a review that said that the watercolour images were 'enhanced' digitally (ie the stars and glowing bits). It made me chuckle as they failed to understand the extent of work I did digitally. So it quite pleased me! But digital or traditional, is the end effect pleasing? Does it serve the story? I do get tired of people trying to 'spot the digital'. So misguided in these days when so many top illustrators work with both digital and traditional methods.
Here's where the text went in the final image. Another changes along the way that worked well.
Thanks to my art director at Charlesbridge. Susan Sherman, who had so many great suggestions in the making of this book.
Toodles!
Hazel
'1,2,3 by the Sea' is officially here!
And to celebrate I'm having a giveaway for 2 lucky winners!
TO ENTER
FOLLOW THIS BLOG
AND LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS POST.
Open internationally - draw will be made from entries 10pm ET March 8th 2013.
There will be TWO great first prizes ...
Prize ONE will be a signed copy of the book
and the ORIGINAL cover sketch, also signed!
Prize TWO will be a signed copy of the book
and a signed giclee print of the first page.
Which one would you like to win?
Good luck!
(remember you must be a follower of the blog and leave a comment on this post to be in the draw!)
Toodles - Hazel
'1,2,3 by the Sea' is available to buy on line at
and the print is available on my ETSY store.
I think it's a lot of fun when you see your book in another language. Here's 'Why am I Here?' that I illustrated a couple of years back for Matthew Kelly.
I like that they took time to use a fun Korean typeface. It's great to show at school visits!
Next time - what I got up to at Highlight's Foundation Advanced Illustrator's Workshop, in Boyd's Mill, PA.
Toodles!
Hazel
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT MY STYLE IS?
and the second question
HOW DO I GET ONE?
And here's the thing - most of us already have a style.
Writer's call it VOICE. 'What is our voice? Where does it come from?
How do we capture it and nurture it and grow it?'
As a writer VOICE is the choices we make, the words we use, the cadence, the point of view,
the quality that makes the writing unique - and recognizable.
And emerging illustrators struggle with all the same issues, especially the 'recognizable' one.
The one that will make us
STAND OUT FROM THE REST.
Toodles!
Hazel
I'm going to get a bit personal and rant on a bit ... about me and about you. I'll tell you why. I just read a post that hit home with me, so first you have to go and read that:
http://twitpic.com/85rhv2
Right.
What I am going to talk about is debt and what it does to you. How it can twist up your whole outlook and limit your work. We are all trained to get into debt from a very early age. It's part of our culture. We can't function without it. When I was a kid, there were no credit cards. Maybe in your house there WERE credit cards or bank loans or overdrafts. Or maybe you had everything you needed because you were rich? However you lived, you probably learned that you could get what you needed now and pay for it later. In my life there was a man who came to our house every week with his little book to collect payments from my mother for the sofa and the TV and very probably Christmas presents. To get my new bike I ordered it from the shopping catalogue and I got a job in a corner shop after school to pay for it. (And I did pay for it). What it taught me was instant gratification. Now that gratification is taken for granted by nearly all of us. But do you ever consider what it does to your creativity?
The first writer's conference I went to I heard Sheldon Fogelman speak. And what he said has stayed with me for the last two years.
It was this: To do your best work you need to be in a secure place financially.
It struck me that this great agent, who I'd expected to talk about writing and submitting and the whole 'making it' thing, was laying into us (like a great headmaster on speech day) about finances. And it made a lot of sense. Something clicked into place in my head. Call me naive if you like, but I'd never been told me that to create to the best of your ability you have to be on the level financially. And I was 46 for goodness sake. I must have missed this lesson in college. (Probably in the bar). Or maybe I just wasn't at the right college. Maybe it was just how I grew up. Whatever. Somewhere in my foggy career I had learned that I had to be always striving, starving, fighting and then .. one day ... I would MAKE IT. What ever MAKING IT was. Possibly being plucked from oblivion, get the BIG DEAL, get all THE STUFF. Turns out it is not so. Turns out it took me nearly 3 decades to understand.
To understand that putting myself under STRESS financially is not helping me be the best, creative ME. POW!
Here's the irony - I'd put myself under financial pressure to get to a national writing and illustrating conference to hear this simple truth. And I am glad I did! It's probably written in a hundred books. I probably could've have heard it from writers and illustrators right in my back yard. On blogs. On Facebook. From my dentist! But I heard it at an SCBWI conference and I am thankful I did. To get there I maxed out what was left on my credit card. I ate cheap and filled up on the free pastries (oops) before the conference. I couldn't afford to stay in the conference hotel, so I stayed in the YMCA (somewhere in deepest NY miles away) in a foul room with a bed with wheels on that shot across the room every time I turned over. So give me points for not maxing out my my credit cards on expensive rooms. Of course, a million motivational speakers will tell you to do whatever it takes to get the information you need. I'm not knocking it, and hell I needed to hear what I heard. Even if I couldn't really utilize that information until now.
Alright, I'm not trying to tell you how great I was for doing this. I don't want to preach to the converted ... I know many of you are striving and scrimping and saving because you too need the inspiration to reach the next level, get you THERE, keep you going. And that is just fine! (Are there levels? Yes, we all have levels and we know them when we see them. But your levels and my levels are different,
1, 2, 3 cheers for my friend Hazel! Congrats! :)
Congratulations, Hazel! Best to you. Fingers crossed. Would LOVE to win Prize Two. :)
Absolutely delightful illustrations! I can't get enough of them! I would be thrilled to win either print.
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! But the honor of getting a painting signed by you would be more awesome!!! Love your work Hazel!!
I think this is a fabulous book! (and yes, a bit of bias, but that's okay) Either prize would be wonderful. Congratulations!
Good luck Laura and thanks!
Thanks Greg!
Good luck Aly and thank you so much!
Thanks Markira! Good luck!
Good luck Marcie!
Congrats, Hazel, and best of Luck! Love this book! Can't wait to own it!!
Thanks Sarah!
It would not matter to me which prize I won! You know how much I love your work. I would frame the signed piece and display it proudly! My birthday was last week; would make a great belated gift!
Congrats, Hazel!
That's just beautiful Andrea .. and happy birthday! Belatedly :-)
Such beautiful work. I would love a copy of the book. Of the two prizes, They're both amazing, but having the original cover sketch would be a treasure.
Thanks!
Thanks Dar! Fingers crossed!
Great competition Hazel - I'd love either of these on my study wall, they would be a brilliant distraction from work! Best of luck with the book.
Happy, happy publication day! Woohoo!
And thanks for prompting me to follow your blog. I catch all of your FB posts but hadn't managed to follow you here, too. No matter which piece I might win, it would be displayed proudly in my work space as inspiration.
Hazel,
This is so exciting. What a beautiful cover and illustrations. You are so talented and I don't care if I win or not. I just wanted to tell you congratulations on another beautiful picture book.
Congratulations on your publication day! Such beautiful artwork.
Happy publication day, Hazel! 1,2,3 by the Sea looks like such a delightful book! I'm already a follower (you betcha I am!).
Just knowing you, Hazel, is a prize. Congrats on Pub Day! How exciting. Wonderful wonderful.
This looks like a great book! And I'm not just saying that because I love to get books where we can say, "THIS is why we live in MAINE."
Thanks you Jaimi! That's so lovely to hear .. good luck!
Thanks Michelle .. thanks for joining me here!
Thanks Rachel .. good luck!
Thanks Margi ... shippers hugs to you girl! xo
Thanks Beth! And for all your support :-)
Thanks Lucie!
Thanks Julie ... Maine is such an inspiration. Thanks for the comment!
Love, love , love your illustrations!! So excited for you... and hopeful for me that I win :)
Wonderful giveaway, and an adorable book. Thank you for the opportunity.
Best,
Jeanne
Thanks for this opportunity and congratulations on your book! Your artwork looks beautiful! If I were lucky enough to win, I'd be thrilled with either prize.
I just signed up for your blog. It's a lovely book, Hazel. Congratulations! It looks like a wonderful giveaway.
Congratulations on your book!
Thanks so much! Good luck!
Thanks you Jeanne! Good luck!
Thanks Alison!
So happy for you Hazel. It looks adorable!
Thanks Jenn xx
Thanks for joining and best of luck!
Thanks Rebecca ... and thanks for commenting!
Beautiful artwork! Congratulations, Hazel!
Thank you so much!
By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea! Have a great launch!
Thanks so much! Good luck!
I followed you (privately), I would love a chance to win a copy of the book! Thanks -- Ned V
Have a great launch. Looking forward to reading this. LP
Thanks Ned .. good luck!
Thanks Lois!
Your book looks too cute! Happy launch and congrats!!!
Those are brilliant prizes! So hard to decide .... [flips coin] ... [flips coin again] ... [flips coin one more time to break tie of previous coin flips] ... original sketch please. :)
This new book looks beautiful Hazel! I can't wait to read it to little L.
Boy, oh, boy! A chance to win art for my wall here at the store. That would be wonderful.
Three cheers for Hazel!
Hip hip hurray!
1,2,3 By the Sea's
Being published today!
Congratulations! I'm 'drawn' to either lovely prizes, if you'll forgive my terrible pun!
1,2,3 ... I wish it could be me ;)
Congrats on the new book!! Yay!
What a wonderful giveaway! Count me in! ;)
Thanks Jennifer!
ha! Good luck and thanks for joining in the mayhem!
Woo Hoo! Congrats!
Yay! Congrats on the Book! It looks great! :D
Thanks Casey xo
Whoop it up, Hazel!! You deserve it. :D
What generous prizes! I would be grateful to have either donn my office wall. 1, 2, 3 by the Sea would be a welcome addition to my special library collection. :D
Lori
lj DOT mozdzierz AT gmail DOT com
Congratulations, Hazel! This looks like a wonderful book for kids and their grownups :)
Hazel 1, 2, 3 by the Sea looks like a wonderful book. I'd love to give it to my sweet wee grandson. If I won the gorgeous giclee print, however, I would keep it for myself. ;)
Thanks Beth - good luck!
Cute!! Thanks Cathy :-)
Thanks for entering! Good luck!
Thanks Lori :-)
Thanks David! You are in!
Thank you so much ... good luck in the draw!
Hugs Marilyn!
Thanks Ann :-)
Sounds like wonderful ideas! Good luck!
I would love to win the giclee print--it would look ever so perfect on my studio wall! I would probably keep the book as well, for slumber parties at Grammy's house. Good luck and huge sales to you, Hazel!
Congratulations! And what a cool giveaway! Best of luck with all your endeavors!
Happy Book Launch, Hazel! Looking forward to meeting you at the conf in Paris in March.
Thanks Robyn and good luck!
Thanks Dana .. we will have a blast!
Thanks Renee, and thanks for visiting :-)
How could your biggest fan not want to win this awesomeness!!!
I was wondering where you were?
Your artwork is absolutely wonderful! Congratulations. Looks like such a fun book. Hoping this is my lucky week!! So glad I was introduced to your blog. :)
Oh,how I love new children's books! I would love prize 2. We would treasure it forever!
Thank you Jill and welcome!
Thanks for commenting and good luck!
Thanks, Hazel! I would like to win the book. I love your books.
Congrats on this new one. :)
Lovely, and good luck!
Rock-on Hazel! If we were in the same state, I'd bring you whiskey and angel poop. ;) xo
You know I think you're ridiculously talented, AND you love a cuppa, how can I not like you!!
OH hell, I wish we were!!
Aw MICHELLE ... thank you so much! xo
Reet gradely, Hazel! I'd adore and love to win a sample of your work in any form - even better for a publisher to pay you to illustrate one of my stories.
All best wishes from Australia via Hertfordshire, York and Cheadle, and I hope this new book sells heaps,
Peter
Congrats Hazel, you truely are talented, beautiful work!
Your work never fails to bring a smile..love this image.
Thank you Amy! Good luck!
Found you through my friend Kelli Brooks :) This looks like a book that my preschool class will love! Congrats to you!
Hugs to you Maddie!
Thank you Peter, that's grand! :-))
Congratulations, Hazel! I can't wait to share this book with the kindergarten classes I supervise! Best wishes!
Love your illustrations. Fingers crossed that I win!
Fingers double crossed that your book is a tremendous success.
Thanks Debbi! Nice to meet you!
Good luck Linda, thanks for the good wishes!
Thanks Stephanie, let me know how it goes!
Hazel, it seems like yesterday I was lucky enough to have you in my classroom. I need more Hazel artwork in my life!! :)
Invite me back to your classroom!! xo
Hazel,
My daughter Sarah(MissGtravels) and her fourth graders were so fortunate to have you work with them as an artist in residence. I would love to win either prize to donate to her classroom (and sneak the book home to read to my future grandchildren!) Mumma G.
I would love to win either prize for my 3 year old!
I'd be happy with either prize! I think I might be partial to #2. Thanks to my friend Jeanne for introducing me to your blog! Kim Washburn (aka Knitty Kitty)
Awesome contest, Hazel! I hope I'm following now. I thought I already was. Love your work <3
Hi MummaG! I had a great time with Sarah and the children. have my fingers crossed for you!
Hi MummaG! I had a great time with Sarah and the children. have my fingers crossed for you!
You are in the draw, good luck!
I would love to win any of the prizes. Just want you to know how much I love your art.
Thanks Denise! You are in the draw :-)
Thank you so much! Thanks for entering and good luck!
Thanks for entering and welcome!
Very cute drawings, as usual!
I love your drawings! Prize 2 would be great.
Thanks Clarissa!
Thanks Kimberley and good luck!
Love your illustrations:)
Thanks so much!
Phew! Made it just in time. Wish me luck, Hazel! :D
Looks like a fun book! We are trying to buy a beach house and enjoy our own 1, 2, 3 by the sea.
You are in!
A beach house sounds wonderful! Good luck in the draw!
Congratulations Hazel! Sure do miss the sea in CO!
I bet! Good luck!
1, 2, 3, ... good luck to thee!!! Great work!!! Hope I get it!!!
Thanks Efi! Good luck!
1,2,3 .............. do you have some copies for sale? Please add me to your drawing.
I must tell you how much my cat likes your magnet of "Being the Best Self I Can Be"! He takes it off the refrigerator and carries it 2-3 rooms away for me to find in the morning.
Congratulations, Hazel! What a wonderful way to celebrate publication day! I'm in! :-)
Hi Jane .. you are in the draw.
Is he the Best Cat He Can Be??
The book is available at your local bookstore or online at http://new.myubam.com/p/2082
Thanks and yes you are in!
I can't wait to see you in Paris!!!!!!!!! :)
I have just loved following your journey with this fab book. Congratulations Hazel!
It will be AWESOME Marcy ;-)
Thank you so much Nicky! It is making me long for beaches and sea and seagulls!