KARIEN . N

Little mushroom houses, bend down you will see them!

2012-01-20T07:42:00.000-08:00

I love stories about fairies, little people and mushroom villages. I've recently flipped through some fantasy books and got inspired to do little mushroom houses.

Prints are available in my Etsy Store

Merlin's wish foundation and my Merlin Cover

2012-01-19T01:23:00.000-08:00

I was asked to donate a cover for a book written for Merlin's wish foundation. I love to help out when it comes to helping children so I grabbed this with both hands.

All the proceeds of this book will go to the Merlin's Wish Foundation so please guys have a look and buy it! Its for a good cause.

Its available at Amazon

Alan Evans and the Library Gang

2012-01-13T00:15:00.000-08:00

Alan commissioned me to do the cover for one of his new books that is available at Amazon.

It is a series of children's books based on Library figures that come to life each night when the Library closes. The Library Gang set off to play games and have adventures in the hours of darkness.

It was really fun to read about the characters and to see them in my mind playing games and to finally draw them on paper. I must admit that the books in the background were hectic to colour in but don't they look wicked!.

Finally my dragon is done!

2012-01-07T12:38:00.000-08:00

Im happy to say that my dragon is done! Im very happy with the outcome, I was torn between green and red but must admit that I liked the red better.

Prints and other goodies are available at my Deviant Store

Fantasy worlds and dragon paintings

2012-01-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic new year, I know I did!

I've received a few art books and I feel so inspired by all of them that I started doing a new illustration. It feels so good to work on my own stuff after being busy with Educational Illustrations for a while.

Here's a picture of the background I'm working on. I want to give the illustration the feeling of old paper but which can be seen as an old wall that got a few cracks.

I'm still not sure if I must make the dragon red or green....Any suggestions?

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T07:05:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas! The big day is almost here and I'm taking a few days off with my family to have a bit of festive fun.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year!

Have a good one,
Karien xxx

The Digital world of Skip Allen

2011-12-11T23:11:00.000-08:00

In the beginning of the year when I started doing educational work for publishers, I’ve changed over to digital watercolours as it is easier to do changes on the illustrations.

I started out with Corel Painter 9 and I struggled to get the same feeling as when painting with original watercolours. I gave up and tweaked my work that it is almost the same but I was never happy with the final work.

I got Corel Painter 12 a week back and I was burning to try it out but I was still working on educational posters. The drafts are sending through to the publisher today and while I’m waiting for the go-ahead I thought I will try out Painter.

Everything looks different and sleeker and I was excited with the new things that Painter 12 is giving me. But I wasn’t very impressed with the brushes and I started searching on the internet for digital painters that used Painter 12. I came across a few that the work look so real that it blows my mind away.

On all the websites that I’ve visited they mentioned that they are using Skip Allen's Paint brushes. I thought why not, if their work looks so wicked, mine can look like that as well. So I visited Skip’s blog and I was so fascinated! He got brush downloads and he even got videos showing how to install them. As you know I’m not very clued up with computers and this came very handy indeed!

I downloaded the brushes, installed them and I started trying it out. With every brush I tried, my smile got bigger and bigger. The brushes give the real effect I was looking for and my work look better!

Thanks Skip!

This is a picture that I did in my Moleskin

This one is done digitally with Skip's brushes

Theres a rainbow in my garden

2011-12-05T22:09:00.000-08:00

I love this time of the year when the summer is here and all the flowers are in bloom. There’s such a variety of colors it seems a rainbow is in my garden!

Yesterday I took a break from my busy schedule and I drew some Calla lilies that are in my garden. I got some pink, yellow and orange lilies but I just had to draw the orange ones, they are so vivid.

IF: SILENT

2011-11-16T09:44:00.001-08:00

Deadlines

2011-11-07T09:27:00.000-08:00

As all illustrators knows, deadlines are hectic and sometimes there isnt enough time to give your best work. I saw this short video about deadlines on a friends wall and it made me smile. I just wish that all publishers could see this.

PiBoIdMo 1.2.3...

2011-11-02T23:37:00.000-07:00

It started again and this year Im definitely going to do it. Since the 1st of November they have posted some really interesting stuff and I must say its really giving me some ideas.

As a sketchbook fanatic, I have decided to incorporate it in my book. Im always loosing books and notes and Im afraid that I will loose my ideas, this way I can always look back on it and maybe take my ideas further for a picture book. Who knows!

Good luck for everyone who signed up!

The very talented and award winning illustrator: Maja Sereda

2011-10-28T00:32:00.000-07:00

Maja Sereda is a wicked illustrator based in South Africa, Johannesburg. She has won numerous awards for her illustrations , her latest, a Kite's Flight, won the Crystal Kite Member Choice Award this year. She is truly an inspiration for young illustrators like me.

In a few weeks Maja is having a brilliant exhibition in Parkview. Theres also 2 workshops that children can attend. One of them is being held by Rico Schacherl, the illustrator of the much-loved comic series, Madam & Eve.

There will also be goodies that you can buy, original art and books.

Please support her, you wont be disappointed.

Here is the link to her fabulous webpage where you can get more info regarding the exhibition.

My newest edition to my studio

2011-10-23T02:39:00.001-07:00

Sometimes it gets lonely to in my studio. Sheila, my little princess, get bored in my studio and usually go off playing in the garden or go and sleep in the sun like most dogs do.

This morning I was in the pet shop with my dad when I saw this really wicked dragon tank kit! It got everything in so no need to go buy stuff, all you need is some goldfish!
I thought its perfect for my studio and it fits right in and fishes are wonderful pets!

My new webpage is up and running!

2011-10-19T03:13:00.001-07:00

Its taken a long time but my new webpage, www.kariennaude.com is finnaly up and running. I have no knowledge of web design but I must say this is looking wicked!

Its almost Halloween!

2011-10-17T04:16:00.000-07:00

Its almost Halloween and the shops are starting to sell Halloween treats and costumes so this got me in the mood!

Hope you like it.

Rage Expo feedback!

2011-10-10T03:45:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit late with my post about how it was at Rage but I needed to settled in again in my routine.

It went extremely well with my stand, the little Sketchbooks that I've made sold out quickly and by the second day my tortoise T-Shirt was sold out. My first customer was an organizer from Rage and on Saturday afternoon he brought his little son Hakim to show me how cute he looked in my T_shirt. Other items that I had that sold well was the 2012 Calendars and the various bookmarks.

I've met a ton of new talented people that shared the Artist Alley with me and I got to see some old friends to.

The public loved my work especially my digital work like Alice in Wonderland and Gimli from LOTR.

On Saturday Legion Ink who runs the Artist Alley had a cosplay competition and everyone dressed up as his/her favourite comic book / game hero. It was really fun to see how people dressed up and some were pretty wicked!

My sister helped me out at Rage and I would like to thank her, thanks Hanna!

Interview by Mark Mitchell

2011-10-05T23:31:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I got interviewed by Mark Mitchell, an acclaimed author and illustrator in the children's books field.

Im very impressed with how it came out and Mark used my Favorited illustrations in the interview.

Heres the link:

Its the Rage Expo again!!!

2011-09-24T08:24:00.001-07:00

This year I will be at the Rage Expo again and this year will be wicked!
I've decided to sell children's T-Shirts with some of my character designs on. Its my first time but I'm very happy with them!
I will also have my regular items. I will have bookmarks, calendars and some cool books, all hand painted.
Rage starts on the 30th of October until the 2nd of September. It will be held at the Coca-Cola Dome, cnr of Northumberland Road and Olievenhout Avenue, North Riding, Johannesburg.

A surprise from the postman!

2011-09-02T07:31:00.001-07:00

I had a rather gloomy morning but then I got a lovely surprise from my good friend Gary!

Gary is a wicked artist that lives in Lancashire, UK. He always makes me laugh with his sunny attitude and he always got something good to say about my art.

I've send him a hand painted bookmark a few weeks ago and I got a lovely card thanking me. I just love the illustration on the card!

Go and have a look at Gary's lovely webpage. www.constantine-art300.com
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Ready for bed

2011-08-10T03:09:00.001-07:00

I just love this character and with the background it makes it mt favorite piece!

He was done the same time as Sherlock Mouse, about a year ago.

I just love the colors, they work so well together.

I'm Sherlock Mouse, is Miss Daisy in?

2011-08-10T03:04:00.001-07:00

This little character was done about a year ago and I've decided to give him so life! He keeps biting me for his own little story and I'm thinking of a brilliant crime he can solve.

Alice In Wonderland Prints

2011-08-05T09:29:00.001-07:00

The Alice In Wonderland Prints are now available on RedBubble!

http://www.redbubble.com/people/karienn/art/7566495-alice-in-wonderland
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Wicked bookmarks!

2011-07-27T03:37:00.001-07:00

I'm busy again with bookmarks for the Rage Expo. Last year I've sold quite a lot of them and so this year I will do it again but this year there will be more than 4!

I'm doing Don Quixote again cause he was my biggest seller. I've also done a Grass Fairy and I'm busy with an old nasty witch.

I will keep you posted on any new bookmarks I'm doing.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Stealing Christmas in color!

2011-07-14T04:12:00.001-07:00

Today's sketch: Stealing Christmas

2011-07-14T02:13:00.001-07:00

Today's sketch: The Cloud Truck

2011-07-06T03:29:00.001-07:00

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Sketchbook project

2011-07-02T06:26:00.001-07:00

I've never kept a sketch book before, I usually just draw in a sketchbook and then I tear the page when I'm done.

I've decided to keep a fully intact sketchbook and this is a real challenge for me!

I've did a little into page to start it off and hopefully it will keep me motivated hehe hehe.

Fairies

2011-06-23T05:27:00.001-07:00

When you are small you dream of being a fairy and ask you mom to buy you that little wings that comes with a wand.

I've decided to draw a little girl with the wings and wand but in the background I want to draw a dragon or sorts to show how wild her imagination is.

Still need to figure out how hehe hehe.

The wonderful art of TS Larking

2011-06-19T09:21:00.001-07:00

I got a wonderful surprise from a dear friend TS Larking who is based in New Zealand.
I'm a huge fan of her work. Its dreamy, magical and spell bounding! She did a fantastic print for me of one of her illustrations.

Go and have a look at her wonderful work!

www.tslarking.com

Crazy Kangaroo - Kids Parties and Catering

2011-06-09T05:03:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine does kids parties and catering and she is very creative and talented. She asked me to design a logo for her company and I must admit it was really fun doing it, it also made me hungry for cup cakes!
If you want to find out more you can contact her at 083-775-8281 or Crazykangaroo.parties@gmail.com
You won't be disappointed!

The big step into freelance

2011-06-03T00:19:00.000-07:00

In my last post I mentioned that I'm taking a big step. Well I've decided to resign my day job :D my plans were to do it at the end of the year but a few things happened and it change my mind.

One of the reasons is that I'm getting so much work in that its getting difficult to do both jobs. I also had to decline a few jobs because the day job got in the way.

From the 1st of July I will finally be free and I will post on my blog on a regular basis as welll :D

Having a break

2011-05-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

After weeks of being busy doing illustrations for MacMillan and Oxford University Press I got a break.
I must say its feeling a bit weird but to be honest I really need it, just a few days to relax and to get some rest.
I got a few things that's buzzing in my mind. I want to tackle my own story, The Tokoloshe, and start doing the illustrations. I'm also taking a big step in my life in a weeks time so more of that later.

The illustrations in this post is from the work I did with Oxford University Press.

My UK holiday and Terry Pratchett frenzy

2011-04-28T05:00:00.001-07:00

My UK holiday and Terry Pratchett frenzy

I went to the UK for a long relaxing holiday but I must say it didn't work out that way.
The day before I left the team at MacMillan Publishers phoned me up to do 58 illustrations for an educational book. So I was most of the time indoors sketching away but I did made time to hang out with friends and a little bit of shopping :)

I bought the most wicked Discworld Bag and its from my favorite guild, The Assassins. I also got the DVD box set of all the movies and the new book that came out. I'm so happy about all my Terry Pratchett goodies that everytime I look at them I beam of happiness lol.

Sadly I'm back in South. Africa but at lrast there's another MacMillan job on the way!

Join SCBWI Gauteng’s Sketchbook Project

2011-02-28T09:15:00.000-08:00

Im very excited about his project thats being held by SCBWI Gauteng. Basically you buy or make your own sketchbook for the next few months. You can draw and write anything that pops up in your head but if you are stuck they give you themes and topics as well.

I work with watercolors and I've struggled to get a good sketchbook wherein I can draw and paint. So a friend of mine said I must make my own. So I've started making my own sketchbook and Im almost done with the final cover. I will post a few photos later to show you how I've made and decorated it.

Keep in touch!

Gimli the dwarf warrior

2011-02-12T08:11:00.000-08:00

I fell in love with Gimli's family in The Hobbit and when he made his appearance in The Lord of the Rings I couldn't help but falling in love him.

Enjoy

The White Rabbit hopping around in Wonderland

2011-02-12T08:04:00.000-08:00

Ive decided that my next favourite character I just love is the White Rabbit. I must confess that I've made him a bit young but you gotta start small hehe hehe. He is wondering around the castle of the Queen of Hearts and dragging this HUGE pocket watch to a place full of mystery and suspense.

Alice in wonderland.

2011-02-01T08:41:00.000-08:00

Im a big Alice fan and of course a very big fan of Tim Burton and Johny Depp. So last weekend I watched Alice in Wonderland again and I thought I really must draw some of the characters. So in my free time that I can spare I will try and do some wicked illustration. My first one Alice :)

Parading is fun or so I've heard from the dancing Lizard

2011-01-20T09:51:00.000-08:00

This is an old character that I've done digitally. I sure love this little fella!

The Postman or uh....Pigeon?

2011-01-16T05:35:00.000-08:00

I had this idea stuck in my head for a while now.

Enjoy

Walking in the dark

2010-12-11T07:12:00.000-08:00

I had this spooky idea in my head for a while now but I actually finished it today :)

Penguin Books and Don Quixote

2010-11-14T10:02:00.000-08:00

I've started with marketing and all illustrators know that you send tons and tons of stuff to publishing houses so that they can notice your work.

I've started designing bookmarks and I've sold them at the Rage Expo and I've made notes which ones the people liked the most which is Don Quixote.

I've made a list of all the publishing houses which specialize in Children's Books and I've send them my Don Quixote bookmark. I was a bit nervous because I didnt know what to expect. To my surprise I got an email from Penguin Books Art Director.

"On Friday morning your bookmark landed on my desk – what a lovely way to start the day. This prompted me to have a look at you online portfolio and I’ve made a note to keep you in mind should we require illustrations for future projects."

Im really, really happy!

Venturing into Audio Books

2010-10-24T05:00:00.001-07:00

This weekend I got my first commission from BetaThanPaper Productions I have to illustrate a cover for an audio book for children. Im very excited as this is really a first for me. The production company will launch their website soon and when the audio book is available I will make a post with all the details.

Off to the drawing board!

Rage Expo

2010-10-10T08:51:00.000-07:00

Well this post is a week overdue but now you can read all about it!

The Rage Expo was extremely fun, I had a table in the Artist Alley for 3 days and I've met so many wonderful people and the children just flocked to my table!

Here are all the artist that were part of the Artist Alley

I also got to talk to a wonderful lady who is part of NB Publishers who is one of the biggest publishing house in South Africa. She really liked my work and said she will definitely look at my online portfolio....so keep you fingers crossed for me! Other good news is that I've been accepted by Maskew Miller Longman, also one of the big publishers here in South Africa. They are very impressed with my work and are looking forward to work with me.

Preparing for the Rage Expo!

2010-09-19T02:18:00.000-07:00

In a few weeks time Rage is happening again. Its a huge PC/Game expo where they show off the latest gadgets and games. Theres also an Artist Alley and this year I've decided to do it again. So I've designed some wicked postcards to sell.

If you are living outside of South Africa and you want one of these wicked postcards just email me at Karien@live.com.

Proudly South African!

2010-09-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

Well this week there's no new illustrations as I am busy with tons of illustrations for Rage Expo. Don't be sad here are some links to some wicked SA Bands that are at the top of my list.

Freshly Ground (They did a song with Shakira for the World Cup)

Chicken Changer

Prime Circle (just love the video and its really good for SA)

Out of this World

Parlotones (Khan is the most wicked guy)

Push me to the floor

Enjoy the music!

Damian Harvey and friends

2010-08-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

Its always wicked to receive things in the post that's completely a surprise. A while ago I had troubles with a commission piece. it was a snail and the client was not happy with it and I was running out of ideas. Damian Harvey told me he will send me a wicked book he did about a snail who had legs and the wicked Korky Paul did the illustrations. So I was very excited and was waiting in anticipation for the book. A few days ago I received the parcel and what a surprise, there was more than just one book!

Damian send a wonderful book he did which was translated in Afrikaans, my home language. Lynne Chapman did the illustrations and I just love her book. He also send me a postcard from one of his other books, Robot Runner. Damian also signed everything for me.

Damian thank you, you gave me an early Christmas, BIG HUGSSSS

Lerato the cat

2010-08-16T03:36:00.000-07:00

Prints

2010-08-13T02:27:00.000-07:00

If you like my work, head over to my print section on Imagekind. There are some fabulous prints of my children's illustrations.

Keep an eye on my blog for new prints that will be posted in the course of the month.

Cheers

Karien

Every dog got its day

2010-08-11T00:22:00.000-07:00

Remember Gizmo? Well he is having a lazy day in the garden.

Do you think a snail can make a good painter?

2010-08-10T01:36:00.000-07:00

How To Be A Children’s Book Illustrator

2010-08-06T00:39:00.000-07:00

Do you want to be a children's book illustrator? Well now you can!

Award-winning children's book author-illustrator Mark Mitchell will show you in a new course that will help you to develop your artistic confidence. The How to Be a Children’s Book Illustrator blog also features interviews with children’s illustrators and other articles on drawing and painting for publication with traditional and digital mediums.

Mark hosts this site from his drawing table in Austin, Texas. Mark’s books for young people are Raising ‘La Belle’ , about an early colonial shipwreck recovered off the Texas coast; Seeing Stars about astronomers who work at the McDonald Observatory in the Davis Mountains and The Mustang Professor, about J. Frank Dobie, who gathered and wrote about the folklore of the American Southwest and Mexico.

Mark’s illustrations have appeared in his own and others’ books and the children’s magazines Appleseeds, Calliope, Cobblestone, Cricket, Faces, Footsteps and Odyssey.

His articles have appeared in American Artist magazine and its quarterlies Drawing, Workshop and Watercolor, where he was a contributing editor.

Mark teaches children’s book illustration at the Art School of the Austin Museum of Art and in his online course, Make Your Splashes; Make Your Marks!

Here's the link: http://howtobeachildrensbookillustrator.com/course/

I'm having lots of fun and Mark is just the best and the most patient teacher I ever had!

Little Gizmo the dog and his frog friend.

2010-08-06T00:11:00.000-07:00

Here is the next drafts, I hope the client approve it.

Imagine a snail painting the flowers and leaves in a beautiful garden!

2010-08-05T07:20:00.000-07:00

As you know I've been doing 30 character designs for a client. It was really fun doing it and the client was so impressed that she commissioned me to do 7 full illustrations on the character's she liked.

I've printed them all out and I've started with the background of the snail.

I've drawn some droplets on the leaves and the flower's petals which dripped onto the ground. I think once its painted it would look beautiful.

Done with the 30 character designs.

2010-07-29T23:16:00.000-07:00

I'm finally done with the 30 character designs.

It was fun but I really want to do full illustrations!

So now the client will decide on the bugs/animals she likes the most and then we will do full illustrations.

So I will be relaxing this weekend before we start on the full illustrations :D

A few more paintings

2010-07-28T00:35:00.000-07:00

I'm almost done with my 30 character's design commission.
I finished all the drafts last night so just got 4 paintings to do and I'm done!

The client is very impressed and will give me a commission again to do 5 to 6 full illustrations of bugs / animals. I'm very happy.

Firefly

2010-07-26T23:13:00.000-07:00

A very busy weekend.

2010-07-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend was just hectic with Icon (Comic convention) and hanging out with the family.

But I don't regret having no time to relax it was amazing.

I did of course worked on some bugs/animals for my client and I must confess that these little ones are my new fav. characters.

Enjoy!

Nut Weevil

2010-07-22T23:12:00.000-07:00

This is so cute!

Moth

2010-07-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

Feel like sleeping

2010-07-20T03:01:00.000-07:00

Froggy and an ant

2010-07-19T04:20:00.000-07:00

A few more paintings

2010-07-17T02:33:00.000-07:00

A very sleepy Owl

2010-07-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

Well if I look at this cute owl I really feel like him...sleepy! Owls are night creatures and I did these big eyes for him but the client didn't like them, she wanted him to look more friendly, so I gave him some sleepy eyes. I hope she likes him.

P.S. I'm still sick and the Dr. finally said to me that I need a week of to recover. So I'm doing little sketches in bed :D

Im half way!

2010-07-11T05:34:00.000-07:00

My cute rabbit

2010-07-09T00:25:00.000-07:00

DUCK

2010-07-08T04:44:00.001-07:00

The flu...how I hate it.

2010-07-06T23:22:00.000-07:00

Its winter here in South Africa and I have the flu for more than a week now. But because I love doing illustrations I keep going and last night while coughing and sneezing the whole night I managed to finish another bug. I love this one with his cute little nerdy face :)

Chameleon

2010-07-06T02:34:00.000-07:00

A very cute mouse and his dragonfly friend

2010-07-05T00:37:00.000-07:00

Butterfly

2010-07-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

A cute litte worm

2010-06-29T02:13:00.000-07:00

So far ....

2010-06-26T09:55:00.000-07:00

Ok so far my commission is going well, the client is extremely happy about the little Lady Bug I've painted. Today I've been to the library for some books on bugs and animals...got so many wonderful books and I've picked up some very cool children's books as well, of course one of my favourite books, Chris Riddel's The Emperor of Absurdia. I really need to get myself a copy cause this is the forth time I've got it from the library. But back to my commission, I've done the cutest little bee today but I haven't had a reply yet from my client...hope she likes it, I just love it.

Bugs everywhere! And animals? Oh no!

2010-06-24T06:33:00.000-07:00

I've received a commission to do 30 bugs and animals for a baby room. I've already started drafting some and I must admit that I really love doing them. The only regrets that I have is that I wont be able to post any new drawings of my own for a while. But keep an eye out for the bug parade! Oh almost forgot the animals to :)

Harvey's Circus

2010-06-08T05:36:00.000-07:00

I received a comment on my ink drawings from Damian Harvey and he said that the characters I've done reminded him of a circus.

So with this in mind I've painted the faces with bright colors to represent the circus.

Hope you enjoy this

Done with drawing faces :)

2010-06-03T03:12:00.000-07:00

Im finally done, next step: painting!

Shapely faces

2010-06-02T00:55:00.000-07:00

A friend told me the other day that I must draw shapes (triangle up and down, circle, square) and try and make faces out of them. Now I'm going to do 6 of them but I want to show you how far I am. Ive drawn two triangles and a circle.

A birthday wish from Mr. Harvey himself!

2010-05-26T05:42:00.000-07:00

Well my birthday is tomorrow and its going to be fun! I'm planning a shopping spree with my mom and sister and then the afternoon we will celebrate my birthday with a nice lunch. I really cant wait.

I already got a few birthday wishes from friends on facebook and then I got a birthday wish from Damian Harvey! This is such a surprise and honour that I cant stop smiling hehe, it feels like if I've won the Lotto! He is a successful writer in the UK and such a fun and nice guy to know.

Thank you so much Damian, you've really made my day!

Hugs

Are you scared?

2010-05-23T23:58:00.000-07:00

I did some black and white drawings about scary stuff. I hope you like it.

Another exercise.

2010-05-17T23:33:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking of how to incorporate words into a drawing / painting and I made this painting about a cow and a bird. I'm no writer so do excuse the silly sentence but I must admit it looks great!

Mr. Winsor & Mr. Newton

2010-05-17T01:18:00.000-07:00

So this weekend I got a 24pan of Winsor and Newton Watercolor paints. They are just fabulous and I dont know how I coudlve worked without them.

Heres a few paintings I did over the weekend, a postcard for a friends daugter and yet another Elephant

Coat of arms

2010-05-10T00:33:00.000-07:00

I've always been facinated with any crest's. I always stand still and look at the leafs and the intricate pattern of it and then of course the symbols and things they have that simbolise something. As a Harry Potter fan Im also like the Hogwart's coat of arms as well as the 4 houses.

This weekend I've done a few doodles of my own and made a coat of arms that simbolise me.

Some character drawings.

2010-05-10T00:07:00.000-07:00

An African Doodle :)

2010-05-06T04:29:00.000-07:00

I was a bit bored and started doing doodles in my sketchbook but then one started to become more than just a doodle. It ended with a giraffe with ice skates on!

Hooorrrrayyyy!

2010-04-29T23:50:00.000-07:00

Im officially on Sparx Media's webpage.

Heres the main link to the angency http://www.illustrators.co.za/home.html
Heres the link to my portfolio: http://www.illustrators.co.za/illustrators_naude.html

New ones

2010-04-28T00:04:00.000-07:00

I've done a few new ones for Sparx Media

Sparx Media

2010-04-21T05:48:00.000-07:00

I got good news!!! I've been accepted by Sparx Media. http://www.illustrators.co.za./ Its a South African Illustration Agency, the best there is. My portfolio will be on the site in a few days so keep an eye out. Thanks to everyone for the support this past few weeks.

Revamp

2010-04-19T02:45:00.000-07:00

I took a bunch of old pics and revamped them...theres also a few new ones as well.

Im back!

2010-04-07T03:55:00.000-07:00

Im back after a fantastic holiday in Mozambique. After 2 days on the road we reached Milibangala beach and we stayd for 10 days there.

From there we visited Ponta De Ora, Santa Maria, Naka Island and the local villages.

There was so much to do but I had time to draw a bit :)

:)

2010-03-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

Sink City

2010-03-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

Im sad to say that Im finnised with my squeeze bottle buildings and houses. This is a painting of a whole city. I got a school in there and some office buildings or a hotel, who knows. I also got the sink as a underground station where my tiny people can go above ground and have fun.

Postcards for Satori

2010-03-17T23:10:00.000-07:00

Satori has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (type II) and she uses a power wheelchair, can't walk, crawl, etc. Her mom, Melissa, says despite that she's a rock star, she has a super sense of humor, gets straight A's even though she misses an average of 40 days of school a year. This little girl got the most amazing personallity despite what she is going through.

Because she is so physically weak her body doesn't hold its self up well and she has developed severe scoliosis. The curve of her spine it is now starting to crush her lung, so on March 31 she will have full spinal fusion. They will open her back from the neck all the way down, insert 2 titanium rods, one on either side of her spine, wire the whole thing up and place donor bone in between all the vertebrae. Eventually it will all grow together "fusing" her spine into one long bone.

She and her parents are traveling to California to have this done, with an estimated stay in the hospital of 7-10 days. Her mom, Melissa is hoping to get people to send her postcards from all over, she thinks that the messages (and pictures) will be fun for her. She is also plan to take an atlas and have her mark off states and countries (sneaking in a little geography).

They have great insurance, a FANTASTIC surgeon and a world renowned hospital but and Satori is not in need of anything more than some fun messages and exiting postmarks!

So if you are interested go to her moms blog for more details. http://postcardsforsatori.blogspot.com/

Ill be sending my postcard today.

The Palace

2010-03-08T04:56:00.000-08:00

Ok Im a little bit stuck on the squeeze bottles but Its great fun to think up buildings. The weekend was a bit hectic as we are busy with plans to go to Mozambique the end of the month, but as always there was a bit of time to do another ink-drawing.

Frog Prince

2010-03-05T04:04:00.000-08:00

Well this is actually not a frog prince but that popped into my head when I saw the final result

Squeeze bottle buildings

2010-02-22T23:51:00.000-08:00

A little excercise I did, drawing any squeeze bottle and turn it into buildings.

Cut out flowers

2010-02-18T03:50:00.000-08:00

I was experimenting with wet on wet with some colors and afterward I did a cut out with them. I had so much fun but afterwards it wasn’t fun cleaning up....tiny little cut outs everywhere on the floor!

Some lovely trees

2010-02-18T01:00:00.000-08:00

I went out for the day to study some trees at Westdene Dam that’s in our neighborhood. The sketch is done very simple with ink and the color is done with Derwent Pencils.

Monsters in London!

2010-01-27T22:54:00.000-08:00

I was in London a few months back and I looked through the photos and I started drawing the famous telephone booth but the scene around it was so boring! Then I started thinking of how I can make it interesting and there you go! Theres monsters taking over London!

Some Line-work

2010-01-19T02:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Mark!

2010-01-04T04:04:00.000-08:00

To my friend and teacher, happy birthday Mark!

Marks webpage: http://www.markgmitchell.com/

Dark Fay

2009-12-21T04:25:00.000-08:00