Book Project – Work in progress

On March 22, 2024 By MelIn Art, Artwork 2024, books, Illustration1 Comment

I am currently working on illustrating a children’s book that I have written. Inspired by our loveable and sometimes silly black family Labrador and why she sometimes barks at night.

After a lot of ups and downs the last months and being stuck in the Hendrix’s pit pf despair for what felt like an eternity (see image below), I have been on a great climb for the last week! And I have been really enjoying it!

I am trying to make the most out of the current momentum and therefore have been drawing the last couple of nights. Sleep deprivation is a small price to pay to get out of the pit I guess.

Do you know about this long project arc? Have you been there?

I am currently redrawing the frog page which I have posted previously. The first rendering does not fit the overall style of the other illustrations anymore and I wanted to tweak the composition a bit. I can really get lost in the hatching now. It is rather soothing.

2403 frog ink drawing illustration work in progress children's book_Melanie Franz

Making a Splash!

On March 3, 2024 By MelIn Artwork 20241 Comment

Rendered another book page. I like how it turned out but after having rendered a few other pages this one does not fit in the overall style. so I will have to redo it.

Do you like the composition?

Book Dummy Madame Woof Woof_frog mouse ink drawing_Melanie Franz

Merry Christmas

On December 24, 2023December 24, 2023 By MelIn Art, Artworks 2023, IllustrationLeave a comment

Who has been missing Mr Fox? Here he is!

Mix of ink, paper, coloured pencils and digital.

Have a happy holiday!

2303 fox card Christmas tree_Melanie Franz

Christmas all the way

On December 21, 2023 By MelIn Art, Artworks 2023, IllustrationLeave a comment

Still missing wrapping paper? I have been playing around with pattern making and it turned out to be a lot of fun. It’s also easier than I though it would be.

Feeling foxy …

On November 18, 2023 By MelIn Art, Artworks 2021, books, IllustrationLeave a comment

Happy weekend everyone! I spent the last couple of days going over my old books (while I am working on a new one). I tried to see where I had improved and where I still have lots of work to do when it comes to my illustrations. I am currently working on a book project and I am quite happy how it is progressing. More about that soon.

Meanwhile I also rediscovered my first own story that I did, more for practice than anything else. The story called Picture Perfect starring the little Mr Fox and his best friend Mr Mouse, two characters you might be familiar with if you have followed my blog for some time.

This was 2 years ago. Back then I had no idea about book or cover design, or making a concept to start with, and just went with it. I certainly improved in that respect, after several children’s book illustration classes. I just finished my first proper book dummy. So stay tuned for more on that.

Anyhow, if you are interest in the Mr Fox story, you can currently download the free kindle version here ! Reviews are more than welcome.

Enjoy your weekend! Cheers from Iceland!

Illustration practice IV

On April 14, 2023April 14, 2023 By MelIn Art, Artworks 2022, Illustration1 Comment

Another slight changed master copy. My favourite so far. It will get a spot on the wall for sure. You might be familiar with the boat crew. Original illustration by Janosch.

Ink and watercolour.

Have a great weekend!

My version

The original by Janosch.

Take Your Pet to School Day III

On February 11, 2023February 6, 2023 By MelIn Artworks 2021, character design, Illustration2 Comments

Last but not least, another classroom scene.

I was just thinking, would it be a interesting to do a children´s book with these images? A book with no words, but plenty to discover for kids? Let me know what you think.

And what kind of pet could be missing from the terrarium?

Have a great weekend!

2111 classroom - Take your pet to school day - Melanie Franz

Take Your Pet to School Day II

On February 10, 2023February 6, 2023 By MelIn Artworks 2021, character design, IllustrationLeave a comment

Another classroom another scene.

What kind of pets did you have when you grew up?

Join Me on the Catwalk

On March 21, 2022 By MelIn Art, Artworks 2022, books, Illustration2 Comments

What´s your take on fashion?

Another attempt to use those Chameleon markers and another scene from my Capybara and Friends – Colouring book .

Stormy Seas

On March 8, 2022 By MelIn Art, Artworks 2022, Illustration, inktoberLeave a comment

Another Inktober 21 drawing that I didn´t post previously.

Apparently I do enjoy drawing boats, but I don´t like to be in them. Also we had now in average one storm per week for he past 2 months. Good winter in Iceland. Other countries have spring, I´ve been told….

Pack Your Cart

On December 20, 2021 By MelIn Artworks 2021, books, honey badger, IllustrationLeave a comment

Have you done your Christmas shopping yet? Or you are like me and you keep it to a minimum and focus more on good company and food?

Anyway, I just updated my “shop” drawing, combining my latest characters.

And if you are actually still looking for last minute presents then take a look at my latest book releases

Picture Perfect – A Mr Fox Story

Capybaras and Friends – Colouring Book

The Adventures of Mr Fox – Colouring Book

2112 shopping cart honey badger_ Melanie Franz

Eat Cake

On December 7, 2021December 7, 2021 By MelIn Artworks 2021, books, Illustration4 Comments

Because life is too short! Somehow I have a craving…

This illustration is also part of The Adventures of Mr Fox – Coloring Book.

More about the book you can find here.

Inktober Day 13 – Roof

On October 17, 2021October 17, 2021 By MelIn Artworks 2021, Illustration, inktoberLeave a comment

Clearly inspired by The Peanuts. I thought Mr Fox and Mr Mouse might like this as a napping spot.

I am still fully on track with my Inktober schedule this time. Only late in uploading the images. How is your Inktober going?

This image clearly reflects today´s lazy Sunday mood.

Inktober Day 4 – Knot

On October 5, 2021 By MelIn Artworks 2021, Illustration, inktoberLeave a comment

Inspired by Marsupilami. Do you remember him?

I used to watch it a lot when I was a kid.

Rainy Day

On September 20, 2021 By MelIn Art, Artworks 2021, Illustration14 Comments

I have been drawing a lot and because of that completely neglected all of my social media. I really need to find a balance.

I am currently in the process of creating a proper portfolio for children’s book illustrations, and I have been working on a few new drawings and techniques with watercolour, ink and pencils.

I am also in the process to finish my first own book, with the main character being the one and only, Mr Fox! More about that soon.

Meanwhile Mr Fox assists Mr Mouse to dig a hole in the forest… He hopes to find a hidden treasure somewhere.

I am also looking for first names for Mr Fox and Mr Mouse. Any suggestions are more than welcome!

Have a great week!

Fox and Mouse Umbrella Forest_Melanie Franz

Picnic with Friends

On September 6, 2021 By MelIn Artworks 2021, Illustration6 Comments

Mr Fox in colour!

What is better than a meal in good company. Another doodle trying out those Chameleon markers. Fun to try but too much hassle to use those pens if you ask me. But I do like the outcome.

Mr Fox invited Mr Mouse for a surprise birthday picnic in the woods. The weather is good and the group is enjoying their cup of tea.

Have a great week.

2108 Mr Fox Squirel Mouse picknick2_Melanie Franz

Egg Painting Time

On April 2, 2021 By MelIn Art3 Comments

Mr Fox and Mr Mouse got together to paint some more Easter eggs. Who else has been painting eggs this year?

If you are too lazy like me to paint eggs how about making your own Mr Fox Easter print instead?

You can also get this image as high resolution file to print with different background on my Ko-fi page.

Happy Easter.

Mr Fox and the Giant

On December 20, 2020 By MelIn Artworks 2020, inktober5 Comments

Today we had a truly beautiful sunrise at noon. Icelandic winter skies can be beautiful if the weather doesn´t try to kill you. Shortest day of the year is almost upon us.

The Mr Fox story continues. But I am still not sure where it leads to….

Have a lovely Sunday!