I really love the vibrance of these Caran d’ache Luminance pencils.
Day 6 of drawing random animals from my Pinterest board. What do you use for inspiration?
Tag: mouse
I want coffee
This print is now officially approved by my partners co-workers and is now on their office wall.
Want to make a statement too? Find the print here.
Slow down
After doing way too much the last months, I slowed down these past two weeks and it feels great. We need to be reminded of the importance of slowing down more often, simply for our personal well-being. But it is way too easy to trapped in the running around life style.
So this is where the inspiration for my current Etsy posters is coming from. Slow down, take a nap, tomorrow is another day. Because if you burn out, it will be much much harder to get back on your feet again.
Looking forward to a relaxed Easter break full of snowman building and cozy time.
Happy Easter!
Book Project – Work in progress
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.
Making a Splash!
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?
Merry Christmas
Who has been missing Mr Fox? Here he is!
Mix of ink, paper, coloured pencils and digital.
Have a happy holiday!
Christmas all the way
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 …
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
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
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!
Take Your Pet to School Day II
Another classroom another scene.
What kind of pets did you have when you grew up?
Join Me on the Catwalk
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
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
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
Eat Cake
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
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
Inspired by Marsupilami. Do you remember him?
I used to watch it a lot when I was a kid.
Rainy Day
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!
Picnic with Friends
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.
Egg Painting Time
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.
Melanie Franz 