Mural – Part 1

On December 4, 2024December 4, 2024 By MelIn Artwork 2024, Murals2 Comments

It’s been months since I have been drawing. I have been busy with my Etsy shop but otherwise I somehow let everything slip. There are lots of new print designs in my shop (bathroom humour seems to be a favourite) and I am working on a few Christmassy cards this week.

But beside that I haven’t managed to pick up a pen in the last two months. My excuse is “not having” the time but I think it is rather “not taking” it. However, I managed to use a paintbrush and did a mural while visiting a friend. I was equipped with bad paint, one very used paintbrush, limited time and only a vague idea of what to do.

Here are some before shots of the space and a first sketch. The old wallpaper was also anything but ideal as a surface.

Mural in progress - before shot - Melanie Franz

Stay tuned for part II tomorrow.

Art vs Artist II

On January 1, 2024 By MelIn Art, Artworks 20239 Comments

For the beginning of the year I felt like putting another one of these together. More as motivation for myself than anything else. Just as reminder of what I did during the last year, beside travelling a lot and raising a tiny human.
I am excited about the coming months. Lots of creative plans are in the works. Now I just need to make the time to get started.
Happy New Creative Year to Everyone!

Art vs Artist

On December 27, 2023 By MelIn Artworks 2023, Illustration10 Comments

Another year is slowly coming to an end. I feel like I haven´t done much illustration wise, but going through my files it actually looks like I got more done than I thought I did.

I tried lots of new things – media and styles – started on my own book projects (more about that soon) and I am looking forward to see where this journey will take me next year!
How about you? Did you try anything new this year?

Art vs Artist 2023_Melanie Franz Illustration

Illustration practice III

On April 13, 2023 By MelIn Art, Artworks 2022, IllustrationLeave a comment

Another attempt at a master copy with my own spin. As a child I absolutely loved the stories and illustrations by Janosch. Maybe you have come across the Tigerente (lit. tiger duck)at some point? Absolutely love his whimsical style and his bear and tiger character. However, instead of copying his character I sneaked in Mr Fox’s cousin.

Meet the Artist

On April 11, 2023 By MelIn Art, Artworks 2023, IllustrationLeave a comment

Adding a new piece to my portfolio. Almost happy how it turned out. This is the third version. Ink, watercolour and coloured pencils on mixed media paper.

The Sleeping Giant

On February 25, 2023February 23, 2023 By MelIn Art, Artworks 2021, Illustration, watercolourLeave a comment

Watercolour and pencil illustration inspired by Kazuo Ishiguro´s book The Buried Giant and Iceland of course.

The weather today really invites to keep on sleeping. Enjoy your weekend!

2111 sleeping giant_watercolour_Melanie Franz

Day 3 – Time

On July 11, 2022 By MelIn Artworks 2022, watercolourLeave a comment

I painted the first thing that came to mind when I grabbed the paintbrush

. Time is not linear. Time also takes you one a journey…

Quick sketch, therefore forgive the sloppiness…

World Watercolor Month – Day 1 – Train

On July 10, 2022 By MelIn Artworks 2022, watercolourLeave a comment

Happy weekend everyone! I am definitely late to the party. June came and left and I barely noticed that July had started. As I have been in a creative/ non drawing hole lately I thought I take up the challenge and jump in on World Watercolour Month. It might be a good way to develop a illustration routine again beside work.

I´ll follow the prompt list and focus on lose spontaneous watercolour illustrations to get back into a creative spirit. The goal is to try something new and maybe I will discover a new style along the way.

Who else is participating?

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….

Have a Good Trip!

On January 25, 2022 By MelIn Artworks 2022, Illustration, watercolour1 Comment

Part 3 of this spontaneous watercolour illustration story. Here are part 1 and 2.

Not sure where this ostrich is going, but lets say he was depressed because he really wanted to fly and realized that he couldn’t. So when the girl came along and saw him she had an idea, helping him and his wish to fly….

Art vs. Artist

On January 14, 2022 By MelIn Artworks 2021, Artworks 2022, Illustration3 Comments

There was this art vs artist posts on Instagram and I am late to the party but this was the image I put together.

It has been a though year with many downs put I have certainly learned a lot illustration wise. I still feel like I have a long way to go until I get to where I want my illustrations to be, but hey, it’s a journey.

Curious to see how my style and skills will further develop throughout the year.

What are you looking forward to?

Riding into the New Year

On December 31, 2021December 31, 2021 By MelIn Artworks 2021, books, Illustration1 Comment

Let’s see what the next year will bring. It will be an interesting ride for sure.

Happy New Year!

This monkey ride is also part of my latest Capybaras & Friends Colouring Book.

Inktober Day 19 – Loop

On October 22, 2021 By MelIn Artworks 2021, Illustration, inktoberLeave a comment

Just leaving this here. Have a great weekend!

Inktober Day 3 – Vessel

On October 4, 2021 By MelIn Artworks 2021, Illustration, inktober2 Comments

I´m experimenting with adding a bit of colourful highlights to my ink drawings. What do you think?

I have also decided to spend Inktober to explore new and old characters.

Pumpkin Delivery Service

On October 1, 2021 By MelIn Artworks 2021, Illustration3 Comments

Happy October 1st!

It’s the beginning of Inktober! I haven’t started with the Inktober sketch just yet but will get to it soon.

Meanwhile I tried to draw something a bit different, inspired by a Draw this in your style challenge on Instagram . I haven’t really been doing people illustrations for children’s books, but I think I am quite happy with my first attempt.

What do you think?

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.