The Letter 'A' illustration

©SandraJessop, colored pencil, 8x8

A is for Angels

A is for Apples

A is for Acorns

Map of Davenfield

Map of "Davenfield" 

@Sandra Jessop, watercolor, 8x10

~Elise had a wonderful time visiting her cousins for Christmas, but she couldn't wait to get home and see her animals.  First, she would scoop up the kitty and give her a great big hug!  Next, she'd run to the barn with a carrot for her horse.  

The train ride felt extra long today but soon it was whistling into Chesterport.  Almost home!~

"Plant" for Illustration Friday

So Henry bought his first plant.  He read that keeping an aloe in the house purifies the air.  He wanted to be a healthy bear, so he sat in the chair nearby, and talked to his new plant every day.  After awhile he got tired of calling it "plant" and decided it needed a name.  What is a good name for an aloe?

"Shopping" birds - Illustration Friday

Sandra Jessop, "Shopping", digital watercolor.

Still experimenting with Tayasui Sketches.  My goal today, while cookies baked and chili simmered, was basically to not give up on this drawing, and see it through to a somewhat finished piece.  Are there things I would change?  Sure.  But I'm also trying to be kind to myself and have fun!  Hey, I was successful today.  I created.

Nightmare Bear for Illustration Friday, digital

Well here it is, my first digital submission for Illustration Friday. I’ve been learning how to use Tayasui Sketches on the iPad mini. I watched a few demonstrations and reviews, but had to make my own mistakes. The most important lesson has been how to work in layers. The tool I find most enjoyable is, naturally, the watercolor brush. I played around with the free version over the summer, but finally decided to upgrade to Pro, to give it a fair trial. The more I use it, the more fun it is. Maybe someday I'll be ready for a fancy upgrade, but for now my stylus pen is working.

The bottom image was my first attempt after the "ghost of Christmas Future" stood behind me at a variety show.  It was disturbing.  Though my daughter liked the illustration, I wasn't sure how I felt about it.  So I made the second one above of the small figure being chased by a bear.  Again, it's a learning curve, but at least I've figured out how to mix colors.  So simple.  I'm glad I got this far.

Wealth - for Illustration Friday

"Wealth" ©SandraJessop

It's been awhile since I posted something for Illustration Friday, so here she is!  Queen Isabella.  I consulted my daughter many times to arrive at this final illustration.  We did some drawings and then sat down to paint across from each other.  It's nice to be able to encourage each other that way!

Time Travel for Illustration Friday

"Time Travel" ©Sandra Jessop, Watercolor&Ink 6x8"

I admit, I had trouble with such a broad topic and didn't like any of my initial ideas. I even asked my son for help, hoping for inspiration. I kept thinking of The Time Machine, Dr. Who, and Back to the Future.  I couldn't figure out how to make it my own.

One night as I tried to fall asleep, this image started swirling around in my mind.  I was both thrilled and annoyed.  I was happy I finally had an idea I liked, but irritated at the timing because I was  exhausted and just wanted to fall asleep.  However, I did not get out of bed to draw it, but determined I would remember.

I'd say I'm pretty happy with the finished piece, if I ignore my super critical inner voice.  (She's so picky.)  The steam punk vibe is not something I've tried before, but I might try again.  The research was fun anyway.

Illustration Friday

Recipe for Illustration Friday

Though it may feel like it sometimes, I promise you, following the recipe does not look like this!

Recipe, for Illustration Friday

Watercolor hummingbird using a bamboo brush

SandraJessop, Azure View Art

Here's a playful little watercolor I did today on scrap paper (the other side has a landscape I wasn't satisfied with).  With the exception of the beak, the whole thing was painted using an old bamboo brush, a gift from a co-worker at the pottery studio where I worked.  Every now and then I go back to painting in this style for two reasons.  One: It's easy for me.  Since I spent so many years painting that way I don't think about it and that feels good.  Two: It's relaxing.  I've found it's a great way for me to loosen up and simplify my approach to the subject.  Traditionally the bamboo brush should be held very lightly and be used in a fluid motion.  It is a meditation and helps me  focus.

Visit from a hummingbird

©SandraJessop "Hummingbird Vine", Watercolor, 6x8"

In August I took two weeks off to travel across the USA with my kids, and I am so glad we had that opportunity.  We covered over 4,000 miles and some people were concerned about that much time in a car with teenagers.  They were great!  I however, had a minor meltdown towards the end of the trip because of a bike race.  After unexpected road closures and extra time in traffic, we were ready to get out and stretch our legs on a trail at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.  Guess what!  That was closed too!  For the bike race.  It was not a proud moment for me, but my kids adjusted, talked me through it, gave me chocolate, and we continued on to enjoy the nearby Cave of the Winds.

September arrived and found me working four days in the art room at at the Free To Be Unschooling conference.  I had been planning a new series of hummingbirds, so when I finally had some peace and quiet to stay home and paint, this was the first one that I finished.  I love this painting because its a hummingbird that visits my patio.  It just tickles me to see them land and sit for awhile.  I'm so happy to know that I've created a garden space that is relaxing enough for even the constantly moving hummingbirds to take a rest.  I need to stop moving so much and do the same.