Illustration Friday - Paisley

What does this have to do with Paisley? Well, once again, I didn't want to illustrate the first thing that came to mind - the paisley pattern. This wasn't because I was going out of my way to be different. I just didn't particularly want to draw that pattern. So, I took a little cyber trip to see if anything else related to paisley sparked my imagination. It worked! It turns out there is a town of Paisley in Scotland. One thing led to another and I found myself looking at this site. When I saw the red light on that castle, that was it. Of course, I couldn't just copy the photo, so I made up my own glowing castle. But, is it a castle? A fortress? A shrine? Was it built to keep intruders out or to keep it's occupants in? For IF, I like trying to do illustrations that raise questions.

IF - Ripple

This week's theme for Illustration Friday is Ripple. This special theme is a collaboration with illustrator Kelly Light's Ripple blog. The project was created to raise funds for wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico.Every penny of the funds raised will go to The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies and The International Bird Rescue Research Center.
We were asked to consider doing a piece of artwork that is 2.5 inches x 3.5 inches. So, these are the dimensions of my piece. (The smallest I've ever done!) I've learned a lot recently about the importance of the wetlands of Louisiana that is a breeding ground for so many aquatic species and also serves as a barrier of protection from hurricanes. I'm stunned by the beauty of this unique and important area and fear for it's loss.
The piece is done with acrylic and colored pencil on 100% rag paper.
To learn more about the Ripple project and how to purchase artwork, please visit the Ripple blog.

Illustration Friday - Trail

When I started this theme, I wanted most to show ambivalence about which trail to follow. I didn't want to do a fork in the trail in the woods. So, I allowed myself some liberty and this is where my imagination led me.