NC Wildlife Commission cover
I finished the best job I've ever had. It is also the best painting I've ever done and to have that happen in the same project is phenomenal - I hope not a once in a life time thing.
It could have gone all wrong. The client is the state wildlife commission. Not that that is wrong - they put together a gorgeous magazine every month and use amazing art. But they didn't originally ask for me - this was another "my husband's too busy to do it so he passes my name to them" jobs (not that I'm complaining). So right away I was second string. Then they point out another artist's work that they really love. It's my brother in law's work. I think it's great that they are all into the family but - well, you know, he's someone else. Then they ask that I use a limited palette. Okay, I'd love to. And they'd like it more stylized. Sure.
Was I mad? Heck no! This is art direction done by talented professionals. This is someone pushing me to try harder. And boy howdy did I. I love, love, love doing animals. I do all kinds of more animated art and this was going to be more stylized and designy.
The sketches flowed! The painting process was rapturous. Seriously, I welled up a few times. I worked much later in the evening than I normally would - because I couldn't make myself stop. I was sad to deliver it and let it go. The good news - they loved it and they are going to do wonderful things with it!
The purpose of the larger piece is to promote and then be the cover for the North Carolina Wildlife Commission's kids art calendar contest for 2009 and will go out to every school in our state. They are partnering with the art museum and a paper company so production on the whole thing will be done first class, elegant, and totally green to boot. They've even asked me to be a judge for the entries.
Sigh.
So here it is - the cover (at the top) is what the brochure/poster will show when all folded up. The poster is on the opposite side.
NC Wildlife Commission Kids Calendar Poster 16" x 24"
16 comments:
Let me be the first to say Its Muy Muy Fabuloso!!!
Those animal eyes just peeking out, the design, the restrained palette and painting and its just so YOU.
Gorgeous.
Wiping a tear~
Absolutely beautiful, Karen!
It's beautiful Karen!
Wow, Karen - That's fantastic. I want a poster! If only I lived in NC... How nice to come out of the end of a job and feel really satisfied with what you've done.
Thank you! I miss it, sniff.
You did a great job of using the focus of the animals to move the viewers eye's around the page. But what I think is really cool is how all the backgrounds blend so seemlessly into each other.
Plus there is a turtle. i like turtles :)
This is really nice. I like the clean lines. It reminds of the work of Leonard Weisgard or Garth Williams. Kudos to you!
Roberta
Wow Karen! This is so beautiful! Hopefully my daughter gets one!
It's absolutely LOVELY! Congratulations on being chosen!
This really is a beautiful piece - congratulations!
Oh Karen, it is absolutely beautiful. Well done. :)
Thanks!!!!
I put the turtle in there just for you Ian.
Roberta - HI!
KDHamel - are you in NC? My apologies if I already know you and haven't figured it out.
Deb - thanks,
Susan - thanks, thanks.
And Casey! How are you darling? We are about to confer again - will you come?
tickled pickish, karen
I love it!! It's so dreamy! I knew there was a good reason to relocate to NC. Don't you love a great art director? They help you get where you didn't know you were going.
Oops, no we have not met but I am in Jamestown, NC (near Greensboro) - I am so used to just jotting notes on people's blogs from Illustration Friday that I write notes whenever I see something great! I found your blog (about a year ago) off the SCBWI carolinas site and that is how I found out about IF (thank you) so I occasionally stop to see what wonderful things you are working on. Maybe someday we'll run into each other in person since we live in the same - very hot lately - state. I am just beginning in illustration if you ever have a chance to look at my blog.
Oh Karen - was I in LA when you posted this? It's gorgeous! Truly, truly gorgeous. No wonder you're so sniffly!
:)
e
Karen!! It's absolutely gorgeous.
Congrats. The Carolinas are glad you are "our" Karen! :)
Hugs,
Donna
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