People often inquire about the time it takes to create my illustrations, and my response varies based on my life circumstances. As a new mom, I realize I was much more productive before having children. My latest illustration took a year to complete, whereas previously, it could take one to two months. Now, with a full-time teaching job and parenting, I've paused commissions to focus on creating my own art after a busy day. My creative outlet is needed for myself more than ever.
Photo Credit Above: Quinn Metal Corbin
I started my CB illustration a year ago, but the piece began long before pencil met paper. When I joined the Council Bluffs Community School District, I began photographing landmarks. I did not grow up in Council Bluffs nor did I come to CB often prior to my employment so I asked the locals about must-see spots, with the “Black Angel” and Historic Dodge House topping the list. Each morning, as I commuted into the city, I enjoyed sunrises peeking through lush green bluffs. Taking my boys to daycare took me on scenic routes, with an occasional traffic stop thanks to train crossings. Victorian homes with gingerbread trims & wild life all became inspiration. These everyday journeys through the school year painted a composition in my mind. I knew exactly how I wanted this illustration to be created when I had the time.
One of those annoying traffic stops. Not so annoying depending on how you look at it. You can either sit and check emails or turn around & take the alternate route!
I often pull over to take pictures of interesting houses, which some might find odd, but these photos inspire my sketches. I recently admired beautiful architecture near the Dodge House and toured it with my youngest son. The intricate wallpaper and landscaping amazed me. I learned a lot about Council Bluffs history during my visit. This beautiful three-story mansion is built nestled into the bluffs overlooking the Missouri Valley. The neighboring home, known as the Beresheim House, is on the National Register of Historic Places, this Is where the tour starts. I highly recommend to anyone who loves history or architecture.
A cutie little patriotic home this past July.
Outside of the Historic General Dodge House
I typically take my own reference photos, but sometimes it's easier to find them online. For instance, I used various images of black squirrels for this illustration, combining different aspects like line quality and figure for my composition.
After gathering reference photos, I sit down and create my composition on my dining room table. That is where I work lately as we are currently renovating our very old and dirty garage into a full-on paper studio. (More on that in a future blog post.) Once I sit down, I start drawing from observation my contour lines referencing my photos. This part surprisingly doesn't take as long as you may think because I don’t add much detail until the final phase of the illustration. The lines in pencil really are just the rough guidelines for how I want the composition to be. Lines get erased, and then the painting takes shape. I use either gouache or watercolor to fill in the basic shapes and use layers of paint to add texture, detail, and value to my piece. Pen gets added finally, and I enjoy this part to give the piece contrast. I scan my own work with a very large scanner. If the digital image needs any editing, I remove any mistakes or minor pencil lines in Photoshop. Once I am happy with the image, I send it to print.
My underlying drawing.
The first layers of watercolor are mainly flat washes. I add texture & value in the second and third layers as shown below.
I've accepted that my pace of making art is slower during motherhood. I continue to create in this season, which brings me joy. While I can't create as quickly as before, the outcomes remain fulfilling. I hope you enjoy my new illustration, available for purchase as signed prints.
