Character Studies

This week I've been focusing on doing character sketches. The problem with posting on Monday is that it leaves a rather short week (3 full days) to post about all the work I've done. So really this is more of a check point before I go hurtling into the weekend. 

Here is the first watercolor experiment I've done with Mac. 

I want to keep him light and sprite. I've decided to use the yellow stripe above his eye as a type of eyebrow that will help to convey expression. I'm not really that happy with the vest yet. I like the periwinkle-blue undercolor, but I'm not at all happy about the dark stripes. I think I might have to go buy some masking paint so that the stripes can be white and lend a softer approach to the vest. I'm also thinking there will have to be some masking done around the buttons so they don't get muddy. I like how it fits him though. I also haven't added his spectacles yet. 

After talking with Jim about the character studies and illustrations, he suggested that I do several pencils sketches first that explore different angles and perspectives. It will be natural for me to always choose the profile of Mac, and while it may be easier to paint, it won't always be as interesting. 

The little bird in the bottom left labeled "Stupid" is actually a fellow I'm concerned about. How do I make make Mac look inquisitive without looking absent minded? 

So the plan for the coming weekend (and week) is as follows: 

1. Do more character sketches of Mac, as well as of the Fearsome Fellows, The Marsh Wren, and Blue.
2. Buy some masking paint--I've always wanted to try it but it is rather expensive. In other news, I received a $120 grant that I think I need to start spending. 
3. Finish the half-size whole book pagination to show Hannah in my meeting with her on Tuesday. 
4. Gather some narrative to show her as well.
5. Start finalizing a post card image/text. It is due for me on Friday evening. 
6. Go to B&N to look at children's books. Speaking of $120 grant, I really need to invest in some good research books for this project...

Something that Jim mentioned in my meeting which has been helpful to my thinking about the grid lock of text and image is to allow the image to influence the text. This seems pretty obvious, but as of now I've been working on them separately, or making the images based on the text. I want to experiment with them the other way around now. 

Enjoy the weekend!