Process, Flowers and Self Promotion Monday :)

We all start somewhere. 

I thought I'd share some process pics of a painting I made this weekend.

I like to start by drawing everything out loosely with charcoal, 

but I sometimes use pencil or just start painting. 

For my latest series of flower themed art, I've been working on canvas again.

Most of my animal illustrations are currently painted on gesso board or wood.

Pre-primed canvas provides a smooth surface for acrylic paint. 

Filling in the background with color is really relaxing to me. 

I guess because it requires only light focus and skill.

Painting each flower is the most fun, but the moment comes when you gotta decide just

 how far to go. I considered keeping this loose and painterly, 

but decided to add lines for definition and to keep it similar in style to the 

last couple of patterns I made. Below, is a detail before I went lighter.

I tried a softer look, by making the background pink, plus I worked a little more on it overall.

And then, I went back to a bolder background using Photoshop, which you can see below. 

Of course, with tools like Photoshop, you can alter almost anything. 

I can get lost in all the color options, alone!

In general, I prefer to do as much with paint before scanning or photographing a piece.

I currently use my iPad to photograph work that's too big to scan, 

like this, which is about 40" x 40" I think it's time to consider buying a large flatbed 

scanner or investing in a better camera or even using my old camera again.

I would love to license work like this to fabric companies, furniture and home accessory

manufacturers. I will begin researching places I can send samples to once I have a few more 

in the series. I'll probably have some printed using Spoonflower, plus create 

some pieces in my Society 6 shop to see how they look on products.

Speaking of samples, nice segue, huh - 

Here are my little square business cards being printed by Moo as we speak :)

Below is the back with a list of select social media platforms & my website, of course.

I'm doing a variety of square cards, here are a few -

and I want to start promoting my custom work again.

I used to paint murals more regularly and I miss it. 

I also live in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, a mini-mecca for newborns!

Below, are postcards of my latest custom painting, which I like a lot.

I decided to print detail shots bc I think it shows the work off better 

than the full image on a postcard size. 

I may print some larger samples or some flyers also.

Thanks for taking a look and indulging me on this self promotion Monday!

Finally, I will leave you with something sweet -

* TAFFY *

Have a great week!

xo, A

Sketches to Finished Art : Brooklyn to Breezy Painting

Last week, I shared a custom painting I made for a lovely little girl,

From Brooklyn to Breezy and back (also known as Willow's World)

This week, I thought I'd share some of my process with you.

If you're considering or know someone who would like a custom piece, it's 

a great way to make a room special and it's a simpler process than you might think.

These are the sketches I made after discussing ideas for this latest project.

I had an overall idea in mind, aiming for a dream-like quality with elements taken 

from a just-turned 6 year old's life to tell a story. It's her world, hopefully illustrated in a 

bright charming way that encourages delightful contemplation.

:::

Generally, after meeting with someone, speaking on the phone or emailing 

back & forth about ideas, I email my sketches along with some finished work

(as a reminder of my overall style) 

We take it from there. 

Sometimes I go back to the drawing board, so to speak, and sometimes,

like this time, I got the OK to just get started!

I did a washy under painting, using several colors, to sort of block

in where each scenario would end up.

For this, on pre-primed canvas, I sketched out everything in charcoal 1st. 

It can be easily wiped off and allows for a light hand. 

I always appreciate the loose quality of a sketch. The energy and 

movement can so easily be lost once you begin painting.

Next, I go over the lines with watered down acrylic paint.

I took lots of photos this time around, not only because I love using my iPad,

but I wanted to keep track of how each stage looked.

I really wanted to maintain a light touch with this one.

In these detail shots, you can see the early steps that lead to the final. 

I made only minor changes and additions as I went along.

This was mostly about adding color without losing all of the line work.

I did make the fox a touch happier and the raccoon looks more anxious in the finished one.

Here is the full 76" x 41" painting tacked up and sketched out in my studio.

Here is the finished painting on the floor, right before we began hanging it.

You can see how it was installed and some fine little details in my previous post- 

 From Brooklyn to Breezy 

Thanks for taking a look!

:::

You can see my illustration for kids, art licensing and custom murals

on my website, AllynHoward.com

Better yet, follow me on Facebook at Artwork by Allyn

I'd love to have ya!

xo, A

From Brooklyn to Breezy and back : Custom Painting

I had the super great pleasure of painting this for a super great little girl I know, named Willow.

Her parents commissioned me to create a painting for her 6th birthday which she celebrated this week.

This is *Willow's World* 

Animals abound in her Brooklyn neighborhood

and on Breezy Shores, Long Island where her family has a cottage.

Here, she daydreams while a striped yellow cat and a clever canary say hello.

Her mom loaned me a copy of one of her (recent) favorite books, My Father's Dragon.

It's a classic written in 1948 by Ruth Stiles Gannett, illustrated by Ruth Chrisman Gannett.

 I had not read it before and it completely charmed me.

I loosely referenced some elements from the 1st two stories in the trilogy.

I also learned that Willow likes maps, bright colors, dancing and pizza :)

In Brooklyn, everyone loves Pizza.

Cat is not quite sure how to eat it. 

She usually uses a knife & fork like our new Mayor Bill De Blasio ;)

In this painting/story, animals seek out treasure, read maps, decode cryptic notes,

find messages, as well as small silver and gold coins. 

Still, most are oblivious to the real treasures right in front of them.

Some travel down through Brooklyn, while others make their way up 

to the North Fork, LI where Breezy Shores is located.

This bike riding dog gives a flower to Willow, who walks along with her friend, Cat.

In my mind, the story is told from his perspective.

Fox brings gifts on his journey.

A home-schooled bunny takes a break from class to see what's going on above.

Unlike his 5 brothers and sisters, he doesn't like math!

My aim was to create a dreamlike quality where your eye keeps moving

until it finds it's own perfect spot to rest.

A baby bear naps after over indulging on honey.

Sweet pig poses for an artist, while a bird vies for his attention.

The vegetable stand is fully stocked with fresh produce.

There's enough fruit, bread, cheese and pie for a picnic each day!

As you can see, camping, sailing, fishing, skiing and sunning are popular in Breezy :)

Lion, above, is taken directly from "My Father's Dragon". 

Mine is cute, though not as beautiful as the original line illustration.

Snorkeling cat spies a message!

Poor bun gets too much sun!

This treasure map is a sketchy miniature of the full painting. 

These balloon-floating guys are in for some luck.

:::

Not every painting is hung on the wall ya know!

Jon and Erin, her parents, had originally asked me to paint something above 

Willow's bed, on the underside of her brother's bunk.

As close friends know, I hemmed and hawed about how to attach it 

safely, so it could be saved for when she outgrows her bed.

In the end - I opted for Velcro and wood trim. Sounds simple.

I cannot share, unless you ask me, how long it took to attach.

It wasn't quick and I am so very grateful to 

my friend, Robin who helped me install it on Saturday.

Here I am posing with Willow.

Her parents made it a surprise and it was so fun to be there and witness the unveiling!

They're one of the cutest families I know and I know a lot.

I'm so glad I had the chance to make this for such a nice little girl.

and finally, friends roast marshmallows over Elena's Fire Bowl.

Ahhhh Summertime.

Elena is a close friend to Willow and her parents, too!

 Her company, Colombo Construction Corp is a design/build firm 

specializing in fire features and custom site specific work.

Thanks for taking a look at all these details! 

:::

Were you able to spot all the treasure?

Guess the street where they live?

See other references to the book I mentioned above?

If you have read this book, I hope you noticed, 

that unlike the lazy animals of Tangerina, mine are kind 

and most are on a mission of one sort or another :)

:::

Browse more custom projects, paintings & illustration for kids at

AllynHoward.com

Have a great week.

xo, A