In which Our Heroine begins her Great Experiment/Adventure and, Just Possibly, is Already In Over Her Head
This morning, I joined the Letter Writers Alliance in an effort to write more often, improve my writing thereby, and learn to loosen up a bit with my art. By recording my experiences/attempts/failures here, I hope to keep a record of this Ephemera, even as I send it out into the world. The idea is freeing–once a letter or drawing (or both) is sent, it is out of my hands. It may spur a conversation, inspire a friend, or just provide a bright spot when it is needed most. It may be utterly ignored. I may never know.
I also plan to use this Blog as a place to record general thoughts about Writing, Drawing, and the Artistic Process (at least through my eyes and experiences).
I believe one should start as one means to go on, so this is Mailing #1:
The photo is a bit blurry, I’m afraid, but it will have to do. I hope to get a scanner hooked up for future postings. In any case, this is “The First Flower of Spring,” a quick sketch in pencil, inked with Sharpie pen, and colored with some very cheap colored pencils I picked up a while ago. It was fun to just sit down and draw–I haven’t done that in a long time.
The card is a 3 x 5 “window” card from Levenger, which is a place that can suck you down into a wonderful, expensive pit of stationery.
Mailing #1 goes in the post today or tomorrow, depending on when I can get to the Post Office.
Let the Adventure Begin!
A Well-Lettered Lady 
The shading could use a little sharpening/deepening to make it really pop. But, I like the overall image. No worries about the blur from the “poor” photo. It is very visible. What was the inspiration for this orange? elf-girl? I like the hair, nose, mouth and butterfly pendant best. That sort of portrait drawing would make a great greeting card/stationary series. I would like to see the four seasons. I laugh at the expensive stationery void:P That sounds like your conscience tapping you on the shoulder. I bet you could cut your own cards with creative or ordinary scissors from cheaper stock (maybe?). I hope the expense–whatever it may be–is appreciated. I’ve done my share of giving more than I think was appreciated as well as being stingy, at times.
Thanks for the critique. 🙂 I think the style is inspired by ElfQuest–I used to read a lot of that comic when I was in middle and high school, and it definitely influenced my art style.
My friend who received this card gave me a call and told me how much she appreciated it when it arrived, how it made her whole day, how she keeps it where she can see it. That’s what I want my art to do–make people happy. Even if it’s just a little sketch of a happy elf.
I was concerned my critique might be received with a frown:P Ah, yes, ElfQuest. I remember that. I never got into it, though. I think at the time I was still into pick-a-paths by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingston (though the greats had been read in the 80’s). I like the whole Legend of Zelda collection but never was much of an elf artist.
I too try to do that with my art. I want people to be happy with it and do it justice. You write about having a hard time parting with some art. I have that problem, too. Which is why I like to photocopy my original poster board images and give away the prints I later color:D I have an easier time giving away art I am not fully happy with:P I think the easiest art to part with are the quick doodles one might do in a game of Pictionary or on a napkin. Sometimes just a simple doodle exchange or exercise can be more fun than spending hours on a full-color “masterpiece”. Only recently did I actually make my first color prints of new additions to my portfolio. My last portfolio–from many years ago–had been tossed when I myself was frustrated with what went with it (if that makes any sense without going into the personal story).
The other strange thing about all of this…I swear I’ve seen that elf card before…I swear I’ve asked to see it in four seasons before, as well. ‘Ever have moments like that?