I have the privilege of working on the book illustration for “Pulled from the Fire Saved by Grace” by my friend Jamie Lull.  The book tells the story of a man who’s life was transformed by Christ. Thanks so much Jamie for the opportunity!

Once again I am using the same technique of watercolor to digital on BFK printmaking paper.

Here are a couple shots of the book, once the illustration was sent to the publisher.

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You may have never known why were aren’t to swim at Deeper Life Bible Camp.  All these many years a secret has been kept in the depths of Blackduck Lake.  May the Lord protect you as you venture out into the mirky waters.

Wow, what a fun piece to put together.  So much of this I feel was done in my head.  Below I have a few images documenting my process.  Enjoy

The watercolor/digital process.

Everything starts with a sketch. Coming up with the idea can sometimes the most fascinating part of the whole journey. The sketch is scanned into the computer and I draw on it a bit digitally to get it ready for projection.

My latest illustration purchase is a brand new Artograph.  This projector allows me to project quite nicely a sketch for enlargement.  I place my paper below on the table and draw away.

This is the final drawing before I watercolor on BFK printmaking paper.  BFK was my favorite paper for printmaking as an an art student at the university. The drawing is scanned and will be kept to lay over the watercolor so I don’t loose my lines.

Let the watercoloring begin!  This is the most difficult of the process for me, because I am new to watercolor…and boy do I have tons to learn.  I do my best here to stay consistent with color, so I have less to do in post production on the computer.  The watercolor is scanned and ready to go.

And now the really fun part is the digital process.  From the scanned watercolor I place my previously scanned line drawing on top of my watercolor so as to get back my lines lost in the watercolor process.  Then comes color correction, and layers upon layers of painting. I enjoy using custom brushes, airbrushing techniques, and other various layer types to achieve the above image.

So that is my watercolor/digital process in a nutshell.  My next painting will be of my crested gecko, ThimbleTack.

Wow…camp season is coming again very soon.  As usual I am taking care of a print and web promotions for Deeper Life Bible Camp.  I do enjoy heading of the visual aspects of each theme.  Every year is a new and exciting treat in design and sometimes illustration.

So I have always loved foxes.  In fact, they are one of my favorite animals.  As many of you may have noticed, I don’t draw much for animals, so here is the beginning journey of drawing animals.  I’m sure many more foxes are to come, but I thought it would be good to start out with my favorite little creature.

Enjoy

Hurray I’m marrying a fairy!  Christina and I put some rather smashing invites together and here is the cover art.  It was really fun to put together my own invites, especially after making a couple for some of my friends over the years.   So here is to our wonderful wedding.

Christina, you are a miraculous lady.  I am very excited to marry you.

For the next two weeks I am running a portrait special! Get an original illustrated portrait as a gift for your mom or even your profile pic. You will be given a digital file in high res to do with as you please.  Contact me to get your portrait.

Portrait Special: $75 color portrait

*Limited time only (August 7th – August 21st)

I have always loved Robin Hood.  Rob the rich to feed to poor.  I think I will always remember the Disney version when I think of Robin Hood.

“Its Robin Hood that I want!” – King John

More to come soon…