illustration process

I recently did new illustrations for my portfolio, using the 2019 SCBWI LA Conference Illustrator Intensive: A Modern Retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Here's How I did the illustrations...Compostions. I start with loose thumbnail sketches for ideas and concepts. ​
Then slightly larger compositions from the thumbnails, of my favorite composition. 

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I then sketch the layout larger, to place all the elements. 
I gather reference images which help develop iterations of the finish drawing. The final art size will be big enough to capture the details.

Sketching & ReferenceBetween each sketch iteration, I get feedback and critiques.  My crit partners note the characters look too doll-like and need to be more expressive.  So I do more research and sketching in my sketchbook and on my iPad. Pigs and bears! What could be more fun?

I revise the sketches with the new bear features and make adjustments to the composition to simplify the background and focus on the kids in the tub.

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Value Studies
On to the Value studies.
​I start by doing a black and white "Notan" with a thick marking pen.

Then I do some value studies to determine the light and dark mood of the piece.
​Ok, ready to move to color! 

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Color Studies
Before I start painting, I try various watercolor mixes and blends, keeping notes to figure out how I will mix my colors and create a palette. I narrow it down to 13 colors.  Is that a lot? 

On my watercolor palette, I tape over the colors I will not be using, to force me to "limit" my palette. Sometimes I sneak my brush under the tape anyway!
I then do a small Color Study for the illustration, based on my value study and color notes.  This is my favorite part of the process.

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