Illustration Friday: Seeds

I think "beans" count as "seeds" in this case...

Something a little different

I haven't even attempted any sort of landscape or outdoor painting since college...and that was quite some time ago...
Here is a "speedpainting" of Cambria, a small coastal town here in California. It's one of my favorite places to go--it's quaint and relaxing. Actually, my parents are there this week...hmmm, nice of them to invite me!
Well, this is a first in what I hope to be a series, of sorts. I guess my aim is to loosen up on my paintings and to use bolder, more visible strokes. This is a beginning, but I definitely have a long way to go.

Hansel and Gretel Contest!

A few weeks ago, I entered a local SCBWI contest (the Los Angeles Chapter). It was a scholarship contest in which the winner would be able to attend either the New York or Los Angeles annual conference for free. I always try and enter the local SCBWI contests--it's usually good exposure and a fun way to network.

For this one, we had to illustrate a scene from Hansel and Gretel. I went for a sepia-toned color scheme in order to keep it a bit mysterious/scary. Now that I look back at it, I suppose there are a few things I would change, but overall I'm pretty pleased with it.


Well, I didn't win first place, but I did get an honorable mention. Its always nice to get some sort of recognition. I'm glad I entered!

I do have good news from one of my illustrator friends, Mac McCool. He won first place in the "picture book" contest category for his graphic novel manuscript at the L.A. SCBWI Writer's Day event! Yay Mr. McCool!

Illustration Friday: Wrinkles

Don't exactly know what this is, except that it's another old one...Just trying to keep up with posting more often here.

Illustration Friday: Fail

Here's an old style I don't really do anymore. Me thinks the kid in the back isn't going to pass the test...

Bruce Springsteen Live in Anaheim!!!

So, I had the fortunate experience of being able to attend a concert of a Rock Deity this past Monday evening. I feel kinda corny calling him that, but honestly, I've been to a few shows by a few "heavies" (Eric Clapton, Santana, among others) and this was definitely one of the best I've experienced. Period. Actually, lets just add to the title of Rock Deity, Poetic Deity.

On April 7th in Anaheim, my dad and I attended our first Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band show. It was my Christmas gift to him--I knew we'd both have a great time together--and we did.

I had always been a casual listener and fan by default: I've got quite a few fond memories of my dad playing "air drums" and screaming the lyrics of "Born to Run" on hot summer days (I promise dad, I won't go into embarrassing details such as the short corduroy shorts sans shirt, and the red bandanna you wore during these singing escapades...)

Anyhow, some of you may still have the impression of Mr. Springsteen as just an icon of the 80's, but let me assure you that after listening closely to his work as an adult the other night, I heard something completely new, fresh and relevant. The man is not only an incredible musician and performer, but an incredible writer. I think, in a way, he has actually sparked my imagination, something that an illustrator could definitely use from time to time. Since Monday, I've gone back through a lot of his catalogue and am excited to re-experience his work from a different viewpoint.

Not to mention, the dude has some serious stamina and charisma--a non-stop two and a half hour performance he gave us...I'm (practically) half his age and I felt tired for him. Definitely impressive. So if he comes to an arena near you, GO!

Okay, enough of my raving; it's 3am and I'm sleep deprived, hence the wordy entry. I better quit while I'm ahead, or else a 50 page expository essay on the man could very well be the result of this post...I've caught my second wind.

Check him out here if you'd like. This is not my video--unfortunately I wasn't that close...hopefully next time will be a different story. I've got some of his old and new stuff on my music player on the right too!

More Illustration Inspiration

At the moment, I'm really enjoying surfing around the many animation industry blogs.  More specifically, the layout and environmental design artists.  Thankfully, many have blogs where they post their art.  I discovered Vincent Massy's blog recently and I'm really impressed by the way he creates these complete environments with so many layers: forground, middleground, background, etc...It's just really beautiful how the lights and shadows play such an important role in creating atmosphere.  As I look at his art, I wonder how much visual reference he has--is he looking at photographs?  I'm guessing most of the time the answer is "no".  I'm sure he's good enough to be able to relate these images without much reference.  If only I could have the technical savvy.  One day, I hope.

New Header

I've just updated my header for this ole' blog here.  You may need to refresh your browsers...

Wiping off the Dust

So, here it is--February already.  A new year, a fresh start.  I've got some major goals for my illustration career jotted down on my to-do list and I'm ready to go.  Already, I've got a few really cool projects in the works.  I'll share more about those later.

In the meantime, I've updated my website.  I used the really easy and fun-to-use iWeb '08.  It can't get any more simple than that!  Please go on over and take a looksy at www.christinaforshay.com.  If you notice any glaring errors or slow load speeds, please let me know!

Otherwise, I'll be posting again soon...

Some Illustration Inspiration

I've noticed a lot of people come here via a search on "illustration inspiration". So, in honor of them, here are some links to blogs I frequent...Make sure you peruse these when you've got some time, because you will most likely get sucked into a VORTEX OF BLOOOGGGSSSS....

There sure is some pretty amazing art out there. Go check it out.

More to come...

Craft:
Dantat
Flight
John Nevarez
Noah Klocek/Imageblock Blog
Alisa Haggard
I am Addam/Adam Ford
Blog o' the Barroness/Maryn Roos

Graphic Novel Day!

Graphic novels are becoming a hot item in the world of children's publishing these days. If you have a chance, come and learn some more about this growing field at the Southern California SCBWI Graphic Novel Day on November 3. See you there!