Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Stories

This month the Creative Every Day Challenge is “Stories”. I have had the opportunity to illustrate one children’s book that was published independently.

It was my first experience, involving plenty of learning.
I find it an interesting challenge to have the written story (which is not my own), and produce characters which will carry the story along and hopefully meet the author’s expectations or vision.
The story briefly is about a fairy that has a flaw and the struggles she encounters as she builds her self-esteem and friendships. This was the initial idea of the main character,























and the final piece...


















Some of Brokenwing’s adventures and fellow characters:















































It has always been a dream of mine to illustrate children’s books. Growing up, my sister and I spent many hours creating a host of characters in our fantasy world.
It was a world full of witty, bumbling and sarcastic animals that were used as vehicles to help us navigate our childhood.

Imagination is a gift that is priceless and is important to foster in children.






























I remember a story my dad used to tell me about an eagle soaring over the ocean as he searched for food.
He would say this as a “bed-time story” and as he described the eagle and its flight, I could see it perfectly in my mind’s eye.
I could even feel the earth drop out from under me as the eagle plummeted toward the water, searching for fish.




15 comments:

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Eleanor: What beautiful illustrations. Did you know your neat sunset in featured on SWF today?

Digital Flower Pictures said...

These are brilliant. Very creative and I enjoyed reading the narrative. Don't give up that sense of wonder.

Terrebel said...

Great artwork! Keep it up! It's always good to follow your dreams...More people should try that more often.

Have a good weekend!

Terrence looks at the sky

Unknown said...

Thank you fishing guy! I just looked at SWF. I just checked out your blog, great photos!

Amanda said...

All i can say is.........i lov i lov i lov ,,,i love:D
great work sooo inspiring!!!
Mandy

Unknown said...

Thank you for your comments Digital Flowers. Fabulous photos and interesting data. I enjoy your blog very much.

Unknown said...

Thank you Terrebel. I agree about following one's dreams. I enjoy your blog.

Carver said...

Your illustrations are so expression and well done.

Tussy said...

Beautiful painting, you got talent for this.

Skywatch Friday
Sunhine Award

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

Welcome back, Eleanor! I was worried about you!
Your illustrations? Top drawer! Beautiful!
Such a talented lass you are!

Unknown said...

Thank you Cafeby for passing on the award to me and your comments!

Unknown said...

Thank you so much Cathy! I've been through a rough time, but I think I'm back on track now!

Thanks so much for your encouragement.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kerry said...

Wow, don't you have talent. I especially like the mole illustration. I take photographs because I lack the ability to paint and draw and I am always really impressed when I see such talent in others.

I am in a rush at the moment but will definitely be coming back to view more of your work and to read your words.

Unknown said...

Thank you Kerry,
I am always happy to get feedback.