MICHELLE RODES ILLUSTRATION
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Goldipig - A How To

7/31/2019

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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

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  • I start with loose thumbnail sketches for ideas and concepts.

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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 & Reference

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Between 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?

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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.

Value Studies

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On to the Value studies.

​I start by doing a black and white "Notan" with a thick marking pen.



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Then I do some value studies to determine the light and dark mood of the piece.

​Ok, ready to move to color! 










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? 
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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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I keep it loose and impressionistic. I love these little gems.
I have to be careful not to fall in love with it, or I won't want to continue on to the next step...

Finish Painting

It's time to to paint the finish illustration.
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I transfer my final drawing on watercolor paper. Then I stretch and mount the paper on to board. This is my "transition" phase and helps me psych myself out to paint.
I go piece by piece, like a jigsaw puzzle. ​Layer after layer, pushing the values darker and the colors brighter.



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I use my color study and notes as a guide.

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I also use colored pencils to add texture and refine areas.
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When in doubt, I consult reference images to help with tricky areas...
like the bubble bath!
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Next, I have to Scan or Photograph the paintings into digital form. These finishes are too big for my scanner, so I photograph them.
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I tape the illustrations to the side of my house in direct sunlight. I include a "grey card", to help with the color correcting in photoshop. 

With Photoshop, I can make even more adjustments, but I try to limit them so I don't loose the fresh watercolor quality. Someday I'll try a whole painting in photoshop. 
Goldipig and the Three Bears.  ​
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    Michelle Rodes is an author/Illustrator in Walnut Creek, CA.

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Michelle Rodes Illustration
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