Twitter, An Owl, a Pussycat, and a new illustration for "Fair, Brown and Trembling"

I am just getting started on Twitter (@sarahbodera).  What a great way to keep on top of what's happening.  Following mainly illustrators, writers, and publishing companies, I find myself treading in a sea: great website links, anecdotes, friendly greetings, announcements, award winners, congratulations... the list goes on. Lots of positive interaction, and a great way to connect. I'd love to add you all if I haven't already, just send me your username :)


I thought I'd share a few illustrations that I completed over the holidays. "The Owl and the Pussycat" illustration was done with Higgins Black Magic ink on paper. I used to use this ink all the time when I drew comics.  It is waterproof, rich and opaque - great for pure blacks.

And this is a second illustration for Fair, Brown and Trembling. I wanted to practice keeping a character intact through two different poses.  A better camera and some handy Photoshop skills brought up the brightness and color quality quite a bit.  I will need to re-photo the first illustration to make them match.

Fair, Brown and Trembling Watercolor

Finally finished this painting!  It took a long time, but I am really happy with the results :)

Fair, Brown and Trembling Sketches

My next project will be for the Celtic tale, "Fair, Brown, and Trembling." I referenced a Dover book of historic costumes for their dresses. The story is similar to Cinderella. There are three sisters, named Fair, Brown, and Trembling. Trembling is prettier than the others, so her sisters force her to stay home and clean while they attend church. But with a little help from the henwife, Trembling ditches her rags and dons fine dresses. She sits mysteriously outside the church on a white horse, catching the eyes of the town, including a few princes...

Fair and Brown are cruel to their sister.

 

 Poor Trembling, scrubbing away while her sisters have fun.

After her transformation, Trembling approaches the church and waits outside.  When the people come out, she quickly rides away, leaving everyone mystified.

 More sketches to come!