Beating the holiday rush...another post!

Alright, so I said that I would be too busy to post for a few days, but I spent some time coloring Pinocchio and couldn't resist getting it up for your viewing pleasure. Oh, the things I do for you.

Also included in this post is my depiction of Jack and his oversized friend. This one is significant in that I chose to render the giant in pencil only, no ink lines. I felt that it would increase the sense of atmospheric perspective. I also narrowed the range of values on him. If you notice, Jack has darker darks and lighter lights on him. Almost looks as if I knew what I was doing, doesn't it?

Hansel and Gretel, part trois

Okay, I feel like I have done what I had hoped to do and I can walk away from this trio. I wanted to play with Corel Painter X and see what some of the brushes could do that would be different than Photoshop. I'm pretty happy with the results. I have an idea of how I can use this image, but I'll let you know more about that later.

On a completely separate note, it's going to be pretty busy for me as we get closer to Christmas. Since I may not be able to post for a while, allow me this moment to wish my followers, my lurkers, my friends, and my loved ones a wonderful holiday season. Your support means a lot to me and I appreciate the feedback. Thank you and Merry Christmas.

Eric

Hansel and Gretel...in COLOR!

I decided to take this illustration a little further than it'll be seen in the book. Using Corel Painter X, I'm experimenting with some different "paints" and "brushes." The kids have been colored with a digital watercolor custom brush and lots of blending and I used an Artist's Oils bristle blender for the witch's face. Still working on the background. I'll post it again when I'm done.

Cinderella

Well, the latest image I wish to share is from Pinocchio's version of Cinderella. While the story keeps the familiar premise of a nice girl being made servant to domineering stepfamily until a fairy godmother enables her to pursue her dream prince, some of the supporting characters seem more appropriate to Disney's Beauty and the Beast, specifically Colonel Mop and Miss Bucket. Also, rather than a grand ballroom, the action takes place on a frozen lake. Yep, it's all about ice skating.

In this illustration, I left the mop alone, finding plenty of humor in the puppet's original design, but I made minor modifications on the bucket and the mouse. Cindy, on the other hand, looks nothing like the marionette.

Welcome to December!

Okay, the holiday season is upon us and there's Christmas in the air, even here in Florida. The current temperature is 49 F and dropping. Sure, Jack Frost would melt into a grumpy little puddle, but anything below 60 F makes the local population pull out long johns and electric blankets. Trust me.
The story behind the illustration to the left is one of show biz and holiday spirit, "Santa's Holly Follies." The featured character is Chris Holly, host of a popular seasonal variety show. The program features juggling wise men, songs of Chanuka and Kwanzaa, dancing snow women, and a ballet flamingo. Not only does the show go all over the map, seasonally speaking, it is the only show staged by Pinocchio's Marionette Theater that wasn't based on an existing story.