Matin Lapin: illustration

Showing posts with label illustration. Show all posts

a rather bizarre illustration request

I try and make an effort to draw birthday cards for friends and family, and it's usually incredibly amusing to be told what the boy wants me to draw for his friends or family's cards. The planned drawing for his younger brother's birthday next week was no exception.

"Wolves and tanks are manly, right? Could you draw a picture of a wolf driving

or riding in a paintball tank? It doesn't have to be realistic..."

Having had no experience of wolves driving or riding in vehicles of any sort, I found this a slightly difficult request, though of course the fact that it "didn't have to be realistic" (!) was something of a bonus. It's not easy to know how a wolf would look inside a paintball tank, or the angles at which his paws and tail would poke outside the tank opening, but hey ho, it didn't have to be realistic, and realistic it certainly was not.

In the end my "wolf" looked rather more like a dog than I had hoped, but I think the general gist is there, even if it was a fairly ridiculous concept to begin with...

my favourite Etsians - Q&A with murmurfremo

I have a real treat for you today - this week's interview is from one of my absolute favourite Etsians - the wonderful Tere from MurmurFremo. I'm so excited that I'm just going to get on with the questions!

{cat lady brooch} {deer lady brooch} {duck lady brooch}

{rabbit gent brooch} {fox lady brooch} {cat gent brooch}

Hello! I'm so excited to be interviewing you - I absolutely adore your work. For anyone who hasn't seen your shop, please introduce yourself and let us know a little about what you do.

Hi! My name is Terecita Hurst, but I go by Tere. I'm currently living in Brick, New Jersey, USA . I own two Etsy shops: MURMURFREMO (little anthropomorphic animals pins, brooches, and art) and the other TEREHURST (where I sell Steampunk OOAK artdolls).

How long have you been creating, and how did you first get into it?

I've been creating for a LONG time, since I was a little kid. About 15 years ago I did try to do my art full-time but, because of a lack of confidence, I had an extremely hard time marketing myself. So when Etsy and the internet came along it was the best thing that could ever happen for me! In January 2011, with the urging of my husband, I quit my part-time job and started working as an artist full time.

{rabbit girl pin} {fox girl pin} {dog boy pin} {Halloween raccoon pin} {rabbit boy pin}

That's fantastic! So did you teach yourself the techniques you use in your pieces, or do you have any formal art training?

Both! I have a degree in Zoology but quickly realized I liked DRAWING animals more than STUDYING them. I also studied Illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, have taken classes in ceramics, and completed a certificate program through the University of Washington for Children's Illustration.

That's a lot of skills you have there! How do you think your work has changed since you started, if at all?

The style and look of my work hasn't changed that much over the years. People say I look like my art (don't quite know what that means, but I think that's funny AND true...). I actually think a person's style is unique to them and not easily changed. Believe me. I went through a period where I wanted to create art that was 'dark and evil', not 'cute and happy'. Didn't matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't do it! I finally gave up. I had to accept the fact that I'm just a happy person who makes happy things. Oh well. :)

That's not necessarily a bad thing! I love nice, happy things too! What kinds of things (happy or otherwise) inspire you?

I'm really into Steampunk and the Victorian era right now. I love the clothing and architecture the most. Outside of that I'm inspired by artists who speak with their own voice and make original artwork; no celebrities or Disney characters, please! And yes, I have an affinity for the dark creepy weird stuff because I can't do it. I find it pretty ironic.

{rabbit scientist art doll} {steampunk fox art doll} {rabbit twins art dolls} {steampunk raccoon art doll}

I utterly love your one of a kind art dolls - as well as your adorable moveable pins - what is your own favourite project/item, and why?

Declan, the avatar for my terehurst shop, is a little Victorian style rabbit and is my favorite doll right now, so he's not for sale! I really love rabbits for some strange reason, so I'm having a great deal of fun creating them.

{Declan the Victorian rabbit}

Other than creating, what else do you like to do?

I really don't do anything other than creating! I do like to sew for myself. I've made16 A-line skirts to go with the12 cardigan sweaters, 10 camisoles, and 6 pairs of mary-jane style shoes that I mix and match and wear like Garanimals (google it: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garanimals).

That's pretty cool! Would you like to share with us any other interesting facts about yourself?!

My husband and I are about to begin housesitting in Europe so we've been busy getting rid of our possessions, organizing paperwork, and setting up our site (www.simplehousesitter.com) where people will be able to follow our up-coming adventures!

{fox finger puppet} {rabbit finger puppet}

Finger puppets are part of the new items that will be replacing the prints and dolls I will be removing from my Etsy shop. :( I will be sad to see those items go but, as mentioned, I will no longer have the necessary equipment and/or space to produce them when we move. Also as a result of the move I will be reducing the price of all art dolls. I would much rather see them go to new homes than packed away in some storage crate.

So check out terehurst and murmurfremo to see the new Art Doll Moving Sale prices! I'm also a sucker for a good story and I know I'm on a major budget, so bring your best offer and we will talk. Contact me via Etsy!

Thank you again, Tere, for taking the time to answer my questions, and I can't wait to read all about your new adventures!

Don't forget to check out the sales in both of Tere's shops!

{MurmurFremo} {TereHurst}

daily animal doodles introduction

My drawing has suffered somewhat in the last few weeks, while I've been back at work - I've been tired and unwell and just generally pretty groggy, and I need to snap myself out of it.

Andrea has a project on her blog, Paper Sparrow, called Daily Animal Doodles, and although I was super keen to partake in September's list I completely failed - I didn't even draw the first one.

Over the next couple of months I need to get back into things that I like doing and need to do, which should get my energy up and hopefully it'll make me start to feel better. Joining the gym was my first objective: so I can check that one off! I'm booked in for a session with my personal trainer tonight and I am super psyched about it.

I think that keeping some time free for creativity is another really important aspect that has been missing from my life. This project should help with that since I'll be more focused to complete the challenge and draw something every day!

Here is October's list if you would like to join in:

You can add your pictures to the group pool on Flickr so all the other participants can see too.

I realise it's already a few days in and I'm a wee bit behind, but I'll get onto that tonight and check back with you tomorrow!
Let me know if you're joining in the project, I'd love to see what you come up with!

a cat-tastic giveaway

The Cat-Tastic Mega Giveaway that I am taking part in has been posted up on Andrea's blog over at Paper Sparrow. Go and check out all the awesome goodies up for offer and meet all the lovely contributors :)

My giveaway item is a personalised illustration of your kitty, which I decided would be a good idea after I painted a portrait of Yoyo as a Georgian lady... of course! It makes total sense, honestly.

Go check it outtttt!

my favourite Etsians - Q&A with Sister Planet

You may remember a while ago I wrote about my love of polar bears and ice cream - and how perfectly Laura's painting illustrated the post. That polar bear picture of hers is not the only wonderful one - all of her illustrations are awesome! I recently saw these amazing stickers in her Etsy shop and just had to buy them:

Laura has also very kindly agreed to answer some questions I have for her, so without further ado, let's crack on...

Hello Laura! Thank you so much for agreeing to answer some of my questions! Firstly, would you like to introduce yourself to Matin Lapin readers?

My name is Laura Manfre, I'm a French illustrator now living in Norwich, UK.

How long have you been drawing/painting and how did you first get into it?

I've been drawing for a long time, but I only took it seriously 2 years ago. I've always loved to draw and especially to use lots of colors. Drawing and painting are for me a way to be closer to my dreams, to create what would be impossible to see. I've always been very shy and lonely... so being creative was my way of expressing myself.

That sounds very romantic! Did you train formally at art school, or are you self-taught?

I'd been a law student for almost 2 years before I abandoned everything for my real passion. I wasn't happy with my studies, it was really strict, sad and monotone. I needed to create! So I've been teaching myself drawing and painting techniques using the internet and particularly my boyfriend's knowledge who is an amazing artist. I still try to learn every day, try to improve my skills... I don't think art school is for me, I'm really too shy!

The Inflatable Donuts from the "Big Food" series

Since you're self taught I would guess that gives you lots of freedom - how has your work changed since you first started, if at all?

I think my work is always changing. At the beginning I only used my inspiration, now I try to combine it with what I have learnt. I use more media - acrylic, watercolors, gouache, ink, and more recently Photoshop.

You have lots of very different projects on your website - where do you get your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from the amazing eras that are the 50s, 60s and 70s! Everything from those years I admire, music (especially Motown hits), art (Peter Blake, James Rosenquist, Mary Blair, Alain Grée, Art Seiden...), fashion, cinema... I love to go thrifting, I always feel so lucky when I find vintage clothes, books, furniture, decoration... and pictures! They are my treasures!

Gang of Piñatas from the "Don't Be Afraid" series

I love everything on your website, but especially your "Don't be Afraid" series - what is your favourite project and why?

First, thank you! I think I really enjoy painting dogs! It's always really fun when I do a commissioned portrait because I work with the owner, sometimes take pictures, and when people are happy, I'm happy!

Bentley

When you are not drawing or painting, what else do you like to do?

I've always loved photography, cooking, and lately gardening. So great to grow your own vegetables when you're a vegetarian! I'm also starting a new project which combines my love for drawing and sewing! More soon!

I can't wait to see that! To round off, would you like to tell us an interesting fact about yourself?

I'm scared of unripe fruits.

Thank you so much for your time Laura, and for answering my questions!

I look forward to seeing your next project!

If you would like to read more about Laura, you can find her here:

// website // etsy // blogger // flickr // twitter //

will and kate bunnies

I woke this morning to sun streaming through my studio windows, my cat purring loudly on top of me and the sound of birdsong filling the air. What a perfect way to wake up!

I made myself a lovely cup of Earl Grey and, taking advantage of the perfect light, I decided to do some painting. I haven't done any watercolour painting for ages, but my attempts at using other media when colouring my Will and Kate animals were all disappointing failures: the pencils were too uneven, the watercolour pencils ended up far too dark, using markers made the picture too blocky and bland-looking (though that was my fault, rather than the pens. I have never been very good with markers. I should probably get a book about using them or something).

Watercolour was my last option...

I think a well-used watercolour palette is one of the most beautiful things in the world

Will and Kate as bunnies!

I like the subtlety of the colours - I know in their official engagement pics they were both wearing very bold colours, but I don't think my style of illustration suits bold colours very well. What are your opinions?

After finishing the painting, I thought I had better add a bit of bling for Kate's ring. Good ol' glitter!

Off it will go tomorrow morning in the post to my friend Georgia, as I won't be seeing her until after the Royal Wedding - I hope she likes it!

I'm quite tempted to put prints of the illustration in my shop - she and I can't be the only people who would want a picture of Will and Kate as bunnies, right??

royal wedding illustration

I was recently chatting with a friend about my (insane) Royal Wedding obsession (yep, it is still going - you'd have thought I'd have snapped out of it by now, wouldn't you!?) and I mentioned that I might start drawing Will and Kate as animals. That is, animals dressed as Will and Kate. She asked for a specific animal for her illustration, and I have just finished the outline, it just needs to be coloured now. Here it is, pre-colouring... can you guess what animal she asked for?

To some this project might seem a little ridiculous, but have you seen some of the utterly ridiculous Will and Kate merchandise you can buy?

past ramblings