Monday 27 August 2012

Creating Pastel Artwork for a Picture Book: a Demonstration



Since starting this blog, several people have asked me if I could make a film demonstrating my pastel technique. I wrote a step-by-step illustrated guide, talking through the creation of a cover illustration for a US educational project. It's taken a while to get round to working out how to do the films though.

John and I did done a couple of try-outs earlier in the year, with the how to draw a cat and how to draw a dragon films. We've learnt from those and this new film is tighter and more adventurous, showing me working on a real project in the studio.


It's the perfect time, while I am creating the artwork for Swap!: I wanted to show you something 'real', rather then re-create artwork. John filmed me doing this piece, where Lucy, having enjoyed being a dog all morning, starts to feel a bit bored:


Of course, the artwork took more than twice as long to do, what with all the messing about getting the lighting set up and working out the best way to talk through what I'm doing, and continually stopping and starting, but I'm really pleased with how it's come together, so it was well worth it. 


Big cheer for John, who did all the filming as well as getting his head round all the technical editing stuff. If you enjoy it, please share it with your friends, so we can get the hit-count up a bit. Cheers!

8 comments:

Liz Steel said...

wow!!! thanks Lynne and John that was brill!!!!! love see you in action thought it makes me miss sketching and hanging out with you!

Andrea said...

I really love that video and I think I'm gonna try something with pastels, you really inspired me!

Deb said...

Hi Lynne,
Blogged about your video on the Picture Book Junkies today... Love Lucy, love her dog :) Keep up the fantastic work!

http://pbjunkies.blogspot.com/2012/08/lynne-chapman.html

Julie Clay Illustration said...

Put you on my blog too today Lynne. The film is brilliant, well done to John and you of course. Always inspiring! Love the look of this new book. Best wishes, Julie.

Damian Harvey said...

Great to see this Lynne - what a good idea. Probably won't be as interesting to film me writing and pulling what's left of my hair out as I do it :-)

Ethna said...

Oh, very nice work John. I like the camera angle over Lynne's shoulder, and the fades (dissolves?) to the next scene....and as always lovely work from you Lynne.....great to see original artwork!

Lynne the Pencil said...

Thanks guys - so glad you enjoyed it.

Damian: I love the idea of a 'performance art' film, with you gradually transferring all remaining hair from your head to a little pile beside the computer...

veronica said...

just discovered your art! Love this video, thanks for sharing how you work! very cool that you start on pink paper!