The process

Well, finally I can show you my newest illustration, the book cover for the third volume of "Brigitte des coléres" by Jérôme Lafond. This time the publishing company comissioned me a custom watercolor, and I had to draw the main character, Brigitte, working on a butcher shop. I've taken photos of each step so you can see the process I follow. Pretty simple, you'll see :)

These are the fist rough sketches I sent to the art director, the first one on the left. I was aked to make her more girly and to add more meaty stuff. Once I had the ok, I started making the final drawing on watercolor paper.

I always use this Pentel 0.3mm mechanical drafting pencil, I've had it for ten years and it's still my favorite, I get the cleanest lines whit it. This time I used Fabriano Artistico Extra White paper, but I also like to use Canson illustration board.

They're not picture here, but I use Winsor & Newton Artists' Watercolor Pads and sometimes, when it's too hot and dry (very usual in Madrid) I use their blending medium because otherwise, the watercolor dries too quickly. I start randomly adding the first color washes, in this case I gave the background a slight, dirty white color wash.

This is still on the first wash part, but I've already added some shadows to the hair. Usually I'm pretty chaotic with this.

Here I've started adding details and shadows everywhere. You can also see my brushes, they're natural sable brushes made by Casa Pontes, the local art store where I like to buy my supplies. I have the whole range, but I mostly use the smallest ones since I tend to make my drawings tiny.

And here's the final illustration with all the details, shadows, etc. All there's left to do is to scan and clean the illustration, which is the most boring part. I forgot to take pictures of the scrap paper I have to try out the colors before painting, but overall, this is it!! I really hope you enjoyed this post, and I'd love to answer your questions if you have any :D

A few new things

A new case for my watercolors, the old one was getting too small. The first issue of Solo, the awesome zine by illustrator Lizzy Stewart. Salmon colored washi tape. Another film camera, the super compact Olympus MJU II, which is perfect to carry around in my small-ish bag. And a bow shaped hairpin.

I'm also knitting a custom designed sweater for a friend, you can see the swatch I knit here. But I still have to choose the fair-isle motives for the yoke.

And last, here'a a sneak peek of the new book cover I've been working on. Stay tuned to the blog because soon I'll be making a post with my watercolor illustration process. It's something I've been wanting to do for ages!

Two books and a spy

This week I got copies of a book with one of my illustrations on the cover, the second part of "Brigitte des Colères", and I'm currently working on the cover for the third volume. I also forgot to take photos of my illustration on the Morran book, that you can still buy at Blurb. As usual, Maggie likes to hide behind my computer and watch closely at everything I do.

Bookish

I'm so sorry for neglecting this space lately. I'm very busy with some commissions and couldn't find the time to blog. Meanwhile, here's a new watercolor piece I did a while ago. Hope you like it!

Also, I've been enjoying these podcasts a lot. Completely opposite, but both great to listen while you work. Do you have any podcasts you love? Please, share! :D

2012

Happy New Year everyone!!! I just bought my 2012 agenda to celebrate it. After almost ten years using the small Moleskine planner and filling it with collages, this year I decided to to be unfaithful and try a different brand. I bought this simple white agenda in Muji and so far I love it, it's lightweight and practical. I like starting the year with changes, don't you?

PS. I don't like making new years resolutions, but this post reminded me I haven't taken many Polaroids or made any collages in a long time. I hope I can change that this year too :D

Happy Holidays!

I'm going to my hometown to celebrate Christmas with my family, but I'll be back here very soon. I really hope you enjoy the Holidays!!!

Your back

Just a quick watercolor I made the other day to try out my new Winsor & Newton frisket. In other news, I just got my copy of the Morran book and it's awesome!! So much good stuff!!

Pom Pom

A little hat I've knit for my nephew with an improvised design and a cute little pom pom on top. I hadn't made any pom poms since I was in school, and it was so much fun! I used this tutorial to refresh my pom pom making skills. I can't wait to see him wearing it :D