Balloon Therapy Part 5

Hi friends,
Working on these illustrations again has brought a
sort of new enlightenment about all that is involved
in illustrating picture books.  I recall a faculty member of a
Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators
(http://www.scbwi.org) conference once said how being an
illustrator is a lot like being the director of a film.  It's not only
characters that illustrators must be creative with, but the
setting, lighting, and color story.  Even the emotion that the
characters project and the feeling that the image evokes is
critical to getting the point across.  It's a lot of pressure,
but I love it!
*I apologize for not posting last week as I had trouble with my
wifi/new internet provider.
Need to let off some steam?  Pop a few balloons!  *>.<* Rachel

Balloon Therapy Party Part Four

Hello there partiers!
Had a tough time with these today
as I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to
do.  This has been a fun process however,
because it is happening organically.
I decided today that I will push myself to
complete 32 illustrations as that is the
standard picture book page number.
That is more than I originally planned so
it will be interesting to see where this goes!
Enjoy the party;).  Rachel

Balloon Therapy Part 3

Hey there!  Finished up four more panels
for Balloon Therapy.  This project is teaching me a lot.
Here are four things I learned today:
Keep characters consistent in appearance.
I had an acquaintance several years ago who
was a costumer for movies.  She took photos
of the characters in every scene so that if they had to
re-shoot a scene they knew exactly how each
character was styled.  I was reminded of that when I
forgot to illustrate Daisy's messenger bag in the
illustrations with the cab.  I added it after realizing.

Be sure your paper and materials are harmonious.
The paper from the sketchbook has a strange reaction
to the watercolor pencil, almost like it has a waxy coating.
(For projects for clients I use Arches.)
Another tip, always be sure you have enough of the same 
quality paper to complete the project! 

While examining the previous paintings I thought it
would have been really funny to have the cat's eyes
peering in through the mail slot.  Oops!  Just saw that
I forgot the mail slot...Keep environments consistent 
looking as well as characters!

I'm really happy with how the last two panels look.
This has been fun!  Join me next week to see how this
party goes.  You are officially invited. :)Rachel
P.S.  It's fun to tie in elements from earlier in the 
story, Daisy's dress is from the little shop she went into!

Hi folks, Happy Saturday!
    It's been an awesome spring like day here in Ohio.
Had a hard time staying inside to work on this project,
but once I sat down I really had fun with the story.
    Illustrating is so different from textile design.  I have
to think so much more about every aspect of the work.
(Textile design requires thought also, but once the sketch is
done it is more technical for me than anything.)
    Like setting up a scene in a film, lighting, color, characters,
and objects, are all so important.  A lot of thought goes into
each illustration in children's books.  Perspective plays a
huge role also, as scenes can truly make the viewer a part
of the world of the book.
    So with no more hub bub...here are four more panels
from Balloon Therapy.
   Tune in next week for four more!  Cheers!  Rachel CB

Balloon Therapy

Hello friends:)
I have been doing some soul searching
about my art and well, my soul.  Typically I am
a very private person, but I feel like I need to bear
my soul to move forward.  I feel like
maybe I'm not connecting, though my fear of exposing
my vulnerability is huge, but I feel like I need to
break down some walls.

Where is my heart and soul when it comes to my work?
I feel as if I have been exploring the streets of a
hip little city. There are many exciting and magical
nooks to explore.
I have always been a gatherer.  When I visit new places
I pick up tid-bits of memories.  An inspiring souvenir
from a shop, a menu from the local diner,  a vintage item
if I am lucky enough find a flea market or thrift store.

Those finds are special to me.  Piece by piece my art is
coming together.  I am impatient,  wanting my experience
to merge overnight, when that's not my style.
When I lay out work on the table it all feels
connected, yet not exactly the same.  Maybe it's
just the way I work. Maybe I need to find that one
process that I can make a commitment to.  The one
thing some of my favorite illustrators have in common
is that they use the same process or media consistently.
I think my problem is I get bored so easily.
I do love using my Derwent Drawing (water soluble)
pencils.  Hear me out!   I am going to commit to
this process for as long as I can take it!!!

These are illustrations I started in a sketchbook last
week.  To save time and keep the spontaneous feel
I decided to illustrate it from my pencil sketches.
The story is sort of happening as I sketch each frame;
I am thinking it through as I go along.
I have an idea of the finale though.
I am having fun with the comic book/graphic novel
feel, though I am using traditional media (watercolor
pencil).  I'm calling this series Balloon Therapy.
We could all use a little balloon magic now and then
right?
I will be posting every two weeks now as I am very
booked with projects.  Check back then to see what
Daisy Blue is up to!  Love, peace, balloons, Rachel:]

Portfolio Website Update!

Very excited to announce I have finished updating
my new website.  I have been pretty sick this past
week and was finally able to finish the final touches
today.  Here is the link:
http://raradesig3.wixsite.com/rachelbollman/home
I would love to hear what you think! You can email
me from my about/contact page!
Here is a sample of what you will see on my
Patterns & Art page.  This is a screen print and
appliqué design with trim details.
Have a great weekend! xoxo, Rachel

Cat Rail

Hello Friends,

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday.

Welcome to a new year!

I don't have a lot of time to write as I

am currently in the process of updating

my portfolio website.  It's a huge project,

as I want to show as much new work as possible.

In November I mentioned a book cover

I was commissioned to do.  I have finished

the cover and the book is now available on

Amazon. To find out more check it out here:

http://amzn.to/2ikus8A

or on the blog: https://cat-rail.com

See you next week!  Peace, love, and newborn kittens,

Rachel