So this is what a stack of rough drafts look like for a small picture book.  The book is only 29 pages long, but that will eventually be 29 small paintings, so no small feat!  I sent my rough drafts to my author and I was worried that she would not be able to see my vision, but she got 'em all!  We have a few tweaks here and there, and we have the publisher looking the roughs over to make sure we are on the right track.  Then it's off and running! 

It's pretty exciting for the author to see her storyline come to life and it's exciting for the illustrator because we are telling a story with our art, also.  Stay tuned!

 I made a lot of progress today!  29 pages of colored rough drafts are drying all over my studio floor.  Now for the pen squiggles and details!

Working through my first picture book illustrations.   I am an acrylic painter and I like to work on canvas that has been primed with gesso, so the paints stay vibrant and the application flows.  I'm working on the rough drafts right now.  I need to figure out the layout of each page, leaving room for the text, so I'm working on paper for those.  The paint wants to soak into the paper more than it will on canvas, so it's a bit more challenging, but by working through the rough drafts, I am figuring out not only my layout, but my colors and compositions.  Each page will end up being a small painting that I hope will bring Kristen's story to life.  I worry that the process is taking too long and I get impatient with myself, but I know I need to work out these roughs before I complete the final pieces.  Stay tuned!

I met with my Author today, Kristen Martin.  We live about 1 1/2 hours away from each other so met at a charming little cafe in Waupaca, called Fat Gretchens.  I definitely need to get back to Waupaca again some time and check out all the cute shops. 
I swear Kristen and I are sisters from another mother! We found out a little more about each other and have soo much in common.  This book process is going to be fun! 
I took my sketchbook to our meeting and we went over the illustration ideas.  Kristen gave me a couple ideas of her own that will add nicely to the illustrations.  My next step is to create a colored rough draft for each page.  It seems like a daunting task for 29 pages , but if I break it down page by page and just concentrate on each one individually I should be able to conquer it. 
Kristen is a darling and is not rushing me with this process, which I appreciate. We both just want the end result to be awesome.  I better get into my studio!