Beware the CassowaryA4
Coloured pencils and ink on drafting film
This is my entry for the Grafix Dura-Lar contest. I had been sent some samples of the Dura-lar .005" matte drafting film last year, but had never got around to trying it, until drawing this fellow, and I must admit it is a joy to work with. All of the drafting films within Australia are only .003" weight, and are quite flimsy to work with, unless backed onto a sturdier backing. The Dura-lar, being heavier in weight certainly felt sturdier to work with, and I felt more confident using this film without worrying about the need to back it. It was extremly receptive to both the ink and the coloured pencil, accepting multiple layers, and whilst I love to use and endorse Australian products, I had to go on-line and order more of this film.
Happily, confirmation came through from the Publisher that they would like me to illustrate the children's picture book I mentioned a couple of blogs ago, and as I plan to do the illustrations on drafting film, it seemed best to use the heavy weight film for this job.
I took the reference photo for this gorgeous Cassowary at our local wildlife park and was thrilled that he stayed still long enough for me to get a couple of great shots. They are very shy birds, and are usually kept behind high fences, so as they don't pose a threat to anyone, but this fellow posed most obligingly.
12 comments:
Beautiful Karen - looks like this film really agrees with you! Congratulations on the illustration project as well!!
Thank you Tracy - I really do love this film and thank you so much for your lovely congrats. I would love to be half as successful and busy as you are with all your artwork and illustration work - you are an inspiration!!! :)
beautiful work on the cassowary Karen, and congratulations on the children's book assignment! Such exciting news!
Beautiful work Karen, the colours are so vibrant.
My work on drafting film is on an 'anonymous' surface - I bought a roll via eBay from a retired draftsman and I have no idea what make it is or even if it has degraded as it obviously had been around for a while. Perhaps I should invest in some Dura-Lar and see if it 'behaves' the same way
Congratulations on securing the illustration work. Your work just gets better and better (still love the mice/cheeseboard best I think)!
What a gorgeous painting, Karen! And congratulations to you on the illustration of the book commission!
Thank you Mona - I am really excited and guess I never quite thought this opportunity would arrive.
Thank you so much Sue - I'm sure you would love the Dura-lar too. I think any drafting film is wonderful, but when you really need the heavier weight for a particular job, this is great, and I think they have it in an even heavier weight.
Thank you so much for your kind words Sherry - I always appreciate your support!!! :)
Congrats Karen and how exciting..another feather to your bow. Love this...really must try harder with the drafting film !
Vic, you do a wonderful job no matter what medium you use. I think we all do our best work on the mediums we are most comfortable with :)
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Can't wait to see all those luscious book illos come to life!
The Cassowary is stunning. The Dura-lar sounds fabulous. Never saw a wild bird whilst in FNQ, although I heard that they kept getting run over down in Mission Beach.
Have a great weekend!
Thanks Cindy - certainly keeping busy now!!! It would be amazing to come across a cassowary in the wild, (so long as you weren't too close), but I never have either and don't know of anyone who has. You have a wonderful weekend too - you sure do deserve it!!! :)
WOW!! Dynamite values in your picture. Good luck. Also, congrats on the children's book assignment, that will be a challenge but also kind of fun.
Thank you so much Wendy - I am having so much fun, although there isn't time for much else at the moment (including blogging) so I do apologize for taking so long to pick up your comment!!! :)
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