Do you even know how amazing this blog challenge is? First, I get all caught up in learning digital art. Then I meet the fabulous Diana Lesire Brandmeyer here in the challenge. She was so gracious to comment on my art attempts. Diana is an author and she has a children's book she would like to put back out on Amazon and update the illustrations. Guess what? She asked me to do the honors. That, in itself, is amazing, since she even knows these are my first attempts.
"Oh my!" is right. My readers know I'm a prayer of the Prayer of Jabez, and Diana certainly came along and "enlarged my territory" – big time. She sent me her story, I fell in love with the characters and my mind took off. Trouble is, it forgot to take my pen with it. I hadn't a clue how an illustrator proceeds after they receive the story.
Of course, this is the age of information and I was learning to paint on the Internet from some incredibly talented artists, so….why not learn to illustrate too? My YouTube search lead me to the very cool and talented Lynne Chapman who was gracious enough to post the the exact videos I needed. She's illustrated over 30 picture books and does a lot of school workshops. She's also a wonderful teacher. I spent yesterday watching the videos and playing with my pencil tool. Today I emailed her and thanked her for the videos. She answered and gave me some tips.
As a result of this challenge, I'm trying my hand at illustrating, I have a new author friend, and I have a new illustrator friend in the UK. My world in 2013 just keeps getting bigger, the challenges harder, and the opportunities more numerous. Along with this comes learning patience and giving myself a chance to move through the proper steps and learn. I'm asking a lot of myself in this new year and I have to rise to meet the challenge.
How has 2013 challenged you so far? Do you find yourself in a place you never expected to be in? If so, embrace it. Run with it. A tiny bit of fear motivates and even creates excitement. It could just be the year for transformation.
Please check out Diana's blog at: Stringing 26 Letters Into Stories
And all aspiring artists out there, please check out Lynne's website and videos at: Lynne Chapman
And so, as another day goes by, T.E.A.M. – Together Everyone Achieves More – ain't it the truth? And….I have written.
Sounds like some truly exciting things are coming your way; congratulations on being ready to step up to them!
I think 2013 is going to be an exceptional year all the way around! Cheri, what is the link to your blog?
You cant give up on the things you love, not ever…
Charlotte ~ Private Practice
Sent from my iPhone…
Linda Bartosik 🙂
I’m so excited to have met you! The first version of our friend Ralph is exactly what I was looking for. We were both blessed!
Diana
http://www.dianabrandmeyer.com