Sunday, January 19, 2014

Laurie's Lorax

OK, full-disclosure time.  I had intended to share my sketchbook as I filled it. It didn't happen. My wee book is complete and is winging its way to Brooklyn as I write. That doesn't mean I can't share it here. Better late than never, and much better than my follow-through on last year's intention. My theme for last year's sketchbook was "procrastination". This year I chose "accentuate the positive", so I'm going to give myself credit for continuing to write about my sketchbook even though I am doing it later than I had anticipated.

 I was continually tickled to find things that I could draw for my sketchbook.  I gradually found my attitude changing from "I can't draw" to "Hey! Wait a minute! I think I can draw that!". 

I had one of those moments while watching "The Grinch" with Hubby. Toward the end of the program it occurred to me that I could probably draw the Grinch.

 I didn't though. I didn't have a picture of Mr Grinch to work from, and drawing from memory isn't a skill I possess. I do have a copy of "The Lorax" though, and I figured that the ability to draw one Seuss character likely meant that I'd be able to draw another. It worked for Theodor Geisel after all.

The inspiration
My re-creation
I'm pleased to say it worked for me too. It's not exactly like the original, but it's definitely identifiable as the Lorax. It gave me a great deal of pleasure to recreate one of my favourite storybook characters... and his friend.
Bonus fish.
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4 comments:

  1. ValJanuary 19, 2014 at 8:54 PM

    Good for you for sticking with it! Your Lorax has a different personality, something you did with the eyes - he's a more complex character than Dr. Seuss's.

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    1. LaurieJanuary 20, 2014 at 11:14 AM

      Thank you so much Val! Your kind words are just what I need. You helped me to look at my drawing in a whole new way. The differences aren't errors or lack of skill, they're just differences. You've made my day.

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  2. UnknownJanuary 20, 2014 at 12:02 PM

    Hello Laurie! Just checking in to see what you're up to. And I find you doing what I mean to do more of! So fun to lean from other illustrators and make your own take. I'm so taken with digital drawing, but just don't do it as much as I should. Once again, you inspire!
    Have a great week upcoming.

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    1. LaurieJanuary 21, 2014 at 2:08 PM

      Hi Jan! So glad you checked in. The sketchbook was really a challenge for me, particularly when I decided that I had to draw. There's something I NEVER do. There was a huge amount of learning happening: about myself and about making pictures. I enjoyed it so much that I've continued to doodle even after sending my sketchbook out into the big, wide world. Hope you have a wonderful week, and I hope it includes some art-making for you, you talented woman you!

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