My New Obsession

HANDMADE ART BOOKS. After the wrap up of the 365 paintings and a bit of rest, I remembered a class I really wanted to finish. Another one from my go-to teacher Carla Sonheim. Her little art books are charming. I wanted to learn a quick manual storyboarding technique for a few story seeds born from the paintings in 2013. This way I can visually sort through them and document which ones to bookmark for future projects. What you see here is a watercolor book in progress. It’s just practice. I have no idea where it’s going. The only thing just about finished is the cover. Her technique is fascinating. I created some free form watercolors on both sides of the paper. Cut the book for the best possible story scenes/shapes. I then find the images in each spread and carve away with pencil and paint until the book is done. This bird in the middle flap just ‘happened’ — I love those happy accidents. So scroll through. I’ll post the final book when complete.

Copyright

Inner Fold Close Up

It’s just as much of a discovery for me as it will for anyone who views it in the end.

Book in progress

Book in progress

There are 10 layouts front and back throughout.

Cover-before

Cover Before

This was the cover blobs and puddles before I worked on it.

Copyright

Cover After

Oops, I guess there is a penguin who wants to be in the story. It’s definitely a bird story. Looks like a curious rabbit as well.

Happy Monday!

 

 

 

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4 comments

  • Lisha January 6, 2014  

    So wonderful of you to share your process. It’s lovely and whimsical 🙂

    • niya January 6, 2014  

      Oh thank you. Yes, it’s nice to slow down a bit, I can take the time to share more about the process. ; )

  • Verna Wilder January 6, 2014  

    ah! love the process and the “accidents” that are pure inspiration. Thanks for sharing the process, Niya.

    • niya January 6, 2014  

      Yes those happy accidents just delight the heck outta me.