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[Helz]

Hi everyone, I've just begun working on a new children's book.....writing the story and doing the illos....here's the WIP on the 1st one.

It's very much in the early stages, but feedback is REALLY welcome...in fact it's essential!!!

I've decided this time I would not go for a rhyming story (the publishers are not so keen on these) and have tried to make the illos as detailed and "atmospheric" as poss.

I'm planning on doing this "in between" jobs, so I might get it done in the next couple of years!! H x

Attached Files

•  Scarecrow_1.jpg   196.79K   33 downloads

[peter]

Childrens? Thought it was 'Halloween'! Agree with you about the rhyming - very Rupert bear................and here comes Rupert out of the tree, oh dear Badger - he's having a wee.

[Helz]

Thank you Peter, you're always full of wit
But what about the picture....will it fit?
Does it look too scary for little nippers
When they're snugged up in jimjams and slippers?
They should see the scarecrow as sad - not bad
But now I think they'll scream
Cos it IS like Halloween. H x

[Deco]

The idea of writing and illustrating a children's book is great, Helz!
No one can't illustrate a book better than the author, especially if they can do illustrations like you

Don't know what's the story about, but the drawing really looks a bit scary
and this menacing sky on the background ...
Maybe you should choose more cheerful colours and if this is the main personage
to draw it more friendly-looking

[Helz]

Thank you Deco, yes the sky is too menacing and I agree I need to work more on the character! Chloe also said that the scarecrow needed to "move" more....look like it is blowing about a bit! Thanks for your input, it's much appreciated. H x

[Deco]

Actually I wasn't sure if it's a scarecrow thought if I use this word I'll "affect" you

Agree with Chloe she's better critic than all of us because it's going to be a children's book
probably for children at her age so it's good to know how she takes up your work

Look forward to seeing the update

[Denisejart]

wow , I think its brilliant , , yeah the sky could be toned down a little , but if its part of the story , then leave it cant wait to see the rest
is the scare crow a friendly scare crow ?
its it set in winter to start with maybe the scarecrow could wear a scarf ?

[peter]

I am a lonely scarecrow,
I'm stuck out in this field,
I have to wear my gloves and scarf
Until my rash has healed!

This rhyming lark's a doddle!

[Helz]

Nice one Peter....perhaps a new rule on the forum is that every post should now be in verse?!

Good idea about the scarf DeniseJ...I'm going to do another illo taking on board the comments! Thanks everyone H x

[pencilwizard]

I dont think he is that scary Helz,but then I went to bed on books full of goblins and trolls,and spooky creatures(accounts for my overactive imagination I suppose)the colours seem ok as well,but prhaps Chloe and friends will be the best judge of that.
It is a great idea,and I think you will do really well at it.

[Helz]

Thank you Kim, I'll see how the next one turns out! H x

[housedoc]

Hey Helz - great work - yes I would say it looks like a scarecrow and a scarf would be good as DeniseJ says and perhaps his outfit can be a bit more 'tatty/scruffy' like As long as it's not Freddie from Elm Street - shouldn't scare the kids too much

[Helz]

Thanks for your suggestions Denise, it's really helpful to have other ideas bouncing about. H x

[Helz]

I'm going for a change in medium now, pastels seem to be working out better for the illustrations. I doodled about til 2am ! Anyway, the larger one is on watercolour paper, I don't like the textured effect, but the smaller one is on cartridge paper...much softer for the illos. Comments welcome once again....I think Freddie has been eliminated from the character now!! H x

Attached Files

•  Scarecrow.jpg   174.18K   26 downloads

[housedoc]

Wow - I much prefer this one Helz. Lovely composition - great colours - raggy clothes What more can a scarecrow ask for - WONDERFUL