Saturday, January 15, 2011

Page Two, Part Four


I was so completely blown away by the whimsical, magical life force of the music that Raena illustrated at the top of the page. I was left with a thin strip at the bottom, and wanted to further that concept. So I thought about it: Grass?..no, flowers?..no..I thought of a fish leaping from the water and the splash and bubbles, and bubbles turning into notes, much as Raena's notes sprouted branches. I tried to illustrate the fluidity of the music, and the way the music itself spawns life.

Once I thought of the idea, I looked all over the web for an adequate photo of a leaping fish. I couldn't find what I wanted. So in an idle moment I drew a fish leaping from the water, splash and all, on a piece of notework paper without looking to any reference. And that is what I used as my guide.

I was impatient on the day when I did the drawing/painting, so I didn't pre-ink, and trusted myself to do it right the first time. It became a bit busier than I expected, and I overworked some spots and that I think is a reflection of my mood at the time. I'm happy with it though. (Click on the picture to see it larger.)

Finally the page is done. All in all it is a very active page! Too busy perhaps, but it was a wonderful collaborative learning experience. I truly appreciate how Raena stretched me away from reality. When I sent the page to her the last time, I expected curtains or ceiling fans.

So here it is: In almost ten months, we've done seven posts. The book has crossed the Gulf six times. And we've completed two whole pages in our sketchbook!

Raena has asked me to start the next page which I hope to do fairly soon (by the standards of this blog). Any ideas on what I should do?

23 comments:

  1. This came together soo well! Both your ideas complimented each other and seems cohesive!

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  2. I love that you and Raena are collaborating on these pages . . . it's such a specific set of challenges, building on one another's creations, and you both seem very adept at it! The results are marvelous . . .who gets to keep the prize?

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  3. We all need to get away from reality sometimes,
    the fish is mad, but perfect at the same time!
    I can't wait to see the next pages.

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  4. Yeah! you two did a great job and had fun. There is no way that I would suggest a topic, I just enjoy seeing what you choose.

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  5. This is a marvelous collaboration!

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  6. What a great original idea. It's going to be fun following you guys.

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  7. Wonderful you guys! The jumping fish is a perfect compliment to the whimsical page.
    I look forward to seeing the next creation!

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  8. What a great collaboration! You two are really stretching yourselves.

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  9. Great project! Can't wait to see what you select to start the next page. no suggestions from me....

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  10. Wonderful, Dan! I was a little afraid that it would be too much for that little corner, but your subdued palette, and not using the entire area has really worked out very well!

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  11. Love the fish, the whole picture. Fantastic work you two!!! Cant wait for the next page.
    How about "spring itch"...

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  12. Looks great, love the fish and so looking forward to seeing the next page

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  13. I don't think it's too busy at all! I love the look on the fish's face...the music just moved him to dance! I love it! Both you and Raena did wonderful jobs. More, more!!

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  14. I think you two have made a great page. Time doesn't matter here - the fun does!

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  15. What a fun and wonderful piece. I love the fish and music notes at the bottom of the page to balance the banner effect at the top.

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  16. It's a wonderful project! Great job and keep working! congratulations to you both!!

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  17. What will you two do with the sketchbook once it's finished? Auction it for a charity? Be great if lots of pairs did one. Now there's an idea. Anybody else want to give this ago? Not sure I could hit this level of quality but it would be fun.

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  18. Wow! Totally fun! What an amazing painting!

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  20. I am happy that I found your blog. This is really interesting.

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