Well, I just got the news that the adventures of Pete and his Pirate School friends will be coming to an end in the 8th and last book of the series. The final art for this title has been completed, and thus ends my 2 year relationship with those characters. It makes me sad. The whole experience of illustrating the books and working with the team at Grosset & Dunlap was wonderful. It is kind of strange to think that I won't be spending the next few nights drawing or painting "Pirate School" art. Since I have been working on the series since 2006, it just sort of became ingrained into my daily routine!
However, isn't there a song somewhere that says "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end"? "Pirate School" may be ending, but I am eager to see what new beginnings come of this. I am looking forward to new projects with new characters to bring to life! Right now I have about 3 possibilities in the works, and hopefully some of those will pan out into illustration opportunities.
In the meanwhile, I have taken this time to experiment and paint a new piece just for me and my portfolio. "The Grand Castle" is inspired by a childhood memory of building a sand castle with my siblings. It was really just a huge mound of sand decorated with shells and driftwood, but we thought it was magnificent. So, I have painted a piece to remember that moment of childhood imaginings and creativity.
So it is with eyes on the horizon that I say, "Arrgh, farewell! It's been swell, matey," to "Pirate School." Hopefully I will have a new post soon to let you know what new beginnings emerge from the end of this chapter! Wish me luck!
5 comments:
I like your illustrations, and your banner is very sweet and charming.
Well, it was a good run- and a great way to really get your foot in the door for this business. Congratulations, and I hope new things come soon.
Jennifer, your work is incredible! I find it very inspiring and just love the ideas you come up with! I check out your blog all the time and notice you are constantly putting up new work, you seem to create and finish a painting so fast! How long does it take you on average to create one of your masterpieces??
Hi Christina,
Gosh, I feel like I work slowly! It takes about 6-10 hours for one of my 10 x 10 paintings (just for the painting stage. it can take me an hour or so (or more if I am uninspired) to do the sketch. Thanks so much for viewing my work! I am glad you like it! Sorry it took me so long to respond. I don't get notifications when Someone comments. (Still new to this blogging thing)
Post a Comment