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| The Golden Bird - Grimm's Fairy Tales |
Hello everyone! I've been busy with work-work and a very fun commission which I just completed and delivered (whew!) and so I was able to finally get back to my personal illustration pieces. This piece is from the story, The Golden Bird, from Grimm's Fairy Tales. My daughter and I have been reading a lot of the tales and I have found them to be interesting, strange, and very, very entertaining. The story begins as follows: A LONG time ago there was a king who had a lovely pleasure garden around his palace, and in it stood a tree which bore golden apples. When the apples were nearly ripe they were counted, but the very next morning one was missing. This was reported to the King, and he ordered a watch to be set every night under the tree. Here is the rest of the story.
I have been trying new watercolor techniques and must say that I am even more intrigued and excited to learn as I am inspired each time I visit websites, friends' blogs and artists websites, and when I view work from the masters. I know that I have a lot to learn but along the way, there is a lot of joy. I sure hope you all enjoy the process of creating - whether it's sketching, trying new techniques, figuring out a digital technique or something new altogether! I often wonder how people keep up the energy and excitement in their work..what are your tips and tricks?
I have been so delayed in visiting but will remedy that soon. I hope you've all been well, and many, many thanks for your wonderful visits and comments..it truly means a lot and keeps me going on this journey! ~ Shirley
I wonder what are the new watercolour techniques you've been trying out? :) To me the most exciting thing is to watch the artist right in front of me,I've found out it's the best way to learn, to me at least...and would love to see you painting live...that would be awesome! When it comes to energy for my work, well sometimes it's just ever present and sometimes I feel like a boat on a dry land. When that happens I usually take a break, do something completely non related to art and I have fun, whatever I feel fun represents at the time. Very often in the middle of that fun I get my inspiration for further work...so there you go :) What are your tricks? ps-love this new illustration and am looking forward to seeing more great work from you! xox Ant
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely wonderful, Shirley! I LOVE it and really like how you created your blue sky. I keep asking peeps how to improve mine, but no one answers. hahaha :) VERY well done and exiciting!
ReplyDeleteHugs :) xo
beautiful...i love the flow your work has....just gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the way you used the color in this and the way the layout swirls around. You've inspired me to read the rest of the story. Congrats on finishing your projects!
ReplyDeleteLet's see ....
ReplyDeletecan I tell you I AM speechless?
Or I am with my mouth open?
Or with my jaw drop? saying A-A-A-A-A-A-AAAAAAAAA
OK, congratulations!
Shirley, I nearly whooped with joy when I realized you had a new post! The golden bird is simply gorgeous! I love the movement you've instilled in this illustration. He seems to be floating in the air, watching over the prince. How I love your illustrations! They make me want to seek out and read a fairy tale! :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful piece!
ReplyDeleteOh this is truly a lovely piece, Shirley. I am a big fan of fairy tales. There is so much detail here - that golden bird is stunning.
ReplyDeleteFascinating post, Shirley! I wasn't familiar with that fairy tale, so I loved reading it. I think that trying new techniques is very brave...I need to do more of that. I think that it's difficult to try things and be willing to fail in order to spread our wings. Beautiful job!
ReplyDeleteVery lovely water color piece, and I especially like the application of it to the bird!
ReplyDeleteWonderfully done,Shirley!!!!! ^____________^ I am so glad that you are having fun trying out new techniques. Your watercolor skill is already great in my opinion. By learning more,and trying new stuff, you will indeed enhance your illustrations,and achieve what you want more in no time. You are a such dedicated artist!!!!!! ^____________^ It is so inspiring that you want to keep improving yourself as an artist. I always believe in that,and will always do so!!!! Have a wonderful week,and happy creating art,Shirley!!!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful work Shirley as always your blog is interesting to visit. I think your blog is also a blog where other artist can come to and look for some inspiration! I'm always so excited when I'm trying new techniques especially when the results are what I had in mind! :o) This is the amazing part of being an illustrator the finding of new techniques, ideas and other artist who you've come to admire for their work!
ReplyDeleteGreetings
Leen
shirley this is so dramatic and beautiful! i'm swooning!
ReplyDeleteThere is so much power in this painting Shirley, really stunning work. You know me I can't offer any tips as I can't paint but you don't seem to need any help as this is really great work.
ReplyDeleteJane x
Hi Shirley! Your artwork is amazing as ever :) Glad to see you are still posting! I am dropping by to let you know you are invited to join the new Monday's Mail ATC group. Can't wait to see the ATCs you come up with!
ReplyDeletehttp://mondaysmail.ning.com/?xgi=3akfKwVeSZlQmn
-Squirrel Girl-
oh, it's even prettier with the closeups Shirley! Love it!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your finished project! This a really lovely piece. Love the colors!
ReplyDeleteMuh-muh-muh-my GOODness! This is stop-in-your-tracks GORGEOUS! Whoaaaaaaa. I really get a sense of breezy movement and feathery lightness. Gee whiz, girl, your strokes are dreamy! The whole scene and landscape is absolutely gorgeous. I've never heard of this tale before. I must go check it out. You, my dear, are a golden bird. That's a good thing, right?
ReplyDeletei like the child like innocence in your illustrations, very cute and fun :)
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! I knew what story it was the moment I saw your illustration! I used to stay up (past our bedtime) to read this story and others to my younger sisters with a tiny flashlight. Very nostalgic. This is a beautiful representation of it! Wonderful colors.
ReplyDeleteI love this! So beautiful! And I really love the details in the bird and how you did the sky. I'd also love to hear about your new watercolor technique! Keep em coming!
ReplyDeletethought at first this is from the russian story "the firebird"... or are they the same?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work! I love the sense of perspective and of course the figures themselves. The only trick that I have for watercolour is to keep trying and trying and sometimes you can turn "mistakes" into works of art!
ReplyDelete